Bleacher Report - Articles by Vicki Farries

Steelers Having Tough Time Closing Out Games

Vicki Farries — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:04:02 -0500

3:55 in the fourth quarter, third-and-22 Baltimore on their 29-yard line

QB Joe Flacco passes deep down the middle to WR Derrick Mason for 17 yards to the Baltimore 46.

On a fourth-and-five Coach Jim Harbaugh took a gamble.

Flacco throws a short pass up the middle to RB Ray Rice (beating James Farrior) , for 44 yards to the Steeler 10 yard line.

Although the outcome was a field goal, the Ravens tied the score to send the game into overtime and eventually win the game by three.

Steelers are having a tough time closing out games.

With leads of seven points or better in the fourth quarter, the Steelers lost four games by three points.

At least two were subpar teams.

Then there are the ones they almost gave away, like Detroit and San Diego.

Now they have lost three crucial games to division foes, and chances of a wild-card berth are getting slim.

What happened to the team that was on the upswing with back-to back wins against Cleveland, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Denver Broncos?

The defense is giving up too many big plays. They are not putting away teams in the fourth quarter.

On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens drove 73 yards on nine plays to score in the first quarter.

And in overtime after the 26-yard interception, the Ravens were able to advance 16 more yards to set up the winning field goal.

What about the final two quarters and overtime against a very bad Kansas City Chief team?

The Steeler defense allowed QB Matt Cassel to finish with 248 yards and two touchdowns after a horrible first half passing for 35 yards on four completions.

How about the 21 points San Diego QB Phillip Rivers put on the board in the fourth in an attempt to snatch the lead and the win from the Steelers in Week Four?

The defensive backs are playing badly especially without SS Troy Polamalu.

It is especially true of the two corners, Ike Taylor and William Gay. (I guess a lot can be said about missing Bryant McFadden.)

Both Gay and Taylor are playing poorly and are giving up too many big plays.

Gay has been playing soft and allowing some easy plays.

Offenses no longer fear the “Big Bad Wolf” of the NFL.

With Polamalu out of the picture, offenses don’t have to worry about where he is or what he can do.

Now offenses can target the secondary at will. Without Polamalu, tackling has been dismal across the board, and it’s inexcusable.

FS Ryan Clark, always known as a very good tackler, has not been the same since he was pulled from the Denver game for health reasons.

The other missing link is DE Aaron Smith.

Although the defense has still not allowed a 100-yard rusher, they are still allowing big plays up the field.

LB James Farrior has been beaten twice by running backs, Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson and Baltimore's Ray Rice.

Remember December 30, 2001: 12-3 Pittsburgh Steelers were hosted by the 5-10 Cincinnati Bengals.

Offensive Coordinator Bob Bratkowski called plays for QB Jon Kitna, who with precision torched the two Steeler cornerbacks, DeWayne Washington and Chad Scott.

Bratkowski, a former Steeler receivers coach under Bill Cowher, hoped to fill the offensive coordinator position left vacant by Kevin Gilbride in 2001.

But Cowher elected tight ends coach Mike Mularkey for the job.

However, then-Bengals Head Coach Dick LeBeau, in need of an OC, offered the position to Bratkowski.

Although the Steelers defeated the Bengals earlier that season, Bratkowski had another attempt to get back at his former team in December.

Matching wits with his former colleague, defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, Bratkowski knew the deficiencies of the secondary and prepared a game plan to expose it.

The Bengals not only overcame a 23-10 lead in the fourth to tie, but took the game into overtime where they eventually won on a field goal.

It was that game that set up the torchfest the following year, when Tom Brady and the New Patriots and Rich Gannon and the Oakland Raiders lit up the Steeler secondary with 43 and 63 passing attempts, respectively, for 30 points each to win the first two games of the 2002 season.

History can repeat itself if the secondary continues with the poor play.

What is even more disgusting, our beloved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has been nominated for Hall of Fame induction.

What a wonderful tribute to him to be presented to the Hall with another winning season commandeering a “great defense.”

There is definite uncertainty to where the Steeler defense will stand in the coming weeks.

The defense cannot depend on a few. On Sunday James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons will surely come with their A-game.

The rest must follow suit.

The Steelers play against another subpar team (3-8) Oakland Raiders.

Then they face the lowly Cleveland Browns, the Packers, and the Ravens at home, then finally Miami.

These next five games are crucial.

It’s not like the Steelers haven’t been down this road before.

The difference it’s 2009, not 2005 and the coach is Tomlin, not Cowher.

Dennis Dixon: A Different Quarterback with a Different Skill Set

Vicki Farries — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:17:13 -0500

The Steelers had a decent chance with time left in the first half to get into field goal range to close in on that seven–point deficit.

Nineteen seconds left in the first half and down 14-7, the Steelers on their 40, hand off to RB Carey Davis for a one yard gain.

They needed twenty yards for a field goal to end the half.

Instead they play conservative and run out the clock.

In the third quarter No. 3 QB Dennis Dixon puts the Steelers in position to earn a field goal to make the score 14-10.

Gaining confidence as the game went on Dixon gave the Steelers the lead in the fourth quarter.

6:32 left in the fourth quarter, 3rd-and-5 on the Baltimore 24, Dixon thinking on his feet, rushes for 24 yards to score his first NFL touchdown.

It was a perfect call against that Raven blitz.

TE Heath Miller was used more for blocking to prevent an all-out blitz but Dixon did much better against the blitz than when the Ravens were in the zone four-man rush.

Dixon did well in a tough spot, a hostile environment.

He showed poise and control of the offense. He played faked extremely well.

For a No.3 quarterback, Dixon’s performance was solid.

Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians called a horrible game.

He did not do what makes Dixon special which was getting him out on the field and allowing him to take advantage of his athletic ability.

Dixon has a different skill set from QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Arians kept Dixon in the confines of the traditional offense designed for Roethlisberger.

Why could there not have been designed runs, quarterback draws and option plays?

As we saw, Dixon was more effective in getting outside the pocket.

In his first start, Dixon worked everything inside the pocket on a normal down and distance.

As Dixon got more comfortable, we saw him move around the pocket, around the edge, surveying the field, making plays.

Arians could have called some of those designed runs, quarterback draws and option plays that could have open up the offense. But he didn’t.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported on game day, some Raven officials were worried about the Steelers putting in something that would allow Dixon to run around.

They weren’t sure how to handle that but the Steelers never tested them.

Arians should have put Dixon in position to be able to do something to change up the offense, giving the Ravens a different look.

Instead, as reported Arians ask Dixon what 15 plays did he feel the most comfortable and designed the playbook around those plays.

It only stifled the talent instead of unleashing it.

It was not all Arians play calling that lost the game; it was in fact the defense giving up the lead in the fourth quarter.

It could have been Dixon’s first NFL game win.

The (6-5) Steelers are preparing to host the (3-8) Oakland Raiders this Sunday.

Coach Tomlin reports that Roethlisberger has not suffered any more headaches from his last concussion since last Friday and intends to suit up for Sunday’s game.

After what I have seen of Dixon against a really good defense in a hostile arena, he should be the one to start on Sunday at home, in friendly territory.

The most recent report is that Dixon may see more action after his performance on Sunday, even if Roethlisberger is able to go.

Roethlisberger should sit out at least one more week to improve his condition.

We all know what it is like when he rushes back on the field less than one-hundred percent—the outcome is not good.

The Steelers can ill-afford to lose a fourth game in a row and against another sub par team.

With Six Games Left, What Kind of Character Will the Steelers Display?

Vicki Farries — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:02:58 -0500

The home team generated 282 yards of total offense.

68 yards rushing and 214 yards passing generated three touchdowns and two field goals.

The opponent generated 515 yards of total offense.

114 yards rushing and 401 yards passing produced three touchdowns and one field goal.

The winner, the home team (3-7) Kansas City Chiefs.

Yes, add another Steeler defeat against a sub par team.

It’s hard to comprehend how the Steelers play down to sub par teams.

With a lead 17-7 half time lead, the Steelers allowed the bottom to fall out in the third with Kansas City striking back with ten unanswered points to tie the score.

Yes, Roethlisberger had one of his best days 32-42, 398 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, but he was sacked 3 times.

The running game was just miserable, 31 attempts for 114 yards and no touchdowns. 80 of those yards came from Rashard Mendenhall with 21 carries.

The bright spot (yes, there was a bright spot), the rush defense without defensive ends Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke continue to hold rushers under a 100 yards rushing.

Chiefs’ running back Jammal Charles was allowed 58 yards on 17 carries and no touchdowns.

But the secondary continues to get burnt without strong safety Troy Polamalu in play.

Without their star-receiver Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs’ quarterback Matt Cassel threw a 21-yard pass to Leonard Pope early in the third quarter.

With less than five minutes left in the game, Cassel hits receivers Lance Long for 30 yards and Chris Chambers for 47 to set up a two yard touchdown pass to Jammal Charles that tied the score 24-all.

The Steeler defense allowed Cassel 15 completions for 248 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. What’s worse is his passer rating climbed from 75.3 to 100.4 against a super bowl champion defense.

The biggest blow has to be special teams.

Special teams’ has allowed four kick-off returns for a touchdown in five games which is also a team record.

They are now tied for the NFL record with the 1998 Minnesota Vikings.

In addition, the Steelers have allowed either a kick, interception or a fumble return for a touchdown in eight straight games.

In an attempt to shore up their kickoff coverage unit, the Steelers released Keiwan Ratliff and linebacker Donovan Woods for linebacker Rocky Boiman and safety Corey Ivy.

Ivy played for the Ravens from 2006-08, had been a free agent since getting cut by the Browns at the end of preseason practice.

Which sets up for next Sunday’s game In Baltimore against the 5-5 Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens are coming off a loss on Sunday against the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts.

No need to go over stats. What good on paper does not transcend what goes on the field.

The Ravens have had November 29 and December 29th circled since the schedule was released.

Division opponents play each other differently and vying for a chance in the postseason..

It will be especially critical meeting since both teams are wounded, missing key players in their arsenals.

The Ravens will be without lynchpins Fabian Washington and Terrell Suggs.

The Steelers injuries continue to mount with Polamalu out indefinitely, along with Smith. No sign of Kirschke returning anytime soon. Kemoeatu suffered an MCL sprain Sunday and could be questionable to probable.

With six games left in the regular season, the question will be what kind of character will the Steelers show down the stretch?

Will they prevail as they did to win Super Bowl XL or XLIII or will they falter as they did in 2007?

It will all begin this Sunday. Every game from now on is a playoff game-one game at a time.

The Steelers Must Rebound from a Subpar Performance

Vicki Farries — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:27:17 -0500

Now 6-3 (1-2 in the Division), the Steelers will have to rebound from a subpar performance.

It will be especially imperative they make the proper adjustments on special teams.

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

As the NFL's best kickoff coverage unit in 2008, the Steelers gave up an average of 19.1 yards and no touchdowns.

This season, the Steelers are the fourth worst in kickoff coverage, yielding an average of 25.9 yards per return. Only the Raiders, with two, have permitted more than one kickoff return touchdown, and 23 of the league's 32 teams have allowed none.

The only time the Steelers allowed three touchdowns on kickoff returns in one season was in 1986 when they finished 6-10.

The Steelers have also allowed seven returns for touchdowns in the past seven games; three kickoffs, two interceptions and two punts.

So how do the Steelers overcome this problem?

Coach Mike Tomlin states "its detail. It's about shedding blocks and making tackles and being schematically sound.”

In addition, another disappointment is the performance of running back Stefan Logan on the return game.

Logan was given a roster spot from his performance during training camp and pre-season, but we Steeler fans have not seen that magic during the regular season.

It is true Logan has done a decent job in putting the offense in good field position. But he has not taken one to the house as was expected.

What is different now than when he performed during pre-season? Nine games into the regular season, there should be a comfort level into how he should approach the return game.

Do you get the feeling that Coach Tomlin maybe feeling the same disappointment? He did replace Logan with Wallace on a return, Sunday.

It’s not like the Steelers don’t have return guys who could get the same results as Logan i.e.; Mike Wallace, Joe Burnett (both who were accomplished on special teams in college) Mewelde Moore, or Santonio Holmes.

Next, Tomlin made a roster change by releasing LB Arnold Harrison to promote Donovan Woods from the practice squad.

Woods alongside Harrison was part of the heralded 2008 special teams unit.

Sunday, the Steelers will face the 2-7 Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs won their second game, Sunday defeating the Oakland Raiders 16-10 at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs will be led by quarterback Matt Cassel, who replacing the injured Tom Brady in New England last season, had his poorest game against the Steeler defense.

In the 33-10 loss, Cassel was sacked five times, intercepted twice and suffered three forced fumbles.

After eight games this season, Cassel’s QB rating is in a slow decline at 75.3 with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He is completing only 55.6 percent of his passes.

The Chiefs rank 26^th in total offense and are in the bottom third defending the run and the pass.

The Chiefs produce an average 266.6 yards of offense per game; 166.6 yards passing, and 100 yards rushing.

Earlier this week, the Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson because of off-field issues.

Johnson has been replaced by Jammal Charles (5.4 yards/carry) who is also one of the teams’ leading receivers with 21 catches for 153 yards.

The Chiefs are thin at receiver, since their top receiver Dwayne Bowe (466 yards/receiving and four touchdowns) has been suspended due to taking a performance enhancing drug (diuretic).

The Chiefs defense ranks 23^rd in the NFL allowing 375.6 yards of total defense including 141.3 yards rushing and 243.2 passing.

Let us not forget, Head Coach Todd Haley faced the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII last February as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals.

Although the Chiefs do not have the high powered offense the Cardinals possess, Haley probably has film to support what can be done to against the 3-4 Fire X Zone Blitz defense.

The Steelers have not lost to a team that finished with a losing record since 2007.

However, they also have a knack for playing down on their weaker opponents.

They proved that earlier this year unable to wrap up games until the fourth quarter against Detroit and Cleveland.

Coming off a disappointing performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, they should bounce back against what Coach Tomlin describes as “team in transition with a new front office and coaching staff.”

Steelers-Bengals Rematch: Game Preview

Vicki Farries — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:53:18 -0500

The Steelers are finishing up a three game stretch against teams with the best records in the league.

Winning on the road last week versus a quality opponent, Denver, was big, especially after losing back-to-back road games against the Bears and the Bengals earlier in the season.

In the last two weeks, the Steelers handed Minnesota its first loss, and Denver its second loss. On Sunday, the Steelers could hand the Bengals their third.

The Bengals are heading to Heinz Field this Sunday for a showdown, and the Steelers will be looking to regain respect for what is theirs: the AFC North title and a seed in the playoffs.

The defense will be looking to regain respect lost after the shaky fourth quarter in Week Three that allowed the Bengals to score 14 points to win 23-20.

The Steelers have been a thorn in the Bengals' side in recent years, knocking them out of the opening round of the playoffs in January 2006, and later defeating them in an overtime loss to deny them a playoff berth the following season.

The Bengals (6-2) are looking not only to stay on top of the leaderboard but to do something they have never done: sweep another Division foe.

But they will face a different Steeler team (6-2) than the one they faced in Week Three.

The Steelers emerged from the win in Denver a different team and there were certainly some encouraging signs:

1) The offense showed the ability to overcome a slow start;

2) The emergence of a ground game;

3) A terrific passing game; and

4) A defense that scored more touchdowns than it gave up.

In addition, SS Troy Polamalu and RB Rashard Mendenhall did not play in the Week Three game versus the Bengals. Polamalu was out with a knee injury sustained from the season opener against the Titans, and Mendenhall was sidelined for not paying attention to details during practice.

The Passing Game

Monday night, the Steeler offense was off to a slow start and was held to 47 passing yards and zero touchdowns.

But in the second half, utilizing the no-huddle, QB Ben Roethlisberger orchestrated three touchdown drives and finished the day completing 21 of 29 passes with a passer rating of 116.0.

The offensive line continues to improve on pass protection. In the second half, the line kept Roethlisberger clean in the pocket so he could make throws to his favorite targets.

The offensive line must be mindful of the Bengals defensive line that can get consistent pressure on a quarterback.

Last week, the Bengals line forced four sacks and did not allow Baltimore QB Joe Flacco action downfield.

Bengals cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph continue to get better as each have four interceptions. Both picked off Flacco last week.

Against the Steelers in Week Three, Joseph has an interception return for a touchdown.

Roethlisberger must play smart Sunday to keep that Bengal secondary on its toes.

The Bengals offense comes into this game looking balanced as well.

Last week against the Ravens, Carson Palmer completed 20 of 33 for 224 yards and a touchdown.

His key targets will be wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles. Wide receiver Chris Henry is out indefinitely after breaking his right forearm against the Ravens.

CB Ike Taylor will be assigned again to cover Ochocinco. Taylor has been very successful in covering big-time receivers.

In Week Three, Ochocinco caught five passes for 54 yards and zero touchdowns.

Cincinnati dominated the time of possession as QB Carson Palmer commanded the game-winning drive using his receivers over the middle.

An interesting matchup to watch will be Palmer versus SS Troy Polamalu. With Polamalu back, Palmer will find his presence a challenge.

Free Safety Ryan Clark will return to active duty after being sidelined for the Denver game due to health issues. Reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week Tyrone Carter subbed for Clark and had two interceptions.

The Running Game

Monday night, we saw the emergence of the Steeler running game. The offensive line broke open massive holes, pulling guards and tight ends for the featured running back Rashard Mendenhall.

There will be challenges for the Steeler running game against the No. 2 Bengals rush defense.

In Week Four, the Bengals allowed a 100-yard rusher, Cleveland RB Jerome Harrison.

Against the No. 1 rush defense Monday, Mendenhall rushed for 155 yards on 22 carries, a 7.0-yard average.

In addition, RB Mewelde Moore added 18 yards on four carries as the Steelers ran 29 times for 173 yards.

In the fourth quarter of the Denver game, the Steelers went to the ground game to run out the clock and protect the lead. We can expect this to be part of the game plan Sunday afternoon.

For Cincinnati, Cedric Benson (117 yards, 34 carries last week) is the first back to have two straight 100-yard games against Baltimore since Ricky Williams (2002-03) and the first since Jerome Bettis in 1996 and 1997.

Benson is enjoying his best season as a pro since he was released by the Chicago Bears.

He is second in the league in rushing and has exploited some of the better run defenses in the league. In Week Three, he rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Benson will still have to contend with the No. 1 rush defense, which hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 30 games, but will be without starters DE Aaron Smith, LB Lawrence Timmons, and possibly DE Travis Kirschke.

Special Teams

Against Cincinnati in Week Three, Kicker Jeff Reed missed a 52-yard field goal, (the third in two games) wasting an opportunity to put the game away. He is 0/1 on field goal tries greater than 50 yards.

Also against Minnesota, Reed missed a tackle that allowed wide receiver Percy Harvin to take a kick-off return to the house for a touchdown. That was also the last time Reed kicked field goals.

Even with Reed’s faux pas, the Steelers rank 10th in kicking with an average of 23.8 yards to the Bengals' 18th.

P Daniel Sepulveda dropped thirteen punts inside the 20 and averages 44.7 yards per kick (14th). The Bengals are 17th with a punt average of 43.7.

The Steelers rank sixth in the return game with a 25-yard average to the Bengals' 19.2 average and rank 31st in the league.

Monday, Steelers special teams held Denver return man Eddie Royal in check.

The Bengals Andre Caldwell has struggled on kick returns as well as the coverage unit. This could open the door to return man Stefan Logan who has yet to break one open this season.

Interesting Notes

The Bengals are 3-0 on the road, but have won those games by a combined 13 points.

The Steelers are 4-0 at home and have a 10-game winning streak at Heinz Field including playoffs.

The Bengals have not beaten the Steelers two consecutive times since 1998.

When Cincinnati has at least 25 rushing attempts in a game under Marvin Lewis, it is 26-1.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is undefeated against the AFC North at home (7-0).

When Polamalu has an interception, the Steelers are 16-3.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Need to Cut to the Chase

Vicki Farries — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:38:21 -0500

We are now at the halfway point of the season.

Since opening the season 1-2, the Steelers have gone undefeated to give themselves a legitimate shot at the third straight AFC North title.

The Steelers are tied with the Cincinnati Bengals with a 5-2 record, but the Bengals currently own the tiebreaker by virtue of a home win over the Steelers in Week Three.

We are currently in the month of November which is the time of year that can make or break a football team gunning for the playoffs. This also means that its time to see just how good the Super Bowl Champions really are.

Although offensively the Steelers have prevailed in big plays, the defense is still struggling at putting teams away, especially in the fourth quarter.

Next Up: Broncos Take on the Steelers

Coming off a bye, the (5-2) Steelers will face the (6-1) Denver Broncos.

The Broncos suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens 30-7.

Baltimore (4-3) limited Denver to 200 yards, scored off the game's lone turnover, won the special teams fight and outscored the Broncos 24-7 in the second half.

Denver's offense posted a season-low 200 yards last week, going scoreless in the first half for the first time this season.

Baltimore held wide receivers Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall to under 35 yards receiving and QB Kyle Orton from throwing a touchdown.

In addition, the Ravens became the first team this season to rush for more than 100 yards against the No. 1 Denver defense.

The Denver Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night.

Will History Repeat Itself?

October 21, 2007 was the last meeting of these two teams with the Broncos defeating the Steelers (31-28) by the foot of K Jason Elam.

Although QB Jay Cutler is no longer at the helm, wide receivers Brandon Stokely and Brandon Marshall are still on the roster and combined 147 yards receiving and one touchdown that October.

Now, the offense is run by former Chicago Bears QB Kyle Orton.

In the first half of the season, Orton has been playing efficient ball, averaging 231 yards passing, at least one touchdown per game, with only one interception.

With an aggressive defense, the Steelers typically force its opponent to rely on underneath routes, and Orton is very efficient from zero to ten yards.

That being said, the Broncos like throwing in a lot of screens, to mask Orton’s inability to stretch the field.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall's numbers are down though he is on pace for 75 catches and 814 yards.

Steelers' Defensive Woes

The Steeler defense has not performed as well as overall as it did in 2008 when it dominated the NFL (No.1) in nearly every category except rush defense (No.2).

But the defense will still attempt to stop the run first without defensive end Aaron Smith (torn right rotator cuff).

To make matters worse, defensive end Travis Kirschke, who replaced Smith, suffered a torn left calf muscle in the victory over Minnesota.

Nick Eason, Brett Keisel's backup at right defensive end will move to the left side, while rookies Evander "Ziggy" Hood and RaShon "Sunny" Harris are expected to get plenty of playing time.

Linebacker Lawrence Timmons (ankle) is listed as questionable which could put a strain in the middle of the defense against the Broncos dink-and-dunk passing attack.

Injuries Galore: Will they hinder?

Linebacker Keyaron Fox will make his third start at inside linebacker if Timmons does not play. As a special-teams' co-captain, Fox remains the leader on the field with 12 tackles.

Free Safety Ryan Clark will not play because of complications due to his sickle cell disease. But, Tyrone Carter, with possible help from Ryan Mundy, will replace him.

How will the Steelers fare against the Broncos come Monday?

The Steelers, who haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in their last 25 regular-season games, led the league in run defense at 76.6 yards per game and held the Vikings' Adrian Peterson’s running game to 89 yards.

Monday night they will face rookie running back Knowshon Moreno, veteran Correll Buckhalter and the Broncos' 11th-ranked rushing offense.

After the 30-7 loss to the Ravens, the Broncos' defense is looking to rebound from its worst effort of the season.

Surrendering a season-high 125 yards rushing, the Bronco defense still ranks third in the NFL in rushing defense at 86.1 yards per game.

Their third-down defense is on top as they do a nice job of getting themselves off the field.

According to media reports, it seems some Broncos believe the Steelers will concentrate their efforts on pounding the rock.

Denver will plan to slow the Steelers running game, led by Rashard Mendenhall who has a team-high 418 yards and four scores.

Mendenhall has done well in his four starts and averages 5.4 yards per carry.

The Steelers will want to run the ball in Denver to keep the Broncos' pass rush at bay.

RB Willie Parker who missed practice this week due to a fever, is expected to play.

Parker rushed for 93 yards on 21 carries in the last meeting and is expected to play without the specially designed shoe that protected his injured toe.

He believes he can play better without it.

Considering what the Ravens did to hand Denver their first defeat, Roethlisberger will be eager to go to the no-huddle offense.

Roethlisberger, third in the NFL with 2,062 passing yards, threw his 11th touchdown of the season.

He needs one more passer rating of 100 to give him more than Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw.

Each recorded 31 games of at least 100.

RB Rashard Mendenhall has shown that he can not only run, but has the ability to catch passes.

Thus far he has caught eight.

RB Mewelde Moore has continue to show his quality as the fourth quarterback taking some of the slack from Mendenhall and reducing any chance of mistakes that could cost the game.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes is only third among Steelers pass-catchers with 30 but he's third in the NFL with 208 third-down receiving yards. His 497 yards are still on pace to produce his first 1,000-yard season.

This season, wide receiver Hines Ward leads the Steelers with 42 receptions for 602 yards. He has three 100-yard receiving games. He's fifth in the league in receiving yards, and his 14.3 yards per catch average is the highest since his rookie season, when he had 15 receptions for a 16.4-yard average.

He is tied with three players for the most receptions of 20 yards or more with 10. He's tied with Dallas' Miles Austin as the only players with at least 10 catches of 20 yards or more and three catches of 40 yards or more.

Ward's career total of 842 receptions ranked sixth among active players. He's eighth in receiving yards (10,382) and fifth in touchdown receptions (74) and he leads the Steelers in all three categories.

But, Ward has never had a 100-yard receiving game in Denver. His best came in 2003 when he caught eight passes for 81 yards.

The Steelers and Broncos have accomplished return men in Stefan Logan and Eddie Royal.

However, the Steelers must improve on special teams, especially in tackling.

Against Minnesota, Jeff Reed did not follow through on a tackle to stop return-man Percy Harvin from taking it to the house and closing in on the comfortable lead.

The Broncos have never allowed scoring returns in three consecutive games.

Denver yielded a Darren Sproles punt return TD and a Lardarius Webb kick-off run-back the last two games, just the third time in franchise history it's been done back-to-back.

This will be the 21st regular season meeting between these two teams.

Denver leads series 13-6-1. The Broncos are 7-2-1 at home vs. Pittsburgh.

The teams are 3-3 in the playoffs.

The Steelers have not won in Denver in the regular season since 1990, including a 31-28 loss in 2007.

However, Pittsburgh did win the AFC Championship Game in Denver after the 2005 season.

Steelers' Rashard Mendenhall: Growing Pains or Carelessness?

Vicki Farries — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:27:57 -0400

Seven games into the season, the Steeler offense has had a dismal showing in the fourth quarter of games.

Four out of the seven fourth quarters were shutouts; the other three generated a total of 16 points.

Besides Ben Roethlisberger’s interceptions, the offense is plagued with fumbles especially from the running game.

Fumbling the football is the fastest way to go from a starting position to being demoted to the bench.

Good or great running backs that have game-breaking runs on a regular basis can lose their playing opportunity if the coach thinks that a fumble might be the end result.

As primary carrier, Rashard Mendenhall lost two fumbles in scoring territory the past two games and was benched in the fourth quarter.

Coach Tomlin feels that Mendenhall got a “little careless” when he fumbled inside the Minnesota Vikings’ five-yard line on the second play of the fourth quarter.

Mendenhall had runs of 14, 16, and 17 yards; all on first down and averaged 6.9 yards per carry against a Vikings defense that has ranked first against the run each of the past three seasons.

He fumbled on the Vikings’ five yard line after diving through the air, dropping the ball on the way down and deprived his team of a chance to build a 10-point lead.

A little careless?

Week three, Mendenhall was benched because he was confused about his assignments and didn't appear to know his playbook.

A little careless?

Is it really just being careless in the fourth quarter when you want to protect your lead that your running back would drop the ball only to have it recovered by the opposing team?

Despite the fact that Mendenhall has control issues, Tomlin continues to make him the featured back.

"The young fellow fumbled and every time he puts a helmet on, it's a learning experience," says Tomlin.

"It's a learning experience," Mendenhall said. "You learn in the NFL that the minor things are major, so you have to stay on top of everything. I just look forward to getting an opportunity to get to play and show the fans and my teammates what I can do."

If it is a learning experience as he so describes, why is it that Tomlin chooses Mewelde Moore as the fourth-quarter back instead?

Could Tomlin be losing confidence in Mendenhall?

Moore holds onto the ball better than any of the other backs, in addition to his receiving skills.

Even with his skills, defenses don’t feel intimidated by him as they do Mendenhall.

So what seems to be the problem with Mendenhall and fumbling; is it technique?

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin went through a similar problem with former running back Tiki Barber.

Finishing his career with more than 10,000 rushing yards and 2,217 carries, Barber had a problem running with his elbow out.

Barber compensated by bringing his elbow closer to his chest. He had the ball in that position while doing drills and running on the treadmill to break his bad habit.

Or could it be physical?

Former Green Bay Packer coach Mike Sherman dealt with similar fumbling issues with running back Ahman Green.

There was a notion that Green had a condition called Hyperhidrosis, which is the overproduction of sweat, which could have contributed to his tendency to fumble.

The solution, the Packers developed a sleeve he could wear during games that keep sweat off the ball and enabled Green to hold the ball more securely.

However, that did not work. Sherman realized that Green wasn't adequately protecting the ball.

It was noticed that left-handed Green showed unwillingness to switch the ball from left to right arm when running plays to the right side

"He needs to secure that football like it's his first-born son," says Sherman.

So with increased emphasis in practice, Green got a handle on his fumbling.

In his career, Green rushed for 9,045 yards at an average 4.5 yards per carry and 59 touchdowns.

Mendenhall averages 5.4 yards per carry and has four rushing touchdowns this season. Willie Parker averages 3.1 yards per carry and has no rushing touchdowns.

Mendenhall is a big back who has out-gained Parker by 231 yards with only 18 more carries.

The big issue the Steelers need to face is trending. Thus far, Mendenhall has fumbled in back-to-back weeks.

His fumbling was an issue last preseason and he played only four games last season.

Tomlin has put the responsibility on Mendenhall to carry the torch as the “featured back” and therefore cannot be dropping the ball in key games.

It gets difficult after the bye as the Steelers will face Denver, Cincinnati and Baltimore in the next few weeks.

During the bye, Kirby Wilson (running backs coach), Bruce Arians and Tomlin have to consistently work with Mendenhall to ensure he is not a ball dropper.

It doesn’t matter what a running back can do starting from the 10-yard line to the opponents’ 10-yard line if he is giving the ball away in great field position.

That’s how you lose games.

Mendenhall is not a Jerome Bettis, and it's still early in his pro career.

Maybe he'll eventually grow into becoming more comfortable running inside as Bettis did if he follows a few instructions:

Step 1: Learn the proper way to accept the football from the quarterback.

Step 2: Mendenhall should press the ball against his upper body as hard as he can.

Step 3: He should learn how to carry the ball with your opposite arm and shoulder as well

Step 4: He should listen to his coaches when they give him advice on how to secure the ball before contact.

Step 5: He should keep in mind he is going to get hit and hit hard. Protect the ball!

Mendenhall is young and he is still learning.

He needs to continue to improve his skills and build off it moving forward.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Week Seven Will Be a Stiffer Challenge

Vicki Farries — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:25:42 -0400

Nov. 19, 1995, Quarterback Neil O’Donnell and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated quarterback Jeff Blake and the Cincinnati Bengals 49-31.

The Steelers generated 556 yards of offense.

Neil O’Donnell threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns; while running back Bam Morris ran 191 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Sunday, the Steelers out-gained Cleveland Browns 543-197 with the final score of 27-14.

But they scored two passing and one rushing touchdown.

A win is a win in the NFL and the Steelers found a way to get it done.

But last Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns should have been a blowout and it wasn’t.

You can make a point that the Steelers should have won every game so far this season hands down.

What’s the use of generating all of this offense it all we are going to see is two passing touchdowns?

That’s not being efficient

The past couple of weeks the Steelers have played inferior teams, and for whatever reason they have let their opposition hang around late in the second half, to come dangerously close to win.

Although this win was by dominance, the offense turned the ball over four times, with an interception and three fumbles each by Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, and Willie Parker.

The Steelers will need to focus more on ball security and do a better job of maintaining possession of the football going into next Sunday’s game.

Sunday, the Steelers will compete against one of the better teams in the NFL: the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings' only other visit to Heinz Field came in the stadium's first year, 2001, when they lost 21-16 in December.

The Vikings are 6-0 lead by the arm of a 40-year old gunslinger by the name of Brett Favre.

The Vikings are currently ranked 17th in passing overall.

Favre has some nice weapons in receivers Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Although Favre has played well through his first six games, he will be tested by the third-ranked Steeler defense.

Favre managed to avoid being intercepted by Ravens safety Ed Reed but will he be able to avoid strong safety Troy Polamalu?

The spark to the Steeler defense, Polamalu will have his second start since his knee injury early in the season.

The litmus tests for the defense Sunday will be stopping running back Adrian Peterson, who thus far has had some success rushing for more than 100 yards against AFC North teams this season.

Peterson gained 180 yards against the Cleveland Browns and 143 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in their past 24 regular season games.

Ex-Jacksonville Jaguar running back Fred Taylor was the last to run for 147 yards that led to a loss for the Steelers in December, 2007.

However, against NFC teams, Peterson has rushed for less than 100 yards per game.

The question will be how the rush defense will hold up without defensive end Aaron Smith.

Smith is such a good run stuffer as he eats up those blocks for the linebackers.

Currently, the Steelers have manned in his absence defensive ends Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason, and rookie Evander “Ziggy” Hood.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin said he feels they did a good job last week even though it was against the Browns.

Kirschke was quoted he did not feel that much pressure from the Browns last week.

All of that could change on Sunday.

Offense needs to put up more points—because they need to support the defense.

The offense has become a pass first/run later team.

Pass to generate a lead and run later to protect it.

In the passing game, it all starts with the leading receiver in the NFL, Hines Ward, with 41 receptions for 599 yards.

In seventh place overall is Santonio Holmes with 28 receptions for 438 yards.

At 30th is rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace, 18 receptions for 296 yards, and is on target for 50 catches this season, as the No. 4 receiver.

At tight end is sixth-ranked Heath Miller who has 34 receptions for 315 yards.

Roethlisberger has been throwing the ball at will, fitting it into any slot he wants and basically marching this team downfield.

He is being protected by an offensive line that has improved leaps and bounds in the passing game.

The line is protecting Roethlisberger much better this year and the result has been an incredible productive start for him in the passing game.

Left tackle Max Starks will face his stiffest challenge to date against the best pass-rushing defensive end in the NFL, Jared Allen.

A combination of strength, speed, and intelligence, Allen can run over offensive linesman or beat them on the outside to get at the quarterback.

Allen has 22 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles for the Vikings.

Another pivotal matchup for both guards and center will be overcoming Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams.

The Williams duo are beasts up the middle, clogging up running lanes and collapsing the pocket up the middle so that Jared Allen can do his thing on the perimeter.

So the question will be, will the Steelers be able to get the run game going against this formidable front line of the Minnesota Vikings?

The Vikings will probably be short on cornerback as Antoine Winfield suffered a sprained right foot against Baltimore last Sunday and is in a walking boot on Monday.

One of the league's best tackling cornerbacks, Winfield managed to hold the edge against the Ravens running backs and kept receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton under wraps.

When he went down in the second quarter, Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco erased a 17-point deficit by picking apart the Vikings’ secondary, completing three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to close in for a win.

Unfortunately, it was the Ravens kicker Steven Hauschka who missed the 44-yard field goal that could have given the Vikings their first loss.

It appears unlikely Winfield will be able to play Sunday.

The Vikings replaced Winfield last week with Karl Paymah who, during the fourth quarter against the Ravens, let wide receiver Mark Clayton caught 32-yard touchdowns pass on him.

This will be the 15th regular-season meeting between the two teams.

Vikings leads series 8-6, since 1962.

The Steelers have won the past two games against the Vikings, most recently Dec. 18, 2005 in Minnesota, 18-13.

Pittsburgh Steelers Face Must-Win in Turnpike Bowl

Vicki Farries — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:37:24 -0400

During his post-Super Bowl press conference, Coach Mike Tomlin stated, “There will be a new 53 men. A lot of the faces will be the same. But nothing stays the same in this game.”

That statement could not be truer considering the first quarter results.

After five games, Steelers rank 14th in total offense, and 16th in total defense compared to last year overall stats of 20th in total offense, No. 1 in total defense.

There is definitely a change in the style of play, devoting more to the pass and putting more of the burden on the shoulders of QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Although the Steelers won 28-20 against the Detroit Lions Sunday, there are concerns over the lack of offense in the second half.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians confessed that he “got a little greedy” with the passing game last week.

Arians chose to call more passing plays than running games even though RB Rashard Mendenhall was averaging five yards per carry.

Against a defense ranked 21st against the rush; allowing 113.4 rush yards per game, it makes you wonder why Arians would choose the pass over the run.

Detroit offense controlled the clock in the second half using up a little over 20 minutes.

On the final drive, the Lions closed in on an attempt to tie the game.

In a late surge, a defense that allowed 282 net passing yards and 20 points, broke out with the blitz and sacked Culpepper four times, three in a row, of their seven for the day for the win.

Now the 3-2 Steelers prepare to face a division opponent, the Cleveland Browns.

Although, the Browns are not really considered the fierce rival it once was, this is a “must-win” for the Steelers as they attempt to secure their first division win after losing to Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago.

The 1-4 Browns secured their first victory of the season with 6-3 win over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.

The Browns strength is on the running game.

Against the Bills, the Browns gained a season high 171 yards rushing, 117 of those yards earned by RB Jamal Lewis.

He and newcomer Jerome Harrison have each gained at least a 100 yards rushing. Harrison had 100 against Cincinnati.

Harrison may see more carries Sunday, as Lewis is listed questionable for Sunday with a hamstring.

Ranked No. 2 in rush defense, the Steelers have not allowed a 100 yard rusher so far this season.

The Steelers must brace for the challenge as the “lead run stuffer” is out of commission.

DE Aaron Smith is listed on “injured reserve” with a torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder.

The Steelers believe the Browns will run Jamal Lewis and test the left side of the defense with Smith being out for the season.

In Smith's absence, DE Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason, and rookie Ziggy Hood will share the workload.

In addition, they were able to sign their sixth-round draft pick last April, defensive end Ra’Shon “Sunny” Harris.

Picked off Carolina's practice squad, Harris will also be used to replace Smith on the roster.

Replacing the beleaguered Brady Quinn, QB Derek Anderson finished with 2 completions from 17 attempts for 23 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception against the Bills.

Eight or nine of those pass attempts were dropped by his receiving corps.

The Browns passing game has to depend upon on young, inexperienced receiving corps with WR Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiske.

During the off-season, Browns’ traded sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft TE Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay, and earlier this week traded their 2005 first round pick WR Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets for a LB, two picks, and WR Chansi Stuckey.

The Steelers will still have to content with WR Josh Cribbs who is dangerous in his own right especially on special teams.

Defensively, the Browns rank 10th in pass defense (209.8 yd/g.).

With quality receivers in Terrell Owens and Lee Evans, the Bill struggled against the Browns defense, throwing 31 passes and gaining 152 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.

However, the Browns have been plagued with numerous injuries especially key on defense.

For example DT Shaun Rogers (foot), LB D’Qwell Jackson (hamstring), DB Gerard Lawson (groin) are all questionable for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.

Roethlisberger has received good protection from his line and had his best day of the season, completing 23 of 30 for 277 yards, three touchdowns and a 123.9 passer rating.

Roethlisberger was sacked three times; two of them coverage sacks and he threw one interception.

The Steelers are still manned by a stellar receiving corps with WR Hines Ward ranked fourth in the NFL (33 catches for 440 yards), Santonio Holmes ranked 14th (23 catches for 334 yards), rookie Mike Williams (16 catches for 246 yards) and RB Mewelde Moore (14 for 100 yards).

The Browns are not able to stop the run.

Ranked 32nd in the NFL, the Browns allow 170.4 yards per game rushing.

However, health has thinned out the running backs once again.

Our leading rusher RB Rashard Mendenhall has come down with an illness and may not be in the position to start.

He is expected to be at practice and will be monitored day-to day.

In the meantime, RB Willie Parker who was out two weeks due to turf toe practiced Thursday and is expected to start if Mendenhall is unable.

Thus far, Mendenhall has amasses 287 yards on 51 carries for 3 touchdowns with an average 5.6 yards per carry.

The Steelers pass defense (219.6 yd/g) allowed Daunte Culpepper to sit back and throw and scramble and make third-down conversions at the rate of 11-of-18.

Ranked 14th in pass defense, the Steeler will get some help sorely needed in the secondary as SS Troy Polamalu returns from a sprained MCL of the knee.

CB Keiwan Ratliff, who has been playing in the nickel defense lately, will get bumped as CB Deshea Townsend moves back into that job with the return of Polamalu.

On Special teams’ Browns punter Dave Zastudil had an unbelievable game with seven punts downed inside the 20 and three downed inside the five.

Kicker Billy Cundiff who has filled in for Phil Dawson, scored all the Browns points in Buffalo, and kicked the game-winning field goal with 23 seconds left.

Steelers kick/punt returner Stephan Logan's 47-yard kickoff return started a 52-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions.

Jeff Reed had the day off and tried no field goals, while punter Daniel Sepulveda averaged 48.5, 43.3 net with one of his four punts inside the 20. The Lions had no returns.

Matchups to Watch

OT Joe Thomas vs LB James Harrison

G Eric Steinbach vs DE Brett Keisel

QB Derek Anderson vs SS Troy Polamalu

The Steelers have won the last 11 meetings and 18 of the 21, since the Browns re-entered the NFL in 1999, including playoffs.

The Steelers have won the last five at home.

Pittsburgh Steelers Looking for Their First Road Victory

Vicki Farries — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:43:03 -0400

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.

Now Is Not the Time To Throw the Pittsburgh Steelers Under the Bus

Vicki Farries — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:26:47 -0400

The Bears and Bengals dealt the Steelers two disappointing road losses.

Against the Bengals, the Steeler defense gave up an 11-point lead

They couldn't to get off the field in the fourth quarter and in the final 15 seconds of both (Bears and Bengals) games allowed long scoring drives for touchdowns.

The Steelers have been outscored 24-0 in the fourth quarter of their last two games.

The sacks, the turnovers, and big plays are missing.

This season, they are 1-2 with all games decided by three points, one in overtime.

RB Rashard Mendenhall was benched from the offense for blowing some assignments during practice.

He is off on a rocky start after only being in his second season after his first ended in the fourth game with a broken shoulder.

WR Limas Sweed dropped a potential 34-yard touchdown pass in the end zone in Cincinnati.

It is that mistake that has demoted him from the No. 3 job at wide receiver to No. 5.

His drops are a continuing problem since being drafted by the Steelers in the second round in 2008.

Coach Tomlin may deactivate WR Limas Sweed for the Chargers game Sunday night and replace him with WR Shaun McDonald.

WR Santonio Holmes has had a few drops himself. Could it be the wrist is more of a problem than realized?

K Jeff Reed has missed three field goals so far this season—one in Chicago and two in Cincinnati for 38, 43, and 52 yards.

Several individuals have underperformed this season, compared to last year.

A year ago, the defense had 10 sacks and after three games. This season? Five.

They are on pace for 27, after leading the AFC with 51 this past season.

LB James Harrison, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has one of them compared to last year at this time when he had three and LB LaMarr Woodley two.

Woodley, who had 11.5 sacks, has none thus far.

Last year the defense forced eight turnovers.

So far this season, they have two, both in the opener against Tennessee.

However on the brighter note, CB Ike Taylor leads the team with five pass defenses.

As the Steelers approach the end of the first quarter, all seems grim but it s not the time to throw them under the bus right now.

The Steelers' next matchup is against the 2-1 San Diego Chargers, Sunday night at Heinz Field.

The Steelers need to establish the run game against the Chargers' 3-4 defense keeping the Charger offense on the bench for long periods.

In the last two games, the running game has improved.

It was evident last week by the production of RB Willie Parker.

Parker had his best game of the season with 93 yards rushing and a 27-yard TD reception.

That success was largely due to the blocking done by TE David Johnson, who is now out due to a high ankle sprain sustained in the first half of the Cincinnati game.

In his place during the second half, insert T Ramon Foster? Yes, Ramon Foster was put in at tight end and got beat a few times.

So what happened to FB Frank Summers?

He is on injured reserves with a “mysterious” back ailment.

The Steelers were prompted to call-back fullback Carey Davis this week. Davis was the fullback last season and then cut before the regular season started. Now he is being asked to resume his old duties (hopefully not his old ways). The one plus about re-signing him is he is a good “special teams’ specialist.”

Putting a wrench in the running game; Parker is nursing turf toe. He is still slated to play Sunday, in addition to RB Rashard Mendenhall.

Last season, Parker gained 115 yards in their regular-season victory and 146 in their playoff victory against San Diego.

The Steelers desperately needs to get its 27th-ranked running game off on a strong start.

The Charger defense has trouble stopping the run.

The Chargers rank 26th against the run, giving up 142.3 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry and are without the services of their 350-pound nose tackle Jamal Williams, who is an excellent run-stuffer.

Shaun Phillips and Levin Burnett have been productive but the loss of Williams has hurt the Chargers in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.

Williams will be replaced by Ogemdi Nwagbuo, who doesn’t clog up the middle like Williams but is getting comfortable in the position.

Despite the problems upfront, the Chargers pass defense has been solid with CB Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer, SS Clinton Hart and FS Eric Weddle.

LB Shawne Merriman suffers a sore groin which has slowed him down. He may play Sunday but is not expected to be 100 percent by Sunday.

LB Larry English has subbed for Merriman against the Dolphins last week and if Merriman cannot we can expect English to be the likely replacement.

But opponents have found success on third-down conversions against this defense.

Tight ends have been especially successful finding open real estate. That’s should be encouraging for TE Heath Miller.

The Steelers are No. 8 overall and No. 15 against the pass after leading the league in both categories last season.

Opposing quarterbacks are quickly getting rid of the ball on short- to moderate-range routes before the pass rush arrives, which could be a concern against Philip Rivers Sunday night.

On defense, look for the Steelers to put more pressure on Philip Rivers, or at least try to. They sacked Rivers four times in that playoff game. In the passing game, the Chargers have height and speed in their receiving corps with WR Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. They can stretch field and make significant yards after the catch.

TE Antonio Gates and RB Darren Sproles are used for the underneath stuff.

This can be a concern as the Steeler defense has been getting beat underneath, especially in the last two games.

The Steelers are vulnerable in the secondary without SS Polamalu, especially when opponents use three and four wide sets.

SS Tyrone Carter has been an effective replacement for Polamalu in the run game but has been burnt in the pass when lined up in man-to-man coverage.

Carter has been suffering injuries, so SS Ryan Mundy will be subbing.

Mundy has spent his time on the practice squad, now will be the time to show what he can do.

But with the Chargers are unproductive in the Red Zone.

They have scored one touchdown in the last 11 possessions. Against the Ravens, the Chargers got nothing for five trips in the red zone and one for six against Dolphins.

The Chargers cannot run. In total, the offense has amassed 81 total rushing yards in those two games.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson suffering an ankle injury did practice today and may be able to play on Sunday, but he won’t be 100 percent.

In his place will be RB Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett.

Neither is an every-down back and collectively has rushed for 127 yards in 49 attempts to average 2.2 yards per carry and zero touchdowns.

Darren Sproles is always a threat on special teams and the Chargers have one of the best punters in the league with Michael Scifres.

Offensively, the Steeler ground game must improve taking pressure off of Roethlisberger to make plays.

Roethlisberger has completed 22-of-31 passes for 276 yards including a 39-yard touchdown to Willie Parker, one-yard sneak for a touchdown and one interception in a Week Three loss to the Bengals.

He has completed passes of 51 and 41 yards to prove that the Steelers are willing to go for big plays in the passing game.

On a brighter note, the Steeler offensive line gave up only one sack Sunday against the Bengals.

Roethlisberger was sacked on a third-down play trying to protect a 20-15 lead.

Willie Parker's injury may open an opportunity the door for Mendenhall.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are 13-0 in the regular season against San Diego, 14-2 overall.

They beat the Chargers twice last season, 11-10 in the regular season and 35-24 in the playoffs.

The Steelers have won five straight at home to San Diego in all games, last losing the AFC Championship Game in Three Rivers Stadium to the Chargers after the 1994 season.

Match ups to Watch: OLB LaMarr Woodley vs. Chargers RT Jeromey Clary. Woodley had 11.5 sacks last season, plus six more in the postseason but none in the first three games.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Ike Taylor. Jackson, who's 6'5", averages 19.8 yards per catch. Taylor (6-2) often covers the best receiver.

Steelers Will Face Challenges against Cincinnati

Vicki Farries — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:57:49 -0400

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.

Week Two MatchUp: Steelers (1-0) at Bears (0-1)

Vicki Farries — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:20:42 -0400

Head Coaches Lovie Smith and Mike Tomlin were defensive coaches with then Head Coach Tony Dungy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith was linebacker coach from 1996-2000; Tomlin defensive backs coach from 2001-2005.

As head coaches both took their teams to the Super Bowl, but only Tomlin came home with the Lombardi trophy, while Smith lost Super Bowl XLI to his former head coach, Dungy.

This Sunday, Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to Chicago to take on Lovie Smith and his Chicago Bears.

Kickoff is at 4:15 PM ET.

Soldier Field has not been friendly for the Steelers.

For two teams that don’t play against each other too often, the Steelers have lost 11 of their last 12 games in Chicago.

The Steelers come into this game 1-0 after defeating the Tennessee Titans in overtime at Heinz Field.

With an ineffective run game against a stout, tough defensive front, the Steelers won with the passing game.

Last week a few Steelers offensive linemen said they were somewhat confused by Tennessee's 4-3 defense.

Sunday, they go against again another tough 4-3 front in Chicago.

They will meet with another stout defensive front four manned by defensive ends- Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown; defensive tackles Tommy Harris and Anthony Adams.

Hopefully, the line have worked on their fundamental and have made the necessary adjustments to block on the run better than they did in the opener.

Tomlin acknowledges the 4-3 caused some confusion for the offense and continues “it is obvious; we have to do a better job (with the running game).”

"We understand what we face schematically this week from these guys and how they play, but at the same time understanding and being able to function against it are two different things. We've got to put ourselves in position to execute."

Last week against the Titans, the Steelers running game managed a dismal 36 yards and 1.8 yards per carry on 23 attempts.

They could not pick up short yardage and tried three different backs with little success: Willie Parker (13-19), Mewelde Moore (5-8) and Rashard Mendenhall (4-6).

The line run-blocking was terrible and as the Titan defense clogged the lanes the backs had little to no room to run.

If the run-game continues to fail, its possible we can expect to see tight-end Heath Miller becoming more involved in the short-yardage passing, to be an option on third and short instead of the running backs.

In the season opener, Miller caught eight passes, tying his career high, for 64 yards.

The Bears loss to their NFC North rivals the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jay Cutler struggled only completing 17 of his 36 pass attempts with a 43.2 passer rating.

The offense failed to convert seven third downs against the Packers.

Coach Lovie Smith said. "A lot of new players, lot of new guys on the offensive line"

The Packers’ new 3-4 defense had Cutler completely frazzled being sacked twice, and threw 4 interceptions.

This is the Packers’ first year playing the 3-4 defense which they executed very well successfully shutting down Cutler.

We can expect defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to certainly come up with some exotic blitzes for Cutler as well.

In the passing game, the Bears really don’t have much of receiver department except converted defensive back to wide receiver Devon Hester and Desmond Clark.

Although showing some improvement as a pass catcher, Hester did catch 4 for 90 yards and a touchdown last week against the Packers

In the running game, the Packers manage to hold Bears running back Matt Forte to 55 yards rushing on 25 attempts—2.2 yards per carry.

Last season, Forte had a breakout season in which he amassed 1,238 yards and finished seventh in the NFL in rushing.

The Bears offensive line struggled in picking up stunts and blitzes of the Packers 3-4 scheme.

All-in-all, the Bears rush for 86 yards on 31 attempts to average 2.8 yards per carry, while their rival Green Bay Packers amassed 76 yards on 22 carries averaging 3.5 yards per carry. .

With both offensive lines struggling to maneuver against the two types of defenses (Steelers against the 4-3, the Bears against the 3-4) it will be interesting to watch which offense will prevail.

The Steeler defense on the other hand allowed the Titans 86 yards on 25 carries averaging 3.4 yards per carry zero touchdowns.

Titans Chris Johnson had one 32-yard run, which was considered highly unusual against the second-best run defense in the league.

Interesting to note, without that play the Titans were 24 for 54 on the ground and had no touchdowns

The Bears allowed the Packers 76 yards on 22 carries on the ground to average 3.5 yards per carry and one touchdown.

The Bears will have to try to defend the run without middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Urlacher dislocated his wrist and is expected to be out for six weeks.

Stepping in for Urlacher, will be Hunter Hillenmeyer who started seven games for Urlacher during his injury-riddled 2004 season.

Hillenmeyer has started 49 additional games at strong-side linebacker.

In addition, strong-side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was sidelined with a knee sprain.

Nine-game starter Nick Roach will replace Tinoisamoa.

The Steelers will try to defend the pass without strong-safety Troy Polamalu who injured the medial collateral ligament in the attempt to recover a fumble.

In his place will be 10-year pro Tyrone Carter.

Although Carter does not have Polamalu’s speed, anticipation or playmaking ability, Carter has proven to be that quality backup when Polamalu has gone down the past.

When Polamalu suffered the hamstring in 2005, it was Tyrone Carter who helped the defense catapult the Steelers to Super Bowl XL.

Six seasons with the Steelers, Carter is no stranger to the LeBeau’s defense nor has this been the first that Carter has covered the strong safety position.

Last season, Carter grabbed three interceptions, two interceptions in Week 17 against the Browns.

He intercepted quarterback Bruce Gradkowski twice and returned the second one for a 32 yard touchdown.

Last week, NT Casey Hampton looks to be more active at his position with five tackles and three quarterback hurries in the opener.

It was the first time, Hampton has played some in the passing defense as he is normally clogging lanes up the front and pushing the pocket.

Despite the lackluster effort on the ground in week one, the Steeler offensive line was shown to be much better in pass protection.

Even though Roethlisberger was sacked four times during the Tennessee game, he was able to complete 33 of 43 passes for 363 yards and one touchdown with solid pass protection, especially in the second half.

The Bears sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including two by Adewale Ogunleye, and they limited the Packers to a net of 150 passing yards.

But the Bears' are thin in the secondary and were burnt by the long ball against Green Bay.

This will certainly be an opportunity to have Roethlisberger stretch the field in the no-huddle buying some time to make a play to an open receiver.

Last week, the Steelers had receivers top 100 yards, Santonio Holmes catching nine for 131 and a 34-yard touchdown and Hines Ward with eight for 103.

Roethlisberger completed five of seven on the winning field goal drive in overtime, including a final one of 22 yards to the 15 to rookie No. 3 wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Steelers’ special teams continue to improve.

Titans’ kicker, Rob Bironas missed two field goals -one blocked by defensive end Aaron Smith.

New return man Stefan Logan opened the game with a 39-yard kickoff return, and not much more after that.

On punts, Logan returned one for 11 yards.

Two were downed or out of bounds while two more were fair catches.

Punter Daniel Sepulveda averaged only 42.7 yards on seven punts and did a nice job, dropping four inside the 20.

The Bears special teams’ was not as fortunate.

Long snapper Pat Mannelly called for an ill-advised fake from punt formation.

It was thought the Packers had 12 men on the field, but the 12th man got off the field in time.

Running back Garrett Wolfe was stopped for a four-yard gain, giving the Packers the ball at the Bears' 30 which set up a field goal.

Kicker Robbie Gould hit field goals of 47 and 21 yards and punter Brad Maynard finished the day with a net average of 46.0 yards on four kicks, two of which were inside the 20.

Kickoff coverage allowed an average of 31.0 yards on four attempts.

The return game was considered solid but not spectacular.

Notable Steeler injuries:

Linebacker Lawrence Timmons re-injured his left ankle after returning to practice for the first time in more than three weeks

He may return to play against Chicago on Sunday, although it could be in passing situations only, on the nickel.

In his place again will be linebacker Keyaron Fox again.

As a Steeler, Fox has gone from special teams’ standout to key line-backing reserve.

He excels as a run-stopper and was instrumental in keeping Titans running back Chris Johnson in tow.

His services will be needed again against Bears running back Matt Forte.

Wide receiver Limas Sweed also left practice with a mid-foot sprain. His availability for Sunday's game is in question.

Steelers Offensive Line Remains Unsettled After Season Opener

Vicki Farries — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:31:25 -0400

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.

Steelers vs Titans: Battle in the Trenches

Vicki Farries — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:56:51 -0400

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.

The Wizard of “D”-Dick Le Beau

Vicki Farries — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:47:24 -0400

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,

Mike Tomlin’s record thus far, 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 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?

Vicki Farries — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:49:34 -0400

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 LG 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

Vicki Farries — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:54:50 -0400

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?

Vicki Farries — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:16:15 -0400

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

Vicki Farries — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:41:20 -0400

“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

Vicki Farries — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:21:29 -0400

The future is now. Friday, July 31, the Pittsburgh Steelers report 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 linemen who started in Super Bowl XLIII will return for 2009-10 season.

Roethlisberger was sacked 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 linchpin was not the loss of Faneca, but two missing components that supported the Steeler's 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 linemen 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, offensive coordinator Bruce 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.

As 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 letterman 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 supposed to give the offense more flexibility with his pass catching ability, let him be provide 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

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 having back spasm issues, the Steelers had to rebuild their offensive 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 S.D., 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 re-signing 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 (kickoffs) and CB Joe Burnett (punts).

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

CB Joe Burnett has a 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

Steelers: Looking at Next Season's Offense

Vicki Farries — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:32:36 -0400

After the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in 2006, Ben Roethlisberger suffered a head injury from a motorcycle accident, and in the same year had an emergency appendectomy.

Bill Cowher was a lame-duck coach poised to leave for North Carolina after the end of the season.

The Steelers slipped to 8-8 and missed the playoffs a year after winning the Super Bowl.

Hines Ward was quoted to say, "They did let the Super Bowl go to their head"

It was as if the monkey was taken off their backs for competing with the Steelers of the 70s and suffering two AFC Championship losses to the Patriots in 2001 and 2004.

Could that same mentality that took the Steelers 8-8 in 2006 carry through into the 2009-2010 season after winning Super Bowl XLIII?

Coach Tomlin believes words such as "repeat" and "defending" will not be a part of his vocabulary.

Winning back-to-back world championships and a third one in five years will require the Steelers to overcome the distractions and malaise that can set in after winning the Super Bowl.

The Steelers went to great lengths to maintain continuity, retaining as many of the players as possible offensively and, yet, there are some issues that need addressing.

The Steelers worked tirelessly and spent money to keep the offensive line intact.

With a full year under their belt and a championship, expectations are high to see marked improvement with the line this coming season.

It’s a young line with the exception of C Justin Hartwig, who is questionable for training camp.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Hartwig may have a fractured toe and has been seen walking with a boot.

It’s undetermined what that will mean going into training camp in a couple of weeks, but Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes the Steelers could put Darnell Stapleton at center, and A.Q. Shipley as back-up.

Trai Essex could move to RG with Urbik as back-up.

The Steelers did a nice job with this year’s draft, picking up what could be some quality linemen who could make an impact this season.

With expected improvement of the offensive line, there is hope for the running game.

Will Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall be healthy this season?

Parker showed signs of getting back into running form late in the season, but Mendenhall lost an entire season with a dislocated shoulder injury incurred early last season.

Mendenhall has not had many reps to show what he can do and will be expected to prove himself at training camp.

At wide receiver, the Steelers lost Nate Washington to the Tennessee Titans.

The receiving corps now lacks depth.

Ward has suffered from knee injuries and after 12 seasons, can we expect him to be injury-free?

Recovering from his recent shoulder surgery and nagging knee problems, Ward did not participate in OTAs or minicamp this spring.

Depth at receiver now becomes an issue, as Santonio Holmes is the most experienced and healthiest of the two receivers.

The pressure is on for Limas Sweed to show his mettle replacing Washington as third receiver.

Sweed has not had many opportunities at receiver and blew a TD opportunity in the playoffs. Yet, he did redeem himself later with the great block, a third down catch, and broke up a pass that could have been intercepted.

The Steelers did pick up free agent WR Shaun McDonald from Detroit.

McDonald was the St. Louis Rams' 106th pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

At the end of the 2006 season, McDonald finished his career with the Rams with 106 catches for 1,215 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2007, McDonald joined former Rams offensive coordinator Mike Martz and the Detroit Lions.

He led the Lions in catches with 79 catches for 943 yards, and six touchdowns.

The seven-year pro will be in competition with Sweed and rookie Mike Wallace for the third receiver spot.

Finally, a battle is brewing between QBs Charlie Batch and second-year man Dennis Dixon for the No. 2 job.

Batch missed most of 2008 with a broken collarbone, while Dixon impressed the coaches while working with the scout team.

Batch is still considered the No. 2 guy. However, if the Steelers incorporate the Wildcat offense into the offensive schemes, Dixon could be slated at No. 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Coaching Staff Profile

Vicki Farries — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:34:04 -0400

When Mike Tomlin was hired as the new Steeler head coach in Jan, 2007, he was given an enormous task of assembling his own coaching staff.

The question was: will he keep some or all of the current staff who was under Bill Cowher?

The key to the coaching staff is in the coordinators.

Of Course, there are many assistants but the coordinators along with the head coach develop the plays and assemble the playbook.

A coordinator is in charge of a specific football discipline that represents a specific command level under the head coach.

The following three coordinators, along with Coach Tomlin, are instrumental to the success of the Steeler organization.

Without them there may not have been a fifth or sixth Super Bowl trophy.

Offensive Coordinator: Bruce Arians

Arians spent three seasons as wide receiver coach under Bill Cowher. He was promoted to OC by Mike Tomlin.

He is one of six assistant coaches, who remained on Pittsburgh’s staff following Mike Tomlin’s hiring in January, 2007. Arians has previous experience as he spent three seasons as OC for the Cleveland Browns (2001-2003).

In 2002, under Arians’ guidance, the Browns improved in virtually every major offensive category under his leadership. At that time, the Browns scored the most points since their 1987 season. Tim Couch was the starting quarterback but was replaced by Kelly Holcolmb midway through the season due to injury.

In the AFC Wild Card game, Holcomb and Arians' offense took a huge lead against the Steelers in Heinz Field. The Steelers were down 24-7 in the third, before Steeler QB Tommy Maddox commandeered a 22 point comeback in the fourth quarter.

Ultimately, the Steelers won to advance in the AFC Divisional Game which they lost to the Tennessee Titans.

Before Cleveland, Arians was the Indianapolis Colts quarterback coach and was responsible for the development of Peyton Manning (1998-2000).

Under Arians’ tutelage, Manning totaled 4,413 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2000 to break his own club season record. His 33 touchdown passes in 2000 established a Colts’ franchise record previously held by John Unitas.

As Steeler OC, Arians and current QB coach Ken Anderson (former QB of the Cincinnati Bengals), work on the development of Roethlisbergers’ QB skills implemented to one of its most productive offensive years in the team’s history.

In his first year 2007, Arians helped Roethlisberger get elected to his first Pro Bowl, as he broke Terry Bradshaw’s long standing record for most TD passes in a season with 32.

He also finished with a career-best and team-record QB rating of 104.1.

Arians faced a challenge in 2008. The running game faltered, missing two starting backs, two linemen down, and a quarterback who was repeatedly getting sacked.

He took a different approach, by using the pass to set up the run. It was done in all three playoff games the Steelers won in 2006 to get to the Super Bowl.

Then Arians worked with Roethlisberger in avoiding trouble when it comes to holding on to the ball too long.

He accomplished that by developed a quick hitting passing attack.

It’s a quick 2-3 step drop designed to make it more difficult for defenses to get to the QB quickly.

The offensive line under the leadership of line coach Larry Zeirlein, had to get comfortable with the new formation.

But it all started to pay off in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The offensive line playing at a higher level since the last time these two teams met, and Roethlisberger was releasing the ball quicker and making strikes where needed.

The end result—Super Bowl XLIII is in the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Defensive Coordinator: Dick Le Beau

Dick LeBeau begins the sixth season of his second tour of duty with the Steelers, for whom he experienced much success during the mid-1990s as both the team’s defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator.

Considered the architect of the Steelers’ famed “zone blitz,” LeBeau was named the Steelers’ defensive coordinator Jan. 16, 2004, after spending the 2003 season with the Buffalo Bills.

His impact on the coaching staff was profound as the Steelers returned to the top of the NFL in total defense and rushing defense.

In 2005, LeBeau’s defensive game plans played an integral part in stopping four of the NFL’s top five offenses in the AFC playoffs, including limiting Seattle to just 10 points in Super Bowl XL.

He continued his success in 2008 as he helped the defense finish the season first in overall defense, first in pass defense and second against the run.

He is credited with inventing the "Fire Zone" or "zone blitz" defense, which employs unpredictable pass rushes and pass coverage from various players.

His defenses typically 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 design is 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.

While often 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.

Bob Ligashesky: Special Teams’ Coordinator

After the departure of Kevin Spencer to the Arizona Cardinals, Tomlin hired a little-known coach names Bob Ligashesky to special teams’

A Pittsburgh native, Ligashesky spent two seasons as the special teams coach for the St. Louis Rams (2005-2006).

The Rams’ special teams unit in 2005 scored its first touchdown on a kickoff return since 2000 as Chris Johnson returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for the score in Week 5 against Seattle.

Also in that same year, it marked the third time since the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995 that the club had at least two blocked kicks in a season.

Ligashesky’s unit also forced and recovered fumbles on special teams for the first time since 2000.

However, the Rams finished near the bottom that season in punt returns, kickoff returns and kickoff coverage and yielded three return touchdowns.

Ligashesky was fired in 2006, after Chicago’s kick-off return specialist Devin Hester return two kicks for scores.

Prior to joining the Rams in 2005, Ligashesky served as the assistant special teams coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004, his first season in the NFL.

Unfortunately, the results in 2007 were just as miserable as the Steelers finished the season ranked 30th in kickoff coverage, 20th in kickoff returns, and 30th in punt returns, in addition to allowing a pair of return touchdowns, one being the 73-yard return by Arizona WR Steve Breaston.

Ligashsky’s special teams unit allowed three kickoffs of 90-plus yards and a half-dozen 44-plus run backs in 2007 and by year-end ranked Nos. 16 and 14 in those respective categories.

The tide turned in 2008, when special teams’ as the defense allowed only one return for approximately 44 yards reducing the opposition’s average from 30 yards per carry in 2007 to 26.4 yards per carry.

The Steelers 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.

Although defensively special teams has improved, the return game has not.

The Steelers have made attempts to fine good return guys but none have produced as much as former WR Antwaan Randle El.

The hope is the tide will turn in 2009 as the Steeler did draft, two rookies specifically for their return skills, WR Mike Wallace, Ole Miss and CB Joe Burnett, UCF

It all remains to be seen.

Five Plays Drove Pittsburgh Steelers to a Sixth Super Bowl

Vicki Farries — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:27:27 -0400

The Pittsburgh Steelers became the first team in NFL history to win a sixth Super Bowl, in spite of an ineffective running game, injuries in the offensive line and punter, an aging defensive line, and dealt one of the toughest schedules in the NFL.

How did the Steelers accomplish this feat?

Let’s look at five plays used throughout the season that were most effective to the Steelers success.

Play: Short passes right or left to Holmes or Hines

Formation: Shotgun/no huddle

The 2008 offense became reliant on the pass partly because running back Willie Parker lacked his usual speed and cutback ability after injuring his knee early in the season.

They had 460 rushing attempts and averaged 3.7 yards per carry, which was the lowest since 2003, when the running backs averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

Coach Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians put more emphasis on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to make plays by using the shotgun formation. In the shotgun, the offense lines up three wide receivers (Holmes, Ward and Washington).

Roethlisberger would throw passes short (five or six yards) right or left to an open receiver.

He came from behind in the fourth quarter five times this season to win games against BALT (2X), JAX, SD, DAL, and AZ, using the shotgun to complete short passes up the middle, right or left for touchdowns.

No huddle was implemented because of the number of false starts committed by the offensive line. In the Jacksonville game, the o-line committed two false starts back-to-back due to crowd noise. The no-huddle reduces the number of false starts.

Its other purpose was to not give defenses time to execute changes or prepare stunts against certain of our offensive looks, we force them to stay base.

The Steelers then incorporated the No Huddle/Shotgun to advance downfield or to get touchdowns.

Example: 1st-and-10 on JAX 41, Roethlisberger in No Huddle/Shotgun passes short to the middle to Hines Ward to JAX 27 for 14 yards.

Play: Pass deep left to WR Nate Washington

Formation: Shotgun

Another effective method for getting the ball downfield was the deep pass. Nate Washington was Roethlisberger go-to guy and would generally run a post pattern deep into the secondary to get open to receive.

Example: On 3rd-and-12 at NE 27, Roethlisberger in the shotgun passes deep left to Washington to NE 11 for 16 yards. 1st and 10

Play: Play-Action

Formation: I Formation

A play-action pass is a pass play that appears to be a running play. It can be considered the opposite of a draw play.

Play-action passes are often used against defenses that are presently focused on stopping the run.

By simulating as if the play is initially a running play, the offense attempts to deceive the defense into acting on the run fake and being out of position in their pass coverage, giving receivers more time and room to get open behind the linebackers.

Because of the diminishing running game and inconsistencies with the offensive line, Roethlisberger had become one-dimensional. Play-action bought Roethlisberger time to find an open receiver reducing the chance of staying in the pocket and risk getting sacked.

Example: Roethlisberger takes the snap and drops back to hand off to the Willie Parker. Parker gets ready to take the handoff, but Roethlisberger quickly pulls the ball back from the handoff position, trying to hide it from the defense.

He rolls out then looks down-field for an open receiver, usually it is Hines Ward.

It is Wards’ role to "sell" the running play by appearing to block at first, then break off into their routes.

Example: 1st-and-10 at PIT 13, Roethlisberger (play-action) pass short right to Ward to PIT 26 for 13 yards

Play: Linebacker overload

Formation: 3-4 defense

Outside linebackers put a ridiculous amount of pressure on the quarterback using a defensive scheme called linebacker overload.

It is a pass stopping play devised by defensive guru Dick LeBeau which enables the outside linebackers to be put in a position to hurry or sack the quarterback.

LeBeau called it twice against the Ravens, where the Steelers got a sack and a hurried throw on two plays.

It also provided a sack in the regular season win against the Cowboys.

Lamar Woodley and James Harrison recorded 27.5 sacks last year by way of coming from the outside to apply that pressure on the quarterback.

Play: Pass defense

Formation: Nickel or Dime package

Before they played San Diego, the Steelers had not allowed more than 290 yards of total offense.

On plays where the defense expects the offense to pass, emphasis is often placed on the number of defensive backs.

When one of the "front seven" (down linemen and linebackers) is removed in favor of a defensive back, the five defensive backs are described as a "nickel" package.

When a sixth defensive back is inserted, it is known as a "dime" package.

The Steelers defensive backs tend to play off the line and give receivers lots of cushion.

The Steelers best pass defense, did an exemplary job pressuring quarterbacks by negating their top receivers such as Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and T J Houshmandzadeh.

They ranked No. 1 allowing an average of 156.9 yards/game, 12 TD, 20 INTs and 51 sacks.

My Pittsburgh Steelers Story: "You Never Leave Until the Fat Lady Sings"

Vicki Farries — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:14:43 -0400

On the front page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was an announcement that the Pittsburgh Steelers hired a new head coach by the name of Chuck Noll.

My first thoughts: "Who is this guy?", and, "I didn’t know Pittsburgh had a pro football team."

You see, I only read the sports page for the local high school sports news.

Growing up in a small town 50 miles south of Pittsburgh, the only action you get is watching high school sports.

As a child, I could never understand why my father and uncles would monopolize the TV on Thanksgiving and New Years’ to watch someone running up and down the field with a ball until…

January, 1965, watching football on TV, I saw a man pacing the sideline. He was kind of chunky with glasses and a hat. I liked his smile. I liked the camera watching his every move. He led the team to another World Championship.

That man was Vince Lombardi, and his team was the Green Bay Packers.

I began to see what my dad and uncles saw in this game.

I became a Packer fan until 1969, when Lombardi announced his retirement, then decided to take the head coaching job with the Washington Redskins.

I didn’t want to be a Redskin fan, but I did like the Minnesota Vikings and the Purple People Eaters. Eller, Marshall, Larson and Page—cool names, incredible playmakers.

In January1970, I received my acceptance letter to college in Pittsburgh. I was a die-hard Pittsburgh Pirates fan. I had been a fan since the 1960 World Series.

But reading the paper about the hiring of Chuck Noll, who later drafted some unknown guy by the name of Joe Greene from Texas, I figured I might as well learn a little more about these Steelers.

To my horror, I discovered this team finished 1-13. Man, I thought, these guys suck.

While attending school, I would read mostly about the Steelers or listen to them on the radio.

In those days, most of the games were broadcast on the radio. Few were on TV. There was the rule that home games had to be sold out to be broadcast on TV. The games didn’t sell.

One of the reasons I was interested in following the Steelers was that they drafted Terry Hanratty. I watched his career at Notre Dame. I thought he would be the quarterback that could turn this team around.

You know—Heisman Trophy candidate, local boy makes good.

Then in 1970, Noll drafted this country bumpkin named Terry Bradshaw. The "Blonde Bomber," as he was affectionately known to the “Chief” Art Rooney Sr.

Bradshaw use to make me cringe every time his number was called. He was always good for an interception. Man he sucked. Why wouldn’t Noll keep Hanratty out on the field instead?

Although I kept up with the Steelers, I was more faithful to the Vikings. They were the better team, I thought, and their defense was stifling.

Then one day, before I went home for the Christmas holidays, a friend of mine called me about acquiring tickets to a football game at Three Rivers Stadium.

I had been to the stadium for baseball games, but never for a football game.

Excited, I said yes but was surprised that she would be willing to go, as I never knew she liked football. She said she didn’t, but it was a great place to meet guys.

There we were in the upper level (somewhere in the 300s) watching the Steelers and Oakland Raiders in the divisional playoffs.

No one could believe the Steelers could get this far. They were the fifth-oldest franchise in the NFL, originally named the Pittsburgh Pirates, and made the playoffs once, in 1947.

They were losers before and losers afterwards.

And here they were in a divisional playoff against the vaunted, nasty playing Oakland Raiders coached by John Madden and owned by Al Davis.

With a 1:17 left to go quarterback Ken Stabler scored a touchdown on a 30-yard run putting Oakland in the lead 7-6. The Steelers had scored two field goals all day.

With 22 seconds remaining, fourth and 10 on the Steeler 40, my girlfriend and I decided to leave.

It was cold, and I believe it rained that day.

What was the use in staying? The Raiders defense had held the offense to field goals. The Steelers were way out of field goal range but decided to go for the 4th and 10.

Yeah right!

We proceeded to go up the steps to the exit, when………

We heard people cheering. I turned around and there were people on the field, acting crazy.

There were so many people you could barely see the Steeler uniforms let alone the Steelers themselves. Most of the people bunched up in the end zone.

Some guy almost ran past us when I screamed to him “what happened?”

"Steelers Won," he screamed. “Franco Harris took it in for a touchdown”.

“What?” I said.

My girlfriend and I looked at the scoreboard and the score was 13-7 Steelers. We couldn’t believe it. The worse part of this story is we didn’t see it, either.

The greatest play ever and we were there to witness it and didn’t.

I saw the highlights on the news that night.

I learned one thing from that game that holds true even today. I never leave until the Fat Lady Sings.

From that day, I was indoctrinated as a Steeler fan and never turned back.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

Vicki Farries — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:28:55 -0400

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

2008 Record: 12-4 regular season, earned sixth Super Bowl trophy

Key Additions: Draft picks—DE Evander “Ziggy” Hood, WR Mike Wallace, CB Keenan Lewis, CB Joe Burnett, RB Frank Summers, DT Ra’Shon Harris, C A.Q. Shipley, TE David Johnson

Key Losses: WR Nate Washington, CB Bryant McFadden, QB Byron Leftwich, S Anthony Smith, G Marvel Smith, G Kendall Simmons

Santonio Holmes made a brilliant catch for a six yard touchdown with 35 seconds remaining to give the Steelers a record sixth Super Bowl title with a 27-23 over the Arizona Cardinals.

Statistically, Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 3,300 yards and 17 touchdowns, 15 touchdowns fewer than 2007, and was sacked 46 times, one less than 2007.

The Steelers vaunted 3-4 defense, which remained solid all season ranked No.1 in all categories, except rush defense where they ranked No.2.

It has been said the Steelers have the third easiest schedule in the NFL and will face four division winners.

Yet there are still obstacles that could cause them to fall short of another Super Bowl.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense

Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl, despite ranking 23rd in the league in rushing yards per game and 29th in yards per carry, the second-lowest standing since they joined the AFC in 1970.

The offense became uncharacteristically reliant on the pass, partly because running back Willie Parker, a 1,200-yard rusher each of the previous three seasons, lacked his usual speed and cutback ability after injuring his knee early in the season.

Steelers recorded 460 rushing attempts and averaged 3.7 yards per carry. This is the lowest since 2003 when they averaged 3.3 yards per carry.

Another reason for the lack of a running game can be attributed to offensive line struggles.

The Steelers were put in the position to rebuild with the loss of All-Pro guard Alan Faneca to free agency, center Sean Mahan was traded, and guard Kendall Simmons and tackle Marvel Smith were lost early for the year with injuries.

To reinforce the line, the Steelers acquired C Justin Hartwig from Carolina; added two first-year starters at guard Chris Kemoeatu and Darnell Stapleton, a second-year starter at right tackle Willie Colon and tackle Max Starks.

Towards the end of the regular season, the line improved, enough to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

A second year with the same line should be significantly better. The Steelers insured themselves on this by spending big money to maintain the line, putting the franchise tag on Starks and signing both Kemoeatu, Colon, and Trai Essex.

The Steelers badly needed a backup tackle. One who has not seen any playing time yet is fourth round draft pick Tony Hill.

Last year's draft picks, Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed, are expected to provide a boost to the offense.

Mendenhall, who was expected to handle carries in goal line and short yardage situations and relieve "fast" Willie Parker in the backfield, injured his shoulder against the Baltimore Ravens. He is expected to be 100 percent by training camp.

Third receiver Nate Washington signed with the Tennessee Titans last March, leaving a gaping hole in the receiving corp.

Washington had 40 catches for 631 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing behind Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward.

Known as the team's fastest and most athletic receiver, and Washington had distinguished himself during one stretch in which he caught at least one pass of 48 yards or longer in four consecutive games.

This means Limas Sweed, a No. 2 draft choice last season, will move up as the third receiver and have the chance to convince Coach Mike Tomlin that he deserves a roster spot next season..

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

There is still life in the now “aged” defensive line manned by NT Casey Hampton, and DE Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. Pittsburgh drafted DE Evander “Ziggy’ Hood and DT Ra’Shon Harris to add some youth to the line.

LB Lawrence Timmons will move into the starting "Mack" inside linebacker job, held by former LB Larry Foote.

Timmons played the nickel linebacker, and recorded five sacks last year. With Foote gone, Timmons will play his nickel position as well as the run-downs.

Moving Timmons to start will leave no experienced backup at either inside or outside. He was the top backup at all four spots.

Keyaron Fox and Donovan Woods are among the inside candidates to back up Timmons and Farrior.

Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison signed a six-year, $51 million contract extension to remain a Steeler to 2014.

Arguably the biggest free agency loss this offseason was cornerback Bryant McFadden, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals. While Ike Taylor is solid on one side, DeShea Townsend is entering his 12th season with the team.

It will be up to third year CB William Gay, who saw more significant playing time after injuries to McFadden and Townsend last season.

Gay paired with Ike Taylor helped in wins against SD, CIN, NE, and DAL recording 19 tackles and three pass defenses.

Gay finished the regular season with seven pass defenses, one INT, and 41 total tackles.

The Steelers drafted two corners to compete for a backup position Keenan Lewis from Oregon State, and Joe Burnett from UCF. Neither is expected to make an immediate impact.

The secondary remains solid led by All Pro strong safety Troy Polamalu, but the Steelers will need to find a backup free safety for veteran Ryan Clark.

Ryan Mundy is slated as backup to (unproven) Ryan Mundy. Selected in the sixth round of the 2008 draft, Mundy has spent his time on special teams.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams

Punter Daniel Sepulveda returns from a torn ACL he suffered in training camp.

Kicker Jeff Reed connected on 27 of his 31 field goal attempts last season.

On Dec. 28, 2008, Reed surpassed Roy Gerela as the Steelers’ second-most point scorer. Reed's 733 points trails Gary Anderson's 1,343.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Expectations

In this year’s draft, the Steelers were looking for depth across the board, adding a young defensive end to an aging defensive line and a much needed center.

They managed to draft some impact players who can fill in some of the gaps.

The return game should improve if one or both of the drafted rookies turn out to be anything they were in college.

The offensive line, while performing exceptionally well in the latter half of the season, should improve using the same playmakers on the roster.

They allowed 46 sacks last year, one fewer than 2007, and they will need to cut that number back if they expect to connect on more deep routes and keeping Roethlisberger clean.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction

The Steelers look to be in the position to retain their AFC North title in 2009.

They may feel some heat from the Baltimore Ravens who will be looking to avenge the three straight losses last year.

Expectations are high with second year QB Joe Flacco as the Ravens are looking to upgrade at wide receiver.

In the first month of free agency, the Ravens lost three starters: linebacker Bart Scott, safety Jim Leonhard on defense, and center Jason Brown. They were able to keep two linebackers, re-signing Ray Lewis and using the franchise tag on Terrell Suggs.

The Cleveland Browns and the Bengals are rebuilding and should be of no threat to the Steelers.

The Browns will start the season with a new head coach in Eric Mangini and new starting QB in Brady Quinn.

The Bengals lost two of their three star receivers, T.J. Houshmanzadeh (Seattle Seahawks) and Chris Perry (released due to legal issues). The third receiver Chad Johnson is disgruntled and wants to be released.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Search For a Few Good Return Men

Vicki Farries — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:23:47 -0400

The Steelers took a different path in their approach to the 2009 draft. They stayed put in the first round and drafted a defensive linesman.

Yes, they still kept true to form choosing the best player possible, no doubt, but they also addressed a pressing need—getting youth in the defensive line.

But here is another surprise: They drafted a couple of return guys.

Statistically, the Steelers finished 2008 with the AFC's No. 1 special teams in kick return defense, and No. 4 in punt defense, based on yards per return.

That's a huge difference from 2007 where they ranked Nos. 16 and 14 respectively in those categories.

However, in the return game, the Steelers were miserably sitting in the bottom of the pile heap.

Kick-off return average 19.1; punt return 6.2.

For those keeping score at home, that's No. 29 in the league on kick returns, and No. 31 on punts.

In 2008, the 4-12 Cleveland Browns averaged 22.6 kick-off return and 8.4 punt return, topping the Steelers by 3.5 and 2.2 yards per try in those categories respectively.

Many attempts have been made in the past to find the appropriate return guys such as WR Antwaan Randle El, CB Ricardo Colclough, WR Willie Reid, WR Allen Rossum, RB Najeh Davenport, and RB Mewelde Moore.

In 2005, the Steelers averaged 10.2 yards per return, third in the league, thanks largely to Randle El.

In 2004, with Randle El, the team averaged 8.3. In 2003, again with Randle El, the average was 12.2.

The Steelers could stand to improve in the punt and kick-off return game.

Hopefully the solution is in one or both of the new rookies selected in this April's draft.

It is for that reason the Steelers drafted a couple of return guys with the No. 84 and No. 168 picks.

In the third round, the Steelers selected WR Mike Wallace, senior at University of Mississippi.

Wallace, 6'1" and 199 pounds, looks to be able to fill a need at both wide receiver and the long-sought kick returner the Steelers have not had in a long time.

The Steelers have plans for Wallace to possibly contribute early, both as a receiver and in kickoff return.

At Ole Miss, he had established himself as an accomplished wide receiver and kick returner, holding records for all-purpose yards (1,737) and kickoff return yards (861).

He holds the Ole Miss record for single-game, season, and career kickoff return yards, and ranks second all-time.

He is noted for his outstanding speed, and described as an excellent athlete with a dangerous vertical threat, solid ball skills, and a terrific return man.

For four years (three as a starter), Wallace returned 60 kickoffs for 1,392 yards, and two TDs.

His longest run-back was 98 yards. His average return was 23.2.

Wallace showed his speed at the NFL Combine, turning in the second-fastest 40 time among receivers: 4.33..

The 168th pick of the draft went to CB Joe Burnett, graduate of University of Central Florida.

At 5-11, 185 pounds, Burnett already has a nickname: “Smokin' Joe."

The Steelers envision Burnett as a nickel back who will use his athletic skills to react to the ball and make interceptions.

On special teams, Burnett returned 26 punts for 378 yards, returned 26 kickoffs for 745 yards and two touchdowns and also blocked one kick.

He was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after UCF's nationally-televised overtime loss to USF (Sept. 6) in which he racked up 206 return yards, including a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and blocked a USF field goal.

Its possible that neither of these rookies selected will be a Dante Hall, Devon Hester, or Josh Cribbs, but if one of these guys could return the ball beyond the 20-yard line, the Steelers would be the better for it.

This offseason, the Steelers made an effort to re-sign most of the playmakers who made up that No. 1 ranked special team defense.

Last year’s unit permitted just one return as long as 44 yards over the 2008 regular season.

They pared almost four full yards off the opposition's average starting position after kickoffs, from the 30 to 26.4.

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 in 2008.

What was missing was a good return game.

Special teams are just that: special. It's hard to overstate their importance.

NFL teams should not and cannot neglect special teams, because they can and often do make the difference in outcomes.

The team with the better special teams play has a huge advantage.

Good special teams can keep a team in a game against an otherwise superior team, or make a superior team even better.

A dominant squad both offensively and defensively in special teams could keep the other team in the hole as far as field position goes.

With the improvement on special teams’ defense, it was imperative that the Steelers work on the return game.

The selection of these two return guys, could lead to No. 1 overall for special teams in 2009.

Let’s hope!

Pittsburgh Steelers: Heading into the NFL Draft

Vicki Farries — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:29:52 -0400

In approximately 48 hours, the NFL Draft begins at Radio City Music Hall, Saturday, April 25, 2009.

After hosting some 30 draft prospects this past month, the Steelers will have to make the tough decision as to who and what will fit into the 2009-2010 roster.

Steeler philosophy is drafting the best player not addressing needs.

However, drafting a first rounder in the 32nd spot, the Steelers could fall victim to what may fall their way when considering the best player.

It is because of this mindset that we see that most of these draft prospects are considered mid-to-late round picks.

From the type of prospects who have visited the complex these past few weeks, the key focus has been concentrating on offensive linemen, defensive linesmen and tweeners with special teams skills.

The Steelers seem to be in search of a return man for special teams. Three wide receivers and one corner back prospect are known for their special teams skills.

In addition, the Steelers have been talking with the Buffalo Bills about the possibility of a trade for wide receiver/return specialist Roscoe Parrish.

Parrish can be electrifying. He's fast and a considered a great threat whenever he gets the ball. On the downside, he has poor hands and poor route running skills as a receiver.

Parrish may be a great punt returner, but in the passing game his hands are suspect, as well as his ability to get open.

The question is, can Parrish be an elite punt returner the Steelers are searching for, or should they consider one of the mid-rounders to develop as a return guy?

Considering the amount of money Parrish is due to be paid as a Buffalo Bill and the amount of playing time that's no longer open to him, the Bills are open for a trade.

The Steelers are known to have success with veteran players.

It should be noted that the majority of the players on special teams is either undrafted or free agents.

Whether the Steelers be willing to trade for him depends on how much it will cost the team to get him.

If not Parrish, the Steelers may consider corner back/return specialist Joe Burnett from Central Florida.

At 5'9" and 192 pounds, Burnett has been considered a superb return man with a career kick-return average of 28.2 yards, and owns the C-USA record for most punt return yardage.

His average 13.6 yards on 96 career punt returns with three scores.

Burnett is known to be quick with a burst to close and recover with terrific hands and ball skills.

It has been noted he is elusive with great vision and above average strength.

Burnett holds the UCF record for career interceptions, and therefore could thrive as a backup corner and return specialist.

Another in consideration could be 5'11", 192 pound wide receiver/return specialist Jason Cherry, Louisiana-Lafayette, who has been timed at 4.22 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Named to the first team All-Conference USA four times, Cherry is considered a very good football player who may not have all of the physical tools that you look for, but on game day, he just makes dynamic plays.

It is possible the Steelers will look for an offensive lineman as the first pick of the draft.

The offensive line should definitely be addressed, as there is no depth, especially in the interior.

Historically, the Steelers like to draft tackles. Tomlin seems to like to draft tackles.

The Steelers like to use tackles and move them to guard or center positions.

It is possible the Steelers could be looking for the best guard available.

So far, 6'4", 310 pound C Eric Wood Louisville seems to be the odds-on favorite over C Max Unger and Alex Mack.

Wood is an explosive interior linesman who plays with a powerful motor.

He has great size and strength. He understands his and his line mates’ assignments and has shown to be a leader on offense.

He plays with a mean streak, dominates up front, and overpowers the opposition during running situations.

He displays good technique in pass protection. He has great awareness and picks up blitzes well.

He’s reliable and works well with the quarterback.

Steeler offensive line coach Larry Zierlein has visited this prospect several times since March.

This would give the impression that the Steelers may be leaning towards Wood as a draft selection.

The defensive line could be the major focus in this year’s draft, as there are 12 teams implementing the 3-4 defensive scheme.

With nine picks at their disposal, it is possible the Steelers could trade up for defensive linesmen such as DE Fili Moala (USC) who is 6'4" and 305 pounds, or DE Jarron Gilbert (San Jose St.) who is 6'5" and 288 pounds.

Moala is a classic 4-3 tackle, considered a freak with his combination of agility and size, and could be coached into fitting a 3-4 end mold.

Jarron Gilbert has the athleticism to cover two gaps with the versatility and burst to line up as a three-technique defensive tackle.

The Steelers also show interest in 6'4", 295 pound DT Evander “Ziggy” Hood from Missouri.

Hood doesn’t have the bulk to be more than a one-gap penetrator at tackle, but has experience on the outside giving him versatility.

Of the 30 out of town visitors, the Steelers interviewed three local players: LB Scott McKillop and G/C C.J. Davis of Pitt, and C A.Q. Shipley of Penn State.

With essentially no room left under the salary cap, the Steelers may have to make some tough decisions regarding which veterans they sign to multi-year contracts, so the outcome of this draft could be vital to the health of the Steelers going forward.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Evolution of Special Teams

Vicki Farries — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:33:33 -0400

Chargers' Darren Sproles broke free for a 63-yard kickoff return in last postseason's divisional round. Defensive back Jim Leonhard sprinted for a 45-yard punt return to the Steelers' 10-yard line in the AFC Championship game that put the Ravens in great field position to score their first touchdown.

Special teams. For quite some time this phase of the organization had been considered a “liability.”

Few can forget, the blocked field goal (and illegal forward lateral) that made the difference in the Steelers 2001 AFC Championship loss to the Patriots or cornerback Ricardo Colclough's muffed punt in a loss to Bengals a couple of years ago.

It has been said that former coach Bill Cowher had focus sparingly on special teams during offseason training activities (OTA's),doing nothing during training camp.

However, newly hired head coach Mike Tomlin devoted not only the OTA's but his first training camp to special teams, something the veterans were not accustomed.

Unfortunately the results in 2007 were miserable as the Steelers finished the season ranked 30th in kickoff coverage, 20th in kickoff returns and 30th in punt returns—in addition to allowing a pair of return touchdowns, one being the 73-yard return by Arizona wide receiver Steve Breaston.

The Steelers lost that game by a touchdown.

After allowing three kickoffs of 90-plus yards and a half-dozen 44-plus in 2007, the 2008 season saw special teams allowing one return for approximately 44-yards, reducing the opposition’s average from 30 yards per carry in 2007 to 26.4 yards per carry.

According to Chuck Finder of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Steelers 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.

In 2007, the Steelers ranked No. 16 and No. 14 in those respective categories.

Some of the credit has to go to special teams coordinator, Bob Ligashesky and his assistant Amos Jones.

Ligashesky is entering his third season as special teams coordinator. He replaced Kevin Spencer, who left with Ken Whisenhut to be the Arizona Cardinals' special teams coordinator.

Ligashesky has been noted to be vocal, animated and expressive on the practice field, and tends to get wrapped up in the action as his players.

His assistant Amos Jones began his NFL career as an assistant in 2007 the same year Ligashesky was hired by Tomlin.

Jones has worked previously with Tomlin and offensive line coach Jim Zierlein during the early 90's at the University of Cincinnati.

Good coaching is important, but the bulk of the credit should go to the players.

During free agency the Steelers spent considerable time re-signing their own players.

Player retention—especially of the best and most desirable—is a key challenge in any NFL team today.

Continuity and consistency is a key component to the all-round success of any team.

So the Steelers were busy re-signing and retaining some of their top aces such as cornerback Anthony Madison.

During the regular season, Madison led the team with 25 special teams tackles and in case of injury adds depth at the corner position.

The team agreed to a one-year $1.01 million deal with him.

Backup linebacker Keyaron Fox, another special teams standout last season, received a $380,000 signing bonus and agreed to a two-year, $1.8 million contract.

Fox was second with 21 tackles on special teams, despite missing three games as a backup linebacker and is considered one of the Steelers best special teams players.

He was an unrestricted free agent from Kansas City last year.

Andre Frazier is third on the team in tackles with 12. As an unrestricted free agent, he re-signed to a two-year, $1.375 million contract with a $125,000 signing bonus on March 12.

It's been said that, Frazier is as key as anybody. He doesn't complain about not making tackles and he finds himself double-teamed every game.

How about an undrafted rookie from Duke who earned the 2008 Steeler rookie of the year award? That would be Patrick Bailey.

Released in August before the start of the season, Bailey signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed to the 53-man roster Sept. 20 but was released Oct. 4. He rejoined the 53-man roster Oct. 25 and has been active since.

Bailey made his mark on special teams despite missing four games while not on the roster, and tied for third on the team with 12 special teams tackles, eight of them solo.

Arnold Harrison, an unrestricted free agent, was re-signed to a one-year contract. Last season he played in 13 games and finished with 13 tackles

But it doesn’t end there.

Other contributors include running backs Carey Davis and Gary Russell, corner William Gay and linebacker Lawrence Timmons who had 16 tackles last season.

In addition, the Steelers signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: WR Dallas Baker, CB Roy Lewis, RB Stefan Logan, S Ryan Mundy, FB Ryan Powdrell, TE Dezmond Sherrod, RB Justin Vincent, WR Brandon Williams and LB Donovan Woods.

Woods, an undrafted rookie linebacker, registered four tackles (two solo) as a deep reserve for the Steelers this season.

At placekicker, seventh-year kicker Jeff Reed was 27-of-31 on field goals during the regular season.

In the AFC Championship, Reed was 3-for-3 on field goals, connecting on kicks of 34, 42, and 46 yards in less-than-ideal conditions. Incredibly, Reed does not have a touchback on 12 kickoffs during the 2008 postseason.

Punter Dan Sepulveda was taken off injured-reserve after suffering a season-ending torn right ACL. He is expected to be back for the 2009 season.

Punter Mitch Berger (41.3 avg.) was competent but unspectacular during the regular season. In the playoffs this 36-year-old journeyman did not kick well. We should not expect him back.

Fierce competition is expected amongst long snappers this training camp.

Greg Warren returned from injured reserve due to a torn ACL in the Oct. 26 game against the New York Giants.

A restricted free agent in the 2008 offseason, Warren signed a three-year, $2.3 million contract with the Steelers on March 25.

The Steelers signed first-time player Jared Retkofsky in January because he did a good job the rest of the season subbing for the injured Warren.

Formerly moving furniture for Bonilla Moving Company in Texas, Retkofsky was signed as an undrafted free agent after the botched snap involving linebacker James Harrison during the Giants game.

In the April draft, the Steelers may look into both punt and kickoff returners. In today’s NFL, both of these positions have become specialties.

Santonio Holmes was not sensational on punt returns during the regular season, averaging just 6.6 yards per attempt, but against the Chargers in the playoffs, he showed big-play ability if given some space.

Holmes also had a nice 25-yard punt return against a good Ravens punt coverage team in the AFC Championship game.

As a kickoff returner, reserve running back Gary Russell (23.2 kickoff return average) is not a prime candidate to break a long return, but he has a sure-hand and is not afraid to hit a hole.

Fellow running backs Mewelde Moore and Carey Davis have also attempted kickoff returns during the playoffs. Moore was signed because of his previous history with the 2004-2007 Vikings with two punt returns for scores.

That expectation may be limited as Moore has been battling an ankle injury. So that would leave Russell as the top candidate for kickoff returns.

George Blanda: NFL's Old Fossil?

Vicki Farries — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:20:48 -0400

Today’s athletes are getting older and older. These days you see more older sportsmen and sportswomen highly competitive at ages which are already conveniently considered by many as being “over the hill.”

For example, Olympic swimmer Dana Torres was 40 when she competed in the Olympics in China.

QB Vinny Testaverde was 44 when released by the Carolina Panthers in 2007.

Neither were bowing out or fading away, but instead pushing the envelope when it came to their competitiveness.

Here is a story of another celebrated oldster who played his best performances after it was assumed he was past his prime.

Jan. 4, 1976, this southwestern PA native played in his last game at Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Stadium at age 48.

It was the AFC Championship game where he kicked a 41-yard field goal and made one extra point as the Oakland Raiders lost to the Steelers 16-10.

He was released by the Raiders on Aug. 25, 1976.

Born Sept. 17, 1927, in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, George Frederick Blanda was truly an ageless wonder.

Blanda was drafted in the 12th round out of Kentuckian 1949 and played 26 years as quarterback/kicker for four AFL and NFL teams: Chicago Bears (1949-58), Baltimore Colts (1959), Houston Oilers (1966-66), and Oakland Raiders (1967-75).

In 1958, after nine years in the NFL with the Colts and Bears, Blanda retired only to return to action signing with the Houston Oilers of the AFL.

Known as an “NFL Reject,” Blanda led the Oilers to two league titles in AFL history and played until 1966.

Considered an old fossil who has outlived his usefulness the Oilers released Blanda in 1967.

However, the Oakland Raiders, needing a back up quarterback and a dependable kicker, signed Blanda to a roster spot.

It was as an Oakland Raider that then 40-year-old Blanda became legend.

In his first two seasons, Blandas’ kicking skills helped him lead the AFL in scoring with 116 points.

But in 1970, Blanda was released during the preseason.

Later, the Raiders resigned Blanda to play his 21st season as a reserve back-up to QB Daryle Lamonica which became one of the most dramatic comebacks stories in sports history.

Beginning with the Oct. 25 game at Pittsburgh, Blanda put together five straight clutch performances.

Stepping in for the Lamonica, Blanda threw three touchdowns, a 44-yard TD to WR Warren Wells, and 19 and 43-yard TDs to TE Raymond Chester. He also kicked the extra points and a 27-yard field goal to defeat the Steelers 31-14.

One week later, with three seconds remaining Blanda kicked a 48-yard field goal for a 17-17 tie against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Nov. 8, Blanda again came off the bench with 1:34 minutes remaining in the game against the Cleveland Browns, threw a 14-yard pass to Wells to tie the score, then with a few remaining seconds kicked a 53-yard field goal for the 23-20 win.

In the Nov. 15 game, Blanda defeated the Denver Broncos 24-19 with a touchdown pass to Fred Biletnikoff in the fourth quarter with 2:28 remaining.

One week later, behind 17-14 in the fourth quarter, Blanda kicked a 16-yard field goal to defeat the San Diego Chargers. Final score: 20-17.

With an 8-4-2 record, the Raiders advanced to the playoffs and defeated Divisional foe Miami to face the Baltimore Colts in the AFC title game.

Blanda again relieved an injured Lamonica and had a superb performance, completing 17 of 32 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns while also kicking a 48-yard field goal and two extra points, keeping the Raiders in the game until the final quarter, when he was intercepted twice.

Aged 43, Blanda became the oldest quarterback ever to play in a championship game.

He continued to play with the Raiders until 1975 at the ripe old age of 48.

George Blanda was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

Here are some of the records he still holds:

Most seasons played: 26 (1949-58, 1960-75)
Most seasons scoring a point: 26

Only player to play in four different decades: (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s)
Most PATs made (943) and attempted (959)
Most interceptions thrown, single season: 42 (1962)
Held record of most pass attempts in a single game: 68 (37 completions, vs. New York Titans
First player ever to score over 2,000 points
Oldest quarterback to start a title game
Fewest receiving yards in a career: -16
Most total points accounted for (including TD passes) in a career: 3,418 (not an official stat)