We are in the heart of the pre-seasons with one game in and a host of interesting story lines!
We were remiss in not commenting on the retirement of four Steeler greats, which is where we will start today.
-Joey Porter, never wanted to leave the Steelers and had some very productive years after he left town including a 17 sack season with the Dolphins. He was as tough as they come and had a great career here. To me, his signature moment was when he came around the corner and crushed Peyton Manning to “seal” the upset against Indy. Hey that’s how I remember it. He was a little outspoken and his mouth got him into trouble but no one can doubt his play making ability!
-Marvell Smith, was a building block and did a terrific job first on the right side opposite Wayne Gandy and then as the Left Tackle when Gandy departed. He was a pro bowler and of all the people who retired in this group, his departure is still felt. Never has a more important player toiled so anonymously.
– Aaron Smith, would also qualify as someone who was very important, the “when Aaron” plays stats v. when he didn’t were pretty glaring. He was universally loved by his teamates and although his body gave out, his heart never did! He was everything that a Steeler is supposed to be!
-“Fast” Willie Parker, was arguably the greatest non-drafted offensive player in Steeler history, if not the entire NFL. He burst onto the scene and made Deuce Staley and Verron Haynes footnotes in Steelers history. He holds the record for the longest rushing play in Super Bowl History, as well as most yards in a game for a Steelers RB. Injuries slowed him down and eventually he was replaced, but his stats are all over the Steelers record book!
They were four great Steelers and will be missed.
Out with the old and in with the new…
-Antonio Brown and Ike Taylor had two fairly serious dust-ups. The one thing that I can say is that one is a hotshot young guy and the other a wiley veteran. It is 110 degrees in the shade at Latrobe and I am sure tempers raged a little. Hey so be it, they seem to be buddies today.
-Max Starks is back today. I think Max will start one more year and be the bridge to Adams or Gilbert. He did a good job last year when he was healthy.
-Well traveled veteran Justin Peelle was signed to replace David Johnson. I think the winner here is Wesley Saunders, who will most likely get a second chance when he gets back. Peelle is a short term solution and might just be a camp body.