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Steelers Morning Huddle 5/25/2013

Kim Myers — Sat, 25 May 2013 15:07:06 +0000

Huddle up guys!
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Steeler Nation! First off, I feel a little like I’ve been cheating on the Steelers with the Penguins. If you haven’t been watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, do yourself a favor and make sure to watch the Penguins as they will take on the winner of the New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins series in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins have been on fire offensively and it could not be more fun to watch. Ok, enough hockey talk let’s talk some Steelers football!

The Steelers opened OTA’s this week with one position group getting some major attention. Ben Roethlisberger joined the WDVE Morning Show this week to discuss the OTA’s and the hottest position group on the team this year; the offensive line. Ben says that this line is by far this line can be something special and the biggest change in this line from the past six years will be the left tackle position. For the past two seasons we’ve seen Max Starks ride in at the last minute, either during the season or training camp, to be signed to one year deals and hold down that blind side position for Ben. This year not so much, Starks signed with San Diego this week and it looks as though Marcus Gilbert will be at Ben’s blind side this season.

Ed Bouchette of the PPG describes how Gilbert and Mike Adams will most likely compete throughout the spring and summer for the LT spot. Signs are already pointing to Gilbert being most comfortable at that position. Gilbert, coming off an ankle injury that kept him sidelined the majority of last season, has changed his workout routine as well as his shoes and ankle support to prevent further injury. Gilbert has also studied LT’s from throughout the league famous for their zone blocking as the line will move to a zone-blocking scheme this season. No matter what the blocking scheme we all know how important the left tackle’s position is to keeping the quarterback safe. No matter how much we cringe and scream “Ben! Get rid of the ball!” when he’s scrambling around, he won’t even have the chance to do that if the line breaks down on his left side so Gilbert best be ready to have Ben’s back and have it good.

There’s a lot for Steeler Nation to be excited about with this offensive line this season. If all parts stay healthy (believe me, I know that’s a tall order), it will be a young, high draft pick group capable of great things, just like Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of Steeler Nation hopes. Although I would have liked to have seen Starks come back for yet another season if only to provide depth to the line (and step in when the inevitable o-line Tetris has to come into play), I understand he felt he was still a starter and the Steelers pretty much have to move forward with this younger line since they’ve spent so many high draft picks on them in the past five years.

What are your thoughts on the Steelers o-line for the upcoming season Steeler Nation?

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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.

Steelers Morning Huddle 5/11/2013

Kim Myers — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:41:40 +0000

Huddle up!
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Here we are Steeler Nation just 120 days and a little over 3 hours till the Steelers regular season kicks off. So let’s take a look around and see what our boys are up to this week.

The PG reported that Steelers newly crowned #1 receiver Antonio Brown visited with the Clairton High School football team to celebrate their 4^th consecutive PIAA championship with an evening at Dave and Buster’s. Brown was initially supposed to speak at the team’s banquet last month but didn’t show due to a scheduling conflict. Brown had spoken at Clairton’s elementary school before taking the high school boys to dinner and games for the evening. Wanting to live up to his word by rescheduling with the team Brown said,

“I’m glad to be here. It was important for me to go out to the school, talk to them. I pride myself on being a big-time guy, being a man of my word. Hopefully these kids had a great time, hopefully a better than it would have been before.”

I love to hear about stuff like this. I love to hear about Steelers players going and hanging out with local kids, playing with them and being more than just a football player they see on TV or in the stadiums. Although, when Antonio says he prides himself on being a big-time guy, I just hope he means big-time receiver too because he was not that receiver last season and he’s going to have to work extra hard to get Steeler Nation to forget that we’ve lost Mike Wallace to Miami. Still good to see Brown carry on the tradition the Steelers have on being present in the community and charitable with their time. Way to go buddy!

Speaking of time, Max Starks has a bunch of it on his hands with no contract and no team as of yet. Mark Kaboly reports from the Tribune Review that the Steelers had a conversation with Starks before they eventually signed veteran OT Guy Whimper to a contract last week. The common thought around was that Starks would eventually end up back with the Steelers just as he had the two previous seasons, coming in either after the season began or just before training camp. Now it’s just not looking that way.

Starks met with San Diego this week but left Southern California without a contract according to Steelers Depot. Starks is optimistic he will sign with a team soon but is looking to compete for a starting role wherever he lands. While Starks is definitely getting up there in age it is worth noting that he played every Steelers offensive snap last season.

“After playing 100 percent of the snaps the previous year, I don’t think I am, at this point, ready to be a backup swing tackle just yet. I have proven over the past couple of years that I am still starter-capable.” – Max Starks to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review

I hate to see Max go the same route the Steelers went with Harrison. I still think the Harrison situation was handled poorly on both ends and it could have ended with Harrison in Black & Gold and both sides satisfied. I realize that the Steelers are ready to have Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams starting at the tackle positions and that Starks still wants to start himself but depth at the O-line is never a bad thing.

What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Do you like seeing Brown take a high school football team out to dinner? What are your thoughts on Max Starks not returning to the Steelers?

My older sister Beth in the newspaper for rooting on the Super Steelers.

Also I want to take this opportunity to wish my big sister Beth a very happy birthday. She’s been a part of Steeler Nation longer then me and here is the proof. Hope you have a great birthday!

Follow me on Twitter @Kimmy_KimKimM and follow all of NPC’s posts @NicePickCowerC

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A Stark Reality: Steelers Off Season A Whimper

Jim Conroy — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:55 +0000

The return of Max Starks teeters on a wing and a prayer.
Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Since the draft ended I had been finally calming down from the Steelers off season moves that started with the release of James Harrison as free agency began in March 2013. Then this week the Steelers signed Tackle Guy Whimper and my head exploded. I don’t understand the perceived dislike of Max Starks? I don’t understand the slamming of the door in James Harrison’s face when he came crawling back despite the opinion of most he would never do so. I, like many Steeler fans, don’t get a lot of things the front office has been doing this off season.

However these are just two examples of many questionable decisions that can be traced all the way back to personnel decisions made right after the Steelers 5^th game in the 2012 season. It all started with the release of TE Weslye Saunders after the Titans game in favor of 7 year veteran Leonard Pope who clearly had no long term future in the Steelers organization. Saunders appeared to have upside as he was young, athletic and had good hands. Saunders only in his 2^nd year looked like a solid back up to Heath Miller with the potential to replace Miller when the time came. The Steelers traded youth for age. It was not a season-altering move, but the first in a long line of problematic decisions.

Next was the move to cut Brian Hoyer who they had signed on November 20, 2012 after injuries to starting Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (week 10 Chiefs) and backup Byron Leftwich (week 11 Ravens) in back to back games. I was excited that they had finally gotten a younger back up QB with NFL experience that had been successful in his limited playing time with the Patriots. Hoyer served as the backup in Weeks 12 and 13 and was released on December 8, 2012 in a move to add CB Josh Victorian to the roster a day before the San Diego Chargers debacle. Hoyer did not make it through waivers and was claimed by the Cardinals. It was a foregone conclusion that Byron Leftwich was done in Pittsburgh and possibly Charlie Batch as well. Why the Steelers did not put an injured Leftwich on IR and keep Hoyer is another mystery. Leftwich never played another down for the Steelers. Particularly even more alarming is it was widely reported after the season ended the Steelers really wanted Hoyer to be the back up QB in 2013.

Did Rainey Pay For Ta’amu’s Mistakes?

The two off field incidents involving DT Alameda Ta’amu and RB Chris Rainey should have played out one of three ways: Both players permanently released; both players remained Steelers; Ta’amu permanently released with Rainey remaining. The Steelers front office baffled everyone by coming up with a 4^th way.

Alameda Ta’amu was arrested after a drunken rampage through the streets of Pittsburgh during the season. Ta’amu was sentenced after pleading guilty to 3 counts of recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and drunken driving. He also was ordered to pay nearly $11,000 in damages that he caused. County prosecutors withdrew felony charges of aggravated assault with a vehicle. Ultimately and for some unbelievably, Ta’amu remained a Steeler.

Shortly after the season ended Chris Rainey was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of simple battery following an argument over a cell phone with his girlfriend where he was alleged to have “slapped” her. Rainey was cut from the Steelers almost immediately. His girlfriend did not follow the Steelers lead as she was the leading advocate for the charges against Rainey to be dropped. Rainey later pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct, was ordered to pay a $200 fine and imposed court costs of about $300 and is still with his girlfriend according to the latest reports. Disorderly conduct is the lowest form of a misdemeanor one can be charged with. The two incidents don’t compare.

Steelers Sign OT Guy Whimper, Max Starks Done?

Craig Gottschalk — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:44:45 +0000

Guy Whimper takes on the Texans Brooks Reed.
Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers on Monday added more depth to their offensive line by signing ex-Jag (the team not the personality) OT Guy Whimper to the roster. Whimper will add veteran, but young, depth behind third year Marcus Gilbert and second year Mike Adams. Whimper was drafted in the fourth round by the New York Giants back in 2006. He played in 30 games (started zero) in three seasons with the Giants before signing with the Jaguars. There, he played in 37 games and started 22 of them (15 of 15 in 2011) before dealing with some knee issues.

No question Whimper adds depth for the Steelers at the line. At 6′-5″, 315lbs, and decent footwork, Whimper should have the size and ability to fill in for either the right or left side. With the Jags drafting OT Luke Joeckel as their first round (2nd overall) pick, LJ will either start or be 2nd on the charts, thus kicking Whimper to the curb. The question that comes to mine mind and probably many others in Steeler Nation is – What does this mean for Max Starks?

Starks is still an un-signed free agent. Most assumed that the Steelers would play coy with Starks and sign him after June 1st. That way he could fully participate in camp, unlike in seasons past where he was brought in as the regular season began. But the Whimper signing could mean that Stark leaves the Steelers in much the same fashion as Guy’s name indicates – with a whimper. By far the best lineman for the offense last season, and quite frankly playing some of the best football in his career, Starks may not even be a second thought in the minds of the Steelers brass.

There they go again, acting like they know how to run a football team. Of course my sarcastic remark is my way dealing with the pain of never seeing that bug burly #78 on the field. Oh, I’m sure we’ll see a #78 on the field come this summer – Big Ben will make sure of that. But I fear we won’t see the real man in the jersey come the start of the 2013 season. I wonder how Whimper will feel while Big Ben makes his annual appeal?