Now that the Steelers have spent the last 3 years revamping both sides of the line in the early rounds, it seems that maybe they have been neglecting some other areas? My question is where will they have needs next year?

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As we have heard the pundits talking for the last few years, our defense keeps getting older, so what will the Steelers look like in 2013?

A. Smith - Z. Hood

C. Hampton -S. McClendon?

B. Keisel - C. Heyward

J. Harrison - J. Worilds? (will Harrison be around in 2013?)

L. Woodley - L. Woodley

L. Timmons - L. Timmons

J. Farrior - S. Sylvester

I. Taylor - I. Taylor

B. McFadden - K. Lewis?

T. Polamalu - T. Polamalu

R. Clark - R. Mundy? (ditto, Clark)

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Rumors have been circulating that Tomlin wants to explore all options to move up and get Mike Pouncey if he would start to "slip." Ok, first, I can somewhat believe this is true. Pouncey is a better value and a "safer" pick in the first round than any of the CBs who will fall to us. By "value" I mean Pouncey is the BPA at the guard position. His true value will cost us a lot of draft picks to get him. Williams, Dowling, and Harris are not the best at their position, and may not have true first round talent. In fact, I believe there is a fairly significant drop between these CBs and the top 2...minus Jimmy Smith who has talent, but 0 chance of getting picked by the Steelers. Now, the Steelers could stay put and hope the NT Phil Taylor falls or grab an OT, such as Carimi. However, Taylor's stock is rising...mainly because there is a lack of true 3-4 DTs in this draft and an increase in teams using a 3-4 formation.

Now, is it possible that Tomlin is just blowing smoke? I'm sure they don't want to tip their hand, so that's not a stretch. However, if he's not, what exactly does "slip" mean?

The latest mocks have Pouncey going at #15 to the Dolphins, but he could go at #17 to New England (BOO!) or #19 to NY Giants. Reports indicate that the Steelers could trade with #20 Tampa Bay, but realistically, to get him they would need to trade with #16 Jacksonville or #18 San Diego.

So, what would constitute a "slip?" Getting past Miami? New England? or the Giants? Personally, I don't see him slipping past #19, so if the Steelers are interested in getting him, are they willing to sacrifice the rest of this draft or next year's?

I have faith in the front office, so if they are sure Pouncey is the guy, then they will set limits in terms of how much they are willing to give up to get him.

In a nutshell, the Steelers must address OL, DL, and especially DB in this offseason, so it is pertinent that they have enough ammunition to be able to do this.

So, what do you all think? Would they explore moving to 20 if Pouncey gets past NY? Are they locked in and set to "pounce" on the first trade partner after Miami? Is it just a smokescreen so they can take someone else?

The Steelers are known to pretty much select BPA, but I really don't think a QB, RB, WR, TE, LB, or K gets drafted in the first round. That being said, WHO will they take with their first pick? I have tried to narrow down the choices the best that I can, but draft stocks often change. I have tried to predict the possibility of what position will be likely drafted, and listed the pros and cons of drafting that particular position.

OT - This draft has some depth at tackle. There is a lot of debate on which tackles are the best and which ones are worth first round talent. Personally, I think the top 5 are Tyron Smith, Nate Solder, Anthony Castonozo, Gabe Carimi, and Derek Sherrod. One of these guys could fall into our lap. My guess is Tyron Smith will be the first tackle taken, after that, it's a crapshoot. My guess is Sherrod and Carimi are near the 31st pick.

Possible Pick: Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin

Other possibilities: Anthony Castonozo - Boston College, Derek Sherrod - Mississippi State

Possibility of taking an OT in the draft: 10%

Pros: Finally getting first round talent at tackle. He doesn't have to start immediately.

Cons: The need for an OT in this draft is not greatly needed, unless the Steelers pass on signing Colon and Jonathan Scott.

OG -There really isn't a lot of buzz on interior lineman in the first round this year, outside of Pouncey.

Possible Pick: Mike Pouncey - Florida

Possibility of taking a OG in the draft: 7%

Other possibilities: Danny Watkins - Baylor

Pros: The only interior lineman really worth a first round pick, IMO. He would be an upgrade to the interior line.

Cons: Due to Pouncey playing both G and C at Florida, the likelihood of him still being on the board is very low.

DT -There are several DT's in this draft, but only one elite DT that really stands out as a 3-4 style NT

Possible Pick: Phil Taylor - Baylor

Other possibilities: None

Possibility of taking a DT: 18%

Pros: Definitely addresses a big area of need, Hampton can't play forever.

Cons: Taylor is probably the only 3-4 NT worth a first round pick

DE - There are quite a few DE's that will be taken before the Steelers pick. Some will be 4-3 ends, but a few 3-4 ends. It is possible that one of the 3-4 ends fall to the lower end of the first round.

Possible Pick: Cameron Heyward - Ohio State

Other possibilities: JJ Watt - Wisconsin

Possibility of taking a DE: 5%

Pros: Again, the line is ancient. Who knows if Aaron Smith will ever return to form. This definitely addresses a need, and he wouldn't have to start right away.

Cons: NT and CB are greater needs

CB - The Steelers biggest need going into the offseason, is to improve the level of talent in the secondary. The draft is deep at the CB position this year, so the potential to improve is definitely there. You can forget Peterson and Amukamara. They will be gone. Either Jimmy Smith, Brandon Harris, or Aaron Williams could be around when the Steelers pick, but probably only one of the three.

Possible Pick: Aaron Williams - Texas

Other possibilities: Jimmy Smith - Colorado, Brandon Harris - Miami (FL)

Possibility of taking a CB: 50%

Pros: This DB unit needs an upgrade. At this point, I think any of these guys could contribute.

Cons: I think Jimmy Smith is the 3rd CB to come off the board, so I don't think he falls to 31. I don't think the Steelers will be able to get one of the top CB's, but settling for the 5th best might even be good enough.

SS/FS - There isn't a lot of names being tossed around as game-changers in the Safety department. No real elite talent.

Possible Pick: Rahim Moore - UCLA

Other possibilities: None

Possibility of taking a FS/SS: 10%

Pros: This could help with the "Troy" issue. The Steelers could maybe get somebody to provide depth now and to someday replace Clark. There is no substitute for a healthy Troy Polamalu, but will we ever see that again? A pick here secures the top pick at the safety position.

Cons: The talent pool at the Safety position just isn't elite.

I think the best thing for the Steelers to do is just stay put at #31 and take BPA, with needs in mind. Obviously, despite Mendenhall's occasional coughing up the ball, we shouldn't draft a RB in the first round. We have a franchise QB. We really don't need to spend a first round pick on a WR, TE, or LB...so that leaves DL, OL, CB, S.

Moving up a few spots to get the guy they really want would be ok, but I'm not in favor of giving up a 2nd round pick to do it. I'm not even sure giving a 3rd would be ok.

We have very specific needs, and CB has been one for a while, however, the talent is not there after the 3rd round. We have drafted 3 CBs late in the last 2 drafts, and have not gotten the results we have wanted. There is a huge drop-off of talent out of the first 2 rounds.

We also have not had much luck drafting DL late in the draft either. Yes, I know A. Smith and Keisel were drafted after the 3rd round, but there's a long list of guys that have been cut since then. Ziggy Hood has been a good pick. He's come into his own and we can safely feel o.k. with him as a starter. DL guys in a 3-4 are always underrated. Hampton can't play forever, Hoke, the backup is even older. Solid 3-4 nose guys are rare. We gotta find a NT in the first 3, and take a shot on a DE later.

The OL situation is somewhat murky. Colon is a FA, J. Scott is a RFA. Flozell is fighting father time. Starks will be back, but will he be motivated?  That being said, we aren't going to find a premium tackle in this draft unless we mortgage the future, but really, it's not that big of a need immediately. I say we keep the 4 tackles listed, and cut ties with Tony Hills. We are set at Center with Pouncey and Legursky. So, we could look at the interior linemen in this draft. Our options are Foster, Essex, Legursky, Kemo. Essex pretty well stunk at every position all year, Foster has been o.k., Legursky has been surprisingly decent, and Kemo has been great in run blocking, but a liability in pass protection. Time to cut Essex, and find a younger guy. I think the 3rd round is where we could find some value. However, that being said, I am intrigued by the idea of twin pounding Pounceys. I don't know that I would move up to get him, but if he fell in our laps...

Finally, there's the safety position. Troy is an all-time, all-world safety, but injuries show that he is, in fact, a mortal. Ryan Clark is getting older and has lost a few steps over the years. Mundy and Allen are ok, but our defense gets vanilla real quick. My suggestion here is to try to covert one of the CBs we previously drafted into a Safety. I don't feel good about these guys anymore (Lewis/Butler), because they couldn't even get on the field in the dime package...they got beat out by Anthony Madison. Maybe there will be hope for one of them at safety.

So, here are some scenerios...

#1

1st - CB

2nd - DT

3rd - OG

4th - DE

5th - S

6th - OT

7th - K

#2

1st - DT

2nd - CB

3rd - OG

4th - OT

5th - DE

6th - S

7th - K

#3

1st - POUNCEY

2nd - CB (Dowling)

3rd - DT

4th - S

5th - DE

6th - OT

7th - K

I just wanted to make a guide for haters that try to hate on the Steelers. Most of the time, they fail at epic proportions. I thought I'd drop a list of things that haters use that fail. So, haters, grab a pen, paper, and your haterade and pay attention. Fellow fans, please send this to your friends that are fans of the Browns/Ravens/Packers/Patriots/Seahawks...etc. They need to be educated!

1) We don't care about your Pre-Super Bowl championships. The AAFC had 8 teams. The NFL, before the merger in 1970, had a max of 16. We can't even give you credit for being "world" champions, because there were more than 1 league prior to the 70s. Let's count the championships won after the stone age.

2) Stop with the "Your QB is a rapist!" Rape is a serious crime. This one has even divided our own fan base. However, until he is convicted, calling Ben a rapist is slander. Nobody knows what happened. Every team has a player with moral issues, so stuff it!

3) Don't disrespect the towel! It's a simple idea, but your jealous because someone else thought of it before you. It's a symbol of Pittsburgh. Now, it's a lifelong tribute to Myron Cope. The proceeds of the towel go toward a great cause. Leave it alone!

4) The refs always favor Pittsburgh. Puh-lease. If you recall the 2005 AFCCG, a terrible call nearly cost us the game. I'm not saying that we haven't had some bad calls in our favor, but we've had some go against us too. How many questionable roughing the QB/helmet-to-helmet calls were called on us? Good teams overcome this adversity. Bad teams whine, cry, and keep losing.

5) The Steelers cheated in every Super Bowl. I'm so sick of hearing, they used roids in the 70s, and the refs gave them the next 2. Stop beating a dead horse! Every team in the 70s was juicing. As far as the other 2, see #4. The refs don't decide the game. Players make plays or players don't make plays. The team that makes the most plays, usually wins. If there is a Super Bowl where the Steelers cheated, it was the one that Neil O' Donnell gave to Dallas. I kid, I kid...but that brings me to....

6) The Steelers fan base is the worst! They talk smack when they win and they whine like little wussies when they lose. Well, sir, because we expect to have a championship-caliber team every year. Can you say that? Even at the beginning of this year, when just about everyone had written us off, where are we now? We can talk it, because we can back it. We don't like losing, because we aren't accustomed to it. We do get disappointed when we don't make the playoffs, because we have the talent to win. For instance, we basically have the same core guys as we did last year, and it was disappointing that we didn't make the playoffs. Now, we got a few new faces, made a few adjustments, and we have a Super Bowl game to play.

My wife and I were in Waynesburg, PA, at 10:00 a.m. on 10/17/2010. We were trying to get home to Ohio for the game by 1:00 p.m. Of course, being Sunday, we were decked out in our black and gold. As we entered the town, my wife had mentioned how she hated coming to Waynesburg, because it reminded her of her grandfather, who had passed away earlier this year. He and his late wife were some of the biggest fans I ever knew. Her grandfather had taught her how to drive in Waynesburg, so it really brought back memories for her.

As we were coming out of Walgreens, a man walking a dog asked us if we wanted tickets to the game. He was from Virginia, and was involved in a car accident on his way to Pittsburgh on Saturday night. He wasn't able to use the tickets and said he'd let them go for $50 a pop. I looked at my wife and said "c'mon, it's the Browns!" She smiled and knew it was almost too good to be true. The man then said "I'll take $40 a piece, I can't go, I just want someone to be able to use them." Now typically, I'd be skeptical, but the man was an older gentleman, and looked like he wasn't hurting for money. I couldn't believe it, $80 for two tickets! Ok, what's the catch? He said the seats were high, but visibility was great. The seats were right behind the goal post.We went back into Walgreens, used to ATM to get cash to pay the man, and we bought the tickets.

My wife, who hates being unprepared, was completely unprepared to go to the game. We stopped to buy a Terrible Towel, and more gear for the game. We made it to the game right at the kickoff. The weather was nice, visibility was great, the game was awesome. It couldn't have been a  more special day. My first game, against the Browns, no less, was amazing! Waving a Terrible Towel at Heinz Field was one thing on my "bucket list" that I can now check off!

However, one thing I just couldn't shake was how it happened. I just kept telling my wife that somewhere her pap was smiling as fate would have us in the right spot at the right time. Five minutes later and it never would have happened. So, to the man in Virginia who sold us the tickets...whoever you are...THANK YOU!!!

And in memory of my wife's grandfather who exclaimed after every Steeler touchdown: "Woo-whee baby, how sweet it is!"

Retirement for Harrison?

I have a feel good story for everyone about this past Sunday's game that I will be posting later, when I have time. However, I've been hearing this story this morning, and I'm a bit concerned. I know #92 likes to play aggressive, and he's worried that he's going to get suspended. Maybe there is some cause for concern about this. However, I think Tomlin should request a meeting with the commissioner to address this and provide some details as far as what is acceptable and what isn't. I don't think the rules are clear and I think it's going to be a witch-hunt every time a player gets injured....meaning that someone will be held accountable for a player's injury in Goodell's court.

I think if Tomlin wants Leftwich to start, he should name him the starter after Thursday's game, BUT, have Dixon start the game in a "gimmick" package and run 3-4 plays. Then, bring in Leftwich (if he's truly Tomlin's "starter"). Of course, I don't think Arians is capable of such trickery, but I think it's just enough unpredictability to mess with the Falcons. Tomlin has a good poker face, and could get away with naming Leftwich the starter at the press conference after the game. Just a thought...

Right now, the Bengals and Jets are the media darlings, or the flavors of the week. Sportswriters are getting horny for the unstoppable T.O./Ocho love fest. "How will teams prepare?" says ESPN. How could any team deal with Batman and Robin? We all know that the Super Bowl is not won in the preseason. I can assure you the sky is not falling. First, Ike's got Ocho's number...and it ain't 85, heck it's not even 8. Ike has been pretty consistent at making Ocho a non-factor. Ocho Stinko hasn't dropped a 100 yard game on us since 2003. More importantly, he's only scored 3 touchdowns on us EVER in 18 games. Owens is old, and not "as good as he once was" (to quote Toby Keith). Bryant is coming off knee surgery, and has never been consistent. Secondly, it's the Bungals! Surely a few players will probably get suspended. I say that in jest, but it's been a common theme amongst the team over the years. It's always possible. Thirdly, their defense isn't as good as advertised. Roy Williams (the safety) seemingly had a good season, but was a liability to the Cowboys for two years prior to that. I doubt he will replicate that "success" this season. The Browns are terrible, the Ravens were beat up, and the Steelers ran out of gas. These 3 teams made Cincy's "D" look good, and attributed for 6 of their wins. The Jets showed the Bengals that they were who WE thought they were...a bunch of bums who got lucky at our misfortunes. Now, that's not to say that they aren't legitimate, because they are, but I just don't think they can win the division 2 years in a row. They seem to have trouble handling success. 

Now, on to the Ravens. 

Adding Boldin was a "bold" move (get it). It gives the Ravens the best WR they have ever had..no disrespect to Mason. Boldin is a tough, athletic WR, who is not afraid to go across the middle or throw a block on a 300 pounder. I'd say he's the toughest WR in the league, but he's not, that would be our own Hines Ward. Flacco is coming into his own, Ray Rice is ridiculous, and the Ravens front 7 is as dangerous as ever. However, insanely awesome safety Ed Reed is having some injury woes, and starting corner Dominque Foxworth is now out for the season. The Ravens now have problems in the secondary, which is a major concern in a pass-happy league. 

There isn't much to say about the Browns except they had to have gotten better. I don't want to see another multiple sack game from them, so hopefully, the Steelers did too. 

Ultimately, the Steelers have to overcome their own problems to be successful. Ben's gone for 4-6 games (which is still in limbo...c'mon Goddell!). Colon is out for the season. Holmes is gone. Gay was a liability. Most importantly, the Steelers seem to have a defense that "ran out of gas" at the end of the game. How has this problem been addressed? 

I think the first issue here is: are Leftwich, Dixon, and Batch good enough to get us through 4-6 games? These guys can't do what Ben can. If we can run the ball efficiently and our defense plays as tight as it's capable, then surely, these guys can get the job done. 

We already had a line considered to be pretty bad entering the season, and losing Colon didn't help. However, Pouncey should be a major upgrade on the interior, and the signing of Flozell the Hotel could be enough to be at least as good as we were last year. 

Holmes is gone, but even if he stayed, he would have been no good to us for 4 games anyway. Then, he would have been a free agent and left at the end of the season anyway. If Wallace has a quick learning curve, it might not be too big of a drop-off. He showed us his skills last year, but he's not the #3 WR anymore, so the pressure is on him to perform. 

Essentially, we traded Holmes and got Bryant McFadden back. Gay got burned, and he didn't have much help behind him with Troy out of the lineup. The Steelers now have 3 young CBs fighting for roster spots, and picked up Will Allen, who has to be an upgrade over Ty Carter. Overall, the unit should be better. 

As far as the D running out of gas.....rumors of the Steel Curtain's demise have been exaggerated. Ok, Farrior looked bad midway through the season. The secondary was pretty bad without Troy. However, Hood is ready to roll. He can spell Smith and Keisel to keep them fresh. We have reloaded our LB corps. Welcome back Larry Foote, give Mr. Farrior a break. Worlids...all eyes are on you, rookie. Really, the only position that didn't get any younger was the D-Line. 

Overall, there is a lot of adversity to overcome, but there are some positives to all the negatives that happened during the offseason. Here's hoping for Super Bowl #7.

The guy has given us 2 Superbowls. Do you want to revert to the stone age when we had crappy quarterbacks (see the mid-80's and all the 90's). There's nobody out there worth getting that is going to do anything close to what Ben has done in his short time in Pittsburgh. Don't point the moral compass at Ben, worry about saving your own souls. Don't think if you choose to be a fan of the Steelers that they have to be a bunch of choir boys. Otherwise, you might as well just not watch professional sports period. When you give a bunch of guys this kind of money and power, some of them aren't going to be able to handle it, and they become corrupted. No different than in politics. There's a bad apple on just about every team.

Ravens-Ray Lewis, Bengals-half the team, Browns-Shaun Rogers, Patriots-Moss/Bellicheat, Bills-Marshawn Lynch, Jets-Santonio Holmes, Dolphins-Ricky Williams, Titans-McNair, Broncos-Brandon Marshall, Chargers-Merriman. I could go on and on, but the point is, no  matter what team you like, there's bound to be someone to "poop in your cheerios." Yes, DUI, Assualt, and drug charges aren't as serious as sexual assault, but sin is sin.

The other point that I want to make clear is that the 70s teams were accused of using steroids. Yes, there is a big difference between sexual assualt and cheating to win, but the point is that neither were found guilty. So, to all you lifers calling for the FO to dump Ben because of the "moral compass" of the team, just remember that our team might not have ever been the choirboys you thought in the first place. Until there is a guilty verdict, stand behind #7!

Yesterday, the Bills let their entire staff go. Is there anyone on their coaching staff that would be a good fit? I was thinking their special teams coach was pretty good. We could definitely make some coaching changes, and as much as I yell at Arians on Sundays, I think the special teams coach gets the boot first. Overall, "Black Monday" was pretty quiet, but I fully expect some more firings to take place this week.

The Patriots have all but been named the team of the decade for the 2000-era by sports journalists, historians, and homers. Besides winning a 3rd Super Bowl this year, what else would it take?

Myself, I think the 3rd SB would cement us as THE team of the decade, due to the *ahem* spygate scandal. However, along with the SB wins, the Pats had a perfect regular season that cannot be discounted and a better winning percentage over the last 10 years (although not by a landslide).

Would it take a perfect season AND 3rd Super Bowl to take the title?

Is winning the 3rd SB good enough to change critics minds?

With 6 (and soon to be 7) Super Bowls, we are the team of ALL TIME, so it really doesn't matter. However, it would just be nice to one-up the Patriots in any and every way we get the chance.

This just in...

http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2009/08/25/sports/steelers/doc4a94adb00d700175095467.txt

It looks like McHugh will be getting surgery, and will be out at least the next 2 preseason games (it's usually 4-6 weeks for a "cleanup job"). Does Tomlin go with TE David Johnson as the 3rd TE and cut McHugh? How does this decision affect other roster spots? Will this increase the chances for guys like Redmond, Logan, and Summers to make the team? Has anyone heard anything about whether Johnson can play well on special teams? I know Johnson was generating a lot of buzz over the last few weeks as being a very good blocker, so it seems like the injury might make Tomlin's decision a little easier.