Beer We Go Steelers

YOUR 2014 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

While I HATE having the Steelers lose any games…the most important thing is no one was hurt! The Steelers survived the preseason with a listless loss to the Panthers.

The Steelers need to make 22 cuts to get to the “first 53”!

What went right?

-NO SIGNIFICANT Injuries, the Steelers rested most of the varsity either intentionally or because of “injury”, I think Ben had hurt feelings and sat out. The preseason produced no significant injuries which is a welcome change.

-Despite my protests and criticisms, the Steelers front office did a great job in the draft and with player acquisition in the offseason. I still think we needed a Cornerback but Dri Archer is a heck of a lot of fun to watch. The best way to describe that pick, is that while we needed a CB I am sure we didn’t want to say we passed on Archer for some No Name Defensive Back to fill out the roster.

-The Steelers front seven looks terrific. Getting wrecked by the Eagles put a damper on this, but for the most part whatever derivative of seven guys the Steelers put up front, they played well, including nice showings by several rookies. Sean Spence could start for most teams, he will be on the bench for the Steelers.

-Big Ben is in good shape and again without the Eagles game he really had the offense moving.

-The receivers look like they won’t miss a beat after losing Wallace and Sanders in consecutive years. They have speed, size and great hands. I will be sad to see either or both Derek Moye or Justin Brown go, but I think Heyward-Bey has the last spot locked up.

-Three guys who I am pulling for on the roster are Josh Mauro, Dan “Mount” McCullers and Howard Jones. All three bring something to the team and all three have a punchers chance to make it. Mauro looks most likely to go with the return of Brett Keisel but hopefully the Steelers can hide him on the practice squad. McCullers is going to be a fan favorite if he stays and Jones really can play.

-I love that Brett Keisel is back! The Steelers have great D-Line help but there is something special about what Brett brings.

-The Starting Offensive line looks like it can be an asset instead of the clown act it was the beginning of last year. The depth looks a little thin but the starters played well in preseason.

What is a cause for concern?

-The cornerback situation looks dire at worst and passable at best. Any QB with blocking is going to pick these guys apart. The Steelers really need to dial up the pass rush this year to be successful.

-The secondary needs to gel better, I think the safety spot is an asset and like the talent at that spot, but they didn’t play very well together in the limited time

-Having the “Pineapple Express” Running Back tandem went from being a strength to the laughingstock of the league. Seriously, it is pretty sad for the Steelers. Having criminal is a Browns/Ravens thing.

-Special Teams had a borderline awful preseason. The Steelers have lost Long Snapper Greg Warren for a few games which takes up a roster spot. Brad Wing is a lousy punter and soon as another team cuts one loose he will be out of here. Shaun Suisham had a rough preseason and let’s hope he isn’t going to be the new Kris Brown, who woke up one day and couldn’t kick in the NFL.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

The Steelers have released running backs Jordan Hall and Miguel Maysonet, wide receivers C.J. Goodwin and Kashif Moore, tight end Eric Waters, safety Jordan Dangerfield, cornerbacks Devin Smith and Lewis Toler, and linebacker Vic So’oto. They need to release six more by the end of the week.

So’oto was the surprise to me, I think he played well enough to deserve a longer look. I was disappointed about Maysonet because he is from Long Island and was pulling for him. Jordan Dangerfield played well in his limited duty. There are plenty to go still as the count is at 81 right now and they need to get to the “first” 53 and then the “final” 53 after other teams make cuts.

Here are your quick hits for the Steelers v. Eagles:

It was too bad to even write about. But I will say everyone needs to lighten up it was a preseason game and the Steelers just didn’t show up.

The Beard is back baby! After seeing the play of the defensive line the last two weeks this comes as a shock. But honestly, I love this guy and wanted him back!!!

“There really is no place like here, no place like home. It was tough, just the unknown. For them to give me the opportunity to come back means a lot to me and I can’t wait to get back to work. I still have a little time to not only get to know these men I am going to go to battle with, but just get back into football stuff. I feel great. I have been training my tail off with the thought that I am going to be back. It looks like all of that training has paid off.”-Brett Keisel

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2168740-brett-keisel-to-steelers-latest-details-analysis-and-reaction

So I reviewed the game film Sunday Afternoon, in between several commitments. For the first time in two years the Steelers won a preseason game!

Here is a Quick Hits about Saturdays game:

-The biggest impact Saturday was Ryan Shazier, he came in as advertised. He is fast, a sure tackler and made some terrific plays. The Steelers’ No. 1 pick made nine solo tackles and two more on special teams and also had an interception in the first half of Saturday night’s 19-16 preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills. I still think we needed a Cornerback but I absolutely think this guy is a great talent and it is hard to argue with the pick.

-Speaking of draft picks, instead of Cornerbacks taken, Dri Archer had another great game and showed some great flashes. If someone could actually block on the outside, this could be huge! We still needed a Cornerback but Archer and Shazier are exciting to watch. “He runs like he was shot out of a canon.”-Edmund Nelson

-The “varsity” offense looks very good. Big Ben ran a virtuoso performance of the no huddle. Antonio Brown made a great play to score the first touchdown.

-The Steelers front seven combinations all played well. Howard Jones and Vic So’oto both are making strong cases to make the team.

-DT, Daniel McCullers must be a terrifying site for centers in the league. He looks like a man playing against kids.

-It was great to see Troy flying all over the field and laying the wood.

-Robert Golden got run over by Bills fullback Evan Rodriquez and then proceeded to recover the fumble on the same play. That is a guy that should absolutely make the team.

So because it is a preseason game and frankly the only one that I will see live this preseason because of my geography, I am not going to do the usual game report. Here is my take on what I saw Saturday. Unlike some fans who were besides themselves that we lost…again in preseason, I was very much encouraged.

Here is a Quick Hits about Saturdays game:

-Dri Archer is as fast as advertised. He was very exciting to watch and he looks like he could be a force.

-The running backs with Archer look very strong. Le’Veon Bell is in great shape and was impressive. LeGarrette Blount looks like a great compliment. Miguel Maysonett is the long shot who I am pulling for. He graduated from Riverhead HS and went to Stony Brook University! The position looks solid.

-The Steelers have an embarrassment of riches up front. Every defensive line combination and every linebacker combination were outstanding. BTW Jennings big gash up the middle was a blatant hold on Timmons, while both Mike Mitchell and Will Allen were caught flat footed, there is no way the play gets off without Timmons being held. So lets not panic.

-Stephon Tuitt will start this season and with Cam Thomas or the bulked up McClendon and with Steelhead Heyward the Steelers look great and athletic up front.

-Dan McCullers is a work in progress. I mentioned last week I was excited to see him play. He doesn’t do much but eat up space, but that he does well, including taking on three blockers at one point.

-The linebackers could be a very special group of players. Sean Spence had a terrific game, capping one of the best comebacks in NFL history. He looks like he can be very special. Jarvis Jones had a nice first game as well.

-Howard Jones and Josh Mauro will basically end any chance of a reunion with Brett Keisel and James “Silverback” Harrison. This is so bittersweet to me. LOVE both of these guys and they both had outstanding games. I just wanted Harrison and Keisel for one more year but Jones and Mauro seem to be great options.

So here is the bad news:

-If Big Ben gets hurt we are dead. Seriously Gradkowski and Jones were erratic at best. Landry Jones looked like the better of the two but neither can right the ship if Ben goes down for a long time.

-The offensive line looked good…their backups didn’t. The bright spot was Mike Adams who was good in pass protection, the usually dependable, Guy Whimper looked like he was playing in cement shoes,  Cody Wallace struggled as well.

-Martavis Bryant had a downright awful game. Not sure how else to put that.

-Brad Wing P was erratic as well. He doesn’t look like the answer at Punter unless he dramatically improves.

Tomorrow the Steelers will take the field to face the New York Giants. It has been a long offseason but I am very excited at what we will be seeing tomorrow.

We will be featuring quick hits every week:

Quick Hits for 8-8-14:

-“Mean” Joe Greene is getting his number officially retired. The only other Steeler with that honor is Ernie Stautner. Franco Harris, Mike Webster, Jack Lambert, Jack Hamm and Terry Bradshaw have had their numbers taken out of circulation but they have not been officially retired. I have written it several times, Greene is the rock that the Steelers dynasty was built on. It is an honor long deserved.

-The Steelers face off against the New York Giants tomorrow, they opened last preseason with the Giants and faced the Giants in their stadium’s un-official home opener. Unfortunately, I will not be attending tomorrow, despite several offers of free tickets.

-Mike Adams really needs to step it up if he wants to make this team. He is about to win the Limas Sweed Award for suckiest second round pick in the last decade. He hasn’t shown much in camp and is under fire.

-Daniel McCullers DT, is something of a “Paul Bunyon” Legend these days. One thing is certain he is a HUGE and MASSIVE human being, who dwarves some of the biggest guys on the squad. He also has two speeds Slow and Dead. I still think he deserves a long look.

-Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones, almost certainly will not play this weekend.

-Cornerback, Shaquille Richardson needs to step it up and make his case. He has an outside chance at starting and Saturday is his first chance to make his case.

-Coach Tomlin wants the Steelers to play with urgency. After losing EVERY preseason game last year, the Steelers basically sank the season in the first four weeks.

So Training Camp is less than a week away, after spending two years in lethargy the Steelers look poised to make a run at the top, here is a position by position analysis.

Quarterback: 

Guaranteed: Ben Roethlisberger, DUHHHHHH, one of the best QB’s in the NFL coming off one of his best years. Barring a catastrophe he will start and put together an excellent campaign.

Probable: Bruce Gradkowski, is a veteran backup and capable of winning in a pinch. If he plays more than one to two games the season will be in serious trouble.

On the bubble:  Landry Jones, the puzzling draft pick needs to show improvement and hold off younger cheaper alternatives.

The Long Shot: Brenda Kay, is an interesting prospect who is most likely headed to the practice squad or will be cut. He could push Landry Jones.

GRADE LEVEL: A-

Running Backs:

Guaranteed: Le’Veon Bell, had a productive if not spectacular rookie campaign. He should handle the brunt of the carries.  LeGarrette Blount, should handle the “bruising” yards and looks like a huge addition.

Probable: Dri Archer, will make the team after all the apparent hype.

On the bubble: Will Johnson, the Steelers could opt to take an additional “upside” back instead of a traditional fullback.

The Long Shot: Tauren Pool is and upside guy and could work his way onto the roster.

GRADE LEVEL: B+

Wide Receivers:

Guaranteed: Antonio Brown, developed into one of the best WRs in football. Markus Wheaton, will get the longest look in camp to play opposite Brown, his skills are unquestionable, and Wheaton needs to show development. Lance Moore, will fill the big shoes left by Jerricho Cotchery, he brings better speed but is a little smaller.

Probable: Martavis Bryant has great speed and has tremendous size, he probably needs a year of maturing but will be an anchor at the position.

On the bubble: Derek Moye, has great size but needs to show he can be a force in the red zone.

The Long Shot: Darrius Heyward-Bey, will try and harness his physical talents and see if it translates into a starting spot.

Grade: A

Tight Ends:

Guaranteed: Heath Miller, despite being slowed by injury, he came on strong last season at the end and is one of the best TE in football when healthy.

Probable: Matt Spaeth, has size and is a crushing blocker.

On the bubble: Dave Paulson, is penciled in the three spot right now, but he will have to hold back some exciting challenges. After a very disappointing 2013, there is a very good chance he will not be a Steeler in 2014.

The Long Shot: Eric Waters, has great athleticism but is an extremely green prospect. It would be shocking if the Steelers keep more than three tight ends to me

Grade: B-

Offensive Line:

Guaranteed: Dave DeCastro G, is shaping up to be a Pro Bowl caliber player. Maurkice Pouncey C, when healthy is a solid performer and is poised to have a breakout year. Kelvin Beachum T, saved the season last year, he is an over achiever who stabilized the line. Ramon Foster G, will start on the left side again.

Probable: Cody Wallace C, is a reliable backup who plays with a nasty streak.

On the bubble: Mike Adams T, is in the make or break year, he needs to perform or he will be gone. One thing to remember he was shot six weeks before training camp and played the whole season. That has to take a toll and I think he will make the team.

The Long Shot: Will Simmons, has a vicious playing style, he provides flexibility and has a fighting chance to make the team.

Grade: B+ 

Defensive Line:

Guaranteed: Cameron “Steelhead” Heywood is coming off a monster year and is the guaranteed starter. Stephon Tuitt is the rookie who will make the most impact this year.

Probable: Cam Thomas has the “anchorability” and is the “land mass” needed to hold down the nose tackle spot. The Steelers have some nice prospects that will round out this group.

On the bubble:  Steve McLendon, is technically not on the bubble because he will certainly make the team. He was badly miscast as the Nose Tackle and could have new life at Defensive End.

The Long Shot: Brett Keisel, is not even on the roster right now, so that definitely makes it hard to make the team. However, the rumor is the Steelers will bring him back for camp. He is a great Steeler and deserves one more year, especially in a limited role.

Grade: B

Linebackers:

Guaranteed: Lawrence Timmons has been a solid contributor/star since he moved inside. Jason Worilds is in a contract year and coming off his most productive season. Ryan Shazier was the 1st round choice and his speed is said to be a huge asset.

Probable: Jarvis Jones needs to step up and perform this year after a disappointing rookie campaign.

On the bubble: Vince Williams, put together a very strong rookie campaign but now finds himself up against Ryan Shazier and the revitalized Sean Spence. He is in for one tough battle this camp.

The Long Shot: Howard Jones, is a football cliché dream, “great motor”, “high energy”, “great athlete”, he does have a huge upside and could make this club and contribute.

Grade: B+

Cornerbacks

Guaranteed: Ike Taylor, will be singing the swan song of his illustrious Steelers career. He had a Jekyll and Hyde season last year and is trying to prove his critics wrong. Cortez Allen, will most likely start opposite Taylor, he too had some good games and some tough games.

Probable: William Gay will press both for a starting spot. (BTW that isn’t a typo)

On The Bubble: The group needs all the help it can get and everybody will be competing for a spot.

The Long Shot: See above, everybody has a fighting chance to make this group and start.

Grade: D+

Safeties:

Guaranteed: Troy Polamalu is also in the twilight of a Canton bound career. He will put together a good campaign and most likely ride off in the sunset. Mike Mitchell will play the Free Safety spot and he brings a level of speed the Steelers sorely needed last year.

Probable: Shamarko Thomas will improve in his second year and will certainly contribute.

On The Bubble: Will Allen will make the club but will be pressed by Robert Golden and Shamarko Thomas for playing time.

The Long Shot:  NO ONE

Grade: B+

Special Teams:

Guaranteed: Shaun Suisham, has performed admirably over the last two years.

On the Bubble: Greg Warren Long Snapper, through no fault of his, the Steelers NEVER overpay for this spot and Warren is reaching the top of the salary range. 

The Long Shot: The Steelers will bring in at least one or two specialists to compete.

Grade: A