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Steelers Need To Find More Than Record For Motivation

Craig Gottschalk — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:02:05 +0000

Larry Foote needs to use last season’s (at times embarrassing) performance as his sole motivation for 2013. Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Motivation. It’s the life blood for all that we do. And for the Steelers’ Larry Foote, the lack luster 8-8 record from last season is his (and the team’s) motivation to do better in 2013.

We’re pissed off we didn’t make the playoffs. On top of that, our rival won the Super Bowl. I know guys are taking it personally. It’s just a whole different mindset to the offseason. I know guys are ready to get back where we need to be.

My sincere hope is that Larry and his teammates look beyond just the 8-8 record of 2012 as their motivation for how they play next season. Didn’t make the playoffs? Darn right that should make you angry. But do you know WHY you missed the playoffs? I hope that a coach or other player on that roster who had a large chunk of playing time last season puts up these seven words on a big ol’ poster up in the locker room:

“Oakland, Tennessee, Dallas, San Diego, Cleveland”

Each and every practice. Each and every Sunday just before the team takes the field. The team should be forced to circle up, stare at those seven words, and reflect on why they lost each of those games. Each of those games had pinnacle moments where the team – offense or defense – just crapped the bed and found an L in the column among the waste. Of course poor play will help a team get to 8-8 or worse. But, the problem with the Steelers was that each and every one of those games were either in hand or quickly became trap games. I don’t really accept the fact that the Steelers were well within grasp of being a playoff time. They were shaky all season. And instead of doing things that pushed them into becoming a playoff team, they continued the roller coaster like play and never made it past eight wins. It’s probably a good thing they didn’t make it into the playoffs else they would have suffered a more embarrassing loss than they had the year previous by getting ‘Tebow’d.’

I do admire that Foote is taking his frustrations beyond a personal level. He is taking it from a team and teammate standpoint, and that shows maturity in that view point. But, I wouldn’t be so concerned about their greatest rival winning the Super Bowl last season. It’s not like they had an opportunity to prevent the Ravens from going and thus winning the Super Bowl. The only motivation they need from the Ravens is to beat the damn Ravens. We also have to keep in mind that with the loss of so many players from last season’s roster that the 8-8 record will not have as much affect on a good chunk of players than if most of the 2012 roster were still around.

So let’s just say this, Larry. Train your butts off. Study your brains out. And put it all out on the field each and every game down to every single man on that sideline. Do it all for one thing and one thing only – that Lombardi Trophy.

Steelers need to jump off the Starks, Hampton carousel

Scott Sinclair — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:28:28 +0000

On days like this, as I watch pictures of the devastation in Oklahoma, it makes writing about something as trivial as football seem pointless. As I listen to eye witness accounts and as the death toll rises, those of us complaining about the impending cicada invasion here in the east look like absolute fools. What the tornado that devastated Oklahoma or the bombing at the Boston Marathon shows is that chaos, either man made or otherwise is always lurking just outside our doors. However, sometimes sports can prove to be a useful diversion from the harsh realities that can spring up in a moments notice. So, as my thoughts and prayers go out to those in Oklahoma, I will try to provide a little diversion for the rest of us.
My simple piece of advice to the Pittsburgh Steelers is to just end it. Nothing more than that. Just end it. Much like a relationship that has nowhere else to go, it’s time for the team to end their relationship with Max Starks and Casey Hampton once and for all. If they truly want to move on, they need to jump off the carousel the team has placed itself on in recent years. Unlike prior years, once a player left Pittsburgh, they were gone for good, even if they re-appeared into the vast wasteland of free agency. However, as has been the trend over the last few years, ex- Steelers have been resigned to try and squeeze whatever football still remains out of them. First it was Antwan Randle El and Larry Foote, and while Foote has proven to be useful, Randle El’s signing was basically a whole lot of nothing. Next the team brought back CB Bryant McFadden away from Pittsburgh west (otherwise known as the Arizona Cardinals), but he too did nothing and was banished away once and for all. Then, needing help at WR, the Steelers brought back former first round pick and convict Plaxico Burress who made no contribution at all. I’ve made my thoughts on Burress quite clear, he should be a cap casualty June 1st.
This year, the team is trying it again by bringing back two former Steelers in DB William Gay and TE Matt Spaeth. I don’t see Gay being much more than veteran insurance in case the team’s young DBs struggle, especially with the free agency defection of emerging corner Keenan Lewis. Spaeth’s return is odd at best. While he offers impressive size, he’s never been a huge factor in the passing game, his career numbers during his first stint with the team were a whopping thirty six catches, five touchdowns. Color me impressed. It’s not as if Spaeth if familiar with the system, when he was last with the team Bruce Arians was running the show. While some may view Spaeth has a fill in until starter Heath Miller is fully recovered, I’d much rather see what second year TE David Paulson can do as a fill in, as well as give David Johnson more reps to improve his game. Welcome back to the carousel Mr.Gay and Mr. Spaeth.
Which brings us to Hampton and Starks, both of whom were released in the off season to allow the team to get under the cap. Neither player has at this time signed with anyone else, and that may be a telling signal for the Steelers to move on. If nobody else wants them, why should they? Of course nobody wanted Stevenson Sylvester either, but the team brought him back, God knows why. While Hampton was a solid, at times dominant inside presence, age has caught up with him and his play was inconsistent last year, often disappearing at times. I understand why the Steelers would be interested in bringing him back, they have young, unproven players such as Steve McClendon (whom they are high on),Alameda Ta’amu, a second year player facing an uncertain future, as well as raw Hebron Fangupo. That’s not much for such a key position in the 3-4 scheme. I say let these three battle it out and leave Hampton out of the equation all together. Sooner or later his carousel ride has to end. I say the sooner the better.
As for Starks, it’s a little trickier with him. Every time he’s been called upon, he’s been solid. Yes, he at times struggles with speed rushers, but for the most part he’s steady and reliable. Every time the teams’ OL woes kick in, a call was made to Mt. Starks and he came in and performed well. However, the team now has several young, versatile offensive linemen who need seasoning and experience and barring injury the only way to see what they have is to play them. It’s time to see what Kelvin Beachum, John Malecki and Guy Whimper can do and the best way to do that is not have Starks on hand. I’m sorry max, but the carousel ride ends for you too.
As has been written endlessly already, this is a crucial time for the Steelers. Like it or not they are in transition mode and the only was to successfully accomplish this is to cease bringing back players past their time. Steeler nation should simply thank Hampton and Starks for their solid play and move on. Simple as that. Time to stop the carousel.

Heath Miller: The Steelers Adrian Peterson?

Nick Kelly — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:59 +0000

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heathe Miller (83) runs after a catch against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dan Connor (52) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

When Heath Miller tore all three ligaments in week 16 against the Bengals, the hearts in all of Steeler Nation came to a complete stop. Not only did the Steelers lose that game, in turn knocking them out of the playoffs, they also lost their 2012 team MVP to a terrible knee injury.

After catching 8 touchdown passes last season, Heath Miller was elected to his first pro bowl. As a big fan of Heath Miller, I knew the potential Miller had to catch a boatload of touchdowns, but never did I envision Heath Miller to be the Steelers offense last season.

When Todd Haley had his introductory press conference, he only mentioned one name specifically that he was thrilled to work with, and that name was Heath Miller. The moment I heard Haley talk about Miller, I knew we were going to see a big season out of Heath. Miller fit perfectly the supposed “dink and dunk” offense that Todd Haley runs. The short yardage game is perfect for Miller since he is so big and strong. 71 catches later, Heath Miller became a vital part of the offense, something that Bruce Arians failed to do. I think the funniest thing is, the Steelers offense was its best in 2011 when it ran a short passing offense against the Titans and Patriots. But for some reason, Arians just did not want to use Miller.

Many people will tell you “Steelers are in trouble without Wallace.” I can honestly tell you I am more scared of life without being able to yell “HEATH” every game. Not only was Heath Miller a favorite target for Roethlisberger, he was also a fantastic in line blocker and personal protector. When you loose an entire package like Heath Miller, it takes away a dimension of your offense.

Kevin Colbert has been quoted numerous times saying that there is no time able for Millers return. For a while, I felt like Heath Miller was destined for the PUP list. One small unnoticed thing changed my mind. No, I don’t the Steelers are lying that they don’t have a good time frame, but I believe they figure to have Miller back soon enough. I thought at first Miller’s chances of playing a lot this year were very small, but when the Steelers didn’t draft any tight ends, I knew the front office had to have some faith that Miller would not miss more than a couple of games at the most.

After Miller’s surgery in January on his knee, Miller has been said to be walking jut fine without crutches or any assistance. At the point of the reports that came out, it was also said he was working on lifting lighter weights. While Miller is not there quite yet physically, he is a lot closer than some would be at this point.

Now say in theory, Heath MIller is the starting tight end come week 1 against the Titans. As great as that would be, we couldn’t expect him to just continue on right away where he left off. Even the great Adrian Peterson was eased into his starting role for the first couple games. At the age of 31, Heath Miller also isn’t as able to return to form as say a 25-year-old. Who knows if Miller returns to form ever again. Most of us assume that after completely messing up his knee, that he will just hop back on the field and be Heath Miller again. There is a lot of guessing involved with this, but what I will say is don’t count Heath Miller out just yet. Ben Roethlisberger was quoted saying “if anyone could do it, it would be Heath.”

All we can do is plan for the worst and hope for the best, but we all know that to make a run at 7, we need Heath Miller on the field. A season after Adrian Peterson came back better than ever, myself, along with the rest of Steeler Nation hope that Heath can do the same.

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Steelers Morning Huddle 5/21/13

Lori Paddock — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:11:05 +0000

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery (L) and head coach Mike Tomlin (R) watch a play during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

First and foremost, I have to send my thoughts and good wishes out to those affected by tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma. The terrible devastation is heartbreaking to see.

It’s time for Organized Training Activities (OTAs)! I know we really aren’t going to be able to draw any conclusions that we can say will transfer to the regular season, but the team is back on the field! Here’s the latest news from around the internet.

The Steelers signed Vince Williams, their sixth-round draft pick, who played linebacker at Florida State University, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. So much for not signing any other draft picks until early June. I guess it doesn’t matter, but why bother to put a date out and then have no intention of sticking to it? Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review also posted a short article about Williams.

Ed Bouchette also wrote about the Steelers starting their first OTA and sees the 8-8 record of the 2012 season as a rallying point for the Steelers. Well, I hope so. He quotes Larry Foote’s comments from his Q&A in Michigan as proof (both Kim Myers and I discussed Foote’s comments too). Bouchette also quotes Art Rooney II about how the Steelers will be evaluating the players’ level of conditioning when they show up to camps. Rooney is concerned about the high number of Steeler injuries during 2012:

In terms of things that are within our control, we have to look at those things and make sure we are doing the best we can,” Rooney said in January. “I think the other thing we have to do is to make sure our players are aware that under the rules we are all operating under now, it’s more on them to make sure they are performing and doing their offseason conditioning.

We only have access to them for nine weeks, which is not that many weeks in the overall scheme of things. I think it is incumbent on the individual players to be more aware of that. I think they are.”

This is the continuation of teams getting used to the requirements/rules of the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement. The players wanted more control over their personal conditioning and less grueling practices. It is a given that not everyone is going to put the same effort into the conditioning and the result is more strain-related injuries. Some injuries have little to do with conditioning, such as broken bones, but I would be curious to see if there are any stats about ACL/MCL or hamstring injuries in relation to the CBA signing.

Alan Robinson looks at the pressure on Mike Tomlin as the OTA’s start. He came up with a different list of concerns than Ed Bouchette listed in his article from two days ago.

Among them: LaMarr Woodley’s weight. Troy Polamalu’s overall health. Ben Roethlisberger’s receivers. Dick LeBeau’s always-aging defense. The relatively young offensive line. The who’s-on-first situation at running back. The who’s-going-to-replace James Harrison scenario at outside linebacker.”

Robinson also notes that Tomlin has three new assistant coaches. That’s a good point. Last year, there was a lot of concern about Todd Haley and how much he would change the offensive and would Ben Roethlisberger be able to deal with the changes. This year, no one seems as concerned, but this many new assistant coaches could have an initial impact on unit training because of the time it takes to get everyone onto the same page. I hope it happens quickly in the OTAs. This is squarely on Tomlin to get his coaches lined up and all facing the same direction.

Ralph Paulk, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, wrote a profile on Justin Brown, a wide receiver from Oklahoma University, who the Steelers drafted in the 6th round. It’s notable that Brown was one of the players who left Penn State University in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. However, I don’t think Brown should have to repeatedly explain himself. He made the decision to transfer to another university based on his personal feelings. Others made the decision to stay. I don’t see how that affects how he plays football. That environment was not going to work for everyone and I don’t think any less of Brown for moving to another university. I certainly hope that questions will not continue to surface. I know that if he produces on the field the questions will die off, but I can hope people will just respect his decision and let it go. Brown will need to put some work in though:

Richard Mann, the Steelers’ first-year receivers coach, wants Brown to polish his fundamentals before training camp opens in late July. He has few concerns about his willingness to compete and excel.

He is very productive, and that tells you something about the guy,” Mann said. “I think he has good toughness, and that’s part of being a good receiver. He’ll lock up downfield, and I think that is a part of it also.”

I will finish up today’s post with an article from Alan Robinson focusing on Charlie Batch’s preparations toward a post-Steelers career. He notes that Batch attended a three-day, hands-on session to teach writing skills to current and former NFL players. Batch has not officially retired and remains un-signed for 2013. However he seems to be approaching things with his characteristic hard work and awesome attitude:

I’m not closing the door,” the former Steel Valley High star said. “I’m open to whatever is out there for me.” In a year or so, he wouldn’t mind working in some football broadcasting role or, perhaps someday, in an NFL front office. ”I’d definitely be open to (Steelers GM) Kevin Colbert teaching me his job,” Batch said.

I’d like to see Batch be with the Steelers in some capacity in the future. I’m a softie for a family-oriented, loyal organization and the Steelers hit that mark fairly often.

Well, Steeler Nation – are you ready for OTA’s to start? I am. Let us know what you will be looking for from these sessions and if you think we missed anything!

Steelers MMQB: NFL Offseason News

Kim Myers — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:59 +0000

Troy Polamalu and his hair will be back this season for football in shorts. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

What We Learned This Week in the NFL Offseason:

Redskins fans buy out RGIII’s Bed Bath & Beyond wedding registry
Chad Johnson has arrest warrant; also needs child support cut down
Patriots visit Newtown, Connecticut
Larry Foote still pissed about Steelers 8-8 season
Steelers first OTA’s to begin this week

It’s the NFL offseason, still too soon for training camps, and too far from the draft to have any trades or deals come up to catch everyone’s attention. Sometimes stories come up during the offseason that just leave you scratching your head, sometimes they make you angry, and sometimes they warm your heart even if you hate to admit it. There’s always time to look back on the previous season, especially if it was a particularly frustrating one. And there’s always time to look forward to the new season; to see what’s out there that can improve on the team you love so much.

Speaking of love, it appears that Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has found love in his fiancée, Rebecca Liddicoat and the two have done what every other engaged couple does; they registered for their wedding at Bed Bath & Beyond. Unlike every other engaged couple, the Griffins have already had their entire wedding registry bought out by fans of RGIII’s and the team. Seriously? Who are these people that buy wedding presents for their favorite athlete? Now I’m sure not the type of fan who does the whole “I buy tickets and merch so I’m entitled to such and such” or “my money pays your salary so you owe me a good game and/or autograph” routines but I’m sure as hell not going out to spend my hard earned money on a stainless steel toothpick dispenser for a couple that I’m not likely to meet, nor attend their wedding. Clearly I’m somewhere in the middle with the rest of the sane people. At least RGIII was gracious about the gesture, tweeting a “thank you” to his fans with a pic of himself with a ton of boxes.

“Thank you to the Fans who are helping buy ALL the items from our wedding registry at Bed Bath & Beyond …” RGIII’s twitter feed.

I am a self-admitted, full-fledged Chad Johnson hater. I don’t hate the man like in the violent sense of the word but back when he was relevant to the NFL and a rival to the Steelers I’d start a “Chad Johnson is overrated” argument with anyone who’d listen without even the slightest bit of provocation. Nowadays, Chad makes it too easy for me. Not only is he still looking for a team to take on his ehem, talents, and his baggage, but he’s also back in some legal trouble again. He’s got a warrant out for his arrest in Miami for a probation violation stemming from his arrest for head-butting his reality D-list star wife, but now he’s headed back to court to have the $5,420 per month child support payments lowered because he claims he can’t afford them. How pathetic can you get? At least he’s still a big deal on Twitter. Way to go buddy, really putting effort into what counts in life.

Now as much as it pains me to write anything positive about the New England Patriots, I have to give them credit for having roughly 30 current and former players, coaches, and cheerleaders host a football camp for kids in Newtown, Conn. this weekend. Over 500 kids registered and attended the camp and even Pats TE Rob Gronkowski put down his Bud Lights and porn stars for the weekend to play with the kids. The camp was held in the town that was shattered when 20 students and six teachers were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Pats owner Robert Kraft hosted the event for the community to show support. Well done Patriots. Now I’ll go back to despising you.

On the topic of despising, Steelers LB Larry Foote said the Steelers have a chip on the shoulder still from not only going 8-8 and missing out on the playoffs, but also watching their rival, Baltimore, take home the Lombardi trophy.

“We’re pissed off we didn’t make the playoffs. On top of that, our rival won the Super Bowl. I know guys are taking it personally. It’s just a whole different mindset to the offseason. I know guys are ready to get back where we need to be.”

I’m glad Foote is pissed. I hope the rest of the team is just as pissed; even the new guys need to be pissed. Whatever the issues of the team were last season, wherever you like to place the blame, the whole picture is just as coach Tomlin usually states. He was an 8-8 coach and the team was an 8-8 team. If anyone on the Steelers is pleased with their 2012-13 contributions, I’d hope they’re no longer on the roster. The Steelers haven’t had an actual losing season since 2003 (which lead to them being able to select Ben Roethlisberger at the 11^th pick of the 2004 draft) but an 8-8 season is a far cry from what the team is capable of and what’s expected of them.

Looking forward to the new season once the draft is complete starts with OTA’s and those will begin Tuesday on the South Side. “Football in shorts” is what is typically referred to as there will be no pads or equipment during the workouts. The Steelers have some adjustments to make for the upcoming season which include adjusting to life without James Harrison and Mike Wallace, discovering the running back situation, and welcoming two new position coaches in Jack Bicknell Jr and Richard Mann who will coach the offensive line and wide receivers respectively. Early reports are that safety Troy Polamalu will attend OTA’s for the second straight season. Troy attended last year for the first time but did end up missing 9 games due to injuries. I say bring on the OTA’s, let’s start this friggin season already! I have such an uneasy feeling about it all, but my optimism will always prevail when the Steelers are concerned. Go Steelers!

What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Would you buy wedding presents for your favorite athlete? What do you think the goals are of the OTA’s? Are you still pissed at going 8-8 like Larry Foote is?

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