Steelers Morning Huddle 5/9/13

October 30, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled after a pass reception by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs Cortez Allen (28) and Troy Polamalu (rear hidden) and Ryan Clark (25) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 25-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Good morning Steeler Nation.  The news never stops for the Steelers, so here’s another sampling of what is out there.

As Nice Pick Cowher staff writer Dom DiTolla pointed out, Ryan Clark probably ruffled some feathers in New England by offering up criticism (and a game plan) against the saintly, can-do-no-wrong Tom Brady.  He was on ESPN AGAIN on Wednesday and during the taping of NFL Live, Tedy Bruschi defended his pal.  Tedi is still a Belichick disciple and he often defends and softens any potential criticism against his former franchise   Tedy had just spent the previous weekend with Tom Brady at the Kentucky Derby and both were dressed in hideous suits.   Clark did not back down but got a taste of defending himself for having an opinion:

"What I said was the truth, and Tedy just kind of agreed with me but gave you the reason why it’s OK,” Clark said. “When he’s in the pocket, he’s ducking. He’s looking. He wants to get out of the way. He doesn’t want to be hurt.”"

I guess we’ll see what happens when the two teams play each other.

Jamison Hensley, an ESPN writer who blogs about the AFC North, posted an article ranking the Wide Receivers.  I was surprised to see the Pittsburgh Steelers rank first.  I honestly thought the Bengals would get that rank because of their recent acquisitions as well as having A. J. Green.   However, he sees Brown and Sanders fitting in well with Haley’s style of game planning:

"Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are one of the quickest tandems in the league and fit Todd Haley’s short passing attack.”"

He does go on to say that Green is the best WR in the AFC north, so the Steelers will have a challenge there twice a year.

So, will there be some competition in the AFC North among pass rushers?  Hensley also looked at that and compared Barkevious Mingo, drafted by the Cleveland Browns, to Steelers’ Jarvis Jones.  He discusses how both are good picks for their teams and their stats totals and the impressions will come down to the teams they play.  Since they both play the Ravens twice a year, they will get chances to sack one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league who has a championship.  So there is potential for both players to make a name for themselves.

Mark Kaboly, of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, notes that Max Starks is in talks with other NFL teams and prepared to “part ways” with the Steelers now that they have signed Guy Whimper.  Kaboly notes that Starks has visited the Chargers and that there is interest within the AFC North for Starks’ talents – particularly from the Cincinnati Bengals.

What do you think Steeler Nation?  Do you think Pittsburgh has a strong group of WRs based on the potential game plan?  What do you think of Clark’s appearances on ESPN this week?  Sound off!  We want to hear what you have to say.