Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Draft Review

Heading in week 17 of the NFL season it seems unlikely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be making the playoffs, so we’ll go ahead and review the job that Kevin Colbert and the Steelers did with their 2009 draft class and undrafted free agents.

Note: All players mentioned in this slideshow were listed as rookies on Steelers.com and stats were found on Yahoo.com.

Begin Slideshow

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers: Where to Go From Here?

As inept as Bruce Arians and his play calling has been this year, it is the defensive secondary that has likely put the final nail in the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers’ coffin.

Once again a 4th quarter lead turned into a heart breaking loss.  Late in the games the Steelers secondary has failed when teams spread them out and go pass heavy. 

After the loss to the Oakland Raiders the Steelers record has dropped to 6-6, so where do they go from here?

First of all, the Steelers don’t need to abandon all hopes for this season; they are still mathamatically alive for the playoffs.  If the Steelers can win out they can make the playoffs. 

The Jaguars currently hold the final wildcard spot, but they still have games against the Colts and at New England.

The Ravens have to play the Steelers again—at Pittsburgh.

The Dolphins have a tough stretch of games left: at Jacksonville, at Tennessee, vs Houston, and most importantly vs the Steelers.

The Jets have games at Indianapolis and against Cincinnati.

Although it may be unlikely that everything will fall the Steelers way, we learned in 2005 that it can and if you get hot at the right time “Super” things can happen.

As poor as the Steelers have played recently, don’t forget that the Steelers have played and beaten some very good teams so far this season such as San Diego, Minnesota, and Denver.

 

Secondly, the Steelers have to make adjustments on offense.  The biggest issue facing the Steelers offense is their red-zone performance.  It’s been horrible thus far this season; too many times the Steelers settle for a field goal or turn the ball over.  In this area especially, the Steelers need to quit trying to outsmart other teams and pound it at them.  The Steelers offensive line and running backs proved that they can have success against a good defense (Baltimore) as long as Bruce Arians stays committed to the run.

If you’re going to pass in this situation, don’t make it so obvious by using the empty backfield set.  Using this formation lets the defense know that there is no chance that this play is a run, thus you’re telling the defense what you’re going to do and making the job easier for the defense.

Also, by not using this formation you protect your QB.  Too often in this formation an un-blocked player has a kill shot on the QB, even if the QB gets the ball away.

If the Steelers would have performed better in the redzone this season they would have likely not lost these games in the last seconds. Although they still may have been too close for comfort.

 

Next, the Steelers have to get better play from the secondary.  William Gay has played very poorly much of this season as has Ryan Clark. 

Gay’s play has regressed from last season; does that mean he is done?  No, because if you remember Ike Taylor had to be benched once before also.  After having a good season last year and being handed the starting job heading into this year, Gay’s ego may have become inflated. 

While Gay will be out for at least the next game at Cleveland, it may be in his best interest to be demoted even after he comes back.  Hopefully he will refocus and play up to the potential that he showed last season.

Rookie Joe Burnett is likely to get the start this week and fellow rookie Keenan Lewis should see his most extensive playing time of the season also.  This will be their opportnunity to show the coaches what they can do.  If neither succeed in the starters role, look for Deshea Townsend to take over while the others get their chances in the nickle and dime packages.

But, if the Steelers are offically eliminated from the playoffs, look for these two rookies to get an extended look so that the Steelers can get a better feel for them and what they need to do during the offseason.

While Ryan Clark has become a fan favorite, he has showed this season that he can be taken advantage of.  He is a hard hitting safety that is good in run support but has difficulty in pass coverage and playing the ball.  Lee Flowers anyone?

Unlike the situation at cornerback, the Steelers don’t have anyone with lots of upside waiting in the wings at safety.

Ryan Mundy is a young player with some upside, but likely not enough to become an impact player.  So while he may get an extended look, I don’t feel that Ryan Clark should be benched in favor of Mundy.

Ike Taylor is a player that I feel has been the target of many fans and I feel undeservingly so. 

While not having his best season, he is still a well above average cornerback in a league that has made efforts to eliminate “shutdown corners” from existance.

And while not wanting to seem as if I am placing blame or defending a player, it was likely a miscommunication or blown coverage that led to Taylor being beaten for a long touchdown pass yesterday.  

As the announcer explained during the game, Taylor was in an outside technique, thus giving the WR the middle of the field.  I believe it’s safe to assume that he wouldn’t have used this technique had he not expected help on the inside. 

 

Hopefully the Steelers can make these adjustments and make the playoffs, but if they can’t here are my thoughts for the offseason.

While it’s hard to judge the development of players, predict the signings of players, and who will be where in the draft, it is very easy to know that Bruce Arians is not the answer as offensive coordinator.

If you look at his body of work as a head coach in college and as a coordinator with the Steelers and Browns you can see that the same problems always exist.

Without going into too much detail (if you want the details see some of my prior articles) Arians should be relieved of his job duties as offensive coordinator. 

During his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers they have been very inconsistant offensively overall, their redzone performance has been dismal, the playcalling has been predictable, the players talents have not been maximized, the offense is too often one diamentional, and the playcalling in critical situations has been horrible. (see 4th & 3 QB sweep call behind third string OT in 2007 playoff game vs Jaguars for one example)

If you look a the Cleveland Browns during the time that he was O.C. there you will see that they had the same exact problems.   The old saying is that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, therefore it is time to end the Bruce Arians experiment.

Next, you have to look at Bob Ligashesky and evaluate the special teams.  This year the coverage units have been horrible.  But if the Steelers were to give him one more year as special teams coordinator I wouldn’t be opposed due to the fact that the Steelers had the best coverage unit in the NFL in 2008.

 

The Steelers have several players that are going to be free agents, but Heath Miller must be resigned. 

Casey Hampton has to be given a decent offer, if he decides to walk Chris Hoke can fill in for a year or so until another NT is drafted or signed.

Willie Colon is a restricted FA, so he will likely be back for at least one more season.

While Justin Hartwig is a UFA and should likely get a decent offer, depending on the Steelers higher priorities and their opinion of their other options.

But if Colon walks Trai Essex, Tony Hills, Ramon Foster, or even Kraig Urbik could battle for the RT spot.  And if Essex goes to RT, Foster, Urbik, and Darnell Stapleton can battle for the RG spot.   

If Hartwig walks Darnell Stapleton and A.Q. Shipley can battle for the center spot.

Jeff Reed should also get an offer, but he must realize that the Steelers will not make him one of the highest paid kickers in the NFL.  His off-field issues and poor kickoffs lower his value.

Willie Parker will not likely be back.  With Rashard Mendenhall taking over as the starter and the very versitile Mewelde Moore backing him up Parker isn’t really needed.  Unless he’d be willing to sign for the veterans minimum, which is unlikely.

As far as Ryan Clark goes I’d make him an offer with the understanding that it will be based on his play during the 2009 season, which was very poor.  I’d also want him to understand that a possible replacement will be drafted or signed, so there is a high possiblility that he’d be a backup. 

Tyrone Carter’s situation would depend on Ryan Clark’s decison.  If Clark re-signs, Carter is gone. 

I’d like to see DeShea Townsend come back on a 1—year contract and I feel that’s very possible. 

I believe Charlie Batch is expendable due to Dennis Dixon.  Having Dixon as the backup QB over Batch would save the Steelers some money and every little bit helps when you’re close to the cap like the Steelers are.

Darnell Stapleton will likely be kept due to the fact that he’s a RFA, versitle, and coming off an injury.

 

Free Agents that I’d look to sign (keep in mind that the Steelers very rarely sign big name free agents or get in a bidding war for player):

Dan Krieder.  While he isn’t what he once was, he’s still a very good FB and that would allow the Steelers to use D. Johnson at TE on the line where he’s a very good in-line blocker.

Darren Sharper.  His age may keep him from commanding a big contract, therefore that along with his relationship with Mike Tomlin may allow him to become a Steeler.  He is the ballhawking center field playing free safety that the Steelers need opposite of Troy.  And he’d be willing to teach a rookie, if the Steelers would draft a FS in the draft.

Anthony Henry.  Once played CB, but is now a safety.  Would be better in coverage than Ryan Clark.

Mike Bell.  Hard nosed runner that could spell Mendenhall and will likely come cheaper than Parker.

Kendrick Clancy.  If Casey Hampton doesn’t resign and a NT isn’t drafted, Clancy could  split time with Hoke.

Roman Harper.  Kind of like Ryan Clark, but with better ball skills. 

 

I’ll talk about the draft and players available in the draft at a later date.

 

 

 

 

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Steelers-Ravens: Arians Tries To Fit Square Peg Into Round Hole

Well, the Steelers gave the Ravens a better game than most people thought they would.

The defense made a few big plays, yet gave up a few big plays. The worst part was, once again, Bruce Arians and his play-calling. Several calls puzzled me, but what else would you expect from Arians?

The thing that upset me the most was that Arians tried to make Dennis Dixon into a pocket-passer. The Ravens are a tough enough defense to go up against, but even tougher when your offensive coordinator tries to make you into something that you’re not.

Why didn’t Arians use some more moving pockets and bootlegs to give Dixon a pass/run option, enabling him to use his athletic ability? The one time that they did it, it resulted in a big play touchdown.

Arians makes the players fit into his system, instead of forming his offense around the strengths of the players. That is a sign of a poor coach. All Arians had to do was take a look at how the Titans changed their offense while transitioning from Kerry Collins to Vince Young.

Granted the Steelers didn’t have a whole week knowing that Dixon was going to be the QB, but “good” coaches should always be prepared and have their teams prepared.

There should have been an offensive package put in to utilize Dixon’s strengths “just in case,” but the Steelers didn’t.

Thus far this season Arians has stuck with the empty backfield set that has failed much, much more than it has succeeded. It’s really done nothing but hurt the Steelers and their franchise QB.

Arians has made the Steelers a one-dimensional team numerous times this season by becoming pass happy. He’s made poor play-calls in the redzone or short yardage situations all season, which takes points off the board.

He’s become enamored with calling the long pass, even when that’s what teams are protecting against. He refuses to max protect when needed, see the games against the Bengals this year and the game against the Eagles last season.

And tonight he refused to maximize Dixon’s talents by using rollouts, moving pockets, or any plays with pass/run options.

It’s to the point now where I’m losing respect for Mike Tomlin. He has to step in and do what’s best for the team, even if it means stepping on peoples toes.

If Tomlin continues to stand by and do nothing but talk and cut fringe players on the roster I’ve got one word for you…spineless !

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Season Slipping Away? Familiar Culprits Doom Steelers

The Steelers lost again yesterday, this time to the now 3-7 Kansas City Chiefs,  in large part due to the familiar culprits: poor special teams and even worse play calling.

The Chiefs returned the opening kickoff for a TD, the 8th straight game that the Steelers have allowed a return (fumble, INT, or kick) for a touchdown.

Bruce Arians also seemed like he was out to doom the running game—well actually the whole team in general.

At one point the Steelers had to move RG Trai Essex to LT, insert rookie Ramon Foster at LG, and fellow rookie Doug Legursky at RG. 

Basically, three backup offensive lineman were in the game, so what does  Bruce Arians do?  He called three straight deep pass plays with seven step drops against a heavy blitz.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Arians’ way to get the running game involved was to run on dang near every 1st down (with nearly the same play every time—a counter to the short side of the field) and then pass every play after that until a 1st down was gained, a punt, or a turnover occurred. 

Arians also continued to seem determined to keep using his beloved “empty backfield” formation until it worked. 

Problem is, it’s yet to work. 

Teams continue to counter this formation with heavy blitzing.  That results in Ben Roethlisberger taking a pounding, getting sacked, throwing incomplete passes, turning the ball over, or if the Steelers are lucky, a four yard gain.

And then there was Arians basically saying: “F-you critics, here’s your run.” On 3rd-and- 3 Arians called a toss to the short side of the field (imagine that!) using the Steelers’ 3rd string RB.  This was after Rashard Mendenhall had gained 8, 7, and 13 on his previous three carries.

Needless to say the Steelers didn’t convert the attempt, and lost yardage to knock them out of field goal range.

Injuries also mounted for the Steelers.

Ben Roethlisberger left the game with a possible concussion. Charlie Batch left with a wrist injury that will likely end his season. Chris Kemoeatu left with a knee injury. Max Starks missed time with a leg injury.

Add to that the fact that Troy Polamalu and Travis Kirschke are still out and Aaron Smith and Darnell Stapleton have been on IR.

The Steelers play the Ravens next week and could have Dennis Dixon, who has attempted one pass in his NFL career, at QB.

The Steelers will have a few QBs in Pittsburgh on Tuesday for tryouts. Jeff Garcia and Cleo Lemon both will reportedly be there.

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Getting to Know the Pittsburgh Steelers: My Favorite Players by Jersey Number

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history and have had numerous Hall of Fame players.  You know the names: Greene, Bradshaw, Lambert, Stallworth, Bettis, and Roethlisberger. 

However, some names may not be so familiar.

Here are my favorite Steelers from jersey number No. 1 through No. 99.

No. 1. Gary Anderson (1982-1994)—The best kicker in Steelers history.

No. 2. Todd Peterson (2002)—It came down to Peterson or Brian St. Pierre.  At least Peterson played.

No. 3. Jeff Reed (2002-Current)—He has two Super Bowl rings and beats up paper towel dispensers like nobody’s business.

No. 4. Josh Miller (1996-2003)—It came down to Miller and fellow punter Dan Stryzinski.

No. 5. Terry Hanratty (1969-1976)—Nobody could keep a bench warm like Terry.

No. 6. Bubby Brister (1986-1992)—I actually liked Bubby. I remember at my first Steelers game the crowd wanted Mark Malone benched and were chanting, “Hey Chuck, can Bubby come out and play?” And who can forget the constant shots of his mom on TV during the game?

No. 7. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-Current)—Two Super Bowl wins at such a young age will get you on my list.

No. 8. Tommy Maddox (2001-2005)—He had a couple of productive years.

No. 9. Norm Johnson (1995-1998)—He was productive in his years with the Steelers.  And it was fun to scream “NORM!” at the games.

No. 10. Santonio Holmes (2006-Current)—His play in the playoffs sealed it for me. But Kordell Stewart was fun to watch as “Slash,” and “Whizzer” White and Earl Morrall actually wore this number for the Steelers also.

No. 11. Rick Strom (1989-1993)—His high arching throws in Tecmo Bowl were legendary. Quincy Morgan did OK while in Pittsburgh, and Kent Graham wore this number also…I still hate Kent Graham.

No. 12. Terry Bradshaw (1970-1983)—Was there a question?

No. 13. Bill Mackrides (1954)—I really don’t even know who he is, but he was the most recent. Should have been Dan Marino.

No. 14. Neil O’Donnell (1990-1995)—Even though Super Bowl XXX wasn’t his finest moment, the Steelers would not have been there without him.

No. 15. John “Blood” McNally (1937)—How can you not like a football player with the nickname of “Blood?”

No. 16. Mark Malone (1980-1987)—He was the reason why my dad taught me how to “boo” at games.  Although I could have went with Charlie Batch, Jim Miller, or Len Dawson.

No. 17. Tee Martin (2000-2001)—His name is Tee, mine is Lee. Also worn by Chris Gardocki, Joe Gilliam, and Ted Marchibroda.

No. 18. Mike Tomzcak (1993-1999)—He was a solid backup and a tough guy.  Remember the hit he took from that Lions player that is shown all the time? 

No. 19. David Woodley (1984-1985)—Hey, it was him or Andre Coleman!

No. 20. Erric Pegram (1995-1996)—Everyone else would probably pick Rocky or Bryant McFadden.  I liked the way Pegram ran and how he wanted to be different.

No. 21. Deon Figures (1993-1996)—I felt he had a bright future, until he got shot.

No. 22. John L. Williams (1994-1995)—He was a very solid, versatile player for the Steelers.

No. 23. Mike Wagner (1971-1980)—He wasn’t the most athletic player, but he used his mind to make plays. 

No. 24. Ike Taylor (2003-Current)—He has been the best cover cornerback for the Steelers on the past two Super Bowl winning teams.  Also worn by Chris Oldham and JT Thomas.

No. 25. Ryan Clark (2006-Current)—I just like the way this guy hits. Fred McAfee and Gary Jones both wore the same number.

No. 26. Rod Woodson (1987-1996)—My favorite player of all-time. He was pretty good, too, going into the Hall of Fame this year.

No. 27. Willie Williams (1993-1996, 2004-2005)—Small cornerback that just seemed to make plays. Remember the shoe-string tackle in the 1995 AFC Championship?  Also worn by Thomas Everett and Glen Edwards.

No. 28. Chris Hope (2002-2005)—Played awesome alongside Troy Polamalu. He’s now on the Tennessee Titans and playing very well. 

No. 29. Barry Foster (1990-1994)—He had a couple very good years for the Steelers. I loved the running game of the Steelers at that time. Just take away that kickoff that he didn’t return against the 49ers.

No. 30. Frank Pollard (1983-1988)—He was a solid running back for the Steelers along with Walter Abercrombie and Earnest Jackson. Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve heard those names.

No. 31. Donnie Shell (1974-1987)—I remember him playing when I was young, although he was at the end of his career.  He was one of my dad’s favorite players, probably because he was undrafted and beat the odds. 

No. 32. Franco Harris (1972-1983)—It’s got to be the Hall of Fame running back.  Heck, nobody has worn the number since.

No. 33. Merril Hoge (1987-1993)—One of my favorite Steelers. He could run, catch, and block. He led the team in rushing and then became a lead-blocking fullback for Barry Foster.

No. 34. Andy Russell (1966-1976)—One of the few Steelers that played on the Super Bowl teams prior to Chuck Noll taking over. Walter Abercrombie, Tim Lester, Leroy Thompson, and Verron Haynes were considered for one reason or another.

No. 35. Dan Kreider (2000-2007)—I loved the way he played for the Steelers. All guts, no glory.

No. 36. Jerome Bettis (1996-2005)—“The Bus.” Enough said. Although Fred Foggie wore it in 1994, and I like the name. Andy Russell also wore it in 1964, as did Marion Motley in 1955.

No. 37. Carnell Lake (1989-1998)—He was a linebacker in college, a safety for most of his career, and then moved to cornerback to help the team. Very good player.

No. 38. Jon Witman (1996-2001)—Good blocking fullback and he went to college at Penn St. I wasn’t going to pick Tim Worley or Carey Davis.

No. 39. Darren Perry (1992-1998)—Former Penn St. player that started from day-one and was a ball hawk. Willie Parker is a close second.

No. 40. Myron Bell (1994-1997, 2001)—He was a hard-hitting safety. Started in Super Bowl XXX.

No. 41. Lee Flowers (1995-2002)—He has an awesome first name and he was a talkative headhunter. He just couldn’t cover wide receivers that well.

No. 42. Warren Williams (1988-1992)—I’ll always remember him catching that fake punt in 1992 and his end zone dance.

No. 43. Troy Polamalu (2003-present)—Awesome player and good person.  He could eventually end up in Canton. Also worn by Shawn Vincent, who grew up about five minutes from where I did. He had three interceptions in a game I went to against the Oilers, I believe.  Earnest Jackson wore the number as well; he reminds me of my early days as a Steeler fan.

No. 44. D.J. Johnson (1989-1993)—He played solidly opposite Rod Woodson.  I remember thinking that dark visor he wore was cool when I was young.

No. 45. Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala (1998-2002)—He was one bad Ma’afala!

No. 46. Dante Brown (2003)—After watching him in preseason, I remember thinking that he could be a good player.

No. 47. Mel Blount (1970-1983)—One of the best cornerbacks ever.  They actually changed rules because of him. 

No. 48. Matt Cushing (2000-2004)—Yeah, not a lot of choices here.

No. 49. Dwayne Woodruff (1979-1990)—He was a solid player throughout his career with the Steelers.

No. 50. David Little (1980-1992)—One of the most underrated linebackers in Steelers history.

No. 51. James Farrior (2002-present)—One of the best free agent signings the Steelers have ever made.

No. 52. Mike Webster (1974-1989)—Rest in Peace, Iron Mike!

No. 53. Bryan Hinkle (1981-1993)—A very solid player for many poor Steelers teams.

No. 54. Hardy Nickerson (1987-1992)—I remember being jacked that he left in free agency. He was a heck of a linebacker.  If you called the right play in Tecmo Bowl, he’d rack up the sacks. Remember his flexing?

No. 55. Joey Porter (1996-2006)—Peezy. You proved that you still had some left in the tank last year for the Dolphins.  But it worked out for everyone, thanks to James Harrison. Jon Kolb and Jerry Olsavsky also wore No. 55.

No. 56. LaMarr Woodley (2007-Current)—This guy is playing so well; if he gets better, teams better watch out! Also worn by Ray Mansfield, Robin Cole, Tyronne Stowe, Rico Mack, Mike Vrabel, and Chukki Okobi.

No. 57. Mike Merriweather (1982-1987)—He racked up some sacks before being traded to the Vikings. Sam Davis also wore this number, as did serviceable linebackers Clint Kriewaldt, John Fiala, Eric Ravotti, and Jerrol Williams.

No. 58. Jack Lambert (1974-1984)—Big surprise here!  Only four other Steelers have worn this number. None since Lambert.

No. 59. Jack Ham (1971-1982)—A pro’s pro. Only three players wore No. 59 prior to Ham and only one after (Todd Seabaugh in 1984).

No. 60. Brian Blankenship (1987-1991)—Not a lot of choices here. I remember Blankenship from my early days as a Steelers fan.

No. 61. Tom Myslinski (2000)—He was solid during his stay with the Steelers. No way was I going to pick Sean Mahan.

No. 62. Tunch Ilkin (1980-1992)—A Pro Bowl tackle during his time with the Steelers.  He may be better known for being on the Steelers Radio Network. 

No. 63. Dermontti Dawson (1988-2000)—In my opinion he should go into the Hall of Fame. He was one of, if not the best, centers in the NFL during his career. Ernie Holmes also wore this number.

No. 64. Jeff Hartings (2001-2006)—Hartings carried on the legacy of great centers for the Steelers.  One of their best free agent signings. Also worn by Kenny Davidson and Steve Furness.

No. 65. John Jackson (1988-1997)—Was a very good right tackle for the Steelers until he signed a big deal with the Chargers. Alan Faneca also wore this number in 1998-1999.

No. 66. Alan Faneca (1998-2007)—One of the best guards in Steelers history.

No. 67. Kimo Von Oelhoffen (2000-2005)—Came to the Steelers from the Bengals as a nose tackle and then moved to defensive end.  Solid player and good locker room guy.  Got to like the name, too. Also worn by Gary Dunn, Duval Love, Jamain Stevens, and Shar Pourdanesh.

No. 68. L.C. Greenwood (1969-1981)—Known for his shoes, but his play did the talking.  Should be in the Hall of Fame.

No. 69. Gabe Rivera (1983)—The other players who have worn this number for the Steelers are: Jason Capizzi, Ariel Soloman, Ben Thomas, David Opfar, Fred Anderson, Jerry Hillebrand, Buck Grover, Bob Stark, and Mike Iannucci. So take your pick.

No. 70. Ernie Stautner (1951-1963)—He was a great player on horrible teams.  The only number officially retired by the Steelers. Darwin Horn is the only other player to ever wear this number. He wore it prior to Stautner and not even for a full season. 

No. 71. Orpheus Roye (1996-1999)—Roye was a wedge-busting machine during his first stint with the Steelers.

No. 72. Leon Searcy (1992-1995)—Searcy was one of the best offensive lineman in the NFL. This number was also worn by Joe Greene for a short time in 1969. Others include Gerry Mullins, Wayne Gandy, and currently Darnell Stapleton.

No. 73. Justin Strzelczyk (1990-1999)—Strzelczyk played all over the offensive line. At times he was a backup and a starter. Pittsburgh loved his style and his beard.  R.I.P., Justin. 

No. 74. Willie Colon (2006-present)—A starter at right tackle for a Super Bowl winning team.  My other choices were Nolan Harrison, Chris Sullivan, and Terry Long.

No. 75. Joe Greene (1969-1982)—The building block on which the Steelers dynasty was built. He has been involved in all six of the Steelers Super Bowl winning teams.

No. 76. Chris Hoke (2001-present)—Hoke was not drafted, yet he’s been vital to the Steelers’ past two Super Bowl runs. Also worn by Kevin Henry and John Banaszak.

No. 77. Carlton Haselrig (1990-1993)—Haselrig developed into one heck of a guard before off-the-field issues derailed his career. Also worn by Marvel Smith, Will Wolford, and Steve Courson.

No. 78. Dwight White (1971-1980)—A key member of the “Steel Curtain” defense.

No. 79. Larry Brown (1977-1984)—A good offensive lineman at the end of the Steelers 70’s dynasty.

No. 80. Plaxico Burress (2000-2004)—The most productive player to ever wear No. 80 for the Steelers I’ve seen. The only other player considered who has worn this number was Jack Butler.

No. 81. Charles Johnson (1994-1998)—I remember when he was drafted in the first round out of Colorado. He couldn’t live up to the hype. Elbie Nickel wore this number, but that was a bit before my time.

No. 82. Yancey Thigpen (1992-1997)—I know that not picking John Stallworth isn’t popular, but Thigpen was one of my favorite Steeler players during his time. He came out of nowhere and started making difficult catches. Then he left for the Titans and sucked, and I’m glad he did. Besides Stallworth, I also considered Antwaan Randle El.

No. 83. Louis Lipps (1984-1991)—I love Heath Miller, but I grew up screaming “Looooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!” in Three Rivers Stadium.  Buddy Dial also wore No. 83 in 1959.

No. 84. Mike Mularkey (1989-1991)—He played here and then came back and coached here. Plus, he was a good backup for Eric Green in Tecmo Bowl. Buddy Dial also wore this number for a few years. Again, a bit before my time.

No. 85. Nate Washington (2005-2007)—Not a lot to choose from here. So I’ll take Nate.  He won two Super Bowls with the team.

No. 86. Hines Ward (1998-present)—The ultimate Steeler.  Tough, hard-nosed, and will do anything for the team.

No. 87. Mark Bruener (1995-2003)—A good guy, a heck of a blocker, and he had good hands. I also considered Weegie Thompson (I like the name), Adrian Cooper, Larry Brown, and Roy Jefferson.

No. 88. Lynn Swann (1974-1982)—A Hall of Fame wide receiver known for his awesome catches. The best player to wear this number for the Steelers besides Swann would be Andre Hastings. In 1992, Mark Didio wore it; I remember calling him “The Didio Dude!”

No. 89. Ernie Mills (1991-1996)—He had some pretty good years as a Steeler. I believe a knee injury ended his career. Bennie Cunningham was also considered.

No. 90. Tyronne Stowe (1987-1990)—For some reason I liked him when I was younger.  Whether it was the bad attitude or the hard hits, I’m not sure.

No. 91. Kevin Greene (1993-1995)—Greene was the man with his long flowing hair, quarterback sacks, and craziness. He’ll always be remembered by Steelers fans, even though his stint with the team was short. Aaron Smith is a close second here.

No. 92. James Harrison (2004-present)—Jason Gildon could be here, too. Although I rooted for him, I just never took a great liking to him.  Maybe it was because he replaced Kevin Greene. Either way, Harrison is a beast and reigning Defensive Player of the Year.  He also brings back some of the nastiness that Greg Lloyd once brought.

No. 93. Joel Steed (1992-1999)—He was the big man in the middle before Casey Hampton. Keith Willis is second here. James Harrison actually wore this number in 2002 as well.

No. 94. Chad Brown (1993-1996, 2006)—He was very good at inside linebacker and then awesome at outside linebacker before he signed with Seattle.

No. 95. Greg Lloyd (1988-1997)—He was “Just Plain Nasty,” and if you were on offense, you should “Avoid Lloyd.” He wasn’t hired for his disposition, and I loved it. 

No. 96. Brentson Buckner (1994-1996)—He was a key part of the Steelers AFC Championship team of 1995.

No. 97. Kendrell Bell (2001-2004)—During his time with the Steelers he had difficulty staying healthy. But when he was healthy, he was a man among boys.  Look no further than his training camp blast on the “Bus” and his Defensive Rookie of the Year award as proof.

No. 98. Casey Hampton (2001-Current)—The “Big Snack” picked up where Joel Steed left off.  A nose tackle that can’t be moved and occasionally has the ability to push the pocket or chase a ball-carrier down.

No. 99. Levon Kirkland (1992-2000)—He was something to see. The athletic ability that he possessed for someone his size was amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best Defensive Players In the NFL

This defense will play out of a 3-4 scheme.

Once again, there were a lot of tough choices when it came to picking players for my Dream Team Defense.

I had to leave out players such as Jon Beason, Aaron Smith, Adrian Wilson, Bob Sanders, and Shawne Merriman.

But I believe that this defense would allow my team to win the trophy that is pictured.

My Dream Team: Offense

There are so many great players in the NFL. It’s always a great conversation when it comes to talking about who is the best at this position, who is the best at that position, ect…

Well, I’m going to put together my Dream Team.

We’ll start with the offense first.

It consists of players that are playing now and with their current abilities.

Heisler’s Headlines: May 28

This edition of Heisler’s Headlines is loaded with Steelers info.

Some teams that are included in this article are:
Steelers
Broncos
Dolphins
Bills
Jets

Some players that will be included will be:
Plaxico Burress
D.J. Williams
J.J. Arrington
Brandon Marshall
Thomas Jones
Leon Washington
Terrell Owens
Trent Edwards

Enjoy!

Heisler’s Headlines: May 27

Well, the Memorial Day weekend is officially over and its back to the grind for the most of us.

I hope that all of the men and women that are serving or have served our great country enjoyed the holiday.

My weekend went well, until yesterday when I started coughing and sneezing. And then today it has become full blown with a cough, sinus congestion, sore throat, ect… I feel like I have something between the swine flu and SARS.

I hope the picture of Sara Jean Underwood can make me feel better.

But enough about me, lets get to some of the headlines of the past few days.

Five Steelers That Need To Step Up in 2009

Since free agency came to the NFL, teams must have young or new players step up and take over important roles. The Steelers are a prime example of teams that excel at this.

The Steelers develop their own and teach them to be Steelers.

If the Steelers want to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, these five players will have to step up.

The two men in this picture will make sure that they do.

Next Page »

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