Mike Tomlin, These are YOUR Pittsburgh Steelers

While experiencing success as head coach of the storied Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, it has been hypothesized that a large part of that success is credited to Mike Tomlin inheriting a dominant team left behind by former head coach Bill Cowher.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach since 2007, Mike Tomlin - photo courtesy of AP.

Now in the ninth season as head coach, Mike Tomlin has only a remnant remaining of the defensive powerhouse that was the Pittsburgh Steelers when he stepped into his new job prior to the 2007 season.  The Steelers were only two years (or one season) removed from a Super Bowl XL Championship team, led by a defense that was top five in total yards allowed (4th), total points allowed (T-3rd), and rush defense (3rd, 86.0 YPG), and an offense that was top five in rushing (5th).

Fast-forward to 2015.  Of the Championship Pittsburgh Steelers team mentioned above, only four players remain today, with only one of those players on the defensive side of the ball.  Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller (both on offense), Greg Warren, and James Harrison are the only players who still find themselves fighting for a third Super Bowl championship whose journeys all started out with Bill Cowher at the helm.  Of the 53 players that make up an NFL team roster, precisely 7.5% of Tomlin's team are Cowher leftovers.

While only two years ago the team still contained a fair-share of the former coach's draft selections and undrafted free agents, it is safe to say that as of 2015, the Pittsburgh Steelers is now Mike Tomlin's team.  With that said, it is worth noting that how Tomlin has taken over this team is to be commended.  He respected the lives and careers of the coaches Cowher had in place, and for the most part held on to the staff left behind, which is a stark contrast to what occurs when a regime change takes place in the NFL.  Tomlin has slowly transitioned to coordinators and coaches he has influenced the hiring on.  So it will be interesting to see if the former defensive backs coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and former defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings can carry over such success as five interceptions in a Super Bowl victory (2003 Tampa Bay), or leading the league in fewest yards allowed against the run (2006 Vikings) with now having complete control over the once feared Pittsburgh Steelers.

The intention of this article was to provide a compare and contrast between the last Cowher year (2006 season) and the most recent Tomlin year in terms of offensive and defensive performance.  However, that analysis will be more analytically appealing after the 2015 season.  I will, however, end with this:  Mr. Tomlin, here are the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The team is completely yours, but there are a few things you will need to take note.  While the roster is brand new and under your control, there is a tradition that is old, vintage, steeped in pride and worn proudly... the Steelers own an image of being intimidating to opposing teams around the league.  Every contest may not have been won, but the opposition left the field knowing they just played the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The offense imposes it will on defenses by stuffing the ball between tackles and wearing down linebackers and defensive backs.  The defense ran ferociously and furiously around the field, making ball carriers think twice about touching the ball.  We trust you to drive this new team in the manner you deem efficient, but we will demand you carry on the tradition of this great franchise, where our "heads [may be] bloodied, but unbowed."  I know you know where that comes from, now feed your team on it.

Mike Tomlin, we present to you, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers 2015 Defense Has Bullies

In a matter of hours from now the 2015 Steelers open the season in Foxborough, Mass. for a Thursday night visit to Gillete Stadium to match up against the New England Patriots.  The Steelers defense will have their hands full as Patriots QB Tom Brady has suspension overturned by NY judge and is allowed to return to the field as a full participant in NFL competition.

Heyward a disruptive force in the Steelers defense - image may be subject to copyright.
 

Steelers fans everywhere welcome the first regular season meeting of the 2015 season as the preseason has been slowly painful to watch for several reasons.  First, the Steelers 2015 preseason was extended due to playing in the Hall of Fame Game.  Watching five games that do not count can get tiresome and increase anticipation.  While five exhibition games provides more opportunities to watch the Black and Gold in actual contests, the "slow and painful" comes into play when said contests results in a 1-4 preseason record.

As we all know, a 20% preseason win ratio translates to absolutely nil in regards to the regular season standings and success rate of the team.  What contributed to the losses, however, was lingering torture for any long time Steeler fan who thrives in the identity of the Black and Gold being impossible to move the ball on.  The preseason was filled with subpar offensive athletes picking apart the Steelers defense with a duo of attacks; pounding the ball on the ground turning 1st and 10s into 2nd and shorts, or aerial assaults with the ball finding its way into the hands of non-contested receivers.  When I say "non-contested" I mean not a black and gold uniform in sight.  Needless to say, watching two and half quarters or more (as was the case for the game in Buffalo, NY) per game almost became nauseating.

With the preseason now concluded, rosters down to a league-mandated 53 hats, and Week 1 of the 2015 NFL Season currently underway, Steelers fans aren't the most confident in what we've witnessed, defensively.  Considering what is on tape from the five weeks prior, and taking into account that they face Tom Brady and the current reigning Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, it is hard to display confidence in a defensive unit that was carved up like Thanksgiving Day turkey under new coordinator Keith Butler.

Well I'm here to put your nervousness to rest, and to inform uneasy fans with that what we've seen in the preseason is not a forecast of things to come for the 2015 Steel Curtain.  The defense now states its case and presents its findings:

Evidence 1 - There were zero snaps in the preseason where all eleven defensive starters were on the field together.  I repeat, zero.  Some have asked is this cause for concern.  While a valid question, and an answer in the affirmative can state its case, I'd beg to differ.  This is actually why our nerves should be settled.  Why?  It indicates that we, at no point, saw what will translate into the Steelers defense during the majority of the snaps of the regular season.  So the defense we witnessed get marched down the field time and time again is not what will be on the field verses Tom Brady.

Evidence 2 - Aside from one series against Green Bay starters which included Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers were aligned in basic packages and formations, which included very little stunts and/or exotic blitzes and coverages.  There was one blitz called for Shamarko Thomas to get his execution on tape, which I might add, turned out to be successful and a display of his quickness and toughness.

Base coverages are called more for the emphasis of getting game plays on tape to study player execution of assignments.  They are not designed to put pressure on opposing offenses.  Understand this;  Keith Butler is very aware that there is currently no game tape on his defensive schemes and game plan.  He understands that this seemingly irrelevant fact can play to his advantage.  Knowing this was not worth sacrificing for the sake of picking up a preseason victory.  As it stands right now, the Patriots have no tape to gameplan against the Steelers defense.  Advantage?  Steelers.

Evidence 3 - Let's examine that one (1) series in preseason Game 3 hosting Aaron Rodgers and what is expected to be an explosive Green Bay offense.  This is a series that, while not all starters were on the field for the Steelers' D, Butler did exercise the freedom of calling in some plays designed to put some pressure on the Green Bay offense.  The series followed a perfect punt by Jordan Berry which dropped inside the five yard line and was downed at the Green Bay one yard line by Antwon Blake, which is where the Packers started their second offensive series.

On 1st and 10, the Packers ran the ball off-tackle which was quickly covered and stuffed by Bud Dupree for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt backed up the center and guards into the pocket forcing a hurried throw by Rodgers, which fell incomplete in front of a WR covered by Boykin.  It was on the subsequent 3rd and 10 where we witnessed what will most likely resemble a Steelers defense under Butler.

Personnel?  Blake joined all four starters in the secondary (Mitchell, Thomas, Gay, Allen).  Shazier was joined in the linebacking corps by Spence, Dupree, and Harrison.  Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt anchored the defense (both starters) at defensive tackle.

Offense Showing?  Packers have four receivers wide, two to each side, including the TE split two yards off of the strong side tackle.  Rodgers is in shotgun joined by RB.  From what is being shown, there are six (6) offensive players in pass protection (5 linemen and 1 RB).

How it plays out?  Spence is covering the split TE, which we will find out is a decoy and the TE is picked up by Shazier.  What Rodgers is viewing as a four-man rush, with a potential of five, will turn out to be a six man rush.  So you have a six-man rush against a six-man pass-pro.  We already know the play resulted in a sack safety credited to James Harrison, who did beat his man.  Watching the video, below, we learn why Harrison and three others ended up on top of Aaron Rodgers in his own endzone.

The result of the play is Deebo, Dupree, Spence and Tuitt all wind up on the quarterback and with the first two being credited for incredible play.  The unsung hero here who did not receive any credit, let alone, accolades for the play is Cam Heyward.  The video is stopped at what allowed this play to result in a sack.  It is a case of Cam Heyward's brute disruptiveness, with a little help from Stephon Tuitt, and a mere case of simple math.  Heyward is lined up as a 5-technique tackle, but his long and quick first step with low, angled shoulders allows him to shoot the A-gap before the center and guard can get to their first pass-pro step.  Heyward's first step requires a double-team from the center and guard, but his threat in the backfield early quickly requires attention from the other guard.  Tuitt stunts behind Heyward from 2-technique, which draws in the offensive tackle on the strong-side (opposite side of where Heyward was).  The weak-side guard working on Heyward tries to stop Tuitt on his stunt.  You now have the interior offensive linemen all working on one guy...Heyward.  The strong side tackle moves in to account for the gap created by the same side guard assisting on Heyward.

Let's do the math; one defender taking on three linemen.  There are five rushers remaining against three in pass protection.  Of the remaining three, one is out of position because Heyward is having his way with the interior linemen, one is taking on Deebo one-on-one (I think we know who wins), and the third is a running back taking on Sean Spence.  This leaves two rushers (Dupree and Tuitt) to go QB head-hunting.  While both ended up on the pile, Dupree did not make initial contact for the sack, staying home to spy Rodgers, respecting his mobility.  Spence effortlessly backed Eddie Lacy up into Aaron Rodgers, clogging up the throwing lanes.  Deebo mercilessly left the tackle out of his shoes, laying a spine-numbing hit on Rodgers to result in a sack safety.  The genius of it all (credit to Butler) is that Shazier could have rushed the QB and there still would have been adequate coverage down field.

Conclusion - If there is any question around the effectiveness using the preseason as a barometer, it is whether or not the Steelers can stuff the run on first downs.  With Heyward, McClendon, and Tuitt leading the charge, and if Timmons is back healthy enough to be who he is, and Shazier showing up around the ball like a dog playing fetch, I think the Steelers defense has what it takes to stuff the run.  If that can happen, I think you'll see Brady taking on a multitude of black and gold jerseys on many occasions, or throwing the ball away to avoid what Harrison is still capable of.  After tonight, however, Butler will need to stay in the lab concocting a mix of attacks and pressures to keep opposing offenses guessing.  The defense will show up in 2015.  There aren't any concerns of what the Steelers are capable of in that department.  Quite frankly, I am more concerned to see how we get out of these first four weeks without what I project will be our most threatening offensive weapon in 2015, Martavis Bryant.  And can D'Angelo Williams hold up taking the majority of the snaps four straight weeks in a row?  Nevertheless, I'm anxious to find out and excited for kickoff in a few hours.  Worried about our defense?  I am not!

Carolina Panthers at Steelers (2015 Preseason Game 4): Halftime Updates

As the 2015 NFL Preseason draws to a close and players state cases for themselves to make a 53-man roster across the league, the Steelers play host to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday evening.  Here are some closing game halftime notes for the Steelers, as they trail the Panthers 17-0.

• Defense continues the trend from Buffalo Bills preseason game 3 (fourth preseason game for the Steelers) of giving up big plays on the first series.  Must avoid starting slow and work on tackling at the point of contact.
• Allow me to repeat... POOR TACKLING by the Steelers defense.
• Secondary can't catch, from the starters on down the chart.  Another dropped would-be INT.
• So far, Josh Harris will not make it beyond the 75-man roster this year.
• Mitchell Van Dyke is a liability and will get somebody hurt in the NFL.
• Carolina did not throw the ball on their second offensive series for eight (8) straight plays.  The Steelers defense could not stop the run.  Carolina is more physical at the line of scrimmage.  The first pass was a screen play, which netted 16 yards.  Sean Spence missed a tackle in the back field.
• Vince Williams is the only Steelers defender who remembers how to tackle.
• Steelers just look ill-prepared, again, tonight.
• Dan Smith appears to have coached-up special teams, as the Steelers looked solid in the "teams game" as Coach Tomlin so eloquently phrases it.
• Dri Archer must stop calling fair-catches on punt returns when he has at least a 10-yard head start on the covering team.  He must feel a false sense of roster security.
• Is Dick Lebeau laughing, in his Titans coaches polo?

Summary:
You know, I was putting together an article on why fans should not worry about the Steelers defense after the Bills game.  The write-up pointed to three key facts.  The first point being that the defense will probably perform closer to what we saw in the Green Bay game.  The second point being that Cam Heyward will be the difference maker on defense, with help from Lawrence Timmons, assuming his return is somewhere on the horizon.  The final point is irrelevant, at this point.  After witnessing two straight weeks of flat performances, being out done physically, outmatched at the line of scrimmage, and quite frankly, outclassed all around, there is becoming a small sense of concern around this 2015 Steelers football team.

Someone will be quick to say, it's the preseason and it doesn't count.  That argument has some merit, as it is the preseason and the games do not contribute to team standings in regards to the playoffs.  However, the concern is not around the scoreboard.  The concern is around the coaching and team preparation.  It is indicated by poor, poor performances put on by those below the first line on the depth chart.  Look at it like this: we are playing second and third string players on the opponents' team.  The difference between execution of the opponents' lesser players and our own is night and day.  It is this observation that pushes me to raise the question: if our second and third string players are not competitive, and they are what makes up the Steelers scout teams which the first string players practice against, how well prepared are our first teamers if this is the competition facing them on practice days?

Another area of concern is, some of these players the Steelers have been putting on the field to compete for jobs this season are the Steelers back-up players.  Allow me to repeat -- they are the BACK-UP!  Aside from Ben and the offensive line, no player gets 100% snaps on game day.  Two, if one of the starters goes down (as the trend has been so far in 2015), these second and third teamers are the guys who are stepping in to play starters of the Patriots, the Seahawks, the Broncos, the Cardinals, the Chargers, etc.  Do I need to mention that it will be for official standings?

In closing, Mike Tomlin needs to shake things up.  Cut some of those players who think their roster spot is secure.  Show the rest of the team this is the big leagues.  And for goodness sakes, get Ian Wild on the line!  This guy at least shows up on game day with enthusiasm and a willingness to play tackle football.  Trust me, we are not going to miss a Mitchell Van Dyke.  Tomlin, this is on you coach!

Steelers Aim to Keep Brown Happy With Pay Raise

Prior to offseason team activities for the 2015 season, it was rumored that Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver Antonio Brown was planning to hold-out, seeking a new deal following a season in which Brown led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards.

Antonio Brown, the NFL's leading wide-out in 2014 - courtesy of footballperspective.com

In 2014, Antonio Brown established himself as one of the league's premier wide receivers after racking up 1,698 yards on 129 receptions, leading the NFL in both statistics.  He also tacked on 13 touchdowns as Brown became a leading weapon on a potent Steelers offense.

Heading into 2015, wide receivers have established themselves as top earners in the NFL, where historically quarterbacks, defensive tackles and edge rushers, and blind-side offensive tackles have been the top earners.  Wide receivers can now consider themselves in the upper echelon of contract earning potential.  With this trend, Brown has watched wide-outs such as Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant, and more recently, Julio Jones all receive huge paydays heading into the 2015 season, leaving him, now (following the Julio Jones contract) as the 15th highest paid wide receiver in the league (per www.overthecap.com), behind even Mike Wallace, the former Steelers wide-out who Brown has surpassed in terms of production.

With AB being the top receiver in 2014 in terms of receptions and total receiving yards, the threat and rumors lurking of a hold-out, while not popular with fans nor teammates, is certainly merited.  Take into account Brown being the league's premier receiver, yet was due more than $10 million less than the top earning wide receiver is scheduled to receive in 2015, and one can understand Brown's frustration.

Obviously, the Steelers not only sensed Brown's frustration but are seeking to keep the standout wide receiver content until after the 2015 season.  News broke this afternoon that the Steelers have restructured Brown's contract to give their number one offensive threat in the passing game a $2 million pay increase this year.  While this still doesn't put Brown even close to the $14 million due to Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas, it communicates to AB that the Steelers front office is interested in keeping the Pro Bowl talent happy.  The contract structure also communicates to Brown that the Steelers are interested in incentivizing his performance, but sticking to the rigid Steelers rule of not negotiating contracts during the offseason.

The restructuring comes as part of a three-player restructuring to clear up some cap room, with preseason winding down, and Steelers needing to address the contract of recently traded kicker Josh Scobee from the Jaguars who was due $3.4 million this year.  In the move, Kevin Colbert took $2 million of the salary due to Brown in 2016 and applied it as a 2015 signing bonus.  Brown's 2015 earnings increase from the $6 million salary he was due this year to $8 million.  The other two players included in contract restructurings were TE Heath Miller and K Shaun Suisham.

For more Steelers news, updates, and analysis, stay tuned to Steel My News...

Another Suspension Looming for Steelers Key Player



Pittsburgh Steelers second-year wide receiver Martavis Bryant is facing a four game suspension for violating the league's Policy on Substances of Abuse.



Steelers WR Martavis Bryant - Image courtesy of Getty Images

The deep threat wide receiver is expected to be an integral part of the Steelers high-powered offense in his sophomore campaign.  Bryant finished his rookie year in 2014 with 549 receiving yards and 8 TDs, with an additional TD in the playoff loss to Baltimore. Bryant is filing an appeal.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Steel My News. 

And We Are...The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers

By now, it is not news that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran QB Michael Vick to a one year, veterans minimum contract.  En lieu of the multiple surgeries to QB Bruce Gradkowsi during this offseason, the Steelers were in a position to fill a roster spot left by the loss due to injury of Gradkowski.

 

Steelers 2015 Training Camp in Latrobe, PA - image courtesy of SI.com

If you've checked your social media, took a trip to the water cooler, or turned on ESPN at any point today then you are aware that Vick turned out to be just that for the Steelers.  For some, this news is disturbing, while for others it is another weapon to throw in the potent Steelers arsenal of an offense.  For all, however, it has become a focus of heated discussions to support/defend their stance on Vick's controversial past.

Being new to the world of writing and choosing to do so about my dear Steelers, I gave a strong effort not to allow myself to participate in every debate invited to.  Well, I failed miserably.  I found myself leaving long, heated comments on articles and social media posts defending my position and perspective on the Michael Vick signing (stop here, for a minute.  There is really a trending topic occurring right now titled "the Michael Vick signing."  That says a lot!).  Some of my comments were so lengthy they could've been articles by themselves.  There were even comments I left that I found myself apologizing for to voices of opposition for not walking away and allowing the emotions to die down.  Needless to say, the disappointment in myself has been lingering.

You and I are going to share in the shame and disappointment, and here's why.  Do you know what is the most disappointing?  People have allowed their self-righteousness and how they feel about one player, and his past, to take away from the other 90 men who have busted their tails over the course of the offseason, and all of training camp, to get to where they are now.  Here are a few shining examples deserving of trending topics and national spotlight, but have been taken away from due to our self-centeredness:

• We've taken away from the compelling and success story that is Alex Villanueva.
• We've taken away from how, regardless of flawless execution, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro still criticize each other between plays in search of that edge to be better.
• We've taken away from the fact that Ben Roethlisberger has been nearly flawless, so far, in preseason games.
• We've taken away from Cam Heyward's stellar, but unheralded, performance so far this offseason.
• We've taken away from the outstanding transition Tyler Murphy has made to WR.
• We've taken away from the celebration-worthy awakening of first round draft pick Bud Dupree.
• We've taken away from the fact that D'Angelo Williams looks like he has found the fountain of youth.
• We've taken away from... who is this kid, Jawon Chisolm?
• We've taken away from Keith Butler making all levels of the depth chart on defense look like first team NFL stars.
• We've taken away from how Deebo, at 37 years of age, is putting on a clinic on where pure will, determination, and work ethic will take you.
• We've taken away from the return of Doug Legursky.  Welcome back, Doug!

There are some amazing storylines taking place with this awesome organization, all deserving of headlines and hashtags, alike. Instead, we've ignored the team and given way to narrow-minded, self-glorifying, self-righteous "Stans" who are merely happy just to have something to be angry with.  Get over yourself.  This is about the team.  It is also about the tragedy-turned-success story that is Michael Vick, and how the Rooneys have finally been moved enough by his turnaround and conduct that they felt he would fit in with what is currently shaping out to be the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers. 

You don't like what he DID?  That's fine.  Me neither.  But I do like what he is doing and what he has become.  And now, I see Vick as another puzzle piece plugged firmly into what the 2015 NFL campaign is turning out to be for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Super Bowl 50 win or not even breaking .500 in the wins column aside, I love the individual journeys that are taking place which come together to make a beautiful collective effort.  I enjoy watching them push each other to heights that, individually, a player might not have had the drive to achieve.

Did I inject a small part of my thoughts and feelings on the debate into this article?  Well, yes.  I'm sure that will be pointed out and picked apart.  That is fine, too.  My hope is that the bigger picture can be extrapolated, here, and that is to look at the story of the 90 players that Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, and the Rooneys have pulled together all working toward a common goal.  Let's not miss out on the beauty of the artwork because some do not approve of one out of the many colors on the palette, heated discussion ensues because others support the use of the color, and focus on the painting becomes lost by the distraction.  Subsequently, the strokes being used, the many brushes used to produce them, the vision of the painter, and the entire painting on a whole is missed out on because the audience couldn't see beyond their own perspective, their own opinions on the materials being used to paint the picture.  In the meantime, the rest of the art world recognizes that the painting has the potential to be a classic...the best of its era.

This journey is not over.  The team is not lost.  The hard road travelled has just begun.  Individually, we fall, we struggle, we've made mistakes, we've overcome, we climbed, we've seen success.  As a unit, we will write the book of who we are.  And we are...The 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Michael Vick Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers

Image courtesy of NFL.com

As of 7:30 PM, free agent veteran quarterback Michael Vick has been signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Check out details here.

Michael Vick Visit Hype Made You Miss This...

Doug Legursky filling in for Pouncey in SB XLV - image courtesy of wpxi.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered some significant losses on the roster due to injury after Sunday's exhibition against Green Bay.  An injury to backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, and his subsequent surgery on a dislocated finger, has the Steelers searching for answers to fill the hole left by Gradkowski.  Part of that search involves bringing in veteran QB Michael Vick for a visit on Tuesday.

News of the Vick visit has stirred up quite the conversation on social media early on Tuesday, as there is both a showing of support and disdain for the possibility of the QB with a muddy past being signed to the Steelers roster.  This news, while worthy of debate from both sides for sure, has overshadowed a key move made by Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning.  Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey went down in Sunday's game, as well, and is expected to miss at least half of the regular season.  Feeling as though the options available at center on the current roster are not up to the standard, the Steelers signed free agent C Doug Legursky this morning.

If you remember, Legursky was the Steelers backup center from 2009 to 2012, filling in for Pouncey in Super Bowl XLV after the starting center went down with an injury in the 2010 AFC Championship game.
 

The signing of Legursky should put Steelers coaches and fans, alike, at ease as the free agent center was a solid backup when called upon. While he is no Pouncey, he certainly meets the standard for getting the job done. 

See the news on the Steelers site, here. 

Leave your thoughts, below. 

Maurkice Pouncey Already Underwent Surgery... Recovering

Steelers Pro Bowl center had surgery Monday 8/24 - courtesy of pghcitypaper.com

Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers perennial Pro Bowl center, suffered a severe injury which caused him to leave the game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.  The game was riddled with injuries for both teams, yesterday afternoon, with players being forced to be out anywhere from a few weeks to an entire season -- which is was the case for the Packers wide receiver extraordinaire, Jordy Nelson.  Nelson suffered a torn ACL in Sunday afternoon's contest with the Steelers, which is a huge upset to his quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Pouncey broke a bone in his ankle during Sunday's game, which will also be a huge disappointment for his quarterback, and to his entire offense, for sure.  If Ben is the field general, Pouncey is certainly the captain in the trenches with his troops, leading them into combat week after week.  He is a vocal leader on this offense, and one who was leading the charge in returning the Steelers back to the physical brand of football so steeply desired by the Rooneys and Coach Tomlin.

If there is anything positive to take away from an injury to the cornerstone of your offense, it is learning that Pouncey is not expected to be out for the entire season.  It has been speculated that Pouncey is a perfect candidate for IR/Expected to Return list.  With the surgery being completed this afternoon, it is promising to know that the Steelers medical staff is categorizing this matter as urgent in nature, to return Pouncey to form, hopefully in time for a playoff run.

Read more about the surgery and Pouncey's status here.

Don't forget to leave your thoughts, below...

Steelers Will Have New Leaders in 2015

Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With the Periscope™ broadcast now expired, a follow-up to support the "Bold Steelers Predictions for 2015" entry is due.  The other night, I installed the twitter creation and found it to be a great tool to discuss Steelers topics with fellow fans, writers, and sports enthusiasts.  During the first broadcast, topics such as who to watch out for in the preseason home game against Green Bay, thoughts on Mike Tomlin and the job he's done thus far, and interesting undrafted rookies who have made a name for themselves, were discussed with inquisitive followers chiming in.

In addition to the topics listed above, I made a bold prediction that I am sticking by, whether it manifest itself or not.  Come the end of the 2015 season, I will own up to the gamble, accepting stark criticism if I'm wrong or welcoming lofty praise if it turns out my prediction was accurate.  I'm not one to turn away from any statements I've made, or tries to explain my way out of them.  For instance, go back far enough on my twitter timeline and you will see that prior to the 2014 training camp I went out on a limb to predict Sean Spence will snatch the gift of a starting inside linebacker job from rookie Ryan Shazier.  Now, whether or not that prediction can be considered bold is up for debate, seeing as though Shazier was a rookie for the 2014 season, albeit a first round pick.  It was still enough of a risk to stand as a risky statement given that Sean Spence had yet to see any time on the playing field in regular season prior to the 2014 preseason.  Remember?  Spence had suffered injuries in his rookie and sophomore campaigns that were severe enough to threaten his career.  Many thought his future as an NFL football player was history.  Coach Tomlin, however, had not given up on the prospect out of Miami.  Then linebackers coach Keith Butler was not so optimistic, stating that he didn't think the speedy draftee would ever play again.

Enough for the look back into past predictions.  Are you ready for my bold prediction for the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers season?  Here goes:

Wide receiver Martavis Bryant (Tay) will end the season with more receiving yards than stud wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Mark it down where you heard it, first.  I would include that he will finish with more touchdowns in addition to receiving yards, but somehow I think that will be expected given the deep threat that Bryant presents.  The possibility of Tay coming down with more yards than Tone is 100% dependent upon injuries to either player.  Any significant injuries to Brown and I will void my prediction as there is no risk, there.  Any significant injury to Tay leads to the obvious.

With the prediction being out there, now, with no retraction possible, let's clarify a few things.  Does this indicate that I believe Martavis will be the better receiver out of the two?  That is an absolutely not!  What I do believe is that Tone will pose so much of a threat, whether it be intermediate, across the middle, or beating coverage deep, it will attract a great amount of attention from opposing defensive coordinators that it will make Bryant feel as though he is facing Pop Warner secondaries.  Bryant and Wheaton will both partake of the buffet, this year, while Brown will have to work a little harder for his contributions to the offense -- which will be significant, however.

Allow me to follow that up with another bold prophecy for the other side of the ball:

At only 20 to 25 snaps per game, James Harrison will lead the Steelers defense in sacks in 2015.

Again, this is barring a healthy Deebo who is able to contribute for more than 75% of the season.  Yes!  I'm saying that even if Harrison misses a quarter of the season that he will still lead this group of youngsters in getting to the quarterback.  The only other defender I see threatening the fruition of this prediction is Cam Heyward, who tied with Jason Worilds to lead the team with 7.5 sacks in 2014.  Without OTAs and a training camp under his belt, Harrison was next in line with 5.5 sacks.  Arthur Moats was the only other player to come close to Deebo, specifically out of the OLBs room, closing the season with 4.0 sacks.

While Moats appears to be playing with some tenacity and toughness this preseason, I don't think he has the repertoire of moves that Harrison sports.  Deebo's dip under the outside hip of the tackle is about the most dangerous I've seen since the Greene/Lloyd duo.  Have I even mentioned his strength?  All I have to say is, opposing teams better put a seasoned veteran at the left tackle position.  Deebo throws around 300lb rookies like rag dolls with his bullrush.  Unless Shamarko becomes a sack specialist this season from the safety position (which we witnessed a glimpse of against Green Bay), there just isn't anyone, including Jarvis Jones and Moats, who will threaten Harrison's impact in the pass rush.

What are your bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers 2015 campaign?  Yes, we all know we will be representing the AFC in Super Bowl L.  Share your performance predictions in the comments.

Injury to Tuitt Could Call For Reemergence of 'Da Beard'

Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers 24 to 19 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Sunday afternoon's 2015 NFL Preseason Week 2 outing has played second fiddle to said contest's injury report full of starters and key players.  Unfortunate and untimely injuries to two pro bowlers have filled the headlines and sports channel tickers since yesterday's game.  One player who is key to the Steelers' revamped and rejuvenated defense who also suffered an injury yesterday has been overshadowed by the injuries to Jordy Nelson and Maurkice Pouncey.  However, the ankle injury incurred by Stephon Tuitt could prove just as costly and just as significant.

Prior to the early injury, Tuitt's disruptive play on the field played a major factor in the Steelers getting pressure on Green Bay QBs, including a sack/safety of one Aaron Rodgers.  Tuitt, alongside Cameran Heyward, got a major push on the pass protection, causing a collapse of the pocket, and forced his blocker into the pocket enough to get a hand in on Rodgers who was brought down by James Harrison, Sean Spence, and Bud Dupree.  He was also seen stuffing the gaps and getting his hands on Eddie Lacy early in the series. 

Considering the key contributor Stephon has become to this Steelers defense, looking outside the current stable of DTs might be necessary.  Could this call for the reemergence of #99, who has retired in the offseason?   Keisel's locker has been cleaned out, for sure, during this go round of offseason activities and training camp, but I did notice that #99 has not been assigned to any of the 90 players on the current roster, thus far. 

Knowing the organization is seeking to get younger at every position on the defensive side of the ball might answer this inquiry as a strong nay.  However, taking into account that Da Beard was still disruptive in his 2014 campaign might spawn a phone call from Mr. Colbert's office to see what the avid hunter and fisher off the field is up to.  Looking at his film from one year ago, and being a fan of the player, it wouldn't be such a bad idea.  The DT/DE position is looking pretty thin for however long Tuitt may be out nursing his injury.  So, why should the Steelers consider bringing back the burly vet?  Well, why not?

UPDATE:
Here is an article which may make a strong case for the Steelers moving in another direction, or putting their trust in a young guy like L.T. Walton.  To my understanding, a torn triceps injury requires a significant amount of time to heal.  Couple that with Keisel's age, and whether he has had access to the Steelers medical staff or not, and the chances of him returning to don the 99 decrease rapidly.  You can't blame a fan for dreaming, however!

Share your thoughts, below!

Green Bay at Steelers (2015 Preseason Game 2): Halftime Updates

Here are some observations, as of halftime, for the second 2015 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers:

The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers for the second game of the 2015 NFL Preseason

First Team Defense

First team defense got off to a slow start, as Aaron Rodgers and company marched down the field for an easy TD.  Eddie Lacy walked into the end zone untouched.  Then, the same defense gave up a walk-in 2-point conversion.  The kinks need to be ironed out in our defense soon, especially against the run.  The four-man front (4-3) allowed holes big enough to allow a jumbo jet to take off in.

Shamarko Thomas

Shark has poor first step… Has since made up for it.  He's had a nice game, including a sack.  Despite big plays up around the line of scrimmage, he appears to lack the desire to get deep in coverage, and is often playing catch-up (no play on the "Big Heinz Bottle" here).

Dri Archer

Nice return from Dri.  Needs to work on balance.  He also tried to do too much on the kick-off return following the sack/safety.

James Harrison a.k.a. Deebo

Another preseason sack by Deebo with a little help from the first-rounder Bud Dupree and miracle boy Sean Spence for sack/safety of Aaron Rodgers.

Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones bull rushed, shed the block, then beat the tackle inside for a sack… still looked slow, lethargic, and out of place.  It was almost as if he was scared to hit the quarterback.  It could be training camp-itis, however, as hitting the QB in camp is an ultimate no-no.  There appeared to be a hesitation, there, before realizing the quarterback was not wearing a defensive-colored jersey.  This, despite the news that JJ was responsible for Big Ben missing a few plays in practice earlier in the week due to getting a hand in the big quarterback's face.

Markus Wheaton

Markus Wheaton looks poised and focused.  Third drive by Steelers results in TD to Wheaton.  He is making catches that are no gimmes.  Ben gave us a heads-up about number 11, however, a few weeks ago in camp.  So far, Ben is spot on.

Bud Dupree

While Bud Dupree is getting more pressure on the passer, he is still losing serious contain on runs to his side.  He also got man-handled on a Green Bay two-point conversion, being pushed by a backup offensive linemen deep into the endzone.

Antwon Blake

Antwon Blake got picked apart in the first half.
 

Injuries

Pouncey with left ankle injury of some sort.  Stephon Tuitt carted off, as well.  It looks like Bruce Gradkowski has a finger injury of some type, which means we will get an overdose of Landry Jones.

 

Bold Steelers Prediction for 2015

Check it out!  I'm new to the Periscope app, but I think I can see using it a lot to discuss matters pertaining to the Steelers.

So, earlier tonight I made my first broadcast about the 2015 Steelers.  During the broadcast I made a pretty bold prediction for the 2015 season.  You won't believe the prediction!  Tired of reading and want to know what that bold prediction is?  Check it out, here:

https://www.periscope.tv/w/aKlPJTEyMzA1MTU5fDY3ODIwNDE4w6ri4XuD-lWV1cb_24g2NZs5bKSXszPGrCZ235q8Jk4=

UPDATE: Click here for the follow-up to this article due to the broadcast being expired!!!
 

Check back for pre-game analysis and halftime updates/player assessments for the 2015 preseason home opener vs. the Green Bay Packers.  Game should be exciting as Aaron Rodgers and company comes to town!

Steelers at Jaguars (2015 Preseason Game 1): Halftime Updates

Ben Roethlisberger warming up for a game. -- Courtesy
of Getty Images.

At the half, the Jaguars lead the Steelers 17-8, with Blake Bortles picking apart the mix-and-match Steelers defense.  Jacksonville has been the more physical team, thus far.

Good news: the Steelers come out of the half injury-free, as the meat and potatoes of the 1st team offense were removed after one series resulting in a Steelers touchdown and 2-point conversion.  Big Ben put together an 80-yard drive in 3:14 with a TD coming on the 6th play of the drive.  Tomlin opted to immediately line up for a two-point conversion.  The play was busted, but vintage Ben avoided pressure to find a barely open Markus Wheaton in the end zone to cap the drive with an additional two.

Needless to say, the first team offense looks potent.  The offensive line had their way with the Jacksonville front, while Le'Veon Bell ran around the field doing what he pleases, netting 9 yards per carry.  He also had one reception converting a second down and four on a screen pass outside.  Antonio Brown caught the first pass on the first play of the game, and appears to be speedier than ever, but may have been trying to do too much.  Without forward progress, his reception would have netted two yards.

With the first team offense looking silky-smooth, the first team defense looked fast and physical, opening their series with a three-and-out.  Shazier chased down an opening run after a gain of 8 yards.  William Gay followed that up with two nice plays himself, the first a tackle in the backfield, and the next a pass-defensed.

News worth reporting: The Steelers mix-and-match defense (defense consisting of some first teams players, some twos, and some threes) was not much to be desired.  Thirty-seven year-old James Harrison was the only bright spot on the defense after the first three-and-out, getting to Bortles for a Steelers sack during the second defensive series.  Mind you, Harrison's first practice in pads of the season was Tuesday of this week -- three days ago!  Harrison's sack after only two physical practices is great news for him.  However, it is very concerning news for the guy listed in front of him on the depth chart.  Jarvis Jones is having a poor showing, thus far, in his first preseason game activity for the 2015 season.  After sitting out of the 2015 Hall of Fame game six days prior with an injury, Jones return to the field in game uniform was not impressive.  The tackle was having his way with Jones, as he appears to be trying to bullrush (maybe) in a very upright position.  My next concern is whether or not he has any pass-rush moves, at all.  He also appears slow and his lack of pressure allowed for multiple deep target completions by Bortles.

Jones has been the focus of a lot of heat coming down on the Steelers coach and GM for their first round picks the past few seasons.  I have possibly been Jones biggest supporter as he has shown signs of being a playmaker in his first two seasons, during preseason and regular season play.  Early observations point to Jones being a speedy outside guy who has a knack for making plays around the ball.  After two years of NFL play under his belt, albeit most of that time riddled with injuries, one would think the game has slowed down for Jones, allowing him to be Polamalu-esk in running around the field making plays around the ball.  Now, this is just preseason game one, he has plenty time to display that his offseason strength training with one Deebo will reap benefits.  Right now, however, I'm concerned that the second-coming of James Harrison is playing faster, stronger, and more athletic than Jones.  We'll keep an eye on that!

There are a few other areas of concern to keep an eye on, but I'll wait until the postgame write-up to examine.  The first is the lack of improvement by Landry Jones.  I was expecting a better showing this time around from the young QB.  The second is the number of mistakes made by the secondary, who have been personally coached with hands-on instruction by Coach Tomlin, himself.  This is not the first time there has been a red flag raised for a possible lack of preparation by players Tomlin is responsible for.  With the offense potentially about to change the game, a championship run cannot be derailed by poorly prepared position groups... or the team during weaker opponents week... during the season.

Please share your thoughts.  What did you guys see in the 1st half?