There is still labor strife uncertainty and a possible lockout on the horizon, but we are going to go ahead as if there will indeed be a draft and start talking about the Steelers 2011 draft needs. If you want to take a look at the roster and what players contracts are up and who the Steelers free agents are, just click the link. Guard - Both Trai Essex and Doug Legursky are free agents and I could see Legursky being brought back as a swing inside guy, but that is not a lock. Chris Kemoeatu was very inconsistent this year, but is under contract for a while and without a doubt will be the left Read more [...]

Both sides of the ball were very sluggish to start with and it was not the first time we have seen this. The defense seemed confused to start with how the Bengals were lining up the fullback, tight end and extra tackles. Once they got that sorted out after the first drive they calmed down. LaMarr Woodley got of to a rough start starting with the first 3rd down, but he more than made up for it. I do not harp on non-calls that much in these recaps, but the missed holding calls on Woodley and James Harrison were VERY noticeable. I might try to clip gifs of all of these as the week goes. They Read more [...]

In his weekly press conference today, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not sound too confident that starting tight end Heath Miller would be ready this week against the Bengals as he recovers from the vicious concussion he sustained Sunday night against the Ravens. In fact he termed Miller doubtful today. He did give some good news injury wise and said back-up tight end Matt Spaeth has been cleared to return from his concussion he suffered against the Raiders a few weeks back. The Steelers only other tight end on the roster is David Johnson. They also have running back Isaac Redman they can Read more [...]

By David Todd Overview: An incredibly physical, hard-fought and dramatic win by the Steelers. Was it perfect? Not by any means. But, the objective was to go into to a very good division rival's stadium and get a win on a Sunday night before a national television audience. Mission accomplished. Mike Tomlin wanted a signature win for his football team and he got it last night. You could tell from the emotion of his press conference that it meant a hell of a lot to him and, I'm sure, everyone involved. The Steelers stand at 9-3 with a one game lead in the AFC North and will be tied for the second-best Read more [...]

The Ravens might of helped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out by breaking his nose early. He probably forgot how bad his foot hurt. He looked full of adrenaline tonight and sailed several throws he normally makes. In crunch time though, he used the Houdini to get rid of the ball and avoid a sack. How big was that hard count on 4th down? Props to Isaac Redman for finding a way to get into the endzone. He does not get many snaps on the field, but made a huge contribution. Broke through several tackles. The line continues to suffer injuries and as a whole looked bad in both run blocking and Read more [...]

The Steelers have a chance to go 3-1 in November and move one step closer a playoff birth as well as stay in stride with the Ravens who they face next week. The Steelers can not look past the 2-8 Bills who have won their last 2 games. The Steelers face a tough December and must make sure they put this one in the win column. Below are what we deem to be 7 keys to the game for the Steelers to beat the Bills in week 12. Urbik Under Attack - The Bills will be without starting right guard Eric Wood on Sunday and that means Kraig Urbik will get his first carrer start against the Steelers who drafted Read more [...]

I normally like to get this list up on Friday, but wanted to wait until today because of the Matt Spaeth injury. I was not sure if the Steelers might consider an extra body from the practice squad. It was a stretch and does not look like it will happen. Instead we got news this morning that Brett Keisel was added to the injury report as questionable with a calf injury. If he is indeed down again and Spaeth does not dress, it could mean the Steelers dress an extra linemen this week in the form of tackle Tony Hills. Below are the eight players we expect to see on the Steelers inactive list released Read more [...]

If you missed the Jeff Reed post game rant, you need to listen to it here. Reed blames the turn, gets on the hater fans and says this has gone on 9 years. Another sad note last night was that wide receiver Hines Ward saw his club-record streak of 186 consecutive games with at least one reception ended when he left with a concussion early and never returned. Ward says he will play next week. Other injuries last night included inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (hip pointer), cornerback Crezdon Butler (quadriceps) and wide receiver Arnaz Battle (shoulder). Timmons says he is fine. Several Read more [...]

Stinker for sure. Not anything we have not seen though over the last few weeks as teams have been taking everything underneath and been patient. Once the defensive backs cheat up, teams can homerun you. It is obvious that teams work the out on Bryant McFadden and try to get William Gay on a slot guy with everyone else clearing out the center of the field. Tight end Rob Gronkowski looked like a Pro Bowler. Tom Brady was very accurate, very patient and hardly felt any pressure all night. In a Dick LeBeau 3-4 defense, defensive ends are not known to get a ton of pressure, they surely didn't Read more [...]

Emmanuel Sanders is still growing up. Has to hold on to the football and will be a good return man if he does. Certainly understands he has to block. Also seemed to take that 4th down pass away from Hines Ward. The challenge was a bad one obviously on the Antwaan Randle El play. Didn't even look close. The offensive line really did not do their jobs down on the goal-line. You have to get the push there and own it. Taking 3 was a huge killer. I do not understand bringing Doug Legursky in cold for that. The Saints really were conscious of taking away the deep ball. Those gap blitzes were Read more [...]

How nice was it to see a kickoff returned by us for a touchdown instead of the opposing team? This play set the tone for the day and immediately took the crowd right out of the game. Special teams coach Al Everest is already paying dividends and the speed of Antonio Brown can not be ignored in the return game going forward. Below we have the aerial view breakdown of the touchdown return by Brown against the Titans this past Sunday and the players involved. Read more [...]

This is the best blocked play all day and the game winner as Rashard Mendenhall runs off right tackle for 50 yards in overtime for the game winning walk off touchdown to beat the Atlanta Falcons 15-9. It was said after the game that this play almost broke a few times earlier in the game. You can see the video replay here and we have screen shots below. Read more [...]

The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 15-9 in the 1st game of the 2010 season. Below are my recap notes and nuggets I kept on the game along with my observations. I have much more coming on this game and am working through the night. These are initial reactions of mine as I am about to watch the game a second time and begin working up tape selections. Below are the notes I compiled throughout the game. remember these are initial reactions one time through the game. I think you saw more reasons today why Dennis Dixon was behind Byron Leftwich in the pecking order. Very shaky at times and got Read more [...]

Opening Statement: So much has happened since the final 2009 season game against Miami and the start of the season must be a welcome sight for the Steelers players and coaches. The preseason was a bit of a blur and was overall a success until quarterback Byron Leftwich went down with a MCL injury in the final game against Carolina. The roster has been paired down to 53 and features 8 rookie draft picks and 17 players 30 years of age or over, 10 of which are defensive players. The picture heading into the 2010 season is pretty clear for the Steelers as franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Read more [...]

The Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers 19-3 in the 4th and final preseason game of the 2010 season, but may have lost quarterback Byron Leftwich in the process. Below are my notes and nuggets I kept on the game along with my observations. I have much more coming on this game and am working through the night. These are initial reactions of mine as I am about to watch the game a second time and begin working up tape selections. Below are the notes I compiled throughout the game. remember these are initial reactions one time through the game. Byron Leftwich injury looked like a whip to the knee. Read more [...]