Mike Florio was on 93.7 The Fan a week ago and was talking about the LaMarr Woodley contract situation. Florio had a quote that intrigued me when he said, “Is it the system or is it the player? Sometimes they decide it’s the player and they pay the player. Sometimes they decide it’s the system and they let the player walk away.” I went back and compiled the stats of Steelers left outside linebackers going back to 1994 and the numbers have been fairly consistent for the most part over the years. For years that players did not start all 16 games, I added the stats of the players that started in their place and combined the total stats for those years as you will see in the table of stats below.

Looking back at the Jason Gildon years from 1996-2002, you can see what a force he was and he only missed starting 3 games in that time span. All 3 missed starts came in the 1996 season. From 1998-2002, Gildon tallied 53 sacks and an eye-popping 72 in games he started during his Steelers career. Clark Haggans followed after Gildon was released and while his tackles were fairly consistent his sack totals paled as he totaled only 25 in four seasons. He also missed 7 games in that time frame and was spelled by James Harrison. Harrison only recorded 1 sack in those starts and really was never a fit on the left side that he is on the right, so score one for the system and player combined here.

Now onto LaMarr Woodley. Woodley has been a full time starter for just 2 seasons and has already totaled 25 sacks as a starter in that time. While two seasons do not make a career, he has established himself as a premier pass rusher from the outside left linebacker spot. If not for CBA uncertainty, the Steelers might have already locked him up for 4 more years based on those numbers, but on the flip side they might be waiting to see LaMarr put up a third straight type season before making him the highest paid man on defense and the second highest paid on the team. Can you blame them?

The Steelers on the flip side might think that it is the system as looking all the way back to 1994, one must admit that the left outside linebacker spot has produced. The Steelers drafted Thaddeus Gibson in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft as possible insurance. Gibson was not drafted to threaten Woodley, he was drafted because the Steelers have no depth behind Woodley right now. If Woodley stays healthy in 2010, he very easily can put up another 12 sacks and 60 plus total tackles and that would more than solidify him as worthy of the big, big money. Unless Gibson switches sides or moves inside, we may never know what his potential is or isn't at the position, but you always need depth.

So back to the question on if it is the system or the player, I think it is both. The Steelers do a great job of drafting these tweener, stand up college defensive ends that can play the run as well as pass rush. These types of players excel in the 3-4 defensive schemes and the Steelers have a long, long history of these types of players. In no way am I advocating the Steelers not find a way to get a long term deal done with Woodley, but you have to like their track record over the last 15 years at the position. While Haggans was statistically the worst of the bunch, he certainly was no slouch. He also has a Super Bowl ring in his possession, while Gildon and Kevin Greene do not.

Hopefully we do not need to find out if Gibson is or isn't anything more than a serviceable backup, but if we do, you better hope it is the player, because as of right now, Woodley is the player putting up numbers that will be hard to be beat, regardless of the system.

Year	Player	GS	Solo	Asst	Total	Sacks	Int	FFum	DefTD
1994	Kevin Greene	16	53	16	69	14	0	1	0
1995	Kevin Greene	16	34	14	48	9	9	2	0
1996	Jason Gildon	13	47	12	59	7	0	3	0
1997	Jason Gildon	16	41	12	53	5	0	0	1
1998	Jason Gildon	16	42	12	54	11	0	2	0
1999	Jason Gildon	16	42	15	57	8.5	0	1	0
2000	Jason Gildon	16	58	19	77	13.5	1	4	1
2001	Jason Gildon	16	43	13	56	12	1	3	1
2002	Jason Gildon	16	45	22	67	9	0	3	0
2003	Jason Gildon	16	43	19	62	6	1	1	0
2004	Clark Haggans	13	30	8	38	6	0	2	0
2004	James Harrison	3	6	3	9	0	0	1	0
2004	Combined	16	36	11	47	6	0	3	0
2005	Clark Haggans	13	42	19	61	9	0	4	0
2005	James Harrison	3	12	4	16	1	1	0	0
2005	Combined	16	54	23	77	10	1	4	0
2006	Clark Haggans	15	52	25	77	6	1	2	0
2006	James Harrison	1	4	0	4	0	0	0	0
2006	Combined	16	56	25	81	6	1	2	0
2007	Clark Haggans	16	37	21	58	4	0	0	0
2008	LaMarr Woodley	15	41	19	60	11.5	1	2	1
2008	Lawerence Timmons	1	4	1	5	0	0	0	0
2008	Combined	16	45	20	65	11.5	1	2	1
2009	LaMarr Woodley	16	50	12	62	13.5	0	1	1

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Camp report week is here as the Steelers report on Friday to Latrobe. Today we continue on with our position previews for camp with a look at the linebacker position. That leaves only the special teams and defensive line left for us to cover later on this week. Make sure to read all of our positional training camp previews at the links below.

Training Camp Preview – Defensive Line |Training Camp Preview – Safeties |Training Camp Preview – Linebackers | Training Camp Preview – Offensive Line | Training Camp Preview – Tight Ends | Training Camp Preview – Wide Receivers | Training Camp Preview – Running Backs | Training Camp Preview – Quarterbacks

Overview: The Steelers linebacker core has a long storied history. It is the glue that holds everything together, especially in the 3-4 defense. The outside position spots played well in 2009 led by James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, while the inside spots manned by James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons saw inconsistency. The Steelers spent 3 draft picks on linebackers in April and brought back inside backer Larry Foote after his one year in Detroit. 2010 needs to see Timmons blossom inside while Foot adds depth and relief to the aging Farrior. Regardless, this 3-4 linebacker core can go toe to toe with any in the NFL.

LaMarr Woodley: The left outside linebacker position has a long successful tradition in the Steelers 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. LaMarr Woodley has done his part in holding up the tradition since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft. Woodley recorded 50 solo tackles in 2009 and an eye popping 13.5 sacks. He heads into a contract year and another stellar season could will see him get a contract of 10 million a year or upwards. If Woodley needs any improvement in one area, it is in pass coverage, but going into his 4th season now, should see that part of his game tighten up even more. A healthy Aaron Smith at left defensive end will only help Woodley even more if you can imagine. Woodley is a force on the left side not only against the run, but in the pass rush and there is no reason to think his numbers will not remain the same or even improve in 2010.

James Harrison: The numbers dipped just a tad for Harrison in 2009 as teams focused more on the Steelers right outside linebacker. Harrison was a victim of several non calls as well it seemed and was hog tied on numerous occasions. 70 total tackles and 10 sacks is nothing to sneeze about though and Harrison should still be considered a force on the right side. The Steelers like to force things inside on defense and Harrison does just that. He will likely have rookie Jason Worilds under his wing in 2010, but Worilds is only there for depth and to learn right now. A return to form of the Steelers secondary, should give Harrison more time to put pressure on the opposing quarterback in 2010 and his sack totals could return to the mid teens once again. The only concern is his age as Harrison turned 32 in May, but shows no signs of slowing down and he has been fairly healthy most of his career without a ton of mileage on him.

James Farrior: If any veteran started to show his age last season, it was inside linebacker James Farrior. His pass coverage and tackling phases of his game have declined and he looks to remedy it this season. Larry Foote was brought back via free agency to help push Farrior and Lawrence Timmons as well as being able to spell them more in 2010. Make no mistake that Farrior is still a defensive leader and the fresher he is kept during games, the more effective he will be late in games. Because of the help, Farrior will likely see his numbers drop in 2010, but the quality of play while on the field this year, should be better. This also will likely be his last season in the Black and Gold, so treat him well.

Lawrence Timmons: Timmons is starting to come into his own now and showed drastic improvement in his play in 2009 while slowed by an ankle injury. His play against the run and ability to shed blockers needs improvement as his pass rush skills remain his strong suit. Being pushed by the return of Larry Foote and several young linebackers will make this a make or break year for the former first round pick. His leadership and overall play needs improvement and another under his belt should slow things down quite a bit for him in 2010. Watch for him to shift around inside depending on down and distance as the Steelers will look to magnify the stronger points of his game, especially on 3rd down and obvious passing downs. A fully rounded Timmons in 2010 will make the future loss of Farrior and Foote easier to swallow on the inside for future years. This year we will know exactly what he is or isn’t.

Larry Foote: Foote returns to the Steelers after a one year visit with Detroit and knows exactly what his role is. He is here to rejuvenate Farrior and push Timmons. Although not slated to be a starter, his role could set the Steelers linebacking core apart from the rest of the NFL. If he can add to pass coverage on 3rd downs and show he is not vulnerable to the run, he will help the Steelers get their final mileage out of Farrior. It is not out of the question that Foote out plays either Timmons or Farrior and gets a starting role back early in the year. Foote just turned 30 in June and for the most part has been a picture of health. He could be a very important cog in the Steelers defense this year and it is great to have him back on our side.

Keyaron Fox: Fox is the guy that brings his lunch pail to work every day and just goes about his business. He will have to prove he can fend off several challengers for a roster spot in 2010 and must be an ace on special teams. He is more of an inside weak side guy that is not afraid to hit. His understanding of the overall defensive scheme lacks a bit at times as does his recognition. He has shown that he can step in though at a moments notice, but is not an every down inside linebacker. I think he will be able to beat out rookie draft pick Stevenson Sylvester in camp and this will likely be his final year with the Steelers.

Jason Worilds: Jason Worilds is a classic tweener drafted in the 2nd round this year and is being groomed for the future spot that James Harrison currently occupies at right outside linebacker. He played left defensive end in college and is a pass rush specialist that must adjust to switching sides. He will have to contribute on special teams in his rookie season if he is to be active on game days. Watch for him to be brought along slowly early on in the season. Any time he gets on the field in the regular season will likely only be to spell Harrison a few plays and do not expect that a bunch. He should get tons of work in preseason so watch him closely, especially how he handles the run.

Thaddeus Gibson: Much like Worilds, Gibson is another tweener that played the Leo spot while at Ohio State. He will be looked upon to beat out Andre Frazier for the back up spot behind LaMarr Woodley. He will also be expected to play special teams in order to get a game day helmet. He too likely will be brought along slowly as he learns the ends and outs of the defense. He could be the Steelers replacement for Woodley should the team not be able to secure him contractually following this season. The left outside linebacker position has a long running tradition of putting up numbers and Gibson could be the second string guy for a while at the position if he catches on quickly. Watch his pass coverage skills close in the preseason on downs he has to drop into coverage.

Patrick Bailey: With the influx of rookies at the linebacker position, Bailey has his work cut out for him to make the roster. He has to prove his worth as more than just a special teams ace. He is battling rookie Jason Worilds and Keyaron Fox in essence for a roster spot and the Steelers are not likely to cut a second round pick. I really find it hard for Bailey to make the final 53 man roster unless an injury happens.

Andre Frazier: Frazier is in the same situation as Bailey as in only on the left side of things. He is battling a draft pick and several undrafted players for a roster spot and I just can not seeing him winning out.

Stevenson Sylvester: All the post draft talk at the linebacker group has been concentrated around both Worilds and Gibson. Lost in the talk is the 5th rounder out of Utah. Sylvester is being worked inside and must learn all the complexities that go with it. In all likelihood, Sylvester is headed to the practice squad where he can learn and watch and get ready to compete in 2011 for an inside job. He will also be an injury away from the active roster should the Steelers need him for depth or special teams.

Lindsey Witten: Witten is an undrafted free agent that can plain get after the quarterback. Another converted defensive end out of UConn that will have to transition in a hurry and prove to be a special teams wrecking ball in order to make the roster. Although unlikely, I am not ready to rule out Witten as being that every year undrafted player that sneaks up and makes the roster. It will take a Herculean effort, but he should be fun to watch late in preseason games.

Renauld Williams: Renauld Williams is a CFL linebacker that is known for his special teams contributions. He has bounced around in training camps over the years and is really a camp body for the Steelers and will not likely be around long.

Johnny Williams: Johnny is a hold over from the 2009 practice squad and merely a camp body much like Renauld. One of the Williams are likely not to make it to camp if rookie Jason Worlids signs prior to Friday as the Steelers will need the roster spot on the 80 man camp roster of signed players.

Likely Training Camp Depth Chart:
ROLB1 J.Harrison ROLB2 J.Worilds ROLB3 P.Bailey ROLB4 L.Witten
RILB1 L.Timmons RILB2 L.Foote RILB3 K.Fox RILB4 S.Sylvester
LILB1 J.Farrior LILB2 L.Foote LILB3 K.Fox LILB4 R.Williams
LOLB1 L.Woodley LOLB2 T.Gibson LOLB3 A.Frazier

Summation: The future has been drafted, but they are no where close to being ready now. The Steelers could very well send 3 members of the starting 4 to the Pro Bowl this year if all stay healthy and play up to expectations. The biggest weakness this unit has is against the pass, especially to running backs and tight ends. They also could struggle shedding fullbacks and good second level guard play as well. Bringing back Larry Foote may be the most underrated move this offseason. Foote can help keep Farrior fresh and push Timmons harder to live up to expectations. Just because he is a backup going in, Foote will see considerable playing time. Sure handed tackling and quarterback pressure must be constant all year. This should be another great year for the heart and soul of the Steelers defense, especially if the rookies come along quickly.

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The hearts of Steeler Nation go out to the Cowher family as most know that Kaye Cowher lost her battle with skin cancer on Friday at the age of 54. Mackenzie Carpenter has a great read on Mrs. Cowher in the Sunday PPG.

Steelers, first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey had been training under the watchful eye of Tom Shaw at ESPN Wide World of Sports up until a few weeks ago. Pouncey is said to be in good shape and ready to report as soon as his contract is done. I have a good feeling it will be wrapped up late this week.

Steelers second round draft pick, linebacker Jason Worilds, joined Troy Clardy on 93.7 The Fan to talk about the upcoming season and the team’s OTA sessions.

Scott Brown looks at this years Steelers defense and what they need to do to get back to the 2008 form. As we all know, turnovers were at a minimum last year and a real difference maker.

Mark Madden is stirring up the pot concerning the contract situation with left outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley. Madden even goes on to suggest that a poor season by James Harrison could see him released next offseson and Woodley getting his new contract. I doubt that, but of course stranger things have happened.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided his insight and observations of the upcoming training camp in a Q & A session on Steelers.com. Tomlin explains also the ritual of checking a young players oil in certain drill situations.

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John Harris explains how he thinks the Steelers brass is not completely sold on head coach Mike Tomlin and why a contract extension has not been reached just yet. Harris goes on to suggest that if Tomlin is not extended by the start of the season, it's a vote of no-confidence in Tomlin.

The NFL has ordered the Baltimore Ravens to cancel their final organized team activities because of a violation of workout rules as they "violated the rules concerning the intensity and tempo of drills conducted on the club's organized team activity days.

The Steelers have swapped backup long snappers after releasing Jared Retkofsky and signing Matt Stewart. Stewart will not be on the roster for long as Greg Warren is almost fully recovered from his knee injury. There is also word that draft picks will begin signing as early as today.

Some how I missed an interview Stan and guy had last week with Steelers rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. You can listen to it here. Sanders talks about playing outside versus inside.

Columnist Mark Madden is back stiring the pot for The Beaver County Times on Monday. Madden covers LenDale White, Maurkice Pouncey, James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger to name a few.

Steelers defense end Brett Keisel will be home Saturday in Billings, Montana for the Buffalo Roundup School Reunion and will assist the Greybull swimming pool and the Community Outreach thrift store. Keisel will sign memorabilia for $5 per item.

The biggest news on Tuesday was that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was back practicing with the team and looked loose and noticeably thinner according to reports. Ben did not address the media, but rumor is he might by the end of this OTA session. Byron Leftwich was an excused absence on Tuesday.

Rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown and second-year cornerback Keenan Lewis went toe to toe during the Tuesday OTA session and had to be separated by teammates. Lewis is showing some feistiness from other reports this Spring and is battling hard to make the roster. This is welcomed news indeed after a rookie season cut short by a back injury.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau wore jersey #99 on Tuesday to honor defensive end Brett Keisel. As most know, LeBeau has been wearing jerseys of his veteran defensive players all OTA sessions as a tribute to them.

It was Tuesday again yesterday and that means a new Ed Bouchette Steelers chat transcript was posted on the PPG. Not very enlightening today, but Ed does note that punter Daniel Sepulveda is booming kicks and not threatened the least by former Pitt punter Adam Graessle.

Joe Starkey caught up with linebacker Larry Foote at the Steelers South Side facility for an interview for 93.7 The Fan radio. Foote discussed Ben Roethlisberger’s return, the upcoming season and going from the Detroit Lions back to the black and gold.

Steelers linebacker James Harrison is bringing his two children and girlfriend down to Orlando for a quick getaway to Disney World this weekend according to the Orlando Sentinel. So keep your eyes peeled if you too are vacationing with Mickey this weekend.

First-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey got a scare on Wednesday as he had his toe stepped on by Trai Essex, who weighs 300 plus pounds. Pouncey escaped serious injury thankfully and got some work in at center with starting center Justin Hartwig and backup Doug Legursky both sidelined. All of the coaching staff is raving about the progress Pouncey is making and he surely could threaten Essex for the starting right guard spot.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall said on Wednesday he would enjoy running behind a true fullback. “A fullback in the backfield he can probably see a lot of things a tight end couldn’t,” said Mendenhall, who rushed for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009, his second season in the NFL. “(Fullbacks) being ballcarriers they know what you’re trying to do, they know where you’re trying to go and they can get there before you so a lot of times the fullback will end up at the same place after reading a play.” Frank Summers could be that guy, speculates Scott Brown.

Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley believes his new contract will get done, one way or the other. Despite the 30 percent rule, Woodley knows there are ways around it and said the best way for him to earn a new deal is to continue working hard on the field. I suspect that the Steelers will indeed get Woodley locked up over the next 60 days myself. It is just a matter of time.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was spotted on Tuesday playing a round of golf with ex-girlfriend and LGPA golfer Natalie Gulbis on Wednesday. Gulbis spoke with Channel 11 Sports reporter Rich Walsh on Wednesday before playing at Oakmont Country Club and called Ben, "a great guy"! While it may indeed be a PR move, it is what is and Gulbis did it on her own accord. WPXI also has video of the interview.

Joe Starkey talked with Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau on the radio on Tuesday afternoon and the interview is up on the 93.7 the Fan website. In other news Lebeau continued wearing players jerseys at practice and was spotted wearing the 92 of James Harrison on Wednesday.

Steelers.com has an awesome video tribute up for the upcoming Memorial Day. You can watch it below.

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Rookie linebacker Jason Worilds is slowly making the transition from left defensive end to a stand up right outside linebacker. Worilds is slowly being groomed to be the heir apparent to Pro Bowler James Harrison.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has notes from the Tuesday OTA practice session and lets you know who did and did not practice. It is interesting that center Justin Hartwig still slowed from off season surgery. Not a huge deal in May mind you, it just bares watching.

Ed Bouchette's latest Steelers chat transcript is now up on the PPG website. Ed claims that rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer is standing out during OTA drills.

According to Bouchette, there is a theory that head coach Mike Tomlin wants to see how Dennis Dixon reacts while running the second team behind Byron Leftwich and if he will compete for the job rather than have it handed to him. Leftwich is getting most of the first team reps right now, but that could change come training camp time.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that he expects to decide within a week when Ben Roethlisberger can rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers for offseason workouts.

Mike Tomlin will stand in for Ben Roethlisberger at the quarterback's summer youth football camp June 21-23 at Mars Area High School. Tomlin will be joined by high school and college coaches from Western Pennsylvania.

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Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not expected to attend mini camp, OTA practice Tuesday as the Steelers are still awaiting word from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on when he can re-join the team.

Steelers linebackers James Harrison and Patrick Bailey took to the runway as models in a star-studded charity event. Pictures are posted at the link provided as well.

Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood and punter Daniel Sepulveda will take part in a youth football camp that the Steelers are hosting June 12 at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Santa Fe Campus, in Mexico City. The Steelers as most know have a huge Mexican fan base.

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley will host a party in Saginaw, Michigan to celebrate his first career pro bowl selection on Saturday, June 12, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. at Horizons Conference Center. The party will be held after Woodley's third annual youth football camp at Saginaw High on Saturday morning.

An interesting footnote on Steelers.com reveals that rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer is a distant cousin of linebacker James Farrior. Dwyer’s great grandfather and Farrior’s great grandmother were first cousins. It's a small Steeler world after all, but I doubt Farrior gives him a free pass at practice.

The Supreme Court rejected the NFL's request for broad antitrust law protection Monday, saying it must be considered 32 separate teams. Also it is unlikely that NFL owners will hold a vote to expand overtime changes to the regular season at this week's NFL Spring Meeting.

Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was spotted wearing a Aaron Smith's jersey during Thursday's OTA session after wearing James Farrior's on Wednesday. LeBeau is a master at motivating his players, earning their respect and sending them messages.

Nick Fierro of the Morning Call has an article on the opportunity former Steelers 2009 draft pick A.Q. Shipley has to make the Eagles roster. Shipley is a Penn State grad.

Ed Bouchette caught up with current #3 quarterback Charlie Batch to find out about his thoughts on possibly being the starter. Batch is the consummate professional, but even he knows it will be Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon under center on week 1. Batch will make a great quarterback coach when he hangs up the clip board.

Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison has been working extra hard this week on developing some extra pass rushing moves with defensive assistant and former Steelers linebacker Jerry Olsavsky. I look forward to a strong showing by Deebo in 2010.

John Harris, writes about how 2010 is crunch time for running back Rashard Mendenhall in 2010. Running backs coach Kirby Wilson talks in the article about how Mendenhall is becoming an every down back in the NFL.

Joe Starkey spoke with Steelers cornerbacks William Gay and Bryant McFadden after OTAs. You can listen to the audio of both interviews here.

Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison and defensive end Brett Keisel did not practice on Wednesday so Andre Frazier and Nick Eason worked in their places respectively. Ziggy Hood has been working at left end this OTA. Keyaron Fox, Justin Hartwig and Hines Ward also did not practice and Troy Polamalu is back in California.

Channel 4 Action Sports' John Meyer sat down with Steelers first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey on Tuesday for a candid interview.

Teresa Varley of Steelers.com wrote about how Hines Ward has taken on a new role during the Steelers OTAs this offseason of mentoring second-year receiver Mike Wallace. Ward has been hampered by a hamstring injury this Summer, but expects to run some routes during the OTAs. His main focus is on be ready for training camp.

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Joe Starkey also caught up with Hines Ward as well. Ward says he has noticed some changes in the style of offense that the Steelers are practicing with more two back sets at times.

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Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians talks about the Steelers need to run the ball more effectively this season. Arians says he was satisfied with much of the way the team ran in 2009 except trying to run out the clock and trying to get a first down in short yardage situations.

Joe Starkey has an article on the Steelers corners and how they need to improve over 2009. Starkey reports that after the Tuesday session, Mike Tomlin stayed to work with the cornerback group on their skills long after their teammates left for the locker room.