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 will miss the first four games of the season as punishment for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. The debate will go on for a while if the punishment met the crime or in this case, the alleged crime, but it is what it is at this point. The injury to Leftwich means that 3rd year quarterback Dennis Dixon will open the season under center, that center being rookie first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey is the the first Steelers offensive lineman to start the season opener of his rookie year since tackle Marvel Smith started at right tackle in 2000. Pouncey also is just the second offensive lineman ever to start as a rookie for the club. He also becomes the sixth rookie to start his first career game since 2000. Dixon is making his second career regular season start with his first being last season against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore. On that night, Dixon completed 12 of 26 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown with one interception and rushed for 27 yards on three carries, including a 24-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave the Steelers a brief lead. The interception to defensive end Paul Kruger set up a 29-yard field goal that ultimately gave the Ravens a 20-17 victory.

The Steelers 2010 season basically breaks up into four mini seasons within a season. The first mini season starts with the first four games minus Roethlisberger in which the Steelers play Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay and division rival Baltimore. The Steelers at worst need to come out of these first four games with a 2-2 record. A record better than that and the Steelers very well could be leading the division or at worst, tied for the lead. A 1-3 or 0-4 start would likely be too large of a hole to climb out of in the tough AFC North, but not impossible mind you. If a 1-3 record is achieved, it would be nice if the lone win came against either Baltimore or Tennessee, both of whom are of course in the AFC, but preferably it would be against the division foe Ravens.

The second mini season begins with the week 5 bye as the Steelers will get Roethlisberger back and have several practices to gear up for their second division game against Cleveland and then play on the road against Miami. I consider this only a 2 game mini season and think the Steelers almost have to go an undefeated 2-0 in theses games, especially if they were under .500 in the first mini four game season. If they happen to escape over .500 in the first mini season, a split in these two games would not kill them as long as the win comes against the Browns. These two games should be enough to get Roethlisberger back into a full rhythm and the offense clicking on all cylinders. The worst the Steelers record can dare be at this point of the season is 3-3 as the meat of the schedule is yet to come.

The third mini season is the eight game stretch starting in New Orleans. The Steelers could make a huge statement on the road and in front of a prime time audience by beating the defending Super Bowl champs in their own house. A win there could be a huge catalyst heading into the second half of the NFL season. It also could be the back breaker game depending on the record coming out of the first six games. The third mini season continues on and features both meetings with the Bengals, a second meeting with Baltimore at their place and closes out with the tough New York Jets at Heinz Field. Also sprinkled in that eight game mini season are the Patriots, Raiders and Bills. The Steelers very easily could come out of this stretch 6-2 or 2-6 as there are some tough games in this portion of the schedule.

Finally the last mini season features only two games against Carolina and Cleveland and it could be two must win games to lock up a playoff spot or just merely playing out the string. Regardless, both of these games should be very winnable looking ahead right now.

Position Breakdown: Before I give my prediction, I will give a brief summary of the team by position heading into the season.

Quarterback: It is sink or swim for Dennis Dixon now. Go 2-2 or better in the first four games and he is the hero of Pittsburgh, go 0-4 and he will be run out of town on a rail. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians needs to use him up, by letting him use his feet. It is only four games and it is not a win-win situation for Dixon. His whole career going forward will likely be decided by how he plays in these potential four starts. Ben Roethlisberger looked sharp in the preseason and looks like he is in the best shape he has been in for quite a while. Maybe it was nerves; maybe he has come to the realization that this can all be gone in an instant. I am not worried about how he will play coming off of the suspension, I just hope the offensive line can protect him better this year. He has the tools around him and hopefully the hole is not dug too deep before he returns. If you see Byron Leftwich in the first four games, it is because Dixon is hurt or not playing well. Leftwich may be asked to beat Tampa and Baltimore to get the Steelers back to .500 before Roethlisberger takes back over. Leftwich is capable, but will now not play if Dixon is healthy and winning as it is has become Dixon or bust since the Leftwich injury. Charlie Batch is fragile, but a great leader on the sideline. Hopefully he stays on the sideline.

Running Back: Rashard Mendenhall will be leaned on quite a bit early on as the Steelers will want to run and run often in the early portion of the season. Ball security is the only concern with Mendy going forward as he has the talent to be a 20 plus carry a game back in the NFL. He must know the details and help be a leader on and off the field. 1500 yards is not out of the question for Mendenhall, but 1300 is more realistic. Mewelde Moore is a third down back and a contributor on special teams. At this point in his career, I do not consider him a change of pace back or a back to spell Mendenhall for a series. Moore is a hard nosed player, but his role is about touching the football perhaps just 3 times a game. If Mendenhall goes down injured, Isaac Redman should be the main ball carrier with Moore getting most of his work on 3rd and longs. Redman will get plenty of initial opportunities early on for the short yardage and goal line work along with looks as the lead blocker in the pony backfield formation. Do not be surprised to see 500 yards and 8 touchdowns at the end of the year as he has excelled in bettering every area of his game. Rookie Jonathan Dwyer is red shirted this year. Baring injury, expect to see him on 16 straight game day inactive list as he learns the other part of being a NFL running back besides carrying the football.

Wide Receiver: Papa Smurf Hines Ward has quite a few little smurfs in tow this year. Mike Wallace had a great rookie year, but now must run the routes ran last year by Santonio Holmes. We know Mikey can go long on the plays drawn in the sand; it is his route running in the intimidate area that will be most scrutinized this season. Hines Ward is Hines Ward. He is the possession guy and must be the leader on the field and keep Dixon and company settled. He really will be counted on being Papa Smurf for sure in 2010 on and off the field. Look for another 70 catch season for Hines. Antwaan Randle El must do what he did in his first go around with the Steelers. A solid 35 catches, especially on key downs will be more than enough. He is a veteran of the game now and must help Hines get the other kids up to speed. Arnaz Battle is mostly a special teams guy who needs to make his contributions in that way on the field. Barring injury to other receivers, he will get an occasional snap or three in four wide receiver sets. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are rookies. Do not expect the same type of numbers from them that Mike Wallace put up last year as a rookie. Brown will have his hands full in the return game and needs to worry about that first. He too will get looks in four wide receiver sets when active. Sanders will likely be the odd man out on game days early in the season, but will be up in a minute should an injury happen. He could easily bypass Battle or El as well as the season progresses. Look for most of his play to come later in the year.

Offensive Line: I mentioned Pouncey early in the article. He will make rookie mistakes, but is clearly an upgrade over Justin Hartwig at center. The Dermontti Dawson comparisons are real. This kid has all the tools and should only get better. The more he has to run block early on, the better. Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu are not “all world” left side lineman, but they are very capable, especially as run blockers. They both seem energized under new offensive line coach Sean Kugler. Penalties and pass blocking are the biggest concerns with these two, but I think you will see improvement by both this year. Flozell Adams has made steady improvement as he attempts to switch from left tackle to right tackle. False starts and edge pass blocking are his weak suits, but the more snaps he gets into the season, the more adjusted to the right he should get. What do you want me to say about Trai Essex? He is the weakest link in the line, but every line has one. Hopefully he holds his own this year. Doug Legursky is the swing man inside and can play both guard spots and of course back up Pouncey at center. He very well could start on other teams if given the chance. Tony Hills looks to finally have the light come on, but I am not too sure he is an every down left tackle. Jonathan Scott and Ramon Foster are both backup guys, with Foster offering a bit more position flexibility than Scott. Essex and Adams hold the key to the line success this year. Pouncey should make quite a few highlight reels this year with pancake blocks. Hopefully the line gets lots of run block opportunities early in the season.

Tight Ends: Heath Miller is one of the best in the game. He could very easily total 90 catches this year if things go right. He could just as easily tally half that number if things go bad. Miller does everything and is the most underrated player on offense. Say what you will about Matt Spaeth and David Johnson, but they bring their lunch boxes to work. It showed tremendously in preseason. Both contribute heavily on special teams as well. They do the dirty work most do not see and hopefully their strong preseason play carries over into the regular season. Johnson will get most of the traditional fullback looks, if any.

Linebackers: Very experienced bunch with some youth now sprinkled in. Left to right it is LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison. This is a nasty, nasty group. Timmons looks ready to make a huge jump in 2010 and Larry Foote was brought back to help spell Farrior inside and occasionally Timmons. Keyaron Fox mostly contributes on special teams, but is also capable of covering sideline to sideline. Three rookies will be eased in mostly on special teams in the form of second rounder Jason Worilds, fourth rounder Thaddeus Gibson and fifth rounder Stevenson Sylvester. All three will likely compete weekly for a game day hat with Sylvester being the most useful on special teams thus far in preseason. This is the best linebacking group in the league if you ask me and the strongest part of the defense.

Defensive Line: Nose tackle Casey Hampton seems reinvigorated by his new deal and in great shape. At ends, both Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are just asked to hold the edges and push on passing downs. Neither players are going to tally big sack numbers. They both know their role in the Dick LeBeau defense and only battle father time as a main opponent. Second year man Ziggy Hood will get a heavy increase of playing time this year and will spell Smith the most on the left end. He needs to make a huge jump and prove his worth as a first rounder this year. He flashed in training camp, but not so much in preseason games this year as hoped. Nick Eason looks like a different player following his near death medical problems this offseason. He will be asked to rotate in for Keisel without a drop off in play. One word describes him, capable. Chris Hoke will spell the Big Snack a couple series a game at nose tackle. Except for Hood, this line has some age on it, but looked above the line in preseason. Hopefully the rotation will keep them fresher and healthy all season.

Defensive Backs: Troy Polamalu is back. Need I say more? He looked a bit rusty in preseason, but showed he still has burst. His ability and freedom to freelance is what makes him deadly. Offenses always have to account for him and he is a play maker and catalyst on defense. He must stay healthy this year as there is just no replacement for his style of play. With Polamalu back, it makes free safety Ryan Clark even better as Clark has less area to cover. He remains a heavy hitter on defense and adequate in pass coverage and reading defenses. They are perhaps the best safety combo in the NFL. Behind them are Will Allen and Ryan Mundy. Allen is an upgrade over Tyrone Carter from last year and Mundy has another full camp under his belt. At right corner it is a contract year for Ike Taylor and he will be auditioning for a final payday in 2011. He still has the skills, but does take a play off every now and again. He is still one of the better corners in the league though. Bryant McFadden is back on the left side after a rocky year in Arizona in which the defense did not match his skill set. McFadden will be pushed by the improving, yet inconsistent second year Keenan Lewis. It looked like Lewis was primed to unseat McFadden in the preseason, but he melted down in his preseason start in Denver and must start over earning his way back. William Gay goes back to his nickel job, where he is better suited as his time at left corner in 2009 was a disaster. Anthony Madison and rookie Crezdon Butler round out the defensive backs with Madison returning more for his special teams play than anything else. It will not be surprising to see Butler crack the lineup sooner than later. He has the complete skill set and may unseat Gay for the nickel job should he stumble out of the blocks. Butler looks to also be the heir apparent to Taylor at right corner and also got some work in camp at safety.

Special Teams: Punter Daniel Sepulveda got a chance to unseat Jeff Reed as the kickoff guy, but could not do it. Sepulveda can boom punts fine and Reed is deadly from 43 yards and in, so nothing really changes there. Both players are in their final years of their contracts this season and Greg Warren returns as the long snapper as long as his knees hold up. Arnaz Battle and Will Allen were brought in to help on special teams and Anthony Madison returns in his role as well. Rookie Antonio Brown gets first crack at the return job and one hopes the addition of new special teams coach Al Everest can help map out better coverages. A few rookies will be mixed in as well, so this could go either way as far as kick coverage goes. If Reed could nut up and kick out of the endzone, it sure would help things. It would also get him a big payday in free agency.

Prediction: OK, I bleed black and gold and have done so since the age of 4. I am also good at seeing things clearly by taking off my Steeler Nation glasses. The 2010 Steelers are a talented bunch; they will be handicapped by not having Big Ben the first four games. I do think that 2-2 is not out of the question until he returns for the 5th game versus the Browns. I think two straight wins is doable following the bye and will have the Steelers at 4-2 entering the key eight game stretch. 4-4 or better in that stretch is certainly attainable with season splits against both Baltimore and Cincinnati. After 14 games the Steelers would be 8-6 and looking at two relatively easier games to end the season on. I think they close out winning both and end the season at 10-6 and an AFC Wild Card spot. As we all know, anything can happen in the playoffs. I am not bold enough to say it is a Super Bowl year, but if the team is healthy come playoff time, you have to like their chances. If indeed it plays out this way, head coach Mike Tomlin certainly deserves Coach of the Year consideration.

Here is to a run for a 7th Lombardi. Let the season begin!

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

We are down to 53 players on the Steelers active roster after the cuts made this afternoon and assuming the Steelers do not make any other add and drops from the waiver wire, I thought it would be fun to take a real early look at who likely will not dress week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday. The Steelers will have 8 inactive players as they are only allowed to play 45 players on any given game day. Fresh off of my 53 for 53 roster prediction, I will push my luck and layout the 8 inactives and reasons below.

QB Byron Leftwich - This should be pretty obvious concerning his MCL injury. He will likely get the #3 emergency QB tag, but do not read too much into that. He is out plain and simple.

RB Jonathan Dwyer - He can run with the ball, but that is it. He has a long way to go before he sees the active gameday roster. Barring injuries, expect to see him here all season unless released for a roster spot.

CB Crezdon Butler - Butler is a rookie and the numbers at corner makes him the odd man out on gameday. I certainly would not be surprised to see him off of the inactive list by midseason. Especially the more practice and special teams work he gets under his belt. Great corner late in the draft. A true ball hawker.

WR Emmanuel Sanders - It looks like Antonio Brown won the return job, so he will be the 5th game day receiver, because of it. Sanders will not be stuck here all season long as he is too talented.

T Tony Hills - This could go either way between him and Jonathan Scott. Scott backed up Flozell Adams all preseason at right tackle and Ramon Foster can swing the left side at both guard or tackle in a pinch. Scott tweaked his ankle in the final preseeason game so this could just as easy be him in this spot. We are going to assume he is healthy enough to play week 1.

OLB Jason Worilds - Lots of learning to do and quite a few linebackers ahead of him. He will get active later in the year. Inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons will back up James Harrison at the right outside spot in case of injury to start the season.

ILB Stevenson Sylvester - Same situation as Worilds. Too many bodies right now. Any injury to an inside linebacker and Sly will be up.

OLB Thaddeus Gibson - Another young linebacker that must pay his dues for a little while.

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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. Early reports are he is out for the year. Looked bad and saw doctors testing knee structure on trainers table.

Once again Lawrence Timmons was all over the field starting at right outside linebacker in place of James Harrison.

Panthers played mostly second teamers to open the game.

Opening drive by Ben Roethlisberger and company was off kilter. Got better in second drive.

Stevenson Sylvester and Patrick Bailey really had nice games at linebacker. Bailey was worked at both inside and outside positions. Not sure room for Bailey on 53 with all the linebackers. Sylvester is a keeper.

Kick coverage units looked inconsistent.

Jeff Reed is still dependable at Heinz Field.

Jonathan Scott injury was a freak ankle roll when he stepped on a Panthers foot.

Scott injury could save the job of Kraig Urbik who is noticeably improved.

Keenan Lewis looked back comfortable in relief of William Gay.

Joe Burnett I think has been kidnapped.

No way Frank Summers makes the 53 man roster. I will really be shocked.

David Johnson does absolutely everything. 3rd tight end and in on all special teams. Really works hard.

I will be shocked if Nick Eason is cut.

Kyle Jolly and Dorian Brooks both got tons of work tonight. I can't wait to go through the tape.

Isaac Redman and Mewelde Moore are ready for the season. Both play a ton on special teams as well.

Thaddeus Gibson and Jason Worilds show promise, but still look confused at times.

Rookies Emmanuel Sanders and Crezdon Butler both flashed tonight. Butler made one bone head play not wrapping up, but I think both will make the 53 man roster for sure.

No doubt rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer can run, it is the little things that will keep him on the practice squad.

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A reader emailed me this afternoon and wanted to know of the 75 players on the active roster, which ones are eligible to be signed to the practice squad and what constitutes eligibility. First we go to the NFL rules on this:

What makes a player eligible for an NFL practice squad?

(a) The practice squad shall consist of the following players, provided that they have not served more than two previous seasons on a Practice Squad: (i) players who do not have an Accrued Season of NFL experience; and (ii) free agent players who were on the Active List for fewer than nine regular season games during their only Accrued Season(s). An otherwise eligible player may be a practice squad player for a third season only if the Club by which he is employed that season has at least 53 players on its Active/Inactive List
during the entire period of his employment.

(b) A player shall be deemed to have served on a Practice Squad in a season if he has passed the club’s physical and been a member of the club’s Practice Squad for at least three regular season or postseason games during his first two Practice Squad seasons, and for at least one regular season or postseason game during his third Practice Squad season. (A bye week counts as a game provided that the player is not terminated until after the regular season or postseason weekend in question.)

Going by the rules above the Steelers have 22 players that qualify to be signed to the practice squad. This off course includes all (10) 2010 draft picks and the (4) undrafted free agents still on the roster. Also still eligible are (4) of the 2009 draft picks and (4) other 2009 undrafted free agents still on the roster. Rookie Chris Scott was placed on active PUP today and would be eligible for the practice squad if released following the 1st 6 weeks of season and clears waivers.

Eligible for 2010 Practice Squad
C/G Maurkice Pouncey
OLB Jason Worilds
WR Emmanuel Sanders
OLB Thaddeus Gibson
T Chris Scott - Placed on PUP 8/31
CB Crezdon Butler
ILB Stevenson Sylvester
RB Jonathan Dwyer
WR Antonio Brown
DE Doug Worthington
G/C Kraig Urbik
CB Keenan Lewis
RB Frank Summers
RDE Sunny Harris
DT Steve McLendon
RB Isaac Redman
WR Tyler Grisham
TE Eugene Bright
G/C Dorian Brooks
T Kyle Jolly
S Justin Thornton
S Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith

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The Steelers beat the New York Giants 24-17 in the 2nd preseason game of the 2010 season. 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.

The team overall looked a little sluggish getting started. Camp finally breaking and traveling did not help.

Let us hope Ike Taylor got that out of his system. Any how I gave Taylor the unanimous decision.

Post snap penalties have to stop by start of season.

I will break down both Flozell Adams snaps and the early snaps of Jonathan Scott at right tackle, but Flozell failed again in my opinion. Athletic defensive ends can beat him on the edge with ease. Hard to see him sticking right now for the price he demanded as 2.5 million should buy a better free agent product. Scott looked adequate on the surface, but I sure would like to see him start next week to see how he fares.

Max Starks looked tired and going through the motions tonight. Trai Essex looked like Trai Essex. Enough said.

Maurkice Pouncey will be your opening day center in my opinion. I do not think he took any snaps tonight at right guard and was 3 times the center Hartwig was. What is sad is I thought Hartwig showed more fight for his job tonight. Pouncey was moving two at a time on some plays.

Byron Leftwich to Mike Wallace was a great all around play. Line blocked well, Leftwich sold it. Wallace will win all foot races.

Leftwich I think is your starter with packages mixed in for Dennis Dixon. For only 4 games you can play to both quarterbacks strengths.

I think Ben Roethlisberger will be fine. I do not think he forces that ball up in the regular season. He looked relaxed, but thought he stayed in a series too long.

Too many negative plays on the night.

Rashard Mendenhall should be able to run up the middle this year especially if Pouncey starts.

Frank Summers still is slow off the snap and leading to the hole. Still getting acclimated to the NFL.

Brett Kiesel is hot and cold at times. Will certainly need snaps off this season.

Bryant McFadden is a better left corner than right corner. Not sure the reasoning he was moved over there after Taylor was ejected other than to get Keenan Lewis into the game earlier and not take snaps away from BMac.

Troy Polamalu showed some burst, he also showed he still can miss a tackle or two. Regardless, he is still the best strong safety in the league.

I liked the effort to get the ball more to Antwaan Randle El this week along with Heath Miller. These two will get plenty of chances to contribute this year. Miller may even lead the team in catches. Miller did wiff on a block. It happens.

Outside linebacker play tonight was pedestrian, especially from the rookies Thaddeus Gibson and Jason Worilds. Oh, and wave goodbye to Patrick Bailey. God forbid he ever had to start at left or right outside linebacker.

There is nothing wrong with the motor of Lawrence Timmons. Larry Foote and James Farrior looked more focused this week as well. Inside linebacker play was good overall on the night.

I think Nick Eason is still ahead of Sunny Harris. I will look closer in the next 8 times through the game, but Harris has not taken the roster spot in my opnion.

Will Allen is an upgrade over Tyrone Carter from last year. His recognition and quickness are still there and he is great on special teams.

Joe Burnett caught him one. Corners need more plays like that. Burnett does get cauight out of position at times.

Daniel Sepulveda did an adequate job kicking off. I need to time the hang times though before I can give a true assesment. He did make a huge tackle though. You want that to happen never though.

Antonio Brown did a great job on returns. Stefan Logan still seems adequate as well. It will come down to the progress of Brown as a receiver in my opinion. I think Emmanuel Sanders will get his chance returning next week in Denver. Logan needs to really make himself uncut-able and has yet to do it.

I really was hoping Ziggy Hood will be a little more dominating than he has been in the first two games. I am not too worried though.

Casey Hampton can still plug up the middle.

Tony Hills on the surface looked good again in the snaps I was watching him specifically. The tape will not lie though. I reserve my judgment until I get a closer look.

I do not see how Kraig Urbik makes the 53 man roster without an injury. 3rd round pick wasted.

I can do without seeing Byron Leftwich run. He makes Dan Marino look like Usain Bolt.

I like the way Dwayne Wright runs. It will not matter though.

Mewelde Moore is one of the best blitz pickup backs around. Fearless and will take 3rd down snaps away from Mendenhall again.

Isaac Redman has become a complete running back. His work on special teams is improving.

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Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times has a profile article on Bronko Doug Legursky. Sean Kugler loves the guy and calls him one of the strongest guys on the line. His position versatility also will likely help his chances of making the 53 man roster once again.

Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette seems to think linebackers Patrick Bailey, Thaddeus Gibson and Stevenson Sylvester are battling for one open linebacker roster spot. I disagree and think there are actually two spots open and Bailey is not even in the mix. As much as I like the play of Keyaron Fox, I do not think he can be considered a roster lock right now. I have an uneasy feeling that he might be in the final cuts and hope I am wrong.

Steelers veteran linebacker James Farrior talked with Jim Colony of 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday to chat about the progress of camp and how camp is more relaxed this season compared to previous years. Potsie also talks about the progress of the young guys at camp and in the first preseason game against the Lions.

New special teams coach Al Everest explains how the league-high four kickoff returns for touchdowns the Steelers allowed in 2009 were results of perimeter problems. Thus far Stefan Logan, William Gay, Ike Taylor, Anthony Madison and Keenan Lewis have been working outside in training camp at the position.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning will miss Saturday’s preseason game against the Steelers while he nurses 12 stitches on his forehead and backup quarterback Jim Sorgi might not play either with a shoulder problem. Really not good news as you want the Steelers to face top notch competition in the preseason to use as a measuring stick. The Giants may be forced to start third stringer Rhett Bomar Saturday.

The Mansion At Maple Heights of former Steelers center Chukky Okobi is listed for sheriff's sale after Allegheny County court records show the mortgage hasn't been paid since 2008. Okobi is working on a loan modification with the bank and hopefully he is able to save his home if he can indeed afford it.

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Day 18 of training camp is under way in Latrobe with just one practices today. This is the 1st practice since the Saturday night game verus Detroit. We will have news, notes, nuggets and practice information from today posted up on this page as we get it in. Check back often through out the evening to see the updates per our usual.

Compiled from interviews and info on Steelers.com | ESPN Radio Pittsburgh | 93.7 The Fan Radio | Pittsburgh Post Gazette | Pittsburgh Tribune | Twitter Updates

Monday practice Steelers1st team & 2nd team offensive line still the same in first 11 on 11 drill. Pouncey 2nd team center.

Steelers 1st team QB in first 11 on 11 drill was Ben Roethlisberger.

Dennis Dixon running 3rd team to start.

Pouncey now getting some 1st team reps at center now after the first time through on 11 on 11 drills.

Hines Ward with alligator arms on one pass to avoid hit.

Ziggy Hood flashing in drills as is Thaddeus Gibson and Doug Worthington.

Working redzone drill now.

Rashard Mendenhall carrying ball very tight to his body in goal line drills.

Daniel Sepulveda getting right leg iced down right now on sideline.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practice with knee sleeve on today.

Rookie RB Jonathan Dwyer did not practice Monday due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the game. Day-to-day at this juncture.

DE Brett Keisel (calf), FB Dwayne Wright (illness), DT Steve MClendon all missed time on Monday as well.

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• steelers training camp monday recap

Attached is the defensive player participation chart for all plays on defense and does not include penalties considered no plays. You can follow along play by play withe the gamebook here. A few things that stick out is the great amount of playing time Thaddeus Gibson got in relief of LaMarr Woodley. Gibson will be able to look at a large selection of film to help correct his errors for sure. William Gay received some limited time at the right corner spot and Joe Burnett got time at both the right and left corner spots. Anthony Madison also was given time at both corner and safety once again. Madison played well and we all know his value on special teams. He will push hard for a final roster spot.. Please make sure to credit us if you lift this information.

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The Steelers beat the Detroit Lions 23-7 in the 1st preseason game of the 2010 season. Below are my notes and nuggets I kept on the game of my observations. I have much more coming on this game and am working through the night.

Isaac Redman ran consistent and hard, especially between the tackles. Also improved greatly at pass blocking. He should have no problem making the 53 man roster.

Maurkice Pouncey is the real deal. Got lots of time at center and can move some flesh as well as get to the second level. Played some right guard late in the game, but looks like he could very well start week 1 at center. Very impressive for first game and had a few bone crushing blocks.

Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown both played well above the line. Sanders understands that Steelers receivers have to block and looks willing to do so. Brown is excellent after the catch. Sanders will make the 53 man roster for sure and Brown made a week a strong case as well.

Dennis Dixon benefited greatly from yards after the catch, but looks a ton calmer. Led a couple of good drives and knows when to use his legs. Do not read too much into his stats tonight, but it certainly was above the line. I am not ready to declare him the starter as it is way too early. Let the coaches do their job.

Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett are making a leap it seems. Game seems to be slowing down. Touchdown on Lewis could of been offensive pass interference. Both showing great signs thus far.

Tony Hills! Yes Tony Hills. Showed up on a bad ankle and played well at left tackle. Not a starter by any means, but at least he is fighting for his roster spot.

Mewelde Moore is a guy you want on this roster one more year. Bone crushing block on the Dixon run that almost went for a touchdown and he is still an excellent special teams player and tackler.

1st team defense moved around well. Ryan Clark intercepted a tipped ball. Troy Polamalu seems to still have his quickness.

Thaddeus Gibson and Stevenson Sylvester seem to semi understand things. They are a long ways from starter ready, but the talent is there. Gibson got sucked in a few times, but that happens. Showed he can recover quickly. Sylvester is quick to the ball.

Ball security by the running backs. Enough said here.

Rashard Mendenhall still looks timid at times and the fumble was pure carelessness. Week 2 I expect much better.

Jeff Reed still can not kickoff deep. Had a touchback, but I think it was helped by a tail wind. Regardless his kicks were inconsistent Reed was money on his field goals.

Flozell Adams needs more snaps at right tackle. Seems to be struggling mostly with his foot work on pass rushes. Jonathan Scott actually had a better night than the Hotel.

Ike Taylor needs to hit the tackle dummies.

Jonathan Dwyer can not make the club in the tub. Already will get limited reps in the preseason. Shoulder injury forced him out again. Needs to get lower as he is taking too many square hits.

Anthony Madison continues to have his name called on special teams.

Patrick Bailey looked lost at outside linebacker a few plays. I will be surprised if he makes the roster.

Keyaron Fox can sniff out a ball carrier. Underrated linebacker.

No huge special teams gaffs. Enough said.

Players seem coached up good overall.

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Camp is only a few days old, but there have been enough practices and reports to get some initial impressions of what is going on and who is impressing and who is not. I have 5 winners and 5 losers listed below based on all reports and media stories.

Winners:

Ziggy Hood - Hood is right on schedule. You have likely read all the stories in the papers thus far as Ziggy is working everywhere on the defensive line including nose tackle. Hood can really spell all 3 guys on the defensive line most noticeably Aaron Smith on the left side. He is showing his athleticism and blowing by everybody on the offensive line.

Isaac Redman - The call him Red this year and he is going to make it very hard for the Steelers not to keep him on the 53 man roster this year. He excelled in the back on backers drill and is showing he can do all of the little things that go along with being an NFL running back. The annual goal line drill is coming up and I expect Redzone Redman to shine for the second straight year. He is looking like a great backup to Rashard Mendenhall right now.

Thaddeus Gibson - Fourth-round pick, Thaddeus Gibson, has gotten off to a fast start in camp and has been nearly unblockable in the Steelers individual drills. The Steelers are looking for depth at left outside linebacker behind Lamarr Woodley and Gibson is bucking to make the roster as the number 2 guy there. He has plenty of experience at the LEO position in college, so he just needs to get use to the speed and flow of the game. There is a ton of camp left, but he has made more noise than second-round pick, Jason Worilds thus far.

Ben Roethlisberger - You might think this is too easy, but Ben looks thinner, stronger and relaxed. He is under extreme media scrutiny right now, but his time running the first team and second team has been stellar by all media reports. This will not change the fact he will still be suspended for at least the first four games, but at least he should be sharp come time the suspension ends. He just needs to continue to worry about himself and not what everyone else thinks.

Antonio Brown - Emmanuel Sanders received most of the offseason attention, but Brown's name is showing up quite a bit as a receiver making catches in camp. Brown worked out with Byron Leftwich down in Miami this offseason and has already caught the attention of Mike Tomlin in camp. He is really fast as well and could be another future threat to take the top off of opponents coverages. Still a long shot to make the 53 man roster, but not out of the question by any means. He also is working some as a kick returner which is an added bonus. At worst he starts the season on the practice squad.

Losers:

Tony Hills - All reports have Hills as a human turnstile thus far again in training camp. This is not a good sign heading into his third season. In a season with no salary cap, Hills is looking like he is on the outside looking in right now. There is still time and Hills needs to show he can be the swing guy on the left or right side in camp. The clock has been ticking long enough on the Texas product.

Jonathan Dwyer - The age old saying, you can't make the club from the tub, fits Dwyer thus far. Hamstrings early in camp happen a bunch, but Dwyer needs to get on the field if he wants to make the 53 man roster. Hopefully he can be ready by the first preseason game as the depth at running back is mighty thin for the Steelers.

Justin Hartwig - Not surprising that the center spot is the weakest on the line right now. Hartwig might still be recovering a bit from offseason surgery, but might be getting pressed more than he wants from Doug Legursky. I wrote in the offseason his roster spot is not a sure thing. We shall see.

William Gay - Do I need to explain this? According to early reports, not much has changed.

Jeff Reed & LaMarr Woodley - OK, we get you are unhappy with the contracts. You both say you do not use the media, yet both of you use the media. A "no comment" a few times would be music to everyone's ears. We want to hear your names in relation to work on the field during practices, not between practices on the way to the cafeteria.

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