The sun wasn’t too hot. The crowd was large and boisterous. And the hitting was heavy as the Steelers held their best practice of the first week here at St. Vincent College.
Linebacker James Harrison stole the show early during a backs on backers blocking drill, running straight through Willie Parker.
“Down goes Frazier,” yelled sidelined linebacker Joey Porter as the rest of his teammates hooted and hollered over the hit.
As good as Harrison’s hit was, it wasn’t enough to salvage a win in the drill for the defense, which lost the one-on-one drill that pits a rushing linebacker against a pass-protecting running back. The offense won the event, 7-6, when fullback Dan Kreider took on Harrison head on in a collision that sounded like a couple of bighorn sheep crashing together head to head.
That certainly got the juices flowing and the team held a spirited 9-on-7 inside running drill soon thereafter. As head coach Bill Cowher said, “This is who we are, right here,” as the team lined up for the drill.
Malcom Postell, the former Pitt linebacker who was cut in the spring and brought back just this week, flashed a little in both drills and keeps showing up every day with a play here and there. Two other linebackers who have flashed in the team drills have been linebacker Arnold Harrison and Richard Siegler.
Harrison and Postell just keep on blowing up running plays in the backfield and Siegler looks strong in coverage.
Maybe that’s because the guys they are playing against aren’t very good, but they’ve caught my eye.
In the one-on-one linemen vs. backers and defensive linemen drill, Clark Haggans and Willie Colon were matched up again a couple of times, something that bore watching after their near fight earlier this week. On the first series, Colon got his hand too high into Haggans’ facemask and ripped his helmet off. But Colon picked the helmet up and handed to a smiling Haggans, so the two apparently have kissed and made up.
Defensive end Rodney Bailey went through veteran offensive lineman Barrett Brooks like a turnstile and Brooks asked for another shot. Just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, Bailey beat him again. I like Brooks on a personal level, but he’s not making this team. Then again, he's been in the league since 1995, so maybe he's cagey enough to find a way to hold on another year.
Bryant McFadden, who was seeing some time with the first team defense thanks to Deshea Townsend’s sore hamstring, decked first-round pick Santonio Holmes after a catch in the 11-on-11 drills. To his credit, Holmes held onto the pass from Charlie Batch and bounced right up.
After Thursday night’s miserable performance in the two-minute drill, the first-team offense moved the ball a little against the first-team defense. The problem was that it just took too long because none of the plays were made downfield.
The offense took over at the 25 with 1:41 on the clock.
Roethlisberger hit Verron Haynes for a 9-yard pass and then threw incomplete on second down. Roethlisberger then completed a 3-yard pass to Hines Ward.
A couple of more passes and a pair of Roethlisberger scrambles put the ball at the 38 before Roethlisberger could down the ball at the 38 with 5.6 seconds remaining.
Would the team have kicked the field goal from there - a 56-yarder?
“I wouldn’t have had much of a choice,” said Cowher.
The second-team offense fared much better as Batch connected with rookie Willie Reid on a 55-yard TD pass on the second play after safety Mike Lorello fell down trying to cover for cornerback Anthony Madison, who appeared to blow the coverage.
James Farrior sat out the afternoon session after missing the morning as well with a sore lower back. He was replaced by Clint Kreiwaldt. Townsend practiced sparingly and only saw time in the nickel and dime.
Mike Kudla and Eugene Baker continue to miss time with hamstring injuries.
In an interesting aside, when placekicker Jeff Reed lined up for field goals, second-string punter Mike Barr was his holder. Regular holder Chris Gardocki, the first-string punter, held for rookie Mark Brubaker.
In the morning session, the offense looked crisp, especially in the red zone drills. Roethlisberger threw four passes, three of them for touchdowns.
Porter, who seems to be close to returning, ran the hillside here at St. Vincent and is getting himself into shape after having offseason knee surgery.
Saturday's practice, which begins at 12:30 p.m., is open to the public. The team will have its second goal-line drill, which is always a treat.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Day 4/5
Sorry no practice report Wednesday night. By the time I had written everything for the paper and covered two practices, at 9 a.m. and then until 9 p.m., I was a little whipped. I can only imagine how tired the players were. Though I did play basketball in the mid-afternoon, so I had some clue.
The goal-line drill Wednesday night was good stuff. The hit James Farrior put on Verron Haynes to force a fumble on fourth down was brutal. We don't often get to see that kind of hitting among the teammates.
Another couple of rookies are starting to stand out, those being undrafted cornerback Anthony Madison and third-round wide receiver Willie Reid.
Madison looks good in coverage and is scrappy. Reid has ridiculous speed and is easily the best punt return guy on the team.
The goal-line drill Wednesday night was good stuff. The hit James Farrior put on Verron Haynes to force a fumble on fourth down was brutal. We don't often get to see that kind of hitting among the teammates.
Another couple of rookies are starting to stand out, those being undrafted cornerback Anthony Madison and third-round wide receiver Willie Reid.
Madison looks good in coverage and is scrappy. Reid has ridiculous speed and is easily the best punt return guy on the team.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Day 3
The heat index approached 100 here at St. Vincent College Tuesday afternoon.
And as the heat rose, so did the tempers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, most notably for rookie offensive tackle Willie Colon and linebacker Clark Haggans.
During one-on-one pass rushing drills between the offensive linemen and the linebacker and defensive ends, Colon took umbrage to Haggans knocking his helmet off and the two had a verbal sparring session and staredown. In fact, Haggans jumped back up to the line and wanted another go with the rookie before he was sent to the end of the line by the coaching staff.
Colon continued to stare at Haggans, repeatedly asking him if he wanted to “dance.” And as Haggans was called over to another drill, Colon blew him a kiss as the linebacker ran off to the other field.
The near-fight punctuated an otherwise lackluster practice that seems to be leading up to Wednesday night’s session at Latrobe High School, which will include the camp’s first goal-line drill.
The highlight of the session was supposed to be the backs on backers pass rushing drill that was won by the offense by an 8-6 margin. It wasn't nearly as spirited even as it usually is, however.
James Harrison opened by bull-rushing Duce Staley before Heath Miller evened things up by stoning James Farrior.
Willie Parker then held his own against Larry Foote and Dan Kreider stood up Haggans.
Verron Haynes, easily the best blocker among the running backs outside of Kreider, stuffed Arnold Harrison, while Cedric Humes beat Rian Walllace.
Other offensive winners included Charles Davis, Staley - in his second-go around with Lee Vickers – and Parker over Haggans.
Malcolm Postell had no problem with Doug Easlick, while Richard Seigler bull-rushed Branden Joe right into the quarterback.
Harrison faked the bull rush and just went around Miller, while Ronald Stanley finished things off by just getting by Kreider.
It was an up-and-down day for Ricardo Colclough. Working at punt returner, he muffed a pair of punts.
But later in the practice, he made a nice interception on a Charlie Batch pass attempt and nearly had another pick from Ben Roethlisberger later.
Roethlisberger looked a little better throwing the ball today, but still isn’t cutting it loose with full steam.
Defensive end Travis Kirshke and Kreider were back in action after missing practice Monday, but Santonio Holmes sat out with his minor hamstring strain. Mike Kudla (hamstring), Jerame Tuman (illness) and Joey Porter (knee) also sat out, while Walter Young was activated off the PUP list and saw his first action.
And as the heat rose, so did the tempers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, most notably for rookie offensive tackle Willie Colon and linebacker Clark Haggans.
During one-on-one pass rushing drills between the offensive linemen and the linebacker and defensive ends, Colon took umbrage to Haggans knocking his helmet off and the two had a verbal sparring session and staredown. In fact, Haggans jumped back up to the line and wanted another go with the rookie before he was sent to the end of the line by the coaching staff.
Colon continued to stare at Haggans, repeatedly asking him if he wanted to “dance.” And as Haggans was called over to another drill, Colon blew him a kiss as the linebacker ran off to the other field.
The near-fight punctuated an otherwise lackluster practice that seems to be leading up to Wednesday night’s session at Latrobe High School, which will include the camp’s first goal-line drill.
The highlight of the session was supposed to be the backs on backers pass rushing drill that was won by the offense by an 8-6 margin. It wasn't nearly as spirited even as it usually is, however.
James Harrison opened by bull-rushing Duce Staley before Heath Miller evened things up by stoning James Farrior.
Willie Parker then held his own against Larry Foote and Dan Kreider stood up Haggans.
Verron Haynes, easily the best blocker among the running backs outside of Kreider, stuffed Arnold Harrison, while Cedric Humes beat Rian Walllace.
Other offensive winners included Charles Davis, Staley - in his second-go around with Lee Vickers – and Parker over Haggans.
Malcolm Postell had no problem with Doug Easlick, while Richard Seigler bull-rushed Branden Joe right into the quarterback.
Harrison faked the bull rush and just went around Miller, while Ronald Stanley finished things off by just getting by Kreider.
It was an up-and-down day for Ricardo Colclough. Working at punt returner, he muffed a pair of punts.
But later in the practice, he made a nice interception on a Charlie Batch pass attempt and nearly had another pick from Ben Roethlisberger later.
Roethlisberger looked a little better throwing the ball today, but still isn’t cutting it loose with full steam.
Defensive end Travis Kirshke and Kreider were back in action after missing practice Monday, but Santonio Holmes sat out with his minor hamstring strain. Mike Kudla (hamstring), Jerame Tuman (illness) and Joey Porter (knee) also sat out, while Walter Young was activated off the PUP list and saw his first action.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Day 2
After the morning practice was moved indoors to St. Vincent College’s gymnasium, the Steelers held their second outdoor practice Monday afternoon on the rain-soaked fields here. Defensive end Travis Kirshke (back), fullback Dan Kreider (foot) and linebacker Mike Kudla (hamstring) were held out of the session.
Rodney Bailey moved up into Kirshke’s spot opposite Shaun Nua on the second team defense and looked good.
During 9-on-7 inside running drills, Bailey shed a blocker, slid down the line and enveloped running back Cedric Humes as he hit the hole.
Later in one-on-one pass rushing drills, Bailey had his way with rookie offensive tackle Willie Colon, who lost some early battles to Bailey, Andre Frazier and Clark Haggans. Colon came back late to stone Bailey, Aaron Smith and Frazier toward the end of the drill. The kid seems to be a fast learner.
Trai Essex is continuing to see time at guard as it looks as if they are preparing him to fill the spot of Barrett Brooks as the swing guy on game days. Brooks is a great guy, but his days here appear to be numbered.
Brett Keisel was the star of the one-on-one drills. He’s a fluid pass rusher and really gets up the field quickly. How he handles playing the run every down remains to be seen, but his pass-rush ability is something the team doesn’t have in any of its other linemen.
Over in the one-on-one passing drills, Nate Washington continued to shine, this time making a beautiful diving catch of a deep pass from Charlie Batch working against Ryan Clark.
In team drills, rookie corner Anthony Madison showed some flashes, batting down a couple of passes in coverage. Madison made a nice read on a quick out by Lee Mays to bat down a pass from Omar Jacobs. Later, he got a hand in front of Willie Reid to bat down a ball from Shayne Boyd.
Santonio Holmes tweaked a hamstring, but it was nothing serious.
He, Reid and Cedric Wilson were fielding punts during special teams session. Washington will also work in there and special teams coach Kevin Spencer made a point of having Washington field some punts at the conclusion of practice.
Rookie defensive end Lee Vickers (my sleeper pick to make the team) was worked into the lineup at outside linebacker. At 6-6, 270 pounds, Vickers is an interesting prospect. He reminds me a lot of former Steelers and current Patriots lineabacker Mike Vrabel.
Rodney Bailey moved up into Kirshke’s spot opposite Shaun Nua on the second team defense and looked good.
During 9-on-7 inside running drills, Bailey shed a blocker, slid down the line and enveloped running back Cedric Humes as he hit the hole.
Later in one-on-one pass rushing drills, Bailey had his way with rookie offensive tackle Willie Colon, who lost some early battles to Bailey, Andre Frazier and Clark Haggans. Colon came back late to stone Bailey, Aaron Smith and Frazier toward the end of the drill. The kid seems to be a fast learner.
Trai Essex is continuing to see time at guard as it looks as if they are preparing him to fill the spot of Barrett Brooks as the swing guy on game days. Brooks is a great guy, but his days here appear to be numbered.
Brett Keisel was the star of the one-on-one drills. He’s a fluid pass rusher and really gets up the field quickly. How he handles playing the run every down remains to be seen, but his pass-rush ability is something the team doesn’t have in any of its other linemen.
Over in the one-on-one passing drills, Nate Washington continued to shine, this time making a beautiful diving catch of a deep pass from Charlie Batch working against Ryan Clark.
In team drills, rookie corner Anthony Madison showed some flashes, batting down a couple of passes in coverage. Madison made a nice read on a quick out by Lee Mays to bat down a pass from Omar Jacobs. Later, he got a hand in front of Willie Reid to bat down a ball from Shayne Boyd.
Santonio Holmes tweaked a hamstring, but it was nothing serious.
He, Reid and Cedric Wilson were fielding punts during special teams session. Washington will also work in there and special teams coach Kevin Spencer made a point of having Washington field some punts at the conclusion of practice.
Rookie defensive end Lee Vickers (my sleeper pick to make the team) was worked into the lineup at outside linebacker. At 6-6, 270 pounds, Vickers is an interesting prospect. He reminds me a lot of former Steelers and current Patriots lineabacker Mike Vrabel.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
First-practice thoughts
Here are some random thoughts from the Steelers' first practice Sunday at St. Vincent College.
How amped up was the crowd that was estimated at 14,000 for its first view of the defending Super Bowl champions? Even little things like players going to the bathroom at a portable toilet drew large cheers.
"It's always big on weekends, but after a certain point, you just try to stop looking." said head coach Bill Cowher of the crowd. "But they were loud and they were cheering every little thing that happened."
Many, no doubt, showed up to watch quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's first practice since his June motorcycle accident. And while Roethlisberger wasn't particularly sharp - at least by his standards - throwing the ball Sunday, he did make it through practice without a major incident.
"We've had all the doctor's reports have said that he's ready to go. He says he's ready to go," said Cowher. "So we're proceeding on. The more we get out here, the more we'll relieve some of the tension. Until he takes the first hit in a game, that's going to be there too. But he seems good and we’re moving on."
Roethlisberger did have one scare when he hit his throwing hand on the back of guard Alan Faneca's helmet during a passing drill. The quarterback shook his hand a bit and huddled with trainer John Norwig for a while before continuing practice.
Safety Tyrone Carter started with the first team base defense at free safety and is holding off free agent Ryan Clark and rookie Anthony Smith at that spot for now. Clark is running second team with veteran Mike Logan.
As expected, James Harrison took Joey Porter's place at outside linebacker while Porter continues to recover from an offseason knee surgery.
Porter and wide receiver Walter Young were the only players who did not practice. Rookie linebacker Mike Kudla injured a hamstring and according to Cowher will be out a few days. Fullback Dan Kreider also suffered a minor injury, aggravating a previous foot injury and could miss Monday’s practice, which will be the team's first two-a-day session.
Rookie quarterback Omar Jacobs looked sharp on the throwing drills, putting numerous deep passes right on the money. The more I see of him, the less I'm bothered by his awkward throwing motion. He has a strong arm and nice touch on his passes.
On one particular play in the one-on-one receivers vs. defensive backs drills, Jacobs threw a perfect deep ball to Nate Washington, who made a leaping catch over Ricardo Colclough for a touchdown.
Later, Jacobs was right on the money on a deep post to Quincy Morgan, who had gotten behind two defensive backs, but Morgan dropped the pass.
As previously mentioned, Roethlisberger was less than sharp, having several passes batted down and a couple of passes intercepted, one by a leaping Clark Haggans, who had dropped into a short zone, the other by cornerback Deshea Townsend, who jumped a short out route by Washington and went into the end zone untouched.
Second-year outside linebacker Andre Frazier and rookie tackle Willie Colon were the stars of the one-on-one blocking drills.
Frazier put a wicked spin move on an opposing lineman to get to the quarterback and seems to be carrying the extra weight he put on - he's at 248 now - well. He also took on a block from a pulling Chris Kemoeatu during team drills, easily slipping the block to get to the ballcarrier.
Colon, meanwhile, stoned Haggans with his punch and is just nasty aggressive. He's not going to win the camp Lady Bing award.
How amped up was the crowd that was estimated at 14,000 for its first view of the defending Super Bowl champions? Even little things like players going to the bathroom at a portable toilet drew large cheers.
"It's always big on weekends, but after a certain point, you just try to stop looking." said head coach Bill Cowher of the crowd. "But they were loud and they were cheering every little thing that happened."
Many, no doubt, showed up to watch quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's first practice since his June motorcycle accident. And while Roethlisberger wasn't particularly sharp - at least by his standards - throwing the ball Sunday, he did make it through practice without a major incident.
"We've had all the doctor's reports have said that he's ready to go. He says he's ready to go," said Cowher. "So we're proceeding on. The more we get out here, the more we'll relieve some of the tension. Until he takes the first hit in a game, that's going to be there too. But he seems good and we’re moving on."
Roethlisberger did have one scare when he hit his throwing hand on the back of guard Alan Faneca's helmet during a passing drill. The quarterback shook his hand a bit and huddled with trainer John Norwig for a while before continuing practice.
Safety Tyrone Carter started with the first team base defense at free safety and is holding off free agent Ryan Clark and rookie Anthony Smith at that spot for now. Clark is running second team with veteran Mike Logan.
As expected, James Harrison took Joey Porter's place at outside linebacker while Porter continues to recover from an offseason knee surgery.
Porter and wide receiver Walter Young were the only players who did not practice. Rookie linebacker Mike Kudla injured a hamstring and according to Cowher will be out a few days. Fullback Dan Kreider also suffered a minor injury, aggravating a previous foot injury and could miss Monday’s practice, which will be the team's first two-a-day session.
Rookie quarterback Omar Jacobs looked sharp on the throwing drills, putting numerous deep passes right on the money. The more I see of him, the less I'm bothered by his awkward throwing motion. He has a strong arm and nice touch on his passes.
On one particular play in the one-on-one receivers vs. defensive backs drills, Jacobs threw a perfect deep ball to Nate Washington, who made a leaping catch over Ricardo Colclough for a touchdown.
Later, Jacobs was right on the money on a deep post to Quincy Morgan, who had gotten behind two defensive backs, but Morgan dropped the pass.
As previously mentioned, Roethlisberger was less than sharp, having several passes batted down and a couple of passes intercepted, one by a leaping Clark Haggans, who had dropped into a short zone, the other by cornerback Deshea Townsend, who jumped a short out route by Washington and went into the end zone untouched.
Second-year outside linebacker Andre Frazier and rookie tackle Willie Colon were the stars of the one-on-one blocking drills.
Frazier put a wicked spin move on an opposing lineman to get to the quarterback and seems to be carrying the extra weight he put on - he's at 248 now - well. He also took on a block from a pulling Chris Kemoeatu during team drills, easily slipping the block to get to the ballcarrier.
Colon, meanwhile, stoned Haggans with his punch and is just nasty aggressive. He's not going to win the camp Lady Bing award.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Roethlisberger ready to go
Ben Roethlisberger completed the run test Saturday and proclaimed himself ready to resume his duties as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In fact, Roethlisberger said Saturday, he's taking everything as normal now and will take his usual amount of snaps during the team's first practice Sunday.
What's amazing is that just six weeks ago, Roethlisberger spent seven hours in surgery to repair his face after a motorcycle accident.
The only real sign that Roethlisberger had anything happen to him are a bump on the bridge of his nose and the fact he's dropped 15 to 20 pounds, getting to 236 pounds.
On the other side of the coin, linebacker Joey Porter was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list and will be out indefinitely. Porter had offseason knee surgery. He's also reportedly miffed about his contract status. Stay tuned to this one.
In fact, Roethlisberger said Saturday, he's taking everything as normal now and will take his usual amount of snaps during the team's first practice Sunday.
What's amazing is that just six weeks ago, Roethlisberger spent seven hours in surgery to repair his face after a motorcycle accident.
The only real sign that Roethlisberger had anything happen to him are a bump on the bridge of his nose and the fact he's dropped 15 to 20 pounds, getting to 236 pounds.
On the other side of the coin, linebacker Joey Porter was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list and will be out indefinitely. Porter had offseason knee surgery. He's also reportedly miffed about his contract status. Stay tuned to this one.
Born to run
After giving it some thought last night, I've come to the conclusion Ben Roethlisberger will do the run test with the rest of the Steelers this afternoon. It will be his "I'm back" statement to the world.
I don't expect Roethlisberger to practice any time soon other than maybe throwing a football on the sideline. But running today will make a statement to everybody that he's put last month's motorcycle accident behind him and is focused on football again.
I don't expect Roethlisberger to practice any time soon other than maybe throwing a football on the sideline. But running today will make a statement to everybody that he's put last month's motorcycle accident behind him and is focused on football again.
Friday, July 28, 2006
All in
There were no holdouts and nobody showed up late as the Steelers reported to training camp here at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.
Because of that, it was a quiet reporting day.
In fact, the days two biggest stories, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, weren't available to the media.
Both will speak to the media following Saturday's run test and have plenty of questions to answer. Roethlisberger will be pepperred with questions about his health following his motorcycle accident six weeks ago. Holmes will finally be forced to field questions about two arrests since the Steelers made him their first-round draft pick in April, the first for disorderly conduct, the second for domestic abuse.
Needless to say, Saturday should be a much more exciting day.
Because of that, it was a quiet reporting day.
In fact, the days two biggest stories, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, weren't available to the media.
Both will speak to the media following Saturday's run test and have plenty of questions to answer. Roethlisberger will be pepperred with questions about his health following his motorcycle accident six weeks ago. Holmes will finally be forced to field questions about two arrests since the Steelers made him their first-round draft pick in April, the first for disorderly conduct, the second for domestic abuse.
Needless to say, Saturday should be a much more exciting day.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
The time has come
As I sit here in the office for the final night before training camp begins, I can't help but dread the oncoming crush that is going to come with covering the defending Super Bowl champions.
Given the amount of coverage the Steelers received during Training camp is going to be a zoo this year. It seems that the TV stations here in Pittsburgh feel their viewers want all Steelers news at all times.
Unfortunately, this consists of sending 15 clueless reporters out and having them either dominate an interview with a player, asking ridiculous questions, or just talking aimlessly about nothing and simply mentioning the word "Steelers" every once in a while.
Boy, I can't wait.
Given the amount of coverage the Steelers received during Training camp is going to be a zoo this year. It seems that the TV stations here in Pittsburgh feel their viewers want all Steelers news at all times.
Unfortunately, this consists of sending 15 clueless reporters out and having them either dominate an interview with a player, asking ridiculous questions, or just talking aimlessly about nothing and simply mentioning the word "Steelers" every once in a while.
Boy, I can't wait.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Crank it up
I've been taking some much-needed time off from work, which has included taking time off from my blog as well. But with the opening of the Steelers training camp just one week away, I can ignore this no more.
Football season is upon us and aren't we all the better for it.
OK, maybe not. But the upcoming season should be one of the more interesting in the past few years here in Steelers territory. What, with a Super Bowl title to defend, a helmetless, motorcycle riding quarterbaack to keep track of and the possibility that this could be Bill Cowher's last season as head coach, there's plenty to talk about.
I'll keep you up to date with it all, not only in the daily paper, but here as well.
Football season is upon us and aren't we all the better for it.
OK, maybe not. But the upcoming season should be one of the more interesting in the past few years here in Steelers territory. What, with a Super Bowl title to defend, a helmetless, motorcycle riding quarterbaack to keep track of and the possibility that this could be Bill Cowher's last season as head coach, there's plenty to talk about.
I'll keep you up to date with it all, not only in the daily paper, but here as well.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Back in black
Ben Roethlisberger made a surprise appearance at the ESPY awards to help the Steelers accept the award for the best team.
Roethlisberger was looking good for a guy who had been in a major accident a month ago. There was some swelling around his face, but overall, he looked like the Roethlisberger of old.
He also doesn't appear to have lost much, if any, weight, something that was a concern following his accident. It appears he'll be ready to go when training camp opens in a couple of weeks.
That's good news for Steelers fans.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
On the lookout
Looking for somebody to keep an eye on at training camp this year?
How about rookie free agent defensive end Lee Vickers.
Vickers, a former high school quarterback and cornerback, attended North Alabama after spending a couple of years as a pitcher in the minor leagues.
Just 185 pounds when he graduated high school, Vickers now carries 100 pounds more on his 6-6 frame. More impressively, Vickers ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at a workout in Orlando before the draft.
He didn't get drafted because he was raw. But Vickers is a player with plenty of potential. The Steelers like to develop these kind of players for their defensive line.
He reminds me a lot of current Steelers' lineman Brett Keisel. He has a similar build and, if anything, is even faster than Keisel.
Remember, Keisel was a former seventh-round draft pick who's now a starter.
How about rookie free agent defensive end Lee Vickers.
Vickers, a former high school quarterback and cornerback, attended North Alabama after spending a couple of years as a pitcher in the minor leagues.
Just 185 pounds when he graduated high school, Vickers now carries 100 pounds more on his 6-6 frame. More impressively, Vickers ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at a workout in Orlando before the draft.
He didn't get drafted because he was raw. But Vickers is a player with plenty of potential. The Steelers like to develop these kind of players for their defensive line.
He reminds me a lot of current Steelers' lineman Brett Keisel. He has a similar build and, if anything, is even faster than Keisel.
Remember, Keisel was a former seventh-round draft pick who's now a starter.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Long road back
It was good to see that Ben Roethlisberger apparently suffered no long-term damage in his motorcycle accident earlier this week.
Roethlisberger's statement through the Steelers said that he has learned his lesson and if he ever rides a motorcycle again, he will do so while wearing a helmet.
Roethlisberger is one of the lucky ones.
His injuries are severe, make no mistake about that. But they aren't life or career-threatening. Heck, he likely won't even miss any regular season games because of it.
He's a lucky man indeed.
Roethlisberger's statement through the Steelers said that he has learned his lesson and if he ever rides a motorcycle again, he will do so while wearing a helmet.
Roethlisberger is one of the lucky ones.
His injuries are severe, make no mistake about that. But they aren't life or career-threatening. Heck, he likely won't even miss any regular season games because of it.
He's a lucky man indeed.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Forrest Roethlisberger
"Stupid is as stupid does," Forrest Gump said in the movie bearing his name.
After Monday's motorcycle accident involving Ben Roethlisberger, Gump could amend that statement to, "Stupid is as Roethlisberger does."
Everybody told the Steelers' QB that riding a motorcycle, let alone riding one without a helmet, wasn't a good idea. But Roethlisberger the wild child ignored everyone around him and continued to ride not only his Harley, but the crotch rocket on which he was injured Monday as well.
Was the accident his fault? It certainly doesn't appear that way.
But much like when I'm hunting, I'm not so much worried about what I'm going to do, but more so about what that guy next to me might try.
Early indications are that Roethlisberger will be OK to play this season once he recovers from a broken jaw, orbital bone and a number of lacerations.
That's the good news. The bad news is that given his past history, Roethlisberger may still be headstrong enough to climb back aboard another motorcycle in the near future.
After Monday's motorcycle accident involving Ben Roethlisberger, Gump could amend that statement to, "Stupid is as Roethlisberger does."
Everybody told the Steelers' QB that riding a motorcycle, let alone riding one without a helmet, wasn't a good idea. But Roethlisberger the wild child ignored everyone around him and continued to ride not only his Harley, but the crotch rocket on which he was injured Monday as well.
Was the accident his fault? It certainly doesn't appear that way.
But much like when I'm hunting, I'm not so much worried about what I'm going to do, but more so about what that guy next to me might try.
Early indications are that Roethlisberger will be OK to play this season once he recovers from a broken jaw, orbital bone and a number of lacerations.
That's the good news. The bad news is that given his past history, Roethlisberger may still be headstrong enough to climb back aboard another motorcycle in the near future.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Tipping the scales?
There are some out there saying that Steve McNair joining the Baltimore Ravens helps tip the scales in the AFC North this season.
Don't believe it.
Before the Ravens acquired McNair, they were likely the fourth-place team in the AFC North. Now, with McNair in the fold, they're still likely no better than a third-place team.
And that's if McNair stays healthy all season, something he hasn't done in quite some time.
The acquisition of McNair does show one thing, however, about Baltimore. Head coach Brian Billick is hitting the panic button.
Basically, Billick is saying that if he doesn't win this season, he's probably done in Baltimore. Why else would he throw away former No. 1 pick Kyle Boller?
The battle in the AFC North is still between the Steelers and Cincinnati, with Carson Palmer being the wild card in the equation.
Don't believe it.
Before the Ravens acquired McNair, they were likely the fourth-place team in the AFC North. Now, with McNair in the fold, they're still likely no better than a third-place team.
And that's if McNair stays healthy all season, something he hasn't done in quite some time.
The acquisition of McNair does show one thing, however, about Baltimore. Head coach Brian Billick is hitting the panic button.
Basically, Billick is saying that if he doesn't win this season, he's probably done in Baltimore. Why else would he throw away former No. 1 pick Kyle Boller?
The battle in the AFC North is still between the Steelers and Cincinnati, with Carson Palmer being the wild card in the equation.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Camp winding down
This is the final week of voluntary coaching sessions for the Steelers. But the team's coaching sessions this time around have been anything but boring.
First, the team makes its trip to the White House last week. Then, Sunday, they picked up their Super Bowl rings in a private party at Heinz Field.
Not a bad way to spend the offseason.
Such is the life for the defending Super Bowl champions.
First, the team makes its trip to the White House last week. Then, Sunday, they picked up their Super Bowl rings in a private party at Heinz Field.
Not a bad way to spend the offseason.
Such is the life for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Arrest no big deal
The news of Santonio Holmes' arrest led the 6 p.m. broadcast of at least one local TV station Saturday. It was on the front sports page of the O-R.
Why?
Holmes' arrest for disorderly conduct is newsworthy only because he was the Steelers' No. 1 draft pick. He was released that night and will likely only have to pay a fine.
You have to realize that there are probably 100 people arrested for DC on Miami's South Beach every weekend. Considering Holmes was released, he couldn't have been causing that much trouble.
Some will point to this and equate it to Plaxico Burress' arrest in Virginia for having an open can of beer on the street. Again, what's the big deal?
These arrests were noteworthy only because of who they happened to, not because of what was done.
Neither speaks to any character flaw.
Why?
Holmes' arrest for disorderly conduct is newsworthy only because he was the Steelers' No. 1 draft pick. He was released that night and will likely only have to pay a fine.
You have to realize that there are probably 100 people arrested for DC on Miami's South Beach every weekend. Considering Holmes was released, he couldn't have been causing that much trouble.
Some will point to this and equate it to Plaxico Burress' arrest in Virginia for having an open can of beer on the street. Again, what's the big deal?
These arrests were noteworthy only because of who they happened to, not because of what was done.
Neither speaks to any character flaw.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Looking on from above
Watching the voluntary coaching sessions this week, one can't help but look at the Steelers as an improved team.
Why?
First and foremost, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seems to be his old self again.
The thumb injury that Roethlisberger played with last season is now completely healed and the Steelers' QB is regularly unleashing balls in practice that travel 65 yards through the air. His out patterns have more zip on them and he's no longer side-arming the ball to get it where he wants to throw it.
Roethlisberger has been nothing short of impressive.
And it doesn't matter whom he's throwing the ball to, either.
Hines Ward was in Washington, D.C., Wednesday meeting with the president about children in North Korea. That left Nate Washington and Cedric Wilson as the starting wideouts.
Roethlisberger still zipped pass after pass to them, threading the ball into coverage with no problem.
Why?
First and foremost, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seems to be his old self again.
The thumb injury that Roethlisberger played with last season is now completely healed and the Steelers' QB is regularly unleashing balls in practice that travel 65 yards through the air. His out patterns have more zip on them and he's no longer side-arming the ball to get it where he wants to throw it.
Roethlisberger has been nothing short of impressive.
And it doesn't matter whom he's throwing the ball to, either.
Hines Ward was in Washington, D.C., Wednesday meeting with the president about children in North Korea. That left Nate Washington and Cedric Wilson as the starting wideouts.
Roethlisberger still zipped pass after pass to them, threading the ball into coverage with no problem.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Bengals taking boneheads
In the most recent Sporting News, NFL writer Dan Pompei polled an unnamed NFL general manager about players his team had taken off its draft board because of character issues.
Of the players that general manager's team had taken off its draft board, the Cincinnati Bengals had selected seven of them.
That's a disturbing trend for Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis.
But the Bengals seem intent on collecting as many bad character guys as they can, including taking three such players in this year's draft,
Given the problems they've had with wide receiver Chris Henry, who seems to get arrested for something once every two or three months, it's surprising Lewis took defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker A.J. Nicholson and wide receiver Reggie McNeal in this year's draft.
After getting burned by bad character guys in the late '80s, the Steelers have made a concerted effort to rid themselves of those types. As a result, they've had very few embarassing moments in the past 10 years or so.
That's not to say Cincinnati can't win with the bad guys. But are the headaches they cause really worth it?
Of the players that general manager's team had taken off its draft board, the Cincinnati Bengals had selected seven of them.
That's a disturbing trend for Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis.
But the Bengals seem intent on collecting as many bad character guys as they can, including taking three such players in this year's draft,
Given the problems they've had with wide receiver Chris Henry, who seems to get arrested for something once every two or three months, it's surprising Lewis took defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker A.J. Nicholson and wide receiver Reggie McNeal in this year's draft.
After getting burned by bad character guys in the late '80s, the Steelers have made a concerted effort to rid themselves of those types. As a result, they've had very few embarassing moments in the past 10 years or so.
That's not to say Cincinnati can't win with the bad guys. But are the headaches they cause really worth it?
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Minicamp opens
A few random thoughts from the opening of minicamp today:
Santonio Holmes looks like the real deal. On the second play of team drills, he blew past Ike Taylor on a fly pattern and was settling under a long pass from Ben Roethlisberger when Taylor reached out and grabbed Holmes' jersey. It would have been about a 40-yard penalty in a game. He looks smooth in and out of his cuts as well.
Omar Jacobs has some work to do before he's ready to be an NFL passer. Jacobs stuggles coming out from under center and fumbled a couple of snaps. His passes also tended to come in low no matter where he threw the ball.
In a typical Bill Cowher move, Tyrone Carter opened camp as the No. 1 free safety. It won't be long before Ryan Clark replaces him, though.
Santonio Holmes looks like the real deal. On the second play of team drills, he blew past Ike Taylor on a fly pattern and was settling under a long pass from Ben Roethlisberger when Taylor reached out and grabbed Holmes' jersey. It would have been about a 40-yard penalty in a game. He looks smooth in and out of his cuts as well.
Omar Jacobs has some work to do before he's ready to be an NFL passer. Jacobs stuggles coming out from under center and fumbled a couple of snaps. His passes also tended to come in low no matter where he threw the ball.
In a typical Bill Cowher move, Tyrone Carter opened camp as the No. 1 free safety. It won't be long before Ryan Clark replaces him, though.
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