Beer We Go Steelers

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

When I first heard about the passing of Chuck Noll, it felt like a loss of a family patriarch. I will be the first to admit that my understanding of how great Chuck Noll was as a coach came from reading and research more than first hand experience. The coaching resume speaks for itself; First Ballot Hall of Famer, Four Super Bowl Championships, .566 Winning percentage a great “Coaching Tree”. But that doesn’t even remotely tell the story of what Coach Noll meant to the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh.

As a quiet dignified man, he never believed in self promotion and was quick to deflect to the players when they succeeded. His complicated relationship with Terry Bradshaw and prickly relationship with the press has hurt him in the “all-time” coaches discussion. That isn’t something that I think ever bothered him. I wrote once before, “He knew he was smarter than you were, he just didn’t care if you knew it.”

Much like the designation of BC in the Julian calendar, the Steelers have a BC as well; Before Chuck, when they wandered in the wilderness for over 30+ years, as footballs laughing stock. The Steelers Won 156 games, lost 240 and tied 18. Coach Noll, showed up, first he changed the culture, then he built a winner, then a Dynasty, and eventually a foundation that the entire Steelers organization is built on to this day.

“The Standard is the Standard,” is the common theme from Coach Tomlin. Chuck Noll established that standard. They weren’t the same old Steelers anymore. Since that day he showed up as coach, the Steelers have won 413 games, lost 279 and tied 2. While the Rooney family are the most important people in Steeler history, Coach Noll is a very close second.

What is lost on a generations of fans is that his Coaching legend was so much more than just the 1970 Steelers, while his 80’s teams didn’t win the Super Bowl, he did some of his best coaching. He churned out six winning teams with a crumbling dynasty, thin talent and a limited budget. In 1989 coming off one of the worst seasons he ever had as a coach, he started the season 0-2 while getting blown out in both games. Noll never lost composure and led the Steelers to the playoffs, with a huge upset win over division rival Houston and their big mouth coach Jerry Glanville (Who was fired because of the loss) and they came within a few plays of pulling the upset against the eventual AFC Champion Broncos. Of the final two playoff games that Noll lost, the QB matchups were Dan Marino v. Mark Malone and John Elway v. Bubby Brister. Of the final two that he won, it was Mark Malone beating Hall Of Famer John Elway and Bubby Brister besting Hall of Famer Warren Moon, that should sum up great coaching.

His final seasons as Steelers coach laid the foundation that Coach Cowher’s early success was built on. He coached, Dermonti Dawson, Greg Lloyd, Rod Woodson, Carnell Lake, Hardy Nickerson, John Jackson, Jerry Olsavsky, DJ Johnson, Justin Strzelczyk, Barry Foster and Neil O’Donnell.

What he didn’t realize was, he did his life’s work and it’s impact is felt long after the glow of Super Bowl success had begun to fade and the city of Pittsburgh has been better for it ever since.

My prayers are with his family and all of Steelers Nation!

GOD BLESS CHUCK NOLL!!!

They concur with my writing:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000358914/article/chuck-nolls-best-coaching-job-came-with-89-pittsburgh-steelers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-RMEPgCk6U

From the Associated Press; Quotes about Coach Noll

Quotes about former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll, who died Friday at 82.

“He was a tough coach to me, and I spent more time with him than anybody, so I know. I learned how to be mentally tough with him, and for that I can never say thank you enough, because that got me through divorces, Super Bowls, and those times when I had bad moments in big games. He made me mentally strong, which I wasn’t. And he instilled in me a great work ethic.” —  Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw.

“Instead, he says: “Gentlemen, welcome to the NFL, you are now being paid to play, football is your profession. But I can tell you it is not your life. You can’t let it be. Part of my job is to help you find your life’s work.’

“That is the kind of things that stuck with me about Chuck.”  —  Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy.

“He never won Coach of the Year until 1989, but he didn’t care about those things. He did what he felt was right, and it carried over obviously to the football team. Chuck Noll was a coach who always was concerned with the basics of the sport. He always used to say, ‘This game is blocking and tackling,’ and to him that was playing the game the way it should be played.”  —  Steelers owner Dan Rooney.

“Chuck was just the ultimate leader. He had truth and belief in what he was saying, and over time all of those things he said were validated, the things about winning football games and being a solid citizen.”  —  Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene.

“He was a father figure, with me being a young African-American growing up in the South and losing my father early in my college career. My father died during my freshman year of college. Just being young and immature, Chuck was a stabilizer; he was a stabilizing figure in my life. He was a great mentor and a great leader. He was special.”  —  Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Blount.

“He’s the one who turned the thing around. I played for a bunch of coaches, three or four coaches. You could tell it was going nowhere until he came. And you knew he had a plan. He knew what he wanted to do. He had the respect of all the players. A lot of times guys go around and make remarks about coaches and things like that, just kidding around. But nobody ever kidded around. They had the greatest respect for Chuck.”  —  Former Steelers running back and assistant coach Dick Hoak.

Big Ben Praises Coach Noll:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/146aa31cd744a1a8

Here is my complete Analysis of the 2014 NFL Draft and Undrafted Free Agent Signings:

Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State:  Grade B-

BWG TAKE: Despite a glaring need for a Cornerback and Darqueze Dennard still on the board, the Steelers selected Shazier, who was a 4-3 OLB for Ohio State. His physical attributes are unquestionable and he gives the Steelers a dimension that they currently don’t have, especially if the plan is to move him inside and pair him up with Timmons. So why the B-, not sure what the thought process was in selecting what I would consider a “luxury pick” when we had a glaring hole, with a player who could fill in on the board. My guess is that Worilds will be out after this year or Sean Spence is not going to be ready to play. Either way I would have preferred we drafted a cornerback.

Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame: A

BWG Take: Tuitt was a pleasant surprise to me. He is an absolute monster, and a natural 5-technique defensive end. I had Louis Nix DT, Tuitt’s teammate in this spot. This is a much better pick and paired with Steelhead Heyward, will be a huge force to be reckoned with. This also means McLendon may get another shot at DT and Cam Thomas will be the penciled in starter.

Dri Archer, RB, Kent State: D-

BWG Take: I can just copy the attributes from the Shazier pick, super fast guy and should be the change of pace back that Chris Rainey wasn’t. He is an absolute playmaker and a threat to score when he touches the ball. He makes the offense younger and better. So why the F Grade, if Shazier was a “luxury pick” I don’t even know what to call Archer. While he will be fun to have, we needed a Defensive Back and we drafted a running back. Pierre Desir was still on the board and would have been a very good addition. To add insult to injury the Browns snatched Desir.

Martavis Bryant,  WR, Clemson: Grade B+

BWG Take: Since there was a run on Cornerbacks this was the best pick available for the Steeler’s needs. After years of Big Ben clamoring for a “tall” receiver the Steelers hit a potential HR with the pick of Bryant. He is a great receiver with tremendous catch radius and he will provide a very credible threat in the Red Zone. Given where the Steelers were on the board this was a good pick and addressed a need.

Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona: Grade C

BWG Take: The Steelers finally drafted the much needed cornerback. This would be a great pick if the Steelers drafted Dennard or Desir and were going to use Richardson as a project player. He has the physical attributes and looks the part of an NFL starter. More often than not according to scouting reports he doesn’t play to his size an speed. I trust the Steelers coaching staff to fix that. If that is the case, this goes from being a C pick to an A pick, but again we needed more than Richardson if we wanted impact in 2014.

Wesley Johnson, OT, Vanderbilt: Grade B+

BWG Take: Who is this year’s Kelvin Beachum, a good bet is on Wesley Johnson. Johnson has the experience, the tools and the attitude. Johnson started and astounding 51 Games in the SEC and was solid in his starts. He has the ability to play Guard or Center as well and gives the Steelers solid depth. This was a great pick and a tremendous value for the team.

Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA: Grade F

BWG Take: If you have made it this far reading this, the theme has been we needed a CB. So when drafting in the Sixth round and you need a project player, lets grab what we need, so the Steelers drafted…you guessed it an Inside Linebacker. That isn’t a typo, despite having one of the best ILB in football (Timmons), having a very serviceable ILB in Vince Williams, despite having Sean Spence and spending our first round pick on what most likely will be an ILB, we drafted an ILB. We basically got a smaller slower version of Vince Williams. ANY OTHER PICK, would have made sense here, even a QB would have been less puzzling than this. The only reason this wasn’t a complete disaster is because of the next pick.

Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee: Grade A+

BWG Take: This was probably my favorite pick of the draft. At 6′ 7″ and 352 Lbs(BTW I need to borrow that scale) this has the potential to be a huge impact for the Steelers both figuratively and literally. I figured after the Zuwalt debacle McCullers would be gone, we were pleasantly surprised to see him there. While he certainly will be a project player he just eats up offensive lineman and will definitely have the ability to push McClendon to the outside. The best quote about this pick, “The Steelers made the Earth move with sixth round pick”, NUFF SAID.

Rob Blanchflower, TE, UMass: Grade C

BWG Take: Blanchflower’s Sr. year was wiped out by injuries and he could potentially be a value pick. The Steelers are thin at TE and Blanchflower is a smart play in this spot. He certainly is worth a look. Selfishly, I don’t want to type his name every week in the blog so I might root for someone else to make the team, or he needs a nickname.

Free Agents:

Devon Carrington,  S, Stanford: He looks like a practice squad candidate, has nice physical attributes, but lacks technique.

Howard Jones, OLB, Shepherd: Very exciting prospect and if he played at a bigger college he would have been drafted. He has great athleticism with a shot to make the roster or the practice squad at the very least.

Josh Mauro, DE, Stanford: He plays with tremendous leverage and power. He might me a little small to play defensive end in the 3-4 but he has the ability and football acumen. He certainly has the frame to get bigger and stronger, if he does this could be a real find.

Ethan Hemer, DE, Wisconsin: Love this pick and love this kid. He was a walk on at Wisconsin and he played his way to be signed in the NFL. Hemer is a tall, tough, athletic 5-technique end. At 291 pounds and his attitude, he could come in and contribute right away.

Eric Waters, TE, Missouri: The Steelers are thin at TE after Heath so Waters has a shot.

Will Simmons, G, East Carolina: Has the physical ability and the nasty demeanor to make this team. He is a very interesting prospect and has the best chance of this group to make the squad. Very strong and could be the steal of the day!

Roy Philon, DT,  Louisville: He looks a little small to play DT in a 3-4 defense. Probably better projects to being a 3-4 point of attack end. The Steelers do well with undrafted lineman so he has a shot.

Brendon Kay, QB,  Cincinnati: Kay is a gifted athletic prospect with very interesting QB skills, He will at the very least will be a camp body. He has the potential to push Landry Jones and Bruce Gradkowski for the last QB spot on the roster.

Kaycee Ike, OT, UAB: He projects to be more of a guard and has some nice athletic upside. The Steelers are not afraid to keep undrafted OL who have versatility so he has a long shot.

Chris Elkins, OL, Youngstown State: He seems to be facing the toughest odds of making the squad. The plus is he plays Center and Guard the down side is he has trouble with the bigger defensive players and gets clobbered.

The Steelers sign Ten Undrafted Free Agents, several of which look to have a chance to make the 53-man Roster.

The Steelers had several needs in this years draft…and didn’t really focus on any of them.  This has to be the most puzzling draft the Steelers have had in 20+ years. Despite several “need” picks being available, they grabbed who they felt was the best on the board and who could help immediately.

We will have complete coverage tomorrow.

Here is the complete Steelers draft board:

The Steelers stunned everyone with their first pick Thursday night at the draft. Despite glaring needs at Defensive Back and Defensive Line the Steelers chose who they considered the best on the board, Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier. Pos: ILB * Ht: 6-1 * Wt: 237. He will most likely play inside linebacker with Steelers. He has outstanding speed (4.35 in the 40) and  his playmaking abilities are the biggest reasons the Steelers drafted him.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/05/09/DAY-1-STEELERS-2014-DRAFT-CLASS-RD-1-PICK-15/stories/201405090138