YOUR 2012 PITTSBURGH STEELERS!

September 4th, 2012
by admin

 

 

 

NO. PLAYER POS HT WT Comment
4 Byron Leftwich QB 6′ 5″ 250 A hard luck player who could be effective if called upon
6 Shaun Suisham K 6′ 1″ 200 Held off challengers in camp, still seems like a liability
7 Ben Roethlisberger QB 6′ 5″ 241 He is a top 5 QB and the toughest
9 Drew Butler P 6′ 1″ 204 Beat out Kapinos and looks like the real deal 
16 Charlie Batch QB 6′ 2″ 216 Dependable Veteran who has done everything asked of him 
17 Mike Wallace WR 6′ 1″ 199 FAST MONEY, should have a huge year, in his contract year 
20 Baron Batch RB 5′ 10″ 210 Has great upside and could play a big role this year
22 Chris Rainey RB 5′ 9″ 175 Very fast, extremely hyped rookie, very fun to watch 
23 Keenan Lewis CB 6′ 1″ 208 This is his make or break year, has all the tools
24 Ike Taylor CB 6′ 2″ 195 Dependable veteran looking to redeem the Denver Debacle
25 Ryan Clark FS 5′ 11″ 205 Coming off his best year as a Steeler and the unsung hero of the defense 
26 Will Allen S 6′ 1″ 200 Nine year veteran, who held off camp challenges 
27 Jonathan Dwyer RB 5′ 11″ 229 Produces every time he plays 
28 Cortez Allen CB 6′ 1″ 196 Will Start in the Nickel spot and could push to start at corner.
29 Ryan Mundy FS 6′ 1″ 209 Unspectacular but dependable veteran 
30 Robert Golden S 5′ 11″ 202 Great Camp for the undrafted rookie
31 Curtis Brown DB 6′ 0″ 185 Still needs to develop 
33 Isaac Redman RB 6′ 0″ 230 Has the opportunity to keep the starting spot with a great opening
34 Rashard Mendenhall RB 5′ 10″ 225 Injuries will slow his season 
43 Troy Polamalu SS 5′ 10″ 207 Tough, physical and the best at his position in the NFL
45 Leonard Pope TE 6′ 8″ 264 Should contribute in the Red Zone
46 Will Johnson FB 6′ 2″ 240 Real Fullback in the mold of Dan Kreider 
46 Adrian Robinson LB 6′ 1″ 250  Non-Stop motor, pass rushing specialist
48 David Paulson TE 6′ 4″ 241 Long shot who made the team 
48 Brandon Johnson LB 6′ 5″ 245 Former Bengal adds much needed depth 
50 Larry Foote LB 6′ 1″ 239 Great veteran leader who will be pushed for playing time
53 Maurkice Pouncey C/G 6′ 4″ 304 If healthy one of the best at his position
54 Chris Carter LB 6′ 1″ 248 Exciting prospect who has made great strides 
55 Stevenson Sylvester LB 6′ 2″ 231 Will push Foote for playing time, exciting but erratic player
56 LaMarr Woodley LB 6′ 2″ 265 Healthy LaMarr equals bad day for QBs
60 Greg Warren LS 6′ 3″ 252 No one knows his name, which is a good thing
61 David DeCastro OG 6′ 5″ 316 Injured but the future at Guard
64 Doug Legursky G 6′ 1″ 315 Super backup, strong as an ox
65 Al Woods DE 6′ 4″ 307 Former Practice squad guy who had a great camp 
68 Kelvin Beachum OG 6′ 3″ 306 Great kid who was another long shot
73 Ramon Foster G 6′ 6″ 325 Will Start at RG, needs to be better in pass rushing 
74 Willie Colon T 6′ 3″ 315 Going to start at LG, has been injury prone for two years
76 Mike Adams OT 6′ 7″ 323 Long term answer but not ready yet at Tackle 
77 Marcus Gilbert T 6′ 6″ 330 Will Start at Right Tackle, big year for him 
78 Max Starks T 6′ 8″ 345 Dependable Veteran who came off the couch last year and saved the day 
82 Weslye Saunders TE 6′ 5″ 270 Will be suspended when season starts, has the tools
83 Heath Miller TE 6′ 5″ 256 Best all around TE in football, should make impact in new offense
84 Antonio Brown WR 5′ 10″ 186 Last year’s MVP, exciting player 
88 Emmanuel Sanders WR 5′ 11″ 180 Should have a big year 
89 Jerricho Cotchery WR 6′ 0″ 203 Solid veteran who can be counted on in a tight spot
90 Steve McLendon DT 6′ 4″ 280 Despite some physical limitations plays a great NT
92 James Harrison LB 6′ 0″ 242 OUR HERO!!! 
93 Jason Worilds LB 6′ 2″ 262 Injuries limited his camp, heir apparent 
94 Lawrence Timmons LB 6′ 1″ 234 Dominant force who will need to be a leader this year 
95 Alameda Ta’amu DT 6′ 3″ 348 A freaking beast, but still raw
96 Ziggy Hood DE 6′ 3″ 300 Coming into his own and has been getting better every year 
97 Cameron Heyward DE 6′ 5″ 288 Steelhead will be in the mix of the best 3-4 D-Line
98 Casey Hampton NT 6′ 1″ 325 Big Snack is still the immovable object
99 Brett Keisel DE 6′ 5″ 285 FEAR THE BEARD
Injured List
51 Sean Spence LB 11-May 231 Was lighting it up before injury
57 Mortty Ivy LB 1-Jun 239 Hometown kid who will be missed
85 David Johnson TE 2-Jun 260 Tough luck for a good vet 
Practice Squad
11 Toney Clemons WR 6′ 2″ 210 Good size, still a project
18 David Gilreath WR 5′ 11″ 169 If there were 5 receivers he would have made the team, at some point he will play
35 Josh Victorian DB 5′ 10″ 190 Insurance policy, never saw him play 
40 Marshall McFadden LB 6′ 2″ 235 Would need a lot of bad luck for the Steelers to see this guy
42 Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith S 6′ 2″ 210 Second Year Practice Squad guy, could come out in a pinch 
62 John Malecki OG 6′ 2″ 298 Not sure how he sticks around 
69 Ryan Lee C/G 6′ 3″ 308 “Country Strong” with flashes of ability 
80 Jamie McCoy TE 6′ 2″ 240 Is the backup H-Back 

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WORST PRESEASON EVER!

August 31st, 2012
by admin

The good news is, the Steelers finished 3-1 and showed some really great flashes of brilliance. The bad news is: Injuries, Injuries, Injuries!  We lost two of our three top picks in the draft to injuries, in addition to losing our starting H-Back(Dave Johnson) and racking up dozens of other injuries.

Last night’s casualty was Sean Spence, who was having a monster camp. He had a brutal knee injury and looks to be done for the entire season. For those keeping track at home, that is Dave DeCastro: knee injury possibly done for the season, Sean Spence: who looks to be done for the season with a knee injury as well, Veteran David Johnson: done for the season with a torn ACL, and promising running back John Clay: also done for the year with a torn quad.

The loss of Spence took away the joy of the victory and what will possibly be the last appearance by Charlie Batch. Batch had a great night and made his case to finish out his career with the Steelers. He could very well be a roster casualty today given the injury situation with the team.

It was also great to see Big Snack; Casey Hampton out there playing and eating up blockers as well. Hampton looks like he is ready for one more season of stuffing the run in the middle of the D-Line.

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DeCastro better than first thought / Wallace Arrives

August 28th, 2012
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Dave DeCastro’s season may not be over yet. No decision will be made until after surgery is completed. DeCastro still could play this season, which is GREAT NEWS.

Also, Fast Money is Back! Mike Wallace is back and ready to roll!

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STEELERS CRUSH THE BILLS!

August 27th, 2012
by admin

The Steelers pounded the Bills on Saturday 38-7 but broke the cardinal rule of preseason; they lost Brett Kiesel and possibly Dave DeCastro to injuries with DeCastro possibly done for the season. The question now becomes, how serious are the injuries and will they return this year.

MORE TO COME

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Everest Fired!

August 24th, 2012
by admin

In a surprise move the Steelers fired Al Everest, Special Teams Coach. There is obviously something not quite right here. The Steelers special team has been their weakness for more than a decade and since Everest took over things have been considerably better.

It has to be a personality conflict or some type of breakdown internally.

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Steelers beat the Colts…No one gets hurt!

August 20th, 2012
by admin

The Steelers offense looked like it was making progress last night. The first team offense was responsible for 14 points and some nice drives, including a 57-yard touchdown that began as a short pass to Antonio Brown. With some great blocks by Baron Batch, Leonard Pope and Heath Miller he was able to scurry for an exciting over the top TD!

It was a fairly nice showing by the defense including two much needed picks by the secondary. Ike Taylor who had a great season last year despite few turnovers made a great play and had a pick six. Cortez Allen also had a nice pick of the hands of TY Hilton. LaMarr Woodley iintroduced Wonder Boy Andrew Luck to Steelers football.

The special teams actually contributed in a positive way(Which is something I don’t think I have ever typed on this Blog) with a punt block by Mortty Ivy and a nice showing by backup kicker Daniel Hrapmann, who kicked the game winner.

Some exciting players last night were Charlie Batch who looked like he still has some life in him, he lead some good drives with a very suspect line in front of him. Jerrod Johnson led the game winning drive. David Gilreath made the biggest catch of the preseason so far and looks like the leaders for the 5th receiver spot. Jonathon Dwyer is showing more burst and if he can stay healthy looks to be a lock on the team. Adrien Robinson had a non-stop motor all night and looks like a practice squad candidate. He was killing it on pash rushing and made some nice plays.

The bad news, the second team line and the replacement secondary in the words of the late Myron Cope were “El Stinko”. Dave DeCastro struggled in space but did show some good mobility. Trai Essex was downright awful and Mike Adams struggled against the Colts second and third teams.

A story that will never die is the “relationship” between Todd Haley and Big Ben. The announcers harped on it; the media has been non-stop all over it. Our comment on it is they seem to be on the same page as the results have been encouraging and BWG believes that both men are paid professionals and they will work together well.

On a personal note, one of the highlights of the night to me was seeing Greg Lloyd play. Usually we don’t highlight the other team but there was something special about watching Lloyd on the field and he is a spitting image of his old man. He had some nice plays and he has a chance at becoming a regular for the Colts.

 A new “feature” we will add to “The Facts” is stat of the week. I will pick out a stat from the game and highlight it. I am going to cheat and use something a commentator said instead of a game stat, since this is still preseason. The Steelers have had three head coaches in the past 43 years! That is a great stat and one that of course I knew but never get tired of saying.

To put it into perspective:

-the New York Jets have had 15 Coaches in the same time frame

-the “new” Cleveland Browns had three coaches in one year and five since 1999!

-The United States has had nine presidents.

-The Catholic Church has had four Popes.

-The New York Yankees have had…14 Managers and that stat is deceiving because they had Lou Piniella twice, Gene Michael twice, Bob Lemon twice and Billy Martin five times!!!

Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!

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Training Camp Quick Hits!

August 14th, 2012
by admin

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.

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Steelers drop the Pre-Season Opener

August 10th, 2012
by admin

Winning and losing doesn’t really matter at this time of year, the goal of the preseason is to get the first team quick work and make sure no one gets hurt, then see if you have anything worth building on. The Steelers achieved one of the two objectives.

The Steelers have some good young prospects and had a good night on offense. The bad news they lost David Johnson for the season and had injuries to Mike Adams, who had a productive game and Jonathon Dwyer who ripped off a 33 yard run.

Losing Johnson is a dissapointment because he had a great opening drive and it is obvious that the H-Back/Fullback is going to play a huge role in the new offense. Dwyer and Adams will both be fine. 

The offense looks good but obviously needs work. Chris Rainey IS exciting and his speed was as advertised. He had some very explosive plays and looked great. Dave DeCastro opened up some nice holes and caved in the Eagles defense on some big blocks.

The highlight of the night was Al Woods who had an interception, it is always fun watching the big men with the ball.

Have to be honest, I respect the NFL rule of “next man up” but it is strange not seeing Hines Ward or James Farrior.  

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

 

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The Steelers are back tonight!

August 9th, 2012
by admin

While it is only preseason it is very exciting to see a game on the schedule. I couldn’t be happier to have the Steelers back and I am looking forward to watching the game. (Albeit tomorrow afternoon not tonight.)

Tonights Keys to the Game:

-The New Offense: You have about as much chance of seeing the real offense as you do of seeing Puxatawny Phil on Ground Hog’s day with his shadow. But they do promise to show some wrinkles with a huge emphasis on running. I would say look for one series maybe two depending on length for Big Ben and crew.

-The Rebuilt O-Line: Mike Adams and David DeCastro will get the start tonight with Willie Colon and Max Starks being out. Both will eventually be starters and this will be their first test.

-Speaking of Rookies: The rookies will be tested early and often. The most heralded is Chris Rainey, who will return punts and kicks. But look for the Inside Linebacker battle to heat up as well as the 2nd string Running Back.  

-Ben’s backups: Look for Jerrod Johnson to get an extended look. I don’t think both Charlie Batch and “Hard Luck” Byron Leftwich will make the team unless Johnson is extremely lousy. This will most likely be Johnson’s longest look.

-BWG thoughts and prayers are with Andy Reid!

 

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Dermonti Dawson and Jack Butler inducted to Hall!

July 30th, 2012
by admin

It was a great weekend in Canton as two Steelers Greats were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

Dermonti Dawson who in the immortal words of Myron Cope “was the all world, all everything Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers” had the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Mike Webster the Steelers Hall of Famer! Dawson did it and he anchored the position for  13 seasons yielding seven pro bowl appearances. He was an ironman playing 16 games in ten straight seasons and absolutely ran people over pulling from the Center spot. I am very happy to have seen him play his whole career. Dawson’s praise for Mike Webster, was the best highlight of his moving speech.

He also shared his mantra; “Do everything with a purpose, Live, act, play and work with a purpose, with a passion and more importantly with honor!”

http://www.profootballhof.com/multimedia/inductions/2012/8/4/dermontti-dawson-enshrinement-speech/

I never saw Jack Butler play, after reading up on him, I wish I did. He played with discipline and had an incredible work ethic. Above all he was the best DB on some down trodden Steeler teams.

Butler can claim to be one of three players in the history of the league with four interceptions returned for a touchdown and four receiving touchdowns. He was named to four Pro Bowls and had 52 Interceptions when he retired!

He was a ferocious hitter and gave a very memorable albeit short speach.  

“I was also fortunate enough to play in the great city of champions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Butler during his speech.

http://www.profootballhof.com/multimedia/inductions/2012/8/4/jack-butler-enshrinement-speech/

Coming up next Four Steeler greats retire as Steelers!

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