Adrian Robinson could be asked to play more on the Defensive side of the ball this year. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of how Woodley performs, the Steelers might be set to rely on a group of largely untested players at Outside Linebacker in 2013.

To his credit, Jason Worilds has performed well in spurts as a pass-rusher (10.0 career Sacks) during his career in Pittsburgh.  But the soon to be 4th year man out of Virginia Tech has missed his fair share of time due to injuries, and must prove to the team that he can stay healthy and contribute heavily in a starting role.  Furthermore, Worilds must prove that he can be stout and the point of attack, and set the edge against some of the League’s best Left Tackles the run game like Harrison did.

Chris Carter’s 2012 season ended on I.R., and he will be looking to get his career “on track” in his third professional season.  Overall, Carter has yet to record a single Sack at the N.F.L. level (11 Tackles total), and he looked completely over-matched when he started in Harrison’s place to begin last season.  2013 could be a “make-or-break” year for the former Fresno State Bulldog from a performance-perspective, because he is sure to have some young and hungry competition nipping at his heels.

Before he spent all of his 2012 season on Special Teams, 2012 UDFA Adrian Robinson did a solid job during the Preseason period as a pass-rusher.  Granted, the former college Defensive End’s skill-set at the position was a bit raw, and he was playing against fellow backups.  Yet Robinson’s relentlessness and tenacity off of the edge were welcome sights to me and fans alike.  Thus, if Linebackers Coach Keith Butler can help to develop other aspects of Robinson’s game like “setting-the-edge,” playing in space in pass-coverage, and using his leverage better as a pass-rusher, the former Temple Owl could definitely be a “diamond in the rough” for the team to turn to once he is ready to play.

Finally, do not forget about the potential addition of a high Round Draft choice at Outside Linebacker either.  Although it has never been in the Steelers’ nature to select Outside Linebackers in the early Rounds of the Draft (Chad Brown at #44 in 1993 is highest in 20 years, and he played ILB as well), they could very well be forced to go in that direction early this year if a talented player is available for them to take in Rounds 1-3.

As I have stated before, the possibility exists that a number of talented Pass-Rushers could fall to Pittsburgh at #17 overall due to injury, scheme-fit, off-field, or poor workout reasons.  Thus, Jarvis Jones, Damontre Moore, Barkevious Mingo, or Bjoern Werner could be available for Colbert & Co. to take in Round 1.  Even if the Steelers elect to fill their Pass-Rusher needs in on Day 2 (Rounds 2 & 3), there could be a wealth of talented players available for them to select from in the forms of Corey Lemonier, Jamie Collins, and Brandon Jenkins.

The competition for playing time with Harrison absent is sure to be open to any and all able bodied players at the position.  Thus, it is conceivable that any Rookie selected (high or low) could be asked to play out of necessity, especially if Worilds and Carter cannot stay off of the “Injury Report” instead of in the lineup.

Final Thoughts

Over the last two decades, a “transition strategy” has always seemed to have been in place when Pittsburgh’s Outside Linebackers have left town:

• Chad Brown replaced Kevin Greene when he left for Carolina in 1996.

• Jason Gildon replaced Brown when he went to Seattle in 1997

• Carlos Emmons replaced Greg Lloyd when he was released in 1998.

• Joey Porter replaced Emmons when he signed with Philadelphia in 2000.

• Clark Haggans replaced Gildon when he was released back in 2004.

• James Harrison replaced Porter when he was released back in 2007.

• LaMarr Woodley replaced Haggans when he left for Arizona in 2008.

I understand that it is early in the offseason.  But what truly scares me though is the fact that the Steelers do not exactly have an iron-clad “transition strategy” in place at Outside Linebacker.  Granted, I have faith that this franchise can find an “answer” like they have so many times before.  Yet the uncertainty and inexperience surrounding the position could be cause for alarm amongst the Front Office and Coaching Staff alike.

Who do I believe has the best chance to will step up alongside Woodley as a starter this year?  I have no idea.  If Worilds stays healthy, he will likely have the best chance.  But as long as “Deebo” can be replaced in the productive/statistical aggregate, any duo, trio, or quartet that emerges will be fine with me.

All I can say is that I am certainly interested to see what transpires, and who emerges at Outside Linebacker over the next calendar year.

Stats Courtesy of: Pro-Football Reference and ESPN.com

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

When will Steeler Nation get to see 92 on the field this season? Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

James Harrison left the Steelers facility before practice began Wednesday in street clothes.  Tuesday he had finished only his second full practice of the year.  Harrison has been having knee issues since Training Camp when he was put on the PUP list and went off for a knee scope on August 15^th.  Since then it seems to have been one setback after another.  If he has a good day, it’s followed by a day of swelling.  Even with the Steelers having the next four days off for their bye week before their next practice, things are not looking good for 92 to return in time for the Eagles.  After spending the whole offseason hoping his back would heal properly, now Steeler Nation is worried about the knee that just won’t stop swelling.  Will James Harrison play for the Steelers this season? (more…)

Happy Birthday to Dick LeBeau. Coach LeBeau will be 75 on Sunday when the Steelers face the Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

We’ve all seen the replay a gajillion times by now.  First play of overtime and Tebow hits Demaryius Thomas on a slant that turned into an 80 yard touchdown catch and the end of the Steelers 2011 season.  Personally, I was still picking my jaw up off of the floor a week later.  Unfortunately now, to avenge that loss, it’s going to take two weeks.  First, this Sunday night the Steelers have some demons to exercise in Denver and then next week at home there is a score to settle with Tebow.  The Broncos have vastly improved at quarterback since last January and now a whole different game plan is needed to handle the now Manning-lead Broncos.  Steelers DC Dick LeBeau has taken full responsibility for the defensive scheme that failed the last time the Steelers traveled to Denver.  The biggest question is; can they get it right this time? (more…)

There's an opening on the RB roster. If Batch wants to fill it, he needs to start showing he can tonight against the Colts. Credit: Vincent Pugliese-US PRESSWIRE

Injuries for the Steelers are already causing roster shuffles during the preseason.  Some players have already been locked into roster spots.  That said, this preseason game against the Colts will be a big barometer of how the team is progressing in certain areas – especially the Haley and the offense.  It’s also a time when some players who are now given an opportunity to shine while in the spotlight.

There are a few key players whom I feel have a chance to seize the moment they’ve been given by playing in tonight’s game against the Colts: Chris Carter, Will Johnson, Mike Adams, Curtis Brown, Baron Batch.

Chris Carter: With James Harrison and Jason Worilds out for a while, someone will need to line up opposite of LaMarr Woodley.  Deebo has been plagued by injuries for the last two seasons.  Perhaps the scoped knee will help him for the better, but the Steelers may see the exit of one of the most feared LB’s in the NFL happen sooner rather than later.  Carter was drafted last season and saw limited action.  Steven Sylvester and Adrian Robinson will also be hungry to step up this week against the Colts, but Carter is in a better position to turn heads should he have a solid game and maybe wrap his arms around Luck.

Will Johnson:  Johnson has been showing all camp long that he is a consistent ball carrier and run blocker.  With David Johnson out for the season, Will is in prime position to lock up the FB spot.  He needs to shine in order to push guys like Jamie McCoy and Jason Ford out of the picture.  He also needs to put a lot of confidence in Haley that he is indeed the one for the fullback spot.

Mike Adams:  Adams struggled in the first preseason game against the Eagles.  Max Starks has been signed and had been practicing.  We probably won’t see any of Starks at all this week against the Colts.  That means it’s time for Adams to step up and show that he was deserved of that pick by the Steelers in the second round of the draft.  If he can’t impress this week and show signs of improvement, then Starks will quickly work his way into that spot.  Adams is sure to be tested against the Colts’ OLB’s tonight.

Curtis Brown:  Brown gave up two touchdown passes against the Eagles last week.  At the start of camp he, Cortez Allen and Keenan Lewis were all in the running for the #2 corner spot after WWW (Will Willie William) Gay left the Steelers.  Lewis is locked at the #2 spot now, and Dick LeBeau told reporters that Allen is the nickel back.  And while that means Brown is at the bottom of the roster, he still needs to show he is worth something to this defense if he doesn’t want to be just stuck in special teams for the next season.  The Steelers are bound to have numerous dime looks this season, and Brown should be able to fill that spot over someone like Cromartie-Smith (even though Smith is a safety).

Baron Batch:  Redman is out against the Colts.  John Clay is shelved.  Mendenhall is off the PUP but won’t have a game situation for a while.  Chris Rainey already showed last week that he will be worth keeping around.  The running backs list will get cut down by Week 1, and Batch needs to make sure he can stay on the roster.  The young man turned heads early in camp last season but went out with a season ending ACL injury.  He has yet to have the same type of performance as last season.  It will be the Batch, Dwyer and Rainey show tonight.  If Batch wants to remain on this team, he’ll need to have a good night tonight.

#56 will look to build off of his solid 4-game mid-season stretch from the 2011 season. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Because the Front Office already had salary cap issues, were intent on and allowed veteran dead-weight to hang around on the roster, did not address other positions of need (particularly Offensive Line), and did not use the money to lock up other talented players already on the team (#17), I am still not what you would call the biggest fan of the $61.5 million dollar extension that the club signed LaMarr Woodley to last season.  Quibbles about the size and the nature of the extension aside, I am however glad that the Steelers extended Woodley for one very important reason.  Why you may ask?  Well, because if there is anything the Steelers currently need which they appeared not to need in August of 2011, it is experienced and quality depth at the Outside Linebacker position.

With “Deebo’s” status already discussed, the Steelers are not exactly setting the world ablaze in the pass rushing department as they enter the 2012 campaign.  Top backup Jason Worilds is on the shelf nursing a bum wrist, and who knows when he will be ready to play.  Chris Carter is a talented player ready to break out but still without any significant game experience. Veteran Free Agent pickup Brandon Johnson is likely to split time on the Inside, used in pass coverage in sub-packages, and star on Special Teams where he has excelled in the past.  And raw UDFA Adrian Robinson is on the roster but will likely be a Special Teams contributor this season if he makes the team.

Because of this, Pittsburgh needs all hands on deck in the pass-rushing department this season, and Woodley will be counted on to step up his game and lead the charge.  If the Steelers Defense wants to improve on the paltry Turnover statistics which they put up in 2011, it starts with the pass-rush and attacking the Quarterback on a consistent basis, and this is where Woodley unquestionably helps this team the most.

Final Thoughts

In a recent post by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.com (via Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review), Linebackers Coach Keith Butler is ready to see Woodley take “the next step” and emerge as an elite player.  Unlike 2011, Butler wants Woodley motivated and hungry to step his game up in 2012 and become a the “great” player (DPOY like Harrison in 2008) he knows that he can be, not a “good” one (48.0 career Sacks) which Woodley already is.

The stage is thus set for #56 to become the next terrific 3-4 Outside Linebacker which this system has produced and helped to achieve greatness since the early 1980′s.  As I alluded to before, Pittsburgh’s pass-rush and improvement in said department will be of the utmost importance this season, and could be the biggest thing between success and failure for this team in 2012.  Pittsburgh will be inserting Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown into the lineup quite a bit this season, and there is no better way to help young and inexperienced Corners (inexperience as a starter for Lewis) than a fantastic pass rush.

A hampered Deebo playing not at 80%, a PUP List Deebo, or Deebo not around come 2013-2014 is bad.  An injured Worilds, plus Carter not panning out compounding those events is even worse.  Regardless if events do transpire in these directions or not, the soon to be 28 year-old former Wolverine will be asked to be the “Head Honcho” at Outside Linebacker sooner rather than later.

With these things in mind, Woodley must answer the proverbial “bell” and answer it now.  Woodley has at least a three to four year window to be the #1 guy on his depth chart at the position, and be the most feared option on the Steelers’ Defense when the opposition breaks down game tape for the week.  Will he take what Butler said to heart and be “great?”  Or will Woodley just be content to be “good?”

I am sure that I can speak for all of Steeler Nation when I hope that it is the former.

Stats Courtesy of: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

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