As we already know, players like Aaron Smith, James Farrior, Hines Ward, James Harrison, Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis are no longer employed by the “Black & Gold.”  Plus, it doesn’t appear that Max Starks and Casey Hampton will be back this fall unless injuries or poor play strike at their specific positions either.

While some are inclined to think that the “worst” of the “roster purges” ended a couple of months ago, I believe that the Steelers could be in for an enormous “roster overhaul” when the spring of 2014 gets underway.

Don’t believe me?

Just keep the following in mind when the 2013 regular season ends.

Unrestricted Free Agents (2014)

Ziggy Hood

I for one wished that the Steelers would have tried to trade their 2009 1st Round pick at some point over the last year and a half.  Unfortunately, the time has passed for Pittsburgh to find a willing trade partner for Hood, because no team will want to trade for a player who is set to reach UFA status once the 2013 season ends.

I cannot say that I blame Ziggy fully for his struggles and inconsistent play since he became a full-time starter in 2011, especially because I maintain that he is playing out-of-position in the first place.

Hood’s ability to gap-shoot and play in a single-gap scheme makes him a better fit as a 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme, the position he played in college at the University of Missouri.  Ziggy is far less suited to succeed as a 2-gap defensive end in Pittsburgh’s 3-4, and he could be deemed expendable when his contract expires if he fails to show signs of improvement during the upcoming year.

Hood will likely need a monster performance during this year to warrant any sort of long-term deal next spring, and I do not believe that Colbert & Co. will want to offer him one if he plays at the level he has over the last few years.  Who knows though?  If Hood does not garner any lucrative offers from other teams on the open market next spring though, he might be worth bringing back on the cheap.  Plus, the Steelers could be hurting for depth at the defensive end position.

Brett Keisel

Whenever it happens, I will truly hate to see “The Beard’s” tenure in Pittsburgh come to a close.  But unless the Steelers and Keisel agree to a veteran minimum deal or none of the developmental prospects can show improvement during this season, 2013 might be Brett’s final season with the Steelers.

Keisel is one of a number of late-round success stories coached up by defensive line coach John Mitchell, and has been a lynch-pin along the Steelers’ defensive front since he assumed a starting gig back in 2006.  To his credit, Keisel performed well last year and logged 4.5 sacks to go along with 46 tackles.

Unfortunately, Keisel’s contract is set to expire next spring, and Pittsburgh’s brass might be unwilling to re-up the soon-to-be 35 year old to another deal if the team needs to save some cap-space to re-sign players like Maurkice Pouncey.  Granted, the Steelers could bring “The Beard” back for another go-around if they have zero faith in Ziggy Hood or Cameron Heyward.  But Keisel could very well retire or end up wearing a different uniform by the time the 2013 campaign begins.

Jason Worilds

Worilds has flashed potential during his three-year career (5.0 sacks last season), so maybe a full-time starting gig will allow him to “learn on the job” and entrench himself as the full-time solution at outside linebacker.  At this point in his career though, Jason is more of an “unknown entity” than a “known entity,” and it hasn’t helped his development that he rode the “pine pony” behind James Harrison and LaMarr “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man” Woodley either.

Jason however will finally receive his best chance to start on a regular basis this year with Harrison in Cincinnati.  Still, the team did select Jarvis Jones with their 1st round pick in last month’s draft.  And while I believe that Jones will likely be forced to rot on the bench by the coaching staff, I am sure that he will nevertheless be ready to compete for playing time with Worilds on the weak-side.

I for one am hopeful that Worilds can realize his potential this year and that the Steelers will ink him to a long-term deal.  Woodley has been nothing short of invisible since he signed his lucrative deal back in 2011, so the more depth at the position, the better.  The only depth behind Jason at the moment is Jones, 2011 5th round pick Chris Carter, and 2012 UDFA Adrian Robinson.  Plus, if Woodley goes down with a bum hamstring again or cannot keep his weight in check, Worilds might just be asked to step in on the strong-side next year.

Sadly, a strong performance by Worilds could put Pittsburgh’s brass in a bit of a “Catch-22″ come next spring though.  If the former Hokie performs well in his first extended audition though, then the Steelers might not be able to afford him when he hits the open market (i.e. Keenan Lewis) if offers begin to pour in for him to head elsewhere.

Ryan Clark

Clark’s current deal ends after the 2013 season. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Make no mistake, Ryan Clark has performed way beyond the expectations many placed upon him when he was signed as a free agent before the 2006 season.  Clark has been a model of stability on Pittsburgh’s back-end, earned a Pro Bowl berth after the 2011 season, and has been very solid compliment to Troy Polamalu over the last seven years.

Clark’s current deal though, the same one he signed after the 2009 season, is set to expire at the end of this year.  And while Robert Golden (and possibly even Shamarko Thomas) is another year or two away from being an “every-down player,” it makes little to no sense to keep a soon to be 35 year-old safety with declining ball-skills and a liability regarding concussions and helmet-to-helmet hits.

Then again, Clark might be able to find a deal elsewhere on the open market like James Harrison did so the Steelers won’t have to go through the trouble of negotiating with him.  Regardless of what happens, I will definitely intrigued to see what Pittsburgh’s brass do with the veteran safety when the upcoming regular season ends.

Emmanuel Sanders & Jerricho Cotchery

I’m not banking on Emmanuel Sanders to sticking around past the 2013 season.  In fact, I believe that it was a bone-headed move to not let him walk to New England in the first place.  The team needed (and still need) draft picks and cap space, the idea that they will be renting an injury-prone receiver for one-year is ridiculous.

Now that Manny will be starting at split end, he is likely to receive as many chances as possible to shine this fall if he can stay healthy.  While numerous fans and analysts bagged on the Steelers for bringing Sanders back for the 2013 campaign, the former S.M.U. Mustang did manage to set career-highs in catches (44) and in receiving yards (626) last fall.

The Patriots were obviously interested in acquiring him this past offseason, and I am sure that the market for his services will increase if he can continue to improve.  So, unless Manny plays poorly, gets hurt, or actually gives the Steelers a “hometown discount,” then I do not believe that Pittsburgh’s cap-strapped front office will be able to afford to re-up him beyond this year to a long-term deal.

On the other hand, Jerricho Cotchery (and even Plaxico Buress) knew that it would be difficult for him to earn a new contract beyond the upcoming season when Colbert & Co. selected Markus Wheaton and Justin Brown in the 3rd and 6th rounds during last month’s draft.

When he has received the chance to contribute during his two-year stint with Pittsburgh, Cotchery has performed well in the slot as a pass-catcher and a blocker.  Overall, Jerricho has recorded 33 catches for 442 yards and 2 touchdowns, and his experience and leadership could pay huge dividends for some of the younger players at the position.

But as I alluded to before, the Steelers didn’t just draft Wheaton and Brown to simply ride the pine.  Thus, if the rookies do prove to be capable pass-catchers and the front office can somehow extend Emmanuel Sanders, then Cotchery will be looking for a new team next spring or even before the regular season begins.

Isaac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer

I lumped Dwyer and Redman together because I believe that one of these two might be able to stay on Pittsburgh’s roster past this season, but not both of them.  The selection of Le”Veon Bell basically guarantees that the Steelers are “all in” when it comes to Bell as a “3-down back,” and that one or both of the situational “battering rams” will be sent packing once the 2013 campaign comes to a close.

Last season, both Redman and Dwyer had prime chances to seize the starting running back role.  Sadly, neither player proved that they were anything more than “situational backs.”  Redman and Dwyer were unable to put up a string of consistent performances, and a battered offensive line did not help them gain any traction as well.  The two only combined to rush for 1,033 yards on 266 carries and only 4 touchdowns.  Worst of all, both backs rushed for less than 3.9 (3.88) yards per carry on the year!

I certainly would not blame Colbert & Co. if they allowed Redman and Dwyer to walk if neither player showed any improvement this year.  Plus, I have a hard time believing that the franchise will keep both backs beyond this year, especially because Dwyer and Redman possess such similar skill-sets.  So while depth at such an important position like running back is nice, don’t be surprised if neither “battering ram” is on the roster past the spring of 2014.

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

But enough of me rambling, because it is  “On To The Next One” readers as our boys in Black & Gold will face the Browns on Sunday afternoon.  Although the game might seem to be a tad “meaningless” and hard to get excited about for many in “Steeler Nation,” I look at this weekend’s contest as an important stage for some of Pittsburgh’s deserving and key backups to shine and earn some quality playing time.

Why Numerous Backups Should Play

For those of you in Steeler Nation sitting on your ivory towers’ who decry this idea and equate benching multiple starters automatically with losing, I can ask only two questions: “Why?” and “What Difference Does It Make to You?”

Think about it for a second.  The Steelers are playing Cleveland, a 5-10 team, on Pittsburgh’s home field.  Although the Browns have vastly improved this season, Cleveland is not on the same level as other 2012 juggernauts like Houston, Denver, or New England.  The Browns currently rank 20th in Pass Yards per Game (216.9), 25th in Rush Yards per Game (97.0), 27th in Pass Yards Allowed per Game, and 19th in Rush Yards Allowed per Game (130.5).  So while they are not pushovers by any means, they are still the same team that needed 8 Turnovers and a bad day by Pittsburgh’s 3rd String Quarterback just to beat the Steelers one month ago.

As far as playing multiple backups goes, Pittsburgh’s starting lineup on both sides of the ball has been littered with them all year.  Players like Will Allen, Cortez Allen, Curtis Brown, Josh Victorian, and Chris Carter have all seen significant amounts of snaps due to multiple starters going down at various points this year.  Most importantly though, the Steelers are and will be in a rebuilding phase over the next two to three years.  Thus, would it not behoove the franchise to see exactly what they have in terms of depth and future starters and evaluate how they perform in game situations before they go out and acquire more players?  So why I pray tell does it matter if some guys ride the pine? 

Finally, what sense does it make to see another important starter (cough*Heath Miller*cough) go down with a serious injury?  Especially in a game with zero postseason implications.  Losing a Pro Bowler like Miller was awful, but what happens if other starters suffer serious injuries this weekend as well?

Who Deserves More PT & Who Deserves More Pine

Worilds could benefit from more playing time. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Worilds

What has LaMarr Woodley brought to the table all season besides an expanded waist line, assorted injuries, and the penchant to be single blocked by Right Tackles, Tight Ends, and some Running Backs?  It does no good to play the $61.5 Million Dollar Man in Week 17 when a perfectly healthy and capable Jason Worilds is ready to contribute off of the bench.  Worilds is actually ranked tied for 1st on the team in Sacks (5.0), and has flashed some solid pass-rushing ability this season in spot duty.  I say give the 3rd year guy another shot to start and prove himself even more.

Steve McLendon & Cameron Heyward

Do not get me wrong, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel deserve to start and play on Sunday.  Each player has been a warrior for this franchise, and at the very least both deserve to start what could eventually be their final home games with the Steelers.  Nevertheless, both “Snack” and “The Beard” (along with Ziggy Hood) could stand to lose some reps at the expense of youngsters like Steve McLendon and Cameron Heyward (and possibly even Al Woods).

McLendon is the Nose Tackle of the future for Pittsburgh and has played some solid football for this team over his four year career.  Heyward, the team’s 2011 1st Round Draft Pick, will continue to have an increased role in the Defense in the future and also deserves more reps after an improved 2nd season.  The next two seasons will likely feature some serious restructuring in the trenches on the Defensive side of the ball.  Thus the more significant playing time that the backups and future starters receive in the present, the better I believe the team will be as they head into the future.

David Gilreath, Jerricho Cotchery, and Plaxico Burress

Like Woodley, why does Mike Wallace deserve a chance to start, let alone play in the Steelers’ final home contest?  Seriously, why?  Remember fans, this is a guy who refused to show up like a petulant child until the preseason was essentially over because of his lack of a long-term deal.  But not only did Wallace whine about his RFA status, he also admitted to a “lack of focus” during this season because of a “lack of targets.”  You know, despite the fact that he is on pace to set a career highs in Targets (119 currently).

With these things in mind, I certainly do not want to see #17 suiting up on Sunday afternoon.  I personally hope that veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress, and the young David Gilreath receive nods to play in Wallace’s place.  Although Cotchery and Burress are known entities as players, it might be wise for the Steelers to take an extended look at the speedy Gilreath to evaluate whether or not he is worth re-signing next season.

Final Thoughts

If you have not found out already, I just want to see only two things happen this weekend: the Steelers to win, and some backups to receive extended playing time.  Is it a bit of a “having one’s cake and eating it too” mentality?  Heck yes, but I say that it is high time give guys like Worilds, Heyward, McLendon, and Gilreath chances to contribute and prove themselves on Sunday afternoon.  Plus, it also should be a chance to let Woodley and Wallace know that they have not “cut” the proverbial “mustard” this year and do not deserve to play or suit up for the final home contest.

And hey, if Pittsburgh happens to drop Sunday’s game to the Brownies, does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?  Sure, some of you fans will whine because you can’t troll on message boards and poke fun at the long-suffering Cleveland fans and type phrases like  “SIXBURGH” or “FACTORY OF SADNESS.”  Sure, maybe Browns fans would have “bragging rights” over our collective fanbase the next nine months.  But guess what?  Those poor suckers have seen their team win only three games against the Steelers over the last 10 seasons!  Heaven forbid you have to go through an offseason in which Cleveland bested Pittsburgh twice during the regular season.  Does anybody remember most of the 1980’s or the 51-0 disaster on Opening Day of 1989?  It is just sports everybody, and for a solid organization like the Steelers, “next year” always brings hope.

I’m not one of those people who wants the Steelers to “win by losing.”  But I would rather see the franchise drafting at #14 with a better understanding of their personnel than at #17 with less understanding of their personnel in game situations.

So, I will say it again: “Give Some Steelers Backups Their Chances!”  And who knows?  They might surprise us as well.

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and Team Rankings.com

I tip my hat to Adam Muema and the Aztecs. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE

With a 5-3 record and their starting Quarterback sidelined, the Aztecs could have just mailed it in like some professional football teams when they have had their starting signal-callers go down (*cough*cough*).  Nobody would have blamed S.D.S.U., and it seems to be all the rage in the N.F.L. right now amongst some franchises without adequate backup situations in place.  You know, in spite of some writers expressing their doubts at the beginning of the year about a team in the A.F.C. North and their inadequate Quarterback depth.

But there was “No Quit” in this Aztecs team.  They simply relied on their veteran backup Adam Dingwell and the masterful running of Adam Muema (1,355 Yards, 16 TD’s) and Walter Kazee (822 Yards, 8 TD’s) behind their stout Offensive Line.  The Defense, led by stud Cornerback Leon McFadden (please Steelers, please consider drafting him) also stepped up down the stretch to help the team reel off some incredible Wins like their 21-19 triumph over then-#19 Boise State on the “Smurf Turf.”

I understand that this team will not get any sort of recognition outside of Mountain West fanbases or Southern California.  And you know what?  That’s fine.  But lack of headlines aside, I just wanted to extend a “Thank You” to Head Coach Rocky Long and the rest of his staff and players for their hard-nosed and physical play.  As a San Diego native and long-time Aztecs fan, I just wanted to say that you guys were truly a treat to watch and follow during your adversity filled season.

Wallace being boxed out for the ball. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Sunday’s Slop-Fest

Do not get me wrong, I knew that the Steelers would have their hands full yesterday, and I even picked Cleveland to upset them.  But yesterday’s game was downright painful to watch, and although it makes me sad to type, here are my thoughts from the 20-14 Loss:

• Kevin Colbert, whatever moves you make this offseason, please allow Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenhall to walk after the season.  From his poor ball-security, to his inability to run between the Tackles, and his recent Knee and Achilles injuries, I believe that Mendenhall’s career is at an end with the Black & Gold.  To me, there are plenty of Backs around in April’s Draft (Stepfan Taylor, Johnathan Franklin, Mike Gillislee, to name a few) who could easily make up for his loss and eventually exceed his productivity on the field, and could be had at a much lower price.

• As for “Dropsy McDropsalot,” his bouts with drops and being boxed out on deep balls has become tiresome to watch.  Emmanuel Sanders (5 Catches, 75 Yards on Sunday) might not be the type of deep threat Wallace is, but he is a productive target and can catch whatever he gets his hands on whenever his number is called.  This team would be better off looking towards the Draft for another speedster to replace Wallace, receiving a 3rd Round Compensatory Pick in exchange, and allowing a team like the Cowboys or Redskins to overpay and “make it rain” for Wallace’s “Clifford Franklin-like” skill-set.

• Am I the only one pleased with the way Jason Worilds played yesterday?  When healthy, Worilds is a downright force off of the edge, leads the team lead in Sacks (5.0).  In fact, I noticed almost zero dropoff in production and play from #93 all day long as he was effective against the run and attacked Brandon Weeden when he dropped back to pass (4 Tackles, 2.0 Sacks, 1 PD, 3 QB Hurries).  Heck, I would say that Worilds played a better game yesterday than LaMarr Woodley ($61.5 Million) has played over the last two years.  How or why Mike Tomlin or Dick LeBeau have not rotated Worilds (when healthy) in with James Harrison & Woodley to keep them fresh over the last two years has been quite perplexing.  And as bad as it has been to see hobbled and over-paid veterans struggle on the field this year, it has truly been a shame to watch youngsters like Worilds, Steve McLendon, and Cameron Heyward rot on the bench when they could be receiving valuable game-experience and reps.

• This team has nobody to blame but themselves for their backup Quarterback situation, and deserve to reap what they sow right now.  How or why veterans like Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch were left on this roster without a young, Pro-Style, and potentially effective Quarterback also being groomed behind Big Ben over the last seven seasons is a downright joke.  Omar Jacobs?  Brian St. Pierre?  Tyler Palko?  Dennis Dixon?  Jerrod Johnson?  Troy Smith?  These guys were not the answers in the least bit, and should have never been considered viable options in the first place!  Sure, the Brian Hoyer signing is nice, but a “too little, too late” move in terms of him doing anything of relevance this season.  Even with Hoyer’s addition, I still hope this team can bring in some competition from somewhere else this offseason to really solidify the depth behind Big Ben.  Remember, Roethlisberger will be entering his 10th season in 2013, and it would be comforting to have some depth behind him that is not calcifying by the day or at the very least can lead the Offense on a scoring drive or two if they must replace him.

• 8 bleeping Turnovers?!  The Steelers coughed up the ball entirely too often yesterday.  As I alluded to before, the stable of Backs on Pittsburgh’s roster are not cutting the mustard, and now that Chris Rainey looks to be out for a significant period, help must come and must come fast from talent outside of the organization.  There is no excuse for the type of lackadaisical ball-security this team put on display on Sunday afternoon, and it will continue to be a problem until better personnel is brought in, or jobs are in jeopardy because of piss-poor execution.

• For those of you whining about how the Steelers did not get that Fumble around the 2 Minute Warning, STOP IT!  Does it stink that the rule is in place?  Heck yes!  Is it unfortunate that the call affected the Steelers at such a crucial time?  Heck, yes!  But you know what?  The rule is the rule, and it would not have made a difference if Pittsburgh’s Offense had not turned it over 8 times during the game!  Hey, I know, maybe the team should have rushed for more than 49 Yards.  If you want to place blame anywhere, start with the team, not the officials.

• The utter lack of discipline this team has displayed throughout the year in terms of their penalties is terrible, and I really hope that Tomlin and the rest of his staff instill some discipline this week.  Tomlin has always been one to talk tough with his “Standard is the Standard,” “Excuses are for the Incompetent,” “Unleash Hell,” and “5 Star Matchup” mantras, but now that he has an undisciplined, under-manned, and under-achieving team at his disposal, it is time for him to step up as a Coach, clean up the undisciplined messes, and make the best out of his current situation.  The Steelers looked ill-prepared to go out and win a football game yesterday, and Tomlin must rally his troops to salvage an “almost lost” season.

Final Thoughts

At 6-5, this team still has a shot to make the postseason, and the final 5 games should be a fantastic litmus test for the players and Coaching Staff.    I want to see if some members of this team have any “fight” left in them, or if they are simply content to “mail it in” like some members did in 2009.  I am also intrigued to see some of the younger players I alluded to before (Worilds, Heyward, McLendon), as well as like Cortez Allen, Curtis Brown, and see if they can step up when they are asked to contribute.  I still have some faith in this team as there are some on the roster (Heath Miller, Sanders, Worilds, Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Clark, Larry Foote, Harrison to name a few) continuing to play at a high level.  Whether or not other members of the team can step up their play though is an entirely different issue altogether, and I hope that if the Coaching Staff begins to see some “mailing it in” down the stretch, they are disciplined swiftly and made accountable.

Readers:  Is the season lost?  How awful was that game?  Who deserves the most blame?  Can this team recover?  Why?

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

#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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