SB Nation User Blog: datruth4life

Vying For A Seat On The Bus, Six Players That Will Surprise At Latrobe This Year

datruth4life — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:58:28 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Now that the rings have been put away and old stories from this past year have been re-told and put on the backburner, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin now officially has his team where he wants it -- with all eyes forward on training camp and the 2009 season. Each year at Latrobe, there are at least 2 or 3 unsuspecting players who were afterthoughts when signed in the offseason but end up beating the odds to make the team and contribute.

We all know the Willie Parker and James Harrison stories, but other players who impressed this past year at training camp and contributed to the team's Super Bowl run included rookie free agent LBs Patrick Bailey & Donovan Woods, C/G Darnell Stapleton and RB Gary Russell (who has since been released). Two other players who impressed in last year's camp that didn't make the team but did make the practice squad were S Ryan Mundy and CB/S Roy Lewis. The saving grace for Kevin Colbert during his tenure as the Steelers' Director of Football Operations is that he has usually hit homeruns with his first round picks in the draft and that the Steelers scouting department has helped make up for his less than stellar second-day draft picks through rookie and street free agent signings.

Here are six players that people aren't talking about right now but I think they very well could be by the end of Training Camp:

6. Jordan Reffett, DE, 6'5, 295 -- The Steelers signed Reffett as a rookie free agent after the 2008 draft but released him before the final cut this past year. He was signed to the practice squad for a few weeks during the season but was later released. He was resigned to the squad in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: Reffett has the size the Steelers like in their 3-4 ends, is athletic and comes with a good motor. He flashed during a couple of preseason games, but didn't show enough ultimately to beat out Travis Kirschke or Nick Eason as a backup. With this being his second lap around the track, sort to speak, Reffett should better know what is expected of him in LeBeau's D as well as what he needs to show to make this team. In other words, he should be able to not think too much and just go out and play.

What's working against him: To make this squad, Reffett will have to beat out Nick Eason and 6^th round pick R. Harris, and that would only happen if the Steelers keep 7 DL (which I believe that they will). There has been a lot of talk about Big Snack and B. Keisel being in the last year of their deals, but so are Eason and Kirschke. If you are the Steelers, do you begin to prepare for the future by putting Ziggy Hood and Reffett in the rotation now?

Outcome: Reffett has his work cut out him, but he only has to show more than Nick Eason to stick. I also believe that he would be a little more ready to play this year than R. Harris, who I believe will be put on the practice squad.

*****

5. Martin Nance, WR, 6'3'', 215 lbs -- Nance is most known for being Big Ben's big play man at Miami of Ohio during Ben's junior year. After being injured most of his junior year, Nance came back as a senior to put up good numbers but went undrafted and signed as a rookie free agent with the Buffalo Bills in 2006. After being cut in August of that year, he was picked up by the Vikings. He had 4 receptions for 33 yards during his rookie season and was released at the end of training camp by the Vikings in 2008. He was signed to the Steelers practice squad in September 2008 and stayed there the rest of the year. He was signed to the regular squad in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers have an open competition for its 3, 4, & 5 WR spots and those spots won't be settled until after training camp and the preseason. Nance is a big WR that has good hands, can run the route tree and sneaky speed deep. He can also highpoint the ball, meaning he can go up and get it when in traffic. If he can show that he can play in the slot, get deep on occasion, and play special teams like a young Hines Ward, he has a chance. Also, Bruce Arians has been high on Nance since last season.

What's working against him: Nance will have to either beat out Sweed or McDonald to make this team and be active on game days. I believe that Mike Wallace will be active on game days because he is the team's top KR and could be in Nate Washington's designated role of stretching the field. Sweed is the 2^nd round pick that everyone wants to see win the job and McDonald is the vet who has started in an NFL game that the coaches might feel more comfortable with if Ward or Holmes goes down.

Outcome: It's not looking good for Nance but no one has been hit yet. When the pads go on, he will have a chance to impress. Having played with Ben before shouldn't hurt his chances. If he can prove that he can do more for the Steelers on game day than Sweed or McDonald, he'll have a chance. However, he appears to be a long-shot at best.

*****

4. Roy Lewis, Safety, 5'10'', 190 lbs -- Lewis was signed as a rookie free agent by the Steelers this past year and made a favorable impression on Coach Tomlin & LeBeau with his hitting and his ability to play corner and safety. However it wasn't enough to make the regular squad. He spent most of the season on the practice squad.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers are in need of younger blood on the roster at safety. Tyrone Carter is hanging on and needs to be replaced on the roster. With Ryan Clark's injury history and the way that Troy P. plays football, the troops need to be ready to fill in at a moment's notice. The ability to play both safety positions as well as CB in a pinch will help his cause.

What's working against him: Ryan Mundy seems to be the first young safety in line to claim that 3^rd safety spot behind Troy and Ryan Clark, and Carter hasn't been put out to pasture yet. Also, this could be the year that Deshea's ability to play safety be put to use. Free agent CB Keiwan Ratliff can also play safety in a pinch.

Outcome: The Steelers have a deep secondary and Ryan Mundy seems ready to take that next step as the Steelers young safety in training. The fact that the Steelers have more experienced CBs such as Ratliff and Deshea, whom can both play safety, doesn't help his cause either. Unless Lewis is the star of the camp in the secondary, he will probably begin next season on the practice squad.

*****

3. Donovan Woods, LB, 6'2'', 230 -- Woods was the surprise rookie free agent to make the team coming out of training camp this past year. Though he played OLB at the start of camp, the coaching staff had him play ILB in its nickel and dime defenses late in preseason games and Woods flashed potential at that ILB spot. However, it is the potential that he showed on special teams that allowed him to surprisingly capture one of the last available roster spot. When he pulled his hamstring early in the season, P. Bailey was promoted from the practice squad in the preseason and never let the spot go. Bailey returned to the practice squad and was resigned in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: Woods' versatility along with his special teams ability gives him a great chance to land a spot as a backup ILB on this team. With Larry Foote leaving and Timmons moving up to man that spot, K. Fox now becomes the Steelers 3^rd LB in that rotation with a roster spot for a second backup at ILB. Woods and Timmons fit the mold of player that Tomlin wants in his ILBs, fast, physical and versatile. However, Woods main ticket to win that roster spot and see the field again this year will be special teams.

What's working against him: The coaching staff might still decide to sign another veteran ILB before or during training camp like Napoleon Harris. Tomlin has a history with Harris and he has already been brought in for a physical. Another competitor for the ILB spot could be Arnold Harrison, who can play both OLB and ILB as Woods can.

Outcome: Woods has a good opportunity to make this team and contribute as a backup ILB and special teams player. Even if the team signs Harris or another veteran backup ILB, they will be hardpressed to be a better special teams player than Woods or show the upside that he has. I expect Woods to not only win a roster spot and be one of the top special teams tacklers this year, but to also continue to grow as an ILB in this D.

*****

2. Jason Capizzi, 6'9'', 315 lbs -- Jason Capizzi has the type of story that most loyal fans to their ballclubs love to hear: a local boy that makes good by signing with the hometown professional sports team. After originally signing with the Steelers as a rookie free agent two years ago, Capizzi was cut before the season begin and has seen stints on the practice squads of the Chiefs and Buccaneers. When the Steelers needed an extra OT when M. Smith was placed on injured reserve this past year in the midst of their Super Bowl run, the Steelers signed Capizzi. Although he didn't dress for games or the Super Bowl, the team resigned him in the offseason.

What's working in his favor: The Steelers have a need for young OL with versatility. The team's decision to pick him up while in the midst of a Super Bowl run tells you a little about the comfort that they have in the player. Capizzi has good feet for such a large man, and has now added the ability to play RT as well as LT. If Trai Essex proves to be the Steelers best bet at RG over D. Stapleton and K. Urbik to start the season, then the Steelers will need a swing tackle to take Essex's spot. Capizzi might be the answer to that role.

What's working against him: With this being Capizzi's third year, it is clearly time for him to show that he belongs or the team will likely turn the page and look for other young lineman to develop. Tony Hills, a natural LT, has also been playing some RT in OTAs. Another rookie free agent this year that has seemed to garner some interest from the coaching staff and Steelers beat writers is Ramon Foster from Tennessee. Also, will the Steelers keep 9 OL this year or 10? That could impact his status as well.

Outcome: I believe this is the best opportunity for Capizzi to make the Steelers and that he will take hold of this opportunity. I further believe that if he gets time in the starting lineup at RT that he could be there for awhile. He has the tools, he knows the offense, can play more than one position and realizes it is now or never. If Capizzi can hold his own against Deebo and Woodley in training camp, then that could be a sign he's ready for bigger and better things.

*****

1. Patrick Bailey, LB, 6'4, 235 lbs -- Bailey first began to draw the attention of Steelers Nation on kick off returns. In a preseason game this past year against the Panthers, Bailey made 3 special teams tackles and was even talked about highly by the Panthers team announcers. However, it took an injury to Donovan Woods for Bailey to make the regular roster. When he did, he made the most of it and never looked back, becoming one of the team's best special teams' players.

What's working in his favor: The ability to run down the field with speed and angrily introduce himself to returners? Other than Deebo, he might be the best LB on the roster at doing so. He's definitely on this team. The only question is if Bailey is just a good special teams LB or does he have the potential for more?

What's not working in his favor: Bailey will be active on game days, but if he wants to see anytime in the rush packages, he has to prove that he can rush the QB and play the run. In other words, he has to prove that he is a complete OLB. With Woodley and Deebo ahead of him, there is no rush for him to play this year. He will be competing against A. Frazier, A. Harrison and Bruce Davis for time on the outside.

Outcome: Bailey will win a roster spot and his arrow is pointing up with this team. He doesn't have to win a starting spot in the D to win a spot in the hearts of Steelers coaches and fans everywhere. He just has to continue busting heads on special teams. While Cowher never seemed to get this young, hungry type of player for special teams during his tenure, Tomlin made it a priority for improving his coverage units this past year. This year's special teams, coverage and returns, could be the best the Steelers have had in a decade.

*****

I know you guys have several players that you believe can make this list, but I only stuck to those who I have seen play and were either rookie free agents this past year or street free agents. I would love to hear your feedback as well as some of your choices. It's shaping up to be a very entertaining and competitive training camp in Latrobe. Holla back and Be Blessed.

"The line allows the linebackers to rush, the rush makes the coverage better. Together we all eat," Mike Tomlin.

Steelers Nearing Extension Season; Who Stays and Who Goes for 2010?

datruth4life — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:30:02 -0000

We are all eagerly awaiting training camp this summer for Mike Tomlin to forge the latest edition of the 2009 Steelers in his image. While there are several training camp battles that will take place and be answered in Latrobe, several key decisions concerning which pending free agents will be a part of the 2010 and beyond will be made in the Front Office on the Southside.

Everyone knows how the Steelers do business when it comes to retaining their own agents. The team has used its tried and true approach of not negotiating a new contract for a player until they are in the last year of their deal (exceptions being made for starting QBs Tommy Maddox and Big Ben). Players know it is pretty much useless to try the holdout card with the Steelers if you still have multiple years left on your deal, so they very seldom play it.

The team’s philosophy of waiting until the dog days of August of training camp to wave a new deal with a decent signing bonus under the nose of players has proved more successful than not for the team. If a player is an All-Pro, then the team will try to hash out a new deal for that player before training camp begins (ex. James Harrison, Troy Polamula).

The following is a look at the Steelers most prominent players on the 2009 squad entering the last year of their deals. Arguments will be made for keeping that player versus letting them go. A final verdict will be given at the end. This topic should make for good, intelligent discussion. Enjoy.

*****

The Player: Fast Willie Parker

2009 Cap Hit: ($4.53M with a $3.35M base salary)

Role: No. 1 RB

Staying: FWP is a no. 1 RB and a starter at his position on a 2-time Super Bowl Champion. When healthy, he's a feature back that is a threat to pick up big yardage whenever he touches the football. Due to the fact he was an undrafted rookie free agent, the player still carries a significant chip on his shoulder and continually trains and works harder to improve his game.

Going: FWP will turn 29 years old in November, which is right about the time that most NFL RB's begin to fall off. There are two big minuses that I've seen in FWP over the years that he has yet to overcome: his inability to catch the ball and thus be a complete RB & his inability to consistently run against good defenses. It seems FWP usually beat up on the bad teams and are usually stopped cold by the good run defenses. Even without FWP, the top 3 returning RBs next year are R. Mendenhall, M. Moore, & The Tank.

Verdict: FWP is gone. He's shown some signs of breaking down the past 2 seasons and if there is something that this front office and scouts have shown is that they can find RBs, whether it is through the draft, rookie free agents, free agency or off the street. Thanks for the memories, Willie, and the 2 rings.

******

The Player: Max Starks

2009 Cap Hit: ($8.45M with $8.45M counting as base salary)

Role: No. 1 LT

Staying: No opinion seems more divided here on this board than what the Steelers should do concerning Max Starks. Starks has started on 2 championship teams and has started at RT and LT. Currently, he is the Steelers best OL and has been entrusted with protecting our $100M QB’s blind side. The talent behind Starks is backup T/G Trai Essex, untested 2^nd-year player Tony Hills and LT/RT street free agent Jason Capizzi. Starks just turned 27 in January, which could mean that his best years are ahead of him football-wise.

Going: Many will make the argument here that Max is just an average OL that is the beneficiary of the Steelers missing on many of their OL draft picks in the recent past. He is not happy about being franchised and wants the Steelers to put their money where there mouth is. The Steelers can’t keeping slapping the franchise tag on him year after year, so this could be the last time that they do that for him. They might just let Starks walk and use a combination of what they already have on hand, the draft, or free agency to replace him.

The Verdict: Max stays and will sign a long-term deal either before or during training camp. Good LTs are hard to find and the Steelers do not have a plethora of them on the roster currently. Our favorite insider here at BTSC, Jim Wexell, said recently that a source in the Steelers organization has told him that the Steelers are confident that they can reach a long-term deal with Starks BEFORE training camp, and then want to move on to see how many other deals they can get done with other veterans. The Steelers want to keep him and reduce that cap hit, Max wants to stay as long as he is paid like the LT on a championship football team. I say that a deal will get done and Max stays.

*****

The Player: Casey Hampton

2009 Cap Hit: ($6.652M with a base salary of $3.075M)

Role: No. 1 Nosetackle

Staying: Big Snack has been a big pain in the posterior for the rest of the AFC North when trying to run the football. He has been the key (along with Aaron Smith) to the team’s success against the run. While not the player that he once was, Big Snack is still arguably one of the top 4 NTs in the game. He and Chris Hoke is probably the top NT duo in the NFL currently. Casey will turn 32 in September, but big NT/run stuffers have been known to play into the mid-30’s and still be effective in their role of run-stuffer.

Going: Snack hasn’t exactly endeared himself to Tomlin with his offseason training work (or lack thereof) and one has to wonder how much does he have left in the tank. Chris Hoke has proven to be a NT that you can win with, and the Steelers might get Scott Paxson and rookie sixth-round pick R. Harris ready to fill in at the spot in 2010. The Steelers have to decide if paying big money to Casey is a wise future investment for a player who ark is no longer pointing up.

Verdict: The Big Snack stays. I believe that the Steelers will let Casey play out the final year of his deal as a means to keep him motivated and motivated this year. If the owners and players don’t reach a new deal by the beginning of next year, then the agreement allows for a team to franchise 2 players, and not just one. Look for the franchise to strongly consider this option and resigning Casey to a 3 to 4-year extension. With a 27-year old superstar at QB, the window is open to win multiple championships. Keeping Casey rather than letting him walk next year could be a key in helping them win a few more during the next few years.

*****

The Player: Heath Miller

2009 Cap Status: ($2.4M with a base salary of $800,000)

Role: No. 1 TE

Staying: If there is one no-brainer among the Steelers front office to keep, it is Big Money. Miller is probably the best tight end in the NFL that not many people know about. He is an excellent RB and WR that epitomizes what a Steelers football player should be. He and Ben have a great repore and he probably has the best hands on the team. He could be more of a factor in the passing game if the Steelers had a true no. 2 tight end that could block (Matt Spaeth blows in that aspect). Still, this is a priority for the Steelers. The fact that Miller could be a restricted free agent next year (if a new deal doesn’t get done before next year) also lends itself to Heath being a Steeler in 2010.

Going: If a new agreement is reached and Heath demands to be the highest paid TE in the league, then maybe that would be a reason for the Steelers front office to let him walk. Spaeth has shown that he can catch the ball as a TE, but he isn’t in the same class or zip code to Miller as far as being a player. Now need to prolong this next decision.

The Verdict: Heath Miller is staying and will sign a new 5-year deal, either this training camp or the next.

*****

The Player: Ryan Clark

2009 Cap Status: ($2.4M cap hit with a base salary of $1.7M)

Role: No. 1 FS

Staying: Ryan Clark has endeared himself to Steelers coaches and fans with his heady, smart play and his bone-jarring hits. FS is a very important position in Dick Lebeau’s 3-4 zone blitz, and Clark has shown himself to be a very good player at the position. He and Palomula are one of the top safety combos in the NFL and he endeared himself many times over to the Steelers faithful for his knockout hits this year. Quite simply, a good player that you can with.

Going: For all of Clark’s attributes, he only made 1 interception this past year. He will also turn 30 years old in October and has had to fight through some serious physical ailments during his time with Pittsburgh. And with Clark’s sledgehammer hitting style, how long can his body hold up? There is no doubt that the Steelers are preparing 2^nd-year player Ryan Mundy to be the FS of the future. The only question is will the future be in 2010 or a few years later.

The Verdict: Clark will stay and sign a new deal before the end of training camp. For all of Mundy’s potential, he hasn’t done it yet while Clark has. You also don’t want to waste the gifts of a player like Polamalu by pairing him with someone that takes away from Troy’s game and hurts the defense. It is typical Steelers business to reward Clark with a contract commensurate to his starting on this team while continuing to bring Ryan Mundy along.

*****

The Player: Jeff Reed

2009 Cap Status: ($1.958M with a base salary of $1.375M)

Role: Kicker

Staying: Jeff Reed could end up being the most accurate kicker the Steelers have ever had. Reed has shown himself to be clutch time and time again during his career with the Steelers and though turning 30 in April, could offer the team several more effective years at the position.

Going: The Steelers currently have no other options at kicker long-term. Though Reed’s kickoffs have been far from consistent, his mastery of the winds and weather at Heinz Field have truly been remarkable. I know this is supposed to be an argument for him going, but I can’t make much of one for him leaving. Franchise kickers aren’t paid a bundle and Reed does qualify as such.

The Verdict: Expect Reed to sign a long-term deal with the team before reaching free agency.

*****

The Player: Brett Keisel

2009 Cap Status: ($4.998M cap hit with a base salary of $3.25M)

Role: Starting RDE

Staying: Brett Keisel is arguably the most athletic DL on the Steelers roster and has been a starter on the no. 1 D for the past two years. While not an All-Pro, Keisel has shown that he can be an effective player starting that can play the run as well as stay on the field in 3^rd down.

Going: For all of Keisel’s athleticism, it hasn’t translated to the numbers the Steelers or himself expected. Keisel has shown himself to be good at a few things, but great at nothing. He’s also been dinged up quite a bit during the past 3 years. Keisel will be 31 years old in September and the Steelers drafted his replacement in the draft at no. 1 with DE Ziggy Hood. The incorporating new blood on the DL has to begin somewhere, and this position seems as likely as any.

Verdict: Keisel is gone. Because of his ties to the community and his love for the organization, he could give the team a hometown discount in order to stay around. However, there will be other suitors for him if he reaches free agency and the Steelers probably won’t go higher than their amount that they deem him to be worth for the team. Coupled with Ziggy being in a place and an overall youth movement on the DL, he’s most likely gone.

*****

The Player: Justin Hartwig

2009 Cap Hit: ($2.238M with a base salary of $1.75M)

Role: No. 1 Center

Staying: Hartwig has proven to be an improvement over Sean "Revolving Door" Mahan. He provided a veteran presence to a makeshift line that withstood several rough outings to end up playing their best football in the playoffs.

Going: Hartwig will turn 31 in November and there are currently 3 other centers on the roster, D. Stapleton, A.Q. Shipley and Doug Legursky. Hartwig has not shown himself to be anything other than "just a guy." He’s not a pro bowl caliber player nor is he an ascending young player who could reach that status.

The Verdict: Hartwig will be gone in 2010.

*****

The Player: Willie Colon

2009 Cap Hit: ($2.2M with a base salary of $2.2M)

Role: No. 1 RT

Staying: Colon has held the RT position for the past 2 years for the Steelers and has proven to be a durable option. Probably the smallest tackle in the league at 6’3’’, 315 lbs, the Steelers coaches believe that Colon is the best RT option that this team currently has.

Going: Colon has shown that he is a mediocre tackle at best. Don’t want to be too harsh on the guy because he has started for the past two years, but he just doesn’t impress as a starter on the outside. Between his false-starts, costly holding penalties, and his inability to regularly stymie speed rushers, everyone and their grandmother (besides the Steelers coaches) believes he would be a better fit at guard than tackle. Hard to believe there aren’t better options on the roster at RT than Colon.

The Verdict: He’s staying, simply because he along with Miller are likely to be restricted free agents heading into next year. The Steelers will probably tender him at the same level that they did this year, the cost of a 1st round pick. I doubt if anyone will pay that, so he's likely back.

*****

There will be other free agents on this roster as well, but these are the most prominent ones. I would love to hear any and all intelligent comments. Thanks and Be blessed.

Steelers $5.6M Under the Cap, $4.1M for draft picks

datruth4life — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:42:09 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

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Guys, here are the salary cap numbers for teams as of May 15, 2009, via Mike Florio from Profootballtalk.com. Don't know how accurate they are, but he says the Steelers are at $5.6M below the cap after the NFL added roughly $1M to everyone's cap this past week.

Considering what the Steelers already have under contract and the fact that they can create more money under the cap by extending big salary cap hits this year (Max Starks at $8.45M and Big Snack at $6.652M), I think the front office has done a pretty good job this offseason. I might look for them to add an ILB for depth purposes and maybe a veteran G/OT once teams begin trimming rosters, but this team pretty much as it is right now will be the one vying for that next ring.

Anyway, here are Florio's salary cap numbers for each team:

Posted by Mike Florio on May 16, 2009, 1:34 p.m. EDT

[Editor’s note: These figures do not include the $947,000 in cap space that the league recently added for each team.]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers $36.6 million.

Kansas City Chiefs $31.1 million.

Green Bay Packers $28.5 million.

San Francisco 49ers $25.4 million.

Philadelphia Eagles $23.1 million.

Atlanta Falcons $19.9 million.

Chicago Bears $19.9 million.

Minnesota Vikings $17.2 million.

Denver Broncos $16.5 million.

Cleveland Browns $16.3 million.

Cincinnati Bengals $15.5 million.

New York Jets $14.1 million.

Jacksonville Jaguars $13.8 million.

Tennessee Titans $13.0 million.

Buffalo Bills $12.8 million.

St. Louis Rams $12.0 million.

Miami Dolphins $11.8 million.

Houston Texans $10.6 million.

Dallas Cowboys $10.3 million.

Oakland Raiders $9.1 million.

San Diego Chargers $8.1 million.

Seattle Seahawks $7.8 million.

Detroit Lions $7.4 million.

Washington Redskins $7.1 million.

Arizona Cardinals $6.9 million.

Indianapolis Colts $6.9 million.

New England Patriots $5.1 million.

Carolina Panthers $4.9 million.

Pittsburgh Steelers $4.7 million.

New Orleans Saints $4.6 million.

New York Giants $4.2 million.

Baltimore Ravens $958,000.

The Steelers are in good shape if you ask me. I do think Miller, Reed and perhaps Clark will get extended. Starks is going to be tough, but you can't keep tagging him every year. You either have to extend him or eventually let him walk. Big Snack will be a tough one as well. Maybe having him in a contract year will light a fire under him to have his best season in years. Keisel can stay if he takes a fair offer from the Steelers, but they won't overpay for him. FWP, Deshea, & Hartwig are gone.

Thoughts?

DaTruth's Take On The #2 Seed Steelers

datruth4life — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:58:00 -0000

There may be no fan's take on the roster I respect and enjoy thinking about more than datruth4life's. Particularly when it comes to the offensive line. If nothing else, his presentation and style are always greatly enjoyed by me, even when there's something I disagree about. Thanks to him for finding time in his busy schedule to post this, which can originally be found in a previous comment thread. I feel it belongs here for all to see and discuss. - Blitz-

*****************

Blitz, Datruth agree with a lot of what you said. Don’t worry about the haters. Haters are supposed to hate. Now on to a few quick drops of Truth:

— Bruce Arians this, Bruce Arians that. He ain’t the biggest problem with this offense. I hate to burst everybody’s bubble, but this offensive line just isn’t good enough. Point Blank. End of Story. The cat is out of the bag and the Fat Lady can sing. Can’t Run and Can’t Protect? Where you gonna hide and who you gonna call... Ghost Busters?

— What Chris K did yesterday against a rookie — one who had one sack on the season — to allow him to get 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles is pretty bad. In fact, I think this performance by him will go a lot toward the team not resigning him in the offseason. Willie Colon had a rough day at RT as well. Like Tomlin said, no excuses.

— Time for Kevin Colbert to offer half of his draft this year (9 draft picks) to move up and get the best LT available on picks 11 through 20 (it’d cost too much to move up into the top ten). I’d trade a 1st, 3rd, 4th and a late pick in 2010 to get the best LT available (Michael Oher or Eugene Monroe, anyone?). I’d move Max Starks, if he resigns, to right tackle, Stapleton to left guard and let Colon and Simmons fight it out at RG.

— If Colbert doesn’t want to go that route, then you can sit at where you’ll be (real late 20’s) and take Duke Robinson, G, out of Oklahoma and then take 2 to 3 tackles later and hopes that one of them come through. I’m not for that philosophy. Go get the guy that can protect Ben’s blindside for the next 10 years and draft another tackle with good feet that you can also bring along. Datruth has no idea what rookie LT Tony Hills will bring to the table next year, so as far as future prospects go, get’em in, get’em good or get’em gone.

— Blitz, I don’t agree that this team was due for a letdown or they were just tired. They got beat. Plain and simple. The Titans didn’t turn the ball over, ran when they needed too, and only allowed Kerry Collins to be sacked once. On the other hand, the Steelers had 4 turnovers (could have been about 2 more if not for recovered fumbles), ONCE AGAIN couldn’t run, and gave up 5 sacks. I might put about 2 of those on Ben, but afterwhile, your OL either has to man and play a complete game or be like Mice and say “I like cheese!!!” So far, I think we got a few cheese eaters on this line.

— Man, Kerry Collins did a pretty good imitation of … of …. a QB leading a team that could be the best in the AFC? He was humming that ball yesterday. That TD toss where the receiver turned Ryan Clark inside out was gorgeous. However, the throw that hurt the most was that one after the Harrison sack, the 3rd and 20 throw that he completed on the left sideline. Only a QB that is confident in his arm and his D can make that throw. Hey one relaxing pre-holiday thought for you, how’d you like to see our $100M QB playing behind the Titans’ OL? The NFL wouldn’t know what hit them.

— Did our no. 1 D smell themselves a little too much after B-More? I don’t think so. It is good to be confident. But it is also good if you’re humble enough to know when you get your tail handed to you. When the Titans picked up 2 straight first downs running the ball when the D really needed to stop them and get the ball back, Larry Foote said it best, that it is time for the D to check themselves a little bit. But I’m with you Blitz. Dick LeBeau will have them playing better next time around.

— One other thing the Truth noticed. Run blitzs aren’t as effective against this team than it is others. To be effective against the Titans, and particularly Chris Johnson, everyone needs to play their gap and guard against cutbacks, kind of like a picket fence mentality. With Lendale White, you just smack him as early as you can. Anyone notice Big Snack getting really upset when Foote and Potsie were overrunning the ballcarrier on their run blitzes near the end of the game? They stopped and the D finally got off the field.

— Paging Mr. Woodley, Paging Mr. Woodley. If you hear this message, could you please pick up the phone and your play? DaTruth knows this is your first year starting, and that you might be wearing down late in the season, but this D isn’t the same without you bringing it. Just like the guy conducting the bench press at the NFL combine always say, “Well, if you want to be bear, then be a Grizzly.” This team needs that “Grizzly” that it had been getting earlier in the year on other side of Harrison.

— Did any of you really think a hip was going to keep Deebo off the field? Only if his hips were dislocated from his upper torso. The dude’s a Baller. Miami can keep Joey Porter and his $20M guaranteed. I’d take DEEBO!

— Hey, K. Colbert and the Rooneys, after the last gun sounds this season, here are some deals where you just need to “Get’er Done!”: 1) Bryant McFadden, can’t develop them and then let them go to someonelse when their best years are ahead of them, Pro Bowl potential and best CB on the roster 2) Deebo extension, no explanation 3) Heath Miller extension, no explanation 4) Max Starks, how can this guy play a decent left tackle and not beat out Willie Colon at right tackle? He don’t deserve LT money but I’d give him RT money (whatever RT money is, I don’t know, but he’s at least worth that). Right?

— If I’m Tomlin, I’d sit Ryan Clark and Deebo against the Brown-stains. Everyone else that can go should play. Just stomp’em early and everyone can sit. I’d let Ben play so that he can practice on throwing the ball away, which is what he’s going to have to do a lot in the playoffs if this line doesn’t play better.

— What Tomlin has done to get this team to 11-4 (and probably 12-4 after next week) with this schedule and the injuries is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s hope he can fix this OL next year just like he did the kickoff and punt teams (notice I didn’t say return teams). With this D and Big Ben, this team has a puncher’s chance against anyone in the playoffs.

—If only this OL could get a visit from Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier and let Poitier hypnotize them into thinking they are a championship quality OL like he did Bootney Fonsworth (aka Jimmy Walker) and convincing Fonsworth that he was a champion boxer. Anyone remember that movie, “Let’s Do It Again?” I can see Chris K. and Willie Colon right now saying after being hypnotized saying, “I CAN block somebody. I’m MEAN!!!! I’m INVINCIBLE!!!!!!!! I don’t make the person playing across from me the NFL Defensive Player of the Week EVERY WEEK.” (Alright, it’s okay to laugh now!)

— Happy Holidays all and be blessed. And that’s DaTruth!

For Tomlin, Competition is King

datruth4life — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:08:48 -0000

Another classic entry from datruth4life.

We've all grown accustomed to "the Chin" in Pittsburgh. Well, how about us calling Tomlin "Mr. Comp," because of his belief in how important competition is in defining a team. Throughout training camp and even going into his first game, Tomlin let it be known that competition will define who the starters will be week to week as well as ultimately the direction and accomplishments of this year's team.

I am a fan of any coach who lets his players decide who will be the starters by the way they play, as well as how much time the backups will receive through their play on the field also. I think Cowher had lost that, since he committed early on to his players whether their performance was waning or not. Examples of this blind loyalty to players this past year were: defiantly having Ricardo Coclough return punts though even he and his grandmother knew he shouldn't be back there; giving the job to Chris Gardocki this past year when Mike Barr beat him out in training camp; having Joey Porter play a whole game when James Harrison was a better pass rusher and more effective player and should at the very least subbed for Porter on some series; continuing to send out Santonio Holmes to field punts when he was shaky as well.

All of these moves ultimately cost Cowher, as well as his decisions to rush Big Ben back in the lineup for the second game after his accident and the removal of his appendix and later in the season after his concussions. I can't remember a player who had two concussions as Ben did this past year and played the following week on both occasions. Also, Colon probably should have been in the lineup a lot earlier this past year than the final two games because Max Starks was terrible (and Simmons to a lesser degree) this past year. Now on to what you've been waiting for. My thoughts on the Cleveland butt-kicking:

Dick Lebeau is a genius! Did you guys notice that on that first series, he provided Charlie Frye with a look that he had never before displayed in the preseason or regular reason? The Steelers, on third down, came out with a 4-1-6 look, with the four pass rushers being A. Smith, Chris Hoke, Casey Hampton and Brett Kiesel. Talking about coming after Frye with some beef! The dime linebacker was Farrior with six DBs in the game. Aaron Smith got the sack, but more importantly, that puts the Steelers best DLs on the field in an alignment that no one can run against. Just one more look from the wizard.
Big Ben, glad to see you back. That's the QB that was MIA this past year. As long as our defense plays like that and our special teams delivers that type of field position, Big Ben doesn't have to take as many chances and can throw the ball away when there is nothing there. Honestly Ben, it is okay to punt.
Bruce Arians, you are making a believer out of me. I thought the Steelers would be in trouble if they get away from the running game, but they might just have to pass first to establish the running game. This offensive line isn't going to blow anyone off the ball nor give Ben 6 to 7 seconds to pass on every down. So, BA is correctly focusing on matchups to try and get chunks of yardage to help this team be most effective on offense. Spaeth and Miller in the red zone could give this team a whole different dimension. I like both of those big bodies on a LB or a safety down there.
Holmes and Ward are going to cause a lot of secondaries headaches this year. Yes, Baltimore Ravens, I'm talking about you too. Let's just hope that with this OL, Ben will have enough time to get the two the ball. That block that Santonio threw to help out Ward exemplifies why the Steelers chose to pay Hines the big money instead of Plaxico. Ward sets the tone for the wide receiving corps and the offense as a team leader. You still don't know what you will get from Plaxico on a week-to-week basis. Talent isn't the only thing when it comes to making such decisions. Attitude and the ability to show up every week counts a great deal as well.
Ed Bouchette is one of the best pro football writers in America, but I don't agree with his argument that the Steelers made a mistake in trading a conditional 7th round pick for Allen Rossum. For those of you that don't know, Ed has written that acquiring Rossum has set off a domino effect that: has robbed Santonio of his rightful job to return punts since he had a higher punt return average than Rossum this past year, put 3rd round pick Willie Reid, the team's regular kickoff and punt returner, on the game day inactive list; caused the team to cut C Marvin Philips and put him on the practice squad; and cause LT Jason Capizzi a spot on the practice squad that is now occupied by Philips. This is why I think Ed's argument is hogwash. No. 1, Rossum is a better and more confident returner than Willie Reid is right now. Rossum showed good hands yesterday and the type of quicks on at least a couple of the returns that gives you the indication that he could break one. With Reid, I just wondered if he would catch the ball. How many of you wanted to see Reid back there trying to catch punts yesterday in that driving rain? Yeah, I didn't think so. No. 2, for all the good that Santonio did this past year for the offense, he still put the ball on the ground too much as a returner. What's wrong with having a former Pro Bowler as a returner that will allow Santonio to concentrate on trying to be a Pro Bowl receiver. And just like Tomlin's philosophy, what's wrong with giving Reid some competition to get back on the field? No. 3, apparently the Steelers aren't as high on Capizzi and I and most of the Steelers fans are. If they did, they would have kept him on the regular roster or cut one of the 7 other players besides Philips on the practice squad to give him a spot. And since no other team has signed Capizzi to their practice squad, maybe the Steelers are right. I, however, don't think so. I still think Capizzi, with a few years of seasoning, could be a starter some day at LT. And by the way, a rookie free agent tackle from Howard University saved the day for the Redskins yesterday when Jon Jansen left the game in the first quarter with a dislocated ankle. The player that rookie RT Stephen Heyer stoned all day yesterday: your former Steeler All-Pro, Joey Porter.
There was a Lawrence Timmons sighting yesterday. The team has him as one of the primary gunners on the punt team and is working him at the ILB in the base defense. I think these are the right moves for him since he has trouble holding the point of attack as an OLB in the 3-4. Having Timmons means that the Steelers will have a seamless transition at RILB when Farrior steps aside. Timmons' game right now is speed and playing in space. Give him a year of learning and another 10 to 15 pounds, and he'll be ready to make a move for a starting job next year. Still, having someone who can play inside as well as put their hand down and rush on 3rd down gives LeBeau one more bullet for the chamber. I think one of the first day picks next year should go to getting a future bookend for Woodley at OLB. A couple of people to keep your eye on during the college season are Tommy Blakely from TCU and Quentin Groves from Auburn.
I think next year will be the perfect time to rebuild the offensive line. From what I've seen so far, Alan Faneca is not at the level that he once was and would not be worth making him the highest paid guard in the game. By letting Faneca go, the Steelers will get a 3rd round pick in draft compensation the following year and can slide Kendall Simmons to left guard and put Kemeautou in the RG spot, which would be better suited to his mauling style. Kevin Colbert will do what he always does when it comes to filling a position: he'll sign a free agent tackle or guard with some upside who is coming off their first contract and then use 2 high picks on an OT and OG to come in and compete at that spot. At least the Steelers line for 2008 is under contract and will probably look like this: M.Smith, K. Simmons, Mahan, Kemeautou, Colon. Someone will overpay Max Starks and the Steelers could possibly get a 3rd or 4th round pick for him when he leaves after this year as well.
I hate to rain on your parade fellas, but Willie Parker is a fumbler. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then that animal is a duck. Willie led all RBs this past year in fumbles with 7. He fumbled in the preseason and he fumbled yesterday and he put the ball on the ground during the Steelers championship run two years ago (the Denver game comes to memory even though the officials later reversed the call and said he was down; it could have gone either way). Either Willie will have to go to the Tiki Barber school of holding the ball in a different way so as not to fumble, or Tomlin has to show him that putting the ball on the ground will equate to being on the bench. I know some of you are saying, "How dare you consider putting an all-pro RB on the bench?" My response would be "Easily," if he continually puts the ball on the ground.
Also, is there anyone else out there that thinks that Arians had better put together more of a power package with Davenport or Carey Davis getting some carries with Kreider at FB when this team goes up against a stout run defense like the Ravens or the Chargers? Parker's style of picking and darting doesn't work too well against those type of teams. You need more of a one cut and go type of RB with some power to effectively move the chains against those teams. I'd like to see some series where the Steelers would throw a bigger RB at them and maybe even just go two tight ends, 2 WRs and one back, spread the field and see if that will present some problems. Willie's inability to run against physical defenses and his propensity of late to put it on the ground is something Tomlin and Arians have to be concerned about.
In all actuality, the Browns QB Anderson isn't that bad of a quarterback. If you give him the time, he can hurt you. The person that should be faulted for the team's dismal showing yesterday is Romeo Crennel. You don't take the whole offseason to evaluate your QB position, name someone a starter the week of the game and then pull that guy after 1.5 quarters of football. If that's the case, then Anderson or Quinn should have been the starter from the get go. My guess is that Quinn will be starting after their bye break and Crennel could very well be fired by then. Ultimately, the real culprit of Cleveland's demise is its poor drafting and free agency decisions and injuries the past few years. All those no. 1 picks that ended up being busts (ala Gerard Warren) has set this franchise back, and Braylon Edwards is no game-breaker. Unfortunate injuries to Bentley, Gary Baxter, and Winslow also hurt this team as well.
If Winslow is indeed the "Future", as he calls himself, then I'd rather take the "Current," which is Heath Miller at tight end. The first guy doesn't bring Miller down and he has some of the best hands in the business, TE or WR. Winslow is more flashy, but you will win more games with someone like Miller, who can block, run and catch. In fact, I think Winslow is more of a big WR than an all-around tight end.
I'm not joking when I say that special teams could be a strength for the team this year. I like having a dependable return man for a change and the coverage teams have better speed and bigger bodies. They kept Marquis Cooper over Chidi because they consider him a better special teams player, so we'll see what he adds once he is healthy. And Timmons, Woodley, A. Harrison, W. Gay, and C. Davis are all good special team players. With Buffalo coming into town this week with Roscoe Parrish and CB Terrence McGhee as returners, the Steelers are going to have to play solid on special teams to not let that phase hurt them.
Let's see, James Harrison yesterday, 7 tackles, 1 sack and $1.3 million signing bonus. Joey Porter for the Dolphins yesterday, 3 tackles, 0 sacks, $12.5 million signing bonus and $20 million guaranteed. Yep, that's why the Dolphins are the Dolphins and the Steelers are the Steelers. By the way, I like that 6 sacks and 5 turnovers yesterday. That wasn't the same Steelers defense that I saw play this past year. I think Lebeau still has a few wrinkles up his sleeve. I'm still waiting for Keisel to make a big play in that quarter defense, though.
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for reading. Be blessed.

Tomlin Time: Your 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers

datruth4life — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:53:46 -0000

Guys, I haven't had a chance to watch the Carolina game yet (I'll probably do that this weekend), but I wanted to get this in so you guys can tell me how amazed you are with me hitting everything on the head when Tomlin announce his cuts tomorrow. Alright, let's get it popping:

3 Quarterbacks - Roethlisberger, Batch, St. Pierre

-- If St. Pierre's injury is serious, then it would change things. If not, I think he's done enough to hang around.

5 Running backs - Parker, Kreider, Davenport, Davis, Russell

-- And Verron Haynes gets his ticket punched to Arizona.

5 Wide Receivers - Ward, Holmes, Wilson, Reid, N. Washington --

--Walter Young could be back before the year is over if there is an injury. I think Young would make a good fit with the Redskins, with all of the smurfs they have. Wait a minute, don't we got nothing but smurfs, too?

3 Tight Ends - Miller, Spaeth, Tuman

--If the Steelers had anybody else that was ready besides Miller, Tuman would be gone. But since they don't, he stays. Isn't America great?

10 Offensive Lineman - Smith, Fanacea, Mahan, Simmons, Colon, Starks, Essex, Kemeatou, Okobi, Jason Capizzi

-Philips getting hurt might be the equivalent of him rolling snake eyes during a craps game. Okobi doesn't mind though. If one has to go, I'd cut Essex. Capizzi has more potential and better feet. However, that would mean Starks would be your swing tackle. On second thought, keep 10. And also, expect a Steelers guard to get a new contract next week. Hint, Hint, it won't be Fanacea. (Pssstttt .... his name rhymes with Timmons)

6 Defensive Lineman - Smith, Hampton, Kiesel, Kirschke, Hoke, Eason -- If McBean makes it, it is clearly because he is a 4th round pick and nothing else. Eason beat him out, so put him on the practice squad.

8 linebackers - J. Harrison, Farrior, Foote, Haggans, Woodley, A. Harrison, Kriewaldt, Timmons -

--Timmons is really Farrior's replacement, but the Steelers haven't told anyone yet. And that's music to the ears of A. Harrison. Now, if only he could sack somebody.

10 defensive backs - Taylor, Palomula, Townsend, Clark, A. Smith, McFadden, Carter, Gay, Coclough, Iwuoma

--This is only because I've been told by two Steelers beat writers that the team is adamant about keeping 10 DBs. This means Coclough will be inactive all season unless there is an injury. Gay and Chidi are too valuable on special teams to be inactive.

3 specialists - Warren, Sepulvada, Reed

--Mike Barr, how's that Arizona air?

Guys, hit me back with plenty of your comments BEFORE the final cut list is announced. I'll probably post a review of the final list compared with this one and where that leaves the team for the season and going into next year. Take care and be blessed.

Steelers-Eagles thoughts and new 53-man roster

datruth4life — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:02:24 -0000

Steelers Nation, my thoughts on the Steelers-Eagles game and a new final 53-man squad:

-Dan Kreider, you just stopped all of the talk about the FB position. You stay and so does Davis. Davis might be this team's best special teams player and could be the team's short-yardage/goal line back. Willie Parker went into the line standing straight up and should've been lit up. I don't think Tomlin will panic, but if Willie keeps putting it on the ground down there, Davenport or Davis will get that job.

-Don't sweat Barlow getting those early carries. Tomlin likes Russell. Also, Russell hustling down on kickoff coverage and making a tackle didn't hurt his cause either. The five RBs will be Parker, Kreider, Davenport, Davis, and Russell, with the first four being active on game days. I'm for Russell or Davis as my goal-line back.

-Willie Reid, you are blowing a grand opportunity. You will make the squad, but you might have lost the punt returning job to Cedric Wilson. You still have the kickoff return gig, but you haven't looked special in that category either. Reid is essentially a rookie, having only played about a few snaps in one game this past year.
He seems like he is in a hurry every time he goes back to field (muff?) a punt. He needs to relax a little bit and just play.

-I can't comment on if Okobi is the steelers best center. I didn't watch the center blocking during the game. I did watch Capizzi and Essex. Essex didn't stand out, which is a good thing for him. Capizzi still looks impressive. Did I tell you guys before that I hope Capizzi makes this squad?

-I think Coclough coming into the game when Taylor got hurt lets you know that he has this team made. Gay has been the team's best defensive playmaker in preseason. That means Chidi will get sent packing, unless they want to keep ten DBs, which I don't see happening.

-If Marvin Philips can play guard as well as center, then I don't think Okobi will be around. If their play is near even, and Philips can play two positions where Okobi can only play one, plus you can save the bosses $2 million, then Okobi is history. Sorry Adamg. You can check out your boy on the Cardinals this year. If Cowher were here, Okobi would stay. But there is a new sheriff in town who doesn't really care about what you have done in the past. By the way, what has Okobi done in the past?

-Ben, Ben, Ben. Just throw it out of bounds if no one is open. Please, just throw it out of bounds. Are you guys as thankful for having Charlie Batch as I am?

-Timmons looked like a 21-year-old rookie linebacker that has missed most of the preseason and offseason who was getting his first extensive action at OLB. He did a lot of running around with very little to show for it. Woodley, on the other hand, looks like he's ready to start. J. Harrison hasn't made any plays yet in games and Woodley is a better pass rusher now than either Haggans or J. Harrison.

-By the way, if Capizzi is kept along with Russell and the six other rookies (Timmons, Woodley, Spaeth, Sepulvada, Gay, McBean), this will be Kevin Colbert's best rookie class ever. We'll just have to wait 3 years to see that. I just let all of you know a little bit early, that's all.

-That sixth DL line spot is still up for grabs. It could go to either Eason, McBean or Kimo (he's about to get cut from the Jets).

-Have you guys seen anybody that you would rather keep around as an extra position player other than Capizzi? I haven't. He could be the team's heir apparent at LT, or at worst, could move to right tackle next year and allow Willie Colon to move to his most natural position of guard.

-What happened to Walter Young? Has he even gotten on the field the past two games. He would have caught that pass that Dallas Baker let go through his hands. If I was St. Pierre, I wouldn't throw to Baker anymore. He's making it harder for St. Pierre to make this team.

-St. Pierre has this team made, though. For those that need convincing, just check out the 3rd string QBs on other teams during other preseason games, and you'll see that the Steelers would be smart to hang on to him.

-The most improved area on the team so far is probably the secondary. Ike and Townsend are playing well, McFadden didn't look good against Washington but he is a player and Coclough looks much improved (he is at least looking for the ball now in deep coverage instead of having his back turned all the time. Now, he needs to cut down on his cushion and stopping giving up so many outs). Gay is going to push somebody to get on the field. He has looked like a playmaker thus far. Adamg, you still think Gay won't make this team? Clark is steady and A. Smith is coming on fast.

-Sepulvada, we don't need any explanation. Just don't let it happen again.

-So far, Kiesel hasn't looked like Adalius Thomas. He's looked more like Frank Thomas.

-It shouldn't be hard to get to 75 with this team. Just cut everyone on the Steelers 3rd-team defense (Timmons stays, but he didn't play like it last night). This group is pretty brutal.

-This is my quick shake down of the roster going into the last game:

3 Quarterbacks - Roethlisberger, Batch, St. Pierre.

5 Running backs - Parker, Kreider, Davenport, Davis, Russell

5 Wide Receivers - Ward, Holmes, Wilson, Reid, N. Washington

3 Tight Ends - Miller, Spaeth, Tuman

10 Offensive Lineman - Smith, Fanacea, Mahan, Simmons, Colon, Starks, Essex, Kemeatou, M. Philips, Jason Capizzi

7 Defensive Lineman - Smith, Hampton, Kiesel, Kirschke, Hoke, Eason, McBean.

8 linebackers - J. Harrison, Farrior, Foote, Haggans, Woodley, A. Harrison, Kriewaldt, Timmons -

9 defensive backs - Taylor, Palomula, Townsend, Clark, A. Smith, McFadden, Carter, Gay, Coclough

3 specialists - Warren, Sepulvada, Reed

2007 Steelers Final 53 man roster

datruth4life — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:11:04 -0000

Gentleman, this is my final 53-man squad for the season. I welcome all comments and thoughts. Here goes:

3 Quarterbacks - Roethlisberger, Batch, St. Pierre. I'll take these 3 over any other team's situation in the NFL right now. There aren't enough good QBs in the league for each team to have one good starter. The Steelers have two good QBs and a 3rd who could get the job done in a pinch. And besides, if St. Pierre has to play this season, then we're done anyway.

5 Running backs - Parker, Davenport, Davis, Haynes, Russell -Our first curve ball on the roster under Tomlin. Tomlin and his staff believe that the FB duties can be split between Davis and Haynes, who both can catch, block, run and play special teams. The only thing Kreider can do is block, and that is about it. Plus, the team would save close to $1 million by letting Kreider go. This way, Tomlin keeps his best blitz pick-up and 3rd down back, Haynes, and he can have 4 RBs active on game day that can do everything -- block, run, catch, and play special teams. If it turns out they need a traditional blocker in the backfield afterall, then John Kuhn is on the practice squad and ready for duty.

5 Wide Receivers - Ward, Holmes, Wilson, Reid, W. Young - This is my five, but I think Tomlin will keep Nate Washington over Walter Young and could possibly keep all six. Nate had a much better game against the Skins than the previous two games, but the guy really seems like he doesn't want to get hit when he goes over the middle. Young doesn't flinch going over the middle and offers much better size and hands. As I said before, Tomlin could keep six, but I think it might be more important to keep an extra OL and DL.

3 Tight Ends - Miller, Spaeth, Tuman - Yes, Spaeth hasn't done much. But you don't cut third-round picks unless they totally stink out the joint. He'll have a redshirt year.

10 Offensive Lineman - Smith, Fanacea, Mahan, Simmons, Colon, Starks, Essex, Kemeatou, M. Philip, Jason Capizzi - This is a big decision for the team. Whether to carry 9 or 10 OL, and more importantly, whether to keep Capizzi or try to stick him on the practice squad (don't do it, just keep him). If Philips looks good these next 2 games, then Okobi will be gone. Do you think the tight Rooneys will pay $2 million for a backup center that can't play guard as well? I don't. Capizzi has impressed coaches but is viewed as more of a pratice squad player because of inexperience right now. However, if he plays lights out the next couple of games (and he will get plenty of playing time, I'm told), he could make this roster. I think Essex has made this team because of Starks lead-footed tryout at LT. The team's season could come down to how this unit plays.

7 Defensive Lineman - Smith, Hampton, Kiesel, Kirschke, Hoke, Eason, McBean - I've been told by at least two Steelers beat writers that the team will keep seven defensive lineman. The reason is because of Kirschke's troublesome back and that they think McBean isn't ready now, but will be in a couple of years. Eason will be insurance for Kirschke and McBean wouldn't make it to the practice squad. By keeping 7 DL, it could cause my boy Capizzi a roster spot.

8 linebackers - J. Harrison, Farrior, Foote, Haggans, Woodley, A. Harrison, Kriewaldt, Timmons - A. Harrison is the eighth LB because of his ability to rush the passer (I still haven't seen him actually sack the QB yet) and play special teams. A lot of you don't like Kriewaldt, but until someone better knocks him off the team, he'll be here.

9 defensive backs - Taylor, Palomula, Townsend, Clark, A. Smith, McFadden, Carter, Gay, Coclough - Coclough has done what I thought he couldn't do -- show something in the preseason to make this team. Gay has probably been the most impressive corner in preseason. He has had good position on a lot of deep balls against him, which have killed our corners for years. I know there is a Chidi contingent out there, but would you keep him over St. Pierre, Young, McBean or Capizzi? Also, where has Chidi been on special teams in the preseason? A. Harrison, Gay and Carey Davis have made all of the special teams tackles.

3 specialists - Warren, Sepulvada, Reed - Sepulvada was worth whatever they gave up in the draft and more. The good thing is he will only get better. Our special teams should be much better this year with Tomlin playing starters, Sepulvada and a healthy Willie Reid.

I have to give a thumps up to Tomlin for one thing so far that you wouldn't have seen from Cowher: an admittance that a player can't do something. I give Tomlin credit for limiting the Max Starks experiment at LT to the two games, and now taking a look at Essex and Capizzi there. Cowher would have stuck out his chin and keep marching Starks out there until something bad happened. And Starks would have been this year's Ricardo Coclough -- being put in a position by the coaching staff to fail and doing just that, through no fault of his own. Coclough just can't catch punts and Starks just doesn't have the feet and quickness to play LT. Face it and move on. Cowher wouldn't have.

This is my 53. With this team, I also save the Rooneys about $3 million by releasing Okobi and Kreider. What do you guys think?