Tom Brady was supposed to own Dick LeBeau, but that was LeBeau's defense on the field Sunday - minus several stars - that shut down the vaunted New England offense.
Or was it Bruce Arians' offense that did that?
The Steelers offense did a great job of keeping the chains moving via the short passing game and the defense was outstanding when it was on the field, particularly in forcing three and outs in the first series of each half.
Part of the reason for that was Ike Taylor's blanket coverage all day on safety net Wes Welker, but the Steelers also got a strong game from youngster Cortez Allen, who had Rob Gronkowski one on one several times, forcing Brady to hold the ball.
If Taylor doesn't make the Pro Bowl off of what he's done the past two weeks - shutting down Larry Fitzgerald and Welker - they should just stop playing the game.
But the addition of the likes of Allen, Stevenson Sylvester, Cameron Heyward and even Chris Carter bodes well for the Steelers the rest of this season.
© LeBeau showed that you can teach an old dog new tricks by stepping out of character and having his corners play a lot of press man coverage.
According to Tom Brady, it was more than the Steelers had shown all season. And the Patriots couldn't beat it.
The same plan should be used against Baltimore next week. The Ravens receivers can't beat and egg and Joe Flacco looks to have completely lost his confidence.
Or, as Bill Hillgrove put it, "Flacco is playing like Tyler Palko's backup."
© Don't look now, but the old, slow and done Steelers now have the best record in the AFC.
Wonder if anyone will bring that up to old, slow and done Warren Sapp this week?
© The Steelers could get James Harrison back this week against the Ravens, but it looks like they could be without LaMarr Woodley, who sacked Brady twice in the first half, then went down in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
The beat goes on for the Steelers, who have had their worst season for injuries in quite some time.
© Loved the play by Troy Polamalu to bat Brett Keisel's sack-strip backward toward the end zone. Polamalu was going to have to fight a couple of offensive linemen for the ball.
Instead, Ziggy Hood nearly recovered it in the end zone before it went for a safety.
© On a final note, this is why you play the games instead of just figuring out who is going to beat who on paper.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Who I like, New England version
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is on a bit of a roll in the past three games, with a Tom Brady-like eight touchdown passes.
Sunday, he'll get another opportunity to go head to head with the real thing when Brady and the Patriots come to Heinz Field.
This has been a traditionally tough matchup for the Steelers due to Brady's ability to pick apart zone defenses.
And that has led to Brady compiling a 6-1 record against the Steelers.
But Roethlisberger has had some success against New England's defense as well. He owns a 2-3 mark against the Patriots, though one of those wins came against Matt Cassell.
These Steelers are better suited to match up against New England in a point-for-point battle.
The Steelers showed some of that in 2010 when they rallied against New England before dropping a 39-26 decision, with the big difference being an interception and touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter by the Patriots.
The Pittsburgh receivers are a year older and wiser, which will make a difference, but it likely won't be enough.
Brady gets into these kind of shootouts on a weekly basis, while the Steelers still have to get comfortable doing so.
New England is a three-point favorite and I think the Patriots will win, but they won't cover.
Take New England, 33-31.
© The Steelers on Saturday released defensive lineman Corbin Bryant and signed linebacker Mortty Ivy off their practice squad.
Bryant will likely be re-signed to the practice squad after he clears waivers.
The activation of Ivy is a sign that the Steelers aren't all too sure about the status of James Farrior, who is questionable to play Sunday with a calf injury.
Sunday, he'll get another opportunity to go head to head with the real thing when Brady and the Patriots come to Heinz Field.
This has been a traditionally tough matchup for the Steelers due to Brady's ability to pick apart zone defenses.
And that has led to Brady compiling a 6-1 record against the Steelers.
But Roethlisberger has had some success against New England's defense as well. He owns a 2-3 mark against the Patriots, though one of those wins came against Matt Cassell.
These Steelers are better suited to match up against New England in a point-for-point battle.
The Steelers showed some of that in 2010 when they rallied against New England before dropping a 39-26 decision, with the big difference being an interception and touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter by the Patriots.
The Pittsburgh receivers are a year older and wiser, which will make a difference, but it likely won't be enough.
Brady gets into these kind of shootouts on a weekly basis, while the Steelers still have to get comfortable doing so.
New England is a three-point favorite and I think the Patriots will win, but they won't cover.
Take New England, 33-31.
© The Steelers on Saturday released defensive lineman Corbin Bryant and signed linebacker Mortty Ivy off their practice squad.
Bryant will likely be re-signed to the practice squad after he clears waivers.
The activation of Ivy is a sign that the Steelers aren't all too sure about the status of James Farrior, who is questionable to play Sunday with a calf injury.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday news and notes
Hines Ward missed his second consecutive day of practice with a sprained ankle, but said he is going to do everything in his power to play Sunday against the Patriots.
If not, Emmanuel Sanders will start.
© Linebacker James Farrior was limited today after tweaking his calf Wednesday. You'll remember that Farrior went down briefly with a cramp in the same calf against Arizona.
Farrior expects to play.
© Linebacker James Harrison, nose tackle Chris Hoke and guard Doug Legursky were out.
Linebacker Jason Worilds returned to practice on a limited basis with his quad injury.
If not, Emmanuel Sanders will start.
© Linebacker James Farrior was limited today after tweaking his calf Wednesday. You'll remember that Farrior went down briefly with a cramp in the same calf against Arizona.
Farrior expects to play.
© Linebacker James Harrison, nose tackle Chris Hoke and guard Doug Legursky were out.
Linebacker Jason Worilds returned to practice on a limited basis with his quad injury.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday news and notes
Got to the bottom of Chris Hoke being out two weeks with a stinger.
The issue is that the stinger is the second in a close period of time for Hoke and the nerve sheath still hasn't regenerated.
It will be an issue for Hoke for the remainder of the season.
© James Harrison is getting closer to a return. He said he's still experiencing some light sensitivity and will wear a visor when he does come back.
The biggest issue for Harrison is his vision.
@ Chris Kemoeatu was fined $25,000 for a facemask and unnecessary roughness penalties against Arizona last Sunday.
© Hines Ward sat out practice today for the Steelers, but that's nothing new. He never practices on Wednesdays.
Ward told reporters that it will take a lot for him not to play against the Patriots Sunday.
The issue is that the stinger is the second in a close period of time for Hoke and the nerve sheath still hasn't regenerated.
It will be an issue for Hoke for the remainder of the season.
© James Harrison is getting closer to a return. He said he's still experiencing some light sensitivity and will wear a visor when he does come back.
The biggest issue for Harrison is his vision.
@ Chris Kemoeatu was fined $25,000 for a facemask and unnecessary roughness penalties against Arizona last Sunday.
© Hines Ward sat out practice today for the Steelers, but that's nothing new. He never practices on Wednesdays.
Ward told reporters that it will take a lot for him not to play against the Patriots Sunday.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin
The biggest news to come out of Mike Tomlin's press conference today is that Casey Hampton is expected to return against New England on Sunday after sitting out the past three games with a shoulder injury.
Of course, getting a nose tackle back against New England may be a moot point. Because of New England's propensity to spread the field out against the Steelers, the nose tackle often only sees 15 to 20 plays.
© Tomlin said he'll wait and see how Hines Ward is Wednesday before he makes any declarations if Ward will play or not. Ward suffered a sprained ankle against Arizona.
© James Harrison, Chris Hoke, Jason Worilds and Doug Legursky are likely out.
Rookie corner Curtis Brown is suffering from back spasms.
© Tomlin said he's not sure Ike Taylor will follow Wes Welker all over the field since Welker lines up so much in the slot.
Of course, getting a nose tackle back against New England may be a moot point. Because of New England's propensity to spread the field out against the Steelers, the nose tackle often only sees 15 to 20 plays.
© Tomlin said he'll wait and see how Hines Ward is Wednesday before he makes any declarations if Ward will play or not. Ward suffered a sprained ankle against Arizona.
© James Harrison, Chris Hoke, Jason Worilds and Doug Legursky are likely out.
Rookie corner Curtis Brown is suffering from back spasms.
© Tomlin said he's not sure Ike Taylor will follow Wes Welker all over the field since Welker lines up so much in the slot.
The stakes have risen
The Steelers likely went to bed - or at least couldn't watch the train wreck any longer – behind the Ravens and woke up in first place, a half-game ahead of Baltimore.
The Ravens' showed some of the same problems on offense they've had in previous years in Monday night's 12-7 loss at Jacksonville.
They don't play well on the road - at least not offensively. Joe Flacco still isn't very accurate. And if you take Ray Rice away from him, he's toast.
The Steelers host the Ravens in two weeks at Heinz Field.
Yes, there's an important game this weekend against New England. But the one the following week against Baltimore will be far more important in the grand scheme of things.
The Ravens' showed some of the same problems on offense they've had in previous years in Monday night's 12-7 loss at Jacksonville.
They don't play well on the road - at least not offensively. Joe Flacco still isn't very accurate. And if you take Ray Rice away from him, he's toast.
The Steelers host the Ravens in two weeks at Heinz Field.
Yes, there's an important game this weekend against New England. But the one the following week against Baltimore will be far more important in the grand scheme of things.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Post-Arizona thoughts
Check-down Ben was back today for the Steelers and, amazingly, the Steelers had another big offensive day.
Imagine that.
I thought Roethlisberger played outstanding football against the Cardinals, pretty much doing whatever he wanted.
He seemed to have the Cardinals guessing wrong all day – witness his fake in the backfield on former teammate Clark Haggans, getting Haggans to go airborne while Roethlisberger scrambled around him and made yet another short completion.
And the deep balls were still there.
© That said, Roethlisberger still took some unnecessary hits in this game. He got sacked twice - including once by Haggans – and hit six times.
And that was in a game in which the Steelers led 14-0 and never trailed.
One player who did not get a QB hit was Joey Porter. He's finished.
© Chris Kemoeatu was back and so were the stupid penalties and plays.
First was a grab of the facemask of a pass rusher running by him.
Then came an inexplicable dive into a pile of players lying on the ground after a short pass to Hines Ward that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty, about the 10th time in his career he's pulled that one off.
He finished things off by wasting about 10 seconds jawing with a defensive player behind the play while the Steelers were trying to run their two-minute offense late in the first half.
Head coach Mike Tomlin could be seen pointing to his head, reminding Kemoeatu to think after he was dragged back to the line of scrimmage following the third bozo play of the game.
And that was all in the first half.
Kemoeatu is only seven years into his career with the Steelers. There's still room for growth there.
By the time he spends his final years in the league with the Cardinals, maybe he'll finally get it.
© Steve McLendon played an outstanding game on the nose.
The Cardinals ran right at him on a number of occasions and McLendon was more than up to the challenge most of the time.
Beanie Wells, before he was knocked out of the game by Ryan Clark, didn't find much running room – save for one time when Larry Foote got trapped out of position.
© How do you leave LaMarr Woodley unblocked inside your own 5?
© The young receivers were on the same page as Roethlisberger throughout the game today. They had better be again next week against New England because the Steelers will need to score all the points they can.
© Tomlin said after the game that Aaron Smith had some neck pain, but thought it was due to the rigors of playing.
But when he sat out a couple of weeks and the pain persisted, they had it checked out.
That's when they found a problem that will require season-ending surgery. No conspiracy there.
Imagine that.
I thought Roethlisberger played outstanding football against the Cardinals, pretty much doing whatever he wanted.
He seemed to have the Cardinals guessing wrong all day – witness his fake in the backfield on former teammate Clark Haggans, getting Haggans to go airborne while Roethlisberger scrambled around him and made yet another short completion.
And the deep balls were still there.
© That said, Roethlisberger still took some unnecessary hits in this game. He got sacked twice - including once by Haggans – and hit six times.
And that was in a game in which the Steelers led 14-0 and never trailed.
One player who did not get a QB hit was Joey Porter. He's finished.
© Chris Kemoeatu was back and so were the stupid penalties and plays.
First was a grab of the facemask of a pass rusher running by him.
Then came an inexplicable dive into a pile of players lying on the ground after a short pass to Hines Ward that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty, about the 10th time in his career he's pulled that one off.
He finished things off by wasting about 10 seconds jawing with a defensive player behind the play while the Steelers were trying to run their two-minute offense late in the first half.
Head coach Mike Tomlin could be seen pointing to his head, reminding Kemoeatu to think after he was dragged back to the line of scrimmage following the third bozo play of the game.
And that was all in the first half.
Kemoeatu is only seven years into his career with the Steelers. There's still room for growth there.
By the time he spends his final years in the league with the Cardinals, maybe he'll finally get it.
© Steve McLendon played an outstanding game on the nose.
The Cardinals ran right at him on a number of occasions and McLendon was more than up to the challenge most of the time.
Beanie Wells, before he was knocked out of the game by Ryan Clark, didn't find much running room – save for one time when Larry Foote got trapped out of position.
© How do you leave LaMarr Woodley unblocked inside your own 5?
© The young receivers were on the same page as Roethlisberger throughout the game today. They had better be again next week against New England because the Steelers will need to score all the points they can.
© Tomlin said after the game that Aaron Smith had some neck pain, but thought it was due to the rigors of playing.
But when he sat out a couple of weeks and the pain persisted, they had it checked out.
That's when they found a problem that will require season-ending surgery. No conspiracy there.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Neck injury landed Smith on ir
According to Steelers Digest - Bob Labriola - it was a neck injury that landed Aaron Smith on injured reserve. Smith had been sitting out with a foot injury.
It appears that Smith's brilliant NFL career is over.
@ Chris Hoke is among the Steelers inactives. Steve McLendon will get the start. Corbin Bryant is also active.
It appears that Smith's brilliant NFL career is over.
@ Chris Hoke is among the Steelers inactives. Steve McLendon will get the start. Corbin Bryant is also active.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Who I like – Arizona version
This game comes down to simple terms for me: If the Steelers don't let Beanie Wells run wild, they will beat the Cardinals.
Now, Wells is having a fine season. He's already scored six touchdowns and is averaging five yards per carry.
But he's not the style of back the Steelers have trouble with. In other words, he's going to be where the Steelers think he'll be.
Wells isn't a plodder by any means, but he's not very shifty, either. He's a big, strong power back with decent speed. He won't be cutting back against the grain ala. Ray Rice, Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew because that's not his style.
And the Steelers should score some points against the Cardinals, who are in the bottom third of the league in both run and pass defense.
That's why I like Pittsburgh, 27-17
© Nose tackle Chris Hoke is doubtful to play after not practicing all week long. Hoke suffered a stinger in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville.
With Casey Hampton also out, that would leave Steve McLendon as the only nose tackle on the roster.
I expect Hoke to try to give it a go on Sunday, but the Steelers could also make a move to activate Corbin Bryant off the practice squad Saturday.
Now, Wells is having a fine season. He's already scored six touchdowns and is averaging five yards per carry.
But he's not the style of back the Steelers have trouble with. In other words, he's going to be where the Steelers think he'll be.
Wells isn't a plodder by any means, but he's not very shifty, either. He's a big, strong power back with decent speed. He won't be cutting back against the grain ala. Ray Rice, Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew because that's not his style.
And the Steelers should score some points against the Cardinals, who are in the bottom third of the league in both run and pass defense.
That's why I like Pittsburgh, 27-17
© Nose tackle Chris Hoke is doubtful to play after not practicing all week long. Hoke suffered a stinger in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville.
With Casey Hampton also out, that would leave Steve McLendon as the only nose tackle on the roster.
I expect Hoke to try to give it a go on Sunday, but the Steelers could also make a move to activate Corbin Bryant off the practice squad Saturday.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday practice notes
Mike Wallace returned to practice for the Steelers today on a limited basis and should be ready to play Sunday at Arizona.
More troubling was that center Maurkice Pouncey was limited today as well with a left elbow injury.
Linebacker Jason Worilds and running back Rashard Mendenhall were also added to the injury list. Worilds aggravated his quad injury, while Mendenhall has a slight knee injury.
Chris Hoke was missing again today, which would be troubling if he were a younger player.
But for Hoke, who has been around longer than most of the coaches on this team, practice isn't a necessity.
More troubling was that center Maurkice Pouncey was limited today as well with a left elbow injury.
Linebacker Jason Worilds and running back Rashard Mendenhall were also added to the injury list. Worilds aggravated his quad injury, while Mendenhall has a slight knee injury.
Chris Hoke was missing again today, which would be troubling if he were a younger player.
But for Hoke, who has been around longer than most of the coaches on this team, practice isn't a necessity.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday news and notes
Both Casey Hampton and Chris Hoke missed practice today, but Hoke is expected to be ready to play at Arizona on Sunday.
Jason Worilds returned to full practice today, but don't expect him to be automatically thrust into the starting lineup.
On the other hand, it looks like rookie Marcus Gilbert will go back into the starting lineup ahead of Jonathan Scott at right tackle despite the fact that Scott has played well the past two games subbing.
Chris Kemoeatu is also back, though he says the cartilage problem in his knee that has forced him to miss three games will require surgery at season's end. He said he has already had the knee drained three times.
© Ben Roethlisberger said today that he went to Bruce Arians midway through the fourth quarter last Sunday and asked to run the no-huddle offense. Arians told him no, as he should have with the team nursing a 17-10 lead at that point.
Roethlisberger always wants to run the no-huddle because that's what he's very comfortable doing. But, as we've seen with Pitt this season, sometimes you have to be able to milk the clock a little bit.
If the Steelers convert a third-and-short just once in the fourth quarter, the Jaguars never get to 17-13.
Jason Worilds returned to full practice today, but don't expect him to be automatically thrust into the starting lineup.
On the other hand, it looks like rookie Marcus Gilbert will go back into the starting lineup ahead of Jonathan Scott at right tackle despite the fact that Scott has played well the past two games subbing.
Chris Kemoeatu is also back, though he says the cartilage problem in his knee that has forced him to miss three games will require surgery at season's end. He said he has already had the knee drained three times.
© Ben Roethlisberger said today that he went to Bruce Arians midway through the fourth quarter last Sunday and asked to run the no-huddle offense. Arians told him no, as he should have with the team nursing a 17-10 lead at that point.
Roethlisberger always wants to run the no-huddle because that's what he's very comfortable doing. But, as we've seen with Pitt this season, sometimes you have to be able to milk the clock a little bit.
If the Steelers convert a third-and-short just once in the fourth quarter, the Jaguars never get to 17-13.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin
Mike Tomlin said today that Troy Polamalu passed all of his concussion tests and will be ready to practice Wednesday in preparation to face Arizona on Sunday.
Polamalu sat out part of the fourth quarter of last Sunday's win against Jacksonville after getting a knee in the head while tackling Maurice Jones-Drew.
In other news, guard Chris Kemoeatu, linebacker Jason Worilds and Marcus Gilbert are expected to return to the lineup.
Tomlin said he will make a decision later this week about whether it will be Worilds or Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker in place of James Harrison.
Harrison remains out, as do Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton.
Doug Legursky will also be out several weeks after suffering a dislocated toe against the Jaguars.
Chris Hoke will likely be back this week to replace Hampton. Hoke suffered a stinger in the first half against Jacksonville and did not return to the game.
Polamalu sat out part of the fourth quarter of last Sunday's win against Jacksonville after getting a knee in the head while tackling Maurice Jones-Drew.
In other news, guard Chris Kemoeatu, linebacker Jason Worilds and Marcus Gilbert are expected to return to the lineup.
Tomlin said he will make a decision later this week about whether it will be Worilds or Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker in place of James Harrison.
Harrison remains out, as do Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton.
Doug Legursky will also be out several weeks after suffering a dislocated toe against the Jaguars.
Chris Hoke will likely be back this week to replace Hampton. Hoke suffered a stinger in the first half against Jacksonville and did not return to the game.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Post-Jaguars thoughts
That was about as ugly a win as you'll see.
The Steelers jumped on the Jaguars early and then went into turtle mode, throwing the ball five times in the second half.
OK, they actually dropped back to pass eight times in the second half, but three resulted in sacks.
And yes, that was Max Starks giving up one to some dude named John Chick – couldn't make that one up – and allowing Chick to get by him to push Ben Roethlisberger into another one.
Roethlisberger said following the game that the Jaguars were taking away the short passes and forcing the Steelers to throw the ball deep – which probably wasn't a bad game plan once the winds picked up at Heinz Field.
© That was probably the only good coaching move by Jacksonville.
Jack Del Rio's most crucial error? Lining up to convert a fourth-and-6, taking a timeout and then kicking a field goal with less than five minutes remaining and down 17-10.
What good does 17-13 do you when your quarterback still hadn't broken 100 yards at that point?
It goes back to a something one of the longtime reporters likes to say, "The other side has coaches too."
© OK, the Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker thing has pretty much run its course.
Can you believe Timmons played an entire game today with the Jaguars running his way and had not a single tackle. That's right, zero.
He also was a non-factor as a pass rusher despite being lined up against Cameron Bradfield and guard Will Rackley, a pair of rookies from football powerhouses Lehigh and Grand Valley State.
Timmons is a run-and-chase linebacker who excels in coverage. If Jason Worilds is able to play next week at Arizona, the Steelers would be well served to put him at outside linebacker or move Timmons back inside.
If not, Beanie Wells could run wild.
© Brett Keisel, by the way, did what you're supposed to do lined up against a pair of rookies from Lehigh and Grand Valley State, picking up a pair of sacks and batting down a couple of passes at the line of scrimmage.
© I wonder if the Rashard Mendenhall haters – and they are many – will be as vocal this week or if they'll wait until the next time he has a tough game to come out of the woodwork again.
© Same goes for all the people saying LaMarr Woodley was overweight and lazy.
© That's 11 TDs in his last 11 games for Mendenhall and 11.5 sacks for Woodley in his last 13 games, including the postseason. But who's counting?
© Doug Legursky suffered a dislocated toe, while Troy Polamalu was suffering from concussion-like symptoms.
Both are expected to be OK. In fact, Polamalu is expected to play next week at Arizona.
The Steelers jumped on the Jaguars early and then went into turtle mode, throwing the ball five times in the second half.
OK, they actually dropped back to pass eight times in the second half, but three resulted in sacks.
And yes, that was Max Starks giving up one to some dude named John Chick – couldn't make that one up – and allowing Chick to get by him to push Ben Roethlisberger into another one.
Roethlisberger said following the game that the Jaguars were taking away the short passes and forcing the Steelers to throw the ball deep – which probably wasn't a bad game plan once the winds picked up at Heinz Field.
© That was probably the only good coaching move by Jacksonville.
Jack Del Rio's most crucial error? Lining up to convert a fourth-and-6, taking a timeout and then kicking a field goal with less than five minutes remaining and down 17-10.
What good does 17-13 do you when your quarterback still hadn't broken 100 yards at that point?
It goes back to a something one of the longtime reporters likes to say, "The other side has coaches too."
© OK, the Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker thing has pretty much run its course.
Can you believe Timmons played an entire game today with the Jaguars running his way and had not a single tackle. That's right, zero.
He also was a non-factor as a pass rusher despite being lined up against Cameron Bradfield and guard Will Rackley, a pair of rookies from football powerhouses Lehigh and Grand Valley State.
Timmons is a run-and-chase linebacker who excels in coverage. If Jason Worilds is able to play next week at Arizona, the Steelers would be well served to put him at outside linebacker or move Timmons back inside.
If not, Beanie Wells could run wild.
© Brett Keisel, by the way, did what you're supposed to do lined up against a pair of rookies from Lehigh and Grand Valley State, picking up a pair of sacks and batting down a couple of passes at the line of scrimmage.
© I wonder if the Rashard Mendenhall haters – and they are many – will be as vocal this week or if they'll wait until the next time he has a tough game to come out of the woodwork again.
© Same goes for all the people saying LaMarr Woodley was overweight and lazy.
© That's 11 TDs in his last 11 games for Mendenhall and 11.5 sacks for Woodley in his last 13 games, including the postseason. But who's counting?
© Doug Legursky suffered a dislocated toe, while Troy Polamalu was suffering from concussion-like symptoms.
Both are expected to be OK. In fact, Polamalu is expected to play next week at Arizona.
Greetings from Heinz Field
Nice, pleasant day here at Heinz Field. The winds that whipped through the area Saturday are gone.
It's a little overcast here at Heinz Field, but pretty calm other than that.
Nice day for football.
No surprises in the Steelers inactives since they were all players declared out on Friday.
The Jaguars will be starting a pair of rookies on the left side of their offensive line. Could be a big day for Keisel/Timmons.
It's a little overcast here at Heinz Field, but pretty calm other than that.
Nice day for football.
No surprises in the Steelers inactives since they were all players declared out on Friday.
The Jaguars will be starting a pair of rookies on the left side of their offensive line. Could be a big day for Keisel/Timmons.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Who I like - Jacksonville version
Rookie quarterback faces defense looking to continue re-establishing itself as a force. This isn't a good spot for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rashard Mendenhall will also be back and should be motivated after watching his backups have some success last week.
The Steelers are 13 1/2 point favorites in this one, which is a big spot.
But if they control Maurice Jones-Drew, they should be OK.
Take Pittsburgh, 27-10
© In a poll of players conducted by Sports Illustrated, James Harrison was named the meanest player in the NFL, garnering 35 percent of the vote.
It reminds me of when Joey Porter was on the cover of SI as the "baddest man in the NFL."
At the time, the joke among reporters was how could Porter be the baddest man in the NFL when he wasn't even the baddest man in his own locker room.
Harrison had that honor.
Rashard Mendenhall will also be back and should be motivated after watching his backups have some success last week.
The Steelers are 13 1/2 point favorites in this one, which is a big spot.
But if they control Maurice Jones-Drew, they should be OK.
Take Pittsburgh, 27-10
© In a poll of players conducted by Sports Illustrated, James Harrison was named the meanest player in the NFL, garnering 35 percent of the vote.
It reminds me of when Joey Porter was on the cover of SI as the "baddest man in the NFL."
At the time, the joke among reporters was how could Porter be the baddest man in the NFL when he wasn't even the baddest man in his own locker room.
Harrison had that honor.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday news and notes
Rashard Mendenhall got through his second day of practice and will start Sunday against Jacksonville.
Don't expect a full workload, but 15 to 20 carries, with Redman getting 5 to 10, should be what we're looking at.
© Linebacker Jason Worilds returned to practice on a limited basis today and could be available.
Worilds missed last week's game with a quad injury, giving rookie Chris Carter a limited chance at some playing time.
Marcus Gilbert, Casey Hampton, Chris Kemoeatu and Mewedle Moore all sat out for the second consecutive game and are looking unlikely to play.
© Antonio Brown currently ranks 13th in the NFL in kick return average and fifth in punt returns.
He now just needs to break one for a score to be mentioned among the top return men in the league.
© Jacksonville is 3-0 at Heinz Field and is the only team to win twice there in one season.
Don't think Mike Tomlin isn't throwing that stat out at the Steelers this week, especially after being peppered with questions about the 2007 season by the Jacksonville media on Wednesday.
Don't expect a full workload, but 15 to 20 carries, with Redman getting 5 to 10, should be what we're looking at.
© Linebacker Jason Worilds returned to practice on a limited basis today and could be available.
Worilds missed last week's game with a quad injury, giving rookie Chris Carter a limited chance at some playing time.
Marcus Gilbert, Casey Hampton, Chris Kemoeatu and Mewedle Moore all sat out for the second consecutive game and are looking unlikely to play.
© Antonio Brown currently ranks 13th in the NFL in kick return average and fifth in punt returns.
He now just needs to break one for a score to be mentioned among the top return men in the league.
© Jacksonville is 3-0 at Heinz Field and is the only team to win twice there in one season.
Don't think Mike Tomlin isn't throwing that stat out at the Steelers this week, especially after being peppered with questions about the 2007 season by the Jacksonville media on Wednesday.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
No surprises
No surprises among the Steelers who missed practice Wednesday as Marcus Gilbert, Chris Kemoeatu and Casey Hampton were among those who sat out.
Rashard Mendenhall was back and said he should be ready to go Sunday against Jacksonville.
I would expect Mendenhall to start against Jacksonville, though the Steelers will likely use give Isaac Redman a series in each half like they did against Seattle.
* I talked to Ziggy Hood today and he told me he did have a tough time on the right side because he hadn't seen a ton of practice there. Remember, all of his practice time last season came on the left when he replaced Aaron Smith.
It may not seem like such a big deal, but Hood said the hand placements and leverage are different on the other side of the line. That likely forced him to think more than react, leading to him getting pushed around.
* Also spoke to Antonio Brown about his return game. He's very confident in his abilities and feels he can be a Pro Bowl returner - if teams kick to him.
Tennessee kicked away from him in the punt game last week, the ultimate show of respect for a return man.
Rashard Mendenhall was back and said he should be ready to go Sunday against Jacksonville.
I would expect Mendenhall to start against Jacksonville, though the Steelers will likely use give Isaac Redman a series in each half like they did against Seattle.
* I talked to Ziggy Hood today and he told me he did have a tough time on the right side because he hadn't seen a ton of practice there. Remember, all of his practice time last season came on the left when he replaced Aaron Smith.
It may not seem like such a big deal, but Hood said the hand placements and leverage are different on the other side of the line. That likely forced him to think more than react, leading to him getting pushed around.
* Also spoke to Antonio Brown about his return game. He's very confident in his abilities and feels he can be a Pro Bowl returner - if teams kick to him.
Tennessee kicked away from him in the punt game last week, the ultimate show of respect for a return man.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin
The big news out of Tuesday's press conference was that Mike Tomlin only expects James Harrison to miss four weeks after having surgery to repair a broken orbital bone last week.
In fact, Tomlin wouldn't rule out Harrison returning sooner than that, saying if anyone could do so, Harrison would.
In other news, only Harrison and Aaron Smith have been declared out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.
Mewelde Moore, Jason Worilds, Marcus Gilbert, Casey Hampton and Chris Kemoeatu are questionable.
Maurkice Pouncey, Cortez Allen, Rashed Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger are all expected to be available to play.
Interestingly enough, Tomlin didn't automatically declare Kemoeatu or Mendenhall the starters when they return, saying he would wait to see how they look in practice.
In addition, Tomlin said that William Gay and Keenan Lewis will continue to start ahead of Bryant McFadden.
"We're not going to fix it if it's not broken," Tomlin said.
The same goes for Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker, even if Worilds is ready to go.
In fact, Tomlin wouldn't rule out Harrison returning sooner than that, saying if anyone could do so, Harrison would.
In other news, only Harrison and Aaron Smith have been declared out for Sunday's game against Jacksonville.
Mewelde Moore, Jason Worilds, Marcus Gilbert, Casey Hampton and Chris Kemoeatu are questionable.
Maurkice Pouncey, Cortez Allen, Rashed Mendenhall and Ben Roethlisberger are all expected to be available to play.
Interestingly enough, Tomlin didn't automatically declare Kemoeatu or Mendenhall the starters when they return, saying he would wait to see how they look in practice.
In addition, Tomlin said that William Gay and Keenan Lewis will continue to start ahead of Bryant McFadden.
"We're not going to fix it if it's not broken," Tomlin said.
The same goes for Lawrence Timmons at outside linebacker, even if Worilds is ready to go.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday news and notes
If rookie Marcus Gilbert is unable to play next Sunday against Jacksonville - and that looks pretty likely - the Steelers will start their sixth different offensive line in six games.
I've been covering the NFL since 1993 and don't ever remember that happening to a team before.
© The Steelers have opened as 12 1/2-point favorites to beat the Jaguars at home.
This will be another get-healthy game for the defense, which has just 10 sacks to this point, well off its usual pace.
These are the kind of games where the Steelers defense comes out and gets five or six sacks - if not more.
© It will be interesting to see if Mike Tomlin sticks with Lawrence Timmons or goes to Jason Worilds at outside linebacker - if Worilds is over his quad injury.
If it were me, I'd go with Worilds.
This is a perfect opportunity to get the young man's feet wet against a team you should dominate. And Timmons is way better inside than he is outside.
I've been covering the NFL since 1993 and don't ever remember that happening to a team before.
© The Steelers have opened as 12 1/2-point favorites to beat the Jaguars at home.
This will be another get-healthy game for the defense, which has just 10 sacks to this point, well off its usual pace.
These are the kind of games where the Steelers defense comes out and gets five or six sacks - if not more.
© It will be interesting to see if Mike Tomlin sticks with Lawrence Timmons or goes to Jason Worilds at outside linebacker - if Worilds is over his quad injury.
If it were me, I'd go with Worilds.
This is a perfect opportunity to get the young man's feet wet against a team you should dominate. And Timmons is way better inside than he is outside.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Post-Tennessee notes
I came into this game offering the Titans plenty of R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but after watching them play, I had to wonder how they won three games, including thumping Baltimore at home in Week 2
Then I remembered how Baltimore had won its Super Bowl the previous week by beating the Steelers.
That same trend has held true the last two weeks as well.
Buffalo won its Super Bowl by beating New England in Week 2 and promptly lost to Cincinnati the next week.
Houston won its Super Bowl in Week 3 and lost to Oakland in Week 4.
It's a good reminder of one of former coach Bill Cowher's go-to sayings, "Don't get too high with the highs or too low with the lows."
The Steelers didn't get too low after their losses to Baltimore or Houston and bounced back the following weeks with victories.
© For those of you keeping score at home, Jonathan Scott was on the field for all five of the Steelers touchdowns Sunday.
He was subbing for Max Starks – who was getting a breather – at left tackle on their first two scores. He was in at right tackle for Marcus Gilbert on their final three.
Scott is much better suited to play right tackle – where he won't face premiere pass rushers every week. Because of that, the Steelers won't rush Gilbert, who left with a shoulder injury, back next week.
© OK, admit it, you were saying, "Here we go again," when Chris Johnson ran for 21 yards on his first carry.
The Steelers defensive players were saying it as well. Then they actually remembered to stay on their feet, stay in their gap and converge on the backside.
Johnson didn't have a cutback lane the rest of the game.
© Jonathan Dwyer admitted after the game that he thought he was going to score on his 78-yard run in the second quarter.
But this is the NFL, not the ACC.
That was a pretty big hole right in the middle of the line. I'm pretty sure Rashard Mendenhall would have scored on that play, which is why he'll be the starting back once he's healthy again.
© Isaac Redman did a credible job replacing Mendenhall as well, though he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry.
His biggest contribution with some crushing blitz pickups.
© Ben Roethlisberger was off badly on his first two passes, though Mike Wallace somehow came up with the second throw for an 11-yard gain.
You can't blame Roethlisberger, though. He was just so surprised that he actually had a pocket to step up into.
© All kidding aside, the offensive line did an outstanding job in pass protection – though running the ball effectively sure did help.
How bout all those play-action and three-step drops?
Tennessee was playing plenty of cover-2 and the Steelers took advantage by working underneath. It's what they should have done at Indianapolis, but had a bad combination of Roethlisberger refusing to throw underneath when it was open or having everybody going deep at other times.
© There's no reason the Steelers shouldn't be 5-2 – right where everyone felt they should be – in a few weeks heading into a big game at Heinz Field against New England.
Then they face Baltimore the week after that. Come out of that stretch at 6-3 and it's all downhill from there to the playoffs.
© Keenan Lewis just keeps getting better the more he plays. Now, he'll get to continue to improve and the Steelers don't face New England for a few weeks, but he's trending in the right direction.
He and William Gay – who is also playing well – have turned Bryant McFadden into a high-priced special teams player.
Then I remembered how Baltimore had won its Super Bowl the previous week by beating the Steelers.
That same trend has held true the last two weeks as well.
Buffalo won its Super Bowl by beating New England in Week 2 and promptly lost to Cincinnati the next week.
Houston won its Super Bowl in Week 3 and lost to Oakland in Week 4.
It's a good reminder of one of former coach Bill Cowher's go-to sayings, "Don't get too high with the highs or too low with the lows."
The Steelers didn't get too low after their losses to Baltimore or Houston and bounced back the following weeks with victories.
© For those of you keeping score at home, Jonathan Scott was on the field for all five of the Steelers touchdowns Sunday.
He was subbing for Max Starks – who was getting a breather – at left tackle on their first two scores. He was in at right tackle for Marcus Gilbert on their final three.
Scott is much better suited to play right tackle – where he won't face premiere pass rushers every week. Because of that, the Steelers won't rush Gilbert, who left with a shoulder injury, back next week.
© OK, admit it, you were saying, "Here we go again," when Chris Johnson ran for 21 yards on his first carry.
The Steelers defensive players were saying it as well. Then they actually remembered to stay on their feet, stay in their gap and converge on the backside.
Johnson didn't have a cutback lane the rest of the game.
© Jonathan Dwyer admitted after the game that he thought he was going to score on his 78-yard run in the second quarter.
But this is the NFL, not the ACC.
That was a pretty big hole right in the middle of the line. I'm pretty sure Rashard Mendenhall would have scored on that play, which is why he'll be the starting back once he's healthy again.
© Isaac Redman did a credible job replacing Mendenhall as well, though he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry.
His biggest contribution with some crushing blitz pickups.
© Ben Roethlisberger was off badly on his first two passes, though Mike Wallace somehow came up with the second throw for an 11-yard gain.
You can't blame Roethlisberger, though. He was just so surprised that he actually had a pocket to step up into.
© All kidding aside, the offensive line did an outstanding job in pass protection – though running the ball effectively sure did help.
How bout all those play-action and three-step drops?
Tennessee was playing plenty of cover-2 and the Steelers took advantage by working underneath. It's what they should have done at Indianapolis, but had a bad combination of Roethlisberger refusing to throw underneath when it was open or having everybody going deep at other times.
© There's no reason the Steelers shouldn't be 5-2 – right where everyone felt they should be – in a few weeks heading into a big game at Heinz Field against New England.
Then they face Baltimore the week after that. Come out of that stretch at 6-3 and it's all downhill from there to the playoffs.
© Keenan Lewis just keeps getting better the more he plays. Now, he'll get to continue to improve and the Steelers don't face New England for a few weeks, but he's trending in the right direction.
He and William Gay – who is also playing well – have turned Bryant McFadden into a high-priced special teams player.
Easy inactives
The inactives for today's game against Tennessee look pretty simple:
Aaron Smith, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Jason Worilds, Mewelde Moore, Chris Kemoeatu and Cortez Allen.
My guess at this point is that Rashard Mendenhall will dress, but would only play in an emergency.
They could also keep Dixon active, but why have three QBs active - unless Dixon is your emergency running back.
It's a beautiful day at Heinz Field. Sun is shining and it's in the low 70s.
Aaron Smith, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Jason Worilds, Mewelde Moore, Chris Kemoeatu and Cortez Allen.
My guess at this point is that Rashard Mendenhall will dress, but would only play in an emergency.
They could also keep Dixon active, but why have three QBs active - unless Dixon is your emergency running back.
It's a beautiful day at Heinz Field. Sun is shining and it's in the low 70s.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Remembering Al Davis
Raiders owner and AFL pioneer Al Davis has died.
There's little doubt Davis was one of the most flamboyant owners in the NFL. He also always marched to the beat of his own drum.
I'll never forget being a young reporter in my first or second year on the beat and walking to my seat at Three Rivers Stadium.
When I reached my seat, there was a guy standing there in a white warm-up suit with his hair all slicked back. He had an entourage of three or four guys with him.
It didn't take me long to realize it was Davis.
I waited for him to clear out of my space before finally sitting down. I've been around or talked to a lot of different owners in the league – none quite so humble or unassuming as the Steelers Dan Rooney – but Davis had a presence about him.
There's little doubt Davis was one of the most flamboyant owners in the NFL. He also always marched to the beat of his own drum.
I'll never forget being a young reporter in my first or second year on the beat and walking to my seat at Three Rivers Stadium.
When I reached my seat, there was a guy standing there in a white warm-up suit with his hair all slicked back. He had an entourage of three or four guys with him.
It didn't take me long to realize it was Davis.
I waited for him to clear out of my space before finally sitting down. I've been around or talked to a lot of different owners in the league – none quite so humble or unassuming as the Steelers Dan Rooney – but Davis had a presence about him.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Who I like, Tennessee version
Plenty of new starters this week, as I laid out in my previous post. And you can add one more to the mix, as Casey Hampton has been declared out for this game as well.
That means Chris Hoke and Steve McClendon will hold down the middle of the Steelers D.
But I like the Steelers this week at home. Tennessee is not good enough to be a 4-1 team. The Titans just aren't.
And playing at home, the Steelers should get a much-needed boost to force Matt Hasselbeck, who has been playing well, into some mistakes.
I think the addition of Max Starks at left tackle this week as well, will solidify things a little more, though the Steelers will be starting their fifth offensive line in five games.
But I like Pittsburgh to pull out a close one, 21-17
That means Chris Hoke and Steve McClendon will hold down the middle of the Steelers D.
But I like the Steelers this week at home. Tennessee is not good enough to be a 4-1 team. The Titans just aren't.
And playing at home, the Steelers should get a much-needed boost to force Matt Hasselbeck, who has been playing well, into some mistakes.
I think the addition of Max Starks at left tackle this week as well, will solidify things a little more, though the Steelers will be starting their fifth offensive line in five games.
But I like Pittsburgh to pull out a close one, 21-17
Thursday, October 06, 2011
A week of new faces
The Steelers had another laundry list of guys missing in practice again Thursday and it's looking likely they'll have more than just a few new starters in the lineup this week.
For the fifth time in five games, you'll be looking at a new starting offensive line.
After splitting snaps 50-50 at left tackle Wednesday, Max Starks took even more snaps than Jonathan Scott at left tackle Thursday and looks like he could be in line to start there against Tennessee.
Starks has looked good in practice.
Chris Kemoeatu missed another practice Thursday with a knee problem and it appears that Doug Legursky will move over to start at left guard, leaving Ramon Foster at right guard. You'll remember that Foster started at left guard for Kemoeatu in Week 2, so it appears that Foster is going to stick at right guard for a while.
Brett Keisel should be back, so Ziggy Hood will start in place of Aaron Smith.
Casey Hampton also sat out again with a sore shoulder, but I'd expect him to play.
Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore were also out again. The Steelers are hopeful that Mendenhall should at least be able to give them limited carries - possibly as the backup to Isaac Redman. But it appears Redman will make his first career start.
And finally, we already know about Lawrence Timmons starting at outside linebacker, with Larry Foote getting the nod inside at the mack position.
For the fifth time in five games, you'll be looking at a new starting offensive line.
After splitting snaps 50-50 at left tackle Wednesday, Max Starks took even more snaps than Jonathan Scott at left tackle Thursday and looks like he could be in line to start there against Tennessee.
Starks has looked good in practice.
Chris Kemoeatu missed another practice Thursday with a knee problem and it appears that Doug Legursky will move over to start at left guard, leaving Ramon Foster at right guard. You'll remember that Foster started at left guard for Kemoeatu in Week 2, so it appears that Foster is going to stick at right guard for a while.
Brett Keisel should be back, so Ziggy Hood will start in place of Aaron Smith.
Casey Hampton also sat out again with a sore shoulder, but I'd expect him to play.
Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore were also out again. The Steelers are hopeful that Mendenhall should at least be able to give them limited carries - possibly as the backup to Isaac Redman. But it appears Redman will make his first career start.
And finally, we already know about Lawrence Timmons starting at outside linebacker, with Larry Foote getting the nod inside at the mack position.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Myriad of players out today
There were a bunch of players missing from practice today as the Steelers began preparations for their game against the Titans Sunday.
Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice, but was getting around pretty well - albeit in a walking boot.
Roethlisberger did participate in the first walk-through and said that's the really important part for him, seeing what looks the Titans will use.
He also said he'll wear a fortified shoe on his injured left foot, just like the one he wore last year on his right foot.
Also sitting out were Casey Hampton, Cortez Allen, James Harrison, Chris Kemoeatu, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Aaron Smith and Jason Worilds.
© Good news for all of you Jonathan Scott haters. He split time with newly signed Max Starks today at left tackle.
Ben Roethlisberger didn't practice, but was getting around pretty well - albeit in a walking boot.
Roethlisberger did participate in the first walk-through and said that's the really important part for him, seeing what looks the Titans will use.
He also said he'll wear a fortified shoe on his injured left foot, just like the one he wore last year on his right foot.
Also sitting out were Casey Hampton, Cortez Allen, James Harrison, Chris Kemoeatu, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore, Aaron Smith and Jason Worilds.
© Good news for all of you Jonathan Scott haters. He split time with newly signed Max Starks today at left tackle.
Starks to be signed?
It appears the Steelers will make a move today to sign offensive tackle Max Starks to help solidify their offensive line.
But with the team just $750,000 under the cap, the team may have to get creative to make the signing work.
Obviously, somebody also has to go.
The guess here is that player will be Bryant McFadden.
The Steelers like what they've seen of rookies Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. And William Gay and Keenan Lewis have been solid while McFadden has been out of action the past three weeks – including the last two as a healthy scratch.
Recently signed Jamon Meredith is also a possibility, though, as we've seen, the Steelers apparently can't have enough offensive linemen.
But with the team just $750,000 under the cap, the team may have to get creative to make the signing work.
Obviously, somebody also has to go.
The guess here is that player will be Bryant McFadden.
The Steelers like what they've seen of rookies Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. And William Gay and Keenan Lewis have been solid while McFadden has been out of action the past three weeks – including the last two as a healthy scratch.
Recently signed Jamon Meredith is also a possibility, though, as we've seen, the Steelers apparently can't have enough offensive linemen.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin, more bad news
Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that linebacker James Harrison suffered a fractured orbital bone that will cause him to miss the next several weeks.
Harrison will have surgery Wednesday.
With linebacker Jason Worilds doubtful to play Sunday against Tennessee, Lawrence Timmons will shift outside, with Larry Foote starting inside.
On the positive side, Tomlin said he expects quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to play, though he'll obviously be limited early in the week.
Tomlin also expects Brett Keisel, Doug Legursky and Jonathan Scott back in the lineup this week.
The return of Keisel would be particularly helpful, considering Aaron Smith is doubtful to play Sunday.
The Steelers are also hurting at running back. Mewelde Moore has a sprained ankle, while Rashard Mendenhall has a hamstring strain, though Mendenhall is far more likely to play than Moore.
All in all, it's a long list of injuries.
Harrison will have surgery Wednesday.
With linebacker Jason Worilds doubtful to play Sunday against Tennessee, Lawrence Timmons will shift outside, with Larry Foote starting inside.
On the positive side, Tomlin said he expects quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to play, though he'll obviously be limited early in the week.
Tomlin also expects Brett Keisel, Doug Legursky and Jonathan Scott back in the lineup this week.
The return of Keisel would be particularly helpful, considering Aaron Smith is doubtful to play Sunday.
The Steelers are also hurting at running back. Mewelde Moore has a sprained ankle, while Rashard Mendenhall has a hamstring strain, though Mendenhall is far more likely to play than Moore.
All in all, it's a long list of injuries.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Post-Houston thoughts
The Steelers made enough mistakes in this game to last them a season, but were somehow in it to the end.
The mistakes, though, were made by many of the players the Steelers consider their future, which is somewhat disconcerting.
You had Ben Roethlisberger refusing to take checkdowns that were available, instead holding onto the ball far longer than he should and taking some ridiculous hits. I know, it's an age-old issue for Roethlisberger, but you're supposed to get wiser as you get older.
You had Mike Wallace taking a silly taunting penalty after a great 22-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter that would have put the ball inside Houston territory. Instead, the Steelers were forced to punt later from their own 48 instead of possibly being in field goal range. Wallace has to be better than that.
You had LaMarr Woodley constantly getting too far upfield on runs away from him, allowing Arian Foster lanes to cut back to his side.
"I have to be better on that," Woodley said. "I have to play the cutback and the boot instead of just playing the boot."
Ya think?
You had Antonio Brown making some great adjustments on back-shoulder throws. But then fair-catching a punt at his own 5 and being seemingly oblivious to what he was supposed to do on hot routes on a number of occasions.
You had Maurkice Pouncey taking a stupid unnecessary roughness penalty after a nice run by Mewelde Moore to the Houston 6 at the end of the first half. That pushed the Steelers back to the 21 and set up what would be a blocked field goal to end the first half.
You've got to be better than that if you hope to win on the road against quality opponents.
© Is the season over? Certainly not.
Few expected the Steelers to win in Houston. It was disconcerting to see how they lost, with Houston running the ball at will in the first half.
The Steelers did tighten up in the second half - save the 42-yard TD run by Foster - but, again, you have to be better than that to win on the road against a quality opponent.
© Roethlisberger was in a walking boot and on crutches after the game after suffering a sprained foot.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't push to play next week, however, with the season on the line against a surprisingly good Tennessee team.
The Titans have already beaten Baltimore and Cleveland, so if the Steelers can find a way to beat Tennessee, it's like making up a game on the competition.
© Mike Wallace had four catches for 77 yards in the first half, then wasn't targeted again in the second half.
There were some opportunities for Wallace without safety coverage over the top in this game, but the Texans gambled that their blitz could force Roethlisberger to throw before Wallace had a chance to get deep.
It worked, save a 40-yard catch by Wallace in the second quarter.
Most of the time, however, Wallace was bracketed, something the Steelers had better get used to.
© If I'm Mike Tomlin, I go for it on 4th and inches from the 8 down 10-7 on the opening play of the fourth quarter.
The Steelers had just run seven times for 55 yards and had the Texans on their heels.
Instead, Tomlin kicked a field goal and took the 10-10 tie.
The mistakes, though, were made by many of the players the Steelers consider their future, which is somewhat disconcerting.
You had Ben Roethlisberger refusing to take checkdowns that were available, instead holding onto the ball far longer than he should and taking some ridiculous hits. I know, it's an age-old issue for Roethlisberger, but you're supposed to get wiser as you get older.
You had Mike Wallace taking a silly taunting penalty after a great 22-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter that would have put the ball inside Houston territory. Instead, the Steelers were forced to punt later from their own 48 instead of possibly being in field goal range. Wallace has to be better than that.
You had LaMarr Woodley constantly getting too far upfield on runs away from him, allowing Arian Foster lanes to cut back to his side.
"I have to be better on that," Woodley said. "I have to play the cutback and the boot instead of just playing the boot."
Ya think?
You had Antonio Brown making some great adjustments on back-shoulder throws. But then fair-catching a punt at his own 5 and being seemingly oblivious to what he was supposed to do on hot routes on a number of occasions.
You had Maurkice Pouncey taking a stupid unnecessary roughness penalty after a nice run by Mewelde Moore to the Houston 6 at the end of the first half. That pushed the Steelers back to the 21 and set up what would be a blocked field goal to end the first half.
You've got to be better than that if you hope to win on the road against quality opponents.
© Is the season over? Certainly not.
Few expected the Steelers to win in Houston. It was disconcerting to see how they lost, with Houston running the ball at will in the first half.
The Steelers did tighten up in the second half - save the 42-yard TD run by Foster - but, again, you have to be better than that to win on the road against a quality opponent.
© Roethlisberger was in a walking boot and on crutches after the game after suffering a sprained foot.
I'd be surprised if he doesn't push to play next week, however, with the season on the line against a surprisingly good Tennessee team.
The Titans have already beaten Baltimore and Cleveland, so if the Steelers can find a way to beat Tennessee, it's like making up a game on the competition.
© Mike Wallace had four catches for 77 yards in the first half, then wasn't targeted again in the second half.
There were some opportunities for Wallace without safety coverage over the top in this game, but the Texans gambled that their blitz could force Roethlisberger to throw before Wallace had a chance to get deep.
It worked, save a 40-yard catch by Wallace in the second quarter.
Most of the time, however, Wallace was bracketed, something the Steelers had better get used to.
© If I'm Mike Tomlin, I go for it on 4th and inches from the 8 down 10-7 on the opening play of the fourth quarter.
The Steelers had just run seven times for 55 yards and had the Texans on their heels.
Instead, Tomlin kicked a field goal and took the 10-10 tie.
Greetings from Houston
It's a beautiful day here at Reliant Stadium. The roof is closed and it's nice and cool inside the building.
© The Steelers inactives are Dixon, McFadden, Dwyer, Chris Carter, Legursky Jonathan Scott and Keisel.
For Houston, starting corner Kareem Jackson is out. Jason Allen will start in his place.
© McFadden is a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week. He's ready to play, but the coaching staff is happy with the way the pass defense has performed.
© All teams are now required to have two offensive linemen wear microphones in order to hear if the opponent is simulating the snap count.
Maurkice Pouncey will be one of the linemen for the Steelers wearing a mic.
© The Steelers inactives are Dixon, McFadden, Dwyer, Chris Carter, Legursky Jonathan Scott and Keisel.
For Houston, starting corner Kareem Jackson is out. Jason Allen will start in his place.
© McFadden is a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week. He's ready to play, but the coaching staff is happy with the way the pass defense has performed.
© All teams are now required to have two offensive linemen wear microphones in order to hear if the opponent is simulating the snap count.
Maurkice Pouncey will be one of the linemen for the Steelers wearing a mic.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Who I like, Houston version
This is going to be a tough spot for the Steelers, heading into Houston for a game against the Texans coming off a loss against New Orleans.
I think the Steelers will settle down with the turnovers. They're not a team that's going to turn the ball over three-plus times in every road game.
The Steelers actually match up with the Texans pretty well. Yes, Mario Williams is going to be a problem. But he's more of a power rusher. Trai Essex may be able to hold his own there - as long as the Steelers can stay balanced.
The Texans also have some issues of their own, as last week's 1-5 effort in the red zone against the Saints. They're also allowing 4.8 yards per rushing attempt and 12.5 yards per pass reception.
Arian Foster is expected to be back and see a full workload for the Texans.
Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky and Brett Keisel are out for the Steelers.
Look for Pittsburgh to keep things close, but lose, 27-23.
I think the Steelers will settle down with the turnovers. They're not a team that's going to turn the ball over three-plus times in every road game.
The Steelers actually match up with the Texans pretty well. Yes, Mario Williams is going to be a problem. But he's more of a power rusher. Trai Essex may be able to hold his own there - as long as the Steelers can stay balanced.
The Texans also have some issues of their own, as last week's 1-5 effort in the red zone against the Saints. They're also allowing 4.8 yards per rushing attempt and 12.5 yards per pass reception.
Arian Foster is expected to be back and see a full workload for the Texans.
Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky and Brett Keisel are out for the Steelers.
Look for Pittsburgh to keep things close, but lose, 27-23.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday news and notes
From the AP:
Retired coaches Bill Cowher, Bill Parcells and Marty Schottenheimer are among the modern-era candidates for the 2012 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Cowher is eligible for the first time, as are Keyshawn Johnson, Tiki Barber, Drew Bledsoe, Stephen Davis, Rod Smith, Will Shields, Troy Vincent and Mike Vanderjagt.
Parcells and Schottenheimer previously were eligible under different requirements.
In 2008, the Hall of Fame made it mandatory for coaches, like players, to be retired five consecutive seasons. Before that, coaches were eligible immediately upon retirement, allowing Parcells to be a nominee in 2001, 2002, and 2003, and Schottenheimer in 2000. This is their first year of eligibility under the new provision.
© I don't think Cowher gets in this year - Dermontti Dawson seems to be a favorite, though.
If the players listed above, the only one who has a shot is Will Shields, but probably not this year.
Barber will get some push because he played in New York, but he's not Hall of Fame material, particularly not with Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin still waiting to get in.
© Wide receiver Antonio Brown was fined $7,500 for his low block during an interception return against the Colts.
Retired coaches Bill Cowher, Bill Parcells and Marty Schottenheimer are among the modern-era candidates for the 2012 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Cowher is eligible for the first time, as are Keyshawn Johnson, Tiki Barber, Drew Bledsoe, Stephen Davis, Rod Smith, Will Shields, Troy Vincent and Mike Vanderjagt.
Parcells and Schottenheimer previously were eligible under different requirements.
In 2008, the Hall of Fame made it mandatory for coaches, like players, to be retired five consecutive seasons. Before that, coaches were eligible immediately upon retirement, allowing Parcells to be a nominee in 2001, 2002, and 2003, and Schottenheimer in 2000. This is their first year of eligibility under the new provision.
© I don't think Cowher gets in this year - Dermontti Dawson seems to be a favorite, though.
If the players listed above, the only one who has a shot is Will Shields, but probably not this year.
Barber will get some push because he played in New York, but he's not Hall of Fame material, particularly not with Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin still waiting to get in.
© Wide receiver Antonio Brown was fined $7,500 for his low block during an interception return against the Colts.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin
The big injury news Tuesday was that both Doug Legursky (shoulder) and Jonathan Scott (ankle) are questionable to play this week at Houston.
Rookie RT Marcus Gilbert is expected to be OK.
Mike Tomlin did say that if Scott can't play, Trai Essex will start at LT. They'll leave Gilbert at RT.
Ramon Foster would replace Legursky.
Tomlin did say that the Steelers aren't interested in bringing in a starter-type offensive lineman at this point. IF they sign somebody this week, it will be another Jamon Meredith-type player, somebody who will help them practice during the week.
© Tomlin said he didn't have a conversation with Emmanuel Sanders regarding his failure to tap the Colts' Joe Lefeged down following an interception.
He said Sanders immediately acknowledged his mistake on the sidelines and he didn't feel the need to harp on the obvious.
© One mistake Tomlin did acknowledge today was his timeout with eight seconds remaining prior to Shaun Suisham's game-winning field goal.
Tomlin thought he had another timeout remaining - in case of a botched snap - but he forgot he lost a timeout when Scott was injured with less than two minutes remaining.
Rookie RT Marcus Gilbert is expected to be OK.
Mike Tomlin did say that if Scott can't play, Trai Essex will start at LT. They'll leave Gilbert at RT.
Ramon Foster would replace Legursky.
Tomlin did say that the Steelers aren't interested in bringing in a starter-type offensive lineman at this point. IF they sign somebody this week, it will be another Jamon Meredith-type player, somebody who will help them practice during the week.
© Tomlin said he didn't have a conversation with Emmanuel Sanders regarding his failure to tap the Colts' Joe Lefeged down following an interception.
He said Sanders immediately acknowledged his mistake on the sidelines and he didn't feel the need to harp on the obvious.
© One mistake Tomlin did acknowledge today was his timeout with eight seconds remaining prior to Shaun Suisham's game-winning field goal.
Tomlin thought he had another timeout remaining - in case of a botched snap - but he forgot he lost a timeout when Scott was injured with less than two minutes remaining.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Post-Indianapolis thoughts
How does Mike Wallace just disappear from the game plan as he did in the second quarter?
I know the Steelers turned the ball over three times in the quarter, but it wasn't like they did so without running some plays.
And yet, the team's best playmaker had four balls thrown his way in the first quarter, resulting in three catches for 129 yards and a score – and then nothing.
If I'm throwing a bubble screen or something of that sort, it's going to Wallace - sorry Hines Ward.
© Those pick plays the Colts run are pretty much unstoppable if the officials aren't going to call the picks - and they didn't.
The Steelers did do a great job for the most part, however, of limiting the damage on them - at least until the Colts' final drive, when they seemingly couldn't get anyone on the ground.
© Ike Taylor wasn't credited with a tackle in this game – and that has to be a misprint - but his impact was this: Reggie Wayne 13 targets, three catches, 24 yards.
Will Gay, who got the start on the other side, was also solid once again. I know he's a favorite whipping boy on the message boards, but Gay and Keenan Lewis have played well enough that the Steelers aren't in a hurry to push Bryant McFadden back into the lineup.
© I feel badly for Jonathan Scott.
I know, I know, he had a tough game. But do you blame Scott for that, or do you blame the people who felt he was capable of blocking Dwight Freeney?
© It sure would help matters in a game like that if Ben Roethlisberger didn't hold the ball so long - but that's beating a dead horse.
© The Steelers running game produced 10 yards on 10 carries in the first half. Then, they finally decided to start running straight at the Colts rather than sideways.
That resulted in 57 yards on the ground in the second half.
© Scott, by the way, looks like he'll be out for the next couple of weeks.
He was in a walking boot after the game.
I know the Steelers turned the ball over three times in the quarter, but it wasn't like they did so without running some plays.
And yet, the team's best playmaker had four balls thrown his way in the first quarter, resulting in three catches for 129 yards and a score – and then nothing.
If I'm throwing a bubble screen or something of that sort, it's going to Wallace - sorry Hines Ward.
© Those pick plays the Colts run are pretty much unstoppable if the officials aren't going to call the picks - and they didn't.
The Steelers did do a great job for the most part, however, of limiting the damage on them - at least until the Colts' final drive, when they seemingly couldn't get anyone on the ground.
© Ike Taylor wasn't credited with a tackle in this game – and that has to be a misprint - but his impact was this: Reggie Wayne 13 targets, three catches, 24 yards.
Will Gay, who got the start on the other side, was also solid once again. I know he's a favorite whipping boy on the message boards, but Gay and Keenan Lewis have played well enough that the Steelers aren't in a hurry to push Bryant McFadden back into the lineup.
© I feel badly for Jonathan Scott.
I know, I know, he had a tough game. But do you blame Scott for that, or do you blame the people who felt he was capable of blocking Dwight Freeney?
© It sure would help matters in a game like that if Ben Roethlisberger didn't hold the ball so long - but that's beating a dead horse.
© The Steelers running game produced 10 yards on 10 carries in the first half. Then, they finally decided to start running straight at the Colts rather than sideways.
That resulted in 57 yards on the ground in the second half.
© Scott, by the way, looks like he'll be out for the next couple of weeks.
He was in a walking boot after the game.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Steelers-Colts inactives
Bryant McFadden is a healthy scratch tonight. Also down are Dwyer, Meredith, Chris Scott, Cotchery and Keisel.
Six starters, including Manning out for the Colts.
Mike Pollak starts at RG for Ryan Diem; Eric Foster – all 265 pounds of him - at DT for Flil Moala; Pat Angerer at MLB for Gary Brackett; Phillip Wheeler at SLB for Ernie Sims; David Caldwell at SS for Melvin Bullitt.
That's four starters right up the middle of the defense.
Six starters, including Manning out for the Colts.
Mike Pollak starts at RG for Ryan Diem; Eric Foster – all 265 pounds of him - at DT for Flil Moala; Pat Angerer at MLB for Gary Brackett; Phillip Wheeler at SLB for Ernie Sims; David Caldwell at SS for Melvin Bullitt.
That's four starters right up the middle of the defense.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Top and bottom and who I like
1. New England - Moves into the top spot, but could lose this week at Buffalo
2. Green Bay - Packers, like the Patriots, have to be concerned with their pass defense
3. New York Jets - Face a tough test this weekend at Oakland
4. New Orleans - Drew Brees is playing excellent football
5. Houston - Head to New Orleans for a big showdown
6. Baltimore - Stumbled in Nashville
7. Steelers - Rebounded with a strong effort against Seattle
8. San Diego - A Norv Turner-type loss in New England last week
9. Atlanta - Rally to beat the Eagles
10. Philadelphia - Vick has four fumbles in two games. That's an issue.
Bottom 10
23. San Francisco - Alex Smith is barely averaging 150 yards passing per game
24. Denver - Remember when the Broncos were relevant?
25. Cleveland - Big win over Indianapolis?
26. Cincinnati - At least the Bengals haven't gotten smoked yet - pun intended
27. Jacksonville - Blaine Gabbert takes over at QB. Ick
28. Minnesota - Donovan McNabb faded fast
29. Carolina - I don't care how many yards Cam Newton is throwing for. They're still losing
30. Indianapolis - Peyton Manning may win the MVP award without playing a game
31. Seattle - Averaging less than 50 yards rushing per game
32. Kansas City - Ten points in two games
Who I like this week
Remember when the schedule came out and you wrote this game off as a loss?
Those days are long gone. The Steelers will control the game with Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman and slow the Colts pass rush.
The Colts have some offensive weapons, but the Steelers will get after Kerry Collins.
William Gay will start again in place of Bryant McFadden, while Brett Keisel is also out.
Chris Kemoeatu will be back.
Take Pittsburgh, 31-16
2. Green Bay - Packers, like the Patriots, have to be concerned with their pass defense
3. New York Jets - Face a tough test this weekend at Oakland
4. New Orleans - Drew Brees is playing excellent football
5. Houston - Head to New Orleans for a big showdown
6. Baltimore - Stumbled in Nashville
7. Steelers - Rebounded with a strong effort against Seattle
8. San Diego - A Norv Turner-type loss in New England last week
9. Atlanta - Rally to beat the Eagles
10. Philadelphia - Vick has four fumbles in two games. That's an issue.
Bottom 10
23. San Francisco - Alex Smith is barely averaging 150 yards passing per game
24. Denver - Remember when the Broncos were relevant?
25. Cleveland - Big win over Indianapolis?
26. Cincinnati - At least the Bengals haven't gotten smoked yet - pun intended
27. Jacksonville - Blaine Gabbert takes over at QB. Ick
28. Minnesota - Donovan McNabb faded fast
29. Carolina - I don't care how many yards Cam Newton is throwing for. They're still losing
30. Indianapolis - Peyton Manning may win the MVP award without playing a game
31. Seattle - Averaging less than 50 yards rushing per game
32. Kansas City - Ten points in two games
Who I like this week
Remember when the schedule came out and you wrote this game off as a loss?
Those days are long gone. The Steelers will control the game with Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman and slow the Colts pass rush.
The Colts have some offensive weapons, but the Steelers will get after Kerry Collins.
William Gay will start again in place of Bryant McFadden, while Brett Keisel is also out.
Chris Kemoeatu will be back.
Take Pittsburgh, 31-16
Thursday, September 22, 2011
What's going on
Brett Keisel, not surprisingly, was the only player to miss practice Wednesday for the Steelers as they prepare to play Indianapolis.
There's really no reason to play Keisel this week, particularly with a big game at Houston looming next week.
© Don't be surprised if Ramon Foster wins back the starting right guard spot from Doug Legursky.
After watching the game against Seattle a second time, I saw that Foster was very effective in the run game.
© The Steelers have to get their running game going this week against Indianapolis. IF they can do that, it will slow down speedy defensive ends Rasheen Mathis and Dwight Freeney and help out offensive tackles Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert.
© Through two games, Mike Wallace is leading all NFL wideouts in receptions with 18, putting him on pace for 128 for the season. His average per catch is down to just over 15 yards per game, but if he keeps up his pace, Wallace will approach the 2,000 yards he set as a goal this season.
Wallace also has five consecutive 100-yard games in the regular season. Yancey Thigpen and Lynn Swann are tied for the fifth-most 100-yard games in team history with 10 each. Plaxico Burress had 11.
Hines Ward is the team's all-time leader with 29. Wallace has five in a row!
There's really no reason to play Keisel this week, particularly with a big game at Houston looming next week.
© Don't be surprised if Ramon Foster wins back the starting right guard spot from Doug Legursky.
After watching the game against Seattle a second time, I saw that Foster was very effective in the run game.
© The Steelers have to get their running game going this week against Indianapolis. IF they can do that, it will slow down speedy defensive ends Rasheen Mathis and Dwight Freeney and help out offensive tackles Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert.
© Through two games, Mike Wallace is leading all NFL wideouts in receptions with 18, putting him on pace for 128 for the season. His average per catch is down to just over 15 yards per game, but if he keeps up his pace, Wallace will approach the 2,000 yards he set as a goal this season.
Wallace also has five consecutive 100-yard games in the regular season. Yancey Thigpen and Lynn Swann are tied for the fifth-most 100-yard games in team history with 10 each. Plaxico Burress had 11.
Hines Ward is the team's all-time leader with 29. Wallace has five in a row!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tueday with Tomlin
Brett Keisel has a grade 1 PCL sprain and is questionable to play this week. The guess here is that he'll sit this week as the Steelers will need him much more in Houston in two weeks.
Ziggy Hood would get the start if Keisel doesn't play.
© Mike Tomlin was a little more optimistic about CB Bryant McFadden and LG Chris Kemoeatu returning after both sat out Sunday's win against Seattle.
Jerricho Cotchery is also getting closer to return and Tomlin said Chris Carter should definitely be available.
© On Ramon Foster and Marcus Gilbert, Tomlin said, "I thought Ramon did some nice things. I like his effort and finish. Marcus Gilbert did some nice things as well. I thought we won the line of scrimmage in the first half, not so much in the second half."
© On the missed goal line opportunities: "It's execution."
© On Keenan Lewis: "He did a solid job. … He played a lot of routes close. It was a good start for him."
Ziggy Hood would get the start if Keisel doesn't play.
© Mike Tomlin was a little more optimistic about CB Bryant McFadden and LG Chris Kemoeatu returning after both sat out Sunday's win against Seattle.
Jerricho Cotchery is also getting closer to return and Tomlin said Chris Carter should definitely be available.
© On Ramon Foster and Marcus Gilbert, Tomlin said, "I thought Ramon did some nice things. I like his effort and finish. Marcus Gilbert did some nice things as well. I thought we won the line of scrimmage in the first half, not so much in the second half."
© On the missed goal line opportunities: "It's execution."
© On Keenan Lewis: "He did a solid job. … He played a lot of routes close. It was a good start for him."
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Post Steelers-Seahawks thouts
That was pretty much the way the Steelers were expected to handle a far-inferior Seattle team.
Then again, considering that Baltimore went into Tennessee and lost, 26-13, as James Farrior said after this game, any NFL team is capable of winning a game in a given week.
Fans will still be grumbling that this win over Seattle proves nothing. And, for once, those naysayers are probably right.
The Steelers were the better team. They were at home. They are supposed to win in dominating fashion.
© Isaac Redman's best play in this game wasn't on his 20-yard TD run, though that was a great cut he made to get past the final Seattle defender.
His best play came on a block to free Antonio Brown during his 41-yard punt return at the end of the first quarter.
Redman sealed the edge and allowed Brown to scoot down the sideline.
That block occurred inside the 10. Had Brown been tackled there, everyone would have been screaming at him for returning a punt from inside his own 10.
Instead, he was a hero for giving the Steelers great field position to set up their second score - Redman's touchdown.
© The Steelers gave Redman a series of his own to work with in the first half and the scored on it. Redman had two carries for 23 yards in the drive.
Expect to see more of that moving forward.
© The Steelers also gave Redman a look at the goal line after Rashard Mendenhall was stuffed on three goal line carries in the first half.
Redman also failed to get in, but did pick up the yard that Mendenhall had lost.
The Steelers were only 2 of 4 inside the red zone and need to fix that moving forward.
© Brett Keisel appears to be OK. He'll likely be slowed after leaving the game with a sprained PCL, but it could have been worse.
Same goes for Ben Roethlisberger, who had to leave the game after a late, low hit by Raheem Brock in the second quarter.
Roethlisberger returned to the game and appears to be fine.
We'll see if any fines are forthcoming to Brock, although it appeared he was somewhat - and I'm saying somewhat - blocked into Roethlisberger's knee.
© William Gay started in place of injured Bryant McFadden and made several nice pass breakups. Gay isn't great, but he's not as bad as some would have you believe.
© I watched rookie Marcus Gilbert quite a bit and he held up OK in his first career start. He was particularly effective in the run game.
He's got some tools the Steelers can build on.
Then again, considering that Baltimore went into Tennessee and lost, 26-13, as James Farrior said after this game, any NFL team is capable of winning a game in a given week.
Fans will still be grumbling that this win over Seattle proves nothing. And, for once, those naysayers are probably right.
The Steelers were the better team. They were at home. They are supposed to win in dominating fashion.
© Isaac Redman's best play in this game wasn't on his 20-yard TD run, though that was a great cut he made to get past the final Seattle defender.
His best play came on a block to free Antonio Brown during his 41-yard punt return at the end of the first quarter.
Redman sealed the edge and allowed Brown to scoot down the sideline.
That block occurred inside the 10. Had Brown been tackled there, everyone would have been screaming at him for returning a punt from inside his own 10.
Instead, he was a hero for giving the Steelers great field position to set up their second score - Redman's touchdown.
© The Steelers gave Redman a series of his own to work with in the first half and the scored on it. Redman had two carries for 23 yards in the drive.
Expect to see more of that moving forward.
© The Steelers also gave Redman a look at the goal line after Rashard Mendenhall was stuffed on three goal line carries in the first half.
Redman also failed to get in, but did pick up the yard that Mendenhall had lost.
The Steelers were only 2 of 4 inside the red zone and need to fix that moving forward.
© Brett Keisel appears to be OK. He'll likely be slowed after leaving the game with a sprained PCL, but it could have been worse.
Same goes for Ben Roethlisberger, who had to leave the game after a late, low hit by Raheem Brock in the second quarter.
Roethlisberger returned to the game and appears to be fine.
We'll see if any fines are forthcoming to Brock, although it appeared he was somewhat - and I'm saying somewhat - blocked into Roethlisberger's knee.
© William Gay started in place of injured Bryant McFadden and made several nice pass breakups. Gay isn't great, but he's not as bad as some would have you believe.
© I watched rookie Marcus Gilbert quite a bit and he held up OK in his first career start. He was particularly effective in the run game.
He's got some tools the Steelers can build on.
Kemoeatu, McFadden out
Chris Kemoeatu and Bryant McFadden are out today for the Steelers.
Ramon Foster and William Gay are in the starting lineup in their places.
Ramon Foster and William Gay are in the starting lineup in their places.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Who I like, Seattle version
Thanks to Patrick – the real one – for reminding me about putting my pick for the game up on the blog.
This week seems pretty simple. The Steelers got embarrassed last week and will be looking to right the ship.
Enter Seattle, a team that has all the look of a five-win club. Add to that the fact that the Hawks are coming cross country to Pittsburgh, where they are 1-6.
It's a good game for rookie Marcus Gilbert to get his feet wet at right tackle.
Take Pittsburgh, 31-10
This week seems pretty simple. The Steelers got embarrassed last week and will be looking to right the ship.
Enter Seattle, a team that has all the look of a five-win club. Add to that the fact that the Hawks are coming cross country to Pittsburgh, where they are 1-6.
It's a good game for rookie Marcus Gilbert to get his feet wet at right tackle.
Take Pittsburgh, 31-10
Friday, September 16, 2011
Week 2 Power rankings
1. Green Bay - Nice performance against a good New Orleans team.
2. New England – The Patriots looked strong on opening weekend
3. Baltimore – Impressive win by the Ravens over their biggest rival.
4. N.Y. Jets – Needed Tony Romo to be Tony Romo to win against Dallas. Luckily for them, Romo came through.
5. Philadelphia – Vick's numbers weren't great, but they were effective.
6. New Orleans – I'll give the Saints a mulligan for losing at Green Bay on opening night.
7. Steelers - Will right the ship after sleepwalking at Baltimore.
8. Houston - Looking at a possible letdown game this week at Miami after demolishing the Peyton Manning-less Colts.
9. San Diego – I had them high last week, but even though they won, they looked bad at home against a pretty mediocre Minnesota squad.
10. Detroit – Yes, I actually believe in the Lions - as long as Matthew Stafford can stay healthy.
Dropped out: Atlanta
Bottom 10
23. Kansas City – Got a feeling that wasn't an anomaly last week against the BillsI
24. Indianapolis – Could be a lot lower than this by the time Peyton Manning is ready to return.
25. Cincinnati – Caught the Browns sleeping to pull out a win. Still not very good.
26. Jacksonville – Curious move cutting David Garrard.
27. Minnesota – Donovan McNabb looks like and old, old man.
28. Denver – Lost at home to Oakland and looked bad doing it.
29. Seattle – Truly awful performance at San Francisco
30. Tennessee – Has to get Chris Johnson going.
31. Cleveland – The Browns are improving, but still have a way to go.
32. Carolina – Nice start by Cam Newton, but he won't be taking anyone by surprise now that he's starting to build some game tape.
2. New England – The Patriots looked strong on opening weekend
3. Baltimore – Impressive win by the Ravens over their biggest rival.
4. N.Y. Jets – Needed Tony Romo to be Tony Romo to win against Dallas. Luckily for them, Romo came through.
5. Philadelphia – Vick's numbers weren't great, but they were effective.
6. New Orleans – I'll give the Saints a mulligan for losing at Green Bay on opening night.
7. Steelers - Will right the ship after sleepwalking at Baltimore.
8. Houston - Looking at a possible letdown game this week at Miami after demolishing the Peyton Manning-less Colts.
9. San Diego – I had them high last week, but even though they won, they looked bad at home against a pretty mediocre Minnesota squad.
10. Detroit – Yes, I actually believe in the Lions - as long as Matthew Stafford can stay healthy.
Dropped out: Atlanta
Bottom 10
23. Kansas City – Got a feeling that wasn't an anomaly last week against the BillsI
24. Indianapolis – Could be a lot lower than this by the time Peyton Manning is ready to return.
25. Cincinnati – Caught the Browns sleeping to pull out a win. Still not very good.
26. Jacksonville – Curious move cutting David Garrard.
27. Minnesota – Donovan McNabb looks like and old, old man.
28. Denver – Lost at home to Oakland and looked bad doing it.
29. Seattle – Truly awful performance at San Francisco
30. Tennessee – Has to get Chris Johnson going.
31. Cleveland – The Browns are improving, but still have a way to go.
32. Carolina – Nice start by Cam Newton, but he won't be taking anyone by surprise now that he's starting to build some game tape.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What's up
I saw a Steelers locker room today that wasn't overly concerned about its loss last Sunday at Baltimore.
Before you fly off the handle about that, realize that this is professional football. These guys can't dwell too long on what happened last week - at least not if they hope to take care of the next task.
Are the Steelers more focused this week following their 35-7 whipping?
Sure.
But they're not going to allow it to consume them. That's one of the signs of a solid locker room.
© Six of the last seven times the Steelers have lost their season opener, they've rebounded to make the playoffs.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Included in those losses are some pretty bad ones - 30-14 at New England in 2002, 21-3 at Jacksonville in 2001, 16-0 against Baltimore in 2000, 37-7 to Dallas in 1997, 24-9 at Jacksonville in 1996 and 26-9 against Dallas in 1994.
You get the idea.
When the Steelers lay an egg in the opener, it's usually a pretty big one.
© Why in the world would the NFL put Bill Levy on Sunday's Steelers-Seahawks game?
Given the PR saavy the NFL usually shows, putting Levy on Sunday's game makes absolutely no sense.
Somebody in the league office got caught sleeping at the wheel on this one.
Before you fly off the handle about that, realize that this is professional football. These guys can't dwell too long on what happened last week - at least not if they hope to take care of the next task.
Are the Steelers more focused this week following their 35-7 whipping?
Sure.
But they're not going to allow it to consume them. That's one of the signs of a solid locker room.
© Six of the last seven times the Steelers have lost their season opener, they've rebounded to make the playoffs.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Included in those losses are some pretty bad ones - 30-14 at New England in 2002, 21-3 at Jacksonville in 2001, 16-0 against Baltimore in 2000, 37-7 to Dallas in 1997, 24-9 at Jacksonville in 1996 and 26-9 against Dallas in 1994.
You get the idea.
When the Steelers lay an egg in the opener, it's usually a pretty big one.
© Why in the world would the NFL put Bill Levy on Sunday's Steelers-Seahawks game?
Given the PR saavy the NFL usually shows, putting Levy on Sunday's game makes absolutely no sense.
Somebody in the league office got caught sleeping at the wheel on this one.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday with Tomlin
Mike Tomlin confirmed today that right tackle Willie Colon suffered a torn triceps muscle in Sunday's loss at Baltimore. Surgery was performed today.
Tomlin said rookie Marcus Gilbert, a second round pick out of Florida, will get the first chance to replace Colon at right tackle Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The move actually makes the most sense.
The Steelers think Gilbert is their left tackle of the future. He played well enough in the preseason that they were comfortable with him as one of the seven players active on game day against the Ravens.
Why not put him in there and see if he runs with it?
The Steelers placed Colon on injured reserve and signed veteran Jamon Meredith.
Meredith, a 2009 fifth round draft pick of Buffalo, has spent time with the Bills, Giants, Packers and Lions. He has started four NFL games.
© Tomlin said linebacker James Harrison, who left Sunday's game with a knee injury, is OK.
Tomlin said rookie Marcus Gilbert, a second round pick out of Florida, will get the first chance to replace Colon at right tackle Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The move actually makes the most sense.
The Steelers think Gilbert is their left tackle of the future. He played well enough in the preseason that they were comfortable with him as one of the seven players active on game day against the Ravens.
Why not put him in there and see if he runs with it?
The Steelers placed Colon on injured reserve and signed veteran Jamon Meredith.
Meredith, a 2009 fifth round draft pick of Buffalo, has spent time with the Bills, Giants, Packers and Lions. He has started four NFL games.
© Tomlin said linebacker James Harrison, who left Sunday's game with a knee injury, is OK.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Steelers lose Colon for season
The Steelers have lost starting right guard Willie Colon to a torn triceps, marking the second time in the past two seasons Colon will be gone for the year.
Colon, who missed all of last season with an Achilles' tendon tear, apparently suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He signed a five-year deal worth $29 million to stay with the Steelers in training camp.
When Colon was lost last season, the Steelers signed veteran tackle Flozell Adams as his replacement. That is the likely course of action again this year, though it's likely that Chris Scott or Trai Essex will get first opportunity this week against Seattle at Heinz Field.
Colon, who missed all of last season with an Achilles' tendon tear, apparently suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He signed a five-year deal worth $29 million to stay with the Steelers in training camp.
When Colon was lost last season, the Steelers signed veteran tackle Flozell Adams as his replacement. That is the likely course of action again this year, though it's likely that Chris Scott or Trai Essex will get first opportunity this week against Seattle at Heinz Field.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Post-Baltimore thoughts
Boy, I didn't see that one coming.
The Baltimore Ravens clearly treated Sunday's game against the Steelers as their season. And they probably should have.
While it may be a little short-sighted considering it's a 16-game season, the Ravens treated Sunday's game as their Super Bowl.
They knew if they lost, they'd be chasing the Steelers all season and would need to win in Pittsburgh to even things out - much like what happened to Pittsburgh in 2010.
Baltimore outplayed the Steelers in every facet because their stars showed up.
Yes, Baltimore has 20 new players. But they still have their stars.
Ray Rice was a one-man wrecking crew for the offense, gaining over 150 total yards.
Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs all made plays on defense.
Pittsburgh's stars were invisible.
Football is still a team game, but stars still rule the day.
© If you needed any clue to how important this game was to Baltimore, you only had to see coach John Harbaugh running around on the sidelines like a maniac throughout the game.
Harbaugh knew his team hadn't beaten the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger at QB in seven tries.
To be considered a championship contender, they had to show they could beat Roethlisberger.
© It was a humbled locker room after that game. The Steelers were beaten physically and mentally by the Ravens.
But, it is still just one game. It will be interesting to see how this team bounces back next week at home against Seattle, a team they should trounce.
More importantly, it will be interesting to see how this team works this week in preparation.
Mike Tomlin took it easy on the team throughout training camp and it showed Sunday.
I don't expect Tomlin to suddenly start brow-beating or physically beating up a veteran squad, but it was obvious the team wasn't ready to play from the start - beginning with Rice's long run on the first play of the game.
© The Steelers first two turnovers, a pair of fumbles, were caused by miscommunications on the offensive line.
On the first, they allowed Suggs to come up the middle untouched and hit Roethlisberger, forcing a fumble. On the second, it was Ngata being passed off untouched.
Even if it wasn't my job to block either of those two guys, I'd have my eye on where they are. They are both too good and too important to what Baltimore does up front to just ignore.
It appeared that Doug Legursky and Maurkice Pouncey were at fault both times. Those two didn't get a lot of snaps together in the preseason.
© Antonio Brown was targeted nine times, which resulted in two completions. He and Roethlisberger seemed to be off throughout the game.
© For many teams, having more turnovers than Super Bowl wins wouldn't be a big deal. For the Steelers, that's saying something.
The Baltimore Ravens clearly treated Sunday's game against the Steelers as their season. And they probably should have.
While it may be a little short-sighted considering it's a 16-game season, the Ravens treated Sunday's game as their Super Bowl.
They knew if they lost, they'd be chasing the Steelers all season and would need to win in Pittsburgh to even things out - much like what happened to Pittsburgh in 2010.
Baltimore outplayed the Steelers in every facet because their stars showed up.
Yes, Baltimore has 20 new players. But they still have their stars.
Ray Rice was a one-man wrecking crew for the offense, gaining over 150 total yards.
Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs all made plays on defense.
Pittsburgh's stars were invisible.
Football is still a team game, but stars still rule the day.
© If you needed any clue to how important this game was to Baltimore, you only had to see coach John Harbaugh running around on the sidelines like a maniac throughout the game.
Harbaugh knew his team hadn't beaten the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger at QB in seven tries.
To be considered a championship contender, they had to show they could beat Roethlisberger.
© It was a humbled locker room after that game. The Steelers were beaten physically and mentally by the Ravens.
But, it is still just one game. It will be interesting to see how this team bounces back next week at home against Seattle, a team they should trounce.
More importantly, it will be interesting to see how this team works this week in preparation.
Mike Tomlin took it easy on the team throughout training camp and it showed Sunday.
I don't expect Tomlin to suddenly start brow-beating or physically beating up a veteran squad, but it was obvious the team wasn't ready to play from the start - beginning with Rice's long run on the first play of the game.
© The Steelers first two turnovers, a pair of fumbles, were caused by miscommunications on the offensive line.
On the first, they allowed Suggs to come up the middle untouched and hit Roethlisberger, forcing a fumble. On the second, it was Ngata being passed off untouched.
Even if it wasn't my job to block either of those two guys, I'd have my eye on where they are. They are both too good and too important to what Baltimore does up front to just ignore.
It appeared that Doug Legursky and Maurkice Pouncey were at fault both times. Those two didn't get a lot of snaps together in the preseason.
© Antonio Brown was targeted nine times, which resulted in two completions. He and Roethlisberger seemed to be off throughout the game.
© For many teams, having more turnovers than Super Bowl wins wouldn't be a big deal. For the Steelers, that's saying something.
Greetings from Baltimore
I found Troy Polamalu's Tweet regarding his new contract interesting. Polamalu Tweeted that this new deal will allow him to retire as a Steeler.
That would mean Polamalu plans to retire by 2014. That will most certainly be the passing of an era, though Ben Roethlisberger will still have a few good years left in him.
© The line on the Steelers versus Ravens game has moved dramatically. When it opened, Pittsburgh was a 2 1/2-point underdog. Now, the Steelers are favored by a point.
That means a lot of money in Vegas went toward Pittsburgh.
Apparently, everyone else saw the Ravens play in the preseason.
© Expect the Steelers to have Charlie Batch as Ben Roethlisberger's backup today, with Dennis Dixon inactive. Hines Ward would be the Steelers emergency QB.
That would mean Polamalu plans to retire by 2014. That will most certainly be the passing of an era, though Ben Roethlisberger will still have a few good years left in him.
© The line on the Steelers versus Ravens game has moved dramatically. When it opened, Pittsburgh was a 2 1/2-point underdog. Now, the Steelers are favored by a point.
That means a lot of money in Vegas went toward Pittsburgh.
Apparently, everyone else saw the Ravens play in the preseason.
© Expect the Steelers to have Charlie Batch as Ben Roethlisberger's backup today, with Dennis Dixon inactive. Hines Ward would be the Steelers emergency QB.
Friday, September 09, 2011
The NFL as it is now
Thursday night, we saw what happens to a pass defense when a good quarterback is on the field.
Only we got to see it the entire game, as both Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans' Drew Brees threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns.
The way the NFL's rules are now, the game heavily – and that doesn't begin to describe it – favors the offense.
People in Pittsburgh tend to look at the Steelers pass defense and say, "They get exposed every time they play an elite quarterback."
That's a silly statement. Everybody's defense gets exposed when playing an elite quarterback. That's what makes those quarterbacks elite!
The trick is to outscore the opposing offense.
New Orleans put 30-plus points on the board Thursday night. It wasn't enough because the Packers were in the 40s and the Saints made a couple of mistakes inside Green Bay's red zone.
But with the offense the Steelers now have, they have the weapons to get into a shootout such as Thursday night's game and come out on the winning side.
The days of three yards and a cloud of dust and defenses dominating games are over. The NFL in its current state is all about putting points on the board and doing so quickly.
Only we got to see it the entire game, as both Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans' Drew Brees threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns.
The way the NFL's rules are now, the game heavily – and that doesn't begin to describe it – favors the offense.
People in Pittsburgh tend to look at the Steelers pass defense and say, "They get exposed every time they play an elite quarterback."
That's a silly statement. Everybody's defense gets exposed when playing an elite quarterback. That's what makes those quarterbacks elite!
The trick is to outscore the opposing offense.
New Orleans put 30-plus points on the board Thursday night. It wasn't enough because the Packers were in the 40s and the Saints made a couple of mistakes inside Green Bay's red zone.
But with the offense the Steelers now have, they have the weapons to get into a shootout such as Thursday night's game and come out on the winning side.
The days of three yards and a cloud of dust and defenses dominating games are over. The NFL in its current state is all about putting points on the board and doing so quickly.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Redman to get more work
Isaac Redman said he's been told by running backs coach Kirby Wilson that the Steelers are kicking around the idea of giving him a series each in the first and second half to spell Rashard Mendenhall.
Redman ran hard through the preseason and offers a little bit of a bull in a China shop style. He deserves some more carries.
Read more about it in my story in Friday's Observer-Reporter.
© Jerricho Cotchery missed practice again today and is looking questionable to play against the Ravens - not that he would have seen much playing time anyway.
Redman ran hard through the preseason and offers a little bit of a bull in a China shop style. He deserves some more carries.
Read more about it in my story in Friday's Observer-Reporter.
© Jerricho Cotchery missed practice again today and is looking questionable to play against the Ravens - not that he would have seen much playing time anyway.
Week 1 power rankings
I haven't done them in a while, but I think I'll bring back the power rankings this season.
Here are my top 10 and bottom 10 NFL teams as we head into the season.
1. Green Bay - The champs until somebody proves otherwise.
2. Steelers - The AFC champs were thisclose to being the Super Bowl champions last season.
3. San Diego – The new kickoff rule will help the Chargers greatly.
4. Atlanta – Julio Jones gives them another receiving threat.
5. N.Y. Jets – Somebody needs to tell Rex Ryan he hasn't won anything yet.
6. New Orleans – Everyone is forgetting about the Saints.
7. New England – May take a slight step back.
8. Philadelphia – Not sold on the Eagles.
9. Baltimore – The Ravens aren't as good as they were last season.
10. Houston - Should win the AFC South in a walkover. Matt Schaub is the only returning starting QB in the division.
Bottom 10
23. Minnesota – What was it about Donovan McNabb's play last season that didn't make the Vikings feel he was washed up?
24. Washington – Mike Shanahan came back for this?
25. Cleveland – The Browns are improving, but still have a way to go.
26. Tennessee – How many games will Matt Hasselbeck play?
27. Buffalo – Getting better, but slowly.
28. Seattle – Hard to believe this team was in the playoffs last season.
29. Denver – Bad defense that did little to get better.
30. Jacksonville – Curious move cutting David Garrard.
31. Cincinnati – Too many rookies at key positions, particularly on offense.
32. Carolina – Little talent anywhere.
Here are my top 10 and bottom 10 NFL teams as we head into the season.
1. Green Bay - The champs until somebody proves otherwise.
2. Steelers - The AFC champs were thisclose to being the Super Bowl champions last season.
3. San Diego – The new kickoff rule will help the Chargers greatly.
4. Atlanta – Julio Jones gives them another receiving threat.
5. N.Y. Jets – Somebody needs to tell Rex Ryan he hasn't won anything yet.
6. New Orleans – Everyone is forgetting about the Saints.
7. New England – May take a slight step back.
8. Philadelphia – Not sold on the Eagles.
9. Baltimore – The Ravens aren't as good as they were last season.
10. Houston - Should win the AFC South in a walkover. Matt Schaub is the only returning starting QB in the division.
Bottom 10
23. Minnesota – What was it about Donovan McNabb's play last season that didn't make the Vikings feel he was washed up?
24. Washington – Mike Shanahan came back for this?
25. Cleveland – The Browns are improving, but still have a way to go.
26. Tennessee – How many games will Matt Hasselbeck play?
27. Buffalo – Getting better, but slowly.
28. Seattle – Hard to believe this team was in the playoffs last season.
29. Denver – Bad defense that did little to get better.
30. Jacksonville – Curious move cutting David Garrard.
31. Cincinnati – Too many rookies at key positions, particularly on offense.
32. Carolina – Little talent anywhere.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Not much news with Tuesday Tomlin
Mike Tomlin held his first Tuesday press conference of the season and there wasn't a lot of news to be had.
On the injury front, Tomlin said rookie linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) is looking like the only player who won't be available to play Sunday in Baltimore.
Cornerback Ike Taylor had the pins removed from his broken thumb today, but Tomlin doesn't think that will hinder Taylor against the Ravens.
© Tomlin did say he likes the fact that so many people are focusing on the age of the Steelers, particularly on defense.
"Keep talking about how old they are," Tomlin said. "That makes my job easier."
On the injury front, Tomlin said rookie linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) is looking like the only player who won't be available to play Sunday in Baltimore.
Cornerback Ike Taylor had the pins removed from his broken thumb today, but Tomlin doesn't think that will hinder Taylor against the Ravens.
© Tomlin did say he likes the fact that so many people are focusing on the age of the Steelers, particularly on defense.
"Keep talking about how old they are," Tomlin said. "That makes my job easier."
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Practice squad set
The Steelers haven't officially announced it yet, but a number of guys were at practice today and in the locker room afterward.
Here's who I saw today.
OT Trevis Turner; TE Jamie McCoy; RB John Clay; LB Morty Ivy; DE Corbin Bryant; WR Tyler Grisham; OL John Malecki; and safety Da'Mon Cromartie Smith.
I previously thought I saw guard Keith Williams – and they didn't take down his nameplate from the locker – but it was another guy.
The Steelers have confirmed the above signings.
© All starters were accounted for and practicing today, including cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden.
It marked one of just a handful of times both starting corners have been on the field together.
Here's who I saw today.
OT Trevis Turner; TE Jamie McCoy; RB John Clay; LB Morty Ivy; DE Corbin Bryant; WR Tyler Grisham; OL John Malecki; and safety Da'Mon Cromartie Smith.
I previously thought I saw guard Keith Williams – and they didn't take down his nameplate from the locker – but it was another guy.
The Steelers have confirmed the above signings.
© All starters were accounted for and practicing today, including cornerbacks Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden.
It marked one of just a handful of times both starting corners have been on the field together.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Steelers start making moves
The Steelers have placed quarterback Byron Leftwich on their Reserve/Injured List and released 21 others, reducing their roster to 58 players. Leftwich suffered a broken arm in the Steelers’ third preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons and will miss the 2011 season.
The team needs to release five more players before Saturday’s 6 p.m. deadline to get their roster to the league-mandated 53 players.
The 21 players released today include linebackers Baraka Atkins, Mario Harvey, Chris McCoy and Mortty Ivy, defensive lineman Corbin Bryant, defensive backs Brett Greenwood, Macho Harris, Donovan Warren and Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, running backs James Johnson and John Clay, offensive linemen Colin Miller, Kyle Jolly, John Malecki, Trevis Turner and Keith Williams, wide receivers Armand Robinson, Wes Lyons and Tyler Grisham, tight end Jamie McCoy and kicker Swayze Waters.
The team needs to release five more players before Saturday’s 6 p.m. deadline to get their roster to the league-mandated 53 players.
The 21 players released today include linebackers Baraka Atkins, Mario Harvey, Chris McCoy and Mortty Ivy, defensive lineman Corbin Bryant, defensive backs Brett Greenwood, Macho Harris, Donovan Warren and Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, running backs James Johnson and John Clay, offensive linemen Colin Miller, Kyle Jolly, John Malecki, Trevis Turner and Keith Williams, wide receivers Armand Robinson, Wes Lyons and Tyler Grisham, tight end Jamie McCoy and kicker Swayze Waters.
Post-Carolina thoughts
The Steelers made it through their final preseason game without any major injuries, which was the best they could hope for.
They also got some nice contributions from players who had been out throughout most of the preseason, Emmanuel Sanders and Cortez Allen.
Sanders wasn’t an unknown commodity and the Steelers knew he would be a contributor in 2011. They just weren’t sure when after he had two offseason foot surgeries.
But Sanders had four catches for 60 yards, showing he’s ready to roll in the opener at Baltimore.
Allen, meanwhile, is a raw rookie who had missed the team’s first three preseason games. The fourth-round draft pick showed his athleticism, recording two tackles and defending three passes, including one that he batted into the air for teammate Will Allen to pick off.
There’s now no way the Steelers can risk trying to slip Allen onto the practice squad.
Fellow rookie Curtis Brown also showed some nice coverage skills, while last week’s star, Crezdon Butler had an up-and-down game, making a couple of nice plays, but also allowing a touchdown – though safety help over the top would have helped.
© Morty Ivy also made a strong case to stick on the roster, at least as a special teams player.
Ivy had a team-high nine tackles, a sack, a pass defense and a quarterback hit.
One would think that Stevenson Sylvester is safe, but could Ivy push Larry Foote off the roster?
That’s doubtful as well, but it shows you the kind of tough decisions the Steelers face in the next two days.
© It was about time for Jason Worilds to show up in a game and he finally did.
Yes, he was unblocked on his sack, but he showed nice burst throughout the game getting down the line of scrimmage.
I liked the sense of urgency he played with and would like to see more of it.
© Jonathan Dwyer, welcome to the team.
Again, like Worilds, I liked the sense of urgency I saw from Dwyer. Mike Tomlin likely noticed as well.
© David Johnson looks much quicker in the open field than previous No. 2 tight end Matt Spaeth, even if he doesn’t offer Spaeth’s height.
Then again, it would be difficult not to look quicker than Spaeth.
He’s a better blocker as well – again, something that isn’t all that difficult.
© Wesyle Saunders has wrapped up the No. 3 tight end position.
© I don’t see how the coaching staff can cut Corbin Bryant, but looking at the numbers at other positions, it will also be difficult to keep him.
That will also leave a tough decision between Chris Hoke and Steve McLendon.
McLendon still has some practice squad eligibility, which could mean he's headed there again.
Bryant, however, would get scooped up in a heartbeat.
© The Steelers look like a team that can't wait to roll into Baltimore in a little over a week.
They also got some nice contributions from players who had been out throughout most of the preseason, Emmanuel Sanders and Cortez Allen.
Sanders wasn’t an unknown commodity and the Steelers knew he would be a contributor in 2011. They just weren’t sure when after he had two offseason foot surgeries.
But Sanders had four catches for 60 yards, showing he’s ready to roll in the opener at Baltimore.
Allen, meanwhile, is a raw rookie who had missed the team’s first three preseason games. The fourth-round draft pick showed his athleticism, recording two tackles and defending three passes, including one that he batted into the air for teammate Will Allen to pick off.
There’s now no way the Steelers can risk trying to slip Allen onto the practice squad.
Fellow rookie Curtis Brown also showed some nice coverage skills, while last week’s star, Crezdon Butler had an up-and-down game, making a couple of nice plays, but also allowing a touchdown – though safety help over the top would have helped.
© Morty Ivy also made a strong case to stick on the roster, at least as a special teams player.
Ivy had a team-high nine tackles, a sack, a pass defense and a quarterback hit.
One would think that Stevenson Sylvester is safe, but could Ivy push Larry Foote off the roster?
That’s doubtful as well, but it shows you the kind of tough decisions the Steelers face in the next two days.
© It was about time for Jason Worilds to show up in a game and he finally did.
Yes, he was unblocked on his sack, but he showed nice burst throughout the game getting down the line of scrimmage.
I liked the sense of urgency he played with and would like to see more of it.
© Jonathan Dwyer, welcome to the team.
Again, like Worilds, I liked the sense of urgency I saw from Dwyer. Mike Tomlin likely noticed as well.
© David Johnson looks much quicker in the open field than previous No. 2 tight end Matt Spaeth, even if he doesn’t offer Spaeth’s height.
Then again, it would be difficult not to look quicker than Spaeth.
He’s a better blocker as well – again, something that isn’t all that difficult.
© Wesyle Saunders has wrapped up the No. 3 tight end position.
© I don’t see how the coaching staff can cut Corbin Bryant, but looking at the numbers at other positions, it will also be difficult to keep him.
That will also leave a tough decision between Chris Hoke and Steve McLendon.
McLendon still has some practice squad eligibility, which could mean he's headed there again.
Bryant, however, would get scooped up in a heartbeat.
© The Steelers look like a team that can't wait to roll into Baltimore in a little over a week.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
The bubble watch
Here are some players who need big games tonight to earn spots on the roster:
Chris Hoke - Youngsters Steve McLendon and Corbin Bryant are pushing hard for roster spots. Hokie is a locker room favorite and would be a tough cut, and he's carved out a 10-year career by beating the odds. But the Steelers need to get younger and he could be a casualty.
William Gay - It's telling that the Steelers always slide Gay inside to the slot when they bring their nickel corner on the field. They don't trust anyone else just yet to play the slot. But that could change. Bryant McFadden is off the watch list because the coaching staff is still concerned about ability of the young guys to stay healthy, but Gay could be pushed out if Cortez Allen comes out with a big effort.
Jonathan Dwyer - Mike Tomlin is pushing Dwyer hard to become more than what he is. John Clay and possibly even James Johnson will get an opportunity to unseat Dwyer as the No. 4 running back. Right now, he's got the spot by default.
Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith - A big game from Cromartie-Smith could make things interesting for Will Allen and/or Ryan Mundy. Cromartie-Smith has been getting looks on all of the first team special teams units.
Chris Scott - He opened training camp with an opportunity to win the starting right guard spot. But he whiffed on that. The signing of Trai Essex puts him in position to possibly get cut.
Chris Hoke - Youngsters Steve McLendon and Corbin Bryant are pushing hard for roster spots. Hokie is a locker room favorite and would be a tough cut, and he's carved out a 10-year career by beating the odds. But the Steelers need to get younger and he could be a casualty.
William Gay - It's telling that the Steelers always slide Gay inside to the slot when they bring their nickel corner on the field. They don't trust anyone else just yet to play the slot. But that could change. Bryant McFadden is off the watch list because the coaching staff is still concerned about ability of the young guys to stay healthy, but Gay could be pushed out if Cortez Allen comes out with a big effort.
Jonathan Dwyer - Mike Tomlin is pushing Dwyer hard to become more than what he is. John Clay and possibly even James Johnson will get an opportunity to unseat Dwyer as the No. 4 running back. Right now, he's got the spot by default.
Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith - A big game from Cromartie-Smith could make things interesting for Will Allen and/or Ryan Mundy. Cromartie-Smith has been getting looks on all of the first team special teams units.
Chris Scott - He opened training camp with an opportunity to win the starting right guard spot. But he whiffed on that. The signing of Trai Essex puts him in position to possibly get cut.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Batch to start
Charlie Batch will get the start at QB on Thursday in the Steelers preseason finale at Carolina, with Dennis Dixon following him.
Starter Ben Roethlisberger will not play at all.
Batch would appear to have the leg up to be Roethlisberger's primary backup, but there is also some concern among the coaching staff about having Batch play behind the third-string offensive line, which also factored into the decision to give him the start.
The staff feels Dixon is better able to escape pressure behind what is not a very good unit.
© Doug Legursky will get the start at right guard in the preseason finale, to get his chance "to state his case," according to Mike Tomlin.
Legursky will likely be the starter when the Steelers open in Baltimore.
© In addition to Roethlisberger, Ike Taylor, Chris Carter and Jerricho Cotchery will definitely not play.
Chances are, James Farrior, Troy Polamalu, Bryant McFadden, Maurkice Pouncey and Casey Hampton won't play either.
If Pouncey doesn't play, Trai Essex will start at center.
© The Steelers released nose tackle Anthony Gray, wide receiver Terrence McCrae, linebacker Chris Ellis and corner Niles Brinkley to get down to the 80-man roster limit.
Starter Ben Roethlisberger will not play at all.
Batch would appear to have the leg up to be Roethlisberger's primary backup, but there is also some concern among the coaching staff about having Batch play behind the third-string offensive line, which also factored into the decision to give him the start.
The staff feels Dixon is better able to escape pressure behind what is not a very good unit.
© Doug Legursky will get the start at right guard in the preseason finale, to get his chance "to state his case," according to Mike Tomlin.
Legursky will likely be the starter when the Steelers open in Baltimore.
© In addition to Roethlisberger, Ike Taylor, Chris Carter and Jerricho Cotchery will definitely not play.
Chances are, James Farrior, Troy Polamalu, Bryant McFadden, Maurkice Pouncey and Casey Hampton won't play either.
If Pouncey doesn't play, Trai Essex will start at center.
© The Steelers released nose tackle Anthony Gray, wide receiver Terrence McCrae, linebacker Chris Ellis and corner Niles Brinkley to get down to the 80-man roster limit.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Post-Atlanta thoughts
Ben Roethlisberger is 21 of 31 of 361 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the preseason.
Most of that has come in the past two weeks against Atlanta and Philadelphia, a pair of NFC playoff teams a year ago.
I don't know what else to say about that other than his passer rating is 146.6 in the preseason.
© OK, here's one more thing to say about that. Mike Wallace has two catches for 9 yards and Roethlisberger has a 146.6 passer rating.
The Steelers' opponents this season should be very, very afraid.
© It's too bad about the broken arm suffered by Byron Leftwich. He's a class act and you hate to see that happen.
But it did make the Steelers' situation at QB much easier to navigate.
Given that Leftwich likely will be out until at least October, it's likely the team will place him on the disabled list and roll with Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch as the backups.
© Both Casey Hampton (arm) and Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) were also injured, but neither is serious.
Keenan Lewis' knee injury also is not considered serious, though Miguel Chavis is done with a torn pectoral muscle.
© Mike Tomlin to Antonio Brown as he entered the locker room , "Don't let it consume you."
Good advice to a player who looks every bit of a superstar in the making.
Tomlin had some choice words for the young man after he drew a taunting penalty at the end of his 77-yard catch and run.
It's unlikely Brown will make that mistake again.
© The Falcons threw the ball 42 times in the first half and dropped back to pass 44 times – two were scrambles.
That resulted in 220 yards passing and 13 points.
That's Dick LeBeau defense in a nutshell.
Some will argue that it shows the Steelers still can't defend the pass. But remember that Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden were both out and Keenan Lewis left midway through the first half.
That left William Gay, Crezdon Butler and Donovan Warren covering Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, a pair of perennial Pro Bowl players, and rookie Julio Jones, whom the Falcons traded the house to move up and get in the draft.
Atlanta's passing offense looks like it will be a good one, but the Steelers defense held their own against it.
You'd like to see some sacks in 42 pass attempts, but the Steelers had pretty good pressure on Ryan throughout the first half.
© Butler made some nice plays, not including his 95-yard interception return for a touchdown, and the Steelers may have to find a way to keep him around another year.
Lewis also had his moments, most notably a nice breakup in the end zone of a pass intended for White – though he did blow a coverage just prior to that.
© Rookie defensive lineman Corbin Bryant also continues to flash some skills. With Steve McClendon continuing to make plays, and first-round pick Cameron Heyward, you wonder if Chris Hoke has to worry about a roster spot.
Most of that has come in the past two weeks against Atlanta and Philadelphia, a pair of NFC playoff teams a year ago.
I don't know what else to say about that other than his passer rating is 146.6 in the preseason.
© OK, here's one more thing to say about that. Mike Wallace has two catches for 9 yards and Roethlisberger has a 146.6 passer rating.
The Steelers' opponents this season should be very, very afraid.
© It's too bad about the broken arm suffered by Byron Leftwich. He's a class act and you hate to see that happen.
But it did make the Steelers' situation at QB much easier to navigate.
Given that Leftwich likely will be out until at least October, it's likely the team will place him on the disabled list and roll with Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch as the backups.
© Both Casey Hampton (arm) and Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) were also injured, but neither is serious.
Keenan Lewis' knee injury also is not considered serious, though Miguel Chavis is done with a torn pectoral muscle.
© Mike Tomlin to Antonio Brown as he entered the locker room , "Don't let it consume you."
Good advice to a player who looks every bit of a superstar in the making.
Tomlin had some choice words for the young man after he drew a taunting penalty at the end of his 77-yard catch and run.
It's unlikely Brown will make that mistake again.
© The Falcons threw the ball 42 times in the first half and dropped back to pass 44 times – two were scrambles.
That resulted in 220 yards passing and 13 points.
That's Dick LeBeau defense in a nutshell.
Some will argue that it shows the Steelers still can't defend the pass. But remember that Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden were both out and Keenan Lewis left midway through the first half.
That left William Gay, Crezdon Butler and Donovan Warren covering Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, a pair of perennial Pro Bowl players, and rookie Julio Jones, whom the Falcons traded the house to move up and get in the draft.
Atlanta's passing offense looks like it will be a good one, but the Steelers defense held their own against it.
You'd like to see some sacks in 42 pass attempts, but the Steelers had pretty good pressure on Ryan throughout the first half.
© Butler made some nice plays, not including his 95-yard interception return for a touchdown, and the Steelers may have to find a way to keep him around another year.
Lewis also had his moments, most notably a nice breakup in the end zone of a pass intended for White – though he did blow a coverage just prior to that.
© Rookie defensive lineman Corbin Bryant also continues to flash some skills. With Steve McClendon continuing to make plays, and first-round pick Cameron Heyward, you wonder if Chris Hoke has to worry about a roster spot.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday with Tomlin
It appears that Marcus Gilbert, a second-round draft pick, will get the start at left tackle on Thursday against the Falcons.
Jonathan Scott is still hurting with a hyperextended knee and the Steelers want to take a long look at Tony Hills at right guard.
They'd also like to get Gilbert as much experience as possible heading into the regular season, especially after he missed most of the first week of training camp with a hamstring injury.
He'll get plenty of opportunity to play against Atlanta as the starters are expected to play into the third quarter.
© Tomlin ruled out cornerback Ike Taylor for Saturday's game, even though Taylor has resumed practicing.
© In addition to Scott, cornerbacks Cortez Allen, Bryant McFadden, wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Emmanuel Sanders and linebacker Mario Harvey are questionable to play.
© Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was at the Steelers facility on Thursday watching practice.
Jonathan Scott is still hurting with a hyperextended knee and the Steelers want to take a long look at Tony Hills at right guard.
They'd also like to get Gilbert as much experience as possible heading into the regular season, especially after he missed most of the first week of training camp with a hamstring injury.
He'll get plenty of opportunity to play against Atlanta as the starters are expected to play into the third quarter.
© Tomlin ruled out cornerback Ike Taylor for Saturday's game, even though Taylor has resumed practicing.
© In addition to Scott, cornerbacks Cortez Allen, Bryant McFadden, wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Emmanuel Sanders and linebacker Mario Harvey are questionable to play.
© Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was at the Steelers facility on Thursday watching practice.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesday news and notes
Ike Taylor is getting very close to returning to play, despite having a broken thumb.
Taylor won't play in this weekend's preaseason game against the Falcons, but he still working hard and will be ready to roll in the preseason.
© Bruce Arians said today that Trai Essex, in addition to being capable of playing guard or tackle, is now the Steelers third center.
Everyone worried about that third center position can now rest easily.
The ability of Essex to play multiple positions, including center, which I had forgotten about, could help him lock up a roster spot, despite his late signing.
© David Johnson has locked up the No. 2 tight end position, according to Arians, but the No. 3 spot is wide open.
© Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler was nominated by the Hall of Fame senior committee for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Considering that no nominee by the senior committee has ever not made the hall, Butler is as good as in.
Taylor won't play in this weekend's preaseason game against the Falcons, but he still working hard and will be ready to roll in the preseason.
© Bruce Arians said today that Trai Essex, in addition to being capable of playing guard or tackle, is now the Steelers third center.
Everyone worried about that third center position can now rest easily.
The ability of Essex to play multiple positions, including center, which I had forgotten about, could help him lock up a roster spot, despite his late signing.
© David Johnson has locked up the No. 2 tight end position, according to Arians, but the No. 3 spot is wide open.
© Former Steelers cornerback Jack Butler was nominated by the Hall of Fame senior committee for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Considering that no nominee by the senior committee has ever not made the hall, Butler is as good as in.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tuesday news and notes
The big news of the day was not the earthquake that shook the Pittsburgh area and the Steelers' facility on the South Side, but the signing of linebacker Lawrence Timmons.
Timmons got a six-year extension worth $50 million from the Steelers, giving them three linebackers who are earning an average of nearly $10 million per year.
That's a lot of money tied up in the front seven and the defense in general.
But it also means the Steelers have now tied up their two youngest defensive starters – Timmons and LaMarr Woodley – to long-term deals.
That's significant considering they are the only two starters who are under 30.
The team still has yet to do anything with strong safety Troy Polamalu, but may wait on that. Polamalu could be given the franchise tag at the end of the season.
© Speaking of young defensive players, rumblings are getting stronger that Bryant McFadden may be the odd man out when the Steelers start cutting corners – no pun intended.
The thinking is that at this point in his career, McFadden is what he is. He's not going to get any better. And what he is right now is adequate.
But would the defense be any worse off with, say, Keenan Lewis in the starting lineup opposite Ike Taylor?
At least there is the opportunity that Lewis could still get better.
And with a number of young corners on the roster who the Steelers don't want to give up on, it may not make sense to keep McFadden and his higher salary hit and take the chance on somebody signing Crezdon Butler or Cortez Allen if they are released.
© Trai Essex admitted to allowing himself to get out of shape in the offseason, which was a big reason why the Steelers didn't re-sign him.
His signing, even at this late date, could mean the Steelers aren't happy with the progress made by some of their young linemen, particularly Chris Scott.
Scott was given the chance to win the right guard spot and failed badly against Washington. He followed that up with a sub-par effort last week against Philadephia.
There is also some concern that Jonathan Scott's knee injury may not be completely healed when the Steelers roll into Baltimore in Week 1.
Timmons got a six-year extension worth $50 million from the Steelers, giving them three linebackers who are earning an average of nearly $10 million per year.
That's a lot of money tied up in the front seven and the defense in general.
But it also means the Steelers have now tied up their two youngest defensive starters – Timmons and LaMarr Woodley – to long-term deals.
That's significant considering they are the only two starters who are under 30.
The team still has yet to do anything with strong safety Troy Polamalu, but may wait on that. Polamalu could be given the franchise tag at the end of the season.
© Speaking of young defensive players, rumblings are getting stronger that Bryant McFadden may be the odd man out when the Steelers start cutting corners – no pun intended.
The thinking is that at this point in his career, McFadden is what he is. He's not going to get any better. And what he is right now is adequate.
But would the defense be any worse off with, say, Keenan Lewis in the starting lineup opposite Ike Taylor?
At least there is the opportunity that Lewis could still get better.
And with a number of young corners on the roster who the Steelers don't want to give up on, it may not make sense to keep McFadden and his higher salary hit and take the chance on somebody signing Crezdon Butler or Cortez Allen if they are released.
© Trai Essex admitted to allowing himself to get out of shape in the offseason, which was a big reason why the Steelers didn't re-sign him.
His signing, even at this late date, could mean the Steelers aren't happy with the progress made by some of their young linemen, particularly Chris Scott.
Scott was given the chance to win the right guard spot and failed badly against Washington. He followed that up with a sub-par effort last week against Philadephia.
There is also some concern that Jonathan Scott's knee injury may not be completely healed when the Steelers roll into Baltimore in Week 1.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Looking at 53
With two preseason games now in hand and training camp over, it's time to start thinking about how the Steelers' roster will shake down.
Here's how I see it right now:
QB (3) - Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon. I'm keeping Dixon over Charlie Batch because if you cut Dixon, somebody else will sign him. If Batch is released, he's not likely to sign elsewhere and you can always bring him back if there is a need. Dixon, however, could be trade bait.
RB (4) - Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Mewelde Moore, Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer makes the roster after the injury to Barron Batch. The Steelers could keep an eye on the waiver wire here to see if somebody of value gets cut free.
OL (10) - Willie Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, Chris Kemoeatu, Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky, Tony Hills, Chris Scott, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert and Keith Williams. The Steelers could go with nine here and try to sneak Williams onto the practice squad. Or they could keep a guy like Kyle Jolly on the active roster. But things are pretty cut and dried, barring an injury.
WR (5) - Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, and Jerricho Cotchery. Arnaz Battle could be kept around, but something tells me they'll need an extra roster spot for defensive backs. Plus, with the new kickoff rule in place, special teams isn't as important as it was before.
TE (3) - Heath Miller, David Johnson, Wesyle Saunders. Veteran John Gilmore has shown little. Saunders really hasn't, either, but he's got the potential to get better. This will be a position where the Steelers will be watching the waiver wire for help.
DL (6) - Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward, Chris Hoke. Corbin Bryant is a guy pushing here. It's possible that he's shown enough that if the Steelers try to sneak him onto the practice squad, one of the other 3-4 teams in the league will snatch him up. But because they almost have to keep 10 defensive backs, you have to find a roster spot somewhere.
LB (9) - James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Chris Carter, Jason Worilds, Larry Foote, Stevenson Sylvester, Morty Ivy. Ivy gets a roster spot as a special teams ace.
DB (10) - Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, William Gay, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Ryan Mundy, Keenan Lewis, Curtis Brown, Donovan Warren. This is a tough decision with Warren getting a roster spot over Cortez Allen, who has practiced too little to be of any help, and safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a veteran cut loose here - Gay or even McFadden - to open a spot for a younger player. This is easily the toughest position on the team to cut because many of the players are so similar and health has been an issue throughout training camp.
Specialists (3) - Greg Warren, Daniel Sepulveda, Shaun Suisham.
© In other news Monday, the Steelers signed veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex. That's likely a response to both Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert getting hurt last week against Philadelphia.
The team now lists Tony Hills as No. 1 at RG, so if they want to get him some snaps there, they need somebody with some experience to line up at LT.
Here's how I see it right now:
QB (3) - Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon. I'm keeping Dixon over Charlie Batch because if you cut Dixon, somebody else will sign him. If Batch is released, he's not likely to sign elsewhere and you can always bring him back if there is a need. Dixon, however, could be trade bait.
RB (4) - Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Mewelde Moore, Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer makes the roster after the injury to Barron Batch. The Steelers could keep an eye on the waiver wire here to see if somebody of value gets cut free.
OL (10) - Willie Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, Chris Kemoeatu, Jonathan Scott, Doug Legursky, Tony Hills, Chris Scott, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert and Keith Williams. The Steelers could go with nine here and try to sneak Williams onto the practice squad. Or they could keep a guy like Kyle Jolly on the active roster. But things are pretty cut and dried, barring an injury.
WR (5) - Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, and Jerricho Cotchery. Arnaz Battle could be kept around, but something tells me they'll need an extra roster spot for defensive backs. Plus, with the new kickoff rule in place, special teams isn't as important as it was before.
TE (3) - Heath Miller, David Johnson, Wesyle Saunders. Veteran John Gilmore has shown little. Saunders really hasn't, either, but he's got the potential to get better. This will be a position where the Steelers will be watching the waiver wire for help.
DL (6) - Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, Ziggy Hood, Cameron Heyward, Chris Hoke. Corbin Bryant is a guy pushing here. It's possible that he's shown enough that if the Steelers try to sneak him onto the practice squad, one of the other 3-4 teams in the league will snatch him up. But because they almost have to keep 10 defensive backs, you have to find a roster spot somewhere.
LB (9) - James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Chris Carter, Jason Worilds, Larry Foote, Stevenson Sylvester, Morty Ivy. Ivy gets a roster spot as a special teams ace.
DB (10) - Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, William Gay, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Will Allen, Ryan Mundy, Keenan Lewis, Curtis Brown, Donovan Warren. This is a tough decision with Warren getting a roster spot over Cortez Allen, who has practiced too little to be of any help, and safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a veteran cut loose here - Gay or even McFadden - to open a spot for a younger player. This is easily the toughest position on the team to cut because many of the players are so similar and health has been an issue throughout training camp.
Specialists (3) - Greg Warren, Daniel Sepulveda, Shaun Suisham.
© In other news Monday, the Steelers signed veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex. That's likely a response to both Jonathan Scott and Marcus Gilbert getting hurt last week against Philadelphia.
The team now lists Tony Hills as No. 1 at RG, so if they want to get him some snaps there, they need somebody with some experience to line up at LT.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Post-Eagles thoughts
Heck of a difference Troy Polamalu and James Harrison make in the Steelers defense.
Polamalu looked like he was in mid-season form, while Harrison was getting a good push on the pocket as well.
Polamalu, in fact, looked like a demon on the field Thursday night.
As he was walking into the locker room after the game, coach Mike Tomlin said, "I'm over it," to Polamalu.
Tomlin was a bit peeved that Polamalu put himself in jeopardy making his interception return at the end of the first half.
But, as Polamalu told me, "It doesn't matter to me if it's a preseason game or regular season. Once I've got the ball in my hands, instincts take over."
Laying down once he picked off Michael Vick was never an option.
© The Steelers were a little ticked off about the new rule that you can't engage the quarterback following a turnover unless he attempts to make a play.
Vick, an excellent athlete, took Polamalu down pretty hard following his interception. There were a number of Steelers around Vick at the time, but they did not attempt to block him for fear of being penalized and/or fined for taking a shot at the QB.
© Swayze Waters isn't much of a field goal kicker, but he could be a weapon on kickoffs. Shaun Suisham was scratched Thursday and Waters handled all of the kicking duties - except punts.
His kickoffs were deep, except one the Steelers told him to kick short and allow a return.
With the new kickoff rules, it may make sense for teams to carry a guy who can put the ball through the back of the end zone instead of an extra DB or WR to play special teams.
If you're putting the ball out of the end zone, who needs coverage guys?
© Jonathan Scott, who left on the first play of the game with a right knee injury, said it's not a long-term injury. But he could miss the remainder of the preseason.
Tony Hills acquitted himself well at left tackle after rookie Marcus Gilbert went down as well.
© First-year corner Donovan Warren seems to be making the most of his opportunity for more playing time due to other injuries in the secondary.
Warren was pretty active against the Eagles - in the few plays the defense was on the field.
He came in as the nickel corner, with William Gay sliding inside to the slot.
© Dennis Dixon played the entire second half at QB, with Charlie Batch getting not field time at all.
Don't read too much into that, however. The coaching staff does not want to put Batch on the field behind the third and fourth-team offensive line because it's pretty bad.
They trust that Dixon has enough elusiveness to take care of himself.
Then again, if the coaching staff is so worried about Batch not being able to fend for himself, maybe he shouldn't be on this team.
© Ben Roethlisberger made some beautiful throws in this game, but his best play may have been a 12-yard dumpoff to Rashard Mendenhall.
Roethlisberger was pressured to his left and waited for Mendenhall to release before feathering the ball over the outstretched hands of a pass rusher.
It showed a lot of patience and maturity.
Polamalu looked like he was in mid-season form, while Harrison was getting a good push on the pocket as well.
Polamalu, in fact, looked like a demon on the field Thursday night.
As he was walking into the locker room after the game, coach Mike Tomlin said, "I'm over it," to Polamalu.
Tomlin was a bit peeved that Polamalu put himself in jeopardy making his interception return at the end of the first half.
But, as Polamalu told me, "It doesn't matter to me if it's a preseason game or regular season. Once I've got the ball in my hands, instincts take over."
Laying down once he picked off Michael Vick was never an option.
© The Steelers were a little ticked off about the new rule that you can't engage the quarterback following a turnover unless he attempts to make a play.
Vick, an excellent athlete, took Polamalu down pretty hard following his interception. There were a number of Steelers around Vick at the time, but they did not attempt to block him for fear of being penalized and/or fined for taking a shot at the QB.
© Swayze Waters isn't much of a field goal kicker, but he could be a weapon on kickoffs. Shaun Suisham was scratched Thursday and Waters handled all of the kicking duties - except punts.
His kickoffs were deep, except one the Steelers told him to kick short and allow a return.
With the new kickoff rules, it may make sense for teams to carry a guy who can put the ball through the back of the end zone instead of an extra DB or WR to play special teams.
If you're putting the ball out of the end zone, who needs coverage guys?
© Jonathan Scott, who left on the first play of the game with a right knee injury, said it's not a long-term injury. But he could miss the remainder of the preseason.
Tony Hills acquitted himself well at left tackle after rookie Marcus Gilbert went down as well.
© First-year corner Donovan Warren seems to be making the most of his opportunity for more playing time due to other injuries in the secondary.
Warren was pretty active against the Eagles - in the few plays the defense was on the field.
He came in as the nickel corner, with William Gay sliding inside to the slot.
© Dennis Dixon played the entire second half at QB, with Charlie Batch getting not field time at all.
Don't read too much into that, however. The coaching staff does not want to put Batch on the field behind the third and fourth-team offensive line because it's pretty bad.
They trust that Dixon has enough elusiveness to take care of himself.
Then again, if the coaching staff is so worried about Batch not being able to fend for himself, maybe he shouldn't be on this team.
© Ben Roethlisberger made some beautiful throws in this game, but his best play may have been a 12-yard dumpoff to Rashard Mendenhall.
Roethlisberger was pressured to his left and waited for Mendenhall to release before feathering the ball over the outstretched hands of a pass rusher.
It showed a lot of patience and maturity.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Hair and the Glare
As I said last week, we got a good look at what the Steelers defense would look like without both Troy Polamalu and James Harrison in 2011 against the Redskins and it wasn't pretty.
Without the Hair and the Glare, the Steelers are going nowhere.
But both will be in the lineup when the Steelers host Philadelphia Thursday and it will be interesting to see them play in game conditions.
Polamalu is, of course, coming off an Achilles' tendon injury that limited him so greatly in 2010 that all he did was win the Defensive Player of Year award. Harrison, meanwhile, had a pair of back surgeries that sapped him of some leg strength.
Neither has gone crazy in training camp, taking things easy. But if they're on the field, even for a preseason game, you can bet they'll be going all out.
© I found it interesting that the Steelers moved defensive lineman Miguel Chavis to tight end.
Chavis made some plays against the Redskins and is very athletic, even at 285 pounds.
It's probable that this is a move made for practice squad purposes - to steal a spot because they're going to have to try to sneak some draft picks onto the squad, ie. a young corner or two – and can save a spot by teaching Chavis to play tight end as well.
© Limas Sweed was a dead man walking and his teammates knew it.
A couple of years ago, you'd see Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes playing jokes on Sweed during practice, yukking it up with him on the sidelines.
This year, it was almost like he was a leper. He moped around the practice field and his teammates seemed to avoid him.
It just goes to show how things can change.
Kevin Colbert will take some heat for cutting loose a former second-round draft pick, but let's be honest, this wasn't Alonzo Jackson-like.
Had the Steelers not taken Sweed in the second round, somebody else would have. Had the Steelers not selected Jackson in the second round, it's likely he would have slipped to the middle rounds.
Sweed may also get an opportunity to play for somebody else in the league, ala. Ricardo Colclough, another former second-round bust.
Colclough was considered a bust with the Steelers, but spent six seasons in the NFL. That's not a bust. He was an NFL player.
Jackson was out of football a year after the Steelers cut him. That, my friends, is a bust.
Without the Hair and the Glare, the Steelers are going nowhere.
But both will be in the lineup when the Steelers host Philadelphia Thursday and it will be interesting to see them play in game conditions.
Polamalu is, of course, coming off an Achilles' tendon injury that limited him so greatly in 2010 that all he did was win the Defensive Player of Year award. Harrison, meanwhile, had a pair of back surgeries that sapped him of some leg strength.
Neither has gone crazy in training camp, taking things easy. But if they're on the field, even for a preseason game, you can bet they'll be going all out.
© I found it interesting that the Steelers moved defensive lineman Miguel Chavis to tight end.
Chavis made some plays against the Redskins and is very athletic, even at 285 pounds.
It's probable that this is a move made for practice squad purposes - to steal a spot because they're going to have to try to sneak some draft picks onto the squad, ie. a young corner or two – and can save a spot by teaching Chavis to play tight end as well.
© Limas Sweed was a dead man walking and his teammates knew it.
A couple of years ago, you'd see Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes playing jokes on Sweed during practice, yukking it up with him on the sidelines.
This year, it was almost like he was a leper. He moped around the practice field and his teammates seemed to avoid him.
It just goes to show how things can change.
Kevin Colbert will take some heat for cutting loose a former second-round draft pick, but let's be honest, this wasn't Alonzo Jackson-like.
Had the Steelers not taken Sweed in the second round, somebody else would have. Had the Steelers not selected Jackson in the second round, it's likely he would have slipped to the middle rounds.
Sweed may also get an opportunity to play for somebody else in the league, ala. Ricardo Colclough, another former second-round bust.
Colclough was considered a bust with the Steelers, but spent six seasons in the NFL. That's not a bust. He was an NFL player.
Jackson was out of football a year after the Steelers cut him. That, my friends, is a bust.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Last day of camp
Mike Tomlin held his final press conference of training camp 2011 and was much more interesting today than he was at his PC last week:
© Tomlin said Troy Polamalu and James Harrison will play Thursday against Philadelphia after sitting against Washington.
© The starters are expected to see 20 to 25 snaps.
© Tony Hills will get the start at RG, though at practice Wednesday, Doug Legursky lined up with first team at RG, while Chris Kemoeatu was at LG.
© Emmanuel Sanders, Cortez Allen, Crezdon Butler, Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor, Chris Kemoeatu and Mario Harvey are out as of now. That list could be added to later.
© Tomlin did not discount having his kickers boot the ball shorter to allow for returns to get a look at his special teams coverage units.
© Tomlin also said he wants to get an extended look at Jonathan Dwyer in this game.
I talked to Dwyer at lunch. Said he's lost 15 pounds since he's been in camp.
© The Steelers were on the turf here at Saint Vincent College and Aaron Smith did not practice again. Tomlin said he has given some of the older guys days off when they are on the turf here to save their knees.
The Steelers wrapped up camp having had just five practices on grass because of heavy rains throughout camp.
© Tomlin said Troy Polamalu and James Harrison will play Thursday against Philadelphia after sitting against Washington.
© The starters are expected to see 20 to 25 snaps.
© Tony Hills will get the start at RG, though at practice Wednesday, Doug Legursky lined up with first team at RG, while Chris Kemoeatu was at LG.
© Emmanuel Sanders, Cortez Allen, Crezdon Butler, Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor, Chris Kemoeatu and Mario Harvey are out as of now. That list could be added to later.
© Tomlin did not discount having his kickers boot the ball shorter to allow for returns to get a look at his special teams coverage units.
© Tomlin also said he wants to get an extended look at Jonathan Dwyer in this game.
I talked to Dwyer at lunch. Said he's lost 15 pounds since he's been in camp.
© The Steelers were on the turf here at Saint Vincent College and Aaron Smith did not practice again. Tomlin said he has given some of the older guys days off when they are on the turf here to save their knees.
The Steelers wrapped up camp having had just five practices on grass because of heavy rains throughout camp.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Dwyer a big winner
Unless the Steelers make a move to sign a running back who gets cut loose in the next couple of weeks, Jonathan Dwyer has likely made this team.
The season-ending knee injury to Baron Batch last week made that a strong possibility, but rookie John Clay walking out of practice Monday all but assured it.
Clay was eventually talked into coming back onto the practice field, but you can bet the coaching staff isn't happy with him.
Of course, Clay probably sees the writing on the wall. He hasn't been too impressive in camp and was equally blah in the team's first preseson game at Washington.
So that leaves Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Mewelde Moore and … Dwyer.
The Steelers will be watching the waiver wire closely if someone interesting gets cut loose. And no, that somebody will not be Tiki Barber.
The season-ending knee injury to Baron Batch last week made that a strong possibility, but rookie John Clay walking out of practice Monday all but assured it.
Clay was eventually talked into coming back onto the practice field, but you can bet the coaching staff isn't happy with him.
Of course, Clay probably sees the writing on the wall. He hasn't been too impressive in camp and was equally blah in the team's first preseson game at Washington.
So that leaves Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Mewelde Moore and … Dwyer.
The Steelers will be watching the waiver wire closely if someone interesting gets cut loose. And no, that somebody will not be Tiki Barber.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Kemoeatu activated
The Steelers activated guard Chris Kemoeatu on Sunday, placing defensive lineman Sunny Harris on the waived/injured list.
Kemoeatu has been on the PUP list since the opening of training camp after showing up with swelling on his knee caused by workouts to get himself ready for the season.
© Word is that James Harrison, who sat out Friday night's preseason game to rest his back, has seen some of his leg power decrease.
According to sources, Harrison used to squat over 600 pounds in the weight room. But after a pair of offseason back surgeries, he's at 365 or so.
That's not good.
Kemoeatu has been on the PUP list since the opening of training camp after showing up with swelling on his knee caused by workouts to get himself ready for the season.
© Word is that James Harrison, who sat out Friday night's preseason game to rest his back, has seen some of his leg power decrease.
According to sources, Harrison used to squat over 600 pounds in the weight room. But after a pair of offseason back surgeries, he's at 365 or so.
That's not good.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Post-Washington thoughts
All the people who want to trade or cut James Harrison and allow Troy Polamalu to leave as a free agent at the end of the season got a good look what that would look like for the Steelers Friday night against Washington.
It wasn't pretty.
Thankfully for the Steelers, both will be in uniform for them this season.
Sure, the Steelers played pretty vanilla defensively in the first half against the Redskins, but Washington was gouging Pittsburgh on the ground when both teams had their starters in the game. That's something that would be much less likely to happen with Harrison and Polamalu in the game.
© Antonio Brown continues to be perhaps the most impressive-looking player for the Steelers.
It's a shame the new kickoff rules aren't going to allow for him to make too many returns.
© The Steelers started the game with three tight ends, with David Johnson in the backfield and John Gilmore and Heath Miller on the line.
But Jamie McCoy did replace Johnson on the second series as the H-back.
© Tough game for Ryan Mundy. He was getting worked over so much in coverage that you would have sworn the Redskins game planned it.
© The Steelers dodged a bullet with Lawrence Timmons, who went down in the first half with a stinger that looked worse than it apparently was.
They weren't as fortunate with Ike Taylor, who suffered a broken thumb.
Taylor will be ready for the regular season opener, but it will give the Steelers a great opportunity to get some of their young corners more experience - if they can stay healthy.
© If you don't like the way Isaac Redman runs with the ball, you don't like football.
© Ramon Foster started at right guard, but was replaced by Chris Scott in the second series. Scott had a tough go of it, allowing a running play to get blown up and allowing a sack.
It wasn't pretty.
Thankfully for the Steelers, both will be in uniform for them this season.
Sure, the Steelers played pretty vanilla defensively in the first half against the Redskins, but Washington was gouging Pittsburgh on the ground when both teams had their starters in the game. That's something that would be much less likely to happen with Harrison and Polamalu in the game.
© Antonio Brown continues to be perhaps the most impressive-looking player for the Steelers.
It's a shame the new kickoff rules aren't going to allow for him to make too many returns.
© The Steelers started the game with three tight ends, with David Johnson in the backfield and John Gilmore and Heath Miller on the line.
But Jamie McCoy did replace Johnson on the second series as the H-back.
© Tough game for Ryan Mundy. He was getting worked over so much in coverage that you would have sworn the Redskins game planned it.
© The Steelers dodged a bullet with Lawrence Timmons, who went down in the first half with a stinger that looked worse than it apparently was.
They weren't as fortunate with Ike Taylor, who suffered a broken thumb.
Taylor will be ready for the regular season opener, but it will give the Steelers a great opportunity to get some of their young corners more experience - if they can stay healthy.
© If you don't like the way Isaac Redman runs with the ball, you don't like football.
© Ramon Foster started at right guard, but was replaced by Chris Scott in the second series. Scott had a tough go of it, allowing a running play to get blown up and allowing a sack.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Steelers sign Cotchery and other news, notes
The Steelers signed veteran wideout Jerricho Cotchery on Thursday, adding some key depth to a position that has been banged up considerably at training camp.
It remains to be seen how Cotchery fits into the wide receiver depth chart, but the Steelers were concerned that they had precious little veteran depth behind Hines Ward.
Yes, Mike Wallace is an emerging star, but his inexperience showed up in the Super Bowl. And with Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown entering just their second year – and Sanders missing the past two weeks of practice – the Steelers were concerned about what would happen if Ward were injured.
The move doesn't bode well for Limas Sweed and possibly Arnaz Battle.
Sweed is all but done in Pittsburgh now, while the signing of Cotchery shows the team has no use for Battle as anything but a special teams cover man.
© It's a shame rookie Baron Batch suffered an apparent season-ending ACL tear Wednesday. But it opens the door for Jonathan Dwyer to make this team again.
It also assures Mewelde Moore of a roster spot.
© Second-year pro Chris Scott missed all of training camp in 2010 with a broken foot, but the Steelers have been impressed enough with his play in camp this year to give him a legitimate shot at starting at right guard.
At 6-4, 319 pounds, Scott is nearly as big as 2010 starter Ramon Foster, but much more agile.
It remains to be seen how Cotchery fits into the wide receiver depth chart, but the Steelers were concerned that they had precious little veteran depth behind Hines Ward.
Yes, Mike Wallace is an emerging star, but his inexperience showed up in the Super Bowl. And with Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown entering just their second year – and Sanders missing the past two weeks of practice – the Steelers were concerned about what would happen if Ward were injured.
The move doesn't bode well for Limas Sweed and possibly Arnaz Battle.
Sweed is all but done in Pittsburgh now, while the signing of Cotchery shows the team has no use for Battle as anything but a special teams cover man.
© It's a shame rookie Baron Batch suffered an apparent season-ending ACL tear Wednesday. But it opens the door for Jonathan Dwyer to make this team again.
It also assures Mewelde Moore of a roster spot.
© Second-year pro Chris Scott missed all of training camp in 2010 with a broken foot, but the Steelers have been impressed enough with his play in camp this year to give him a legitimate shot at starting at right guard.
At 6-4, 319 pounds, Scott is nearly as big as 2010 starter Ramon Foster, but much more agile.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Tuesday news and notes
The Steelers entertained yet another tight end on Tuesday as Reggie Kelly became the latest guy to come through Latrobe.
Despite his reputation as a solid blocker Wesyle Sanders hasn't shown it yet and David Johnson is more of an H-back than he is a second tight end. Recently signed veteran John Gilmore looks fairly unimpressive as well.
Who knew it would be so difficult to replace Matt Spaeth?
Jamie "The Real" McCoy continues to impress as a willing blocker, but, like Johnson, he's more of an H-back type than an in-line blocker. McCoy held his own in two out of three blocking drills working against James Harrison.
© With Bryant McFadden out Tuesday, Keenan Lewis took snaps with the first-team defense and had one of his better practices.
That's big news for the Steelers, who are still hoping Lewis turns into a player.
© Though Keith Williams is officially listed as his primary backup, it was Doug Legursky filling in for Chris Kemoeatu today. Chris Scott was at RG for Ramon Foster, who is suffering from concussion issues.
© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.
Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.
Despite his reputation as a solid blocker Wesyle Sanders hasn't shown it yet and David Johnson is more of an H-back than he is a second tight end. Recently signed veteran John Gilmore looks fairly unimpressive as well.
Who knew it would be so difficult to replace Matt Spaeth?
Jamie "The Real" McCoy continues to impress as a willing blocker, but, like Johnson, he's more of an H-back type than an in-line blocker. McCoy held his own in two out of three blocking drills working against James Harrison.
© With Bryant McFadden out Tuesday, Keenan Lewis took snaps with the first-team defense and had one of his better practices.
That's big news for the Steelers, who are still hoping Lewis turns into a player.
© Though Keith Williams is officially listed as his primary backup, it was Doug Legursky filling in for Chris Kemoeatu today. Chris Scott was at RG for Ramon Foster, who is suffering from concussion issues.
© The Steelers really like what they've seen out of rookie inside linebacker Mario Harvey.
Harvey is a thick, 6-0, 250 pounds, but is lightning quick.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Monday's news and notes
Jonathan Scott tried to gut it out at practice Monday, but his injured ankle just wouldn't let him.
It's not hard to see why Scott would attempt to tough things out, while Ramon Foster, who's injury on Saturday was not considered as serious as Scott's would not.
Scott is the definition of NFL journeyman. He's got a chance to be the Steelers' starting left tackle - in fact, he might have it be default.
And he doesn't want to give that up. But after seeing the look on his face after he shut it down Monday, he may have learned that, sometimes, it's better to bite the bullet and not practice rather than risk injuring something worse.
© Rookie linebacker Chris Carter just might be a quick learner.
After looking horrible in the tight ends on backers running drill last week, Carter did a credible job working against David Johnson, consistently getting his shoulder around the corner and taking the much bigger Johnson where he wanted him to go.
Jason Worilds wasn't anywhere near as successful as Carter was working against Johnson. In fact, Johnson stoned Worilds time and again at the line of scrimmage, pretty much having his way with him.
© Chris Kemoeatu is now running, meaning he is getting close to being activated off the PUP list.
Hines Ward was, of course, activated Monday.
© Tuesday will be a big day for many of the team's rookies and first-year players who have been missing time. If they don't practice Tuesday, they are unlikely to play in Friday's preseason opener.
© Jerrico Cotchery came and left Saint Vincent College on Monday.
The Steelers seem insistent on finding a veteran wideout to add to their roster.
That tells me they don't think Arnaz Battle can help them in the passing game. Limas Sweed doesn't have any real experience, either, and is on the outside looking in.
Tyler Grisham? He's got less experience than Battle and Sweed.
It's not hard to see why Scott would attempt to tough things out, while Ramon Foster, who's injury on Saturday was not considered as serious as Scott's would not.
Scott is the definition of NFL journeyman. He's got a chance to be the Steelers' starting left tackle - in fact, he might have it be default.
And he doesn't want to give that up. But after seeing the look on his face after he shut it down Monday, he may have learned that, sometimes, it's better to bite the bullet and not practice rather than risk injuring something worse.
© Rookie linebacker Chris Carter just might be a quick learner.
After looking horrible in the tight ends on backers running drill last week, Carter did a credible job working against David Johnson, consistently getting his shoulder around the corner and taking the much bigger Johnson where he wanted him to go.
Jason Worilds wasn't anywhere near as successful as Carter was working against Johnson. In fact, Johnson stoned Worilds time and again at the line of scrimmage, pretty much having his way with him.
© Chris Kemoeatu is now running, meaning he is getting close to being activated off the PUP list.
Hines Ward was, of course, activated Monday.
© Tuesday will be a big day for many of the team's rookies and first-year players who have been missing time. If they don't practice Tuesday, they are unlikely to play in Friday's preseason opener.
© Jerrico Cotchery came and left Saint Vincent College on Monday.
The Steelers seem insistent on finding a veteran wideout to add to their roster.
That tells me they don't think Arnaz Battle can help them in the passing game. Limas Sweed doesn't have any real experience, either, and is on the outside looking in.
Tyler Grisham? He's got less experience than Battle and Sweed.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Weekend news, notes
Friday night at Latrobe High School Stadium, I was told the Steelers would work on goal line plays to end the practice.
Usually, that means putting the ball at the 2 and having the offense try to score.
In this case, it means putting the offense at its own 2 and having it come out of its own end zone.
The first play? An end around to Antonio Brown.
Brown got out of the end zone for about a five-yard gain, but a couple of screen passes were blown up.
It was almost like the Steelers were figuring out what would and would not work in those situations.
Of course, we've seen the team have problems in that same situation in plenty of big games over the past few years, so maybe it wasn't a bad idea.
© Speaking of Brown, he's been very, very active in the first week-plus of training camp. The young receiver is really taking a big step forward, particularly with Hines Ward and Emmanuel Sanders sitting out.
© If you've been following my Tweets or listened to me on the radio, you know I've been impressed with Jamie McCoy, a first-year tight end who spent time with the Rams last season.
At 6-3, 240 pounds, McCoy is a bit undersized, but he's an active blocker.
He'd likely have to make the roster as an h-back and the Steelers already have one of those in David Johnson.
Can McCoy beat out Johnson? Possibly. Johnson has not been as impressive as a blocker as he had been in previous camps.
But it's unlikely that both McCoy and Johnson make the team as backups to Heath Miller.
© Rookie running back Baron Batch is getting plenty of looks. Friday night, he was matched against Lawrence Timmons – the new defensive champion. Coach Mike Tomlin made sure McCoy was matched against Timmons as well.
Both held their own, splitting a pair of reps with Timmons.
Saturday, Batch scored on a pair of goal-line carries in the goal-line drill.
© Jonathan Scott went down Saturday with an ankle injury. You can bet the Steelers were getting ready to dial Max Starks or Flozell Adams.
Tony Hills was his replacement.
It doesn't appear serious, but gives an idea of just how precarious the team's situation is at offensive tackle, particularly left tackle.
© Both Ed Bouchette and Peter King, a pair of Hall of Fame voters, Tweeted Saturday night that they believe Dermontti Dawson will be part of next year's Hall of Fame class.
It's about time.
Usually, that means putting the ball at the 2 and having the offense try to score.
In this case, it means putting the offense at its own 2 and having it come out of its own end zone.
The first play? An end around to Antonio Brown.
Brown got out of the end zone for about a five-yard gain, but a couple of screen passes were blown up.
It was almost like the Steelers were figuring out what would and would not work in those situations.
Of course, we've seen the team have problems in that same situation in plenty of big games over the past few years, so maybe it wasn't a bad idea.
© Speaking of Brown, he's been very, very active in the first week-plus of training camp. The young receiver is really taking a big step forward, particularly with Hines Ward and Emmanuel Sanders sitting out.
© If you've been following my Tweets or listened to me on the radio, you know I've been impressed with Jamie McCoy, a first-year tight end who spent time with the Rams last season.
At 6-3, 240 pounds, McCoy is a bit undersized, but he's an active blocker.
He'd likely have to make the roster as an h-back and the Steelers already have one of those in David Johnson.
Can McCoy beat out Johnson? Possibly. Johnson has not been as impressive as a blocker as he had been in previous camps.
But it's unlikely that both McCoy and Johnson make the team as backups to Heath Miller.
© Rookie running back Baron Batch is getting plenty of looks. Friday night, he was matched against Lawrence Timmons – the new defensive champion. Coach Mike Tomlin made sure McCoy was matched against Timmons as well.
Both held their own, splitting a pair of reps with Timmons.
Saturday, Batch scored on a pair of goal-line carries in the goal-line drill.
© Jonathan Scott went down Saturday with an ankle injury. You can bet the Steelers were getting ready to dial Max Starks or Flozell Adams.
Tony Hills was his replacement.
It doesn't appear serious, but gives an idea of just how precarious the team's situation is at offensive tackle, particularly left tackle.
© Both Ed Bouchette and Peter King, a pair of Hall of Fame voters, Tweeted Saturday night that they believe Dermontti Dawson will be part of next year's Hall of Fame class.
It's about time.
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