Unless the numerous helmet-to-helmet hits have fogged up your memory, I’m sure that you are familiar with the player who was your backup from 2006-2008.  Back in 2007, Anthony thought that it would be a great idea to run his mouth during an interview before a crucial late-season game with the New England Patriots.  In fact, Smith even guaranteed that the Steelers would defeat the then-undefeated Patriots on New England’s home-field.

Of course, you probably remember when Tom Brady shredded and embarrassed Smith and the rest Pittsburgh’s secondary throughout the entire game while you were sidelined due to your sickle-cell issue.  Tom was his usual surgical-self that afternoon when he completed 32 of 46 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots rolled to a 34-13 win.

Then again, maybe you choose not to remember that particular beat-down at Foxborough.  Or maybe you simply relish being the biggest attention seeker on a team littered with entirely too many of them.  I do however know that you recently had quite a bit to say about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots when you were on ESPN’s “NFL Live” earlier this week:

When Tom Brady gets pressure and when you’re man-to-man and bumping those guys and making it hard for him to throw he sees ghosts…Even when guys aren’t around him, even when he’s not about to be sacked, when his clock goes off in his head that the ball should be out, we’ll see him duck, we”ll see him flinch.  When you get Tom Brady doing that, the whole New England Patriots mystique goes away.

 

I know they think Danny Amendola can come in and have the same type of numbers he had with the Rams, but we also have to remember, he’s fragile.  He’s not a guy who has competed a whole season, especially playing inside in what can be a physical AFC East.  You also think about Gronkowski and the injury; that is going to be bigger than anything for the New England Patriots coming in this year.  Also with Aaron Hernandez being questionable and whether or not he will be at full speed when the season starts…

 

While Brady has had his fair share of issues with pocket collapse (along with basically every other professional quarterback), I’m not sure how much talking a guy like you should be doing after your team finished .500 and failed to qualify for the postseason last year.

Not only did your defense fold like origami against cellar-dwellers like Oakland and Tennessee in crunch-time last year, they also failed to rush the passer and force turnovers with any consistency.  Heck, if you want to trash-talk, one could say that your defense last year embodied the very essence of Lee Flowers’ now famous “Paper Champions” phrase.

Ryan Clark did not have kind words for the New England Patriots. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

While you mentioned how Cortez Allen did so well against Rob Gronkowski in the slot during Pittsburgh’s 2011 win, did you take into account how your secondary had Keenan Lewis on the field that day?

Now that Lewis is in New Orleans, Allen will be forced to take his spot in the starting lineup.  Thus the chore of handling “The Gronk” throughout the game could fall to you, the injury-prone Troy Polamalu or an inexperienced cornerback on your roster if Allen has to play outside the numbers and cover other pass-catchers.  And do you really believe that William Gay, Curtis Brown, Josh Victorian, or even rookie Terry Hawthorne can cover Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez in space with any sort of consistency?

In addition to the talented tight ends, what will you do to stop Amendola if he comes your way, Ryan?  Torpedo yourself and your helmet illegally into his face-mask?  I hate to break it to you, but the referees throw flags for that type of play nowadays.  Then again, if you knew that you probably would have stopped doing it due to the excessive fines and costly penalties which you have racked up over the years.

Also, it’s not like Amendola is coming from a “non-physical” and “flag-football background” either.  He spent his entire career in the extremely physical NFC West and he played against the likes of Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona up to six times per season.  The 49ers and Seahawks ranked 3rd & 4th in total defense last year, and the Cardinals managed to rank 12th to boot.  All three of those teams have had rough and tough defenses over the last three years, and I would go so far as to say that the NFC West is the most physical division in football right now.

Furthermore, do not dismiss talented rookies like Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson from making contributions in the passing game and spreading the field against your defense as well.  Dick LeBeau’s defensive scheme is exposed in zone-coverage against accurate quarterbacks who employ four and five wide receiver sets, so good luck stopping Brady if you want to go zone-heavy against him in Week 9.

Most importantly though, how is your team’s inconsistent pass-rush going to rattle Mr. Brady if you do decide to send guys after him?  LaMarr Woodley has had one foot on the field and the other at a Dunkin’ Donuts since he signed his massive deal during the summer of 2011.  On the opposite side of “Mr. Stay Puft” is the injury-prone Jason Worilds, and the former Hokie has yet to receive anything but spot-starts over his career.  Pittsburgh’s outside linebackers combined to record a total of 15.0 sacks last season, and the unit could struggle even more this year without James Harrison.

Look, I understand that you didn’t guarantee a victory like Smith did Mr. Clark, but you sure sent some unnecessary verbal barbs New England’s way.  Then again, jawing like yours has become the norm more than anything else over the last few years in Pittsburgh.  Essentially, you gave bulletin board material to a future Hall of Famer who has shredded your franchise over the course of his storied career (6-2 record including playoffs).  The sad part is that Brady has carved far more talented Steeler defenses than the one that Pittsburgh will send out on the field in 2013.

But don’t worry Ryan, it’s not like Brady, Amendola and the rest of the Patriots players and coaching staff will sink to your level and respond off of the field by hamming for the camera or jawing through the papers like you do.  They’re more likely channel their energy into performing well on the field like the professionals they are. Ultimately, they’re much more equipped to have the last laugh against you and the rest of the defense by the time November 3rd rolls around.

You know, just like Anthony Smith was all those years ago by a man named Brady.

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This was a muffed punt in 2013. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

If a player ever wants to stay on the Steelers roster, they better start with Ben Roethlisberger.  After the New England Patriots finally offered a tender to Emmanuel Sanders of $2.5 million, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was reported as lobbying heavily for the team to match the offer.  I wonder if he would have worn a #88 jersey if they were in any mini-camp.

As you all might recall, the last time Big Ben lobbied this hard for a fellow teammate, Max Starks found his way back onto the Steelers roster.  Not once, but twice.  During that time, Ben could be seen wearing a #78 jersey as a way of saying ‘I got your back bro, and I want you back on this team.’  Even though no jersey was worn this time around, the Steelers agreed with Roethlisberger that Sanders was worth paying him twice what his original tender was by matching the Patriots’ offer.

Last we all heard, the Steelers were under $2 million in cap space.  That meant and means that for the Steelers to sign just about anyone left as a free agent, they are going to need to shuffle around some cash.  There aren’t really any significant contracts to restructure that would free up another million in funds, so the team will more than likely have to dump some more weight.  I’m not really sure where that will come from, but after losing a bunch of players already it really doesn’t give me the urge to jump for joy at this deal.  Granted, the team would have lost Sanders if they didn’t match the offer, but they were lined up to get a third compensatory round pick – not really that bad when you consider that third round picks can be good development projects with little risk.

I’m guessing that the idea of Antonio Brown, Plaxico Burress, Jerricho Cotchery, David Gilreath, and a 2013 draft pick as the main receiving core scared the front office enough to make this move.  Sanders is not the most impactful receiver out there – drops, lost fumbles and bad feet – but he knows the offense already.  As an RFA, it’s not like he had many choices in testing the waters.  It appears he wanted to stay with the team, and that’s better than certain other former receivers we know.

Was this a good move or bad one by the Steelers Brass?

Sanders is likely headed to New England. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

On paper, the move itself looks like an enormous blow to the wide-receiver-needy and salary cap-strapped Steelers. 

Not only does Pittsburgh stand to lose their 4th leading receiver from the 2012 season, the departure of Sanders would leave Antonio Brown, Jerricho Cotchery, and Plaxico Burress as the Steelers’ #1, #2, and #3 options at the wide receiver position.

Negative vibes aside, I for one will not be overly upset if Manny departs for Foxborough.  In fact, I believe that if Sanders does leave, it will not hurt the franchise as much as some might lead you to believe!

I am sure that some of you would like me to explain myself, so here are five reasons why I believe that the Steelers could benefit if Colbert & Co. allow Sanders to go to New England.

1. Extra 3rd Round pick

This reason is pretty self-explanatory.  I for one believe that the rebuilding Steelers could stand to use any and all draft selections that they can acquire at the moment.  New England would have to trade the 91st overall pick (3rd Round) to Pittsburgh if the Colbert & Co. are unable to ink him during the next five days.  This in turn would help Pittsburgh’s brass to set themselves up well on Day 2 of the draft with one selection in Round 2, and two more in Round 3 to make some major moves and find some important pieces to their “rebuilding puzzle.”

2. Deep WR class in Rounds 2 & 3

Reason #1 leads right into reason #2 because the 2013 Draft Class is littered with mid-Round talent at the wide receiver position.  Luckily for the Steelers, players like Stedman Bailey (West Virginia), Quinton Patton (Louisiana Tech), Aaron Dobson (Marshall), Ryan Swope (Texas A&M), Terrance Williams (Baylor), Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee Tech), and Josh Boyce (Texas Christian) could potentially be available for the Steelers to take late in Round 2 and in Round 3 with one or more of the team’s three selections.  Thus, the Steelers could draft Sanders’ replacement, and acquire the services of the player for a fraction of the cost.

3. New England almost bereft of draft choices

As I mentioned before, if the Steelers do not bring Sanders back, New England would be forced to forfeit their 3rd Round pick.  If the Patriots surrender their 3rd Round pick, they will only be left with a total of 4 selections in this m0nth’s draft, including zero picks in Rounds 3, 4, 5, and 6!  If Colbert & Co. want to hurt an A.F.C. foe while helping themselves in the process, it might make sense to call the Patriots on their current bluff.

4. Health & Fumbling Issues

Although losing Sanders could be a big blow to Pittsburgh’s offense, let’s take into account how the pass-catcher had issues staying healthy, and even holding onto the ball as a member of the Steelers.  Not only did Sanders have issues with foot injuries during his career in Pittsburgh, he did not play 16 games in a regular season until the 2012 campaign.  In addition to his foot problems, Manny had his own fair share of “butterfingers” moments.  After he fumbled twice as a rookie in 2010, Sanders put the ball on the turf three times last season!  While Manny has the potential to develop into an even more effective wide receiver, his issues with injuries and fumbles should not be overlooked.

5. Top Compensation Likely to Receive for Sanders

No offense to Sanders and what he could potentially do at the N.F.L.-level, but a 3rd Round pick is likely to be the best compensation that the Steelers could ever dream to receive for their pass-catcher.  Even if the Steelers received a compensatory pick in 2015 for Sanders (assuming that the front office could not sign him long-term), it sure would probably not come close to a 3rd Round pick.  Remember fans, the Steelers only received a 5th round compensatory pick for Nate Washington in 2010, and Washington put up better numbers in his final season with Pittsburgh (40 catches, 631 yards, 3 touchdowns) than Sanders has ever done in his three year career with the team.

Final Thoughts

I for one will not take a negative attitude towards whatever unfolds between Sanders, the Steelers, and the Patriots over the next five days.  Is it a “kick to groin” to Pittsburgh’s offense if they lose their projected #2 pass-catcher two weeks before ”Draft Weekend?”  Heck yes. But one must also take into account that the franchise might not be able to (or might not even want to) retain Manny by the time the 2014 offseason begins. 

As I stated before, unless Sanders sticks with the team and becomes Big Ben’s #1 target, there is no way that the team will receive anything close to a 3rd Round compensatory pick for his services if he leaves next spring.  Plus, since the team is sure to be in “cap hell” for the next few seasons, some team could easily offer Sanders more money to leave Pittsburgh too.

Thus, I for one am not as worried as most are at the moment.  In fact, I am simply intrigued to see exactly what transpires over the next month. 

Readers: Should the Steelers let Sanders walk?  Will it be worth it?  Why or why not?

Emmanuel Sanders is likely headed to Foxborough. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of waiting, the New England Patriots finally signed wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a Restricted Free Agent offer sheet.

I can’t say that I blame Grumbledore & Co. for their ballsy gambit to acquire “Manny.”  They have a need at the wide receiver position, and Sanders was a solid contributor for the Steelers when he was healthy (94 catches, 1,290 yards, 5 touchdowns). 

I guess the Patriots really like the former S.M.U. Mustang, because they will have to give up a 3^rd Round pick to the Steelers if Colbert & Co. are unable to match the offer sheet.  I should also add that if New England does acquire Manny, their front office will only have selections in the 1st, 2nd, and 7th Rounds in the upcoming draft.

The Steelers now have five days to match the Patriots offer to Sanders, and the cap-strapped franchise is unlikely to match what New England is likely to offer.  If Sanders does head to Foxborough, I believe that the move signals two important things:

• The Steelers will almost assuredly select at least one wide receiver on Day 1 or Day 2 of “Draft Weekend.”

• Pittsburgh’s brass will now have an extra “poker chip” to gamble with (91st overall pick) on Day 2 on the draft.

It’s a shame to see Sanders go, and “Young Money” is essentially “Gone Money” at this point with Antonio Brown being the only wide receiver left from the once promising group.  With Plaxico Burress and Jerricho Cotchery as the only other pass-catchers left on the roster with any experience, I for one would not be shocked to see Pittsburgh’s brass “double-dip” at wide receiver in this month’s draft.

In light of this news, I truly hate to be a ”Negative Nancy.”  But I think that I can speak for most members of “Steeler Nation” when I say that this offseason has been one giant “kick in the nuts.”

Swapping Mikes. Could Mike Williams replace someone like Mike Wallace? Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Steelers may not be able to come to terms with their young speedster receiver, Mike Wallace.  And if by chance that happens, the Steelers may (or very well may not) be on the market to pick up a viable #2 or #3 receiver to compete against the rest of The Core while in camp or even someone who could come along post-Wallace era.

While constantly thinking about the Steelers, I get to play a lot of ‘what if’s’ in my head.  Some are pleasant, some would make a person shudder.  The ‘what if’ currently swirling around the ol’ noggin’ is the Steelers deciding to let Wallace hold out AND take it a step further by looking for another receiver to compete in camp.  There’s one in particular who’s available because his former team showed him the door this past Friday.  The other potential receiver is not likely to sign a long term deal with his current team and will be forced to play with a franchise tag this year.  Without that new deal, he will probably be a free agent next season and may get a good glance by the Steelers were it to come to that.  But which one of these receivers – Mike Williams or Wes Welker – would be a viable option over Mike Wallace?

Mike Williams would be entering his 6th season in the NFL were he to play for another team.  Williams had a shaky start to his career for the first few years and all but completely disappeared by 2007 when on the Tennessee Titans’ roster.  But former college coach and now head coach of the Seahawks, Pete Carroll, signed Williams and got him back in action after Williams missed the 2008 and 2009 seasons.  Williams quickly reached a potential everyone could get behind after catching 65 passes for 751 yards in his first season back.  After Seattle snagged Sydney Rice from the Vikings, most folks thought that Rice and Williams would be a duo to fear.  Williams is 6’5″ and runs a 4.5 40.  Not lighting fast, but on par with most receivers.  That tall frame and decent hands could snag bomb after bomb if given the chance.  However, as most things that come Tavaris Jackson’s way, Williams had a hard time connecting with his QB.  Williams’ production fell in 2011 by 500 yards and was shown the door this past Friday.

Williams could be an effective and make an immediate impact for the Steelers were they to sign him to a one year deal by camp.  It certainly would show Mike Wallace that the Steelers are playing hard ball and playing for keeps.  Everyone is replaceable.  Sure, it could sour relations immensely between Wallace and the Steelers, but I can only assume that things aren’t really that great right now with Mike and the FO over this contract stalemate.  Williams has a big frame and could be a nice compliment to Antonio Brown on the other side of the field.  He’s not as fast as AB, but his size would play a huge advantage.  Were the Steelers offense to have a formation that included Williams, AB, Leonard Pope and Heath Miller – that’s 3 out of 4 guys over 6 feet for corners and linebackers to cover.  A recipe for big gains over the middle with quick screens and in-curls.  Who needs to go big down the field when you can keep peppering a team with 15-20 yard gains every passing down?  I think that Williams is far from being washed up.  He had the potential in 2010 when he was with Matt Hasselbeck.  You have to look at the context of his next season when playing with Tavaris Jackson – who is simply awful.  Little Doug Baldwin was their best receiver with over 700 yards.  The next top receiver had barely over 400 yards.  Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst just killed the offense for these Seahawks.  Williams can still cut it in the league and very well could be a good addition to the Steelers if they decide to ‘move on’ from Mike Wallace.  Williams was supposed to get $3 million in 2012 and would be a steal.

Should Mike Wallace not sign a long term deal and only play one season with his tender (or no season at all), I could certainly see the Steelers deciding to call it quits with Wallace and not go after him as an unrestricted free agent.  At that point, they will have no leverage.  If Wallace doesn’t play at all, then we know he is dead set on big money and the Steelers will never offer it up to a guy who hasn’t deserved it yet.  So who could be out there as a replacement.  Well, regardless of Mike Williams being in the picture or not, there’s a current (and soon to be former) New England Patriot who could take Wallace’s roster spot.

Wes Welker has averaged over 1,000 receiving and averaged 6 TD's per season since 2007. Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Wes Welker got slapped with the franchise tag this offseason by the Patriots.  Welker has been trying to work on an extension with the team this whole time and has until 4pm on Monday to get a deal done.  If that doesn’t happen, then he will be forced to play 2012 with his tendered tag of $9.5 million guaranteed.  My feeling is that if a long term doesn’t get done by then, then Welker probably won’t get signed at the end of the season by the Pats.  There might be a bit of bad blood from all those drops against the Giants in the Super Bowl.

Should Welker be available and the Steelers boot Mike Wallace into the big ocean of free agency, then I think the Steelers could sign Welker to a one year deal.  Worth something close to $6 million.  It’s a bit pricey and Welker is getting up there in years – will be 32 by next offseason – but, he has yet to show any signs of slowing down.  Welker runs a 4.6 40 yard, but his size plays a huge advantage in slants and crossing routes.  He is a very good technique football player and, aside from those drops in SB XLVI, has very good dependable hands.  He is another version of Hines Ward minus the blocking.  And, I would say he’s a cut above Jerricho Cotchery who plays a very similar game.  At least right now he is.

I’m sure it’s a bit of a hard pill to swallow to think that the Steelers would sign a guy just like Hines Ward and almost just as old when the Steelers decided to release Ward.  Depending on how Cotchery continues to pan out, and depending on how this offense evolves this season without Wallace (for the sake of this post), then Welker could be a good addition and short term solution.  There’s no way the Steelers would sign him to anything more than a one year deal, but he could be worth the single season investment.  It might be just the thing they need to be Super Bowl bound again.  They just may want to bench Welker in February…. I kid I kid.

I honestly think that Williams is the better investment.  Bigger frame, younger, and faster are three of his advantages over Welker.  Which one would the Steelers go with?  Hard to say since we are looking at two different periods in time.  But, having to guess which one fits the Steelers offense better and could act as a better replacement over Mike Wallace – I’d have to go with the other Mike.  I’m kind of sick of the Wallace ‘thing’ and wouldn’t mind the Steelers going with someone like Williams as a different option.  Some sources think Williams could go to the Vikes – God love the irony, right Sydney?  As always, we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.

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