***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2012 Thread (1 Viewer)

[Kenny Powers]

Anybody remember the details of the second Ravens-Steelers game when Pittsburgh had first and goal from the one and couldn't score? What RBs were used and the plays that were called? I ask because I am interested in what backs other than Mendenhall had a crack at it and if Arians called the same play each time like I remember(perhaps there was one pitch right?). I also remember them going for it on fourth down but the box score says they were 0-0 on fourth in the game so I don't trust my memory on this one. Too many bong hits in my youth I suppose.Obviously I can find the box score but the play-by-play is lost to my mediocre internet skills.Man that loss sucked, changed the whole season. Let us pray we never see a situation like that again. I have a good feeling we won't, at least not this year.

For some reason Im thinking what Im thinking was against the Browns, but I remember 3 straight running plays at the RG, and all were Mendenhall. Not sure about 4th but think they were stuffed once again.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

Here's the game thread from that series: http://is.gd/3HiegI

 

[Lutherman2112]

OT - Former Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak will join The Power's staff as offensive coordinator.

My link

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

Here's the game thread from that series: http://is.gd/3HiegI

Wow am I glad Kemo is gone. He looked like dog#### there. And Mendenhall is a bit of a pss as well.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

OT - Former Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak will join The Power's staff as offensive coordinator.

My link

Awaiting Golden Mike's next appearance on forum, so we can haze that handsome, handsome ******* for holding out on us about his new gig.Hadda find out about it in the friggin' PG? Not cool, Golden Mike. Not cool.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I know part of it has to be the homer speaking but I am very excited for this years' team. We really needed the shot in the arm of both the new blood stepping up and getting rid of the stale Arians. The only thing that gives me twinges of anxiety is the Wallace situation and that is inevitable until we have some resolution. I can only assume the Steeler's are playing it smart and will get it right in the end. It would be nice to have him at these OTAs, though, with the new offence being installed. What are we thinking, 4-5 years at 6-7 million? Let's get it done, Mike.

I wish

 

[Kenny Powers]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

Here's the game thread from that series: http://is.gd/3HiegI

Wow am I glad Kemo is gone. He looked like dog#### there. And Mendenhall is a bit of a pss as well.

Yeah, because there are so many RBs on this team, heck in the NFL, who can truck a LB that pops them as soon as they hit the hole at the LOS and then run 3-4yds for the GL TD

 

[BigSteelThrill]

 

[PhD]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

Here's the game thread from that series: http://is.gd/3HiegI

Wow am I glad Kemo is gone. He looked like dog#### there. And Mendenhall is a bit of a pss as well.

Yeah, because there are so many RBs on this team, heck in the NFL, who can truck a LB that pops them as soon as they hit the hole at the LOS and then run 3-4yds for the GL TD

Overall, Mendy is third on the list of concerns with this series (#1 Arian's playcalling; #2 Kemo) but still, what ever happened to lowering the shoulder and plowing into the gap? His approaches here don't look like "goal-line" runs - especially after he already got popped. There is a difference between running fast and running hard. Mendy tends to run fast into the line, but you would think after getting popped he would come in with more reckless power. That said, enough living in the past. Here's to the future!

 

[The Hank]

If any of y'all can find a replay ...

http://is.gd/yWfDfg

Here's the game thread from that series: http://is.gd/3HiegI

Wow am I glad Kemo is gone. He looked like dog#### there. And Mendenhall is a bit of a pss as well.

Yeah, because there are so many RBs on this team, heck in the NFL, who can truck a LB that pops them as soon as they hit the hole at the LOS and then run 3-4yds for the GL TD

Overall, Mendy is third on the list of concerns with this series (#1 Arian's playcalling; #2 Kemo) but still, what ever happened to lowering the shoulder and plowing into the gap? His approaches here don't look like "goal-line" runs - especially after he already got popped. There is a difference between running fast and running hard. Mendy tends to run fast into the line, but you would think after getting popped he would come in with more reckless power. That said, enough living in the past. Here's to the future!

Redman is better in short yardage/GL situations than Mendy IMHO

 

[The Hank]

Steelers news of the day:

David Johnson has been moved from TE/FB to a full-time FB.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Steelers news of the dayavid Johnson has been moved from TE/FB to a full-time FB.

So, who had May 23rd, 2012 in the pool? Anyone?

 

[Faust]

Rashard Mendenhall says he'll play for Steelers in 2012

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Injuries are often about timing. Rashard Mendenhall's torn anterior cruciate ligament on January 1 has made Mendenhall's status for 2012 an open question in Pittsburgh all offseason.

There have been reports that suggested the Steelers aren't counting on Mendenhall to play, especially early in the year. Mendenhall said Wednesday that he fully expects to play in 2012 and he's not ruling out a Week 1 return.

"They never said a time. With a knee, it can take anywhere from six to 12 months, so everybody's time frame is different," Mendenhall said, via the team's website. "I'll be back at some point. It's just a matter of what point that is."

We're a little surprised the Steelers didn't work on their running back depth much this offseason, but that speaks to the confidence they have in backup Isaac Redman. Jonathan Dwyer and rookie fifth-round pick Chris Rainey are all that's behind Redman.

It would be a surprise to see Mendenhall ready for the opener. The Steelers might play it safe and put him on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list to start the year, which would knock him out for the first six weeks of the season.

 

[Faust]

Ben Roethlisberger to WRs: Be patient with me

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Two days into OTAs, it sounds like Ben Roethlisberger hasn't quite cracked the "Rosetta Stone" that is the new Pittsburgh Steelers offense. He's been trying to tell his receivers to remain patient with him.

"I tried to tell (them) don't get frustrated because I know you're used to getting a lot more balls, but this is how it was my rookie year," Roethlisberger said, via The Associated Press. "I know what one guy does and I go to him. If he's not open, I start scrambling."

That's what Roethlisberger excels at. But new offensive coordinator Todd Haley is trying to teach Roethlisberger to play more from the pocket.

"I know that I'm supposed to get rid of the ball, stay in the pockets and not get hits," Roethlisberger. "I guess I better learn where the protections are coming from so I don't get hit."

These quotes may inspire some hang-wringing that the Steelers are taking away what Big Ben does best. But it's May, and it makes sense for the team to be focusing on the fundamentals of staying in the pocket. When the games start, he can start improvising again.

Still, it's clear that fundamental aspects of the Steelers offense is changing. They have added fullbacks. They have more tight ends on the field. And Isaac Redman told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the team is focusing more on the running game this year.

Everything old is new again in Pittsburgh.

 

[Matt Bitonti]

ive seen several comments refer to Decastro as a future sure fire pro bowler. that's probably true but the key word is future.

very rarely do players come in right away and play at a pro bowl level. Joe Thomas for example. But Thomas was a top 5 pick.

Let's say Decastro has a career like Nick Mangold, who was also a late first rounder and now one of the best centers in the game. Mangold was a rookie in 2006 and a Pro Bowler in 2008. And it's not because of popularity reasons, he really did take a season or two to settle in and become a dominant player. Decastro will be focused on being a starter as a rookie. And his game isn't perfect, he can be overwhelmed by stronger DT. Decastro is a great pulling guard and a high quality pass protector but he is not a mauler at the POA. Decastro will be better than who they trotted out there last year but he won't be Alan Faneca in week 1. Alan Faneca actually had a 3 year incubation of his own, rookie in 1998, pro bowl 2001. final note of caution both Decastro and Adams cannot attend OTA or workouts until their schools finish and both schools run late. so in summary yes the Steelers line will be better but don't assume they will be instantly dominant with 2 rookies and a new left guard. that's alot of transition.

 

[Faust]

Is Isaac Redman ready to be Steelers' starting running back?

By Aditi Kinkhabwala NFL Network

Reporter

PITTSBURGH -- Isaac Redman laughed and said he'd be lying if he didn't admit it: Of course he's nervous. New offensive coordinator Todd Haley loves to run the ball, Rashard Mendenhall is out indefinitely, and, well, that makes Redman the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting running back.

"Isaac is ready," Mendenhall said.

"Isaac?" offensive lineman Willie Colon said. "He's been running over people long enough. He's ready."

"Even when I wasn't starting, coming into (last) season, there was some kind of nerves," Redman said in a light protest. After all, nerves don't preclude readiness. And he is definitely ready. He has to be.

Mendenhall tore his ACL in last year's regular season finale, and as much as he said he expects to be back this year (more on that later), Steelers brass said the opposite back in February. But they waited until the fifth round to pick a running back, and even then, they didn't take a traditional every-down back. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Chris Rainey is a speedster and excellent pass catcher; he is not a pounder, a guy who blocks bigger linebackers or runs between the tackles. Which leaves filling Mendenhall's cleats to Redman.

"We'll see what happens," Redman said. "Right now, I'm just working in the weight room and getting my body together."

That Redman isn't yet doing flips is understandable: Three years ago, he was barely clinging to the practice squad. Four years ago, he was at Division II Bowie State. Neither coach Mike Tomlin nor anyone else has officially told him he's the starter. He knows he's first on the depth chart. He knows he turned some heads last season, gaining 121 yards on 17 carries and catching another two balls in the playoff loss at Denver. And with all sorts of familiar faces gone, he knows what the Steelers' ethos is.

"When one guy is not here, another guy steps up," he said. "That's Steelers football."

Mendenhall agreed, and said nothing has changed in his relationship with Redman. If anything, he championed the older (by three years), but less experienced (by two years) player.

"Isaac is a great player," Mendenhall said. "The way he works and prepares and even coming from where he came from, being undrafted to where he is now."

As for Mendenhall, he walked without a limp and proclaimed himself optimistic. He is already running and cutting and doing ladder drills and plyometric work. He was emphatic when he said he would be back this year and yet, at the same time, he wouldn't offer any sort of timetable, saying only, "It's one day at a time."

And so, through OTAs, training camp and likely the start of the season, it appears as if Redman is the Steelers' running back. His teammates expressed full faith in him and he pronounced himself "ready to step up when my number's called."

 

[Evilgrin 72]

ive seen several comments refer to Decastro as a future sure fire pro bowler. that's probably true but the key word is future. very rarely do players come in right away and play at a pro bowl level. Joe Thomas for example. But Thomas was a top 5 pick. Let's say Decastro has a career like Nick Mangold, who was also a late first rounder and now one of the best centers in the game. Mangold was a rookie in 2006 and a Pro Bowler in 2008. And it's not because of popularity reasons, he really did take a season or two to settle in and become a dominant player. Decastro will be focused on being a starter as a rookie. And his game isn't perfect, he can be overwhelmed by stronger DT. Decastro is a great pulling guard and a high quality pass protector but he is not a mauler at the POA. Decastro will be better than who they trotted out there last year but he won't be Alan Faneca in week 1. Alan Faneca actually had a 3 year incubation of his own, rookie in 1998, pro bowl 2001. final note of caution both Decastro and Adams cannot attend OTA or workouts until their schools finish and both schools run late. so in summary yes the Steelers line will be better but don't assume they will be instantly dominant with 2 rookies and a new left guard. that's alot of transition.

What if he has a career like Maurkice Pouncey?

 

[Fiddles]

ive seen several comments refer to Decastro as a future sure fire pro bowler. that's probably true but the key word is future. very rarely do players come in right away and play at a pro bowl level. Joe Thomas for example. But Thomas was a top 5 pick. Let's say Decastro has a career like Nick Mangold, who was also a late first rounder and now one of the best centers in the game. Mangold was a rookie in 2006 and a Pro Bowler in 2008. And it's not because of popularity reasons, he really did take a season or two to settle in and become a dominant player. Decastro will be focused on being a starter as a rookie. And his game isn't perfect, he can be overwhelmed by stronger DT. Decastro is a great pulling guard and a high quality pass protector but he is not a mauler at the POA. Decastro will be better than who they trotted out there last year but he won't be Alan Faneca in week 1. Alan Faneca actually had a 3 year incubation of his own, rookie in 1998, pro bowl 2001. final note of caution both Decastro and Adams cannot attend OTA or workouts until their schools finish and both schools run late. so in summary yes the Steelers line will be better but don't assume they will be instantly dominant with 2 rookies and a new left guard. that's alot of transition.

you sound like mark koboly. hes a great follow btw:https://twitter.com/#!/markkaboly_tribMark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_TribIn 5 years, Tomlin started exactly one rookie. All of a sudden we expect him to line up 2 side by side Week 1? Not buying it yet.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

so in summary yes the Steelers line will be better but don't assume they will be instantly dominant with 2 rookies and a new left guard. that's alot of transition.

Who's expecting instant dominance? I think most are just expecting marked improvement. Not exactly hard to do, given how lousy their OL has played the last handful of years.

Clearly DeCastro likely isn't going to be an instant All Pro. That said, even if he isn't that doesn't mean he won't be a significant upgrade to Foster/Legursky/Essex/Whomever immediately. As long as he stays healthy, you can pretty much bank that he will be.

Faneca may have taken three years to make a Pro Bowl, but he was a quality contributor pretty much from the get go. Steve Hutchinson was as well. So was Logan Mankins, IIRC. We aren't exactly talking about left tackle here. DeCastro's a guard. If he were to only get a consistent push in the run game he'd be a huge improvement over the bodies they've had there of late. The expected improved pass blocking is an additional bonus.

In 5 years, Tomlin started exactly one rookie. All of a sudden we expect him to line up 2 side by side Week 1? Not buying it yet.

As of this day, I don't buy for a second that Mike Adams is going to be starting come week one at LT, unless every other potential LT is hurt/off the team. As long as Jonathan friggin' Scott is on that roster I won't believe Adams is inserted on the left over Gilbert until I see it with my own eyes. At least not at the beginning of the year. Tomlin is too much of a "vets"/"Tomlin's guys" guy...not that I think Scott is necessarily one of "Tomlin's guy", but he is a vet. Could Mike be starting there by season's end? Certainly not outside the realm of possibility.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

ive seen several comments refer to Decastro as a future sure fire pro bowler. that's probably true but the key word is future. very rarely do players come in right away and play at a pro bowl level. Joe Thomas for example. But Thomas was a top 5 pick. Let's say Decastro has a career like Nick Mangold, who was also a late first rounder and now one of the best centers in the game. Mangold was a rookie in 2006 and a Pro Bowler in 2008. And it's not because of popularity reasons, he really did take a season or two to settle in and become a dominant player. Decastro will be focused on being a starter as a rookie. And his game isn't perfect, he can be overwhelmed by stronger DT. Decastro is a great pulling guard and a high quality pass protector but he is not a mauler at the POA. Decastro will be better than who they trotted out there last year but he won't be Alan Faneca in week 1. Alan Faneca actually had a 3 year incubation of his own, rookie in 1998, pro bowl 2001. final note of caution both Decastro and Adams cannot attend OTA or workouts until their schools finish and both schools run late. so in summary yes the Steelers line will be better but don't assume they will be instantly dominant with 2 rookies and a new left guard. that's alot of transition.

You are looking at from the wrong perspective. Its not so much about DeCastro being all-world, or not being all-world.As 5ish Finkle pointed out, its about the absolute garbage that he is replacing.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I'm much more worried about the edges than the interior OL.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'm much more worried about the edges than the interior OL.

Totally with you here.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Apparently Mendenhall running/cutting on the side in OTA's today...

Link

I'm not buying the "Oh, week one isn't out of the question" stuff that's in the headline(which Mendenhall isn't quoted as saying anywhere in that blurb), but at least it appears the rehab is going well.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Apparently Mendenhall running/cutting on the side in OTA's today...

Link

I'm not buying the "Oh, week one isn't out of the question" stuff that's in the headline(which Mendenhall isn't quoted as saying anywhere in that blurb), but at least it appears the rehab is going well.

Good. Redman is going to need a proven quality back-up.

 

[Faust]

Todd Haley needs to make it up to Roethlisberger

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Around the League will examine one key figure under pressure on each team heading into the 2012 season. Next up: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Under Pressure: Todd Haley

In the quiet moments after Wednesday's voluntary practice, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was asked if he and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley are on the same page yet.

"Well, that's the goal," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I'm going to put in extra work to learn his offense and try to get there."

Pressed to sum up the first OTA practice running Haley's offense, Roethlisberger was honest: "It was frustrating. It gets frustrating at times. But we'll keep learning."

Something doesn't feel right in Pittsburgh. It has a lot to do with Haley's awkward arrival. Let's revisit how this went down:

1a. When the Steelers dispatched longtime coordinator Bruce Arians, they parted ways with a Roethlisberger confidante. The men were friends. They lived near each. Logged long hours talking football. Arians attended Ben's wedding. They were tight. This might seem trivial to you, but when the team dropped Arians without consulting their quarterback, feelings were hurt. On the field, the offense Big Ben had thrived in under Arians from 2007 to 2011 was history. At age 30, Big Ben is being asked to start over.

1b. Haley was hired without consulting Roethlisberger. Not a requirement, of course, but why not extend the olive branch? Haley is installing an offense players are calling "90 percent" different from last season's scheme. Big Ben was asked about that during a recent radio interview, per the Tribune-Review: "Uhhhh ... I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us. Me, maybe, in particular," Big Ben said. "I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

On one level, suck it up, Big Ben. From another angle, why toy with a good thing in Pittsburgh?

3. Haley appears hell-bent on returning the Steelers to a ground-first attack. Slightly puzzling considering Pittsburgh's talented wideouts in a league increasingly obsessed with the passing attack. In New England, Bill Belichick recruits talented, versatile tight ends to offset Rex Ryan's pass rushers. In Pittsburgh, Haley is turning tight end David Johnson into a full-time fullback, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Running back Isaac Redman confirmed to the paper the team will stress the run game in 2012. It better work.

4. A final note: These are the Pittsburgh Steelers. A model franchise. Why? Because in a league where coaches barely unpack their boxes before they're sent on their way again, the Steelers have remained a consistent powerhouse. The team conjures thoughts of solid personnel moves, loyalty to players and the remarkable Rooneys. This entire episode -- from Arians to Haley -- is Pittsburgh finally blinking. The star quarterback's irritated and the team is moving away from what worked for so long. Haley sits at the center of a coming storm. He must replicate or surpass Arians' success this year -- or the fallout could be fierce.

 

[Bojang0301]

Todd Haley needs to make it up to Roethlisberger

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Around the League will examine one key figure under pressure on each team heading into the 2012 season. Next up: the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Under Pressure: Todd Haley

In the quiet moments after Wednesday's voluntary practice, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was asked if he and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley are on the same page yet.

"Well, that's the goal," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I'm going to put in extra work to learn his offense and try to get there."

Pressed to sum up the first OTA practice running Haley's offense, Roethlisberger was honest: "It was frustrating. It gets frustrating at times. But we'll keep learning."

Something doesn't feel right in Pittsburgh. It has a lot to do with Haley's awkward arrival. Let's revisit how this went down:

1a. When the Steelers dispatched longtime coordinator Bruce Arians, they parted ways with a Roethlisberger confidante. The men were friends. They lived near each. Logged long hours talking football. Arians attended Ben's wedding. They were tight. This might seem trivial to you, but when the team dropped Arians without consulting their quarterback, feelings were hurt. On the field, the offense Big Ben had thrived in under Arians from 2007 to 2011 was history. At age 30, Big Ben is being asked to start over.

1b. Haley was hired without consulting Roethlisberger. Not a requirement, of course, but why not extend the olive branch? Haley is installing an offense players are calling "90 percent" different from last season's scheme. Big Ben was asked about that during a recent radio interview, per the Tribune-Review: "Uhhhh ... I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us. Me, maybe, in particular," Big Ben said. "I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

On one level, suck it up, Big Ben. From another angle, why toy with a good thing in Pittsburgh?

3. Haley appears hell-bent on returning the Steelers to a ground-first attack. Slightly puzzling considering Pittsburgh's talented wideouts in a league increasingly obsessed with the passing attack. In New England, Bill Belichick recruits talented, versatile tight ends to offset Rex Ryan's pass rushers. In Pittsburgh, Haley is turning tight end David Johnson into a full-time fullback, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Running back Isaac Redman confirmed to the paper the team will stress the run game in 2012. It better work.

4. A final note: These are the Pittsburgh Steelers. A model franchise. Why? Because in a league where coaches barely unpack their boxes before they're sent on their way again, the Steelers have remained a consistent powerhouse. The team conjures thoughts of solid personnel moves, loyalty to players and the remarkable Rooneys. This entire episode -- from Arians to Haley -- is Pittsburgh finally blinking. The star quarterback's irritated and the team is moving away from what worked for so long. Haley sits at the center of a coming storm. He must replicate or surpass Arians' success this year -- or the fallout could be fierce.

I'm tired of all this hearsay from reporters. Yes, KC ran the ball a lot but look at where KC's talents were. Arizona on the contrary used Boldin/Fitz combo with Warner and threw the ball a ton. It's not necessarily that the Steelers need to be ground and pound they just needed to stop running draws to Mewelde Moore when they are at their own one or Mewelde Moore draw on third and one. I for one am of the opinion that Haley's offense should be fairly balanced and we won't be seeing idiotic plays to 3rd down backs in short yardage situations... or bubble screens every fifth play.

 

[The Hank]

Steelers news of the day:

3rd Rd LB Sean Spence agreed to 4-year contract today.

Only unsigned pick is 1st Rd G David DeCastro

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Hadn't seen it mentioned on here but there had to be some chuckles over Keenan Lewis predicting a Pro Bowl invite for himself this season. Seriously though...the fact that the Steelers didn't address CB in the draft and allowed Willie Gay to walk tells me that they are pleased with the development of Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Haven't heard much from Carnell Lake since he became the DB coach but I suspect he has a real future in the NFL and his work with those three young corners will be on display this year. I think we'll see some more man-to-man coverages than we've seen in the past now that the Steelers have four CB with better than average size/speed. Hopefully this group will create a few more INT than Steelers CBs have in recent years. I'm anxious to see what this group does in 2012.

 

[Faust]

Mike Wallace frustrated, Steelers CB Taylor says

In a perfect world, receiver Mike Wallace would currently be on the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers, working with his fellow wide receivers while soaking up the intricacies of Todd Haley's new offense.

This isn't the case, of course. Wallace is sitting out OTAs, deep in a contract dispute that's threatening to turn nasty.

"There is a lot of frustration with Mike right now," Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He wants to be here. But at the same time, he wants his paper. Mike feels like he outperformed his last contract."

Wallace, a third-year pro, led the Steelers last season in catches (72), receiving yards (1,193) and touchdowns (8). He would net the team a third-round pick if he leaves in free agency after the upcoming season.

If you're a person who lives for contract drama (this would make you fairly unique), things are about to get interesting. If Wallace doesn't sign his tender before June 15, the Steelers can slash their offer from $2.742 million to $577,000.

Both sides say they want to get a long-term deal done, but it sounds like someone is going to have to blink to make that happen.

 

[Faust]

Todd Haley will make the Steelers' offense better

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst

The installation of Todd Haley as the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator has concerned some about the philosophical approach of coach Mike Tomlin's squad. However, I believe Haley will make the offense more balanced and dangerous in 2012. Here are three reasons why:

The Steelers will re-establish a dominant running game.

One of the biggest motivating factors behind Tomlin's decision to bring Haley aboard was a desire to get the Steelers back to their running roots. Although Haley's offensive background is deeply based in the passing game (he was a wide receiver coach/passing game coordinator prior to serving as an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL), he is an adaptable offensive architect willing to build game plans around the strengths of his personnel. When he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, Haley built around a dynamic duo at running back (Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles) and a rugged offensive line. As a result, the Chiefs perennially ranked as one of the NFL's top rushing attacks during his tenure, including leading the league in 2010.

In Pittsburgh, Haley inherits a unit built to pummel opponents behind a reconstructed offensive line. With Maurkice Pouncey manning the pivot and the recent additions of David DeCastro and Mike Adams, the Steelers' frontline features young, mobile blockers with the strength, agility and quickness to block inline or on the move. This allows Haley to incorporate a host of power runs that feature guards pulling from either side. The Steelers will have a numerical advantage at the point of attack, leading to bigger gains from runners on inside plays.

In addition to taking advantage of a rebuilt offensive line, Haley will have a talented, intriguing and underrated running back corps at his disposal. With Rashard Mendenhall, still recovering from an injured anterior cruciate ligament, possibly unable to play early on, Isaac Redman, John Clay and Jonathan Dwyer will pick up the slack, and all three have shown flashes in Mendenhall's absence. Redman, in particular, is certainly capable of filling the role of lead back after showcasing his talents in two standout performances at the end of 2011, including a 17-carry, 121-yard outing in the AFC wild-card game.

Measuring 6-foot and weighing 230 pounds, Redman is a hard-nosed runner with outstanding vision, quickness and burst. He excels at grinding between the tackles, but also possesses the speed to run away from defenders at the second level. His combination of physicality and elusiveness causes problems for opponents, and gives the Steelers' running game an added dimension.

Given Haley's history and commitment to the running game, the Steelers' rush attack should return to prominence; Redman could be the one to lead the way.

Big Ben will become more effective as a passer.

Ben Roethlisberger deserves a lot of credit for carrying the Steelers' offense with his superb improvisational skills, but he will be a more effective quarterback in a structured scheme built on a diverse play-action passing game. A clever utilization of run fakes will lure second-level defenders to the line of scrimmage, creating big-play opportunities for receivers on intermediate and deep throws.

During Roethlisberger's most efficient season (2007), the Steelers had the NFL's third-best rushing offense and featured a complementary passing game built on a series of play-action plays. That was no coincidence. Haley will emphasize a downhill running game with a lot of offensive line movement, and he will incorporate similar upfront action to deceive linebackers keying on the guards. Haley will also instruct Roethlisberger to carry out his fakes and footwork to sell the run before redirecting his eyes down the field to his intended target.

With regard to routes, the Steelers will likely feature "989" (both outside receivers running go-routes with the tight end going to the post) and "568" (split end runs a comeback with the tight end on a square-in and flanker on a post). These will take advantage of the speed and explosiveness of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown on the outside while capitalizing on the precise route-running of Heath Miller. The Steelers will also incorporate some bootleg and waggle passes to complement outside zone runs. Roethlisberger is athletic and mobile enough to work effectively on the perimeter, allowing the Steelers to manufacture more big plays in the passing game without having to risk throwing over the top of defenses.

Wallace and Brown will raise their respective games under Haley.

Haley has developed some of the finest receivers in the NFL with his tough-love approach. His list of pupils includes Pro Bowl players Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Dwayne Bowe. He has also transformed previously unheralded players like Steve Breaston into key contributors. In Pittsburgh, he inherits a pair of young stars in Wallace and Brown. Both topped the 1,000-yard mark a season ago, and displayed the kind of explosiveness that puts fear in the hearts of defensive coordinators around the league.

Wallace, a fourth-year pro, has developed into one of the NFL's finest deep threats. He has tallied 23 receptions of 40-plus yards, scoring 24 receiving touchdowns and averaging a whopping 18.7 yards per catch in three seasons. Wallace's ability to run past defenders on vertical routes is astounding, and the Steelers routinely send him deep. Haley will push Wallace to become a better intermediate route-runner, so that he can function as a legitimate No.1 receiver in the passing game. He has made strides to improve on that aspect over the past two years, but further refining his route-running skills would help him deal with more physical defenders.

Brown, a third-year pro, has equally impressive speed, quickness and elusiveness. He is a dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands, and the Steelers do a terrific job of giving it to him in space. Using crossing routes over the middle of the field and quick hitches on the perimeter, the Steelers frequently put Brown in the position to make catch-and-run plays. Haley will continue putting Brown on the move to generate big gains. When he was the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, Haley routinely used stack and bunch formations with an assortment of crossing routes to create mismatches for his receivers in space. By aligning Brown in various positions within the offensive formation, he can guarantee a free release for the slippery receiver, leading to more production.

 

[CrossEyed]

You guys who have been holding onto Kordell Stewart on your dynasty teams can officially release him now.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-hines-ward-20120531,0,6098357.story

By Chuck Schilken

May 31, 2012, 2:32 p.m.

Hines Ward didn't stay retired for long. And, not suprisingly, the former football great's new career is in television.

Ward, one of the all-time most popular players for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as a champion on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," is the newest analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America," the network announced Thursday.

In addition, he will serve as a studio analyst for college football and appear on "NBC SportsTalk" on NBC Sports Network.

"I am really excited. It's not everyday that you get the chance to work for a powerhouse like the NBC Sports Group," Ward said in a press release. "It is a big honor for me and I am looking forward to making the most of this great opportunity."

He apparently had a successful tryout when he joined the studio during this year's Super Bowl pregame broadcast on NBC. Soon after, he retired from football after being released by the Steelers, his only team during a 14-year career that included two Super Bowl championships, three Super Bowl appearances, one Super Bowl MVP and four Pro Bowl selections.

"We think Hines is a perfect match for television because he brings with him a unique combination of charisma and football experience, which he demonstrated on our Super Bowl pregame show from Indianapolis," said Sam Flood, executive producer for NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. "He's an opinionated personality who can draw upon his 14 years of experience, having excelled at the highest levels of the game. Just don't expect him to dance."

 

[Kenny Powers]

Im really hoping Hines gets a lot of segments during SNF with Rodney Harrison. That'll be fun.

Otherwise, we'll see. I think he'll be entertaining enough but not have many informative things to say.

 

[Golden Mike Tomczak]

OT - Former Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak will join The Power's staff as offensive coordinator.

My link

Awaiting Golden Mike's next appearance on forum, so we can haze that handsome, handsome ******* for holding out on us about his new gig.Hadda find out about it in the friggin' PG? Not cool, Golden Mike. Not cool.

Sorry fellow Steeler FBGs, I am surprised with all this Kordell retirement talk more people aren't talking about me as the next best option (HA!). For what its worth, Kordell is a nice guy and he doesn't check this forum anyway, his fantasy teams suck. I am enjoying getting ready for this upcoming Power season, its all a transition to maybe ending up back in the NFL. Go Pittsburgh Football Teams!

 

[The Hank]

OT - Former Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak will join The Power's staff as offensive coordinator.

My link

Awaiting Golden Mike's next appearance on forum, so we can haze that handsome, handsome ******* for holding out on us about his new gig.Hadda find out about it in the friggin' PG? Not cool, Golden Mike. Not cool.

Sorry fellow Steeler FBGs, I am surprised with all this Kordell retirement talk more people aren't talking about me as the next best option (HA!). For what its worth, Kordell is a nice guy and he doesn't check this forum anyway, his fantasy teams suck. I am enjoying getting ready for this upcoming Power season, its all a transition to maybe ending up back in the NFL. Go Pittsburgh Football Teams!

 

[Faust]

Isaac Redman ready to take over at RB for Steelers

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley plans to put his stamp on the Pittsburgh Steelers with an attack centered on the ground game. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is learning to accept the transition away from last year's pass-happy scheme, but do the Steelers have a running back capable of carrying the load?

With Rashard Mendenhall healing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Isaac Redman should see plenty of action early in the season. The three-year veteran clearly has something to prove.

"Ever since I've been here, I've been doubted by everybody except the players and coaches," Redman told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "They understand the type of player I am, and it's why they've kept me around. They see something in me, so I never doubt myself. I'm ready to get out there. Hopefully, I'll surprise everybody."

Redman signed a one-year, $540,000 contract with the team in April, months after his 121-yard performance in Pittsburgh's ugly playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. We haven't seen Redman through a 16-game season, and neither have the Steelers. He carried the ball 53 times for 247 yards in 2010, with another 110 rushes for 479 last year. He did nothing as a rookie in 2009.

For a team with so much talent at wide receiver, Pittsburgh is talking about leaning on a running game with little depth at the position until Mendenhall returns. Redman says he's ready, and he better be.

 

[Faust]

Ben Roethlisberger: 'I'm not going to change my game'

By Marc Sessler

Writer

You normally know what you're getting in Pittsburgh, but this year's Steelers squad comes gift-wrapped in mystery.

The intrigue stems from changes on offense, where quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is working with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley on a scheme previously described as a run-first attack. Team president Art Rooney II went so far to suggest Big Ben might "tweak" his play at quarterback.

Don't bank on it.

"I'm not going to change my game," Roethlisberger said, per a Friday CBSSports.com report. "Coach (Haley) can do what he wants to add protection and things like that, but I'm going to play the game the way I know how. It's worked OK for me so far."

After 80 regular-season wins and two Super Bowl titles, Roethlisberger has a point. So do the Steelers, however, as they're primarily concerned with the epic beating Big Ben took last season. His 40 sacks were second only to Alex Smith and Tarvaris Jackson, and he was never the same after suffering an ankle injury against the Cleveland Browns in December.

Pittsburgh wants its 30-something starter to play safer football, with less scampering through front sevens into the heart of the opposition. Haley's scheme caters to this, but here's the problem: Big Ben has played this way from the start. This is what got him here.

Tight end Heath Miller agrees, sort of:

"I don't think you ask him to change the way he plays, but obviously you want any quarterback on the football team to get hit as least amount of times as possible."

It's yet another wrinkle in the up-to-now awkward pairing of Roethlisberger and Haley. They keep telling us everything is going swimmingly, but something doesn't feel right.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Big Ben is pretty annoying.

 

[Steel Dillo]

If he doesn't change his tune, he'll be finishing his career elsewhere.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I don't think that Ben should change his football mentality/mindset.

And when you ask him to "pusify" his strategic game you change his mindset.

He plays a brand that takes a warrior mentality and we have outstanding results with it.

 

[apalmer]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

 

[Jake22]

Of course Ben isn't gonna change how he plays the game, why would anyone think he would just because someone else is calling plays, and I'm sure Haley is not telling Ben to stop scrambling around and make big plays when the pocket breaks down. Haley is there to call a balanced offense, not change Ben into some kind of different player, Haley's offense could possibly make Ben a BETTER player when it's all said and done, we shall see.

The offense will be fine as long as Haley doesn't try and fit a round peg into a square hole. Seeing play action back into this offense would be nice considering the WR's Ben has to throw to, and getting Wallace back asap is something that needs to happen also.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

When I watch his interviews he seems skeptical and somewhat dumb. He is getting confused as bad as he did his rookie year when Hines and Co had to explain the routes to him in the huddle?

 

[apalmer]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

When I watch his interviews he seems skeptical and somewhat dumb. He is getting confused as bad as he did his rookie year when Hines and Co had to explain the routes to him in the huddle?

Yeah, I do have to admit that he hasn't completed a touchdown pass during an interview yet.

 

[treat88]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

When I watch his interviews he seems skeptical and somewhat dumb. He is getting confused as bad as he did his rookie year when Hines and Co had to explain the routes to him in the huddle?

Is the bolded a question or a statement?If it's a statement...isn't it real early to be making that call?

 

[Faust]

Wallace's best opportunity came and went; now it's time for him to take deal

By Jason La Canfora | CBS Sports NFL Insider

Mike Wallace is a wonderful football player, one of the more exciting young players in the NFL, and someone who certainly has outperformed his rookie contract. But his holdout has run its course. His leverage is only waning. And it's just about time to get back to Pittsburgh and get on with his career.

This is a war Wallace can't win, not under these circumstances.

Between the Steelers' organizational strength, their history in these cases, the new realities of the CBA, and the overall strength at wide receiver on Pittsburgh's roster, this can't string out more than a few more weeks. Come training camp, the rules shift even more in the team's favor, and, after skipping mandatory minicamp and raising some ire ("The Rooney family is not happy," one league source said), the wise move for the former 84th overall pick would be to use the weeks between now and the opening camp to hammer out the best deal possible.

Let's start with the Steelers organization. They aren't going to wilt, or waver, and you know going in with them that they will take care of their best players -- especially the young ones -- but are not going to set the market in doing so or establish any spending records. And no one player will make them flinch. Heck, this is the team that went 3-1 with their franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, suspended.

It's all about stability there. Unlike Chris Johnson's successful holdout in Tennessee a year ago, when there was no one on the roster with remotely close to his ability at the position, with a new head coach and new quarterback and coming off months of unrest over the Jeff Fisher and Vince Young situations, in this case the Steelers are bringing back essentially the same cast.

Sure, Todd Haley is the new offensive coordinator, but being away from the team and the new system stands to hurt Wallace more than the overall team. Pittsburgh is loaded at receiver with Antonio Brown and Emanuel Sanders, two dynamic weapons who are going into the final year of their deals, too. At times last season, scouts I talked to believed Brown was outperforming Wallace when both were on the field together, and while some of that has to do with the extra attention Wallace demands because of his big-play skills and speed, the reality is Pittsburgh is equipped to get by without him.

His 2011 numbers (72 catches, 1193 yards, 16.6 per catch) were almost identical to Brown's (69 catches, 1,108 yards, 16.1 per catch), with the one key difference being Wallace had eight TD catches and no one else on the team had more than two. (Look for tight end Heath Miller to play a bigger role in Pittsburgh's new offense this season and eat into some of those reception totals, and factor bigger in the red zone as well.)

Wallace's best opportunity to create demand and shift leverage came during the offer sheet period of the offseason. At that time, however, he was floating the idea he should be paid somewhere around the range of a Calvin Johnson or a Larry Fitzgerald, league sources said, something that simply wasn't going to happen anywhere (Wallace's agent, Bus Cook, did not respond to a call seeking comment on the holdout). When no club opted to give up a first round pick to try to sign Wallace to an offer sheet, the tide was turning considerably in Pittsburgh's favor.

Remember, Wallace, 25, wasn't designated a franchise player, he's a restricted free agent. Unlike Johnson and Fitzgerald, whose massive cap figures held their teams hostage, gave the player significant leverage and led to their blockbuster deals, Wallace is sitting on a $2.7 million tender, and can't negotiate with any team but the Steelers. Furthermore, guys like DeSean Jackson, who eventually got franchised and then signed to a long-term deal, had to play through four years of their rookie deals to get that payday; Wallace has been on the field for only three.

That factor looms large when negotiating with a team like the Steelers. If they are treating you as a free agent a year before they would effectively have to, again, don't expect to be joining the top three best-paid at your position. It's not going to happen. And, essentially, the Steelers could make the argument that they could own Wallace's rights until 2015 by franchising him in 2013 and 2014.

If the Steelers went that route, they'd likely be paying Wallace in the neighborhood of $26 million-$27 million, so let's call that an average of $9 million per year. Getting a longer-term deal in that $10 million range may just be Wallace's best bet -- again, especially with Brown and Sanders nipping at his heels -- and I suspect that's where this thing ends up.

The Steelers are totally intent on doing a deal. They want Wallace around for a long, long time and were sweating out that offer-sheet period. As long as Wallace is realistic about the kind of payday in store, there is ample reason to expect this to get cleared up before late July.

Dragging the holdout into training camp would only exacerbate bruised feelings, would only set Wallace back more, and could have a negative impact on the young man's wallet as well. The New CBA allows teams to go after past bonuses paid to the player should he skip out on camp for a stretch of time, and the fine is now $30,000 per day. Sure, teams often turn the other cheek in the end, when the holdout signs his new deal, but the fiscal disincentives to staying away from the Steelers will only continue to escalate, while the potential rewards from staying away wane.

Taking it into the regular season makes even less sense.

A player must report by Week 10 in order to get an accrued season -- and is losing out on salary in the meantime. If he doesn't return by Week 10, the Steelers keep his rights and he's essentially right back where he was in February. In these cases, the system is set up to greatly protect the teams, and bucking the system, in Pittsburgh of all places, seems naïve.

Too much is made of what goes on in the spring, and which veteran shows up for which OTA session. That part of the calendar is blown out of proportion. But with training camps now truncated and, the potential punishments for skipping out severe, the smart move now is to turn the ongoing dialogue between these sides into a new contract. I can't imagine that Wallace doesn't join the ranks of LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons and this next generation of Steelers stars to secure themselves to Pittsburgh for a long time to come.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Why is it that when I hear Ben's interviews in their entirety on local radio, he sounds happy and excited with the new offense,and says lots of good things about it and about Haley? But, CBS takes every one of those interviews, strips out all of the positives and focuses on the one sentence they can twist into a negative, publishes with a headline that Ben is refusing to accept the new offense and pushes the "Ben is a problem" line. In a 5-minute interview, he utters one "I am who I am and I can't change that" sentence and gets ripped. I guess "Ben's happy and working hard on the new offense" doesn't sell.

When I watch his interviews he seems skeptical and somewhat dumb. He is getting confused as bad as he did his rookie year when Hines and Co had to explain the routes to him in the huddle?

Is the bolded a question or a statement?If it's a statement...isn't it real early to be making that call?

I heard him make a statement that was similar.

 

[Faust]

Steelers Isaac Redman will play bigger role in 2012

By Marc Sessler

Writer

As we count down the days to training camp, Around the League will examine one player from every team set for a breakout campaign in 2012. We next take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Isaac Redman will carry the load

We all know the story. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- tweaked by the dismissal of former offensive coordinator (and guy pal) Bruce Arians -- has been asked to adjust to Todd Haley's run-heavy offense.

The absence of the team's best running back, Rashard Mendenhall, doesn't help. It means little-used Isaac Redman will be asked to do more than ever before.

Redman has 726 rushing yards to his name. His three seasons have been spent spelling Mendenhall, but he's using this offseason to prepare for a lead role.

"It's a different thing when you have to be that guy week in and week out," Redman told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this month. "Your mind-set has to be totally different to take more hits."

Let's not lose our way over the "run-happy" Steelers. Big Ben still rolls with a legion of dangerous wideouts and Haley better find a way to use them all. The passing game still carries this team, but if Redman doesn't pan out, Haley's scheme loses its true north.

Redman says he's ready for this. We believe him. Why? Because history tells us that offseason drama in Pittsburgh doesn't mean a thing when the games begin.

Experts forecast doom for the team when Big Ben was slapped with a four-game suspension to open the 2010 season. In his absence, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch leaned on a tightly knit roster and opened 3-1. Big Ben returned and the Steelers rolled to the Super Bowl.

The Haley transition has been a rocky one, from where we sit, but it sets up Redman for a career-changing season.