Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency Grade and Review

Contributor: James Pete, Steel Tradition

Team Needs: OG, OT, CB, S, WR, ST, DL, ILB

Key additions: LB Keyoran Fox (Kansas City), C Justin Hartwig (Carolina), RB/KR/PR Mewelde Moore (Vikings)

Key Losses: OG Alan Faneca (NY Jets), KR Allen Rossum (San Francisco), TE Jerame Tuman (Arizona)

Key Free Agents Retained: OL Max Starks (transition), DE Travis Kirschke, OG Chris Kemoeatu, LB/DL Andre Frazier, OL Trai Essex, Long Snapper Greg Warren

Free Agency Notes: Pittsburgh's offensive was really in disarray as the season progressed last season. Some attribute it to injury, but Pittsburgh's line hasn't been that good in two years. Pittsburgh lost their best lineman, OG Alan Faneca, who signed a mega-deal with the New York Jets. Faneca is one of the best run blocking guards in the game, but pass-blocking isn't his specialty. Faneca struggled in the Steelers' passing game, because of Ben Roethlisberger's mobility. The team's key moves have been on the line. Sean Mahan, the big OL signing last year, was continually blown off the ball at center, which led to the Steelers to sign center Justin Hartwig from the Carolina Panthers. Hartwig provides a more seasoned center than Mahan, and while he's not a long-term solution, he should be an improvement in the middle. Mahan will add versatility, and will challenge for one of the guard positions, and provide the Steelers with a swing lineman who can back up the guard and center positions. Pittsburgh re-signed OG Chris Kemoeatu, who will be battling Mahan for the departed Faneca's guard position. He's inexperienced, but may be better than people think, especially against the run. Trai Essex was also re-signed, and can play both guard and tackle. He should be in the mix. The watch is now on for Max Starks, who the Steelers have labeled as a transition player. Nobody has offered him a contract, and the Steelers are still working on a deal. If they can't sign him, he'll make the average of the top 10 OL in the league, which would be 6.9 million. Pittsburgh addressed several needs when they signed former Minnesota RB/KR/PR Mewelde Moore. Moore immediately becomes the Steelers third down back, and return man. This will be a major upgrade over old-man Allen Rossum, who was allowed to leave after a disappointing season. Pittsburgh also signed LB Keyoran Fox from the Chiefs to help the Steelers in special teams. He also will move from OLB to ILB to back up a thin position. The Steelers still need to address several areas, including the defensive backfield, the defensive line, wide receiver and special teams. It may be difficult to do with their limited cap space, although the recent release of Cedrick Wilson gives them 2 million more to play with.

Grade: C+ The needs are being addressed, but it's hard to do with restricted cap space.

Review of Grade: In truth, the Steelers have their hands tied with Cap Space, so the moves they have made have fit what they can do. Still, this team really hasn't addressed their issues with any real depth. The offensive line lost Faneca and added Hartwig, while re-signing backups without experience, and keeping the others that weren't all that effective. Nothing against Hartwig, but him at center, with Mahan or Kemoeatu at guard probably isn't the answer. The Steelers line needs an overhaul. The defensive backfield is very thin. Troy Polamalu is as good as it gets, but there are injury issues that keep coming up. Ryan Clark fits well with Polamalu, but after getting injured last year, it's unknown what or if to expect him back and up to snuff. Tyrone Carter is to small and Anthony Smith bites on every play action, provided nothing but burnt toast as fill-ins. The Corners, Ike Taylor and Deshea Townshend are as inconsistent as they come, and have needed replaced for the better part of two-years, but they do just enough to keep their jobs. The defensive line is solid, but Casey Hamption, Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are all 30 years and over, and after Smith went down, we saw how little depth there is on the dline. The WR position also has two solid starters in Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, but not a consistent back-up with size and hands. Special Teams still needs addressed. At the end of the day, the Steelers need to add depth in the draft, or it could be a long season.

post-gazette.com

Ex-Bills star Smith convicted of DUI

Former NFL star Bruce Smith was convicted of drunken driving Thursday by a judge who rejected his claim that old football injuries, not alcohol, were responsible for his poor performance on field sobriety tests.

Coach, teammates remember McNair

The hit Steve McNair took to his chest in September 2000 had the NFL quarterback ready to quit the game. It caused him so much pain he spent a bye weekend with the team's former chaplain in Houston. Then McNair, who struggled to breathe, watched his backup knocked out of the Titans' next game.

Police: McNair shot dead in sleep by girlfriend

Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, police said Wednesday.

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steelerslive.com

arians, "still a dummy"

Hey Bruce, wake up. Your O Line couldn't run block well. You admit this. Don't you think that their inability to run block forced a lot of pass plays that the opposition knew were comong. Charge the lack of running production mostly to the O Line. In no uncertain terms this led to many of the sacks. And hey stupid, if Ben didn't hold onto the football as long as he did, the Steelers don't even make the playoffs. He made it happen because his line couldn't run block or pass block. I saw the "GREAT STARKS" get beat time after time and some of them for clean shots on Ben.

STEEL CURTAIN RADIO #19: SACKS

Click Show Link to Listen: http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/SCR_19.mp3

1. Why the Max Starks Deal Makes Sense?
2. Why Ben’s Health is the Biggest Obstacle to a Repeat?
3. Why the Steelers Have to Limit the Sacks

Call in line: 206-202-4468

Master Feeds for all the shows on Whatchatalkinbout.com

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall needs to step up his game for playing time.

there are plenty of reasons for steelers fans to be optimistic about a title defense. the teams room for improvment with the running game is near the top of the list this year.

last years first-round pick rashard mendenhall figures to have an increasing role, but coach mike tomlin says thats all on mendenhall.

"He's got to put himself back into the offense. i am not responsible for mendenhall's role in the offense.. HE IS."

its also no suprise that Mike Tomlin is dolling out tough love after running backs lost rookie season.

nfl.com

Steelers owner Rooney sworn in as U.S. ambassador, traveling to Ireland

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney is making his first official trip as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, one day after being sworn in by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Steelers owner Rooney officially becomes U.S. ambassador to Ireland

The Senate confirmed Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as U.S. ambassador to Ireland on Thursday. The nomination, announced by President Barack Obama on St. Patrick's Day, was approved by voice vote.

Dungy we know today was softened by the Steel Curtain

Tony Dungy was always seen as an even-keeled, calming influence as a coach. He will be the first to admit he was not that way when he entered the NFL. Dungy explains how things changed.

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behindthesteelcurtain.com

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #1

BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Heath Miller Could Be Released Edition?

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #2

The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #3

Maple Street Press 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Annual Now Available

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mvn.com/nfl-steelers

Steelers sign James Harrison to record-breaking deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers have rewarded linebacker James Harrison for his incredible 2008 season with a six-year, $51.175 million. According to ESPN's John Clayton, about $20 million of the contract is guaranteed through bonuses.

Steelers' linebacker James Harrison seemed to do everything right during the 2008 season. He led the team with 16 sacks and was the leader of the #1 ranked defense in the league. He was named the NFL's defensive player of the year and returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Steelers Super Bowl 43 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Pittsburgh continues it's precedent, set with the prior signings of Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger, of tying up their best players to long-term deals. Signing Harrison was obviously their top priority heading into the offseason, and once again, they got the job done.

Look for the Steelers to focus their attention on the upcoming draft and the current crop of free agent wide receivers. Don't be surprised if the Steelers also focus their attention on tight end Heath Miller, who also becomes a free agent next season.

Steel Tradition Super Sunday with 2009 draft needs

The Pittsburgh Steelers waltz into the 2009 season as the defending super bowl champions, and are loaded with just as much talent as that 2008 championship team. Pittsburgh heads towards the 2009 NFL draft having lost only four players that made any sort of contribution in 2009. Starting cornerback Bryant McFadden (Cardinals) and wide receiver Nate Washington (Titans) were the most significant of these players, and will be missed. Who were gladly released were offensive guard Kendall Simmons and offensive tackle Marvel Smith (49ers), who both made their way out of the Steel City after both missed nearly the whole season with injuries, and were just as missing when they were healthy.

The Steelers have yet to sign a free agent from another club, instead focusing on resigning several of their own free agents. It's obvious that their in-house signings focused on the offensive linemen that the front office deemed worthwhile, special teams, and depth. The Steelers re-signed offensive guard Chris Kemoeautu to a five-year deal, franchised offensive tackle Max Starks, and tendered a one-year deal to restricted free agent, offensive tackle Willie Colon. Offensive tackle Trai Essex was also re-signed to a two-year deal, giving the Steelers a foundation to work from on the line, if only for a year. The Steelers re-signed linebackers Keyaron Fox, Andre Frazier and Arnold Harrison, as well as cornback Anthony Madison to continue to bolster their vastly improved special teams. Cornerback Fernando Bryant, fullback Carey Davis, and tight end/fullback Sean McHugh were all re-signed to provide depth in two areas of need. Even though these signings certainly are the unsung types of moves that Super Bowl champs need to make it still leaves the Steelers with several glaring needs as the draft moves closer.

Leftwich signs two-year deal with Bucs

Michael Smith and John Clayton from ESPN are both reporting that Byron Leftwich has signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, officially leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers where he served as Ben Roethlisberger's back-up during their 2008 Super Bowl run. Leftwich had joined the Steelers last season after perennial back-up, Charlie Batch, missed the entire season thanks to a broken clavicle. Now it appears as though Leftwich will have an opportunity to start with the Bucs, who have a virtual who's who of mid-range quarterbacking possibilities. It also will allow Leftwich to play closer to his Atlanta home, as well as his South Florida practice facility.

In the wonderful world of NFL free agency, reports out of Tampa Bay as late as yesterday had the Buccaneers closing the door on Leftwich in favor of potentially drafting Josh Freeman in two weeks. The Steelers had a two-year deal on the table and were the favorites to re-sign the quarterback, and the Washington Redskins were the odd team out. Of course, none of those reports were even close to being correct.

Where does this leave the Steelers? Charlie Batch, who has been working out and practicing with the Steelers even though he's an unrestricted free agent, will likely receive a one or two year deal to stay with the club, allowing Dennis Dixon to remain with the team as the third string quarterback. Of course, there are some theories that would have Dixon come in as the back-up, although they are far-fetched. The Steelers will no doubt sign Batch, or another veteran to give Dixon at least one more season of development.

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steelersgab.com

Woodson Says He’d Go in the Hall of Fame a Steeler

Once a Steeler, always a Steeler. That seems to be the thinking of one of the greatest cornerbacks of all-time, as Rod Woodson will be getting his ultimate reward this summer -a bust in Canton, OH in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Woodson spoke to KNBR in San Francisco, and says that if he [...]

Holmes Among a Few Players Already Talking Super Bowl for the Steelers

No one since the Patriots have been to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons, but that isn’t stopping some Steelers led by last year’s Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes thinking that the 09 season will once again belong to the Black and Gold. Yes, Holmes thinks the Steelers are going to be Super Bowl bound once [...]

Steelers Ranked Third in ESPN’s “Ultimate Standings” as a Franchise

Steeler fans already know just how lucky they are to root for the best football team in the world. Now, ESPN the Magazine has put out their “Ultimate Standings” for the best franchises, and the Steelers rank a very high third overall on the list. Here is the presser from ESPN on the [...]

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