The running game has always been the center of the Steelers offensive universe. Even with the ascension of Pro Bowl QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh operates what is essentially a run-first offense. This year, the Steelers boast a number of talented young running backs who will each do their part to continue Pittsburgh's rich tradition with the ground game.
The most well-known back in Pittsburgh's stable is the speed-demon, Willie Parker. He's an odd fit in Pittsburgh given that the team has a long history of power-runners, rather than breakaway speedsters. While he has worked on his inside running, a skill he began honing under the tutelage of power-runner extraordinaire Jerome Bettis, he's not quite there. Part of his deficiencies may be the result of the lineman in front of him, but even taking into account the dwindling level of talent on the offensive line, Parker still looks a bit too tentative when he runs between the tackles. Whenever he takes the ball outside, though, that's when he shows his true value. He is easily one of the fastest players at his position, and that speed guided him to three-straight 1200 yard rushing campaigns before an injury-riddled 2008 season.
The injuries add another level of drama to the backfield. Parker was fairly healthy in his first two seasons before breaking down after 337 carries in 2007. In 2008, he only managed to play eleven games. Parker can quite possibly be a workhorse, but a large number of carries will sap the ability that makes him so special, his breakaway speed.
The Steelers brought in Rashard Mendenhall in last year's draft to help share some of that workload. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve with a fractured shoulder after the fourth game. To Steelers faithful, Mendenhall represents an unknown. His preseason performance was merely average and he had issues securing the ball both while running and while returning kicks. He was injured before he could show the talent that led to his selection in the first-round. Mendenhall has the size and speed to be successful in the NFL. He's 15-20 lbs heavier than Parker and still has above-average speed. If he can adjust to the speed of the pro game, he can form an excellent 1-2 punch with Parker and be that physical inside runner that past Steelers teams were built around.
If Parker and Mendenhall can return strong and avoid injuries, it will be less carries for one of the heroes of the 2008 season, Mewelde Moore. Moore was rescued from Minnesota, where he was stuck behind superstar Adrian Peterson and worthy backup Chester Taylor. Once he arrived, the team drafted Mendenhall and Moore looked to be behind another log-jam. Once the two runners in front of him went down, Moore showed his own brand of talent. Moore doesn't have great speed and won't wow you with his power. He is, however, incredibly shifty and plays with more passion that most players at his position. His shiftiness helped him to be a dual-threat runner-receiver in relief of Parker. Now that he's shown off his skills, he can parlay his great performance last year into a 3rd-down role ala Verron Haynes, with the opportunity to start if any injuries occur to the two men ahead of him.
The fourth man who will likely make the roster is the team's 2009 fifth-round selection, Frank "The Tank" Summers. Summers' physique could allow him to become the goal-line power back that the Steelers have been searching for since the retirement of Jerome Bettis. Gary Russell filled that role last year, but was merely average. The hope is that Summers can finish the work done by Parker and Mendenhall, while keeping the two stars away from the harsh demands of goal-line work.
Altogether, the Steelers may not have the best backfield in the league, but they have some surprising depth and a variety of options. Mendenhall and Parker should take the majority of the carries, with Moore coming in for passing situations and/or his usual third-down role. Summers will only see the field in goal-line situations, unless Mendenhall can show his coaches that he is ready for that duty as well. If the Steelers can divide the workload between these four runners correctly, the team could ascend to be one of the top running teams in the league once again.
Quick Hits
- Steve McNair's passing is just one of the latest gun-related deaths to hit the league recently. While he was no longer an active player, he has only been retired for one year and was undoubtedly fresh within the minds of fans. McNair was one of the toughest players to play quarterback and was an all-around standup guy in a league that needs one of those. He will be missed.
- Chad Ocho Cinco has decided to Twitter during games. I'm setting the over/under on three games before he "tweets" something that puts him in the doghouse with both the team and his fans.
- Jason Cole of Yahoo.com recently wrote an article about how players from the '05 draft are having trouble getting new contracts, citing the economy and struggles with the CBA negotiations as the man causes. He may have missed an obvious fact though. Though, for sure, teams are hesitant to sign players with the CBA issues looming large, a big reason why a number of these players are unsigned may be because the '05 draft wasn't very good. Within the first ten picks, only Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, and Antrel Rolle have been major contributors. Brown, however, has injury concerns. Edwards looked like he was playing defense instead of receiver last year, and Rolle had to switch to safety before becoming an effective starter. All the same, there are a number of surprising players still without contracts for next season, including Roddy White and Steelers-star Heath Miller.
- Speaking of lack of contracts, is it just me or does it seem like it's taking forever for this year's draft picks to signs?
- A judge has somehow blocked the suspensions of the two Williamses in Minnesota. The pair better hope they win, otherwise they could see those four-game suspensions in the middle of the season, rather than in the cupcake four-game slate the team starts with (Cleveland, Detroit, San Francisco, Green Bay).
Kenneth Torgent
torgent@yahoo.com
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Thursday's Take: The Post-Dynasty All-Time Team Part II
Today we name the offensive starters for the team. To refresh: all players who won a super bowl with the 70's dynasty are ineligible for the team. No Joe Greenes, Bradshaws, or Lamberts. Anyone who began their career with the Steelers after the Super Bowl in January of 1980 is eligible. You can find the defensive starters here.
-The Offense-
Quarterback
Starter: Ben Roethlisberger
Backup: Neil O'Donnell
- This is an easy selection. The Steelers have only had two great QBs in the Super Bowl era. One is Bradshaw, but he doesn't qualify for this team. Roethlisberger has been in the league for five years, won it all in two of them, and already has surpassed a number of Bradshaw's records. He holds numerous rookie records in the NFL, including most wins in his rookie season, when he went 14-0 and led the team to the AFC Championship. He also holds the record for youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He's a big quarterback who is also surprisingly nimble, allowing him to avoid rushers and extend plays. He is also gaining a reputation as a clutch performer, having led at least fifteen comebacks in his career. Neil O'Donnell is a name that invokes bad memories among Steelers faithful. He was a solid quarterback in the early 90's, but is most often remembered for three awful picks he threw in the 1995 Super Bowl.
Running Back
Starter: Jerome Bettis
Backup: Barry Foster
- Bettis is an easy pick here. He may be the most significant offensive player on the Steelers after the dynasty. A future hall-of-famer, Bettis was the emotional leader of Pittsburgh's offensive unit from 1996 when he was traded from the Rams to 2005, when he retired after winning the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit. He is considered one of the best big backs ever to play the game, and ruled in an era where speed-power hybrid backs were the norm. He finished his career fifth on the all-time rushing list, behind only Curtis Martin, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Emmitt Smith. Barry Foster was a strong runner for the Steelers in the early 90's before injuries cut his career short. He currently holds the Steelers record for most rushing yards in a single-season (1690).
Fullback
Starter: Merril Hoge
Backup: Dan Kreider
- Around the same time that Foster was hitting his peak, Merril Hoge was running wild from the fullback position. He earned over 5,000 combined rushing and receiving yards for the Steelers from 1987-1993. He currently serves an an analyst on ESPN. Kreider was a different breed of fullback, a pure blocker in the mold of Lorenzo Neal. He filled this role for the Steelers from 2000 until he left for the Rams after the 2007 season.
Tight End
Starter: Heath Miller
Backup: Mark Bruener
- Heath Miller is one of the more underrated offensive players in the league today. He has the receiving ability of other top tight ends, but is much more adept as a blocker than other pass-catching dynamos at his position. His receiving stats are actually diminished every season because the Steelers offense needs to keep him in to block so often. He remains one of the most well-rounded talents at the tight end position and boasts an excellent rapport with current QB Ben Roethlisberger. Bruener is a blocking tight end at heart, and he may be one of the best blocking tight ends in recent history.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Hines Ward, Louis Lipps
Backups: Plaxico Burress, Yancey Thigpen
- Hines Ward is an enigma in the National Football League. Steelers Nation loves him for the physicality he brings to the wide receiver position. Other teams hate him for the very same reason. He is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the modern game and regularly dominates opposing cornerbacks (and sometimes linebackers) on running plays. Some of these vicious blocks have resulted in injuries, which has led to his reputation as a "dirty" player in the AFC North. In truth, he is one of the classiest and hardest-working talents at the WR position, and works with his younger teammates to follow in his footsteps both as a blocker and as a class act. Lipps was a fan favorite of the Steelers in the 80's, and was, by far, the team's best receiver of that era once John Stallworth retired. He earned recognition early on as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1984. Burress was one of Ward's blocking disciples who took his show to the Giants, winning the Super Bowl in 2007. Thigpen was the star receiver for the Steelers in the mid-to-late 90's.
Offensive Tackle
Starters: Tunch Ilkin, Marvel Smith
Backups: Max Starks, John Jackson
- Tunch Ilkin is a well-known name in Pittsburgh, having anchored the local Steelers broadcasts every Sunday since 1998. Before that, though, he was anchoring the offensive line for the Steelers for much of the 80's. He never was a dominant force at tackle, but he was an above average starter for the team in a decade when Pittsburgh truly looked lost. Marvel Smith handled duties at the tackle position from the beginning of this millennium until his departure after last season's Super Bowl. He was solid and dependable early in his career before back issues forced him out of the lineup. He still managed to grab two rings before he left town, one as a starter (2005). Max Starks filled the other tackle spot in 2005 before taking over for Smith last year. John Jackson also was a Super Bowl tackle, though he got his chance in the one the Steelers lost in 1995.
Offensive Guard
Starters: Alan Faneca, Craig Wolfley
Backups: Kendall Simmons, Terry Long
- Alan Faneca is one of the top offensive guards in the game today. In the past eight years, he's been named to the Pro Bowl and either the First or Second All-Pro team every single year. His talent allowed the Steelers to become one of the most powerful rushing teams of this decade. Unfortunately, the Steelers were forced to let him go due to monetary concerns. He has since moved on to the Jets who, unsurprisingly, saw a positive change in their rushing totals. Craig Wolfley, like Tunch Ilkin, is another Pittsburgh radio stalwart. In fact, Craig and Tunch were actually teammates throughout the 80's. Craig was a solid offensive guard who was sometimes pressed into duties at tackle due to injuries. Simmons was a solid starter for most of this decade before injuries led to his release. Terry Long was another 80's standout, starting at guard opposite Wolfley for the later half of the decade.
Offensive Center
Starter: Dermontti Dawson
Backup: Jeff Hartings
-From 1969 to 2006, the Steelers had only two coaches, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. From 1974 to 2006, the Steelers had only three centers, which may be the more impressive feat. The first center in that list was Mike Webster, who ruled from '74 all the way to 1988. Dermontti Dawson succeeded Webster in 1989, becoming one of the most dependable centerman of the decade. He is not a hall-of-famer yet, but his time is coming soon, as he has been a finalist every year since he became eligible. In 2001, the Steelers acquired free agent Jeff Hartings to take over the long lineage at center, and he didn't disappoint. Hartings left the team in 2006, ending a thirty-year period of dominance at the center position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quick Hits
- Anyone who hates the current NFL overtime system should check this article out. It shows off a proposed silent auction system in which the two coaches lobby for field position with the least advantageous position winning. I like the idea. It would make the coaches responsible for the possession rather than being ruled by a 50/50 coin flip.
- It's official. Steelers owner Dan Rooney is now the U.S.'s ambassador to Ireland. Couldn't think of a better person to take that job.
- Calvin Pace just received a four-game suspension for banned substances. As a result, 2008 sixth-overall pick Vernon Gholston might actually make an appearance this year. We'll finally get to see if he's ready for NFL action and, if he's not, we can see finally see why he disappeared for all of last season.
- For those interested: Training Camp Schedules.
- The only thing more annoying than Twitter is the press' recent infatuation with it. If you're reading this, don't use Twitter. Just don't.
Kenneth Torgent
torgent@yahoo.com
-The Offense-
Quarterback
Starter: Ben Roethlisberger
Backup: Neil O'Donnell
- This is an easy selection. The Steelers have only had two great QBs in the Super Bowl era. One is Bradshaw, but he doesn't qualify for this team. Roethlisberger has been in the league for five years, won it all in two of them, and already has surpassed a number of Bradshaw's records. He holds numerous rookie records in the NFL, including most wins in his rookie season, when he went 14-0 and led the team to the AFC Championship. He also holds the record for youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He's a big quarterback who is also surprisingly nimble, allowing him to avoid rushers and extend plays. He is also gaining a reputation as a clutch performer, having led at least fifteen comebacks in his career. Neil O'Donnell is a name that invokes bad memories among Steelers faithful. He was a solid quarterback in the early 90's, but is most often remembered for three awful picks he threw in the 1995 Super Bowl.
Running Back
Starter: Jerome Bettis
Backup: Barry Foster
- Bettis is an easy pick here. He may be the most significant offensive player on the Steelers after the dynasty. A future hall-of-famer, Bettis was the emotional leader of Pittsburgh's offensive unit from 1996 when he was traded from the Rams to 2005, when he retired after winning the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit. He is considered one of the best big backs ever to play the game, and ruled in an era where speed-power hybrid backs were the norm. He finished his career fifth on the all-time rushing list, behind only Curtis Martin, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Emmitt Smith. Barry Foster was a strong runner for the Steelers in the early 90's before injuries cut his career short. He currently holds the Steelers record for most rushing yards in a single-season (1690).
Fullback
Starter: Merril Hoge
Backup: Dan Kreider
- Around the same time that Foster was hitting his peak, Merril Hoge was running wild from the fullback position. He earned over 5,000 combined rushing and receiving yards for the Steelers from 1987-1993. He currently serves an an analyst on ESPN. Kreider was a different breed of fullback, a pure blocker in the mold of Lorenzo Neal. He filled this role for the Steelers from 2000 until he left for the Rams after the 2007 season.
Tight End
Starter: Heath Miller
Backup: Mark Bruener
- Heath Miller is one of the more underrated offensive players in the league today. He has the receiving ability of other top tight ends, but is much more adept as a blocker than other pass-catching dynamos at his position. His receiving stats are actually diminished every season because the Steelers offense needs to keep him in to block so often. He remains one of the most well-rounded talents at the tight end position and boasts an excellent rapport with current QB Ben Roethlisberger. Bruener is a blocking tight end at heart, and he may be one of the best blocking tight ends in recent history.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Hines Ward, Louis Lipps
Backups: Plaxico Burress, Yancey Thigpen
- Hines Ward is an enigma in the National Football League. Steelers Nation loves him for the physicality he brings to the wide receiver position. Other teams hate him for the very same reason. He is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the modern game and regularly dominates opposing cornerbacks (and sometimes linebackers) on running plays. Some of these vicious blocks have resulted in injuries, which has led to his reputation as a "dirty" player in the AFC North. In truth, he is one of the classiest and hardest-working talents at the WR position, and works with his younger teammates to follow in his footsteps both as a blocker and as a class act. Lipps was a fan favorite of the Steelers in the 80's, and was, by far, the team's best receiver of that era once John Stallworth retired. He earned recognition early on as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1984. Burress was one of Ward's blocking disciples who took his show to the Giants, winning the Super Bowl in 2007. Thigpen was the star receiver for the Steelers in the mid-to-late 90's.
Offensive Tackle
Starters: Tunch Ilkin, Marvel Smith
Backups: Max Starks, John Jackson
- Tunch Ilkin is a well-known name in Pittsburgh, having anchored the local Steelers broadcasts every Sunday since 1998. Before that, though, he was anchoring the offensive line for the Steelers for much of the 80's. He never was a dominant force at tackle, but he was an above average starter for the team in a decade when Pittsburgh truly looked lost. Marvel Smith handled duties at the tackle position from the beginning of this millennium until his departure after last season's Super Bowl. He was solid and dependable early in his career before back issues forced him out of the lineup. He still managed to grab two rings before he left town, one as a starter (2005). Max Starks filled the other tackle spot in 2005 before taking over for Smith last year. John Jackson also was a Super Bowl tackle, though he got his chance in the one the Steelers lost in 1995.
Offensive Guard
Starters: Alan Faneca, Craig Wolfley
Backups: Kendall Simmons, Terry Long
- Alan Faneca is one of the top offensive guards in the game today. In the past eight years, he's been named to the Pro Bowl and either the First or Second All-Pro team every single year. His talent allowed the Steelers to become one of the most powerful rushing teams of this decade. Unfortunately, the Steelers were forced to let him go due to monetary concerns. He has since moved on to the Jets who, unsurprisingly, saw a positive change in their rushing totals. Craig Wolfley, like Tunch Ilkin, is another Pittsburgh radio stalwart. In fact, Craig and Tunch were actually teammates throughout the 80's. Craig was a solid offensive guard who was sometimes pressed into duties at tackle due to injuries. Simmons was a solid starter for most of this decade before injuries led to his release. Terry Long was another 80's standout, starting at guard opposite Wolfley for the later half of the decade.
Offensive Center
Starter: Dermontti Dawson
Backup: Jeff Hartings
-From 1969 to 2006, the Steelers had only two coaches, Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. From 1974 to 2006, the Steelers had only three centers, which may be the more impressive feat. The first center in that list was Mike Webster, who ruled from '74 all the way to 1988. Dermontti Dawson succeeded Webster in 1989, becoming one of the most dependable centerman of the decade. He is not a hall-of-famer yet, but his time is coming soon, as he has been a finalist every year since he became eligible. In 2001, the Steelers acquired free agent Jeff Hartings to take over the long lineage at center, and he didn't disappoint. Hartings left the team in 2006, ending a thirty-year period of dominance at the center position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quick Hits
- Anyone who hates the current NFL overtime system should check this article out. It shows off a proposed silent auction system in which the two coaches lobby for field position with the least advantageous position winning. I like the idea. It would make the coaches responsible for the possession rather than being ruled by a 50/50 coin flip.
- It's official. Steelers owner Dan Rooney is now the U.S.'s ambassador to Ireland. Couldn't think of a better person to take that job.
- Calvin Pace just received a four-game suspension for banned substances. As a result, 2008 sixth-overall pick Vernon Gholston might actually make an appearance this year. We'll finally get to see if he's ready for NFL action and, if he's not, we can see finally see why he disappeared for all of last season.
- For those interested: Training Camp Schedules.
- The only thing more annoying than Twitter is the press' recent infatuation with it. If you're reading this, don't use Twitter. Just don't.
Kenneth Torgent
torgent@yahoo.com
The Defending Champions
Repeating as Super Bowl champions is not easy. Next season the Steelers are going to be the big game on every team’s schedule. Everybody is going to be gunning to take out the Pittsburgh Steelers to try to prove themselves to the league. Despite this intangible fact, the Steelers will be favorites to win their 7th Lombardi trophy in ‘09. Here is why the Steelers will become a dynasty by winning their second consecutive Super Bowl and third in five years:
Special Teams
The special teams unit will be a difference maker in close games next year. Jeff Reed will continue to master his trade of being a very dependable kicker especially at Heinz Field, which is known to be the toughest place to kick. In the last 2 years Reed has made 50 of 56 FG attempts and 80 of 81 extra points, an overall 95% success rate. Daniel Sepulveda will make his return as the punter and prove why the Steelers drafted him in the 4th round in 2007. Sepulveda has the potential as being a top 3 punter in the NFL and will help make it even easier on the league’s best defense. The Steelers return game has been slacking in recent years, but they have addressed that this offseason and will look to some speedy new guys for help. Steelers 3rd round pick Mike Wallace owns records at Ole Miss for single game, season, and career return yards and the coaches are excited about his potential as a big play returner. Newcomer Stefan Logan and rookie Joe Burnett will get opportunities as returnmen as they try to prove themselves to the league. Logan is coming off a season where he gained 1412 yards in the CFL and has agility that has been compared to Darren Sproles. Joe Burnett will try to pick up where he left off in college, where he had 5 returns for touchdowns and was an All-Conference kickoff and punt returner at Central Florida. Santonio Holmes will surely get his situational punt returns. His big-play talent was huge in the playoffs, and his 67 yard punt return touchdown against
Experience
There is no substitute in sports for having been to the Promised Land. The Steelers know what it takes to win big games. Confidence will carry over into next season as the Steelers will know how to play like champions. This team has done it before, most of them have done it twice, and they are poised to do it again.
Running Game
Look for the Steelers to have one of the best rushing attacks in the league next year. Last year they had to overcome injuries to Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Carey Davis throughout the year so it was hard to find some consistency. All five starters from the offensive line of their Super Bowl team will return in ‘09. That unit was very effective as run blockers despite all of the criticism that they received early during last season. The wide receivers and tight ends are all excellent run blockers which will contribute in making the running game roll. Rookie Frank “The Tank” Summers could pick up some goal line carriers and potentially be the short yardage back the Steelers have been lacking. Willie Parker is looking better than ever and his speed will cause big problems for opposing defenses. Rashard Mendenhall will look to have a breakout season and be the next Steelers first round pick to become a star player. The 22 year old has a rare combination of size, speed, and agility which will make him a force in the Steelers offense for years to come.
Passing Game
Ben Roethlisberger returns and will lead a very dangerous passing attack. The receiving corps is tough and talented and Big Ben will have many options when dropping back (or running around). The passing attack will revolve around short to medium range passes with Hines Ward, Santonio, and Heath Miller. Both Big Ben and Bruce Arians love to throw the deep pass and this team will definitely have deep threats. Limas Sweed showed that he has the speed to get open downfield and has great potential as a big play receiver. Mike Wallace, who has run a 4.28 40 yard dash, will be the fastest player on the team and will get some opportunities to burn the defense. As long as they can keep it close in the 4th quarter, the Steelers will be comfortable if they have to send Big Ben out to win the game with one last drive in a big game..
Coaching
Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau will have this team ready for another run at the title. Mike Tomlin has quickly become the best young head coach in the NFL. Since his arrival the Steelers have been 25-11 and have produced the #1 ranked defense both years. The players enjoy playing for him and the fans love him. He is an exciting and energetic coach and isn’t afraid to make a big decision. Defensive mastermind Dick LeBeau has gameplans and schemes that are always a step ahead of opposing offenses. People have questioned whether this team will be motivated for another run because they have lost their hunger to win it. "It's not hunger that drives me, it's not hunger that needs to drive our football team," Tomlin said at the NFL owners meetings. "Hunger and thirst are things that can be quenched. We have to be a driven group, we have to seek greatness. I think driven is a more appropriate word, it's a word I tend to use with them as we prepare for '09.” Expect Mike Tomlin to have his team motivated for a championship in 2009.
Defense
Defense wins championships, and the best defense the NFL has seen this decade is going to be even better in ‘09. The Steelers defense is stacked with stars and every position is their strength. Safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark lead a secondary that finished ranked #1 in yards in 2008. Cornerback Ike Taylor will return and William Gay is ready to replace Bryant McFadden as a shutdown corner. Third round picks Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett will give depth at the cornerback position. The secondary looks to be stronger than ever and will be stable for many more years. Lawrence Timmons will see his first full season as starting inside linebacker as he replaces Larry Foote. Timmons and LaMarr Woodley are about to enter the prime of their careers and their talent will take the Steelers defense over the top. Not to mention that the Steelers also have defensive MVP James Harrison and pro-bowler James Farrior in that linebacking corps that could soon be legendary. The big defensive line also returns and will be even better with the addition of first round pick Ziggy Hood. Hood will make the Steelers D even more dangerous because his specialty is penetrating the line of scrimmage and putting pressure on the quarterback and blowing up running plays. Dick LeBeau will have this defense playing smart and firing on all cylinders, which will naturally have this defense ranked #1 once again.
By Jeff Cupp
Thursday's Take: The Post-Dynasty All-Time Team
I've always enjoyed making all-time teams, whether it be for individual teams, eras, or even rounds of the draft. Unfortunately, naming an all-time team for the Pittsburgh Steelers can be somewhat lackluster, being that every all-time Steelers team will be overloaded with players from the dynasty of the 70's, many of whom can easily be named to all-time teams for the general NFL.
The players of the dynasty are certainly deserving of their respective spots on the Steelers all-time team, but for the purpose of keeping this particular team fresh and exciting, all players who won a super bowl with the 70's dynasty are ineligible for the team. Anyone who began their playing career with the Steelers during or after the 1980 season can be named to this team. This will be a two-part series. This week we'll go with the defense, the unit that the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for.
-The Defense-
Defensive Tackle
Starter: Casey Hampton
Backup: Joel Steed
- Casey Hampton is part of the primary core of defensive players that helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win their two Super Bowls this decade. The nose tackle position, which Hampton fills, is a make-or-break position in the 3-4 defensive scheme. If the nose tackle can't continually garner double teams from offensive lineman, then the overall defense is doomed to fail. Hampton is one of the best, if not the best, nose tackles in the game today. He's a monster at over 325 lbs, and it's his gargantuan size and physical strength that cause problems for opposing offenses. Hampton does his job each and every play, allowing his teammates around him to succeed and play to their full potentials. He's made four pro bowls in his career. Joel Steed filled the same position for the team in the 90's, helping Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship in 1994 and 1995.
Defensive End
Starters: Aaron Smith, Keith Willis
Backups: Ray Seals, Kimo von Oelhoffen
- Aaron Smith is one of the more underrated players currently in the league. He's has the talent to be an elite starter at defensive end in a standard 4-3, but chooses to remain as a 3-4 end, a position at which he is the cream of the crop. Like the nose tackle, the 3-4 end is a glory-less position. Smith is not a known commodity among casual fans, but is known as a valuable piece of Pittsburgh's puzzle to any hometown fan or diehard football fan. Keith Willis was one of the rare solid contributors for the 1980's Steelers. He stuck around for nine years with Chuck Noll, racking up fourteen sacks in his best year. Ray Seals filled the 3-4 end position for the 1995 Super Bowl team. Kimo von Oelhoffen is famous for blowing out Carson Palmer's knee in 2005, but gave the team a few good years this decade.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: Levon Kirkland, David Little
Backups: James Farrior, Hardy Nickerson
- Levon Kirkland was the ILB of the 90's Blitzburgh defense, and was as fierce a run stopper as any player in the dynasty years. As a run-stopper and field general, he never made many interceptions or sacks and, as such, only garnered one all-pro consideration and no pro bowls. The writers of America noticed Kirkland though, and named him to the 90's all-decade team. David Little was entrenched at middle linebacker for much of the 80's and early 90's, one of the few players who was able to excel for the mediocre teams of the 80's. Like Kirkland, he was a run-stopper who never pulled off enough all-around stats to truly get noticed. James Farrior is the current starting MLB for the defending champions and is the result of one of Pittsburgh's rare forays into free agency. Nickerson is another all-decade guy, but he did most of his damage with Tony Dungy's Buccaneers.
Outside Linebacker
Starters: Greg Lloyd, Joey Porter
Backups: Kevin Greene, Jason Gildon
- Greg Lloyd was the emotional leader of the 90's Blitzburgh defense, and brought an attitude to the Steelers not seen since Lambert and Greene. He played with passion and wanted to dominate his opponents. He was one of the few players to carry over from Chuck Noll to Bill Cowher in the 90's, and was the perfect player for the tough iron city of Pittsburgh. Joey Porter filled the role of emotional leader for the Steelers earlier this decade before becoming a cap casualty. He's a incredible pass rusher who plays with a ton of emotion. Jason Gildon is another 90's standout who didn't truly shine until Lloyd had disappeared. Kevin Greene is actually the best of these four selections, but gets placed as a backup role because of his short tenure with the team (only three years).
Cornerback
Starters: Rod Woodson, Deshea Townsend
Backups: Dewayne Washington, Ike Taylor
- Rod Woodson was a hall-of-fame cornerback who dominated for the Steelers in the 80's and 90's. He was an amazing playmaker who may have been one of the smartest players at his position. He also remains one of the few players who was able to successfully switch to safety for a great second career once his physical skills began to decline. Deshea Townsend is nowhere near Woodson's match and never was a top corner in the league, but he managed to stick around with the Steelers for the past eleven seasons. He's a valuable asset for today's champions as he is a great pass rusher, a skill not often seen (or used) at the cornerback position. Ike Taylor is the current starter at CB for the Steelers and was a key contributor in both Super Bowl seasons. Washington was a solid player for the team at the turn of the millennium.
Safety
Starters: Troy Polamalu, Carnell Lake
Backups: Chris Hope, Ryan Clark
- Carnell Lake was one of the safeties of the 90's unit. He actually made the switch to cornerback in 1995 to replace an injured Rod Woodson, and made the switch successfully. Like Woodson, he is a member of the 1990's All-Decade Team. Troy Polamalu is one of the most well-known NFL stars of this decade (some of that fame comes from his long mane). He is an unbelievable playmaker who moves around and masquerades at a number of defensive positions. He was in the running for defensive player of the year last season before losing it to teammate James Harrison. His second-place prize was a cover spot on Madden 2010. Ryan Clark is the other current starter at safety and is a big reason why Polamalu is allowed to roam so freely. Chris Hope filled the same role before Clark before departing for the Titans.
That's it for the defense. Next week, we'll feature the All-Time offensive team.
Quick Hits
- Yahoo's Shutdown Corner featured a nice post (via ESPN) about the NFL's car service (used to deter drunk driving) and how players are scared to use it.
- Green Bay resigned star WR Greg Jennings to a contract extension. Good to see one of my fantasy football stars cashing in after a great season.
- ESPN named its All-Decade Team before the decade even ended. Woof. Jumped the gun and didn't even do it well enough to justify the jump.
-Julius Peppers finally signed his franchise tender, after dooming the Panthers' offseason with his indecision.
- Meanwhile, Brett Favre is still dooming the entire league with his indecision.
Kenneth Torgent
torgent@yahoo.com
The players of the dynasty are certainly deserving of their respective spots on the Steelers all-time team, but for the purpose of keeping this particular team fresh and exciting, all players who won a super bowl with the 70's dynasty are ineligible for the team. Anyone who began their playing career with the Steelers during or after the 1980 season can be named to this team. This will be a two-part series. This week we'll go with the defense, the unit that the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for.
-The Defense-
Defensive Tackle
Starter: Casey Hampton
Backup: Joel Steed
- Casey Hampton is part of the primary core of defensive players that helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win their two Super Bowls this decade. The nose tackle position, which Hampton fills, is a make-or-break position in the 3-4 defensive scheme. If the nose tackle can't continually garner double teams from offensive lineman, then the overall defense is doomed to fail. Hampton is one of the best, if not the best, nose tackles in the game today. He's a monster at over 325 lbs, and it's his gargantuan size and physical strength that cause problems for opposing offenses. Hampton does his job each and every play, allowing his teammates around him to succeed and play to their full potentials. He's made four pro bowls in his career. Joel Steed filled the same position for the team in the 90's, helping Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship in 1994 and 1995.
Defensive End
Starters: Aaron Smith, Keith Willis
Backups: Ray Seals, Kimo von Oelhoffen
- Aaron Smith is one of the more underrated players currently in the league. He's has the talent to be an elite starter at defensive end in a standard 4-3, but chooses to remain as a 3-4 end, a position at which he is the cream of the crop. Like the nose tackle, the 3-4 end is a glory-less position. Smith is not a known commodity among casual fans, but is known as a valuable piece of Pittsburgh's puzzle to any hometown fan or diehard football fan. Keith Willis was one of the rare solid contributors for the 1980's Steelers. He stuck around for nine years with Chuck Noll, racking up fourteen sacks in his best year. Ray Seals filled the 3-4 end position for the 1995 Super Bowl team. Kimo von Oelhoffen is famous for blowing out Carson Palmer's knee in 2005, but gave the team a few good years this decade.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: Levon Kirkland, David Little
Backups: James Farrior, Hardy Nickerson
- Levon Kirkland was the ILB of the 90's Blitzburgh defense, and was as fierce a run stopper as any player in the dynasty years. As a run-stopper and field general, he never made many interceptions or sacks and, as such, only garnered one all-pro consideration and no pro bowls. The writers of America noticed Kirkland though, and named him to the 90's all-decade team. David Little was entrenched at middle linebacker for much of the 80's and early 90's, one of the few players who was able to excel for the mediocre teams of the 80's. Like Kirkland, he was a run-stopper who never pulled off enough all-around stats to truly get noticed. James Farrior is the current starting MLB for the defending champions and is the result of one of Pittsburgh's rare forays into free agency. Nickerson is another all-decade guy, but he did most of his damage with Tony Dungy's Buccaneers.
Outside Linebacker
Starters: Greg Lloyd, Joey Porter
Backups: Kevin Greene, Jason Gildon
- Greg Lloyd was the emotional leader of the 90's Blitzburgh defense, and brought an attitude to the Steelers not seen since Lambert and Greene. He played with passion and wanted to dominate his opponents. He was one of the few players to carry over from Chuck Noll to Bill Cowher in the 90's, and was the perfect player for the tough iron city of Pittsburgh. Joey Porter filled the role of emotional leader for the Steelers earlier this decade before becoming a cap casualty. He's a incredible pass rusher who plays with a ton of emotion. Jason Gildon is another 90's standout who didn't truly shine until Lloyd had disappeared. Kevin Greene is actually the best of these four selections, but gets placed as a backup role because of his short tenure with the team (only three years).
Cornerback
Starters: Rod Woodson, Deshea Townsend
Backups: Dewayne Washington, Ike Taylor
- Rod Woodson was a hall-of-fame cornerback who dominated for the Steelers in the 80's and 90's. He was an amazing playmaker who may have been one of the smartest players at his position. He also remains one of the few players who was able to successfully switch to safety for a great second career once his physical skills began to decline. Deshea Townsend is nowhere near Woodson's match and never was a top corner in the league, but he managed to stick around with the Steelers for the past eleven seasons. He's a valuable asset for today's champions as he is a great pass rusher, a skill not often seen (or used) at the cornerback position. Ike Taylor is the current starter at CB for the Steelers and was a key contributor in both Super Bowl seasons. Washington was a solid player for the team at the turn of the millennium.
Safety
Starters: Troy Polamalu, Carnell Lake
Backups: Chris Hope, Ryan Clark
- Carnell Lake was one of the safeties of the 90's unit. He actually made the switch to cornerback in 1995 to replace an injured Rod Woodson, and made the switch successfully. Like Woodson, he is a member of the 1990's All-Decade Team. Troy Polamalu is one of the most well-known NFL stars of this decade (some of that fame comes from his long mane). He is an unbelievable playmaker who moves around and masquerades at a number of defensive positions. He was in the running for defensive player of the year last season before losing it to teammate James Harrison. His second-place prize was a cover spot on Madden 2010. Ryan Clark is the other current starter at safety and is a big reason why Polamalu is allowed to roam so freely. Chris Hope filled the same role before Clark before departing for the Titans.
That's it for the defense. Next week, we'll feature the All-Time offensive team.
Quick Hits
- Yahoo's Shutdown Corner featured a nice post (via ESPN) about the NFL's car service (used to deter drunk driving) and how players are scared to use it.
- Green Bay resigned star WR Greg Jennings to a contract extension. Good to see one of my fantasy football stars cashing in after a great season.
- ESPN named its All-Decade Team before the decade even ended. Woof. Jumped the gun and didn't even do it well enough to justify the jump.
-Julius Peppers finally signed his franchise tender, after dooming the Panthers' offseason with his indecision.
- Meanwhile, Brett Favre is still dooming the entire league with his indecision.
Kenneth Torgent
torgent@yahoo.com
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