Steelers Morning Huddle 10/19/2013
By Kim Myers
Huddle up!
Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Steeler Nation should be spending today hiding any purple colored items throughout the house in preparation for tomorrow’s edition of the latest Steelers and Ravens rivalry. Here’s what’s being said about your Pittsburgh Steelers around the block.
Countdown to Kickoff
Mike Prisuta, who recently joined the Steelers website, broke down the Steelers and Ravens matchup. Prisuta explained that while Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is currently having a disappointing season (he’s thrown 8 picks and 7 touchdowns and has a passer rating ranking of 26th in the NFL), he’s still a threat when he throws down field. Running back Ray Rice used to be the Steelers defense’s #1 target, but he’s also having a slump so far this season with only 197 rushing yards through the first six games. The Ravens defense gave up 49 points to the Broncos in their first game but has since only given up five touchdowns in the subsequent five games. And while the focus will mainly be on the Ravens defense no longer having Ray Lewis or Ed Reed, the defense is also lacking their previous leaders in interceptions (CB Cary Williams now with the Eagles), tackles (SS Bernard Pollard now with the Titans), and sacks (OLB Paul Kruger now with the Browns). All were purged to fit Joe Flacco’s giant contract under the roof of the facilities.
Why to watch Steelers vs. Ravens
CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora apparently ranks the week’s slate of games on a hoagie sandwich scale from foot-long to slider in terms of watchability. Seems rather phallic to me but, hey, different strokes. He rated the Steelers and Ravens matchup to be a six-incher and said that although each team has put together some offensive performances that are just not very pretty to watch, the rivalry is still likely to provide an exciting atmosphere for the game. Yum!
Could Beachum be the LT starter going forward?
Steelers insider Ed Bouchette for the PPG explains how second year offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum has the makings to be more than just the Steelers emergency left tackle. At least, that’s what former Steelers tackle Tunch Ilkin says. Ilkin had worked with Beachum over the spring on how to utilize his hands in the technique’s and thinks that Beachum’s skills can make up for his lack of size that typical LT’s have.
"“His hands are good enough, his feet are good enough, and he’s athletic. I’ve always thought size was overrated.” – Tunch Ilkin on Kelvin Beachum"
Beachum was originally pegged to be the offensive line’s jack-of-all-trades but has been relinquished of his backup duties for the other positions so that he can focus on left tackle. Those words are good for Beachum to hear, as that’s the position he started 52 games at when he played for SMU.
"“It’s something I’ve love doing for a long time. If they said, ‘Beachum, come and pick the position you want to play,’ it would be left tackle.” – Kelvin Beachum"
Just keep Terrell Suggs from taking Ben’s head off on Sunday and you’ll be fine Beachum.
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