We’ve heard it again and again. Steeler nation – or at least the media that reports on what Steeler nation is thinking – is concerned that the Steelers o-line won’t be up to its task of protecting our titanium QB during 2008. The thing is, Ben doesn’t seem to be concerned about the line. How many times have we heard Roethlisberger say “I was proud of my offensive line” during the ‘07 season? Minimum once a game. We got a little tired of it.
But the fact is, if Ben were unhappy about the line a hint of it would have leaked to the media, and we would be hearing about it. We would be hearing quotes from every member of the o-line about what a jerk Ben is, and just generally getting bombarded with “Ben hates his o-line” news.
That has not happened. So lets take a look at this line, shall we? Try to see it from the point of view of the Steelers, and the quarterback it protects. At least to the extent that we can from our armchairs and computer desks.
This is as likely a lineup for the Steelers 2008 offensive line as any.
Justin Hartwig
Marvel Smith
Kendall Simmons
Max Starks
Chris Kemoeatu
Justin Hartwig is the unknown factor, at least as far as Steeler fans are concerned. Because we haven’t watched him play yet. He started all but one regular season game for the Panthers last year, and is considered to be worth a look at center for the Steelers. You gotta believe the Steelers won’t mess up a free agency center signing two years in a row.
Marvel Smith is solid, and if he’s our left tackle there won’t be too much to worry about except the specter of injury, and all reports say he’s fine after back surgery. Marvel has been solid on the Steelers o-line for years. Why would we think 2008 will be any different?
OK, so far no problem. Next up…
Kendall Simmons. OK, who is worried about Simmons? The Steelers signed him for 24 million. OK…ummm, lets see. He had a couple of minor injury issues in 2007. But this is a quality guard who can anchor the offensive line the way Faneca did when he was at the top of his game.
I know it may be blasphemous to suggest that Alan might in any way have been part of the problem with the o-line last year. Ben has incredible respect for him, and so did the entire team. But when the most important cog in the wheel knows he’s leaving when the ride comes to a stop…and everyone around him knows he’s leaving…there’s gonna be a bit of a letdown. Anyone who has ever worked with someone who knew they were about to leave their job knows this is true. We love you Alan – good luck with the Jets. Time to move on.
Ok, let’s talk about Max Starks for a minute. He was good enough to start in 2006, good enough to help them win a superbowl, good enough to get a six million dollar contract as a franchise player. He’s got something to prove, and he’ll be good enough to play on the Steelers o-line in ’08.
And Chris Komoeatu probably gets his chance this year. Coach Tomlin has hinted that he is excited about this guy. Says he was ready to play at the beginning of ’07 and almost got in there. If he doesn’t work out they can move Mahan over, give Willie Colon a shot at it, or maybe eve
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