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Pittsburgh Steelers Looking for Their First Road Victory

Published: October 8, 2009

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The Steelers snapped a two-game losing streak with a win at home over the San Diego Chargers last Sunday night.

The offense was balanced with Bruce Arians mixing the calls, 36 running plays and 34 passing. After an abysmal start this season, the offensive line put forth a great performance against an ailing defensive opponent.

The line, for the first time, was opening holes and blowing defenders off the ball. G Chris Kemoeatu had the best game of his career on Sunday.

Although sacked three times, QB Ben Roethlisberger was nearly perfect, completing 26-of-33 passes for 333 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 128.9 passer rating.

The rushing game struck with a vengeance, as RB Rashard Mendenhall had a breakout game. After a rough start to his second season, Mendenhall picked up 165 yards on 29 carries with two short touchdown runs.

The rush defense was on point, never giving the Chargers a chance to run. Chargers’ RB LaDainian Tomlinson on 7 carries amassed 15 yards.

The downside has been pass defense. Once again, the defense gave up a big lead in the fourth quarter.

This defense enforced their will on the Charger offense, shutting them down for nearly three full quarters. Then in a meltdown, the defense allowed QB Philip Rivers to complete 21-of-36 passes for three TDs and no interceptions.

The defense is not finishing out games. They need to protect leads and close the door on their opponents. Although sacked three times, Rivers finished the night with 254 passing yards.

The Steelers are a perfect 2-0 at home so far this season, but a very imperfect 0-2 on the road.

Sunday, the Steelers play the Detroit Lions looking for their first road victory, regain their equilibrium and take care of business. The last time the Steelers returned from a football game in Detroit was in 2005, when they brought the fifth Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh.

Prior to being hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000, director of football operations Kevin Colbert was employed as an advance scout for the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins. In 10 seasons with the Lions, Colbert’s work helped them make the playoffs five times with records of 12-4, 10-6, 9-7, 10-6 and 9-7.

Since his departure, the Lions had not had one winning season. Last season, they set a record for imperfection going 0-16.

The Lions and new coach Jim Schwartz are trying to change the losing culture of this football team. The 2-2 Steelers will meet a 1-3 Lions who have vastly improved from last year.

Although their lone win thus far was against the Washington Redskins in Week Two, the Steelers cannot overlook what this team is building from.

Offensively, rookie QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson have been hot, especially in the first half against the Bears last week—when Johnson caught five passes for 119 yards.

However, the Bears adjusted in the second half, playing Cover 2 with CB Charles Tillman shadowing Johnson to limit him to three catches for 14 yards.So far this season, Johnson has 323 receiving yards, one touchdown and averages 15.4 yards per catch.

Steelers CB Ike Taylor will be matched up to follow Johnson if he plays, as he is listed day-to-day after taking a helmet to a quadricep in the Chicago game.

As starting cornerback since the 2005 season, Taylor has never been widely recognized as an All-Pro caliber player at his position. Regardless, we have to account for the way he is playing so far this season to help the Steelers win games.

Matched against his opponents’ top receivers, Taylor leads the team with seven passes defended, causing an incomplete pass either by getting his hands on the ball or knocking the ball out with a hit on the receiver.

Stafford went 24-for-36 for 296 yards, a touchdown and one interception against the Bears until he was sacked by DE Adewale Ogunleye. Stafford suffered a partial dislocation of the right knee cap and is listed day-to-day.

Veteran QB Daunte Culpepper took the first-team snaps so far this week, and is expected start Sunday’s game if Stafford is unable to play.

In the passing game, the Steeler defense has not been blitzing nearly as often to be effective, hence the sacks and turnovers are down from last year. Since the secondary is showing signs of struggle in the passing game without Polamalu, Culpepper could become a challenge.

Culpepper is looking for a chance to show he still has skills. He opted not to sign with the Steelers last year as backup to Roethlisberger and Batch because he wanted to start, hence he signed with Detroit.

The Lions’ rush offense was terrible last week, with RB Kevin Smith rushing for only 30 yards on 19 carries. He was stopped by the Bears’ decimated linebacking corps with Brian Urlacher, Hunter Hillenmeyer, and Pisa Tinoisamoa out.

The week before, the Lions had success over the Washington Redskins, rushing for 154 yards on the ground. The Lions’ offense will go up against the No. 3 defense in the NFL, which has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season.

The Lions finished last in defense the past two years, but through four games this season they have improved their rank to 21st, with 361.5 yards allowed per game.

Although the defense has improved in pass defense since last season, they have allowed three quarterbacks to post passer ratings over 100. Redskin QB Jason Campbell was the only one under a 100 rating (97.6).

Roethlisberger finished last week with a passer rating of 128.9 against the 14th-ranked defense that allowed 214.8 yards per game.

He should do just as well against a defense has allowed their opponents 240.3 yards per game. The Lions rush defense is struggling against the run, allowing 121.3 yards per game.

Last Sunday, the Bears broke out against the Lions with 151 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. RB Matt Forte registered 121 yards on 12 carries, the biggest a 61-yarder in the first quarter.

Last Sunday, RB Rashard Mendenhall lined up in the backfield in place of the injured Willie Parker and gave an impressive performance carrying the ball 29 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance Sunday, Mendenhall could be getting his second start against the Lions. It has been reported that Parker may be out for Sunday’s game.

Parker tried to run on his turf toe during Thursday’s practice and quickly backed off from the pain. It is believed that the injury is worse than previous turf toes he has had.

The Steelers’ passing game is improving, with rookie WR Mike Wallace emerging as an excellent No. 3 receiver alongside Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes.

However, on special teams, the Steelers took a turn for the worst when return specialist Stefan Logan fumbled a punt to help the Chargers get back into the game.

To make matters worse, the Chargers recovered a fumble by FS Ryan Mundy on an onside kick that went to another score.

K Jeff Reed redeemed himself by clearing a 46-yard field goal with 43 seconds left that sealed the win against the Chargers, after missing two in Chicago and one in Cincinnati.

Although the Steelers’ special teams struggled last week, the Lions’ special teams was even more of a disaster.

The Lions allowed Johnny Knox to return the opening kickoff of the second half 102 yards for a touchdown. They allowed the Bears’ return unit more yardage (277) than the Bears’ offense (276).

Could this be a door-opener for return specialist Stefan Logan? He has yet to return one to the house.

In addition, Lions’ RB Aaron Brown muffed two kickoffs and his replacement, WR Adam Jennings, muffed one as well. The Lions were flagged for offsides on a field-goal attempt, giving the Bears a 4th-and-goal at the one-yard-line, and they scored a touchdown.

After a dismal special teams performance at Chicago, the Lions have made a move, releasing LB Darnell Bing and moving LB Zack Follett up from the practice squad.

Historically, the advantage goes to the Lions, who lead the overall series 17-15-1, including owning a 13-4 advantage at home.

Former Steelers and current Lions LB Larry Foote will be playing against his former teammates and was asked if his familiarity with the Pittsburgh defense will help Detroit.

“I shared a couple of words with our guys, but the Steelers defense is so exotic, you have to watch for everything,” he said.

With the defense struggling, the offense seems to have taken the team on its shoulders for once. For years, it was the defense that saved the offense.

This should be another in the win column for the Steelers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Steelers Will Face Challenges against Cincinnati

Published: September 23, 2009

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Despite the loss to the Chicago Bears this past Sunday, the Steelers did make strides as they prepare for game three against division opponent Cincinnati Bengals.

There is a glimmer of improvement in the running game 36 yards in 23 attempts; 1.8 yard per carry against the Titans, to 4.8 rushing yards on 22 carries against the Bears.

The offensive line created more rushing opportunities for running backs Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall

Parker rushed 47 yards on 14 attempts, Mendenhall 39 on 3 (2 attempts no gain).

Four runs were of at least 12 yards and Mendenhall’s 39-yard run.

The offensive line continues to improve in pass protection but gave up two sacks (two less than the week before)

So with such improvements in the offense, why was there one rushing touchdown (Roethlisberger) and one passing (tight end Matt Spaeth)?

Can we be encouraged by the sheer fact that the Steelers earned one more touchdown in Week two versus zero in Week one?

I mean they have scored 27 points in two games.

What can we expect next week; one more touchdown than what was produced from week two?

Why isn’t the Steeler offense producing more?

At this stage of the game, our Super Bowl champs are not looking so super.

Against the Titans, Roethlisberger completed 33 passes from 43 attempts for 363 yards and one touchdown, and in game two, he completed 23 passes out of 35 attempts for 221 yards and one touchdown.

Roethlisberger is suppose to be in his prime and should be better, right?

One touchdown per game does not a winner make and at this rate, “It would be easy in Cincinnati, Sunday.”

Since the run game has shown some improvement, we can probably expect more of a run game this week especially with Parker healthy.

Parker loves to play the Bengals on the road.

In three career games in Cincinnati, Parker has averaged 130.3 rushing yards per game

For the third straight week, the Bengals will face one more 3-4 defensive scheme.

The Steelers 3-4 scheme is similar to the Packers since Dom Capers is the Packers current defensive coordinator.

Remember, it was Capers, Bill Cowher and Dick LeBeau, who worked together to develop the 3-4 defensive scheme for the Steelers during the early nineties.

Last week, the Steelers defense has shown that they won’t give on the ground game, as the Bears managed 43 yards on just 18 carries.

Running back Matt Forte gained only 29 yards on 13 tries.

However on the passing game, Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler completed 27 of 38 passes for 236 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He was sacked just once by defensive end Aaron Smith.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer completed 15 of 23 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers last week.

That’s 18 yards less than Roethlisberger did last week and 2 more touchdowns.

Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco caught a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and delivered on his promise to perform a Lambeau leap in Green Bay.

What do you think he will have planned this week?

Wide receiver Chris Henry has been known to torch the Steeler secondary and that was with former Bengal TJ Houshmandzadeh in the line-up.

With Houshmandzadeh gone, and a thin Steeler secondary, this could open up more opportunities for Henry score against the Steelers, if he plays.

The Bengals defense has improved and leads the NFL with nine sacks, five from defensive end Antwan Odom.

The Steelers on the other-hand have only two sacks on the season.

Last season, the Steelers led the AFC with 51 sacks.

Outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley combined for 27 1/2 sacks last season, and thus far have none in 2009.

The Steeler offensive line will have to account for defensive end Robert Geathers and defensive tackles Domata Peko and Tank Johnson.

One more thing to note about this game; wide receiver Hines Ward and linebacker Keith Rivers will be meeting for the first time since Ward’s the jaw-breaking hit that ended Rivers’ season.

It was that hit which prompted the “Hines Ward rule.”

The rule is a 15-yard penalty for any a player who makes an illegal blindside block from the helmet, forearm or shoulder and lands to the head or neck area of the defender.

Rivers was quoted to say it was a “clean hit,” and followed that up by saying he was looking forward to confronting Ward.

Ward on the other hand, didn’t seem to shrink when he said the “given a chance to level Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers with another rattling hit, he would do it again.

Finally, what’s going on with special teams?

Kick-punt returner Stefan Logan fumbled away a kickoff and averaged only 6.0 yards on six punt returns Sunday

Coach Tomlin said about kicker Jeff Reed, who missed two field goals in the fourth quarter last Sunday: “I’m confident he’s capable of doing the job and doing it at a high level. We carried him off the field the week before. He’ll bounce back.”

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette predicts:

“The Steelers might not have much success in Chicago (1-12 lifetime), but they do in Cincinnati, where they have won their past eight games. The Bengals have averaged 12.6 points in those eight losses.”

Injury report

Steelers practice report: Santonio Holmes’ left wrist was injured when he put his hand on the ground to brace a fall Sunday, was put in a large ice wrap on Monday and wore a small cast on Tuesday.

Ryan Mundy, on the practice squad as a rookie in 2008, could find himself as the starting strong safety Sunday because of injuries to Troy Polamalu and Tyrone Carter.

Wide receiver Limas Sweed (foot) and linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle) practiced fully on Wednesday and both should be able to play on Sunday.

Wide receiver Hines Ward (not injury related) and defensive end Aaron Smith (not injury related) had their normal Wednesday off from practice.

Bengals practice report: running back Cedric Benson (ankle), along with corner back David Jones (foot) and Chris Henry (quadriceps), did not participate in practice on Wednesday.

Offensive guard Nate Livings (knee) and corner back Johnathan Joseph (ankle) were limited in their participation.

Tackle Andre Smith (foot) has already been ruled out for this week.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Steelers Offensive Line Remains Unsettled After Season Opener

Published: September 12, 2009

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G Trai Essex was beaten by DT Jason Jones. C Hartwig and T Colon stood side by side while Essex looked on as Roethlisberger was being pursued by the defense and sacked by Jones.

TE Heath Miller misses DT Tony Brown. He and T Max Starks looked confused over which man to block, so Starks touches no one: sack on Roethlisberger by Brown.

These are only two examples of what happened in the first half of the Steelers-Titans game last Thursday night.

Although the offensive line started to settle down in the second half, it was for the passing game not the run.

The run was stuffed, not just by the Titans defense, but also by offensive coordinator Bruce Arians himself.

Choice: let’s pass.

In the passing game, Roethlisberger completed 33 out of 43 attempts for 363 passing yards, yielding one touchdown and two interceptions.

While the running game with Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Roethlisberger produced 23 attempts for 36 total yards and zero touchdowns.

60 percent of the offense used the pass, while the running game yielded 1.8 yards per carry.

There is nothing wrong with the passing game early in the season; the weather is still pretty good.

What happens in October and November when it rains, or December when it snows?

We all know what happens to a passing game in that kind of weather.

I realize that it’s the first game of the season, but the offensive line played poorly with the running game.

I realize there were some changes, Max Starks moved left, and Trai Essex is the place of Darnell Stapleton, but the offensive line played poorly.

I realize Roethlisberger scrambled out of the pocket quite a bit in the first half, but the offensive line played poorly.

This is the second year this line is playing together, and there is a total of 28 years of line experience in Essex, Starks, Hartwig, Colon, and Kemoeatu.

What seems to be the problem?

Deion Sanders, NFL Access (after the Steelers-Titans game):

“Taking a page from Jaime Dukes, our resident offensive genius, the (Steeler) offensive line does not have great feet. When defenses start to move them in the front, they can’t maneuver, they can’t dance like the big fellow said, with opposing defenders.

“Because at times, Big Ben has all day back there in the pocket to throw, then there are other times when he’s blitzing and they’re not picking up the blitz because of their footwork.”

Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “Tunch Ilkin will tell you it’s all in the hands and footwork….”

If footwork could be an issue, then we can ascertain there is an issue with fundamentals. If there is issue with fundamentals, the finger should point to the coach, and that would be offensive line coach Larry Zierlein.

When Mike Tomlin was hired to replace Bill Cowher as Head Coach, he retained some of Cowher’s coaches and had to replace those who left.

Tomlin needed a special teams coach to replace Kevin Spencer, who went to Arizona with Ken Whisenhunt. He hired Bob Ligashesky as coordinator, with Amos Jones as assistant.

Ligashesky and Jones collectively have proven their quality by building and developing a top notch special teams unit whose accomplishment in 2008 ranked 1st in kickoff coverage and 4th in punt coverage from 14th and 16th in 2007.

Defensive backs coach Ray Horton replaced former Steeler defensive back and coach Darren Perry. Horton, a former Cincinnati Bengal, coached by Dick Le Beau back in the ’80s, is partially responsible for coaching the No. 1 defense in the passing game.

Tomlin hired Randy Fichter as receivers coach and Kirby Wilson as running backs coach (replacing legend Dick Hoak). Finally, he replaced Russ Grimm (who accepted the line coach job with Ken Whisenhunt) with Larry Zierlein.

The state of the offensive line is in the hands of Larry Zierlein.

Zierlein has been offensive line coach three years and yet the first game of the regular season, three years later, we see no improvement in the offensive line.

Is Jamie Dukes right? Is Tunch Ilkin right? Is it bad footwork? Is it technique?

Isn’t that the responsibility of the coach and his staff to teach fundamentals, technique? Isn’t that the purpose of training camp to learn fundamentals, technique?

What do we know about Zierlein, other than him sending offensive email just weeks after taking the coordinator job?

Zierlein is a journeyman coach, with 13 jobs at the high school, college and pro level since 1970. He even tried his hand as an arena football coach in the 1980s.

At the University of Cincinnati, Zierlein was the offensive line coordinator (1997-2000).

Cincinnati had gone 47 years without a bowl appearance.

Then in 1997 with an 8-4 record, the Bearcats played in the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho.

That was followed by 2-9 and 3-8 record in ’98 and ‘99.

In his final year, things improved, as the Bearcat rushing attack helped pave the way for a 7-5 record and bowl berth.

Tomlin was added to the staff as the defensive backs coach in 1999-2000 (Here’s a connection).

The Bearcats made three straight bowl appearances in 2000, 2001 and 2002—the first two in the Motor City Bowl in Detroit and the third in the New Orleans Bowl without Zierlein.

Here is another interesting tidbit:

Zierlein’s first coaching job in the NFL was not until 2001 with Butch Davis and the Cleveland Browns.

In charge of the offensive line until 2004, Zierlein worked from 2001-2003 with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians (another connection).

Here’s how his offenses fared during that time:

	Points Scored/Game	Rushing Yards/Game	Passing Yards/Game	Sacks Allowed
2001(7-9)	17.8 (25th)	84.4 (31st)	175.1 (28th)	51 (4th)
2002(9-7)	21.5 (19th)	100.9 (23rd)	213.3 (18th)	35 (19th)
2003(5-11)	15.9 (29th)	104.4 (20th)	177.1 (25th)	40 (13th)
2004(4-12)	17.25 (27th)	103.6 (23rd)	176.5 (25th)	41 (11th)

In 2006, as the Buffalo Bills assistant offensive line coach, the Bills finished 7-9, with the 23rd-ranked scoring offense.

The Bills’ line surrendered 47 sacks (T-7th most), and the passing game and rushing game were ranked 28th and 27th respectively, in terms of yards per game.

Because of the Steelers porous offensive line, Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 97 times since Zierlein was hired.

The reality is, Larry Zierlein has never coached an offensive line that paved the way for a successful NFL offense.

It seems that not all of Zierlein’s record is tarnished.

As a college coach, Zierlein was successful with the now defunct Southwestern Conference, coaching the offensive line at University of Houston from 1978-1986.

His teams won two conference titles in his first two years on campus, finishing 1978 ranked No. 10 and 1979 No. 5, and one more in 1984.

Then Zierlein spent one year coaching the Washington Commandos, then, two fruitless seasons in New Orleans coaching the Tulane Green Wave, followed by a two-year stint in the World League of American Football.

It should be noted that the two years that he was coaching the NY/NJ Knights of the WLAF, were the first two of the league’s existence.

At Tulane in 1995-1996, he and Head Coach Buddy Teevens were dismissed following the ’96 season.

Tommy Bowden took over the Tulane job in 1997, and immediately turned the program around, winning seven games with many of Teeven’s and Zierlein’s players, followed by a 12-0 season in 1998.

Although I have painted a bleak picture of Larry Zierlein, I cannot place full blame on his shoulders.

Zierlein is not out in the trenches playing this game.

As I stated before, there is a combined 28 years of offensive line experience playing this season, so why it that the performance is so is emaciated?

The line is getting beaten. They seem confused about their assignments. They are not finishing blocks. They are allowing the defense to roam free at Roethlisberger.

It doesn’t help when Roethlisberger prefers to fan out of the pocket and hold onto the ball much too long to make a play.

That puts stress on the line to secure the pocket. The longer he holds, the more the linemen will be caught for holding penalties or getting beaten on blocks.

Did you notice the chaos that ensues when Roethlisberger scrambles?

It’s like little kids running around in circles chasing each other and not catching a darn thing.

Its one thing to get beaten, but it’s another thing when the linesmen are having mental mistakes and getting beaten.

We got a preview of this during the pre-season.

In the four pre-season games, the Steelers amassed 30 penalties for 234 yards which averages to 7.8 penalties per game.

7.8 penalties in a game during the regular season would equate to losses.

The line is self-inflicting, and the bleeding needs to stop.

When Zierlein became line coach in 2007, several of the linemen were quoted to say he was not the boss.

It seems that G Alan Faneca was looked to for coaching and direction by the younger players.

Max Starks said. “Larry (Zierlein) even looked to him (Faneca).

“It was one of those things where Coach Zierlein came in and he was more like a moderator and kind of an intermediary guy. Alan was the one that kind of guided everybody.”

But in terms of actual coaching as it relates to terminology and technique, Faneca, Starks said, was “kind of adamant about still doing things the way he’d been doing them.“

The younger linemen listened to Zierlein’s lingo but used Faneca’s terminology and what was lost in the translations at times was clarity regarding who should be blocked and how.

Faneca was the leader of the offensive line and before he left, the Steelers were third in the league in rushing, and they gave up fewer sacks (47) than they did in 2006 (49)

Now, Faneca is gone, and it’s Larry’s offensive line now.

According to Starks, the line speaks a universal language, one of being “unified” and “simplified” in the approach up front.

Continuity and time is the key. Well that was a couple of years ago. What about now?

Where is the continuity? They have had a couple of years and a Super Bowl under their belt.

This should be a Super Bowl-caliber offensive line, not a newly-created one.

There was one good thing that I witnessed during the Steelers-Titans game: the line did pass-protect during the second half.

If the line can provide pass protection for a quarterback who prefers to run out of the pocket and hold onto the ball long enough to make a play, they should be sound blockers to create running lanes for the running backs.

I must add that the line is not solely responsible to establishing the running game.

It is also important to have a tight end who can block and a fullback to lead.

That was sorely missed after TE Mark Bruener and FB Dan Kreider were released. They were not replaced.

The Steelers drafted TE David Johnson who seems to be more an H-Back, a tight end/fullback tweener.

CBS Sportsline reported Johnson has taken advantage of TE Sean McHugh’s injury in the battle for the third tight end spot.

According to Tomlin, “David is taking advantage of his extra snaps, and he’ll get more snaps this week.” “To this point, he has represented himself well and really has our attention.”

It had become especially important since McHugh is out for the season on injured-reserve with a knee injury.

Steelers also drafted RB Frank Summers, who could see playing time as a fullback.

And finally, the Steelers may be looking for depth at tight end, working out free-agent Bear Pascoe this past Friday.

Scout.com has confirmed this through a league source.

Pascoe was believed in league circles to be the best blocking tight end available for the 2009 draft.

The former Fresno State University Bulldog was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth-round.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Steelers vs Titans: Battle in the Trenches

Published: September 9, 2009

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With the best record in the NFL last season, the Titans won the Division title and home-field advantage.

The Titans got off to a franchise record 10-0 start and finished 13-3 only to lose the AFC Divisional playoffs to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Titans may have had a better record, but it was the Pittsburgh Steelers who came home with the Lombardi Trophy as the six-time Super Bowl Champions.

It’s a new season and new challenges.

Most assuredly, the Titans have to be bitter at their outcome when they had such hopes of taking it all.

But the power of the Terrible towel prevailed.

RB LenDale White and LB Keith Bulluck disrespected the City of Pittsburgh by desecrating the towel.

Desecration of the towel resulted in the Titans losing the last game of the regular season against the Colts and the Ravens in the divisional title game.

Thursday, the season opens with the Steelers vs the Titans at Heinz Field.

Last season, the Steelers had trouble rushing the ball and stopping the run.

The offensive line was pushed and manhandled by the Titans defensive front four that played without defensive ends Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Roethlisberger threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns but had a season high 4 turnovers, two interceptions and two fumbles.

Those responsible for this thrashing were the Titan replacements, then rookie Jason Jones and William Hayes.

Both were responsible for five sacks and four turnovers which were converted into 21 points.

Jones who started for Haynesworth had 3 1/2sacks and forced Roethlisberger into three fumbles.

Hayes who stepped in for Vanden Bosch recovered two of the fumbles.

First responsibility, the line must protect Roethlisberger in the passing game.

He likes to run out of the pocket to buy time to find his receivers and make a play.

The Titans last year managed to keep Roethlisberger in the pocket.

The offensive line must help to create escape lanes for Roethlisberger to slip though and keep him clean while in the pocket.

Its important for the offensive line to improve in pass protection and reduce the number of sacks on Roethlisberger in the passing game.

Second, establish the running game.

The Steeler running game was stuffed by the Titans defense.

Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall will be challenged by the Titans defensive front.

Last season, Parker was held to 29 yards rushing and no touchdowns. Mewelde Moore faired no better with 28.

The Steelers must establish the run game to support the pass.

With the insert of a blocking fullback and tight end, we can expect improvement in the running game.

In addition, Rashard Mendenhall (back from shoulder injury) should be sharing the load with Parker.

The Steelers envision a bigger role for Mendenhall who was the 23^rd overall pick in the 2008 draft.

The Steelers need to improve as a total offense and reduce the number of mental errors that seemed to plagued them throughout the pre-season.

On the other side of the ball, the defense must defend against the run.

Last season, the defense allowed 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns by the combined efforts of the Titans running back duo Chris Johnson and LenDale White.

Like the offensive line, the defensive front line has to dominant up front.

One thing in our favor will be the play of ILB Keyaron Fox.

Fox is substituting for injured starter Lawrence Timmons.

During pre-season, it was evident that Timmons struggles against the run.

It was especially evident against the Redskins.

When the ball goes the other direction, he is great at tracking down the ball-carrier with his speed. He’s great at getting to the QB, he can drop into a zone, and is athletic enough to cover a RB, TE, or even a WR in coverage.

However,Fox has looked fantastic this pre-season.

He looks like a natural ILB and doesn’t care if the play is run at him or away from him. He sheds blocks, tracks the ball, and makes a play.

The Steelers special teams finished 2008 with the AFC’s No. 1 special teams in both kick-and punt-return defense.

In addition, the coverage groups were consistent in allowing 19.3 yards per kickoff return and 6.2 yards per punt return without surrendering a touchdown during the regular season.

Special teams’ finished the year as NFL’s No. 1 kickoff defense and No. 4 in punt defense.

Expectations this year is to see improvement in the return game.

Receiver Mike Wallace and cornerback Joe Burnett were added in the draft. Running back Stefan Logan, a Canadian Football League standout, and wide receiver Shawn McDonald were signed.

Logan has been electric in returning kicks in the preseason for the reigning champs.

Wearing his new number 11(to fit with the receivers), Logan will get several opportunities to impact the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

The ex-CFL running back has become the Steelers’ most dazzling player of the preseason when he returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown in the 21-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Logan will be the man at punt/kickoff return. Mike Wallace will be the other kick-off specialist and as the 4^th receiver and Mewelde Moore will be the back-up on punts and kickoffs.

Punter Daniel Sepulveda is back healthy.

Sepulveda saw his first action since his knee injury, in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

After one of the biggest cheers from the fans welcoming him back to the fold, Sepulveda punted 46 yards to Arizona 15.

Kicker Jeff Reed sprained his ankle when he stepped in a hole during practice a few weeks ago.

He was able to kick against the Redskins with the injury.

This game will be a battle in the trenches. The ultimate domination will be upfront-offensive line versus defensive line.

Whoever dominates up front will win this contest.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Wizard of “D”-Dick Le Beau

Published: September 2, 2009

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Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll hired Bud Carson as defensive coordinator in 1972.

Carson considered one of the best defensive minds ever to coach in the NFL, developed the “Steel Curtain”, one of the best defenses in National Football League history.

This unit led by Jack Lambert , Mel Blount , Jack Ham and Mean Joe Greene, gave up fewer points than any other AFC team during 1974 and 1975.

In 1976, the Steel Curtain gave up fewer than 10 points a game.

Carson’s contribution as defensive coordinator was vital to the success of the Steelers championship teams.

His knowledge was truly ahead of its time and helped form the famed ‘Steel Curtain’ defense.

Carson’s alignments combined a fearsome front four and complicated zone coverage in the secondary known as Cover 2. (That’s where Tony Dungy comes in)

In the spring of 1992, newly-elected Head Coach Bill Cowher and defensive coordinator Dom Capers presented to the new defensive backs coach the Steeler defensive playbook that was described as being bigger than the Manhattan Yellow Pages.

The assignment was to produce a final playbook that would be distributed to the players.

The challenge: keeping up with all the revisions from both Cowher and Capers.

No one could have ever imagined that what Cowher and Capers had conjured up would become the blueprint for a defense that many consider the gold standard in the NFL.

Cowher brought what he had from Kansas City under coach Marty Schottenheimer and Capers’ brought what he had as the New Orleans defensive backs coach under Jim Mora. (“playoffs!”—couldn’t resist that!)

Cowher and his defensive staff consisting of Capers, defensive backs coach Dick Le Beau and linebackers coach Marvin Lewis, created a three-lineman, four-linebacker system that today remains one of the most effective schemes in NFL.

On a plane flight home from a game, Le Beau, Capers, and Cowher brainstormed on how to improve Buddy Ryan’s 46 defense and the zone-blitz defense was born.

Buddy Ryan, the late father of Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan, developed the famed 46 defense in 1978 as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.

The “46” defense tormented teams in the 1980s and 1990s by crowding the line of scrimmage, clogging running lanes and making offenses one-dimensional.

Its philosophy was designed around a simple concept: pressure wins games.

By putting constant pressure at the line of scrimmage, the offense will not be able to run the ball and the QB will not have enough time to throw.

The 46 consists of four linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties.

It differs from a base 4-3 that the strong safety who had to be a powerful run-stopper, lines up near the line of scrimmage, or “in the box,” instead of 10-15 yards off the ball.

The 1985 Chicago Bears defense is considered by many to be one of the most dominant defensive unit in the history of the NFL.

The Steelers were looking for ways to get pressure without exposing the defensive backs who had to cover the whole field all of the time.

“Getting pressure on the passer is probably the most essential part of any pass defense holding up week in and week out,” says LeBeau.

Le Beau is credited with inventing the “Fire Zone” or “zone blitz” defense, which employs unpredictable pass rushes and pass coverage from various players.

It employs 3-4 sets, with any of the four linebackers and frequently a defensive back among the pass rushers, while defensive linemen may drop back into short pass coverage zones to compensate for the pass rush coming from other positions.

The origin of the zone blitz was considered a thought process born out of necessity.

Back then the Steelers were in the AFC Central Division and faced stiff challenges with then division opponent Houston Oilers lead by QB Warren Moon and RB Earl Campbell.

In addition, Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense was gaining in popularity with the quick-rhythm, get-the-ball-out-of-your-hands-and-cut-up-the-defense types of passing games.

Because the essence of Walsh’s passing game was timing, a quick release that stressed delivering the ball to the receivers in stride, Le Beau sought to counter with a defense that got sudden pressure and from unthinkable angles.

The defense also was meant to crowd the short slant and hook zones the West Coast offense favors. Walsh loved having big receivers run quick slants.

LeBeau’s antidote was to have even bigger players, like 260-pound ends, knocking the receivers off stride.

The goal was to disrupt the clockwork timing which was its strongest suit.

Le Beau describes it as basically an outcropping of the run-and-shoot offense that had become prevalent in the league at the time.

But the origin of the “zone –blitz did not start in Pittsburgh during the 90’s.

In 1981, LeBeau was a Bengals assistant under Head Coach Forest Gregg, when the team went to the Super Bowl.

As a defensive assistant, LeBeau saw his Cincinnati team beaten in Super Bowl XVI by San Francisco 26-21 in 1982

Cincinnati’s defense had not given up more than 30 points in any of their regular season or playoff games.

Their line was anchored by defensive ends Ross Browner (father of Max Starks) and Eddie Edwards, who did a great job stopping the run.

The Bengals intercepted 19 passes for 318 yards and also recorded 41 total sacks.

The Bengals played in their first AFC Championship Game defeating San Diego 27–7, limiting San Diego’s offense which featured quarterback Dan Fouts, receiver Charlie Joiner, and tight end Kellen Winslow to only seven points at Riverfront Stadium in a temperature of nine degrees below zero with a wind-chill factor of minus 59.

LeBeau was defensive coordinator for Head Coach Sam Wyche, when Cincinnati was in the 1988 Super Bowl.

The Bengals defense ranked 17th in the league, allowing 5,556 yards and 329 points during the regular season.

They had a superb defensive line, led by pro bowl defensive tackle Tim Krumrie along with linemen Jim Skow (9.5 sacks), David Grant(5 sacks), and Jason Buck (6 sacks).

Pro Bowl defensive backs Eric Thomas and David Fulcher (the world’s biggest free safety) combined for 12 interceptions.

The team ended up winning the AFC Central Division with a 12–4 record.

However, Bengals lost Super Bowl XXIII against San Francisco 49ers for the second time in franchise history.

The Bengals trailed 20–0 at halftime and lost to San Francisco, 20-16.

It was in the mid-1980s under Wyche that LeBeau first hatched the zone blitz on unsuspecting offenses.

The Fire Zone was LeBeau’s chaotic response to the pass-happy West Coast offense, but it hasn’t done quite enough to win him a Super Bowl.

With LeBeau as defensive coordinator, Cincinnati lost Super Bowl XXIII to the 49ers and later the Steelers dropped Super Bowl XXX to the Dallas Cowboys 27-17 in 1996 when he was in his first stint with the Steelers.

Current Steeler defensive backs coach Ray Horton was the Bengals defensive back in 1988.

Horton was a member of the first team under defensive coordinator LeBeau to use the Fire Zone defense.

“We went right to the Super Bowl on it,” Horton says. “It was new. It was revolutionary.”

The essence of the Fire Zone is to blitz unpredictably with safeties, cornerbacks and middle linebackers and keeping the secondary from being exposed and undermanned by dropping a defensive lineman into zone pass coverage.

Says LeBeau “I was very fortunate our head coach was Sam Wyche, an innovative guy, the first guy I saw who extensively used the no-huddle offense. I came back in with the ideas I had, and he said, ‘Let’s do it.’ “

Described as a “blitzing” scheme, the call on any particular “zone blitz” play may involve only three or four pass rushers but from unpredictable positions and angles.

The design was intended to confuse the opposition’s quarterback and frustrate its blocking schemes, as the offense may be unsure on each play of which defenders will rush the passer and which will drop into coverage.

The “blitzing scheme” redefined the roles, especially on third down, for players who traditionally rushed the quarterback and those who historically were charged with pass coverage responsibilities.

In the late 80’s, LeBeau visited then University of Florida’s athletics director and coach, Bill Arnsparger who was known as a defensive innovator .

LeBeau admired Arnsparger’s work in developing a safer way to get some pressure.

He had seen Arnsparger use it with Florida’s linebacker A.J. Duhe and decided to employ it with Bengals linebacker/safety David Fulcher.

The first zone blitz call “Fulcher-2-stay” revolutionized the game on the defensive side.

It was designed around 245-pound Fulcher, a hybrid defender with linebacker size but deceptively good range, disguising the lines between safeties and linebackers.

Fulcher would blitz in a designated area, but to prevent quarterbacks from automatically going to the uncovered man or “hot” read, he had a defensive lineman drop back in the zone where the open receiver was headed. Often, quarterbacks didn’t see the zone blitzer and threw it right to him. Or they became confused and got sacked.

“In 1984, that’s when I started delving into dropping different people,” LeBeau said. “We were able to take the hot read away from them.”

In the zone blitz packages defensive ends will often drop into coverage in the short hook and swing zones.

Linebackers will rush the passer from every angle imaginable and players will loop and stunt around each other.

Safeties and cornerbacks sneak up into the slot to rush off the edge and often go out of character, showing one look but doing something unconventional after the snap.

The perfect example is strong safety Troy Polamalu who’s incredible, yet explosive quickness and innate football instincts became the prototype to LeBeau’s David Fulcher.

This laid-back, soft-spoken living legend has been known to draw up defensive plays on a napkin.

Linebacker coach Marvin Lewis told about a cross-country flight with LeBeau who began doodling Fire Zone schemes on an airplane napkin.

In fact napkins, envelopes, and random pieces of paper are known not to be safe around this defensive genius as he commits to paper ideas for another defensive scheme.

Soft-spoken, LeBeau is not known to yell or fly off the handle. But he will shift his voice to a growl for practices and games

There was one time two years ago, when LeBeau in full view of the camera flew off the handle at a defensive back.

Ahead in the fourth quarter, DB Anthony Smith intercepted QB Chris Weinke and began celebrating by high-stepping down the field before the play was over.

Both Cowher and Le Beau were irate. Both got in Smith’s face and chewed him out because they felt his antic was disrespectful to the game.

“You make a mistake, he can deal with that,” Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton said. “He gets more mad if you hot dog and you show off. If he gets on you, you really done did something.”

It counts for a lot with his players that Le Beau was himself a player, and the few occasions when the time is right, he reminds them how good he was.

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns on the fifth round in 1959 he was waived and signed with the Detroit Lions.

Le Beau spent the next 14 NFL seasons as a standout corner back for Detroit and was teamed with greats such as Dick “Night Train” Lane, punter Robert “Yale” Lary and later with corner-back Lem Barney.

Le Beau played in 171 consecutive games from 1959-72 and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1965, 1966, and 1967.

He had 62 career interceptions which includes a career-high nine to lead the NFC in 1970, ranked third in NFL history at the time of his retirement.

He also recovered nine fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown

Le Beau retired following the 1972 season and began his coaching career as special teams coach for the Philadelphia Eagles (1973-75).

He also served four seasons as defensive backs coach for the Green Bay Packers (1976-79) before taking the same position with Cincinnati in 1980.

In 1984 Le Beau was promoted to defensive coordinator, a position he held through the 1991 season, in addition to coaching the Bengals’ defensive backs.

In 1992, Bill Cowher, hired Le Beau as the defensive backs coach and three years later promoted him to coordinator.

In 1997, Le Beau left Pittsburgh for the head coaching job with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Then in 2004, the Steelers were looking for a defensive coordinator once again.

Le Beau happened to be watching the Steelers play a meaningless game against Baltimore.

The Ravens were already in the playoffs, the Steelers were out.

Still keeping a close eye on a defense that was his baby, and realizing there were a few players still there that he coached, he pondered over the thought of coaching them again.

He called Cowher and the rest is history

Bill Cowher’s career record was 79-33 with LeBeau on his staff, 50-44-1 without him, but what stuns the game’s long-time observers is the durability and adaptability of his communication skills.

Mike Tomlin’s record 25-11-0 overall (including regular and post season).

Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau, affectionately known as the “Wizard” born September 9, 1937 in London, Ohio and has been named by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s seniors committee as finalist for election into the Hall of Fame with the Class of 2010 along with Denver Broncos RB Floyd Little.

LeBeau has won not one but two Super Bowl rings, XL and XLIII and according to sources has hinted to his defensive players that he has “PLANS“ to coach until he is 75.

That will take us at the beginning of the 2012 season which calculates to three more years with him at the helm.

Can The Steeler O-Line Protect Big Ben’s Blind Side?

Published: August 31, 2009

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Being an NFL lineman is a thankless job. Linemen know if they do a good job of blocking and tackling it will go unnoticed, but if he misses a tackle or a block, everyone notices.

Left tackle over all the offensive linemen has become a pivotal position whose purpose is to protect the QB blind side from dominant pass-rushers.

A left tackle’s responsibility is to block elite pass rushers and if that tackle makes a mistake, it can result in a sack or a fumble if the quarterback is hit from behind.

It is because of these turnovers that not only determine the outcome of any game but has made the position at left tackle an integral part of the line as the blind-side protector.

Most teams in the NFL generally slide their protection to the quarterback’s blind side, which is almost always the left.

So much has been given to former Steeler LT Alan Faneca and his abilities to protect the blind side, but my argument has been in the last three years as a Steeler did not do such a good job protecting Roethlisberger’s blind side when he was sacked 140 times from 2005-2007.

Now, this responsibility now belongs to Max Starks.

Starks, drafted in 2004, became a starter in 2005 playing R tackle.

In 2007, Starks lost R tackle to rookie Willie Colon, and played the last 4 games of the season at left tackle in place of the injured Marvel Smith.

Earlier this year, Stark signed a 4-year contact worth $ 26.3 million dollars as the Steelers’ left tackle alongside LG Chris Kemoeatu.

Less we forget, in 2003, there was another R tackle who signed a 6-year $26 million contract to move left and replace released tackle Wayne Gandy – Marvel Smith.

Smith had never played left tackle and it was unknown if he could but the Steelers gave him that contract and I don’t think the Steelers regretted the move.

Starks did play some left before being moved there permanently, so hopefully with the support of Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers will not regret the $26 million they agreed to give Starks.

One of my co-workers, Todd, brought Starks to mind when he observed how Starks and Kemoeatu work well together.

Kemoeatu, a power run blocker loves to kill people coming around the edge whether its goal line or a trap play.

With one year as a starter under his belt, Kemoeatu has improved on his pass-protection skills to support Starks on passing downs.

At center, Justin Hartwig supports Kemoeatu by isolating the nose tackle or DT, enabling Kemoeatu free to support the blind side with Starks.

Hartwig is able to provide inside help for the Kemoeatu and Kemoeatu is able to protect Starks’ inside.

The three then work together to block the two defensive linemen while eyeing their other responsibility, the weak-side linebacker, which could leave Essex and Colon one-on-one.

Although it’s still pre-season, the left side has allowed one sack on Roethlisberger in 3 games.

The Buffalo game, Starks lined up with Doug Legursky at left, and struggled to keep clean QB Charlie Batch’s blind side as Batch found himself in hurried situations which resulted in incomplete or overthrown passes.

Today, it’s been reported Darnell Stapleton was put on the IR for the rest of the season.

Legursky looks to be on the depth chart and must be able to fit in left or right of the line.

Cohesiveness of the offensive line is paramount for a successful running and passing game if the Steelers expect to make it to the post-season.

The left side has got to continue to improve in keeping Roethlisberger clean by reducing the number of sacks this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ O-Line Stabilized by Overcoming Mental Errors

Published: August 25, 2009

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Parked on St. Vincent’s College campus on the last morning of training camp, were five buses ordered by Coach Tomlin for what was thought would be scheduled time off for the players.

Instead, the joke was on the team. Tomlin put the team through practice and sent the buses away empty.

“Mental warfare,” Tomlin called it. “Sometimes, people have to be horribly disappointed then asked to perform.”

If that is the case, then losing to the Washington Redskins last Saturday night should have proved to be a big motivator to performing well and reduce the number of mental breakdowns against the next opponent, the Buffalo Bills and moving forward to the regular season.

In the 20-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals the Steelers were penalized seven times for 70 yards

Tomlin planned to make reducing penalties a point of emphasis with the players the last week of camp.

But the Steelers go in the opposite direction committing 13 penalties for a total of 89 yards in the second game of the preseason against the Redskins.

Nine of the 13 were offensive penalties.

Tomlin may be stewing about the mental mistakes made in these last two preseason games but something has to be done to eliminate this problem.

It’s still preseason and there are two more games before the regular season.

Last weekend the offense was missing two starters with QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) and LG Chris Kemoeatu (ribs).

Without those starters, the first team offense scored seven in the first quarter against the Redskins, which is a considerable improvement to the week before when the offense scored zero points in the preseason opener.

The credit goes to, that’s right, the running game and the Steelers seem to have found something running to their right, RT Willie Colon.

While Colon had great success against the Redskins, Saturday night, he and the Steelers offensive line remains a work in progress.

The run game has been most effective from Colon’s right side, with FB Carey Davis following Colon with his lead blocking.

Colon earned big-time praise from Coach Tomlin on his blocking during goal-line drills at camp.

Colon should continue to excel as a run-blocker, while working to improve his pass-blocking skills.

RB Willie Parker made the three-yard touchdown on a sweep right behind Colon with a surprisingly nice block from fullback Carey Davis.

C/G Doug Legursky, who filled in at center for most of training camp while starter Justin Hartwig recovered from a broken right big toe, played guard against the Redskins, replacing starter Chris Kemoeatu, who was held out because of a rib injury.

The coaching staff is looking to find someone who can play both guard and center and prefer to work with players who are flexible in more than one position.

Even with his struggles, Legursky has made a strong case for the 53-man roster.

He has had his challenges at center with a bad snap in the shotgun to QB Dennis Dixon, who recovered it and at guard, struggled to block DT Albert Haynesworth on passing plays.

Legursky and rookie A.Q. Shipley are competing for backup center/guard. 1250986689

Steelers’ rookie G Kraig Urbik is battling Jeremy Parquet for the final guard spot. Parquet injured his rib during the Redskin game.

With Essex, Kemoeatu, and Stapleton almost assuredly to make the roster,. Urbik may end up in the practice squad.

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Steelers C Doug Legursky made a strong case for the 53-man roster by playing in place of starter Chris Kemoeatu at guard. The coaching staff likes players to be position flexible, especially on the line, and Legursky did a decent job at guard.

OT Tony Hills, is also vying for the No. 1 backup, but drew two pre-snap penalties Saturday night, one for illegal formation and the other a false start.

Pittsburgh Post–Gazette sports writer Ed Bouchette believes that Hills will make the 53-man roster.

OT Ramon Foster has been the biggest surprise in training camp.

An undrafted tackle from Tennessee playing guard, Foster seems to have the advantage over Jason Capizzi and Tony Hills because he can play guard as well tackle.

Foster will be given every shot at earning one of either 9 or 10 offensive lineman spots and his ability to play both spots will play a huge determining factor in it.

Late in the Steeler spring OTA sessions, Foster worked primarily at the guard position. The move to guard is likely to test how versatile Foster is at playing both guard and tackle on both sides of the center

Here again flexibility can get you on the game.

Can Issac Redman Be The Drill Bit In The Steeler Rushing Attack?

Published: August 16, 2009

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I dropped by training camp last Monday after spending the weekend in Canton enjoying the Hall of Fame festivities with my family.

I had a pass to be on the field (it pays to know people), and while observing third down drills, my eye caught this running back bursting through the line to score a touchdown.

All I saw was the No. 33 and not having a roster in hand, I wondered who is No. 33?

Another drill, he burst through the line speeding down for a touchdown again.

OK, I thought, I want to know who the heck is No. 33.

I found someone with a roster and ask “who is No. 33?”

“Isaac Redman -Bowie State,” he replied.

“Well”, I said, “we better keep a close eye on this kid.”

Isaac Redman, a six-foot, 230lb., unrestricted free agent from Bowie State made not only an impression upon me, but he also made an impressive start vying for a spot on the 53-man roster Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals.

Redman made his debut in the top of the fourth quarter against the Cardinal’s second-team defense scoring his first NFL touchdown from the their three-yard line.

In the next offensive series, Redman carried six times for 30 of an 80 yard drive (led by QB Dennis Dixon) to score his second touchdown from the Cardinal five yard line.

I know it’s early, I know its pre-season, but if this kid is the real deal, the Steelers will have the rushing attack in the red zone in addition to finding that one-two punch with Parker or Mendenhall.

Last season, the offense scored from the red zone on passing situations, seldom on rushing.

What’s worse is that the Steelers were held to a goal line stand three times by the Colts, Chargers and the Cowboys.

Many sports analysts blame the Steelers inability to score from short yardage as the fault of the offensive line.

Thursday, Redman scored with an offensive line that consisted of rookie C A.Q. Shipley, T Ramon Foster, T Tony Hills, G Jeremy Parquet, and rookie G Kraig Urbik who managed to dominate the Cardinal second-team defensive line.

Watching Redman Monday afternoon reminded me of “The Bus.”

Redman may not have a “nickname” but he showed that it’s worth taking a look at what he could do against first-team defenses.

Coach Tomlin plans to give Redman more work and in order to do that he is moving RB Frank “The Tank” Summers to fullback.

If this is a sign of what this free-agent is capable of doing, the Steelers could have in their hands a scoring machine and the development of a closer.

RB Rashard Mendenhall still has a lot to prove after being the first-round draft pick two years ago.

He had a disappointing showing on Thursday with nine carries for 24 yards and no touchdowns despite playing two quarters.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Unit By Unit Analysis

Published: August 6, 2009

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“We’ve met the challenges laid before us, in terms of the 2008 season. It was awesome! But if you are a legitimate competitor at the appropriate time you ready yourself for the challenges that lie ahead in ‘09 and ‘10.”

This is a quote from Mike Tomlin’s press conference after the Steelers’ Super Bowl win.

As we close on the first week of into training camp, the only distraction at Saint Vincent has been reporters trying to get a juicy story on Roethlisberger and his accuser.

Coach Tomlin even decided to hold the Super Bowl ring ceremony in June to reduce the distraction level as a new season approached.

Next is to find the 53 men, Tomlin described in that same press conference. There are a lot of the same faces from 2008. A few have gone, and a few will go before the first game of the regular season.

For those that remain, some roles will change. Some will ascend, some will descend, says Tomlin.

For this training camp, the Steelers have been testing the new prospects, working the veterans, and moving personnel around trying to find different combinations that work with the sole purpose of building for the 2009-10 season.

Unit-by-Unit analysis of the first week of Training camp.

QUARTERBACKS

Starter—Ben Roethlisberger.

Backups—Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is off to a slow start at training camp, suffering from a sore arm. He admits his arm isn’t as strong as he’d like it to be, and it usually takes him a week before his arm improves.

It was intimated that Dixon could be a shoe in for No. 2 because of his potential with the Wildcat offense. However, OC Bruce Arians has no plans to utilize the Wildcat offense this year.

The upside that Dixon has makes him a strong case to be No. 2.

Early in camp, Dixon had been accurate and seemed to know the offense better after years of experience as a spread QB, although at times he has looked indecisive and shaky in the red zone.

Coach Mike Tomlin said in the spring that it was possible for Dixon to overtake Batch as No. 2.

After missing all of last season with a broken collarbone during preseason last year, Batch is working to get back to the No. 2 spot behind Roethlisberger.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Starters—Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes

Backups—Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, Shaun McDonald, Dallas Baker, Tyler Grisham, Brandon Williams, Martin Nance

According to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, WR Hines Ward is not practicing because he wants to give his other receivers more reps in the first week of camp.

Limas Sweed and Shaun McDonald are distancing themselves from the pack in the battle for No. 3 receiver.

Arians notice a significant improvement with Sweed, who is running routes with authority, catching passes seemingly with ease, and has learned to find the seam in a zone defense.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, if for no other reason than process of elimination, believes WR Limas Sweed will be the Pittsburgh Steelers No. 3 receiver this year.

Bouchette said he does not believe WR Shawn McDonald is physical enough and WR Mike Wallace may not have the experience despite having speed

Rookie receiver Mike Wallace has had his struggles hanging onto the ball at practice on Monday, especially after S Tyrone Carter rocked Wallace over the middle in seven on seven drills.

In addition to receiver duties, Wallace has been teamed up with RB Mewelde Moore returning kicks.

McDonald, a free agent from Detroit, is said to have great hands; he worked with WR Santonio Holmes on goal-line passing situations.

However, Bouchette feels McDonald may not be physical enough as a receiver.

Dallas Baker and Brandon Williams battle for the fourth receiver.

Williams is reported to be struggling at times, dropping passes and juggling others. Baker, formerly called the “Touchdown Maker” at Florida, is still trying to prove himself.

Martin Nance, who played with Roethlisberger at Miami, OH, is struggling as well. Reports are that he is unsteady and unsure since camp started, and that his routes are choppy and tend to end too early.

Another free-agent WR Tyler Grisham seems to have made a statement at camp. Described as small in size (5’10”, 184 pounds), he seems to have great hands.

RUNNING BACKS

Starters—RB Willie Parker, FB Sean McHugh.

Backups—RB Rashard Mendenhall, RB Mewelde Moore, RB Frank Summers, FB Carey Davis

Although no contract extension talks for RB Willie Parker, he continues to portray himself as a consummate pro and continues to work hard.

Stefan Logan, fresh off the PUP list with a foot injury looked impressive in receiving drills. The problem is how the former CFL star can make the team in a crowded backfield.

Logan is being worked into the punt return rotation, along with Mewelde Moore.

Logan is being worked in everywhere on the field—at RB, WR, and special teams.

Tank Summers has been a little bit of a disappointment. He has not run the way he looks and he has not been used in goal line sets yet.

Steelers RB Justin Vincent, a longshot to make the team, has looked good in camp. He runs hard and has decent hands.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Starters— LT Max Starks, LG Chris Kemoeatu, C Justin Hartwig, RG Darnell Stapleton, RT Willie Colon.

Backups—G/T Trai Essex, G Kraig Urbik, C A.Q. Shipley, T Tony Hills, T Jason Capizzi, G Jeremy Parquet

Guard Darnell Stapleton, bothered by an undisclosed left knee injury a few days ago, will have arthroscopic surgery Friday morning and will be sidelined for an indefinite period.

Stapleton had fluid on his knee after apparently injuring it Sunday during practice. He has not been on the field the last three days.

Stapleton, who made the roster in 2007 as an undrafted free agent, started the final 12 regular season games and all three playoff games at right guard after Kendall Simmons went down with a torn Achilles tendon.

Stapleton has been considered a big factor for offensive line this season, being groomed to play guard and center.

It was expected that with Hartwig out with the sore toe, Stapleton would have been slated as backup center, with Essex playing guard.

The absence of Hartwig and Stapleton leaves the team thin on the offensive line.

Legursky is working as center with the first team, backed by rookie A Q Shipley

Essex, expected to challenge Stapleton for a starting spot, is playing right guard.

Jason Capizzi is working at guard/tackle position.

Both starters, left tackle Max Starks and left guard Chris Kemoeatu, will be relied on heavily to protect the blind side of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

There will be a problem if either succumbs to injuries or need to be spelled for a series or two.

Second year tackle Tony Hills and third round draft pick Kraig Urbik have not started off well in camp this year. Its been reported that Hills is struggling.

Thus far, Hills has had a disappointing training camp. Reports are in he needs to be more consistent to be guaranteed a roster spot.

Earlier this week Hills had a knockdown drag-out with LB Keyaron Fox. Is frustration or determination that is fueling these emotions?

Urbik, on the otherhand, is a rookie not ready to be in the starting lineup. It is too early to get a true assessment of him, and at this juncture he will need to catch on fast.

Behind both of them are undrafted free agent Ramon Foster and journeymen Jeremy Parquet and Jason Capizzi. Foster might be the saving grace, but he is probably more of a guard than he is a tackle, and is also better on the right side.

All in all, someone needs to step up as a solid versatile left side replacement. This will be looked at heavily during preseason games.

TIGHT ENDS

Starter—

Heath Miller.

Backups—Matt Spaeth, Sean McHugh, David Johnson

With one season remaining on a five-year contract, TE Heath Miller agreed to a six-year contract that runs through the 2014 season.

Considered one of the top blockers among NFL tight ends, Miller has become everything the Steelers want in a tight end. He’s a good receiver and a good blocker, which can be a tough combination.

Because of the below-average line play last season, Miller was positioned required to block.

Matt Spaeth, on the other hand, is strictly a receiver.

It’s been reported that Spaeth is having a good camp. He’s blocking is first rate and his pass catching has improved.

Sean McHugh, a converted tight end, impressed the Steelers with his work at fullback down the stretch last season. He’ll may split time with Carey Davis again in 2009 as a fullback.

McHugh is a blocker and considered more of an h-back. Released last year by Detroit, McHugh started 12 games last season as a fullback-tight end—or H-back, as that hybrid position has come to be known

Sean McHugh is battling David Johnson for the No. 3 spot in the depth chart.

Johnson has looked good blocking and it seems from reports that Johnson may have taken an early lead for consideration in the depth chart.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Starters — LDE Aaron Smith, RDE Brett Keisel, NT Casey Hampton.

Backups – NT Chris Hoke, DE Ziggy Hood, DE Travis Kirschke, DE Nick Eason.

Hood spent the entire summer working out at the Steeler training facility.

Steelers plan to use Hood as DE and DT, with heavy concentration at DE.

Hood has been working with the second team unit which consists of NT Chris Hoke and DE Travis Kirshke.

Optimistically, the Steelers seem to have a nice DE rotation with Smith, Keisel, Hood and Kirschke.

Although Hood has had his ups and downs as any rookie, he has a huge upside, showing quickness off the ball.

Rookie DE Ra’Shon Harris hampered by the groin problem has not practiced.

LINEBACKERS

Starters—LOLB LaMarr Woodley, LILB James Farrior, RILB Lawrence Timmons, ROLB James Harrison.

Backups—OLB Andre Frazier, OLB Bruce Davis, OLB Arnold Harrison, ILB Keyaron Fox, ILB Patrick Bailey, ILB Donovan Woods

LB Lawrence Timmons, sidelined last weekend battling cramps last weekend, has returned to practice.

Free agent LB Tom Korte, who has been working in nickel and dime packages, seems to have made a huge impression at camp. He has a non-stop motor and lots of intensity.

It’s been reported that if he can deliver on special teams, he could make the 53-man roster. A rookie from Hillsdale College, MI, Korte won the all GLIAC conference accolades three years straight, finishing fifth in the conference in tackles (114) and second in tackle for losses (18).

LB and special teams’ specialist Keyaron Fox has been impressive this week, especially as a stand out in seven on seven drills with some hard hits.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Starters—LCB William Gay, RCB Ike Taylor, FS Ryan Clark, SS Troy Polamalu.

Backups—CB/S Deshea Townsend, S Tyrone Carter, CB Anthony Madison, CB Joe Burnett, CB Roy Lewis, CB Keiwan Ratliff, CB Keenan Lewis, S Ryan Mundy.

Rookie CB Burnett and second-year veteran Ryan Mundy are working in the nickel and dime packages.

Gay and Townsend are alternating with the first unit. The duo is fighting for the right CB starting spot.

Keenan Lewis looks very good. He and Joe Burnett are more likely to battle for the dime cornerback spot.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Jeff Reed, P Daniel Sepulveda, LS Greg Warren, P/KR Mike Wallace, KR Joe Burnett.

Punter Dan Sepulveda is back after missing last season because of meniscus tear.

Sepulveda has been wearing a brace on his knee but says he’s back to 100 percent.

To prove that, Sepulveda recorded some punts 55-60 yards

During one practice, K Jeff Reed was 5-for-6, missing from 50 yards out; Sepulveda was holding and Greg Warren was the long snapper.

Steelers WR Brandon Williams is working for the first time on punt returns, joining RB Stefan Logan, WR Shaun McDonald, and CB Joe Burnett

Mike Wallace could be an effective KR because of his blazing speed. He has huge upside as a receiver, but like most rookies, he’s inconsistent.

The Steelers return units had WR Brandon Williams, RB Stefan Logan, WR Shaun McDonald, and CB Joe Burnett rotated as punt returners, while RB Mewelde Moore and WR Mike Wallace returned kicks

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Future Is Now

Published: July 28, 2009

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The future is now. Friday, July 31, the Pittsburgh Steelers reported to training camp to prepare for the 2009-10 season.

Already there is a distraction before camp begins, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger deals with charges of sexual assault on a female Harrah’s employee.

But with the distraction, comes focus and coach Mike Tomlin will see to it that the team is focused for the challenges ahead.

“There will be a new 53 man roster. A lot of the faces will be the same. But nothing stays the same in this game,” says Coach Tomlin.

As the Steelers prepare for the challenges, which lie before them, here are a few objectives Steelers fans should watch for, over the course of camp and the preseason.

Anchor the Offensive Line

Considered the weak link last season, five offensive linesmen who started in Super Bowl XLIII will return for 2009-10 season.

Roethlisberger was sacked a team high 49 times and the team’s rushing attack ranked 23rd in the NFL, the second lowest since the Steelers joined the AFC in 1970.

Many sports critics believed the line’s demise started with the release of OG Alan Faneca.

If that is the case, someone should explain 2005, 2006, and 2007 when Roethlisberger was sacked 47, 46, and 47 times respectively with Faneca in the lineup.

No, the lynch pin was not the loss of Faneca, but two missing components that supported the Steeler smash-mouth running game, a starting fullback, and a blocking TE.

These two key components supported the running game and protected the quarterback in the passing game. In the past, it was FB Dan Kreider and TE Mark Bruener.

Before his release in 2007, Krieder played six seasons using his bruising-style to pave the way for RB Jerome Bettis in the running game.

Drafted in 1995, TE Mark Bruener, became one of the league’s best blocking tight ends and was elected honorary offensive linesmen by his teammates, before being released in 2003.

Another member of that support group was Matt Cushing TE/FB who played backup to both and was released in 2005.

It was the combination of these three who helped the offensive line establish the running game.

I am not saying that these men need to come back. What I am saying is the Steelers need to consider these prototypes for the sole purpose of anchoring the running game, supporting the offensive line, and protecting the quarterback in the passing game. .

In 2007, Arians gave the starting nod for FB to Carey Davis who has never played in an NFL game, over Kreider because of his ability as a ball carrier and pass catcher.

Davis was supposed to give the offense more flexibility. However, he has contributed little to either the running or passing games, and his blocking was clearly inferior to Kreider’s.

A solution for FB, start TE/FB Sean McHugh instead of Davis. McHugh became a major contributor as a blocker for Parker and Roethlisberger.

A four year letter man at Penn State from 2000-2003, McHugh started at fullback his junior and senior seasons.

As a Detroit Lion in 2006, McHugh played tight end and fullback replacing both TE/FB Casey Simmons and FB Cory Schlesinger.

If Davis is suppose to give the offense more flexibility with his ball-handling and pass catching, let him be the depth at fullback, and in some situations replace McHugh on passing downs.

McHugh along with TE Heath Miller should be able to support the line and the running game (although I am not really sold on Miller as a blocker, but he is better than Matt Spaeth).

Re-establish the Running Game

OC Bruce Arians has been criticized for disbanding the run to promote more of the passing game. But is that really true?

Looking at the 2008 season statistically, there were 46 more attempts passing than rushing and three more passing touchdowns. So did he really disband the running game?

Arians had to work with what was given to him. The running game suffered because of the lack of cohesiveness on the line.

With Kendell Simmons lost for the season and Marvel Smith with the back spasm issues, the Steelers had to rebuild the line.

In 2008, the Steelers’ running game recorded 460 rushing attempts/1,690 yards, 16 TDs and averaged 3.7 yards per carry. This average is the lowest since 2003, when they averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

Averaging just under 106 yards per game, the running game ranked 23rd in the NFL last season.

With an experienced line, and possibly the addition of McHugh at FB, the Steelers would be poised for a more productive running attack.

After suffering injuries to shoulder and knee last year, is RB Willie Parker in the downside of his career?

In 2006, Parker rushed for 1,494 yards—13 TDs (4.4 yd/carry); 2007, 1,316 yds—two TDs (4.1); 2008, 791 yds—five TDs (3.8) as a starter.

It’s been reported Parker had a good offseason and feels ready to play.

Even with a healthy Parker, the Steelers are hopeful he will have his speed back.

Speed is fine. Getting him to run the perimeter is fine.

What is missing, however, is that short yardage back, one who can punish defense up the middle, or punch in a touchdown from the red zone—someone who can close a game.

A closer in baseball is a pitcher whose goal is to protect a lead or give his team a chance in the bottom of the ninth, to get some runs to win the game. As a closer, his goal is to keep the opposition from scoring again by putting his team in position to win.

Jerome Bettis role was a closer; one who could shut the door on the opposition by wearing down defenses, eating up clock time, moving the chains, and punching in a touchdown from the one-yard line.

Bettis was especially crucial late in the fourth quarter. Pound the defense up the middle, shut them down—win the game.

Parker could not prove in these past two years that he is that type of closer.

The 2007 Draft pick Rashard Mendenhall returns to camp after suffering a season–ending shoulder injury during the fourth game of the season, against the Baltimore Ravens.

At training camp, he has to prove he can be productive.

Mendenhall played in all four preseason games last preseason. He carried the ball 54 times for 222 yards (4.1 yd/carry), and one TD.

On the down-side, he fumbled three times in two preseason games, which was attributed to his adjusting to the faster pace of the NFL

Can he prove to be the closer the Steelers so desperately need?

If Mendenhall is put in the position of “the closer,” he must be efficient in short yardage play, especially in the red zone, and most importantly have a very low fumbling percentage.

Vulnerable Up the Middle and to the Right

In the Super Bowl, QB Kurt Warner found success in the second half with the short passes, right, left, and up the middle, to all three of his receivers.

The same happened against San Diego and the Colts earlier in the season.

Late in the season, the secondary had been getting beat on the short pass (right, left, and middle) and with a breakdown in the coverages, the deep ball up the middle caught them by surprise.

In the playoffs against SD, Vincent Jackson and Darren Sproles caught deep passes up the middle for 41 and 62 yard TDs.

With McFadden gone to the Arizona Cardinals, it will be up to CB William Gay to step up to the plate.

Gay and McFadden alternated playing time last season, each taking consecutive defensive series. Gay started four games, while McFadden had a broken forearm late in the season.

Gay has successfully defended receivers such as Houshmandzadeh (Cin), Antonio Gates (SD), Wes Welker (NE), and Roy Williams (DAL).

The Steelers drafted CB Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis for possible depth at this position.

Special Teams

During the offseason, the Steelers were busy resigning and retaining key playmakers that made up the 2008 special teams’ unit such as Anthony Madison, Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier, and Patrick Bailey.

A huge boost for the kicking team will be the return of punter Daniel Sepulveda, who has recovered from a torn ACL, and kicker Jeff Reed returning for his eighth season.

Although the Steelers finished 2008 as the AFC’s No. 1 special teams’ kick return defense, and No. 4 in punt defense, based on yards per return, there is need for much improvement on the return team.

Ranked 29th in the league on kick returns, and No. 31 on punts last year, expectations are high to see an improvement in the return game.

This year’s rookie class provided the Steelers with two return specialists, WR Mike Wallace (kick-off) and CB Joe Burnett (punt returns).

Although Wallace is expected to fill the need for wide receiver, he could also be the long-sought kickoff return that has eluded the Steelers for such a long time.

CB Joe Burnett is the reputation of being a defensive playmaker, an athletic cornerback who intercepted 16 passes and also returned five kicks—three punts and two kickoffs—for touchdowns in four seasons at Central Florida.

Nicknamed Smokin’ Joe, Burnett will get his chance to help improve the kick and punt return units.

Another offseason acquisition as a return specialist is two-year veteran RB Stefan Logan. He is competing for a spot as a returner, and has impressed the organization with agility similar to San Diego Charger RB Darren Sproles.

Who to watch out for this training camp…

LB Lawrence Timmons

RB Rashard Mendenhall

RB Willie Parker

CB William Gay

CB Joe Burnett

WR Mike Wallace

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