SB Nation User Blog: NYSteelersFan4

How good is LaMarr Woodley?

NYSteelersFan4 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:43:03 -0000

A question Steeler fans will say they know the answer to (He's a BEAST!), but more importantly, a question the Steelers' front office will have to ask eachother, if not this offseason then next. Consensus opinion has LaMarr getting paid big time money at some point in the near future, but what exactly is he being paid for?

Well, let's start with some numbers. Here is a link to LaMarr Woodley's stats page, and to save a little time here are the big numbers:

In 15 career regular season starts, The Wood has piled up 55 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He's recovered 4 fumbles, one of which he took to the house (against the Ravens week 4). Not too shabby.

I remember week one last season, Woodley's first as a starter, when the cameraman panned along the sideline before the game in warmups. The anticipation of the regular season's kick off was peeking, it was so close. When the cameraman hit Woodley I remember turning to one of my good friends and saying "If he can be our Shawne Merriman, we'll win the whole thing." Well, at the time it was more a reference to his size and position, but at the end of the day I looked almost prophetic, as his numbers in his first season as a starter were actually better than Merriman in his first season, 2005. And after just that first start against Houston, he was named Defensive Player of the Week (six tackles [four solo], one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery), an award he would win again in week seven against the Bengals. LaMarr Woodley was on his way.

He would remain a force in every game he played last year, missing only one (vs. Indianapolis 11/9), and in arguably his worst game last season (San Diego) he still had four tackles, one pass deflection, and two hurries, but no sacks. Something he would make up for in a rematch, in the Divisional Playoff round, where he had six tackles, two sacks (including his and my favorite sack last year on Philip Rivers) and two more hurries.

And what a playoff career he has had. In just two seasons in the NFL a lot of players would just be happy making the playoffs, Woodley wouldn't be happy making the playoffs, he wanted to make a name for himself in the process. His first shot at extensive playing time was two years ago, in the playoffs against Jacksonville. He recorded two sacks. In his second, against San Diego, he had two sacks. Inhis third postseason start ever, against Baltimore, he had two sacks (and in doing so became the only player in NFL history to record two sacks in three consecutive playoof games). Then in the Superbowl against Arizona recorded two more sacks, giving him eight sacks in just four playoff games, including the game sealing sack of Kurt Warner in the last minute of the game. He certainly knows how to play in big games, to say the least.

There is only one drawback to this much success, and that is the fact that another player on his own team, at his own position none the less, has even more. That player is odviously James Harrison (15 games, 16 sacks, 1 interception, 7 forced fumbles, 5 recovered fumbles 1 TD, one saftey, one Defensive Player of the Year Award to boot).

The big question in the front office's meetings will most likely not be how much money, but just how much of Woodley's dominence can be attributed to single teams and a lack of direct attention as a result of Harrison's brilliance. It is a question that was asked very similarly in Miami a few years back when Adewale Ogunleye's contract came up after several good seasons, including one 15 sack year. Adewale's main drawback was that he too was playing alongside a dominent pass rusher in Jason Taylor. What it came down to was Miami wasn't willing to pay Ogunleye Jason Taylor type numbers and let him walk. Chicago signed him to a lucrative multi year deal, to which in Chacigo's opinion he has not quite lived up to. Despite a few pretty good years in the windy city, he has been on the trade block multiple times in an effort to get out of a big money deal.

With Harrison already signing a big money deal this offseason, and other fairly substantial deals being handed out by the Rooney's and their staff, could LaMarr be looking for too much in return? Is his performence thus far due in part to Harrison's utter dominence on the other side? How much of what he's done can be attributed to 92, and is Woodley willing to acknowledge any of it is? It is also important to note, that even though what Woodley has done so far is very impressive, he has done it in just one season as a starter. That is not necessarily the kind of track record you would look for in a big money deal. These are the questions that will be most difficult to answer for everyone involved. I personally hope we see Woodley in Black and Gold for many years to come, for now I will have to wait and see.

Hard to hide Logan now...

NYSteelersFan4 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:04:54 -0000

Hard to hide Logan now...

After this article came out on ESPN.com today. This is the sort of publicity that will force us to put him on the roster, if his play hasn't done that already. We may have a good one here.

Ugly Story, Reasonable Explanation

NYSteelersFan4 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:46:48 -0000

Ugly Story, Reasonable Explanation

ESPN's new ombudsmen responds to claims that his network covered Ben Roethlisberger's civil suit unfairly. The main complaint with the coverage has been the lack there of, and how in many cases much more attention was paid to other athletes when they were in similar uneviable positions. You'll have to scroll down a bit to get to the correct section.

Big Ben vs. Shaq?

NYSteelersFan4 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:53:45 -0000

Big Ben vs. Shaq?

Looks like Ben will take on Shaq in a QB du-elle (as Brian Urlacher would of put it in his D&D days) in the first episode of Shaq's new show, "Shaq vs.". Interesting idea, we'll see how it does. Odds on Shaq actually winning this one?

The Baltimore Ravens

NYSteelersFan4 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:02:59 -0000

I thought, with the off season lull in full effect, we could take this time to take a look at the pre-camp, pre-season rosters of our divisional opponents, and try to get some sort of a realistic look at what we can expect from our division, the AFC North. Starting with last years best opponent, and in some circles, this years biggest divisional competition, The Baltimore Ravens.

Last year was a great year for a team some thought would be a few years away from regaining their stride, with a new head coach in place, a shiny new QB of the future, and a few other coaching moves (notably Cam Cameron in as OC). But, as we've all learned, you never really know what to expect in today's NFL. Off of a disappointing 5-11 season, the Ravens rebounded nicely to a more than respectable 11-5. Ups and downs are nothing new to this franchise, who over the last eight seasons have see-sawed above, below or right near the .500 mark pretty regularly.

Offensively it all starts with the QB situation. A franchise who historically has not had the QB play to keep the good streaks going, may have found just such a guy in Joe Flacco. He is a laid back, quiet guy, who directly contrasts with the face of the franchise, Ray Lewis, at least in terms of personality. Since last year they've moved on (finally) from the Kyle Boller mistake, at the same time bringing in Jordan Beck (Cam Cameron's project QB) and welcoming back Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, quite possibly to a revised role in their offense. The second year tends to be a rough one on young signal callers, so we'll all see how Joe Flacco deals with the diversity of having a full season of game tapes on him for defensive coordinators to watch, and re-watch. My opinion on Flacco is that he has all the physical tools to succeed. He throws one of the best, most accurate and catchable deep balls of any QB in the league. He shows the want to learn, but the learning process has just begun for him.

With a deep and talented backfield to support the young gun, they should have enough skill to ease the pressure. Willis McGahee (and his knee- warning video is disturbing) , Ray Rice, and Le'Ron McClain are a three headed beast that can run around, through, and past a lot of defenders in this league. But with Le'Ron being moved to more of an exclusive FB role, and McGahee's health always seeming to be up in the air, some of the younger guys may be looked at more seriously than we all thought they would. Jalen Parmele (2nd year out of Toledo) and Cedric Peermen, who I like a lot, could see some time.

Where the offense may struggle is in the ball catcher department. Derrick Mason is getting a bit long in the tooth, but is still the premier wide out on this team, catching 80 passes last year for just over 1,000 yards and 5 TD's. Mark Clayton has put up decent numbers in his career, but has yet to fully reach the potential that was seen coming out of Oklahoma as a first round (22nd overall) pick. The same can be said for Demetrius Williams and Yamon Figurs, though Williams was not drafted as high, and Figurs was drafted as a return specialist by most accounts. At tight end, Todd Heap's production has slipped as of late, due to injuries, age and most likely some play calling. His yards per catch have stayed in the same ballpark, it's just the amount of catches that has dwindled. To assist Heap, the Ravens have brought in former Eagle, LJ Smith. He failed to be a big part of a fairly successful offense in Philly for the last few years, but you never know how he'll fit in in Baltimore. He certainly has the ability, the production just seems to not be on par with his perceived talent. The Ravens also brought in former Bengal/ Patriot Kelley Washington, as well as having several young WR's on the roster with the hopes of one or two taking a big step forward this year.

The offensive line will be similar, but fairly new in its parts. Matt Birk replaces Jason Brown, who moved on to St. Louis with a big contract to show for his work in Baltimore. Rookie Michael Oher (the teams first round pick) is most likely pencilled in at RT, replacing Adam Terry and Willie Anderson. Giant tackle Jared Gaither is still in place at LT, and Ben Grubbs and Chris Chester are seemingly pegged as starting guards.

Defensively this team is still a fomidable group. Led by 14 year pro Ray Lewis, you know the linebacking core will come to play. Terrell Suggs, Jarrett Johnson, Ray Ray and who ever they find to replace Bart Scott, whether it be Prescott Burgess, one of their plethera of rookie LB's or my pick Jameel McClain, will certainly be up to the task at hand. The D-Line will be stout as usual with Mr. Ngata up front along with fellow linemen Kelly Gregg, Justin Bannan and Trevor Price. In the secondary Ed Reed will most likely be his usual self. Gone are Chris McAllister and Jim Leonhard, but in their place will be new-be's Dominique Foxworth and rookie Lardarius Webb who I think will be a good one. Dawan Landry steps back in as a starter, but Tom Zbikowski should push him for playing time. We all know these guys, no real surprises here. We know what they've got, and you bet we'll be ready for it.

In the third phase of the game, special teams, the Ravens will have a new face in the crowd. Graham Gano, a rookie out of Florida State, most notably known as the punter who stopped (stopped them, didn't have them downed... stopped) two punts on the inch line last year, will be trying to replace Matt Stover, the only kicker the franchise has ever known, going back to the move from Cleveland. Giving Gano a veteran push will be Steve Hauschka (spell and say that a few times, I dare you) a second year kicker from NC State. Gano is a special teams stud, or at least was one in college. As a punter, aside from his known exploits, he averaged 42 yards per attempt, and as a kicker has more than enough boot for the job. He had a 67 yard field goal negated by penaly, and has made (and kept) kicks from 64 and 65 yards respectfully. With Matt Stover's range declining towards the end of his time in Baltimore, that kind of field goal range is game changing, and I'm sure welcomed by all in purple and black.

Rookies:

Michael Oher- Tackle- Round 1 (23rd overall)- Projected starter at RT 6'4" 309lbs. Ole Miss

Paul Kruger- Defensive End/ OLB- Round 2 (57th overall)- 6'4" 263lbs. Utah Good first step, solid passrusher

Lardarius Webb- Cornerback- Round 3 (88th overall) 5'10" 179lbs. Nicholls State

Jason Phillips- MLB- Round 5 (137th overall) 6'1" 240lbs. TCU

Davon Drew- Tightend- Round 5 (149th overall) 6'4" 256lbs. East Carolina

Cedric Peerman- Halfback- Round 6 (185th overall) 5'9" 216lbs. Virginia

I figured a take a step back look at our toughest divisional opponent would bring some chatter, and give us all a break of the "he says this plyer is better than this one" talk we've had to go by the last few weeks. I tried to be fair, borderline optomistic for the Ravens, first to make it seem we don't dislike all of them, and second to make it seem like they may have a shot to beat us this year. Maybe make it a fun debate... Though I'm sure a certain someone's eyebrow (note I didn't say eyebrow's) will be metioned at least once.

Poll

Where will the Ravens end up in our division next year?

Winners

5 votes

Second, making the playoffs

68 votes

Second, missing the playoffs

39 votes

Third

13 votes

The Basement- Flacc-who?

3 votes

128 votes | Poll has closed

Projected Madden Ratings Anyone?

NYSteelersFan4 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:14:21 -0000

Projected Madden Ratings Anyone?

So this is what the expected player rankings will be this year. Remember, the player ranking system has been overhauled this year, so don't be surprised by some ower than expected numbers for our favorite guys. Thoughts?

Veteran RT newly on the Market

NYSteelersFan4 — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:43:08 -0000

Veteran RT newly on the Market

The story is unconfirmed, but I hear it has now happened. RT Jon Jansen has been released by the Redskins. An all pro in his prime, injuries have hampered his play in the last few years. Anybody interested? I for one, am not, but what do you think?

This Just In: Tom Brady is dreamy

NYSteelersFan4 — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:18:40 -0000

This Just In: Tom Brady is dreamy

And stretching! He's practicing! The world slows to an almost stop as he takes his helmet off and we can SEE him! God I'm sick of this already. Just wanted to point out how ridiculous this is. We get it he's back, woo hoo. Get over yourself ESPN. And it gives us the oppurtunity to bash him in one consolidated place. Anyone else want in?

Brazil

NYSteelersFan4 — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:56:11 -0000

Brazil

I know we have a small (but growing) and loyal fanbase for BTSC in Brazil. I just wanted to take a minute away from football to say that we are thinking about you down there, and hope that all of you and your's are all doing well in the wake of the flooding that has effected your home land. I know I love the international support for our favorite team, and we are all hopeful you're all safe and that you're back here pulling for the team we all cheer for.

The Fine Line Between "Character Issues" and Youthful Indiscretions

NYSteelersFan4 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:09:25 -0000

I've read a lot of mock drafts in the last few weeks, and one thing continuously stands out to me as I read all of them. The term character issues is used so much now I think all of us are beginning to grow used to seeing it on a lot of player profiles. I think it's time to take a good look at the facts of the case before we jump on a guy for being a low character individual when in reality some of these cases are really not much more than mistakes made by young men, most age 18 to 21, at a time when for most is thought of as a time to "sew ones wild oats".

I'm 22 years old, I did not go to college, instead took the other route and worked right out of high school. But I've spent my share of time on college campuses, big and small, in the last few years. The things that are being thought of as real character concerns are becoming common place in academic institutions, at least from what I've seen, right or wrong.

Don't get me wrong, crimes are crimes for a reason, and the law should be followed to the best of everyone's abilities. I come from a family of a few police officers, I have friends that work in law enforcement throughout the state of New York, and admire the work they do in keeping us safe.

That being said, I'm 100% sure that quite a few of us when we were in the same place made regretable decisions, odviously some more than others.

I guess the point of my whole post is to point out that not every guy who has had a run in with the law is a character issue type person. Although I'm aware of the trend so many have taken I think it's important to point out that one run in with Johnny Law does not make the man. It's the repeated mistakes and the inability to learn from them and not to make them again that does. Just because someone got caught with a little bud, or drinking a few beers when they shouldn't of, or had a traffic incident (within reason of course) does not mean that this person is automatically going to do it again.

While there are several examples of players just being low life individuals its crucial that we recognize that not all of those who fault are doomed. It is the job of the Kevin Colbert's of the world to understand the problem, and figure out the chances of this person making it again. Just because a player has made one mistake does not mean they are completely hopeless. If we avoided all players with past legal issues we would not have our Defensive Player of the Year, who himself made a SERIOUS mistake in bringing a fake gun to school his senior year of high school.

One legal problem does not warrant the "character issues" label, when in reality for all we know any of these problems could be one time only problems, or youthful indiscretions.

I'm not saying turn your team into recidivists, like one divisional opponent I can think of, but don't totally discount a player for one mistake made at a time in a persons life where mistakes are most commonly overlooked... college.

With all that said, a person who has made mistakes in the past should odviously be given a shorter leash than those who do not. And the ones who make no attempt to correct past mistakes should be looked at in the light they are, as low life, go nowhere idiots, who couldn't man up and get themselves out of a bad situation when the world was presented to them on a silver platter, and given the punishment, by league or court, they fully deserve.

*This post does not condone the use of illegal drugs, breaking the law in any way, or any other improper inferences that you may of thought of. Drink your milk, eat your vegetables and vitamins and stay in school. *