Rookie Mike Wallace continues to impress at training camp, showing off great hands in addition to great speed.
If Limas Sweed isn't feeling the heat, he should be. Not only is veteran Shaun McDonald pushing him, so is Wallace.
© The starters will only play a couple of series in the preseason opener Thursday. That should give the Steelers a good look at sorting out that No. 3 receiver spot and some other positions as well.
© Andre Frazier is firmly entrenched as the No. 3 outside linebacker. James Harrison was given the day off Tuesday and Frazier filled in for him. This after stepping if for LaMarr Woodley last week.
© Aaron Smith was also given the day off and was replaced by Nick Eason, not rookie Ziggy Hood.
Don't want to give the kid a big head by throwing him right in there even though he'll eventually be that guy.
© Doug Legursky will start at center against the Cardinals. It says something for sticking to things and battling.
© Ben Roethlisberger's arm looks like it's working its way into regular season shape. He's throwing some great passes now, including a beautiful touch pass to running back Rashard Mendenhall down the sideline with Frazier in tow.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Steelers add Stepanovich
The Steelers, thin at center due to two injuries, have signed former Arizona Cardinals center Alex Stepanovich.
Justin Hartwig has been bothered by a toe injury since training camp started July 31, and Darnell Stapleton is expected to be out for several weeks following left knee surgery. Stapleton, who began camp as the starting right guard, was the backup center last season.
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound Stepanovich was a fourth-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2004 and spent three seasons with them before playing for Cincinnati in 2007 and Atlanta in 2008. He has played in 46 NFL games, making 34 starts.
This could be a sign that the team got bad news on Stapleton, who was at training camp on Sunday during family day. Stapleton had his right knee heavily wrapped.
Of course it could also be that they just don't want to wear Doug Legursky and A.Q. Shipley, the only two healthy centers they have, out.
I would expect Hartwig to try to return to practice on a full-time basis soon - likely next Saturday when the team returns to Saint Vincent College from its preseason opener.
Justin Hartwig has been bothered by a toe injury since training camp started July 31, and Darnell Stapleton is expected to be out for several weeks following left knee surgery. Stapleton, who began camp as the starting right guard, was the backup center last season.
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound Stepanovich was a fourth-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2004 and spent three seasons with them before playing for Cincinnati in 2007 and Atlanta in 2008. He has played in 46 NFL games, making 34 starts.
This could be a sign that the team got bad news on Stapleton, who was at training camp on Sunday during family day. Stapleton had his right knee heavily wrapped.
Of course it could also be that they just don't want to wear Doug Legursky and A.Q. Shipley, the only two healthy centers they have, out.
I would expect Hartwig to try to return to practice on a full-time basis soon - likely next Saturday when the team returns to Saint Vincent College from its preseason opener.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Reed, Keisel contract updates
While news has slowed down concerning contract talks between the Steelers and any of their players who are scheduled to become free agents at the end of the season, that's not exactly anything new.
When the team re-signed Casey Hampton a few years ago, it happened the night of the team's first preseason game. So there's still some time.
Word is, however, that there is some dispute between the coaching staff and the front office as to who should be top priority, defensive end Brett Keisel or placekicker Jeff Reed.
The coaching staff feels it should be Keisel, the front office, Reed.
There's not a lot of money left in the pot right now, so it will be interesting to see if something gets done.
The Steelers will have their franchise tag back at the end of this season after using it on offensive tackle Max Starks.
And if the team fails to get something done with both Keisel and Reed - among others - before we get too close to the regular season, don't be surprised if Reed is tagged.
The franchise tag value for kickers is a heck of a lot less than it is for defensive ends.
When the team re-signed Casey Hampton a few years ago, it happened the night of the team's first preseason game. So there's still some time.
Word is, however, that there is some dispute between the coaching staff and the front office as to who should be top priority, defensive end Brett Keisel or placekicker Jeff Reed.
The coaching staff feels it should be Keisel, the front office, Reed.
There's not a lot of money left in the pot right now, so it will be interesting to see if something gets done.
The Steelers will have their franchise tag back at the end of this season after using it on offensive tackle Max Starks.
And if the team fails to get something done with both Keisel and Reed - among others - before we get too close to the regular season, don't be surprised if Reed is tagged.
The franchise tag value for kickers is a heck of a lot less than it is for defensive ends.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Friday odds and ends
The Steratore brothers, Gene and Tony, are here as part of the officiating crew that was assigned to the Steelers practice to help out with interpretation of new rules and points of emphasis.
Gene and Tony are both Washington County guys and we in the media had a good meeting with them early this afternoon after they showed us the NFL film on the new rules in place for 2009.
The Hines Ward block on Cincinnati's Keith Rivers was shown prominently when the new rule outlawing blocks behind the play to the head and shoulders were talked about.
Gene Steratore explained that those kind of blocks will still be legal as long as there's no blow to the head or shoulders delivered. What the league wants is a block to the torso. He also said that whether the blocker is coming back toward the line of scrimmage will come into effect.
Shots to the quarterback's knees will also be penalized this season - unless the defender is attempting to wrap up the QB.
Groups of more than two players in a wedge is also outlawed. Blockers cannot be set up in groups of three on kickoffs if that third blocker is within two yards of the other two players. Teams covering kickoffs must also have three players on the outside of both hash marks.
© Also of note was that the officials, when asked, explained why more holding calls aren't called against players trying to block James Harrison.
According to the officials, if a defensive player puts himself in a position to be held - ie. goes to a rip move which puts him up underneath the offensive player - then they won't call it unless the defensive player clearly gets his feet past the offensive player.
If at that point, the arm is still around the neck, it's a hold.
In this case, Harrison's lack of height works against him. Since he rips a lot, he's forcing the arm up around the neck. But until he gets his feet past the defender, it's not a hold.
At least that's the league's story and they're sticking to it.
© Gene Steratore brought Washington County judge Mark Mascara and his family out here for the morning practice. It was nice to see Mark out and about. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and my thoughts have been with him during his trying time.
I coached Mark's son, Jameson, in baseball a couple of years ago and got to know him and his family. They're good people and hopefully he can beat this.
Gene and Tony are both Washington County guys and we in the media had a good meeting with them early this afternoon after they showed us the NFL film on the new rules in place for 2009.
The Hines Ward block on Cincinnati's Keith Rivers was shown prominently when the new rule outlawing blocks behind the play to the head and shoulders were talked about.
Gene Steratore explained that those kind of blocks will still be legal as long as there's no blow to the head or shoulders delivered. What the league wants is a block to the torso. He also said that whether the blocker is coming back toward the line of scrimmage will come into effect.
Shots to the quarterback's knees will also be penalized this season - unless the defender is attempting to wrap up the QB.
Groups of more than two players in a wedge is also outlawed. Blockers cannot be set up in groups of three on kickoffs if that third blocker is within two yards of the other two players. Teams covering kickoffs must also have three players on the outside of both hash marks.
© Also of note was that the officials, when asked, explained why more holding calls aren't called against players trying to block James Harrison.
According to the officials, if a defensive player puts himself in a position to be held - ie. goes to a rip move which puts him up underneath the offensive player - then they won't call it unless the defensive player clearly gets his feet past the offensive player.
If at that point, the arm is still around the neck, it's a hold.
In this case, Harrison's lack of height works against him. Since he rips a lot, he's forcing the arm up around the neck. But until he gets his feet past the defender, it's not a hold.
At least that's the league's story and they're sticking to it.
© Gene Steratore brought Washington County judge Mark Mascara and his family out here for the morning practice. It was nice to see Mark out and about. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and my thoughts have been with him during his trying time.
I coached Mark's son, Jameson, in baseball a couple of years ago and got to know him and his family. They're good people and hopefully he can beat this.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Stapleton to have surgery
Steelers offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton will have surgery Friday to clean out his knee and could be out at least two weeks.
Stapleton, a third-year player, started 12 games during the regular season and all three postseason games at right guard for the Steelers in 2008.
He was in line to be the team's starting right guard again in 2009, though veteran Trai Essex was expected to push him for the job.
With Stapleton out, it's likely that Essex will be the starting right guard this season.
Stapleton, a third-year player, started 12 games during the regular season and all three postseason games at right guard for the Steelers in 2008.
He was in line to be the team's starting right guard again in 2009, though veteran Trai Essex was expected to push him for the job.
With Stapleton out, it's likely that Essex will be the starting right guard this season.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Wednesday's thoughts
Still no news on Darnell Stapleton, which I guess is good news.
Stapleton was actually down the field at this afternoon's practice tossing the ball back and forth with running back Mewelde Moore, who was also sitting out.
Mike Tomlin, however, still isn't saying what the problem with Stapleton is, other than that it's a knee problem.
© Tomlin is from the Bill Belichick school of talking about injuries. While Bill Cowher didn't want players talking about injuries, he was very transparent about them. If you asked about an injury, you usually got an honest answer.
Tomlin is much more guarded.
© The play of practice was one that most people didn't see - you really had to be watching closely to see it.
In the afternoon session, Lawrence Timmons came from the middle of the field pre-snap to line up over left tackle Max Starks. Quarterback Charlie Batch and the line stopped and pointed him out as a blitzer and Timmons backed off to the middle again before coming at the snap.
As Starks went to get a punch on Timmons, the linebacker deked as if he were going to take Starks on. But when Starks extended his arms, Timmons ducked at a dead run and blew around him. If it would have been a live drill, he would have killed the quarterback.
I probably didn't do the play justice, but it was a thing of beauty - unless you happen to be an offensive line afficiando. If that's the case, it was a Homer Simpson-like Doh! moment.
© With Ben Roethlisberger sitting out today, we got a good look at young quarterback Mike Reilly. All I can say is this: He'd better be very smart because he doesn't look like he has NFL-caliber arm strength.
© I really like what I see of young cornerbacks Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis.
They don't always make the play - though Burnett had a nice interception this afternoon after dropping one in the morning – but they always look like they're in good position on the receiver.
Stapleton was actually down the field at this afternoon's practice tossing the ball back and forth with running back Mewelde Moore, who was also sitting out.
Mike Tomlin, however, still isn't saying what the problem with Stapleton is, other than that it's a knee problem.
© Tomlin is from the Bill Belichick school of talking about injuries. While Bill Cowher didn't want players talking about injuries, he was very transparent about them. If you asked about an injury, you usually got an honest answer.
Tomlin is much more guarded.
© The play of practice was one that most people didn't see - you really had to be watching closely to see it.
In the afternoon session, Lawrence Timmons came from the middle of the field pre-snap to line up over left tackle Max Starks. Quarterback Charlie Batch and the line stopped and pointed him out as a blitzer and Timmons backed off to the middle again before coming at the snap.
As Starks went to get a punch on Timmons, the linebacker deked as if he were going to take Starks on. But when Starks extended his arms, Timmons ducked at a dead run and blew around him. If it would have been a live drill, he would have killed the quarterback.
I probably didn't do the play justice, but it was a thing of beauty - unless you happen to be an offensive line afficiando. If that's the case, it was a Homer Simpson-like Doh! moment.
© With Ben Roethlisberger sitting out today, we got a good look at young quarterback Mike Reilly. All I can say is this: He'd better be very smart because he doesn't look like he has NFL-caliber arm strength.
© I really like what I see of young cornerbacks Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis.
They don't always make the play - though Burnett had a nice interception this afternoon after dropping one in the morning – but they always look like they're in good position on the receiver.
Is Stapleton done?
It's looking more and more likely as if guard Darnell Stapleton could be done for the season - or at least an extended period of time.
I spoke with right tackle Willie Colon this morning and he talked as if Stapleton could be lost to a knee injury, much the same way that punter Daniel Sepulveda was last year around this time.
Now Colon would neither confirm or deny that anything was up, but he talked about the 2009 season as if Stapleton would not be available.
Doesn't mean he knows anything special or he could just be thinking ahead in case it actually does happen.
But Stapleton was nowhere to be seen here today.
I spoke with right tackle Willie Colon this morning and he talked as if Stapleton could be lost to a knee injury, much the same way that punter Daniel Sepulveda was last year around this time.
Now Colon would neither confirm or deny that anything was up, but he talked about the 2009 season as if Stapleton would not be available.
Doesn't mean he knows anything special or he could just be thinking ahead in case it actually does happen.
But Stapleton was nowhere to be seen here today.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
What's up with Ward
Head coach Mike Tomlin is saying that there's nothing wrong with Hines Ward. Ward is saying the head coach wants him to sit out practices to take a good look at the young guys fighting for roster spots.
But the fact remains that Ward has now sat out three days worth of practices at Saint Vincent College.
Ward also barely practiced this spring, suiting up for only the final week of OTAs after having offseason shoulder surgery.
The B.S. meter is going off on this one, but Ward does appear healthy, running and catching passes after practice, Maybe they are getting more looks at the young wideouts - particuarly Limas Sweed. Maybe they are force-feeding Sweed the playbook just in case Ward or Santonio Holmes miss any time this season.
There isn't, after all, a ton of depth behind the two starters.
But the fact remains that Ward has now sat out three days worth of practices at Saint Vincent College.
Ward also barely practiced this spring, suiting up for only the final week of OTAs after having offseason shoulder surgery.
The B.S. meter is going off on this one, but Ward does appear healthy, running and catching passes after practice, Maybe they are getting more looks at the young wideouts - particuarly Limas Sweed. Maybe they are force-feeding Sweed the playbook just in case Ward or Santonio Holmes miss any time this season.
There isn't, after all, a ton of depth behind the two starters.
Hello again
After a two-day hiatus from the blogging world, I'm back. Sorry not to have the daily/multi-daily update you've become so used to, but sometimes things just can't be avoided. Only so many hours in a day.
The biggest news out of Latrobe right now is Darnell Stapleton's balky knee. The sore knee kept him out of practice on Monday and Tuesday morning and he was sent for an MRI.
But Stapleton was at lunch today with no brace on the knee, so that's probably a good sign.
I don't think it will matter, however, at the right guard position. As I said this spring, I think Stapleton's top competition at that spot will come from veteran Trai Essex, not rookie Kraig Urbik.
And, just a few days into camp, it's looking more and more likely that Essex will be the Steelers starting right guard this season.
If you're looking for more proof here, know that Jason Capizzi is spending a decent amount of time working at guard as well as tackle.
Capizzi has made some big improvements and even though at 6-9, he'd be the tallest guard in history, the team is beginning to look for that game day replacement for Essex - their Jack of all trades.
The biggest news out of Latrobe right now is Darnell Stapleton's balky knee. The sore knee kept him out of practice on Monday and Tuesday morning and he was sent for an MRI.
But Stapleton was at lunch today with no brace on the knee, so that's probably a good sign.
I don't think it will matter, however, at the right guard position. As I said this spring, I think Stapleton's top competition at that spot will come from veteran Trai Essex, not rookie Kraig Urbik.
And, just a few days into camp, it's looking more and more likely that Essex will be the Steelers starting right guard this season.
If you're looking for more proof here, know that Jason Capizzi is spending a decent amount of time working at guard as well as tackle.
Capizzi has made some big improvements and even though at 6-9, he'd be the tallest guard in history, the team is beginning to look for that game day replacement for Essex - their Jack of all trades.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Saturday afternoon practice
Sorry this one took so long to get up, but I had to go back to Washington to pull desk duty tonight, so I had other things to take care of.
Lawrence Timmons left the afternoon practice with what was descibed as cramps by Mike Tomlin. They happened during back-on-backers, though, so who really knows if it was a cramp or something else? Either, way, it didn't look serious.
Back-on-backers wasn't really too exciting, though rookie running back Issac Redman caught my eye as a blocker and drew praise from head coach Mike Tomlin, who had joked at dinner the previous night that he didn't know the kid's name and had been calling him Barlow.
"I like the way you block 33," Tomlin said, later praising Redman again.
Redman looked the best of the running backs in the drill, though rookie tight end David Johnson showed he's stout when he gets set.
Of the backers, other than the usual suspects - read James Harrison - Andre Frazier and Donovan Woods both showed good power/moves.
Bruce Davis was disappointing and looks more like a finesse player than a powerful linebacker. He still has a long way to go.
Davis' cohort last training camp, Tony Hills looked equally as bad in the one-on-one pass blocking drills with the defensive linemen. According to trained eye Craig Wolfley, Hills stops moving his feet when he punches and also likes to lunge. Both are apparently no-nos for offensive linemen.
Things were getting so bad for Hills - who admittedly was matched with Harrison several times - that I felt they needed to bring Davis over for a morale boost. Not sure which one of them would have gotten the morale boost, but one would have.
Rookie guard Kriag Urbik also got schooled a number of times with head coach Mike Tomlin finally yelling at him to show a little self-respect. The rookie's not going to unseat Darnell Stapleton at right guard.
From what I've seen already of Trai Essex, though, he might. He looks leaner this year and he also appears more powerful.
Board favorite Doug Legursky - yes I finally watched him - isn't all that bad. With Justin Hartwig out with a toe injury, Legursky got plenty of work with the second unit and more than held his own. He might actually have a shot if he can prove he can play guard as well.
Legursky, though, like Timmons and running back Frank Summers, had to leave practice with cramps.
Charlie Batch has not started this camp very well, throwing some horrific passes. The No. 2 job could be there for the taking by Dennis Dixon.
Lawrence Timmons left the afternoon practice with what was descibed as cramps by Mike Tomlin. They happened during back-on-backers, though, so who really knows if it was a cramp or something else? Either, way, it didn't look serious.
Back-on-backers wasn't really too exciting, though rookie running back Issac Redman caught my eye as a blocker and drew praise from head coach Mike Tomlin, who had joked at dinner the previous night that he didn't know the kid's name and had been calling him Barlow.
"I like the way you block 33," Tomlin said, later praising Redman again.
Redman looked the best of the running backs in the drill, though rookie tight end David Johnson showed he's stout when he gets set.
Of the backers, other than the usual suspects - read James Harrison - Andre Frazier and Donovan Woods both showed good power/moves.
Bruce Davis was disappointing and looks more like a finesse player than a powerful linebacker. He still has a long way to go.
Davis' cohort last training camp, Tony Hills looked equally as bad in the one-on-one pass blocking drills with the defensive linemen. According to trained eye Craig Wolfley, Hills stops moving his feet when he punches and also likes to lunge. Both are apparently no-nos for offensive linemen.
Things were getting so bad for Hills - who admittedly was matched with Harrison several times - that I felt they needed to bring Davis over for a morale boost. Not sure which one of them would have gotten the morale boost, but one would have.
Rookie guard Kriag Urbik also got schooled a number of times with head coach Mike Tomlin finally yelling at him to show a little self-respect. The rookie's not going to unseat Darnell Stapleton at right guard.
From what I've seen already of Trai Essex, though, he might. He looks leaner this year and he also appears more powerful.
Board favorite Doug Legursky - yes I finally watched him - isn't all that bad. With Justin Hartwig out with a toe injury, Legursky got plenty of work with the second unit and more than held his own. He might actually have a shot if he can prove he can play guard as well.
Legursky, though, like Timmons and running back Frank Summers, had to leave practice with cramps.
Charlie Batch has not started this camp very well, throwing some horrific passes. The No. 2 job could be there for the taking by Dennis Dixon.
Aug. 1 morning practice update
There were a couple of surprise participants in the first practice session of the 2009 training camp as both Troy Polamalu and Deshea Townsend took part despite head coach Mike Tomlin saying both would be slowed early on by sore hamstrings.
Tight end Heath Miller (sports hernia surgery) and center Justin Hartwig (toe) did not practice.
With Hartwig out, Darnell Stapleton, who was also expected to be slowed early on, played center and did a good job there, keeping Casey Hampton at bay several times and actually getting some push on the big man.
Trai Essex worked with the first team line at right guard.
Daniel Sepulveda did his first major kicking in nearly a year and looked very good, often outkicking return men Santonio Holmes and Shaun McDonald. Rookies Joe Burnett and Mike Wallace were working with the gunners as this drill was more about punt coverage than returns.
First-round pick Ziggy Hood worked at left end with the third-team.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians let wide receiver Brandon Williams have it after Williams took his eyes off a pass in third down drills - starting running before he had the ball - and dropped the pass.
"Catch the $#^$#!$% ball before you start running with it. You've got to convert on the @#$%#$$#$!# third down."
Arians was very vocal this morning overall.
Ben Roethlisberger finally talked with the media this morning, but dodged all questions about his legal problems. In fact, after about the fifth questions about it, he threatened to walk away.
Tight end Heath Miller (sports hernia surgery) and center Justin Hartwig (toe) did not practice.
With Hartwig out, Darnell Stapleton, who was also expected to be slowed early on, played center and did a good job there, keeping Casey Hampton at bay several times and actually getting some push on the big man.
Trai Essex worked with the first team line at right guard.
Daniel Sepulveda did his first major kicking in nearly a year and looked very good, often outkicking return men Santonio Holmes and Shaun McDonald. Rookies Joe Burnett and Mike Wallace were working with the gunners as this drill was more about punt coverage than returns.
First-round pick Ziggy Hood worked at left end with the third-team.
Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians let wide receiver Brandon Williams have it after Williams took his eyes off a pass in third down drills - starting running before he had the ball - and dropped the pass.
"Catch the $#^$#!$% ball before you start running with it. You've got to convert on the @#$%#$$#$!# third down."
Arians was very vocal this morning overall.
Ben Roethlisberger finally talked with the media this morning, but dodged all questions about his legal problems. In fact, after about the fifth questions about it, he threatened to walk away.
Hampton still too heavy?
Word is that Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton may still be heavier than what the team would like - even though he completed the run test Friday – and might still be asked to sit out some practices to work with a conditioning coach.
Hampton, of course, was placed on the PUP list last season by head coach Mike Tomlin after coming into camp overweight and unable to complete the run test.
We'll see what happens.
© Mike Tomlin dropped in at our dinner tonight and had a good laugh about the Michael Vick-cab driver stuff that started on a Pittsburgh radio station today.
"If we were bringing in Vick, would we use a cab?"
That was my point about the whole thing to begin with. Stupid rumor.
Hampton, of course, was placed on the PUP list last season by head coach Mike Tomlin after coming into camp overweight and unable to complete the run test.
We'll see what happens.
© Mike Tomlin dropped in at our dinner tonight and had a good laugh about the Michael Vick-cab driver stuff that started on a Pittsburgh radio station today.
"If we were bringing in Vick, would we use a cab?"
That was my point about the whole thing to begin with. Stupid rumor.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Miller had sports hernia surgery
One note of interest - other than of course the Steelers' lack of interest in Michael Vick – was Mike Tomlin's news that tight end Heath Miller had surgery to repair a sports hernia in June.
Tomlin said the team got to the injury soon enough that Miller is expected to be ready to return to the football field at some point before the regular season opener.
Tomlin said the team got to the injury soon enough that Miller is expected to be ready to return to the football field at some point before the regular season opener.
Steelers roll in
The Steelers have arrived here at Saint Vincent College ready to roll into training camp 2009.
No real surprises today - as usual on this, the most non-eventful day of the football season.
There were some unsubstantiated reports that Michael Vick was dropped off by a taxi cab at the team's practice facility in Pittsburgh. Those are false. The team is not interested in Vick.
One thing that is still cooking are contract extensions.
In addition to continuing talks with safety Ryan Clark, the team remains in negotiations with defensive end Brett Keisel.
Also of note is that offensive lineman Trai Essex said he's been led to believe he'll get every shot to unseat Darnell Stapleton at right guard.
As for now, I'm off to the run test. It appears the team is relenting a bit on closing the test to the media and will allow us to watch from the hillside above - as we did last year.
No players will be made available afterward, however.
No real surprises today - as usual on this, the most non-eventful day of the football season.
There were some unsubstantiated reports that Michael Vick was dropped off by a taxi cab at the team's practice facility in Pittsburgh. Those are false. The team is not interested in Vick.
One thing that is still cooking are contract extensions.
In addition to continuing talks with safety Ryan Clark, the team remains in negotiations with defensive end Brett Keisel.
Also of note is that offensive lineman Trai Essex said he's been led to believe he'll get every shot to unseat Darnell Stapleton at right guard.
As for now, I'm off to the run test. It appears the team is relenting a bit on closing the test to the media and will allow us to watch from the hillside above - as we did last year.
No players will be made available afterward, however.
Camp is here
The 2009 Steelers training camp has begun and you've found one of the top places to visit for up-to-date Steelers news by somebody actually covering the team – the other being my good friends at SteelCityInsider.com.
For those of you new to this blog, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dale Lolley, Steelers beat reporter for the Observer-Reporter. This is my 17th training camp covering the Steelers as a beat reporter. The only person who has been on the beat longer is Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In addition to this fine newspaper, you can see my work at SteelCityInsider.com and 4for4.com, and here me on occasion on the Steelers radio network on 970-AM, one of the team's flagship stations.
So welcome. Sit back, relax and stay for a while. The next three weeks should be very interesting.
For those of you new to this blog, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dale Lolley, Steelers beat reporter for the Observer-Reporter. This is my 17th training camp covering the Steelers as a beat reporter. The only person who has been on the beat longer is Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In addition to this fine newspaper, you can see my work at SteelCityInsider.com and 4for4.com, and here me on occasion on the Steelers radio network on 970-AM, one of the team's flagship stations.
So welcome. Sit back, relax and stay for a while. The next three weeks should be very interesting.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Steelers extend Miller, Clark next?
The Steelers on Wednesday gave tight end Heath Miller a six-year contract extension worth just over $35 million.
Pittsburgh still has a number of starters scheduled to become free agents at the end of the 2009 season, including former Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and running back Willie Parker.
I'm told, though, the next potential free agent to sign could be safety Ryan Clark.
Pittsburgh still has a number of starters scheduled to become free agents at the end of the 2009 season, including former Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and running back Willie Parker.
I'm told, though, the next potential free agent to sign could be safety Ryan Clark.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Take the Steelers and the over
The over/unders from Las Vegas are in for the NFL season and though I don't play them, if I did, I'd have to go over with the Steelers.
Depending on which service you look at, the Steelers are sitting at 10.5 or 11. Given their schedule, I'd have to go over on that. If the Steelers don't win 12 games in 2009 with the schedule they have, shame on them.
Other numbers I like looking around the AFC include the Colts over 10 – Peyton Manning is still the QB, right? – the Jets under 7, the Chargers over 10 and the Broncos under 6.5.
Depending on which service you look at, the Steelers are sitting at 10.5 or 11. Given their schedule, I'd have to go over on that. If the Steelers don't win 12 games in 2009 with the schedule they have, shame on them.
Other numbers I like looking around the AFC include the Colts over 10 – Peyton Manning is still the QB, right? – the Jets under 7, the Chargers over 10 and the Broncos under 6.5.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Hood signed
The Steelers have agreed to terms on a contract with first-round draft pick Evander "Ziggy" Hood, meaning the rookie defensive lineman will be at camp when it opens on Friday.
The Steelers have signed all of their draft picks this year prior to the opening of camp.
None are expected to push for starting jobs, but several will be asked to contribute in some way.
The Steelers have signed all of their draft picks this year prior to the opening of camp.
None are expected to push for starting jobs, but several will be asked to contribute in some way.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Something fishy with Roethlisberger suit
As you've probably heard by now, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been served with a civil suit in Nevada for sexual assault by an employee of Harrah's Casino.
The whole thing sounds a little fishy.
First, there were no criminal charges issued in the alleged event.
And then there's the trouble with when the alleged event – whatever it may be – happened, July 2008.
Roethlisberger has been known to mess around with women. Heck, he's young, rich and famous.
But this seems like an attempt at a money grab.
The whole thing sounds a little fishy.
First, there were no criminal charges issued in the alleged event.
And then there's the trouble with when the alleged event – whatever it may be – happened, July 2008.
Roethlisberger has been known to mess around with women. Heck, he's young, rich and famous.
But this seems like an attempt at a money grab.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What are the folks at EA Sports smoking?
The much-anticipated Madden 2010 player ratings for each team have been released. For a view of how the Steelers are rated in the game, visit http://espn.go.com/videogames/features/madden/madden10?teamId=29.
A couple of things jumped out at me when I was perusing the ratings.
First off, Lawrence Timmons is listed as a 78 in speed (74 overall). That puts him behind both James Harrison (85 speed) and LaMarr Woodley (82 speed) among the Steelers backers.
If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on Timmons winning a footrace among those players.
The other thing that really jumps out to me is that cornerback William Gay is rated as a 63 overall. Maybe nobody told the good people at EA Sports that Gay started a good number of games last season and played well. He's actually rated behind rookie Joe Burnett and just above Keenan Lewis.
Rookie Kraig Urbik (71) is also rated higher than Darnell Stapleton (70) at right guard.
A couple of things jumped out at me when I was perusing the ratings.
First off, Lawrence Timmons is listed as a 78 in speed (74 overall). That puts him behind both James Harrison (85 speed) and LaMarr Woodley (82 speed) among the Steelers backers.
If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on Timmons winning a footrace among those players.
The other thing that really jumps out to me is that cornerback William Gay is rated as a 63 overall. Maybe nobody told the good people at EA Sports that Gay started a good number of games last season and played well. He's actually rated behind rookie Joe Burnett and just above Keenan Lewis.
Rookie Kraig Urbik (71) is also rated higher than Darnell Stapleton (70) at right guard.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Spaeth working with Fitzgerald
There was an interesting story on SI.com today about a camp Larry Fitzgerald is running in Minnesota for NFL receivers and defensive backs with help from Jerry Rice and Cris Carter.
One of the players in attendance at the camp has been Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth.
If you haven't checked out the story yet, give it a read.
One of the players in attendance at the camp has been Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth.
If you haven't checked out the story yet, give it a read.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hartwig has broken toe
Just a couple of weeks out from training camp, center Justin Hartwig has reportedly suffered a broken toe when he dropped an object on his foot.
It's not a big deal, but will likely slow him early in taining camp, which opens at the end of the month.
At least it will probably get him out of the run test.
The run test, by the way, is closed to the media this year.
It's not a big deal, but will likely slow him early in taining camp, which opens at the end of the month.
At least it will probably get him out of the run test.
The run test, by the way, is closed to the media this year.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Good story on rookie symposium
Straight talk puts scare into NFL rookies
By CEDRIC GOLDEN
c.2009 Cox Newspapers
AUSTIN, Texas -- Think “Scared Straight!” meets the NFL.
In case you missed the reference, “Scared Straight!” was a 1978 documentary about convicts at New Jersey’s Rahway State Prison who warned juvenile delinquents about the brutal realities of prison life. The documentary spawned programs nationwide designed to steer youngsters away from a life of crime.
Now, the NFL isn’t Rahway, but commissioner Roger Goodell would make a mighty fine warden. He would be a lot more believable than that thieving, fake Bible thumper in Shawshank. Anyway, his league’s answer to “Scared Straight!” comes in the form of the NFL rookie symposium, an event that’s one part seminar and one part freshman orientation.
There were times last week when former Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo didn’t know if he was at a league function or a tent revival, but he and the other 255 draft picks had a truckload of literature dropped on their collective domes over four days in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
One of the featured speakers was ESPN studio analyst Cris Carter, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who testified about the trappings that can kill a promising career.
The young Carter was a mess. He was thrown out of Ohio State for dealing with an agent, then became a cocaine abuser early in his NFL career, prompting Philadelphia Eagles coach Buddy Ryan to release him after a season in which he caught 11 touchdown passes. It was the best thing that ever happened to him, Carter has said on more than one occasion.
Others in his line of work have fallen prey to numerous temptations: drugs, shady business deals, sexual indiscretions, drunken driving, steroids, street crime, and yes, dogfighting.
Carter’s message was simple: Do what I say, not what I did.
“This is a grown man’s league,” he barked. “This ain’t no little boys’ league.”
Then he yelled at a player he caught napping during the speech. Beautiful.
“It was something to hear him talk about his drug situation and being released,” said Orakpo, who went to the Washington Redskins with the 12th pick of the first round. “He said he had to get his life together because he had lost his job and couldn’t feed his family.”
Orakpo didn’t know the name of the rookie who drew Carter’s ire, but he knew attendance at the symposium was mandatory and to blow off the function would have resulted in a $50,000 fine from warden Goodell. And you thought that $100 for missing a Cowboys team meeting was scary.
Carter was a polarizing presence in the NFL because his off-the field problems nearly derailed his extraordinary career. Carter said he doubted if hardcore partiers like him and fellow Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin would survive in the Goodell era. The commish has dictatorial power in the personal conduct department, and NFL players know his brand of justice and the legal system’s can be mutually exclusive.
That’s part of the reason why the rookie symposium is one of the best things the league does. Invariably, there’s bound to be a couple of dumbbells who will go crazy when presented with two things that separate professional athletes from us regular folks -- an unlimited supply of cash and free time.
With that said, we know for every Pacman Jones or Chris Henry who gets arrested, there are a hundred Brian Orakpos and Jason Smiths who won’t see the backseat of a police cruiser. On Saturday, Orakpo and Smith -- the St. Louis Rams’ rookie offensive tackle from Baylor -- will join Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin at Akins High School, where Griffin, a former Longhorn, will hold his second annual Orange and White Football Camp.
Smith, the second overall pick behind Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, said he didn’t get as much out of Carter’s speech, and that’s understandable because he’s not about to go out and shoot up a strip club any time soon.
“I’m not speaking for (Orakpo), but I know him well enough to say the chances of one of us coming into the league and getting strung out on cocaine next season is slim to none,” he said. “I was more affected by (Pittsburgh Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin’s speech. When a person like him is speaking about a place I’m trying to go (winning a Super Bowl), I take it very personally and if he tells me to jump, I’m going to jump.”
The players were given pamphlets outlining the dangers they face as young millionaires, along with pens to take notes. While rifling through his pamphlet, Orakpo saw a reference to Travis Henry, a running back who has fathered 11 children by 10 women while battling drug and financial problems. Henry is a sad illustration of how making it to the NFL doesn’t guarantee you’ve made it in life.
Former NFL cornerback Rod Babers said one session from the league’s 2003 rookie symposium stood out in his mind.
“This beautiful woman came up on the stage and we were looking around at each other and going, ’Man, she’s fine,”’ said Babers, a former Longhorn. “The first thing she said was, ’You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ Then she told us she had been diagnosed with HIV two years ago.”
While some rookies will be helped by what they witnessed last week, the league could do a symposium every week and it wouldn’t prevent some players from falling into the same traps that have claimed others.
That said, give the league a thumbs up for its part in arming its newcomers with knowledge delivered by those who have been there before.
It’s not exactly “Scared Straight!” but Instructed Straight will do for now.
Cedric Golden writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: cgolden(at)statesman.com.
Story Filed By Cox Newspapers
For Use By Clients of the New York Times News Service
By CEDRIC GOLDEN
c.2009 Cox Newspapers
AUSTIN, Texas -- Think “Scared Straight!” meets the NFL.
In case you missed the reference, “Scared Straight!” was a 1978 documentary about convicts at New Jersey’s Rahway State Prison who warned juvenile delinquents about the brutal realities of prison life. The documentary spawned programs nationwide designed to steer youngsters away from a life of crime.
Now, the NFL isn’t Rahway, but commissioner Roger Goodell would make a mighty fine warden. He would be a lot more believable than that thieving, fake Bible thumper in Shawshank. Anyway, his league’s answer to “Scared Straight!” comes in the form of the NFL rookie symposium, an event that’s one part seminar and one part freshman orientation.
There were times last week when former Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo didn’t know if he was at a league function or a tent revival, but he and the other 255 draft picks had a truckload of literature dropped on their collective domes over four days in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
One of the featured speakers was ESPN studio analyst Cris Carter, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who testified about the trappings that can kill a promising career.
The young Carter was a mess. He was thrown out of Ohio State for dealing with an agent, then became a cocaine abuser early in his NFL career, prompting Philadelphia Eagles coach Buddy Ryan to release him after a season in which he caught 11 touchdown passes. It was the best thing that ever happened to him, Carter has said on more than one occasion.
Others in his line of work have fallen prey to numerous temptations: drugs, shady business deals, sexual indiscretions, drunken driving, steroids, street crime, and yes, dogfighting.
Carter’s message was simple: Do what I say, not what I did.
“This is a grown man’s league,” he barked. “This ain’t no little boys’ league.”
Then he yelled at a player he caught napping during the speech. Beautiful.
“It was something to hear him talk about his drug situation and being released,” said Orakpo, who went to the Washington Redskins with the 12th pick of the first round. “He said he had to get his life together because he had lost his job and couldn’t feed his family.”
Orakpo didn’t know the name of the rookie who drew Carter’s ire, but he knew attendance at the symposium was mandatory and to blow off the function would have resulted in a $50,000 fine from warden Goodell. And you thought that $100 for missing a Cowboys team meeting was scary.
Carter was a polarizing presence in the NFL because his off-the field problems nearly derailed his extraordinary career. Carter said he doubted if hardcore partiers like him and fellow Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin would survive in the Goodell era. The commish has dictatorial power in the personal conduct department, and NFL players know his brand of justice and the legal system’s can be mutually exclusive.
That’s part of the reason why the rookie symposium is one of the best things the league does. Invariably, there’s bound to be a couple of dumbbells who will go crazy when presented with two things that separate professional athletes from us regular folks -- an unlimited supply of cash and free time.
With that said, we know for every Pacman Jones or Chris Henry who gets arrested, there are a hundred Brian Orakpos and Jason Smiths who won’t see the backseat of a police cruiser. On Saturday, Orakpo and Smith -- the St. Louis Rams’ rookie offensive tackle from Baylor -- will join Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin at Akins High School, where Griffin, a former Longhorn, will hold his second annual Orange and White Football Camp.
Smith, the second overall pick behind Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, said he didn’t get as much out of Carter’s speech, and that’s understandable because he’s not about to go out and shoot up a strip club any time soon.
“I’m not speaking for (Orakpo), but I know him well enough to say the chances of one of us coming into the league and getting strung out on cocaine next season is slim to none,” he said. “I was more affected by (Pittsburgh Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin’s speech. When a person like him is speaking about a place I’m trying to go (winning a Super Bowl), I take it very personally and if he tells me to jump, I’m going to jump.”
The players were given pamphlets outlining the dangers they face as young millionaires, along with pens to take notes. While rifling through his pamphlet, Orakpo saw a reference to Travis Henry, a running back who has fathered 11 children by 10 women while battling drug and financial problems. Henry is a sad illustration of how making it to the NFL doesn’t guarantee you’ve made it in life.
Former NFL cornerback Rod Babers said one session from the league’s 2003 rookie symposium stood out in his mind.
“This beautiful woman came up on the stage and we were looking around at each other and going, ’Man, she’s fine,”’ said Babers, a former Longhorn. “The first thing she said was, ’You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ Then she told us she had been diagnosed with HIV two years ago.”
While some rookies will be helped by what they witnessed last week, the league could do a symposium every week and it wouldn’t prevent some players from falling into the same traps that have claimed others.
That said, give the league a thumbs up for its part in arming its newcomers with knowledge delivered by those who have been there before.
It’s not exactly “Scared Straight!” but Instructed Straight will do for now.
Cedric Golden writes for the Austin American-Statesman. E-mail: cgolden(at)statesman.com.
Story Filed By Cox Newspapers
For Use By Clients of the New York Times News Service
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Training camp three weeks away
Training camp is three weeks away and I can already feel the excitement about the upcoming football season building.
The Steelers don't have a lot of position battles this season, but they have some things worth watching.
Who will be the starting right guard, Darnell Stapleton, Kraig Urbik or darkhorse Trai Essex?
That's right. Essex could be a factor at that position.
The starting cornerback position is William Gay's to lose and he will have to fall flat on his face or get hurt to do so.
But who will be No. 3? Deshea Townsend again? One of the rookies? Keiwan Ratliff?
Ratliff has younger legs, but you can never count our Townsend. And the rookies, particularly Keenan Lewis, looked good this spring.
The other big battle will be fo the No. 3 receiver spot. I think Shaun McDonald may steal that one from Limas Sweed.
McDonald would give the team the ability to keep Hines Ward on the outside or shift him to the slot if it so chooses. If Sweed's on the field, Ward has to go to the slot.
The Steelers don't have a lot of position battles this season, but they have some things worth watching.
Who will be the starting right guard, Darnell Stapleton, Kraig Urbik or darkhorse Trai Essex?
That's right. Essex could be a factor at that position.
The starting cornerback position is William Gay's to lose and he will have to fall flat on his face or get hurt to do so.
But who will be No. 3? Deshea Townsend again? One of the rookies? Keiwan Ratliff?
Ratliff has younger legs, but you can never count our Townsend. And the rookies, particularly Keenan Lewis, looked good this spring.
The other big battle will be fo the No. 3 receiver spot. I think Shaun McDonald may steal that one from Limas Sweed.
McDonald would give the team the ability to keep Hines Ward on the outside or shift him to the slot if it so chooses. If Sweed's on the field, Ward has to go to the slot.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
One to go
With third-round pick Kraig Urbik now signed, the Steelers now have just one draft pick remaining unsigned - first rounder Ziggy Hood.
It's continued a strong run by Omar Khan of getting everybody in camp on time.
In fact, since Khan joined the team, the Steelers have not had a prolonged rookie holdout, something that has helped contribute to their success on the field.
Even though all the first rounders have contributed greatly in their first year, having them there for the full training camp helps the maturation process and every one of their first rounders has been a big contributor by his second season since Khan has taken care of negotiations.
It's continued a strong run by Omar Khan of getting everybody in camp on time.
In fact, since Khan joined the team, the Steelers have not had a prolonged rookie holdout, something that has helped contribute to their success on the field.
Even though all the first rounders have contributed greatly in their first year, having them there for the full training camp helps the maturation process and every one of their first rounders has been a big contributor by his second season since Khan has taken care of negotiations.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Steelers talking extension with Clark
According to the NFL Network, the Steelers are actively talking about a contract extension with safety Ryan Clark, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2009 season.
As I reported earlier this week, the team is also in active negotiations with tight end Heath Miller.
The Steelers picked up a little over $3 million in salary cap space this week by signing left tackle Max Starks to a contract extension and seem intent on using it to keep some key parts of this team in Pittsburgh beyond this season.
As I reported earlier this week, the team is also in active negotiations with tight end Heath Miller.
The Steelers picked up a little over $3 million in salary cap space this week by signing left tackle Max Starks to a contract extension and seem intent on using it to keep some key parts of this team in Pittsburgh beyond this season.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Browns sued by former player
From the Associated Press:
CLEVELAND (AP) — Former Cleveland Browns receiver Joe Jurevicius is suing the team and the Cleveland Clinic, accusing doctors of negligence over a staph infection in his right knee that kept him off the field last year.
Shannon Polk, an attorney for Jurevicius, said the lawsuit was filed Friday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. It alleges that team physicians failed to warn Jurevicius that therapy equipment was not always cleaned at the team’s training facility.
Jurevicius has said he contracted staph following arthroscopic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in January 2008.
Messages seeking comment were left Friday for a Browns spokesman and the Cleveland Clinic.
Jurevicius was released by the Browns in March.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Former Cleveland Browns receiver Joe Jurevicius is suing the team and the Cleveland Clinic, accusing doctors of negligence over a staph infection in his right knee that kept him off the field last year.
Shannon Polk, an attorney for Jurevicius, said the lawsuit was filed Friday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. It alleges that team physicians failed to warn Jurevicius that therapy equipment was not always cleaned at the team’s training facility.
Jurevicius has said he contracted staph following arthroscopic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in January 2008.
Messages seeking comment were left Friday for a Browns spokesman and the Cleveland Clinic.
Jurevicius was released by the Browns in March.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
How will Rooney's loss affect things
Many have wondered how the naming of Dan Rooney as ambassador to Ireland by the Obama administration would affect the Steelers.
The answer has different levels.
In terms of the football product, not having Rooney around on a daily basis won't affect things.
Dan's son, Art, has been running the team for several years now and has done a good job of it - as the results would show.
He's taken on the role Dan Rooney had when his father, The Chief, was still around. Dan made the daily decisions and consulted his father on anything major. Art will still have that luxury, as Dan will still just be a phone call away.
But the players like seeing the boss around.
To this day, he still visits the locker room on a regular basis and speaks with them – privately – congratulating them for a big win or helping to console them after a loss. But he doesn't do so in a Jerry Jones, in-your-face kind of matter. Rooney leaves the coaching to the coaches. There are no rah-rah speeches coming from Dan Rooney.
And they would see him around, watching practice or in the hallway or cafeteria.
The players respect that a great deal.
Perhaps some day Art will get that same kind of reverence. But it likely only comes with age.
The players respect Dan because, well, he's Dan. And that's what will be missing.
The answer has different levels.
In terms of the football product, not having Rooney around on a daily basis won't affect things.
Dan's son, Art, has been running the team for several years now and has done a good job of it - as the results would show.
He's taken on the role Dan Rooney had when his father, The Chief, was still around. Dan made the daily decisions and consulted his father on anything major. Art will still have that luxury, as Dan will still just be a phone call away.
But the players like seeing the boss around.
To this day, he still visits the locker room on a regular basis and speaks with them – privately – congratulating them for a big win or helping to console them after a loss. But he doesn't do so in a Jerry Jones, in-your-face kind of matter. Rooney leaves the coaching to the coaches. There are no rah-rah speeches coming from Dan Rooney.
And they would see him around, watching practice or in the hallway or cafeteria.
The players respect that a great deal.
Perhaps some day Art will get that same kind of reverence. But it likely only comes with age.
The players respect Dan because, well, he's Dan. And that's what will be missing.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Starks signs, Bryant retires
Little did I know when I posted the blurb about the Steelers still trying to get a deal done with Max Starks yesterday that it would happen so soon.
But the Steelers have signed Starks to a four-year contract worth $26.3 million. The deal includes a $10 million in guaranteed money and gives the team a considerable amount of cap relief.
It was a win-win situation for both parties.
Starks, despite being guaranteed a salary of $8.45 million this season as the Steelers' franchise player, gets some long-term stability. And the Steelers get $3 million in salary cap relief.
The son of a former NFL player, Starks wasn't looking to break the bank. He just wanted some long-term security instead of continuing to get slapped with the franchise tag every year.
© In other news Tuesday, cornerback Fernando Bryant apparently saw the writing on the wall with the Steelers' offseason additions and announced his retirement.
Bryant was signed by the Steelers last season when both Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden were out with injuries and re-signed with the team during the offseason.
But the selection of two corners in the draft and addition of veteran Keiwan Ratliff likely meant Bryant was biding his time until his release in training camp.
But the Steelers have signed Starks to a four-year contract worth $26.3 million. The deal includes a $10 million in guaranteed money and gives the team a considerable amount of cap relief.
It was a win-win situation for both parties.
Starks, despite being guaranteed a salary of $8.45 million this season as the Steelers' franchise player, gets some long-term stability. And the Steelers get $3 million in salary cap relief.
The son of a former NFL player, Starks wasn't looking to break the bank. He just wanted some long-term security instead of continuing to get slapped with the franchise tag every year.
© In other news Tuesday, cornerback Fernando Bryant apparently saw the writing on the wall with the Steelers' offseason additions and announced his retirement.
Bryant was signed by the Steelers last season when both Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden were out with injuries and re-signed with the team during the offseason.
But the selection of two corners in the draft and addition of veteran Keiwan Ratliff likely meant Bryant was biding his time until his release in training camp.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Talks continue
My sources tell me that the Steelers are continuing talks with some of their players who will be free agents at the conclusion of the 2009 season, most notably offensive tackle Max Starks and tight end Heath Miller.
The Steelers are hopeful their can get something done with both players by the first couple of weeks of August at the latest.
Miller is a high priority because the Steelers feel he is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and is continuing to improve.
The Steelers also believe Starks is a solid left tackle and will also continue to improve with more playing time on the left side. They'd also like to lower his cap total.
The Steelers are hopeful their can get something done with both players by the first couple of weeks of August at the latest.
Miller is a high priority because the Steelers feel he is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and is continuing to improve.
The Steelers also believe Starks is a solid left tackle and will also continue to improve with more playing time on the left side. They'd also like to lower his cap total.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Busy day
Sorry it took so long to comment today, but I'm on vacation this week and have been spending every day at the ball field.
Anyway, the Steelers had a busy day, signing three more draft picks and releasing six other players, among them California University of Pennsylvania QB Kevin McCabe.
The three draft picks signed were wide receiver Mike Wallace, defensive end Ra’Shon Harris and center A.Q. Shipley. All were given three-year deals.
Wallace was the second of the team's third round picks. The speedster finished his career at Ole Miss ranked third all-time in touchdown receptions and fifth in receiving yards. Wallace also holds Ole Miss records for single game, season and career kickoff return yards. He was the second-fastest player at this year's combine.
Harris was a sixth-round pick. He played in 36 career games at Oregon, recording 65 tackles (39 solo) and four sacks. He's seen as a project.
The undersized Shipley (6-0, 298) was the first of the team's two seventh-round selections.
Wallace, Harris and Shipley bring the total number of signees among the Steelers’ 2009 draft class to six. Cornerback Keenan Lewis, cornerback Joe Burnett and running back Frank Summers all signed last week.
The six players released were: defensive end Jeff Bradley, long snapper Mark Estermyer, wide receiver Jayson Foster, wide receiver Cedric Goodman, quarterback Kevin McCabe and fullback Ryan Powdrell.
The release of Estermyer means the Steelers are confident that long snapper Greg Warren is fully recovered from the torn ACL that ended his season in 2008.
Anyway, the Steelers had a busy day, signing three more draft picks and releasing six other players, among them California University of Pennsylvania QB Kevin McCabe.
The three draft picks signed were wide receiver Mike Wallace, defensive end Ra’Shon Harris and center A.Q. Shipley. All were given three-year deals.
Wallace was the second of the team's third round picks. The speedster finished his career at Ole Miss ranked third all-time in touchdown receptions and fifth in receiving yards. Wallace also holds Ole Miss records for single game, season and career kickoff return yards. He was the second-fastest player at this year's combine.
Harris was a sixth-round pick. He played in 36 career games at Oregon, recording 65 tackles (39 solo) and four sacks. He's seen as a project.
The undersized Shipley (6-0, 298) was the first of the team's two seventh-round selections.
Wallace, Harris and Shipley bring the total number of signees among the Steelers’ 2009 draft class to six. Cornerback Keenan Lewis, cornerback Joe Burnett and running back Frank Summers all signed last week.
The six players released were: defensive end Jeff Bradley, long snapper Mark Estermyer, wide receiver Jayson Foster, wide receiver Cedric Goodman, quarterback Kevin McCabe and fullback Ryan Powdrell.
The release of Estermyer means the Steelers are confident that long snapper Greg Warren is fully recovered from the torn ACL that ended his season in 2008.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Just say no
According to published reports, wide receiver Brandon Marshall has requested a trade from the Denver Broncos and the team has agreed to pursue one.
Before all the questions start, let me nip this in the bud now. The Steelers will not be among teams interested in the troubled wideout.
Is Marshall talented? Yes.
Is he a knucklehead? Yes.
In fact, he's probably even more of a knucklehead than the much-more talented Randy Moss, and the Steelers weren't interested in him, either.
Somebody will take the chance that a change of scenery will help Marshal. Somebody will probably be wrong.
Before all the questions start, let me nip this in the bud now. The Steelers will not be among teams interested in the troubled wideout.
Is Marshall talented? Yes.
Is he a knucklehead? Yes.
In fact, he's probably even more of a knucklehead than the much-more talented Randy Moss, and the Steelers weren't interested in him, either.
Somebody will take the chance that a change of scenery will help Marshal. Somebody will probably be wrong.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Steelers sign three draft picks
The Steelers signed rookie cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, and running back Frank Summers to contracts Friday, the first of their three draft picks to sign with the team.
Lewis (6-0, 2008) was the third of the Steelers’ three third round selections (96th overall) in this year’s draft out of Oregon State. In 48 career starts Lewis recorded 117 tackles (81 solo), one sack and seven interceptions. Lewis was named Academic All-Pac 10 and All-Pac 10 honorable mention at cornerback as a senior.
Burnett (5-10, 192) was the first of the Steelers’ two fifth round selections (168th overall) in this year’s draft out of Central Florida. A four-year starter, Burnett was a first-team All-Conference USA selection at cornerback, punt returner and kickoff returner as a senior. Burnett finished his career with 16 interceptions and five returns (three punts, two kickoffs) for scores.
Summers (5-10, 240) was the second of the Steelers’ two fifth round selections (169th overall) in this year’s draft out of UNLV. A two-year starter, Summers led the Rebels in 2008 with 740 yards on 183 attempts (4.0 avg.) with eight touchdowns. Summers became the only player in UNLV history to lead the team in both rushing touchdowns (six) and receiving touchdowns (four) during the 2007 season.
n In another move, the team released punter Dirk Johnson, showing that it feels Daniel Sepulveda is completely healed from the torn ACL that cost him the 2008 season.
Lewis (6-0, 2008) was the third of the Steelers’ three third round selections (96th overall) in this year’s draft out of Oregon State. In 48 career starts Lewis recorded 117 tackles (81 solo), one sack and seven interceptions. Lewis was named Academic All-Pac 10 and All-Pac 10 honorable mention at cornerback as a senior.
Burnett (5-10, 192) was the first of the Steelers’ two fifth round selections (168th overall) in this year’s draft out of Central Florida. A four-year starter, Burnett was a first-team All-Conference USA selection at cornerback, punt returner and kickoff returner as a senior. Burnett finished his career with 16 interceptions and five returns (three punts, two kickoffs) for scores.
Summers (5-10, 240) was the second of the Steelers’ two fifth round selections (169th overall) in this year’s draft out of UNLV. A two-year starter, Summers led the Rebels in 2008 with 740 yards on 183 attempts (4.0 avg.) with eight touchdowns. Summers became the only player in UNLV history to lead the team in both rushing touchdowns (six) and receiving touchdowns (four) during the 2007 season.
n In another move, the team released punter Dirk Johnson, showing that it feels Daniel Sepulveda is completely healed from the torn ACL that cost him the 2008 season.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
OTAs finish up
With much sorry, I have to report that OTAs are finally over.
The players headed out to their homes/vacations/continued workouts after a solid round of workouts that was shortened in this somewhat in this final week.
Tuesday's practice was skipped as Mike Tomlin took the players bowling, while Wednesday's practice was at Heinz Field, where the youngsters were given the grand tour of the facilities.
The Heinz Field practice/stadium walkthrough was closed to the media.
© My impressions of this team after watching them a number of times this spring is that they seem to still have the fire that the 2006 team was lacking.
Perhaps it's different leadership or perhaps it's because many of the key players are now over 30 and realize their opportunities are very limited to win another Super Bowl.
But whatever it is, the change is evident.
© Nearly every publication/prognostication I see has the Steelers as the second-best bet to win the Super Bowl in the upcoming season behind New England.
And you know what? I can't argue that.
But the Patriots have been the favorite for several seasons now and the Steelers have won two Super Bowls since New England won its last one.
Things can change quickly in the NFL and the favorites don't always win.
The players headed out to their homes/vacations/continued workouts after a solid round of workouts that was shortened in this somewhat in this final week.
Tuesday's practice was skipped as Mike Tomlin took the players bowling, while Wednesday's practice was at Heinz Field, where the youngsters were given the grand tour of the facilities.
The Heinz Field practice/stadium walkthrough was closed to the media.
© My impressions of this team after watching them a number of times this spring is that they seem to still have the fire that the 2006 team was lacking.
Perhaps it's different leadership or perhaps it's because many of the key players are now over 30 and realize their opportunities are very limited to win another Super Bowl.
But whatever it is, the change is evident.
© Nearly every publication/prognostication I see has the Steelers as the second-best bet to win the Super Bowl in the upcoming season behind New England.
And you know what? I can't argue that.
But the Patriots have been the favorite for several seasons now and the Steelers have won two Super Bowls since New England won its last one.
Things can change quickly in the NFL and the favorites don't always win.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Hills wants to make his move
I caught up with Tony Hills for a few minutes at OTAs and the second-year offensive tackle feels like he's ready to take a big step forward in his second training camp.
Hills and linebacker Bruce Davis were worked hard by head coach Mike Tomlin last year in training camp, with Tomlin taking a keen interest in both players. He'd line them up against each other time after time, telling them, "I'm going to make one of you a player."
Hills said he liked that pressure because if the head coach wasn't watching so closely, it meant he didn't care.
Hills said he has added five to 10 pounds of muscle to his frame and that his injury problems from college aren't even a distant thought in the back of his mind.
He's been working at both left and right tackle in OTAs and also saw time last year at guard on the scout teams. He feels like that experience will help keep him active on game days this year, citing Trai Essex's ability to play every position except center as a reference.
© The Steelers will get a gift as they head into the final week of their OTAs, with the team receiving its Super Bowl rings Tuesday.
I haven't seen the design yet, but I hear it's spectacular.
Hills and linebacker Bruce Davis were worked hard by head coach Mike Tomlin last year in training camp, with Tomlin taking a keen interest in both players. He'd line them up against each other time after time, telling them, "I'm going to make one of you a player."
Hills said he liked that pressure because if the head coach wasn't watching so closely, it meant he didn't care.
Hills said he has added five to 10 pounds of muscle to his frame and that his injury problems from college aren't even a distant thought in the back of his mind.
He's been working at both left and right tackle in OTAs and also saw time last year at guard on the scout teams. He feels like that experience will help keep him active on game days this year, citing Trai Essex's ability to play every position except center as a reference.
© The Steelers will get a gift as they head into the final week of their OTAs, with the team receiving its Super Bowl rings Tuesday.
I haven't seen the design yet, but I hear it's spectacular.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Camp to start July 31
Mike Tomlin will open his third training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Friday, July 31.
The first open practice will be the next day. I can only imagine the kind of crowd the defending Super Bowl champions will draw for their first practice. It's the first time their first practice has been on a Saturday that I can remember in my 17 years of covering the team.
© Not surprisingly, Ben Roethlisberger was back at practice today showing no ill effects of an injury to his left knee that had him walking around like Festus Wednesday.
And people wonder why he's considered a drama queen.
© Stefan Logan has the most lateral quickness I've seen since Antwaan Randle El. I would be concerned about his size and ability to take a hit - he's only 5-6 - but he has the skill to play in the NFL.
© I got a copy of the Steelers' Super Bowl commemorative book Wednesday and got a chance to go through it last night.
Steelers Digest editor Bob Labriola did an excellent job with it and the photography by Mike Fabus is excellent.
It's a good look at the season that was for the Steelers.
The first open practice will be the next day. I can only imagine the kind of crowd the defending Super Bowl champions will draw for their first practice. It's the first time their first practice has been on a Saturday that I can remember in my 17 years of covering the team.
© Not surprisingly, Ben Roethlisberger was back at practice today showing no ill effects of an injury to his left knee that had him walking around like Festus Wednesday.
And people wonder why he's considered a drama queen.
© Stefan Logan has the most lateral quickness I've seen since Antwaan Randle El. I would be concerned about his size and ability to take a hit - he's only 5-6 - but he has the skill to play in the NFL.
© I got a copy of the Steelers' Super Bowl commemorative book Wednesday and got a chance to go through it last night.
Steelers Digest editor Bob Labriola did an excellent job with it and the photography by Mike Fabus is excellent.
It's a good look at the season that was for the Steelers.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Roethlisberger banged up
Ben Roethlisberger took a shot on his left knee during an OTA workout today as the Steelers complete their next-to-last week of offseason activities.
Working during the red zone drills, Roethlisberger got bumped by Lawrence Timmons, who appeared to step on his left foot. The incident happened just as Roethlisberger let go of a pass intended for Santonio Holmes. The ball sailed high and Roethlisberger limped off the field at the indoor practice facility. He did not take another snap.
Roethlisberger did not speak to reporters following the incident, but continued to limp, favoring his left leg.
© Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter were again missing, leaving Ryan Mundy and Roy Lewis to work with the starting unit.
LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison were also missing, with Andre Frazier and Arnold Harrison moving into their spots.
Also not here today was Darnell Stapleton, who was replaced by Trai Essex.
© Wide receiver Hines Ward, who has been here but hasn't practiced after offseason surgery, participated in position drills. He's still not going through any team drills though.
Working during the red zone drills, Roethlisberger got bumped by Lawrence Timmons, who appeared to step on his left foot. The incident happened just as Roethlisberger let go of a pass intended for Santonio Holmes. The ball sailed high and Roethlisberger limped off the field at the indoor practice facility. He did not take another snap.
Roethlisberger did not speak to reporters following the incident, but continued to limp, favoring his left leg.
© Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark and Tyrone Carter were again missing, leaving Ryan Mundy and Roy Lewis to work with the starting unit.
LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison were also missing, with Andre Frazier and Arnold Harrison moving into their spots.
Also not here today was Darnell Stapleton, who was replaced by Trai Essex.
© Wide receiver Hines Ward, who has been here but hasn't practiced after offseason surgery, participated in position drills. He's still not going through any team drills though.
Monday, June 01, 2009
An early, early, early look at the 53-man roster
OK, you asked for it, so here it is, an early, early, early look at the 53-man roster.
QB (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon. No explanation needed here.
RB (5): Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Rashard Mendenhall, Frank Summers, Carey Davis. Davis makes it on his ability to play special teams.
WR (5): Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Shaun McDonald, Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace. Sorry Dallas Baker. You're not making this club. McDonald beats out Brandon Williams.
TE (3): Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Sean McHugh. No surprises here. David Johnson goes to the practice squad.
OL (10): Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Darnell Stapleton, Wilie Colon, Trai Essex, Tony Hills, Ramon Foster, Kraig Urbik, A.Q. Shipley. Just a hunch here between Foster and Capizzi, but they won't want to risk putting Foster on the practice squad.
DL (7): Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke, Ziggy Hood, Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason. Again, no real surprises here.
LB (8): James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Bruce Davis, Patrick Bailey, Keyaron Fox, Donovan Woods. Woods is kind of the surprise here. I think he sticks because he can play inside, even though they currently list him as an outside guy. Bruce Davis needs to have a good camp. Bailey is a very good special teams player as is Fox. Fox will be the top backup inside.
DB (9): Ike Taylor, William Gay, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Deshea Townsend, Keiwan Ratliff, Joe Burnett, Keenan Lewis, Ryan Mundy. This is a tough position to call. I see Tyrone Carter as the odd man out right now, with Deshea Townsend making the move to a safety/corner position.
Specialists (3): Jeff Reed, Daniel Sepulveda, Greg Warren.
QB (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon. No explanation needed here.
RB (5): Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Rashard Mendenhall, Frank Summers, Carey Davis. Davis makes it on his ability to play special teams.
WR (5): Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Shaun McDonald, Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace. Sorry Dallas Baker. You're not making this club. McDonald beats out Brandon Williams.
TE (3): Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Sean McHugh. No surprises here. David Johnson goes to the practice squad.
OL (10): Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Darnell Stapleton, Wilie Colon, Trai Essex, Tony Hills, Ramon Foster, Kraig Urbik, A.Q. Shipley. Just a hunch here between Foster and Capizzi, but they won't want to risk putting Foster on the practice squad.
DL (7): Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke, Ziggy Hood, Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason. Again, no real surprises here.
LB (8): James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Bruce Davis, Patrick Bailey, Keyaron Fox, Donovan Woods. Woods is kind of the surprise here. I think he sticks because he can play inside, even though they currently list him as an outside guy. Bruce Davis needs to have a good camp. Bailey is a very good special teams player as is Fox. Fox will be the top backup inside.
DB (9): Ike Taylor, William Gay, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, Deshea Townsend, Keiwan Ratliff, Joe Burnett, Keenan Lewis, Ryan Mundy. This is a tough position to call. I see Tyrone Carter as the odd man out right now, with Deshea Townsend making the move to a safety/corner position.
Specialists (3): Jeff Reed, Daniel Sepulveda, Greg Warren.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Random notes
A recent Sports Illustrated poll listed the Rooney family No. 1 among owners in the NFL.
Given the team's history of winning, the way players are treated and other factors, it's hard to argue that.
I thought it was interesting, however, that Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, was ranked third from the bottom.
Fans like to go crazy every offseason when the Redskins go on yet another of their spending binge that have become commonplace under Snyder.
But for all the spending, the Redskins have been mediocre since Snyder bought the team in 1999. It also causes Snyder to squeeze every single penny out of fans in Washington, who aren't receiving a lot of bang for their buck.
Heck, SI ranked Cincinnati owner Mike Brown ahead of Snyder. That ought to tell you something.
© An interesting note from OTAs this week: Left tackle Max Starks missed a day of practice earlier this week. His replacement was not Tony Hills, Jason Capizzi or any of the other young guys.
According to Jim Wexell of SteelCityInsider.com, Trai Essex replaced Starks at left tackle.
Now that may not be an outright indictment of any of the young guys - Hills in particular - but it does give some insight into where the team thinks those players are at this point.
© It's hard to believe there are just two weeks of OTAs remaining before the Steelers break for a month. After that, it will be off to training camp.
© I caught up with Dennis Dixon this week and he said that although the coaching staff has not approached him about running any wildcat-type plays, he's open to the idea.
Dixon said those type of plays wouldn't be a stretch for him to run because he did many of those things in college.
Dixon is completely healed from the knee injury that ended his senior season at Oregon and I would look for the coaching staff to at least try some wildcat stuff with him at some point.
Given the team's history of winning, the way players are treated and other factors, it's hard to argue that.
I thought it was interesting, however, that Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, was ranked third from the bottom.
Fans like to go crazy every offseason when the Redskins go on yet another of their spending binge that have become commonplace under Snyder.
But for all the spending, the Redskins have been mediocre since Snyder bought the team in 1999. It also causes Snyder to squeeze every single penny out of fans in Washington, who aren't receiving a lot of bang for their buck.
Heck, SI ranked Cincinnati owner Mike Brown ahead of Snyder. That ought to tell you something.
© An interesting note from OTAs this week: Left tackle Max Starks missed a day of practice earlier this week. His replacement was not Tony Hills, Jason Capizzi or any of the other young guys.
According to Jim Wexell of SteelCityInsider.com, Trai Essex replaced Starks at left tackle.
Now that may not be an outright indictment of any of the young guys - Hills in particular - but it does give some insight into where the team thinks those players are at this point.
© It's hard to believe there are just two weeks of OTAs remaining before the Steelers break for a month. After that, it will be off to training camp.
© I caught up with Dennis Dixon this week and he said that although the coaching staff has not approached him about running any wildcat-type plays, he's open to the idea.
Dixon said those type of plays wouldn't be a stretch for him to run because he did many of those things in college.
Dixon is completely healed from the knee injury that ended his senior season at Oregon and I would look for the coaching staff to at least try some wildcat stuff with him at some point.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Week 2 OTAs begin
As promised, I watched Rashard Mendenhall a little more closely today as the Steelers began their second week of OTAs.
Mendenhall looked good on the inside running plays and made an excellent cut on one play in particular, doing a nice jump stop and change of direction.
He looks like he's running with more confidence.
© I hadn't noticed it before, but former Canadian Football League star Stefan Logan was working as a wide receiver.
The 5-6 Logan, dubbed "Half-Pint" by his teammates, was an explosive running back in the CFL, but probably wouldn't have the size to contribute at that position in the NFL.
He'll be fighting a numbers game no matter where he lines up, but playing wide receiver would give him a better chance of making this team.
© The Steelers did some work out of a 4-3 defense at times today.
That should get the internet posters going.
© I almost forgot this one, but it was interesting.
Former center Jeff Hartings was in the building today and I barely recognized him. Hartings looks like he's down to about 220 pounds.
Mendenhall looked good on the inside running plays and made an excellent cut on one play in particular, doing a nice jump stop and change of direction.
He looks like he's running with more confidence.
© I hadn't noticed it before, but former Canadian Football League star Stefan Logan was working as a wide receiver.
The 5-6 Logan, dubbed "Half-Pint" by his teammates, was an explosive running back in the CFL, but probably wouldn't have the size to contribute at that position in the NFL.
He'll be fighting a numbers game no matter where he lines up, but playing wide receiver would give him a better chance of making this team.
© The Steelers did some work out of a 4-3 defense at times today.
That should get the internet posters going.
© I almost forgot this one, but it was interesting.
Former center Jeff Hartings was in the building today and I barely recognized him. Hartings looks like he's down to about 220 pounds.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
OTA notes
The Steelers are back at it with their OTAs - offseason training activites - which are optional to attend. That's not really the case - if you plan on making the team - but for the most part, everybody is in town, with Troy Polamalu being a notable exception.
Polamalu's training in California again this offseason, which, with Ryan Clark also out following his shoulder surgery, is giving Ryan Mundy a chance to work with the first team at free safety.
Mundy showed nice ball skills Wednesday, stepping up underneath a receiver on a crossing pattern and picking off a Ben Roethlisberger pass.
Mundy has excellent size and smarts. Getting plenty of reps - especially after missing a healthy portion of training camp last season due to injury – is going to pay dividends.
© I spoke with William Gay after practice.
The cornerback looked bigger than he was last season and he admitted he's up to 198 pounds. He came in at 183 pounds as a rookie and he attributed the weight gain to being on a good training program and eating healthy for the first time in his life.
Gay said as long as he doesn't lose a step, he plans on carrying the extra weight - which is all located in his shoulders - during the season.
© Speaking of Polamalu, there's a good chance he won't attend the meet and greet with the president Thursday at the White House. But there isn't a big deal being made of that.
Polamalu's training in California again this offseason, which, with Ryan Clark also out following his shoulder surgery, is giving Ryan Mundy a chance to work with the first team at free safety.
Mundy showed nice ball skills Wednesday, stepping up underneath a receiver on a crossing pattern and picking off a Ben Roethlisberger pass.
Mundy has excellent size and smarts. Getting plenty of reps - especially after missing a healthy portion of training camp last season due to injury – is going to pay dividends.
© I spoke with William Gay after practice.
The cornerback looked bigger than he was last season and he admitted he's up to 198 pounds. He came in at 183 pounds as a rookie and he attributed the weight gain to being on a good training program and eating healthy for the first time in his life.
Gay said as long as he doesn't lose a step, he plans on carrying the extra weight - which is all located in his shoulders - during the season.
© Speaking of Polamalu, there's a good chance he won't attend the meet and greet with the president Thursday at the White House. But there isn't a big deal being made of that.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Steelers expect to cross the pond soon
Given the team's high profile and the fact the league is looking at adding a second NFL game overseas in 2010, some in the Steelers organization expect the Steelers to be picked for a regular season international game - if not in 2010, then in 2011.
Pittsburgh would lose a home game – something that could be made up if the league goes to a 17- or 18-game scheduled – and would have a big travel week in the middle of its schedule.
As for possible game locations, I would look no farther than the country for which team chairman is this country's ambassador.
The Steelers played the Chicago Bears in Dublin in the 1997 preseason and the game was a rousing success.
© NFL owners will meet this week in Fort Lauderdale and one of the big topics will be a rookie wage scale.
Even veteran players admit the rookie wage scale has gotten out of control. Look for the NFL to come up with something akin to what the NBA does with its rookie and slot the salaries.
Pittsburgh would lose a home game – something that could be made up if the league goes to a 17- or 18-game scheduled – and would have a big travel week in the middle of its schedule.
As for possible game locations, I would look no farther than the country for which team chairman is this country's ambassador.
The Steelers played the Chicago Bears in Dublin in the 1997 preseason and the game was a rousing success.
© NFL owners will meet this week in Fort Lauderdale and one of the big topics will be a rookie wage scale.
Even veteran players admit the rookie wage scale has gotten out of control. Look for the NFL to come up with something akin to what the NBA does with its rookie and slot the salaries.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Cap increases, good news for Steelers
According to the Associated Press, the salary cap is going up an extra $5 from where it was originally estimated going into this offseason.
Per the AP story, NFL teams will have nearly $12 million more under the salary cap this season, the final year with one in place unless the league and its players’ union can reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
The cap was due to increase $7 million to $123 million this season, but additional adjustments stipulated in the current CBA will increase the total amount that teams can spend on player compensation to about $128 million. The $12 million increase is the largest in three years.
The league informed teams Wednesday that a “cash-adjustment mechanism” from final accounting figures in May will give clubs $947,000 of additional salary cap room, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday.
After the release of Larry Foote, the Steelers were between $2 and $3 million under the cap but needed to clear additional space to sign their rookie class.
Now, they may not only have enough money to do that, they may also have some extra cash available to sign a couple of their impending free agents.
Per the AP story, NFL teams will have nearly $12 million more under the salary cap this season, the final year with one in place unless the league and its players’ union can reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
The cap was due to increase $7 million to $123 million this season, but additional adjustments stipulated in the current CBA will increase the total amount that teams can spend on player compensation to about $128 million. The $12 million increase is the largest in three years.
The league informed teams Wednesday that a “cash-adjustment mechanism” from final accounting figures in May will give clubs $947,000 of additional salary cap room, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday.
After the release of Larry Foote, the Steelers were between $2 and $3 million under the cap but needed to clear additional space to sign their rookie class.
Now, they may not only have enough money to do that, they may also have some extra cash available to sign a couple of their impending free agents.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
So what's on your noodle?
No much going on right now until OTAs start back up, so I'll take a page out of my deceased friend Myron Cope's book and ask what's on your noodle?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Why I don't look at rankings
I always find it amusing when fans start complaining about writers' rankings of NFL teams, particularly in the offseason. Last I checked, this isn't college football. The championship is played for on the football field, not in somebody's computer or on a ballot.
That said, I really find offseason rankings to be of no use.
I don't want to pick on Peter King of Sports Illustrated because he's a guy I know and respect, but his latest Monday Morning Quarterback includes a dreaded offseason rankings list.
That he has New England No. 1 and the Steelers No. 2 doesn't bother me. If somebody put a gun to my head and forced me to rank the teams, that's where I'd put them as well.
But Chicago at No. 4? Based on what? Don't give me this Jay Cutler stuff. He's going to have to prove to me that he's something more than a malcontent. And he's not going to be throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal this season. Instead, it will be Devin Hester and Rashied Davis.
There also may not be a more overrated player in the NFL than Brian Urlacher.
So no, I'm not buying into the hype surrounding the Bears just yet.
Last on King's list, by the way, are your Cleveland Browns. The Browns have begun their 14th rebuilding plan since rejoining the NFL in 1999.
That said, I really find offseason rankings to be of no use.
I don't want to pick on Peter King of Sports Illustrated because he's a guy I know and respect, but his latest Monday Morning Quarterback includes a dreaded offseason rankings list.
That he has New England No. 1 and the Steelers No. 2 doesn't bother me. If somebody put a gun to my head and forced me to rank the teams, that's where I'd put them as well.
But Chicago at No. 4? Based on what? Don't give me this Jay Cutler stuff. He's going to have to prove to me that he's something more than a malcontent. And he's not going to be throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal this season. Instead, it will be Devin Hester and Rashied Davis.
There also may not be a more overrated player in the NFL than Brian Urlacher.
So no, I'm not buying into the hype surrounding the Bears just yet.
Last on King's list, by the way, are your Cleveland Browns. The Browns have begun their 14th rebuilding plan since rejoining the NFL in 1999.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Comings and goings
In case you missed it in the past couple of days, former Steelers draft pick Orien Harris was traded from Cincinnati to St. Louis as part of the Brian Leonard deal, while running back Gary Russell signed with the Oakland Raiders.
Harris was a fourth-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2006 who just didn't quite fit as a 3-4 end as the team had hoped.
He was signed by Cleveland off Pittsburgh's practice squad later that year and has continued to kick around the league as a reserve.
Russell, meanwhile, is on his third team in a month, having signed with Cincinnati soon after being released by Pittsburgh. The Bengals released him last week.
Harris was a fourth-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2006 who just didn't quite fit as a 3-4 end as the team had hoped.
He was signed by Cleveland off Pittsburgh's practice squad later that year and has continued to kick around the league as a reserve.
Russell, meanwhile, is on his third team in a month, having signed with Cincinnati soon after being released by Pittsburgh. The Bengals released him last week.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Harrison contract details
ESPN.com released details of Steelers linebacker James Harrison's $51.175-million contract today.
According to the report, Harrison's deal includes a $10-million signing bonus, $2.55-million roster bonus and a base salary of $800,000 for 2009.
Harrison is due a reporting bonus of $2.8 million in 2010, a $3.66 million base salary as well as a $900,000 roster bonus in 2011.
In the final three years of the six-year pact, Harrison is due base salaries of $5.315 million in 2012, $6.32 million in 2013 and $7.325 million in 2013.
So, in effect, the contract could actually be considered a two or three-year deal, which is more in line with what a 31-year-old player – his birthday was this week – even one who doesn't have a lot of mileage on his tires, should get.
According to the report, Harrison's deal includes a $10-million signing bonus, $2.55-million roster bonus and a base salary of $800,000 for 2009.
Harrison is due a reporting bonus of $2.8 million in 2010, a $3.66 million base salary as well as a $900,000 roster bonus in 2011.
In the final three years of the six-year pact, Harrison is due base salaries of $5.315 million in 2012, $6.32 million in 2013 and $7.325 million in 2013.
So, in effect, the contract could actually be considered a two or three-year deal, which is more in line with what a 31-year-old player – his birthday was this week – even one who doesn't have a lot of mileage on his tires, should get.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Foote signs with Lions
Much like his release on Monday, there should be no surprise that former Steelers linebacker Larry Foote has signed with the Detroit Lions to a one-year deal for an undisclosed amount.
Foote, a six-year starter with the Steelers, was released Monday by Pittsburgh after the team was unable to find a suitable trade for his services.
Detroit reportedly offered a seventh-round pick for Foote, who was scheduled to earn $2.9 million in 2009, but the Steelers declined the deal, opting to hold onto the linebacker in the hopes a team would suffer a mini-camp injury and be pressed into action to fill the spot.
Foote, by the way, is from Detroit and starred at Michigan, where he was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2001.
Foote, a six-year starter with the Steelers, was released Monday by Pittsburgh after the team was unable to find a suitable trade for his services.
Detroit reportedly offered a seventh-round pick for Foote, who was scheduled to earn $2.9 million in 2009, but the Steelers declined the deal, opting to hold onto the linebacker in the hopes a team would suffer a mini-camp injury and be pressed into action to fill the spot.
Foote, by the way, is from Detroit and starred at Michigan, where he was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2001.
Monday, May 04, 2009
What about the old guy?
It hasn't taken the media long to fall in love with rookie running back Frank "The Tank" Summers and everybody knows the Steelers expectations for former No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall, but what about the starter, Willie Parker?
Parker's coming off an injury-plagued season that he called a personal disappointment and is heading into the final year of his current contract.
It's interesting that he's gone from everybody's favorite underdog to the guy everyone wants to forget about, despite the fact he's been the team's starting running back during two Super Bowl runs.
This will probably be Parker's final season with the Steelers - unless Mendenhall proves he can't handle the starting job.
But I expect a big season out of Parker in 2009.
© As expected, Larry Foote was released today.
"Larry has been a big part of our success, but unfortunately the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable," said director of football operations Kevin Colbert. "We wish Larry and his family nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career."
Parker's coming off an injury-plagued season that he called a personal disappointment and is heading into the final year of his current contract.
It's interesting that he's gone from everybody's favorite underdog to the guy everyone wants to forget about, despite the fact he's been the team's starting running back during two Super Bowl runs.
This will probably be Parker's final season with the Steelers - unless Mendenhall proves he can't handle the starting job.
But I expect a big season out of Parker in 2009.
© As expected, Larry Foote was released today.
"Larry has been a big part of our success, but unfortunately the realities of the salary cap made this decision inevitable," said director of football operations Kevin Colbert. "We wish Larry and his family nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career."
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Dixon looks good
Second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon looks like a completely different player at this year's mini-camp than he did a year ago.
Then again, that's not that big of a surprise considering he wasn't even supposed to take a snap at last year's camp after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL less than six months before.
Dixon obviously has a much better grasp of the offense now and you can see a huge difference between him and rookies Kevin McCabe and Mike Reilly.
There's also not much difference between Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. In fact, Dixon has looked better than Batch - though it's still very early and Batch is coming off a very long layoff.
It's easy to see, however, why the Steelers are high on Dixon.
© While there's not a load of experience behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes at wide receiver, there's certainly a glut of promising young players - and a couple of veterans.
But there are also spots open there and the battle for the fourth, fifth and even sixth wideout spots should be a very good one this year in training camp.
© As he usually has, Deshea Townsend has worked at safety. But with two young draft picks added at the cornerback position, as well as veteran Keiwan Ratliff, Townsend's work at safety may be more important now than ever for the veteran.
Then again, that's not that big of a surprise considering he wasn't even supposed to take a snap at last year's camp after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL less than six months before.
Dixon obviously has a much better grasp of the offense now and you can see a huge difference between him and rookies Kevin McCabe and Mike Reilly.
There's also not much difference between Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. In fact, Dixon has looked better than Batch - though it's still very early and Batch is coming off a very long layoff.
It's easy to see, however, why the Steelers are high on Dixon.
© While there's not a load of experience behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes at wide receiver, there's certainly a glut of promising young players - and a couple of veterans.
But there are also spots open there and the battle for the fourth, fifth and even sixth wideout spots should be a very good one this year in training camp.
© As he usually has, Deshea Townsend has worked at safety. But with two young draft picks added at the cornerback position, as well as veteran Keiwan Ratliff, Townsend's work at safety may be more important now than ever for the veteran.
Friday, May 01, 2009
First day of mini-camp notes, Foote update
As expected, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed today that he and Larry Foote decided it would be beneficial for both parties if Foote did not attend the mandatory mini-camp this weekend. Tomlin said Foote will not be fined.
Tomlin said he and Foote have been in contact for several weeks regarding the situation.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda and long-snapper Greg Warren are still hobbled by their knee injuries.
Sepulveda didn't kick at all today - even during punting drills - while Warren did do some snapping. But Warren is still walking with a limp and is wearing a brace on his left knee.
Sepulveda's status would explain why the Steelers essentially brought in two more punters. Both Dirk Johnson - sounds like a porn name - and Piotr Czech - ditto - were punting Friday.
© If you're looking for an undrafted rookie to keep an eye on, watch offensive tackle Ramon Foster of Tennessee. The 6-6, 325-pound Foster was working with the third team at right tackle Friday and looks like a player.
© An interesting note - every Steelers draft pick with one exception has already attained his degree.
In fact, first-round pick Ziggy Hood graduated in just 3 1/2 years.
The only one who hasn't is third-round guard Kraig Urbik, who was a fifth-year senior. Go figure.
© Wide receiver Martin Nance is not practicing and Tomlin said he won't have any statements about what Nance's status is until Sunday or even Monday.
Tomlin said he and Foote have been in contact for several weeks regarding the situation.
© Punter Daniel Sepulveda and long-snapper Greg Warren are still hobbled by their knee injuries.
Sepulveda didn't kick at all today - even during punting drills - while Warren did do some snapping. But Warren is still walking with a limp and is wearing a brace on his left knee.
Sepulveda's status would explain why the Steelers essentially brought in two more punters. Both Dirk Johnson - sounds like a porn name - and Piotr Czech - ditto - were punting Friday.
© If you're looking for an undrafted rookie to keep an eye on, watch offensive tackle Ramon Foster of Tennessee. The 6-6, 325-pound Foster was working with the third team at right tackle Friday and looks like a player.
© An interesting note - every Steelers draft pick with one exception has already attained his degree.
In fact, first-round pick Ziggy Hood graduated in just 3 1/2 years.
The only one who hasn't is third-round guard Kraig Urbik, who was a fifth-year senior. Go figure.
© Wide receiver Martin Nance is not practicing and Tomlin said he won't have any statements about what Nance's status is until Sunday or even Monday.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Steelers ready for mini-camp, make roster moves
The Steelers will hold their mini-camp Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the only mandatory workouts of the offseason.
That means all players will be expected to be there or risk being fined - with the exception of linebacker Larry Foote.
Foote's still on the roster for now, but likely will be given a pass on attending mini-camp as the team tries to trade him in the next few days.
A number of teams have their mini-camps this weekend and if somebody has a starter go down with an injury, it could open the door for a deal.
If not, Foote – who has asked to be traded or released – will be cut, freeing up $2.9-million in cap space.
That money, however, isn't everything that's needed for the team to be able to sign its rookie class.
The Steelers's rookie pool is $4.284 million, meaning they'll still have to clear some cap space to be able to get everyone in by training camp.
© In other news, the Steelers made a flurry of roster moves Thursday, most notably signing wide receiver Shaun McDonald.
McDonald, you may remember, was on my free agent watch list.
In 2008, McDonald had 35 catches for 332 yards and one touchdown in 12 games for Detroit.
The Steelers also signed some camp bodies, adding punter Dirk Johnson and kicker Piotr Czech – don't say that one out loud if you're at work.
Long-snapper Jared Retkofsky was released. He was signed last season when Greg Warren was lost for the season to a torn ACL. The Steelers signed Pitt long snapper Mark Estermeyer as an undrafted free agent earlier this week.
That means all players will be expected to be there or risk being fined - with the exception of linebacker Larry Foote.
Foote's still on the roster for now, but likely will be given a pass on attending mini-camp as the team tries to trade him in the next few days.
A number of teams have their mini-camps this weekend and if somebody has a starter go down with an injury, it could open the door for a deal.
If not, Foote – who has asked to be traded or released – will be cut, freeing up $2.9-million in cap space.
That money, however, isn't everything that's needed for the team to be able to sign its rookie class.
The Steelers's rookie pool is $4.284 million, meaning they'll still have to clear some cap space to be able to get everyone in by training camp.
© In other news, the Steelers made a flurry of roster moves Thursday, most notably signing wide receiver Shaun McDonald.
McDonald, you may remember, was on my free agent watch list.
In 2008, McDonald had 35 catches for 332 yards and one touchdown in 12 games for Detroit.
The Steelers also signed some camp bodies, adding punter Dirk Johnson and kicker Piotr Czech – don't say that one out loud if you're at work.
Long-snapper Jared Retkofsky was released. He was signed last season when Greg Warren was lost for the season to a torn ACL. The Steelers signed Pitt long snapper Mark Estermeyer as an undrafted free agent earlier this week.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Foote wants out
Linebacker Larry Foote has asked to be released after being told that third-year man Lawrence Timmons will take over his starting job.
The Steelers apparently tried to deal Foote during last weekend's NFL draft, but found no takers for Foote and his $2.9-million salary.
With the draft completed, they are continuing to attempt to find a taker, possibly a team that hoped to get a linebacker in the draft but was unable to accomplish it.
A fifth-round draft pick in 2002, Foote has been a starter since 2004 and is very well respected within the team's locker room.
The Steelers apparently tried to deal Foote during last weekend's NFL draft, but found no takers for Foote and his $2.9-million salary.
With the draft completed, they are continuing to attempt to find a taker, possibly a team that hoped to get a linebacker in the draft but was unable to accomplish it.
A fifth-round draft pick in 2002, Foote has been a starter since 2004 and is very well respected within the team's locker room.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Early undrafted rookie signings for Steelers
These are unconfirmed at this point, but California University of Pennsylvania quarterback Kevin McCabe is among the players the Steelers have agreed to contracts with after the draft.
McCabe originally began his career at Virginia before transferring to Cal.
When I get some confirmation on more players, I'll update.
Derrick Richardson, S, New Mexico State.
Mike Reilly, QB, Central Washington.
Ramon Foster, OT, Tennessee.
Mark Estermyer, long snapper, Pitt.
Tom Korte, ILB, Hillsdale College.
Tyler Grisham, WR, Clemson.
McCabe originally began his career at Virginia before transferring to Cal.
When I get some confirmation on more players, I'll update.
Derrick Richardson, S, New Mexico State.
Mike Reilly, QB, Central Washington.
Ramon Foster, OT, Tennessee.
Mark Estermyer, long snapper, Pitt.
Tom Korte, ILB, Hillsdale College.
Tyler Grisham, WR, Clemson.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Draft Day 2 stuff
The Steelers moved to fill a need position with their first pick in the third round, taking Wisconsin guard Craig Urbik, a big, mauler who could push for a starting spot at right guard.
It was a solid pick, if uninspiring. The team wanted to grab a big man for their offensive and defensive fronts and did both with their first two picks.
They added speedy kick returner Mike Wallace with their second pick and should be targeting a CB in the latter part of the round, though Pitt's Scott McKillop is also a possibility.
© I loved the fifth-round selection of UNLV's Frank "The Tank" Summers. This is a guy who's built like former Steelers running back Barry Foster and catches the ball well out of the backfield.
He was one of my favorite players in this draft. Do a search for his highlights on Youtube and enjoy.
© The Steelers are really loading up with corners and defensive linemen. Not a bad idea considering the age issues they have at the two positions.
It was a solid pick, if uninspiring. The team wanted to grab a big man for their offensive and defensive fronts and did both with their first two picks.
They added speedy kick returner Mike Wallace with their second pick and should be targeting a CB in the latter part of the round, though Pitt's Scott McKillop is also a possibility.
© I loved the fifth-round selection of UNLV's Frank "The Tank" Summers. This is a guy who's built like former Steelers running back Barry Foster and catches the ball well out of the backfield.
He was one of my favorite players in this draft. Do a search for his highlights on Youtube and enjoy.
© The Steelers are really loading up with corners and defensive linemen. Not a bad idea considering the age issues they have at the two positions.
Who are the early targets?
With three picks in the third round of Sunday's NFL draft, the Steelers have plenty of ammunition to make some noise.
Here are some of the guys who are still available who could draw their interest:
Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma - He doesn't move as well as the Steelers might like, but some mock drafts a month ago had him going to the Steelers in the first round. I didn't like that, but in the third round, he'd be OK.
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt - If he were an inch taller than the 5-8 and change he measured at the combine, he'd already be gone.
Coye Frances, CB, San Jose State - At 6-0, 185 pounds, he just needs to put on five or so pounds. But he's intriguing.
Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State - A big corner who can run. Doesn't catch the ball well, though.
Chip Vaughn, SS, Wake Forest - A big safety who could help on special teams and possibly spell the end of Tyrone Carter's stay on the roster.
Jamon Meridith, OT-G, South Carolina - Played tackle in college, but may project better to guard in the pros. He's a more athletic Trai Essex.
Mike Thomas, WR-KR, Arizona - An electric return man who's only 5-8. But he can play.
Here are some of the guys who are still available who could draw their interest:
Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma - He doesn't move as well as the Steelers might like, but some mock drafts a month ago had him going to the Steelers in the first round. I didn't like that, but in the third round, he'd be OK.
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt - If he were an inch taller than the 5-8 and change he measured at the combine, he'd already be gone.
Coye Frances, CB, San Jose State - At 6-0, 185 pounds, he just needs to put on five or so pounds. But he's intriguing.
Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State - A big corner who can run. Doesn't catch the ball well, though.
Chip Vaughn, SS, Wake Forest - A big safety who could help on special teams and possibly spell the end of Tyrone Carter's stay on the roster.
Jamon Meridith, OT-G, South Carolina - Played tackle in college, but may project better to guard in the pros. He's a more athletic Trai Essex.
Mike Thomas, WR-KR, Arizona - An electric return man who's only 5-8. But he can play.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Steelers extend Ward
According to ESPN.com, Steelers receiver Hines Ward has agreed to and signed a four-year contract extension worth $22 million.
Ward was scheduled to be a free agent after the season. He's now signed through 2013.
The deal is structured so that it frees up some cap room in 2009..
© Apparently the Cleveland front office has been smoking some ganja with Percy Harvin.
Why in the world do you move down in the first round - twice - and only pick up a bunch of bums and a couple of picks?
To take a center?
Wow.
© Keep an eye on what happens with the defensive tackles - Peria and Hood – if one of them is available, he could be the pick. Though Peria is 25, which is a concern.
If it comes down to Wood and Unger, Wood will likely be the pick, but we'll see.
© Hood or Unger.
© The Steelers took Ziggy Hood, giving John Mitchell his first first-round defensive lineman to work with since Casey Hampton was their first-round pick in 2001.
Hood projects as a defensive end in Pittsbugh's 3-4. He's a high-motor guy, but needs to get more stout against the run.
© I look for the Steelers to try hard to trade up in the second round. In fact, as I sit here at 7:53, almost 20 minutes after they made their pick, Colbert and Tomlin haven't come in to address the media.
Tells me something's brewing.
© I have confirmed the Steelers are trying to trade up in the second round for Unger.
© With trade up for Unger dead, I like Jamon Meredith now in the second round. Craig Urbik and Antione Caldwell are also possibilities.
© The Steelers dealt their second round pick (64th) and a fourth (132) to Denver for the 79th and 84th selections.
They now have three third-round picks.
Ward was scheduled to be a free agent after the season. He's now signed through 2013.
The deal is structured so that it frees up some cap room in 2009..
© Apparently the Cleveland front office has been smoking some ganja with Percy Harvin.
Why in the world do you move down in the first round - twice - and only pick up a bunch of bums and a couple of picks?
To take a center?
Wow.
© Keep an eye on what happens with the defensive tackles - Peria and Hood – if one of them is available, he could be the pick. Though Peria is 25, which is a concern.
If it comes down to Wood and Unger, Wood will likely be the pick, but we'll see.
© Hood or Unger.
© The Steelers took Ziggy Hood, giving John Mitchell his first first-round defensive lineman to work with since Casey Hampton was their first-round pick in 2001.
Hood projects as a defensive end in Pittsbugh's 3-4. He's a high-motor guy, but needs to get more stout against the run.
© I look for the Steelers to try hard to trade up in the second round. In fact, as I sit here at 7:53, almost 20 minutes after they made their pick, Colbert and Tomlin haven't come in to address the media.
Tells me something's brewing.
© I have confirmed the Steelers are trying to trade up in the second round for Unger.
© With trade up for Unger dead, I like Jamon Meredith now in the second round. Craig Urbik and Antione Caldwell are also possibilities.
© The Steelers dealt their second round pick (64th) and a fourth (132) to Denver for the 79th and 84th selections.
They now have three third-round picks.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Final mock
Here it is, my greatly anticipated final mock.
I expect a number of trades Saturday, but I've done this without any.
I'll be updating from the Steelers headquarters Saturday night, letting you know what I'm hearing.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - As much as I’d love for the Lions to take somebody else – I was a Detroit fan growing up - it appears Stafford is the guy.
2. St. Louis, Eugene Monroe, OT, Virgina – The Rams have many needs, but upgrading the offensive line is a good place to start.
3. Kansas City, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor – Many have the Chiefs taking Aaron Curry, but they’ve signed three linebackers in free agency and Curry really doesn’t rush the passer well.
4. Seattle, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech – Wide receiver was a huge problem for the Seahawks last year, though a trade down with somebody wanting Mark Sanchez is highly possible.
5. Cleveland, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC – I expect the Browns to move Brady Quinn, opening up a spot for Sanchez.
6. Cincinnati, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest – The Bengals continue to build their front seven.
7. Oakland, B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College – The Raiders really need to bulk up the run defense.
8. Jacksonville, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – Maclin gets time to work with Torry Holt.
9. Green Bay, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – The Packers need a starter at RT and Oher can handle the job and is a little safer pick than Andre Smith.
10. San Francisco, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama – The 49ers gave up more sacks than the Steelers last year - that’s right, more.
11. Buffalo, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas – The Bills need to add to their non-existent pass rush.
12. Denver, Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU – The Broncos get the best 3-4 end in this draft.
13. Washington, Rey Mauluga, LB, USC – The Redskins really want to move up and get Sanchez. That will be the key to this draft.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – This is a no-brainer. He could be a corner, he could be a safety. Either way, he’ll help the Saints, who need both.
15. Houston, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Surprise, surprise. This one is picking up some steam.
16. San Diego, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Chargers are concerned that LaDainian Tomlinson is close to the end and know that Darren Sproles isn’t an every-down back.
17. N.Y. Jets, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – Jets have to get their quarterback of the future.
18. Denver, Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State – The Broncos get a top pass rusher to convert to OLB.
19. Tampa Bay, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Bucs haven’t been fearsome up front for several years.
20. Detroit, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – None of the remaining OTs deserve to be take this high, so the Lions go for a DE.
21. Philadelphia, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State – The Eagles pair Beanie with Brian Westbrook.
22. Minnesota, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland – The Vikings badly need playmakers on the outside to open things up for the running game.
23. New England, Brian Cushing, LB, USC – The Patriots need to continue to get younger at linebacker.
24. Atlanta, Darius Butler, CB, UConn – The Falcons get a great playmaking cornerback.
25. Miami, Larry English, LB, N. Illinois – Bill Parcells doesn’t mind taking defensive ends from small schools and making them linebacker ala. DeMarcus Ware.
26. Baltimore, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – The Ravens are making over their cornerback position.
27. Indianapolis, Evander Hood, DT, Missouri – The Colts started a pair of tackles that barely topped 500 pounds combined in 2008.
28. Buffalo, Eben Britton, OT, Arizona – The Bills got their pass rusher with their first pick, now they get an offensive tackle to replace Jason Peters.
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – He’s not quite as big as Plaxico Burress, but he’s faster and has better hands.
30. Tennessee, Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State – The Titans are working to get Anquan Boldin away from Arizona, but Robiskie is a solid, safe pick.
31. Arizona, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Running back is a possibility, but Maybin is good value here.
32. Pittsburgh, Max Unger, G-C, Oregon – Unger started at all five offensive line positions for the Ducks, but his best position is center. He’ll start at guard for the Steelers before eventually shifting inside.
I expect a number of trades Saturday, but I've done this without any.
I'll be updating from the Steelers headquarters Saturday night, letting you know what I'm hearing.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - As much as I’d love for the Lions to take somebody else – I was a Detroit fan growing up - it appears Stafford is the guy.
2. St. Louis, Eugene Monroe, OT, Virgina – The Rams have many needs, but upgrading the offensive line is a good place to start.
3. Kansas City, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor – Many have the Chiefs taking Aaron Curry, but they’ve signed three linebackers in free agency and Curry really doesn’t rush the passer well.
4. Seattle, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech – Wide receiver was a huge problem for the Seahawks last year, though a trade down with somebody wanting Mark Sanchez is highly possible.
5. Cleveland, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC – I expect the Browns to move Brady Quinn, opening up a spot for Sanchez.
6. Cincinnati, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest – The Bengals continue to build their front seven.
7. Oakland, B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College – The Raiders really need to bulk up the run defense.
8. Jacksonville, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – Maclin gets time to work with Torry Holt.
9. Green Bay, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – The Packers need a starter at RT and Oher can handle the job and is a little safer pick than Andre Smith.
10. San Francisco, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama – The 49ers gave up more sacks than the Steelers last year - that’s right, more.
11. Buffalo, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas – The Bills need to add to their non-existent pass rush.
12. Denver, Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU – The Broncos get the best 3-4 end in this draft.
13. Washington, Rey Mauluga, LB, USC – The Redskins really want to move up and get Sanchez. That will be the key to this draft.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – This is a no-brainer. He could be a corner, he could be a safety. Either way, he’ll help the Saints, who need both.
15. Houston, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Surprise, surprise. This one is picking up some steam.
16. San Diego, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Chargers are concerned that LaDainian Tomlinson is close to the end and know that Darren Sproles isn’t an every-down back.
17. N.Y. Jets, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – Jets have to get their quarterback of the future.
18. Denver, Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State – The Broncos get a top pass rusher to convert to OLB.
19. Tampa Bay, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Bucs haven’t been fearsome up front for several years.
20. Detroit, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – None of the remaining OTs deserve to be take this high, so the Lions go for a DE.
21. Philadelphia, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State – The Eagles pair Beanie with Brian Westbrook.
22. Minnesota, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland – The Vikings badly need playmakers on the outside to open things up for the running game.
23. New England, Brian Cushing, LB, USC – The Patriots need to continue to get younger at linebacker.
24. Atlanta, Darius Butler, CB, UConn – The Falcons get a great playmaking cornerback.
25. Miami, Larry English, LB, N. Illinois – Bill Parcells doesn’t mind taking defensive ends from small schools and making them linebacker ala. DeMarcus Ware.
26. Baltimore, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – The Ravens are making over their cornerback position.
27. Indianapolis, Evander Hood, DT, Missouri – The Colts started a pair of tackles that barely topped 500 pounds combined in 2008.
28. Buffalo, Eben Britton, OT, Arizona – The Bills got their pass rusher with their first pick, now they get an offensive tackle to replace Jason Peters.
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – He’s not quite as big as Plaxico Burress, but he’s faster and has better hands.
30. Tennessee, Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State – The Titans are working to get Anquan Boldin away from Arizona, but Robiskie is a solid, safe pick.
31. Arizona, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Running back is a possibility, but Maybin is good value here.
32. Pittsburgh, Max Unger, G-C, Oregon – Unger started at all five offensive line positions for the Ducks, but his best position is center. He’ll start at guard for the Steelers before eventually shifting inside.
Steelers sign Ratliff
Obviously unhappy with their cornerback depth, the Steelers signed former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Keiwan Ratliff Friday to a one-year contract.
The signing of Ratliff, who started four games for the Colts in 2008, lessens the need for the Steelers to overdraft a cornerback this weekend.
© Later on tonight, I'll have my mock draft posted. I've got it finished now, but I want to wait and see if any trades get done early this evening before posting it.
© I'll also be updating the blog live from the Steelers offices on the South Side this weekend, so check back early and often.
The signing of Ratliff, who started four games for the Colts in 2008, lessens the need for the Steelers to overdraft a cornerback this weekend.
© Later on tonight, I'll have my mock draft posted. I've got it finished now, but I want to wait and see if any trades get done early this evening before posting it.
© I'll also be updating the blog live from the Steelers offices on the South Side this weekend, so check back early and often.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Random tidbits
Detroit has an offer on the table for quarterback Matthew Stafford as the top pick.
I think it's a mistake for the Lions – what's new? – because quarterbacks bomb out so often in the first round and they have much greater needs. Plus, I just don't like any of the quarterbacks in this year's draft.
Detroit would be better off taking offensive tackle Jason Smith first rather than a quarterback, but that's why they're the Lions.
© Once that top pick is established, however, the rest of the draft will start to take shape.
© There seems to be a hold on the Braylon Edwards to Giants trade.
If I'm the Giants, I'd rather have Hakeem Nicks than give up a first-round draft pick and a player – which is reportedly what the Browns are asking for – for Edwards, who dropped everything in sight last season.
© According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Steelers currently have $440,000 in cap space. Again, a trade for Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish seems unlikely because of that - unless Pittsburgh is willing to release inside linebacker Larry Foote.
The Steelers will obviously have to do some work before they sign any of their rookie class.
Those players count as minimum wage guys until they actually sign their contract and therefore don't count against the top 51 salaries.
© Darius Butler is the only cornerback who would interest me in the first round if I'm the Steelers.
© Given my choice of the top three center prospects in this draft, I'd list them in this order, Eric Wood, Max Unger, Alex Mack. That's right, Mack's third on my list because he hasn't shown the ability to play anything other than center, while the other two have.
Wood's nastiness and love of the game gives him the nod over Unger for me.
© Brian Robiskie might be the safest pick of the second tier of wide receivers.
He's smooth with great size and good, not great, speed.
Plus, his dad's an NFL coach, so you know his head's on straight.
Can't say that about Percy Harvin or Kenny Britt. And Nicks raised some concerns by putting on 14 pounds after the combine - though he did have a hamstring problem.
© I think I'd rather have a load in my pants than Phil Loadholt.
I think it's a mistake for the Lions – what's new? – because quarterbacks bomb out so often in the first round and they have much greater needs. Plus, I just don't like any of the quarterbacks in this year's draft.
Detroit would be better off taking offensive tackle Jason Smith first rather than a quarterback, but that's why they're the Lions.
© Once that top pick is established, however, the rest of the draft will start to take shape.
© There seems to be a hold on the Braylon Edwards to Giants trade.
If I'm the Giants, I'd rather have Hakeem Nicks than give up a first-round draft pick and a player – which is reportedly what the Browns are asking for – for Edwards, who dropped everything in sight last season.
© According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Steelers currently have $440,000 in cap space. Again, a trade for Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish seems unlikely because of that - unless Pittsburgh is willing to release inside linebacker Larry Foote.
The Steelers will obviously have to do some work before they sign any of their rookie class.
Those players count as minimum wage guys until they actually sign their contract and therefore don't count against the top 51 salaries.
© Darius Butler is the only cornerback who would interest me in the first round if I'm the Steelers.
© Given my choice of the top three center prospects in this draft, I'd list them in this order, Eric Wood, Max Unger, Alex Mack. That's right, Mack's third on my list because he hasn't shown the ability to play anything other than center, while the other two have.
Wood's nastiness and love of the game gives him the nod over Unger for me.
© Brian Robiskie might be the safest pick of the second tier of wide receivers.
He's smooth with great size and good, not great, speed.
Plus, his dad's an NFL coach, so you know his head's on straight.
Can't say that about Percy Harvin or Kenny Britt. And Nicks raised some concerns by putting on 14 pounds after the combine - though he did have a hamstring problem.
© I think I'd rather have a load in my pants than Phil Loadholt.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Taylor restructures contract
Ian Whetstone, the resident capologist at SteelCityInsider.com, found that the Steelers have restructured the contract of cornerback Ike Taylor, freeing up $430,000 in cap space by giving him that money in signing bonus instead.
It's been something the Steelers have done a good job of doing over the years as a way to free up space.
© SteelCityInsider.com's Jim Wexell has confirmed the rumors that were being bandied about the Steelers media room Monday that running back Gary Russell was released due to a run-in with the law.
Russell apparently was staying with a friend at a Columbus, Ohio home that was raided by police. A large stash of marijuana was found.
Russell apparently has not been charged with any crime, but the Steelers did not want the situation to become a distraction.
© Director of football operations Kevin Colbert did not deny that the Steelers talked to the Buffalo Bills about wide receiver/return man Roscoe Parrish, but said that they have contact with all teams leading up to the draft to find out who might be available.
That said, the Steelers are very tight against the salary cap and a trade is unlikely.
It's been something the Steelers have done a good job of doing over the years as a way to free up space.
© SteelCityInsider.com's Jim Wexell has confirmed the rumors that were being bandied about the Steelers media room Monday that running back Gary Russell was released due to a run-in with the law.
Russell apparently was staying with a friend at a Columbus, Ohio home that was raided by police. A large stash of marijuana was found.
Russell apparently has not been charged with any crime, but the Steelers did not want the situation to become a distraction.
© Director of football operations Kevin Colbert did not deny that the Steelers talked to the Buffalo Bills about wide receiver/return man Roscoe Parrish, but said that they have contact with all teams leading up to the draft to find out who might be available.
That said, the Steelers are very tight against the salary cap and a trade is unlikely.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Steelers open OTAs
The defending world champion Pittsburgh Steelers held their first official workout of the offseason Monday as they opened their OTAs (Organized Training Activities).
Santonio Holmes, Tyrone Carter, Ryan Clark, Willie Parker, Troy Polamalu, Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons were among those who weren't here, but head coach Mike Tomlin said none of those were unexpected.
That both Timmons and Foote were MIA was interesting, though, since they figure to battle for the starting mack position. It doesn't figure to be much of a battle, however, as former first-round draft pick Timmons just has too much athleticism for Foote.
© According to director of football operations Kevin Colbert, the Steelers are very tight against the salary cap, hence the release of running back Gary Russell, as I reported last week.
Colbert said the Steelers wanted to sign Charlie Batch before OTAs opened and needed cap space to do so. They looked at the roster and running back looked to be a spot where they could give up a player with Rashard Mendenhall coming back to action.
Russell, by the way, was picked up by Cincinnati.
Santonio Holmes, Tyrone Carter, Ryan Clark, Willie Parker, Troy Polamalu, Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons were among those who weren't here, but head coach Mike Tomlin said none of those were unexpected.
That both Timmons and Foote were MIA was interesting, though, since they figure to battle for the starting mack position. It doesn't figure to be much of a battle, however, as former first-round draft pick Timmons just has too much athleticism for Foote.
© According to director of football operations Kevin Colbert, the Steelers are very tight against the salary cap, hence the release of running back Gary Russell, as I reported last week.
Colbert said the Steelers wanted to sign Charlie Batch before OTAs opened and needed cap space to do so. They looked at the roster and running back looked to be a spot where they could give up a player with Rashard Mendenhall coming back to action.
Russell, by the way, was picked up by Cincinnati.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Mock Draft Part II
Here is mock draft II as we get a week closer to the actual thing. My final mock will be out Friday, March 24.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - The Lions seem to be settling in on taking the quarterback with the first pick.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - The Rams have a lot of holes, but the release of Orlando Pace may have tipped their hand.
3. Kansas City, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Chiefs are going to a 3-4 defense and Curry has the ability to play inside or outside.
4. Seattle, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech – After suffering through a terrible season with injuries at the position in 2008, the Seahawks grab a stud.
5. Cleveland, B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College – They just gave a boatload of money to Shaun Rogers last year, but he already wants out.
6. Cincinnati, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – The Bengals like to score points in bunches. They just can’t stop anybody.
7. Oakland, Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia – With Crabtree and Maclin gone, the Raiders go for another big need.
8. Jacksonville, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama – The Jags allowed 42 sacks in 2008, a lot for a team that only throws it 20 times per game.
9. Green Bay, Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU – With the switch to a 3-4, the Packers need bigger defensive ends.
10. San Francisco, Mark Sanchez, QB. USC – The 49ers have all but given up on Alex Smith.
11. Buffalo, Everette Brown, DE. Florida State – The Bills were pitiful rushing the passer in 2008.
12. Denver, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – You didn’t think Kyle Orton was the long-term answer did you?
13. Washington, Brian Oropko, DE, Texas – The Redskins managed just 24 sacks in 2008.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – The Saints were incredibly soft in the secondary last season.
15. Houston, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – The Texans need to get Mario Williams some pass rushing help.
16. San Diego, Rey Maualuga, LB, USC – Where else would Junior Seau Jr. go?
17. New York Jets, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida – If you don’t have a great quarterback, you’d better at least load up on wide receivers.
18. Denver, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Broncos’ run defense was non-existent in 2008.
19. Tampa Bay, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State – Cadillac Williams just can’t stay healthy and Ernest Graham is, well, Ernest Graham.
20. Detroit, Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri – The Lions could use help everywhere, but have to get better up front on both sides of the ball.
21. Philadelphia, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - The Eagles have been looking for a stud WR for seemingly forever.
22. Minnesota, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – The Vikings have a great defensive front but need help in the defensive backfield.
23. New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Matthews fits the mold of New England linebackers and Bill Belichick coached his dad in Cleveland.
24. Atlanta, Brian Cushing, OLB, USC – The Falcons lost both OLBs in free agency. They signed Mike Peterson, but need another.
25. Miami, James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State – The Dolphins have plenty of holes for a team that made the playoffs in 2008. They hope Laurinaitis is the second-coming of Zach Thomas.
26. Baltimore, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – The Ravens have a need at RT.
27. Indianapolis, Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers – With Marvin Harrison now gone, the Colts need somebody to help take pressure off of Reggie Wayne.
28. Philadelphia, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Eagles don’t want to give Brian Westbrook the ball 30 times per game.
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – Plaxico Burress is gone and Amani Toomer is way over the hill.
30. Tennessee, Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut – The Titans lost pretty much all of their secondary depth this offseason.
31. Arizona, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Maybin could give the Cardinals a nice edge rusher for their 3-4.
32. Pittsburgh, Alex Mack, C, California – Mack will be given time to settle in at guard for a year before switching to center.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - The Lions seem to be settling in on taking the quarterback with the first pick.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - The Rams have a lot of holes, but the release of Orlando Pace may have tipped their hand.
3. Kansas City, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Chiefs are going to a 3-4 defense and Curry has the ability to play inside or outside.
4. Seattle, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech – After suffering through a terrible season with injuries at the position in 2008, the Seahawks grab a stud.
5. Cleveland, B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College – They just gave a boatload of money to Shaun Rogers last year, but he already wants out.
6. Cincinnati, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri – The Bengals like to score points in bunches. They just can’t stop anybody.
7. Oakland, Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia – With Crabtree and Maclin gone, the Raiders go for another big need.
8. Jacksonville, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama – The Jags allowed 42 sacks in 2008, a lot for a team that only throws it 20 times per game.
9. Green Bay, Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU – With the switch to a 3-4, the Packers need bigger defensive ends.
10. San Francisco, Mark Sanchez, QB. USC – The 49ers have all but given up on Alex Smith.
11. Buffalo, Everette Brown, DE. Florida State – The Bills were pitiful rushing the passer in 2008.
12. Denver, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – You didn’t think Kyle Orton was the long-term answer did you?
13. Washington, Brian Oropko, DE, Texas – The Redskins managed just 24 sacks in 2008.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – The Saints were incredibly soft in the secondary last season.
15. Houston, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee – The Texans need to get Mario Williams some pass rushing help.
16. San Diego, Rey Maualuga, LB, USC – Where else would Junior Seau Jr. go?
17. New York Jets, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida – If you don’t have a great quarterback, you’d better at least load up on wide receivers.
18. Denver, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Broncos’ run defense was non-existent in 2008.
19. Tampa Bay, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State – Cadillac Williams just can’t stay healthy and Ernest Graham is, well, Ernest Graham.
20. Detroit, Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri – The Lions could use help everywhere, but have to get better up front on both sides of the ball.
21. Philadelphia, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - The Eagles have been looking for a stud WR for seemingly forever.
22. Minnesota, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – The Vikings have a great defensive front but need help in the defensive backfield.
23. New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Matthews fits the mold of New England linebackers and Bill Belichick coached his dad in Cleveland.
24. Atlanta, Brian Cushing, OLB, USC – The Falcons lost both OLBs in free agency. They signed Mike Peterson, but need another.
25. Miami, James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State – The Dolphins have plenty of holes for a team that made the playoffs in 2008. They hope Laurinaitis is the second-coming of Zach Thomas.
26. Baltimore, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – The Ravens have a need at RT.
27. Indianapolis, Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers – With Marvin Harrison now gone, the Colts need somebody to help take pressure off of Reggie Wayne.
28. Philadelphia, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Eagles don’t want to give Brian Westbrook the ball 30 times per game.
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – Plaxico Burress is gone and Amani Toomer is way over the hill.
30. Tennessee, Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut – The Titans lost pretty much all of their secondary depth this offseason.
31. Arizona, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Maybin could give the Cardinals a nice edge rusher for their 3-4.
32. Pittsburgh, Alex Mack, C, California – Mack will be given time to settle in at guard for a year before switching to center.
Steelers release Russell
In an interesting move Thursday, the Steelers released running back Gary Russell, their primary kickoff return man and short-yardage specialist in 2008.
The move was announced at the same time as the team announced it had re-signed quarterback Charlie Batch.
It's likely that this was a salary cap move. With the signings of James Harrison and Batch this week, the Steelers had to be tight against the cap.
Russell wasn't making a lot of money, but the $450,000 or so in base salary he would have earned was likely used to sign Batch.
It also shows how much confidence the Steelers have that running back Rashard Mendenhall will be completely healed from the broken shoulder he suffered early in the 2008 season.
The move was announced at the same time as the team announced it had re-signed quarterback Charlie Batch.
It's likely that this was a salary cap move. With the signings of James Harrison and Batch this week, the Steelers had to be tight against the cap.
Russell wasn't making a lot of money, but the $450,000 or so in base salary he would have earned was likely used to sign Batch.
It also shows how much confidence the Steelers have that running back Rashard Mendenhall will be completely healed from the broken shoulder he suffered early in the 2008 season.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Steelers 2009 schedule released
With the 29th-toughest schedule in 2009, the Steelers' schedule looks even easier in terms of when and where the games will be played.
The NFL released the schedule Tuesday and it shapes up like this:
Thurs. Sept. 10, Tennessee 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20, at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 27, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 4 San Diego, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 11, at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 18, Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 25, Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Bye
Mon., Nov. 9, at Denver, 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15, Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 22, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 29, at Baltimore, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6, Oakland, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 10, at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 20, Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 27, Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 3, at Miami, 1 p.m.
Again, not a difficult schedule and one made easier by the fact the Steelers only play back-to-back road games twice.
The NFL released the schedule Tuesday and it shapes up like this:
Thurs. Sept. 10, Tennessee 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20, at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 27, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 4 San Diego, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 11, at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 18, Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 25, Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Bye
Mon., Nov. 9, at Denver, 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15, Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 22, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 29, at Baltimore, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6, Oakland, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 10, at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 20, Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 27, Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 3, at Miami, 1 p.m.
Again, not a difficult schedule and one made easier by the fact the Steelers only play back-to-back road games twice.
Schedule to be released/Batch signed
The NFL schedule will be released at 7 p.m. today.
You can bet the Steelers will be featured in a number of prime time games, starting with their opener, which we already know is against Tennessee Thursday night in what should be a rocking Heinz Field.
The interesting thing will be whether or not the league honored the Ravens' request not to play the Steelers in Pittsburgh in prime time.
The Ravens and Steelers figure to be two of the top teams in the AFC again this season and the rivalry screams for prime time matchups each time they play.
© After losing Byron Leftwich over the weekend, the Steelers have signed veteran backup Charlie Batch to a one-year, $895,000 contract.
You can bet the Steelers will be featured in a number of prime time games, starting with their opener, which we already know is against Tennessee Thursday night in what should be a rocking Heinz Field.
The interesting thing will be whether or not the league honored the Ravens' request not to play the Steelers in Pittsburgh in prime time.
The Ravens and Steelers figure to be two of the top teams in the AFC again this season and the rivalry screams for prime time matchups each time they play.
© After losing Byron Leftwich over the weekend, the Steelers have signed veteran backup Charlie Batch to a one-year, $895,000 contract.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Harrison signed
As reported last week, the Steelers have signed linebacker James Harrison to a new contract.
The deal is for six years at just over $51 million, including $20 million in bonus money, making him the highest-paid defensive player in Steelers' history.
A two-time team MVP, Harrison is also the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
With Harrison signed, the Steelers will now turn their attention to signing some of their other 11 starters who are entering the final year of their contract.
Topping that list will be getting a deal done with tackle Max Starks, the team's franchise player. Starks is set to earn $8.5 million in 2009 and the Steelers would like to lower that number with a long-term deal.
The deal is for six years at just over $51 million, including $20 million in bonus money, making him the highest-paid defensive player in Steelers' history.
A two-time team MVP, Harrison is also the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
With Harrison signed, the Steelers will now turn their attention to signing some of their other 11 starters who are entering the final year of their contract.
Topping that list will be getting a deal done with tackle Max Starks, the team's franchise player. Starks is set to earn $8.5 million in 2009 and the Steelers would like to lower that number with a long-term deal.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Steelers lose Leftwich
The Steelers lost free agent quarterback Byron Leftwich to the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday, leaving a hole on their roster behind Ben Roethlisberger.
Leftwich signed a two-year deal with Tampa Bay, spurning a similar offer from the Steelers for the opportunity to win a starting job in Tampa Bay.
The Bucs' depth chart at quarterback now includes Leftwich, Josh McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson.
Pittsburgh currently has just unproven second-year QB Dennis Dixon on its roster behind Roethlisberger. The team will now turn to veteran Charlie Batch, who missed the entire 2008 season with a broken clavicle suffered in the first preseason game.
The Steelers wanted to bring both Leftwich and Batch to camp this summer in case one of the two were injured.
:Leftwich was signed last August after Batch was injured.
Leftwich signed a two-year deal with Tampa Bay, spurning a similar offer from the Steelers for the opportunity to win a starting job in Tampa Bay.
The Bucs' depth chart at quarterback now includes Leftwich, Josh McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson.
Pittsburgh currently has just unproven second-year QB Dennis Dixon on its roster behind Roethlisberger. The team will now turn to veteran Charlie Batch, who missed the entire 2008 season with a broken clavicle suffered in the first preseason game.
The Steelers wanted to bring both Leftwich and Batch to camp this summer in case one of the two were injured.
:Leftwich was signed last August after Batch was injured.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Harrison deal near?
According to KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani – perhaps the hardest-working TV reporter in Pittsburgh – the Steelers and linebacker James Harrison could have a new deal by next week.
Pompeani reports the deal would be worth $45 million, which tells me it's likely a four-year extension for the 30-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker.
The Steelers will likely have to move some money around to strike a deal like that, but that probably won't be too big of a problem.
Pompeani reports the deal would be worth $45 million, which tells me it's likely a four-year extension for the 30-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker.
The Steelers will likely have to move some money around to strike a deal like that, but that probably won't be too big of a problem.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Polamalu, Fitzgerald on Madden cover
It's gotta be the hair.
According to Yahoo, EA Sports is considering putting both Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald on the cover of its next Madden game.
Of course that opens both men up to the dreaded Madden curse, which has afflicted more than one player after appearing on the popular game's cover.
Maybe with two guys, they'd only be half-cursed.
According to Yahoo, EA Sports is considering putting both Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald on the cover of its next Madden game.
Of course that opens both men up to the dreaded Madden curse, which has afflicted more than one player after appearing on the popular game's cover.
Maybe with two guys, they'd only be half-cursed.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
First mock draft
OK, you asked for it, here it is. Remember, this will change over the next couple of weeks as more information comes in.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - The Lions seem to be settling in on taking the quarterback with the first pick.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - The Rams have a lot of holes, but the release of Orlando Pace may have tipped their hand.
3. Kansas City, Brian Orapko, OLB, Texas - The Chiefs are going to a 3-4 defense and need pass rushers.
4. Seattle, Eugene Monroe, PT, Virginia - No need to convince the team that has had Walter Jones at LT for a decade the value of a good LT. Jones’ eventual replacement.
5. Cleveland, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Browns need to upgrade their front seven. Curry does everything well except rush the passer, so he’ll fit right in with the Browns.
6. Cincinnati, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - The Bengals are looking to trade Chad Johnson and Crabtree would soften that blow.
7. Oakland, B.J. Raji, DT. Boston College - Even if Raji did smoke some pot it wouldn’t bother the Raiders. In fact, it might increase their interest in him.
8. Jacksonville, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - The Jaguars haven’t had a playmaker at WR since Jimmy Smith retired.
9. Green Bay, Everette Brown, LB, Florida State - The Packers are shifting to a 3-4 and need guys to rush off of the edge.
10. San Francisco, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - After signing Marvel Smith, the 49ers need some younger insurance.
11. Buffalo, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Maybin was awfully productive last season, but will be making the transition to LB.
12. Denver, Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU – The Broncos couldn’t stop anybody last season.
13. Washington, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – Washington’s offensive line is getting a little ragged.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – The Saints were incredibly soft in the secondary last season.
15. Houston, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – Make this pick with the expectation that Donta Robinson won’t re-sign after this season.
16. San Diego, Rey Maualuga, LB, USC – Where else would Junior Seau Jr. go?
17. Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – The Jets really made this a need position. More athletic than Mark Sanchez.
18. Denver, Brian Cushing, LB, USC – The Broncos are reworking what was a bad defensive front.
19. Tampa Bay, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC – Even with Jon Gruden gone, the Bucs keep collecting QBs.
20. Detroit, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Lions need to beef up the defensive front.
21. Philadelphia, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - The Eagles have been looking for a stud WR for seemingly forever.
22. Minnesota, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida – The Vikings want to upgrade their WR position and Harvin can certainly do that.
23. New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Matthews fits the mold of New England linebackers.
24. Atlanta, Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri – A big body for the front seven.
25. Miami, Alex Mack, C, California – The Dolphins are in a tough spot needing help in a lot of places.
26. Baltimore, Hakeem Nicks, WR, NC – The Ravens know that Derrick Mason is nearing the end.
27. Indianapolis, Filli Moala, DT, USC – The Colts need to beef up the interior of their defensive line.
28. Philadelphia, Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State – The Eagles get a big back to pair with Brian Westbrook.
29. New York Giants, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Giants would have preferred one of the top WRs fall to them and like Kenny Britt of Rutgers, but they’ll settle for Moreno as a replacement for Derrick Ward.
30. Tennessee, Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut – The Titans need help in the secondary.
31. Arizona, Connor Barwin, LB, Cincinnati – Teams are intrigued by his athleticism.
32. Pittsburgh, Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville – The Steelers ignored the offensive line last year, but can’t do it again. Max Unger will also tempt them, but Wood is nastier.
1. Detroit, Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - The Lions seem to be settling in on taking the quarterback with the first pick.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - The Rams have a lot of holes, but the release of Orlando Pace may have tipped their hand.
3. Kansas City, Brian Orapko, OLB, Texas - The Chiefs are going to a 3-4 defense and need pass rushers.
4. Seattle, Eugene Monroe, PT, Virginia - No need to convince the team that has had Walter Jones at LT for a decade the value of a good LT. Jones’ eventual replacement.
5. Cleveland, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The Browns need to upgrade their front seven. Curry does everything well except rush the passer, so he’ll fit right in with the Browns.
6. Cincinnati, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - The Bengals are looking to trade Chad Johnson and Crabtree would soften that blow.
7. Oakland, B.J. Raji, DT. Boston College - Even if Raji did smoke some pot it wouldn’t bother the Raiders. In fact, it might increase their interest in him.
8. Jacksonville, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - The Jaguars haven’t had a playmaker at WR since Jimmy Smith retired.
9. Green Bay, Everette Brown, LB, Florida State - The Packers are shifting to a 3-4 and need guys to rush off of the edge.
10. San Francisco, Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - After signing Marvel Smith, the 49ers need some younger insurance.
11. Buffalo, Aaron Maybin, LB, Penn State – Maybin was awfully productive last season, but will be making the transition to LB.
12. Denver, Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU – The Broncos couldn’t stop anybody last season.
13. Washington, Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi – Washington’s offensive line is getting a little ragged.
14. New Orleans, Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – The Saints were incredibly soft in the secondary last season.
15. Houston, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – Make this pick with the expectation that Donta Robinson won’t re-sign after this season.
16. San Diego, Rey Maualuga, LB, USC – Where else would Junior Seau Jr. go?
17. Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State – The Jets really made this a need position. More athletic than Mark Sanchez.
18. Denver, Brian Cushing, LB, USC – The Broncos are reworking what was a bad defensive front.
19. Tampa Bay, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC – Even with Jon Gruden gone, the Bucs keep collecting QBs.
20. Detroit, Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi – The Lions need to beef up the defensive front.
21. Philadelphia, Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - The Eagles have been looking for a stud WR for seemingly forever.
22. Minnesota, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida – The Vikings want to upgrade their WR position and Harvin can certainly do that.
23. New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC – Matthews fits the mold of New England linebackers.
24. Atlanta, Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri – A big body for the front seven.
25. Miami, Alex Mack, C, California – The Dolphins are in a tough spot needing help in a lot of places.
26. Baltimore, Hakeem Nicks, WR, NC – The Ravens know that Derrick Mason is nearing the end.
27. Indianapolis, Filli Moala, DT, USC – The Colts need to beef up the interior of their defensive line.
28. Philadelphia, Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State – The Eagles get a big back to pair with Brian Westbrook.
29. New York Giants, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – The Giants would have preferred one of the top WRs fall to them and like Kenny Britt of Rutgers, but they’ll settle for Moreno as a replacement for Derrick Ward.
30. Tennessee, Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut – The Titans need help in the secondary.
31. Arizona, Connor Barwin, LB, Cincinnati – Teams are intrigued by his athleticism.
32. Pittsburgh, Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville – The Steelers ignored the offensive line last year, but can’t do it again. Max Unger will also tempt them, but Wood is nastier.
Steelers finalizing draft boards
The Steelers are finishing up their draft preparations and looking over prospects. With the draft a little over two weeks away, the team will begin doing mock drafts in the next week or so.
A lot can change in the draft process in two weeks, but rest assured, attaining at least two offensive linemen will be a priority. So will acquiring a cornerback, wide receiver and defensive linemen.
In fact, about the only position the Steelers won't be picking from will be quarterback and tight end.
With a healthy portion of the team's starting lineup heading into the final season of their contracts, just about anything could happen in this draft.
Of course the waiting will be the hardest part. That first day is going to drag on while we wait for the 32nd pick to finally come around.
A lot can change in the draft process in two weeks, but rest assured, attaining at least two offensive linemen will be a priority. So will acquiring a cornerback, wide receiver and defensive linemen.
In fact, about the only position the Steelers won't be picking from will be quarterback and tight end.
With a healthy portion of the team's starting lineup heading into the final season of their contracts, just about anything could happen in this draft.
Of course the waiting will be the hardest part. That first day is going to drag on while we wait for the 32nd pick to finally come around.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Steelers re-sign Fox
The much-awaited re-signing of linebacker Keyaron Fox has been finalized for the Steelers.
Fox agreed to a two-year, $1.8-million deal Monday.
It was a deal both sides wanted to happen, but there had been no hurry to get it done until now. With the team's offseason workouts set to begin soon, however, the Steelers wanted Fox to be able to participate.
Now, he can.
Fox agreed to a two-year, $1.8-million deal Monday.
It was a deal both sides wanted to happen, but there had been no hurry to get it done until now. With the team's offseason workouts set to begin soon, however, the Steelers wanted Fox to be able to participate.
Now, he can.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Leftwich, Skins talking
Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich met with the Washington Redskins over the weekend and the Washington, D.C., native could soon sign with his hometown team.
The Steelers would like to have Leftwich back for another year as Ben Roethlisberger's backup. Of course, they'd also like to bring Charlie Batch back as well.
Washington tried hard to make a trade for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, who was later dealt to Chicago. The move has put quarterback Jason Campbell's status with the Skins on thin ice. Campbell is reportedly ticked off about the team trying to deal him.
Signing Leftwich would give the Redskins options.
The Steelers, meanwhile, like second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon, a fifth-round pick last season. Despite coming off a major knee injury that ended his college career, Dixon looked good in training camp and the preseason.
He may not, however, be quite ready to hold down the No. 2 job with the Steelers. Hence the team's interest in bringing back Leftwich and/or Batch.
The Steelers would like to have Leftwich back for another year as Ben Roethlisberger's backup. Of course, they'd also like to bring Charlie Batch back as well.
Washington tried hard to make a trade for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, who was later dealt to Chicago. The move has put quarterback Jason Campbell's status with the Skins on thin ice. Campbell is reportedly ticked off about the team trying to deal him.
Signing Leftwich would give the Redskins options.
The Steelers, meanwhile, like second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon, a fifth-round pick last season. Despite coming off a major knee injury that ended his college career, Dixon looked good in training camp and the preseason.
He may not, however, be quite ready to hold down the No. 2 job with the Steelers. Hence the team's interest in bringing back Leftwich and/or Batch.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Burress at Pittsburgh airport
According to my good friend and former KDKA sports anchor John Steigerwald, troubled wide receiver Plaxico Burress was spotted soon after his release by the New York Giants at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport.
I'm sure it was just a coincidence, but you can bet that more than a few people out there started putting two-and-two together and coming up with five.
The Steelers need a wide receiver and Burress has a good relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from their time together here.
But it's highly doubtful the Steelers would even be slightly interested in bringing Burress back.
First, he's got a possible jail term hanging over his head stemming from gun charges in New York. Second, well, we don't have to go any further than the first point.
Burress isn't coming back.
It's more likely, by the way, that he was in Pittsburgh settling some other form of business. Burress has had several problems with creditors over the years, several from when he was with the Steelers.
Seems he sometimes forgets to pay his bills.
Personally, I never had a problem with Burress. I always found him approachable, even after a loss, which wasn't always the case with some of his teammates.
But he is certainly immature.
© According to blogger Lance Zierlein - yes, the son of Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein – Jay Cutler was almost with the Browns.
Actually, according to Zierlein's well-placed source – which wasn't his father – there were a couple of trade possibilities involving the Browns and Cutler.
There was a three-team deal in the works that would have sent Cutler to Washington, Jason Campbell to Cleveland and Brady Quinn to Denver.
There was also a straight Cutler-for-Quinn deal that Cutler nixed.
I'm sure it was just a coincidence, but you can bet that more than a few people out there started putting two-and-two together and coming up with five.
The Steelers need a wide receiver and Burress has a good relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from their time together here.
But it's highly doubtful the Steelers would even be slightly interested in bringing Burress back.
First, he's got a possible jail term hanging over his head stemming from gun charges in New York. Second, well, we don't have to go any further than the first point.
Burress isn't coming back.
It's more likely, by the way, that he was in Pittsburgh settling some other form of business. Burress has had several problems with creditors over the years, several from when he was with the Steelers.
Seems he sometimes forgets to pay his bills.
Personally, I never had a problem with Burress. I always found him approachable, even after a loss, which wasn't always the case with some of his teammates.
But he is certainly immature.
© According to blogger Lance Zierlein - yes, the son of Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein – Jay Cutler was almost with the Browns.
Actually, according to Zierlein's well-placed source – which wasn't his father – there were a couple of trade possibilities involving the Browns and Cutler.
There was a three-team deal in the works that would have sent Cutler to Washington, Jason Campbell to Cleveland and Brady Quinn to Denver.
There was also a straight Cutler-for-Quinn deal that Cutler nixed.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Kreider signs with Arizona
The Pittsburgh-to-Arizona matriculation continues as former Steelers fullback Dan Kreider has signed with the Cardinals.
Kreider, the Steelers' rookie of the year in 2000 after making the team as an undrafted free agent, spent last season with the St. Louis Rams after Pittsburgh did not re-sign him.
He joins Jerame Tuman, Sean Morey, Clark Haggans as former Steelers the Cardinals have signed.
Kreider, the Steelers' rookie of the year in 2000 after making the team as an undrafted free agent, spent last season with the St. Louis Rams after Pittsburgh did not re-sign him.
He joins Jerame Tuman, Sean Morey, Clark Haggans as former Steelers the Cardinals have signed.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Blair in the NFL?
Sportingnews.com had an interesting blurb today about Pitt center DeJuan Blair considering the NFL as a potential fallback option if his future in the NBA doesn't work out.
I had the same conversation with somebody in the Steelers front office late in the season last year.
I mentioned that Blair, with his massive wing span and quick feet would be an ideal offensive tackle. He'd just have to put on about 20 or so pounds - which I don't think would be a real problem for him.
The front office official agreed.
That said, Blair has a future in th NBA - if he can develop a 10 to 15-foot jump shot.
I had the same conversation with somebody in the Steelers front office late in the season last year.
I mentioned that Blair, with his massive wing span and quick feet would be an ideal offensive tackle. He'd just have to put on about 20 or so pounds - which I don't think would be a real problem for him.
The front office official agreed.
That said, Blair has a future in th NBA - if he can develop a 10 to 15-foot jump shot.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Steelers open preseason against Cardinals
The preseason will begin in 2009 the same way the 2008 season ended for the Steelers - playing the Arizona Cardinals.
This time, however, the two won't be playing for a Super Bowl championship. Pittsburgh will host Arizona Aug. 13 according to the preseason schedule released by the NFL Monday. The game will be televised by ESPN.
In Week 2, the Steelers will travel to Washington, while Buffalo visits Pittsburgh in Week 3.
The Steelers' final preseason game will be at Carolina.
Missing from the schedule is the annual Philadelphia-Pittsburgh series.
This time, however, the two won't be playing for a Super Bowl championship. Pittsburgh will host Arizona Aug. 13 according to the preseason schedule released by the NFL Monday. The game will be televised by ESPN.
In Week 2, the Steelers will travel to Washington, while Buffalo visits Pittsburgh in Week 3.
The Steelers' final preseason game will be at Carolina.
Missing from the schedule is the annual Philadelphia-Pittsburgh series.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Smith signs with 49ers
According to the Santa Rosa Press, offensive tackle Marvel Smith has signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
The oft-injured left tackle agreed to an incentive-laden deal to prove that his back, which has required surgery in each of the past two years, will hold up.
Interestingly enough, the 49ers also released equally oft-injured tackle Jonas Jennings Friday.
If they're hoping Smith will help ease that loss, they apparently haven't learned much from Jennings playing in just 23 of a possible 64 games since signing him to a seven-year, $36 million deal in 2005.
The oft-injured left tackle agreed to an incentive-laden deal to prove that his back, which has required surgery in each of the past two years, will hold up.
Interestingly enough, the 49ers also released equally oft-injured tackle Jonas Jennings Friday.
If they're hoping Smith will help ease that loss, they apparently haven't learned much from Jennings playing in just 23 of a possible 64 games since signing him to a seven-year, $36 million deal in 2005.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Steelers men's fantasy camp date set
Re; From the Steelers
Registration is now open for the seventh annual Steelers Men’s Fantasy Camp presented by Rolling Rock with special guest Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver # 86 Hines Ward!
The Pittsburgh Steelers invite you to join us at Steelers Training Camp from Friday June 5 - Sunday June 7. This dream weekend begins with a tour of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon at either 12:00 or 2:00 pm. Your weekend at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe will begin with registration at 5:00 pm Friday. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your own photo professionally taken with the Super Bowl XLIII Lombardi Trophy on Friday evening.
In addition to the Friday evening activities, your entire weekend includes:
Dorm housing, meals and a special Steelers gift bag.
Steelers Alumni Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley will be present all weekend as your hosts
Two on-field practices Saturday afternoon conducted by current Steelers players and Alumni such as #9 Dan Sepulveda, #60 Greg Warren, Dermontti Dawson, Frank Pollard, Louis Lipps, Edmund Nelson, Jerry Olsavsky and Delton Hall.
A Saturday afternoon Team Meeting conducted by a current Steelers coach
A Saturday evening banquet featuring Steelers Wide Receiver #86 Hines Ward as the guest speaker
Tickets to all 2009 Steelers home games will be raffled off on Saturday evening.
A Skills Competition divided by age groups on Sunday with great prizes for the winners.
On Sunday, the Dinner and the awards ceremony will conclude by 1:30 pm.
Your cost for this all inclusive weekend is $599 per person.
TO REGISTER: Please go to http://news.steelers.com/article/103818 to fill out the entry form and physical form. Please mail those forms along with a check or money order for $599 made payable to the Pittsburgh Steelers to the following address:
2009 Men’s Fantasy Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers
100 Art Rooney Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 412-697-7713.
Registration is now open for the seventh annual Steelers Men’s Fantasy Camp presented by Rolling Rock with special guest Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver # 86 Hines Ward!
The Pittsburgh Steelers invite you to join us at Steelers Training Camp from Friday June 5 - Sunday June 7. This dream weekend begins with a tour of Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon at either 12:00 or 2:00 pm. Your weekend at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe will begin with registration at 5:00 pm Friday. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your own photo professionally taken with the Super Bowl XLIII Lombardi Trophy on Friday evening.
In addition to the Friday evening activities, your entire weekend includes:
Dorm housing, meals and a special Steelers gift bag.
Steelers Alumni Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley will be present all weekend as your hosts
Two on-field practices Saturday afternoon conducted by current Steelers players and Alumni such as #9 Dan Sepulveda, #60 Greg Warren, Dermontti Dawson, Frank Pollard, Louis Lipps, Edmund Nelson, Jerry Olsavsky and Delton Hall.
A Saturday afternoon Team Meeting conducted by a current Steelers coach
A Saturday evening banquet featuring Steelers Wide Receiver #86 Hines Ward as the guest speaker
Tickets to all 2009 Steelers home games will be raffled off on Saturday evening.
A Skills Competition divided by age groups on Sunday with great prizes for the winners.
On Sunday, the Dinner and the awards ceremony will conclude by 1:30 pm.
Your cost for this all inclusive weekend is $599 per person.
TO REGISTER: Please go to http://news.steelers.com/article/103818 to fill out the entry form and physical form. Please mail those forms along with a check or money order for $599 made payable to the Pittsburgh Steelers to the following address:
2009 Men’s Fantasy Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers
100 Art Rooney Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 412-697-7713.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Compensatory pick scam solved
There's been much teeth gnashing in the past couple of days since the NFL announced its compensatory picks and the Steelers did not get the third-round selection everyone assumed they'd receive for the loss of Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, instead getting a fifth-round pick.
Turns out, it's part of the rules.
According to the compensatory pick rules, teams that lose a player with 10 or more NFL seasons under their belt are awarded a pick no higher than the fifth round for that player.
Thus the Steelers were awarded the highest pick they could have received for losing Faneca.
I guess even AdamJT13 doesn't know everything about how compensatory picks are awarded.
Turns out, it's part of the rules.
According to the compensatory pick rules, teams that lose a player with 10 or more NFL seasons under their belt are awarded a pick no higher than the fifth round for that player.
Thus the Steelers were awarded the highest pick they could have received for losing Faneca.
I guess even AdamJT13 doesn't know everything about how compensatory picks are awarded.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The guru responds to the compensatory scam
As visitors to this blog well know, I look to AdamJT13 (his code name) to figure out the compensatory picks each year. He's right a heck of a lot more often than he's wrong.
That said, Adam, who got 26 of the 32 picks right this year, is a little steamed about missing so badly on the Steelers' compensation. Pittsburgh, of course, received a fifth-round selection when Adam felt the Steelers would get a third.
"The one surprise that I can't explain is the Steelers getting only a fifth-round pick after losing two players (Alan Faneca and Clark Haggans) and signing one (Mewelde Moore). Haggans and Moore had seventh-round values and should have canceled out each other. Faneca played 99 percent of the snaps, made the Pro Bowl and got a huge contract ($7.8 million per season, plus a little more that doesn't count in the equation). He clearly had a third-round value, so I'm curious about why the Steelers got a fifth. Hopefully the media in Pittsburgh will look into it and get an answer," Adam wrote on his blog http://adamjt13.blogspot.com/
That said, Adam, who got 26 of the 32 picks right this year, is a little steamed about missing so badly on the Steelers' compensation. Pittsburgh, of course, received a fifth-round selection when Adam felt the Steelers would get a third.
"The one surprise that I can't explain is the Steelers getting only a fifth-round pick after losing two players (Alan Faneca and Clark Haggans) and signing one (Mewelde Moore). Haggans and Moore had seventh-round values and should have canceled out each other. Faneca played 99 percent of the snaps, made the Pro Bowl and got a huge contract ($7.8 million per season, plus a little more that doesn't count in the equation). He clearly had a third-round value, so I'm curious about why the Steelers got a fifth. Hopefully the media in Pittsburgh will look into it and get an answer," Adam wrote on his blog http://adamjt13.blogspot.com/
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