Steelers Morning Huddle 5/26/13

December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (27) carries the ball past Cleveland Browns linebacker Craig Robertson (53) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers news seems to be focused on some articles about individual players, sort of the human interest pieces.  That’s pretty understandable since the Steelers have only had three days of OTAs and are on a break between the first and second.  Hopefully, there will be some meatier stuff next week.  But, for now, here’s what is floating around the net.

The Steelers acquired veteran punter Brian Moorman right after the draft in a move that surprised many.  No one ever really thinks about the kicker or punter position unless you’re San Francisco after the abysmal year that David Akers had.  Kickers and punters get little attention when they do what they are supposed to do – kick the ball between the uprights or into the end zone for a return – and lots of vitriol when they miss the PAT or the Field Goal.  The Steelers already have a punter, Drew Butler, and I’m not sure why they felt they needed a little competition at the position.  Drama at the punter position?  Many Steelers fan are yawning and saying, “yeah, I’ll be riveted to this news….”  Ray Fittipaldo, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, notes that Moorman’s stats with the Buffalo Bills were good.  He talked to Butler who said he isn’t worried about competition with Moorman.  Moorman, on the other hand, just seems to be thrilled to be on a team whose standard of what constitutes a good season is higher than most:

"It’s one of the big reasons I chose the Steelers,” Moorman said. “I have a deep belief that last year was definitely an anomaly with this organization. I’ve come from a team and played a long time when we weren’t too terribly upset with 8-8. I promise you that they are here."

I’m sure  it won’t be a drama-laden competition but it is interesting to hear Moorman’s perspective because it highlights the expectations surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fittipaldo also delves into Emmanuel Sanders’ situation with the Steelers.  There is nothing new in the article, which contains some quotes from his radio interview from last week, I believe.  He notes that Sanders has an opportunity to show his talents on the field and contribute to the offense.  Fittipaldo also makes the point that this is the second year with the Haley offense and the players should have an easier time of understanding the plays.  I hope so.   I also hope the contract talk about Sanders’ trails off until after the season is over.  There is nothing more distracting to a player that to have the potential to be job hunting soon continually brought up when he needs to be focusing on the next game.  Give it a rest, reporters!  Let the man work.

Alan Robinson, of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, looks at some analysis from NFL Network analyst David Jeremiah.  Jeremiah, a former scout for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens, had some high praise for Markus Wheaton’s potential.  Jeremiah compared Wheaton to Hines Ward at one point.  Since Wheaton can’t attend any of the training sessions because of the CBA rules, this is still in the realm of speculation.  However, many people believe that Wheaton will make that transition to the NFL very easily.  I’m hopeful that Wheaton is among the next generation of WRs but I’m banking more on Brown and Sanders to make the big plays in 2013.

Robinson also does a piece on Ryan Clark’s focus on being a Steeler until he retires while addressing his recent ESPN internship.  He also quoted Clark about Tomlin’s refocus on discipline.  There isn’t anything new in this article either.  It sounds like most of it was taken from Clark’s on-the-field interview earlier this week.  However, Clark has given reporters something to focus on with his “posturing” for life after football.  I think that story will eventually get boring and fall off – as long as Clark produces on the field.  If not, his internship with get discussed, dissected, and drug out as reporters and bloggers look for something to point at.  Giddy-up Ryan.  You’ve put a target on your back.

Well, that’s it for today.  Please take time out to think about all who have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can continue to enjoy our way of life.  I don’t just mean military either – think about everyone who put their lives on the line to help others, like the people who rush into the dangerous situation after a natural disaster.   My thanks to all who serve, in whatever capacity you do it in.  Have a great Memorial Day everyone.