Another member of Pittsburgh’s 2007 Draft Class is set to return to “The Steel City.”

Spaeth spent two seasons in Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, Pittsburgh’s Front Office signed Tight End Matt Spaeth to provide the franchise with some insurance at the position while Heath Miller is on the mend.

Rarely utilized in Pittsburgh’s passing-attack during his four years with the Steelers, the former Minnesota Golden Gopher was not much of a pass-catching threat as a member of the Bears either.  Overall, Matt caught only 13 passes for 78 Yards and 3 TD’s, and was more of a “Tackle Eligible” than a Tight End in Chicago’s “Matt Forte-centric” Offense.

At least to me, the biggest thing that I can take away from the Spaeth signing is that it basically seals Leonard Pope’s fate with the franchise.  At one time, Pope was thought to be a solid pickup for Pittsburgh due to his familiarity with Todd Haley from his days in Arizona and Kansas City.

Unfortunately, Leonard was less than stellar as a run-blocker, almost non-existent as a Red Zone target, and eventually passed on the depth chart by Rookie David Paulson towards the end of last year.  Thus, unless more injuries occur, Pope is likely one-and-done as a member of the Steelers.

Until Miller can return to the lineup healthy, Pittsburgh will likely line up with Paulson and Spaeth as #1 and #2 on their Depth Chart.  Behind those two, I would have to think that David Johnson would be utilized in some type of flex-FB/TE backup role.

Regardless of how the Depth Chart shakes out between those three players this Summer, the onus will be on them to “hold down the fort” until the the Steelers’ Pro Bowl Tight End comes back from his knee injury.

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

Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com

Bell had a terrific career at Michigan State. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozlan – USA TODAY Sports

According to the Detroit Free-Press, Tomlin, along with two other members of Pittsburgh’s staff, actually went out to dinner with Bell and Sims on the night before their workout sessions.  In fact, Sims had this to say to the Free-Press this about his meal with Tomlin:

We laughed a lot, joked a lot, shared some personal stuff

 

Unlike Sims, Bell had actually met Tomlin before their Tuesday outing, in fact he told the Free-Press how:

I [Bell] actually met with Mike Tomlin at the combine and talked with him.  I know what he thinks of me; he thinks I’m a great player.  I think I impressed him today.  So I’m just trying to help my cause.  Hopefully they pull the trigger.  You never know.

 

Of the two players, Bell would definitely be the prospect who could help the Steelers the most as they try to rebuild.  Not only does Pittsburgh lack a clear-cut starter at the position, they are transitioning to a Zone-Blocking scheme under new Offensive Line Coach Jack Bicknell Jr..

After two seasons of sharing the load with other backs (combined 1,553 Rush Yards, 21 TD’s), Bell broke out big last year.  Due to the fact that Kirk Cousins went to the N.F.L., the Spartans’ passing game was anemic.  Thus, Michigan State’s Offense was largely based around the bruising Back who shouldered the ground-game load over the entire 2012 campaign.  Overall, Bell carried the ball 382 times for 1,793 Yards and 12 TD’s, and did so as he faced 8 and 9 man Boxes each and every week.

While Bell is known more for his running, the most underrated part of his game is his hands.  During his final two collegiate seasons, the former Spartan caught 67 passes for 434 Yards and 1 TD.  Granted, Bell is not going to make anybody forget about Marshall Faulk as a pass-catcher, especially down the field or positioned in the slot.  Yet Le’Veon’s soft hands, and his ability to be used as a weapon in the Screen game are nice assets for any Offense to have at their disposal.

The biggest questions Le’Veon must face however as he transitions to the pro game will deal with his straight-line speed and his initial burst once he gets his hands on the ball.  Bell ran a 4.6 40 Yard-Dash at The Combine (he did not run at his Pro Day), which is good for a player his size (6’1” 229 lbs. currently), but is definitely not considered to be game-breaking speed.

Thankfully for Bell, he has a great amount of agility for a player with his frame, and posseses some experience as a Zone-scheme runner from his college days.  The Running Back put up solid numbers in the 20-Yard Shuttle (4.24 Sec.) and 3-Cone Drill (6.75 Sec.) at The Combine, and finished the 60-Yard Shuttle in 11.75 seconds.   Bucky Brooks of NFL.com is a big fan of Le’Veon, and from what I have seen of the Running Back (here and here), I like how well he used his vision to set up blocks and made some savvy and necessary cuts when the Spartans ran Zone plays.

Sims is a large target who could help an Offense, especially in the Red Zone. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

While Dion Sims is a much more raw prospect than Bell in terms of his overall playing experience, he is still a player who could intrigue the Steelers’ Front Office in the middle Rounds of the Draft.  Although I do not believe that Pittsburgh will be in the market for a Tyler Eifert or a Zach Ertz, the Coaches and Scouts might be willing to take a chance on a developmental, yet athletic prospect early on Day 3 like  the former Spartan Tight End.

Sims possesses a unique combination of quickness and athleticism for a player of his size (6’5” 262 lbs.).  Dion ran his 40 Yard Dash in 4.75 Seconds, and even posted a Vertical Jump of 35 Inches!  Like Bell, Sims posted most of his better numbers at The Combine, but he did show off his strength as he improved his Bench Press numbers from 22 to 26 at his Pro Day.

While Sims is an athletically gifted player, he has only played in three collegiate seasons, and has sustained his fair share of injuries during said span.  The Tight End played a chunk of the 2011 season with a broken hand, and missed 3 Games last season due to an ankle injury.

The former Spartan Tight End probably suffered just as much as Bell last year, if not more, because of Cousins’ departure to the N.F.L..  Although Sims set career-highs in Catches (36) and Yards (475), Michigan State’s reliance on Bell, and the lack of consistent Quarterback play held Sims back some.  And this was especially when it came to the number of Touchdowns he recorded last year (2).  Although Sims’ 2012 numbers were rather pedestrian, they still trumped his 2009 and 2011 stat-lines combined in Catches and Yards (23 Catches, 232 Yards), and one could see the improvements he made as a blocker and a pass-catcher.

Although he is a bit of a risk, Sims could be an athletic gamble worth taking on early Day 3 of the Draft.  Plus, the Steelers could stand to acquire someone who has the ability to emerge as a viable weapon in “12” personnel (1 Back, 2 Tight Ends) sets, and in the Red Zone.  Remember, Heath Miller is coming off of a bad knee injury, and Leonard Pope, David Paulson, and David Johnson are the only depth at the position right now for Pittsburgh.  Thus, the Steelers could use a developmental “insurance policy” at the position just in case none of the players I alluded to above work out alongside Heath once he returns.

I for one am intrigued to see if the Steelers select one, both, or none of the Michigan State prospects I discussed previously.  Tomlin and some of the Staff certainly appear to be interested, but we saw a similar situation play out last year when Pittsburgh’s Head Coach went out to dinner with Kirk Cousins before his Pro Day in East Lansing.  Regardless of what happened last year though, the Steelers do have needs which both players could help to fill if they are indeed selected.  Until “Draft Weekend” comes however, we will just have to wait to see if Pittsburgh’s interest is “real” or simply for “show.”

Players Stats Provided By Specific Team Pages: Michigan State, NFL Combine Page, and ESPN.com

Steelers’ Deep Receiving Corps Can Win the Day

Do the Packers, Eagles, and Patriots deserve kudos for being absolutely stacked at the Tight End and Wide Receiver positions?  Absolutely, and there are few, if any, teams in the League which can compete with them in terms of the amount of depth each possesses in the pass-catcher personnel department.  Like these teams I described above though, the Steelers have quietly been able to build one of League’s most potent groups of pass-catchers over the last few seasons.

Heath could have a big day on Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

On the outside, the Steelers have speed, speed, and more speed with their Pro Bowlers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.  There are few in the game which can match Wallace as a deep threat option.  Since Wallace came into the League in 2009, the former Ole Miss Rebel has logged 171 Catches for 3,206 Yards (18.7 YPC), and caught 24 Touchdowns.  Not to be outdone by his teammate, 2010 6th Round pick Antonio Brown had himself a monster 2011 campaign when he set the team record for All-Purpose Yards (2,211 Total) in a season. Brown will inevitably be asked to do even more on Offense this season as a Receiver and has been nothing but stellar during the preseason period (3 TD’s).

Do not get me wrong, Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown will be big factors in the Offensive strategy and have the ability to create splash plays.  But what Pro Bowl Tight End Heath Miller (51 Catches, 631 Yards, 2 TD’s), and slot guys Jerricho Cotchery (16 Catches, 237 Yards, 2 TD’s) and Emmanuel Sanders (22 Catches, 288 Yards, 2 TD’s) can do well is hurt teams between the hashes.  All three players not only possess solid hands (Miller’s are the best on the team), but Cotchery is a savvy route-runner and blocker that is not afraid to go over the middle, and Sanders has the perfect slot man combination of agility, route-running ability, and hands which have made him such an effective weapon when he has been on the field and healthy during his first two seasons.

But why exactly are Miller, Cotchery, and Sanders going to be such important factors during Sunday’s game?  Well, as I stated before, it has everything to do with Denver’s Pass Defense.  And this is where the Broncos’ weaknesses and inexperience at defending the pass in the middle of the field can help the Steelers.

Denver’s Defensive Issues

Due to the amount of pass catching options Big Ben has at his disposal, all of Denver’s Defensive personnel must be ready to neutralize the Steelers’ passing game.  Unfortunately for the Broncos, they will be without the services of Linebacker D.J. Williams (suspension) and veteran Safety Brian Dawkins (retired).  Sure, Denver might still have future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, and apparently the Tracy Porter acquisition is supposed to be an upgrade at the #2 Cornerback spot.  But if Denver is forced into sub-packages with multiple Receiver sets, Bailey and Porter will have their hands full with Wallace and Brown.  Not an easy task for any starting Cornerback combination across the League.  Because of this, the Broncos will have to rely on some younger and somewhat inexperienced players to protect the middle of the field against the Steelers’ slot guys and Heath Miller.

In sub-packages at the Cornerback position, players like Rookie Omar Bolden and 2nd Year man Chris Harris will be forced into action for Denver.  And I am pretty sure Big Ben would much rather look in their direction for some easy space than challenging Bailey all night long.  Without Dawkins, the Broncos are not exactly setting the world afire at the Safety position though either.  If the Steelers ramp up the passing game in the middle of the field or deep, Denver will have to rely on the possibly hobbled Quinton Carter, the inconsistent and sometimes torched Rahim Moore, and newly acquired journeyman Mike Adams.  As for the Linebackers, all I can say is “good luck” to Joe Mays and backup Wesley Woodyard in their attempts to stop Heath Miller and keep the seams clear of big plays.

All I have to say is that the Broncos had better hope that their Pass Defense has improved personnel-wise in 2012, because it was not like they were absolute juggernauts against the pass over the entirety of last season either.  Denver is coming off of a year in which the team only recorded 9 total Interceptions (T-31st in the League), 18 Total Takeaways (T-29th), ranked 18th in Total Passing Yards allowed (232 per game), and gave up a 62.4% Completion Percentage to their opponents (24th).  But not only were the Broncos mediocre to subpar against the pass last season, the Patriots exposed Denver’s most glaring weakness during their Divisional Playoff win at Foxborough last January.

The Patriots were the ones which ate Denver alive between the hashes that night as Gronkowski, Hernandez, and Welker had their way with the Linebackers, Safeties, and sub-package Cornerbacks.  Brady dinked and dunked and ripped holes through the Broncos’ Secondary as he stretched them to their breaking point to the tune of 6 Touchdowns through the air.  Best of all, Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were kept in check by New England’s quick attack over the middle, and this was against a Patriots Offensive Line which was in the midst of a down season.

With the Patriots in mind, if the Steelers want to keep Big Ben upright and get the ball out of his hands as fast as possible, his options in the slot and at Tight End should be the best places for him to look.  And remember Steelers fans, it was Sanders (6 Catches for 81 yards) and Miller (5 Catches for 60 Yards) which enjoyed solid statistical days against the Broncos last January, and it was Cotchery who got open and extended the play for the game-tying Touchdown.  These guys have had success against this Secondary before, and should hopefully receive plenty of chances to shine if Roethlisberger does not want to be pummeled.

Final Thoughts

My hope is that “Boss Todd” Haley and Roethlisberger (not playing on one leg in this game) can take something away from the A.F.C. Divisional Playoff last season and employ it into this weekend’s game.  I mean, what better way to take the home crowd out of the game than constantly picking at the opponent’s weakness until the Steelers’ other Offensive weapons are freed up to do damage?  I know that I will be interested to see how Todd Haley uses his pass catchers this season, and I hope that he can use the Patriots and what they did as an example for this Sunday night’s contest.  While the advantage in Pittsburgh’s favor might not be discussed, it does in fact exist.  And if the Broncos are not ready to bring their collective “A Game” against the Steelers’ entire group of pass catchers, it could very well be a long night for the Denver Defense.

Speak up “Steeler Nation:”  Do you think Pittsburgh will try to employ a similar strategy as the one that New England did against the Broncos?  Will Haley focus on the running game more?  Can the Line hold up long enough even for quick passes from the Shotgun?

Share your thoughts below

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com

TE Heath Miller has been the Steelers starter at the position since being drafted 30th overall in 2005.

“Big Money” is his nickname, seemingly since the day he stepped onto the Heinz Field grass.  He was considered the best Tight End in the Nation in 2005, when the Pittsburgh Steelers used their 30th overall pick to snag the University of Virginia Cavalier to fill a void left by the free agent departure of long-time starter Mark Bruener.  Bruener was a very popular Steeler, using his gritty playing style to wow the fans of Steeler Nation during his nine-year career in the black and gold.  After an injury-riddled 2003 season, Bruener signed with the Houston Texans, leaving journeyman Jeremy Tuman as the starter for the 2004 season.  Tuman made some big plays for the Steelers during the 2003-2004 run, but ultimately it was deemed that the Steelers needed a long-term solution at the position.  Enter Miller, the 2004 John Mackey Award winner as the best collegiate tight end in the country.

Heath Miller has been the starting tight end for the Steelers during their last three Super Bowl appearances, including wins in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.  His 5 receptions for 57 yards were key to the Steelers win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, and he was rewarded with a new six-year extension in July 2009, which keeps him in Pittsburgh through at least the 2014 season.  Miller is making $35.3 million during this contract, and slowly working his way up the all-time charts in every offensive category at his position.  He is a very popular player, with his jersey dotting the stands at Heinz Field as often as the ones of Ben Roethlisberger or Hines Ward.  As the Steelers begin to turn over their veteran roster that has brought such a high level of success to the franchise, Miller remains one of the veteran leaders and dependable players on the team.

So where does “Big Money” fit in on the list of top All-time Steelers tight ends?  Let’s take a look at the best five players the Steelers have had at that position and determine his place in the annuals of the Pittsburgh Steelers illustrious history.

TE Mark Bruener was the Steelers Tight End from 1995-2003. He ended his Steelers career with 1197 receiving yards and 16 TDs.

5.  Mark Bruener, 1995-2003

Mark Bruener was a very popular player in Pittsburgh, with the chants of “BRUUUUU” echoing throughout Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field whenever he made a big play.  His toughness was never questioned, and he provided very solid blocking and receiving for the Steelers during his nine- year run.  Bruener was on his way to being an all-time great for the team when injuries began to sap his ability in 2003.  He finished his career with the Houston Texans, playing very well for some bad teams in the early years of that franchise.  Overall, Bruener played in 125 games for the Steelers, starting 108.  He caught 137 passes for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns, and played on two Steelers playoff teams.  He was also the starting tight end as a rookie on the 1995 Super Bowl XXX team that lost to Dallas.  Bruener was a first-round pick out of Washington and currently works as a scout for the Steelers.

TE Randy Grossman won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970's, finishing with 119 receptions for 1,514 yards and 5 TDs.

4.  Randy Grossman, 1974-1981

Randy Grossman was a key member of the Steelers Dynasty teams of the 1970s.  Although he was rarely considered a starter, instead playing behind both TE Bennie Cunningham and TE Larry Brown, Grossman managed to make his mark with the Steelers throughout his eight years in Pittsburgh.  He started 43 games for those Steelers teams, and played in 118 games.  His best season with the team was 1978, when he started 10 games for the Super Bowl Champions and caught 37 passes for 448 yards, including one TD.  An undrafted free agent out of Temple, Grossman earned his way onto those talented Steelers teams by working hard, despite being undersized at just 6-foot 1 and 218 lbs.  He made his mark in Super Bowl X, catching a critical touchdown pass from QB Terry Bradshaw.  While his statistics do not leap out at you when looking at them, all it takes is watching some video of those Steelers teams to see what Grossman meant to the organization.  He spent his entire eight year career with the Steelers, and remains one of the most popular players from that generation to the fans who watched his play.  Grossman played in an era that saw the Steelers run the ball close to 75% of the their offensive snaps, and he was usually on the field with wide receiver such as Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.  It would be easy to overlook Grossman based on stats alone, but when you dig deeper – it is obvious why he is on this list.

TE Bennie Cunningham emerged as a star for the Steelers in the late 1970's and carried the Tight End position for the team through the mid-80's.

3.  Bennie Cunningham 1976-1985

The Steelers of the 1970′s had three prominent Tight Ends, two of which are on this list.  The early starter at the position was Larry Brown, who was eventually moved to a position on the defensive line.  He was replaced by Randy Grossman, who then gave way to rookie Bennie Cunningham.  Cunningham was the Steelers 1st round pick (28th overall) in 1976 out of Clemson University.  He became a life-time Steeler, sending all 10 of his NFL seasons with the team.  Once again, he was a player overshadowed by so many other future Hall of Fame players on the offensive juggernaut of the 1970′s Steelers.  Cunningham would start 80 games for the Steelers, including 14 games during the Super Bowl years of 1978 and 1979.  Ultimately, he played in 118 games for the Steelers and caught 202 passes for 2,879 yards and 20 touchdowns, now third on the all-time Steelers list for tight ends behind Eric Green (36 TDs) and Heath Miller (31 TDs).  Cunningham was a very athletic and intimidating player at 6-foot 5 and 254 lbs, and went on to catch two passes for 21 yards in Super Bow XIV.  Hewas one of the players who bridged the gap between those 1970′s Dynasty teams and the reality of the early to mid 1980′s.

TE Eric Green only played five seasons in Pittsburgh, but his impact on the game was huge. His Steelers career numbers of 198 catches for 2,681 yards are both second all time.

2.  Eric Green  1990-1994

Eric Green was almost beyond human.  His athletic ability and size made him the Steelers most feared weapon for a five year span between 1990-1994.  While his ego would end up getting the best of him, and lead him out of town, Green had a major impact on Pittsburgh in his short Steelers career.  He started 53 games, catching 198 passes for 2,681 yards and an astonishing 24 touchdowns in just five seasons.  Had Green stayed in Pittsburgh instead of moving onto Miami in 995, he could have been one of the great Steelers of all time.  Instead, he falls short of the top spot to our chief subject…..

TE Heath Miller continues to be a solid veteran leader for the Steelers in 2012.

1.  Heath Miller 2005-Current

“Big Money” has earned his nickname as he has broken every record held by a Steelers Tight End.  He has started 108 games, never playing in less than 14 games in any of his seven seasons.  His dependability has been exceptional, and once again – despite being in an offense that has rarely utilized the Tight End as a primary weapon – he has capitalized on his opportunities to the tune of 337 receptions (1st All Time), 3,864 receiving yards (1st All Time), and 31 Touchdowns (1st All Time).  He has a lifetime yards-per-catch of 11.5, and has a chance to enter the All Time ranks of NFL tight ends before he ends his career.  Heath Miller has been everything the Steelers expected and more since being drafted 30th overall in 2005.  Miller has been a massive red zone target for QB Ben Roethlisberger throughout his career, and will continue to be one as he reaches his 30′s.  He is a veteran leader on this team and a player that is looked up to by the younger guys, a trait that has not eluded head coach Mike Tomlin, who often calls Miller the best tight end in football.

So there you have it Steeler Nation, when you sit down to watch your Steelers this season, pay close attention to #83.  There is a good chance that you are watching the best tight end to ever suit up in the black and gold.

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