Steelers Morning Huddle 7/20/13

Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer (27) leaps over Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Jerome Bettis and the State of the Steelers

Jerome Bettis was on Dave Dameshek Football Program this week according to Dave Hanzus of NFL.com’s Around the League.  Bettis thinks the Steelers are the least improved team during the offseason and the Cincinnati Bengals did the most to improve.  He posed several questions about the Steelers that many other sportswriters and bloggers have posed during the off season.  Bettis went on to say that even though the Bengals took personnel steps he wonders if their mental state has improved enough.  In my opinion, Bettis didn’t say anything against the Steelers.   He voiced the same basic concerns everyone else has.

A Day in Jonathan Dwyer’s live

Steelers.com posted a 6-minute video showcasing Dwyer’s background and family life in northern Georgia.  Christopher Carter, one of the writers at Behind The Steel Curtain, provides some commentary on it, if you are looking for some.  I am sure this has been edited by the Steelers before posting on their website.  If you want to see some of Dwyer’s personal life, give the video a look.

Predicted Training Camp Battles

Joseph Bruno, from Bleacher Report, put together a list of players who will battle for position during training camp.  His list of eight battles includes the offensive line because of the lack of continuity among returning players and the talent among the UDFAs.  He thinks Worilds will triumph over Jarvis Jones for the starting position and David Johnson and David Paulson will battle for a spot at tight end.  He also sees competition at running back and wide receiver, which really isn’t a revelation, just a reality.

A Look Around the AFC North

Field Yates, who blogs for ESPN, looked at the three camps issues for each team in the AFC North.   It’s organized alphabetically, so if you want to skip to the Steelers, go to the end.   The Ravens have questions at wide receiver, the Bengals’ offense hinges on Dalton’s ability to continue to improve, and the Browns settled their pass-rushing issue with Barkevious Mingo but questions remain at cornerback.  For the Steelers, he sees Jarvis Jones as ready to take on a starting role but needs to prove he can make an impact in the backfield.  I will be surprised if Jones is a starter before the end of Oct unless Worilds has an injury.  It’s just not the Steelers M.O. to put rookies in at the defensive position; however, maybe they will shake things up this year.   I also thought his commentary on the Bengals was a little short-sighted.  However, nothing was controversial.

Team Report:  Pittsburgh Steelers

I came across this the other day and forgot to include it.  Even though it is a day or so old, I thought someone might be interested.  The SportsXchange at Yahoo! Sports put together a summary about the status of the teams going into training camp.  Most of the information has been reported or discussed in other forums, but if you want a summary where many of the reports and issues are all in one place this is a good rehash of who left, who’s been signed, who’s at what position, and what the major concerns may be.

What did I miss?

Let us know what you like about the Huddle and if there are any changes you would like to see!