- Guys whose starting jobs are in jeopardy for 2010: Justin Hartwig, Bryant McFadden, Stefan Logan.
- Maurkice Pouncey becomes the best Center in the AFC the MINUTE he starts his first NFL game. The guy is as good as anyone in the league.
- Yes, Stefan Logan was technically the best KR/PR in Steelers history last year, but did he really do anything worthy of a roster spot? The Steelers will have some tough decisions to make on the last 4-5 roster spaces, and Logan is a "luxury" player. WR Antonio Brown can take over these duties and the team would have one more opportunity to not try to pass a Thaddeus Gibson or Stevenson Sylvester through waivers. Neither would get back to them, and both have legit NFL skills. Cut Logan, save the roster spot, and allow one of these young defensive players a chance to make this squad.
- Justin Hartwig needs to prove he can still play Guard ASAP. His starting Center job is gone. Pouncey is the present and future there, but Hartwig is a guy who can still be as valuable as his contract says he is. He is a true leader, started on a Super Bowl Championship team, and if he finds versatility on the O-Line, he becomes a nice insurance policy to injuries or a player falling out of favor with the fickle Mike Tomlin.
- How nice was it to see Troy Polamalu out there running around like it was 2008? Troy is a no-doubt All-Pro when healthy, and he is the literal heart of this defense. His presence for 16 games will be a bigger factor than who the QB is to start the season.
- The Steelers are secretly putting together a "Wild Duck" offensive package for QB Dennis Dixon. It won't be shown in the preseason, but trust this Steeler fan, its happening. The Atlanta Falcons better start planning for it, or they are in trouble Week 1.
- WR Hines Ward has now played in 40 NFL stadiums, including Toronto SkyDome during the preseason vs. Buffalo in 2008. Another milestone for a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
Next game is Sunday Night Football @ Denver. S Ryan Clark will not dress, and I don't blame him. Expect to see Ben play at least a half, and Leftwich for probably the rest of the game. Its also time to give Rashard Mendenhall 20 carries.
Steel World Order Radio is a no-holds barred look at the local and national sports scene and professional wrestling industry. Hosted by Jeff Snedden and Paul Hammond, SWO Radio is forging the new revolution of Pittsburgh sports talk radio. The Policy of Truth starts here....
8/18/2010
Its the most wonderful time of the year!!
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| Steelers Season Tickets....the best UPS Package anyone can get! |
8/17/2010
Preseason Game #1: Steelers 23, Lions 7 - what did we learn?
So the first game of what we all hope is the season we win our record 7th Lombardi has begun with a 23-7 preseason victory.....and the controversy that comes with it.
- The big talk across the land is of course the play of Steelers QB Dennis Dixon, who looked very "Kordellesque" wearing #10 in the Black and Gold. Dixon played well, made things happen with his legs, and hit rookie WR Antonio Brown with the big hammer in the form of a 68 yard TD on a catch and run crossing pattern that was perfectly executed against the 3rd string defensive backfield of the DETROIT LIONS. Lets not go crazy here. Dixon looked great, and he is obviously growing into a player, but once September 12 comes, he needs to be holding a clipboard while Byron Leftwich runs the Steelers offense in lieu of Big Ben. Dixon will end up with a "Slash" package, an interesting option on a team with WR Antwaan Randle-El, WR Hines Ward and a nice mix of speed and power. The NFL is a copy cat league, and the "Wildcat" has been dusted off by numerous teams since the Miami Dolphins brought it back in 2008. The Steelers "Wild Duck" (Mr. Dixon is a former Oregon Duck...quack....quack....) could be a nice wrinkle in Bruce Arians bag o'tricks. We will need to do whatever is needed to at least hit the 2-2 mark prior to the arrival of #7 in Game 5.
- The other big story this week is the amazing growth of 1st Round pick C Maurkice Pouncey since he arrived in Latrobe. Pouncey is a man beast, and the dominant Center the Steelers have lacked since Jeff Hartings retired. Justin Hartwig was the starting Center on a Super Bowl championship team, and he has experience on his side. His job is in question though, simply because Pouncey is a MONSTER. With the running game becoming the focal point once again, and new OL Coach Sean Kugler planning to utilize both zone and man blocking schemes in 2010, a solid Center is a must have commodity for this team. If Justin Hartwig is providing depth at Center and Guard, we are in better shape that most teams. The guy is a true professional, and he deserves a spot on this roster regardless of starting or not.
- The WR core looks to be a major strength. We all know that future Hall of Famer WR Hines Ward is the leader, and that WR Mike Wallace will attempt to take over Santonio Holmes slot. Both of those guys will get the job done on Sundays, from there.....???? Its a nice problem to have though. WR Antwaan Randle-El and WR Arnez Battle bring experience. Rookies WR Emmanuel Sanders and WR Antonio Brown bring SPEED and fantastic college resumes. Will this team carry 6 Wideouts? When you add in TE Heath "Big Money" Miller, the Steelers potentially have a mixture that could dominate in the AFC North.
- The RB situation is muddled beyond starting RB Rashard "Cannonball" Mendenhall. Mewelde Moore brings team experience and special teams talent, and he will almost surely be the #2 guy. RB Issac Redman is having his second big camp in a row, and looked good in his playing time against the Lions. Could this be the year he breaks out and makes the roster? What of Frank "The Tank" Summers? He looks the part, and his soft hands could be an asset both in passing downs and on the goal line. Jonathan Dwyer is a scary proposition, as he looks fat and seems to get hurt all the time. Its starting to become easy to see why a guy with his resume dropped all the way down the draft board. The only thing we know for sure is that the Steelers will not miss Fast Willie, not in the least.
- Where will DE/DT Ziggy Hood fit in? He has taken it to the next level this year, and at this point looks like a future star. With DT Casey Hampton back, and DE Aaron Smith 100%, does Ziggy get playing time on 3rd downs? ILB Larry Foote seems to be re-energized after his 1 year field trip to Motown. The young CB package of Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett seem to have made major strides in the past year. Even Special Teams madman CB Anthony Madison is making a case to be used on nickel and dime packages. The defense is DEEP, and once again should be a top unit.
The next preseason game is this weekend in NY vs. The G-Men. Will Big Ben play? I think so. Will we see more from Dixon/Redman/Summers/Brown/Sanders/etc.? We can only hope alot more.
Its getting closer folks, leaves are starting to fall from the trees, high school teams are practicing, and kids are preparing pencils, books and dirty looks. Football is coming......THANK GOD!
- The big talk across the land is of course the play of Steelers QB Dennis Dixon, who looked very "Kordellesque" wearing #10 in the Black and Gold. Dixon played well, made things happen with his legs, and hit rookie WR Antonio Brown with the big hammer in the form of a 68 yard TD on a catch and run crossing pattern that was perfectly executed against the 3rd string defensive backfield of the DETROIT LIONS. Lets not go crazy here. Dixon looked great, and he is obviously growing into a player, but once September 12 comes, he needs to be holding a clipboard while Byron Leftwich runs the Steelers offense in lieu of Big Ben. Dixon will end up with a "Slash" package, an interesting option on a team with WR Antwaan Randle-El, WR Hines Ward and a nice mix of speed and power. The NFL is a copy cat league, and the "Wildcat" has been dusted off by numerous teams since the Miami Dolphins brought it back in 2008. The Steelers "Wild Duck" (Mr. Dixon is a former Oregon Duck...quack....quack....) could be a nice wrinkle in Bruce Arians bag o'tricks. We will need to do whatever is needed to at least hit the 2-2 mark prior to the arrival of #7 in Game 5.
- The other big story this week is the amazing growth of 1st Round pick C Maurkice Pouncey since he arrived in Latrobe. Pouncey is a man beast, and the dominant Center the Steelers have lacked since Jeff Hartings retired. Justin Hartwig was the starting Center on a Super Bowl championship team, and he has experience on his side. His job is in question though, simply because Pouncey is a MONSTER. With the running game becoming the focal point once again, and new OL Coach Sean Kugler planning to utilize both zone and man blocking schemes in 2010, a solid Center is a must have commodity for this team. If Justin Hartwig is providing depth at Center and Guard, we are in better shape that most teams. The guy is a true professional, and he deserves a spot on this roster regardless of starting or not.
- The WR core looks to be a major strength. We all know that future Hall of Famer WR Hines Ward is the leader, and that WR Mike Wallace will attempt to take over Santonio Holmes slot. Both of those guys will get the job done on Sundays, from there.....???? Its a nice problem to have though. WR Antwaan Randle-El and WR Arnez Battle bring experience. Rookies WR Emmanuel Sanders and WR Antonio Brown bring SPEED and fantastic college resumes. Will this team carry 6 Wideouts? When you add in TE Heath "Big Money" Miller, the Steelers potentially have a mixture that could dominate in the AFC North.
- The RB situation is muddled beyond starting RB Rashard "Cannonball" Mendenhall. Mewelde Moore brings team experience and special teams talent, and he will almost surely be the #2 guy. RB Issac Redman is having his second big camp in a row, and looked good in his playing time against the Lions. Could this be the year he breaks out and makes the roster? What of Frank "The Tank" Summers? He looks the part, and his soft hands could be an asset both in passing downs and on the goal line. Jonathan Dwyer is a scary proposition, as he looks fat and seems to get hurt all the time. Its starting to become easy to see why a guy with his resume dropped all the way down the draft board. The only thing we know for sure is that the Steelers will not miss Fast Willie, not in the least.
- Where will DE/DT Ziggy Hood fit in? He has taken it to the next level this year, and at this point looks like a future star. With DT Casey Hampton back, and DE Aaron Smith 100%, does Ziggy get playing time on 3rd downs? ILB Larry Foote seems to be re-energized after his 1 year field trip to Motown. The young CB package of Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett seem to have made major strides in the past year. Even Special Teams madman CB Anthony Madison is making a case to be used on nickel and dime packages. The defense is DEEP, and once again should be a top unit.
The next preseason game is this weekend in NY vs. The G-Men. Will Big Ben play? I think so. Will we see more from Dixon/Redman/Summers/Brown/Sanders/etc.? We can only hope alot more.
Its getting closer folks, leaves are starting to fall from the trees, high school teams are practicing, and kids are preparing pencils, books and dirty looks. Football is coming......THANK GOD!
8/09/2010
Follow Jeff Snedden on Twitter
Just a heads up, if you enjoy the content I'm providing here, I also write a Pittsburgh Pirates MLB blog at:
1992 to Life: A Pirates Fan Blog
I always post updates to my Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jeffsnedden
Thanks for reading,
The Mayor
1992 to Life: A Pirates Fan Blog
I always post updates to my Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jeffsnedden
Thanks for reading,
The Mayor
2011 NFL Hall of Fame will be a Steeler Nation Special
Now that the 2010 NFL Hall of Fame ceremonies are over, Steeler Nation has returned home. Dick LeBeau may have been inducted based on his Detroit Lions CB career, but his induction was surely a Steelers affair. It was fantastic to see "Coach Dad" give his heartfelt speech, and his emotional dedication to the players he has coached in Pittsburgh brought a huge response from the Nation throng that traveled deep into enemy territory (Ohio) to see inducted. It is AWESOME to see the NFL giving props to its early players, and LeBeau was one of the best defensive backs to ever suit up. It was even more awesome to see the current players and Coach Tomlin waving those Terrible Towels during the speech.
The 2011 NFL Hall of Fame Induction will be another Steeler Nation field trip, as RB Jerome Bettis takes his rightful spot in Canton. Bettis has some tough competition for induction, but his rushing stats and legacy as the Steelers greatest RB of all time seals the deal. It wouldn't be a shock to see "The Bus" line up with both Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin (another Pittsburgh special, so bring out the City league crowd) on the steps of the Hall in 2011. The Steelers could be represented by more than Bettis though, as C Dermonti "Dirt" Dawson and OLB Kevin Greene could both see their busts being bronzed up for the Hall next summer. If the NFL is smart (and last I heard, they were), they will capitalize on this opportunity to bring out even the most novice fans of the greatest franchise in the NFL by inducting all 3 of these greats. Greene would be going in as a member of the Rams more than likely, but he has always maintained his allegiance to the Steelers by participating in both Training Camp and various Super Bowl functions at XL and XLIII. Dawson is a true Black and Gold legend, and one of the top 10 Centers of all time. His induction should be academic, but it would be sweet to see him and "The Bus" sitting up there together. "Dirt" played on some of the most unheralded Steelers teams in their history, including the Super Bowl XXX team, the 1997 team that lost to the John Elway Broncos, and the first 6 Bill Cowher-led playoff teams. Dawson was the starting Center that sprung big seasons from Barry Foster, Bam Morris and Jerome Bettis. He protected the interior line during QB Kordell Stewart's near MVP season in 1997. When the time came that he could no longer be the player he was, he stepped away like the true professional.
The combination of these players in Canton in 2011 would create a virtual frenzy among the Nation. Wouldn't it be amazing if the NFL went one step further and put the Steelers in the Hall of Fame game? How about a Steelers vs. Rams matchup? A little tribute to Jerome Bettis and Marshall Faulk, two of the most celebrated players on stage that weekend would be truly special.
Get your hotel reservations and travel plans in order, next summer should sizzle with Black and Gold.
A little treat to get the juices flowing for 2010.....The "Renegade" story from ESPN.
The Story of "Renegade"
The 2011 NFL Hall of Fame Induction will be another Steeler Nation field trip, as RB Jerome Bettis takes his rightful spot in Canton. Bettis has some tough competition for induction, but his rushing stats and legacy as the Steelers greatest RB of all time seals the deal. It wouldn't be a shock to see "The Bus" line up with both Marshall Faulk and Curtis Martin (another Pittsburgh special, so bring out the City league crowd) on the steps of the Hall in 2011. The Steelers could be represented by more than Bettis though, as C Dermonti "Dirt" Dawson and OLB Kevin Greene could both see their busts being bronzed up for the Hall next summer. If the NFL is smart (and last I heard, they were), they will capitalize on this opportunity to bring out even the most novice fans of the greatest franchise in the NFL by inducting all 3 of these greats. Greene would be going in as a member of the Rams more than likely, but he has always maintained his allegiance to the Steelers by participating in both Training Camp and various Super Bowl functions at XL and XLIII. Dawson is a true Black and Gold legend, and one of the top 10 Centers of all time. His induction should be academic, but it would be sweet to see him and "The Bus" sitting up there together. "Dirt" played on some of the most unheralded Steelers teams in their history, including the Super Bowl XXX team, the 1997 team that lost to the John Elway Broncos, and the first 6 Bill Cowher-led playoff teams. Dawson was the starting Center that sprung big seasons from Barry Foster, Bam Morris and Jerome Bettis. He protected the interior line during QB Kordell Stewart's near MVP season in 1997. When the time came that he could no longer be the player he was, he stepped away like the true professional.
The combination of these players in Canton in 2011 would create a virtual frenzy among the Nation. Wouldn't it be amazing if the NFL went one step further and put the Steelers in the Hall of Fame game? How about a Steelers vs. Rams matchup? A little tribute to Jerome Bettis and Marshall Faulk, two of the most celebrated players on stage that weekend would be truly special.
Get your hotel reservations and travel plans in order, next summer should sizzle with Black and Gold.
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| "The Bus" high steps into Heinz Field paydirt. |
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| "Dirt" snaps to Kordell in 1997. |
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| Kevin Greene kills Stan Humphries. |
A little treat to get the juices flowing for 2010.....The "Renegade" story from ESPN.
The Story of "Renegade"
8/03/2010
Get to know WR Emmanuel Sanders
When the NFL Pre-Season begins on August 14 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans will notice a couple new numbers running routes in Bruce Arians pass-happy offense. One of those players will be rookie WR Emmanuel Sanders, formerly of June Jones equally pass happy shotgun offense at SMU. Sanders holds essentially every receiving record in the books for Southern Methodist, a school that many younger fans would consider to be "below" the standard bearer BCS programs. What these young-ens do not understand is that SMU was once (around the time when "E.T." and "Return of the Jedi" were thrilling movie-goers) a prolific NCAA football power that routinely recruited Top 10 players from around the Country. SMU was shortly thereafter hit with the NCAA "Death Penalty", killing their program dead for almost 2 decades. Sanders was a major piece of the class that has put SMU back on the map, leading them to a Bowl berth in 2009.
The Steelers newest #88, Sanders should be able to step into the role that WR Mike Wallace excelled at in 2009. Wallace, of course, is the new starting WR opposite future NFL Hall of Famer Hines Ward. The team brought back WR Antwaan Randle-El to compete for receptions in the slot, but make no mistake - Emmanuel Sanders was drafted with the intention that he will be a huge piece of the Steelers offense for the next decade.
Sanders is a dynamic receiver who stands at 5-10 and runs a 4.41 40-yard dash. In 2009, he accounted for 98 catches for 1,339 yards and 7 TDs. He also returned kickoffs and punts for SMU, a long standing weakness for the Steelers. In the 2009 Hawaii Bowl, he led the Mustangs to a 45-10 upset win over favored Nevada with 7-124 and a TD. He had 5 100-yard receiving games in 2009, including an amazing 18-178 vs. Washington State. Sanders was not a 1-year wonder, as he accounted for 600 yards worth of catches in all 4 of his years at SMU, never catching less than 7 TDs in a season.
WR Emmanuel Sanders Highlight Video
The Steelers newest #88, Sanders should be able to step into the role that WR Mike Wallace excelled at in 2009. Wallace, of course, is the new starting WR opposite future NFL Hall of Famer Hines Ward. The team brought back WR Antwaan Randle-El to compete for receptions in the slot, but make no mistake - Emmanuel Sanders was drafted with the intention that he will be a huge piece of the Steelers offense for the next decade.
Sanders is a dynamic receiver who stands at 5-10 and runs a 4.41 40-yard dash. In 2009, he accounted for 98 catches for 1,339 yards and 7 TDs. He also returned kickoffs and punts for SMU, a long standing weakness for the Steelers. In the 2009 Hawaii Bowl, he led the Mustangs to a 45-10 upset win over favored Nevada with 7-124 and a TD. He had 5 100-yard receiving games in 2009, including an amazing 18-178 vs. Washington State. Sanders was not a 1-year wonder, as he accounted for 600 yards worth of catches in all 4 of his years at SMU, never catching less than 7 TDs in a season.
WR Emmanuel Sanders Highlight Video
8/02/2010
A new FB, Lamar Woodley needs PAID, and Skippy is still CRAZY
Notes from Day #4 of Camp Tomlin 2010:
- The Steelers acquired a real FB today, claiming former Eagles FB Dwayne Wright off waivers. This spells the end of the Demetrius Taylor experiment, as the former Virginia Tech DE was released. This is a good thing for both Rashard Mendenhall and fans of the Steelers running game. Wright is 100x better than Carey Davis, and although I don't know Mr. Taylor, I would imagine a guy who has played FB at D1 Fresno State and 3 seasons in the NFL would be a better use of roster space.
- Lamar Woodley is getting jobbed right now by Steelers management. The guy has been phenomenal at OLB since he was drafted, and made the transition from DE to OLB in less time than anyone the team has brought in over the past 20 years. Woodley is as natural an athlete as there is in the NFL, and he is going to get better each year. The time has come to pay the man. History would argue that Kendrell Bell was as much a "sure thing" as anyone in team history, but Woodley is a different player at the Steelers most important defensive position. With DE Aaron Smith and ILB James Farrior approaching the end of their great careers, and Troy Polamalu a long term injury risk, Woodley has an inside shot at being the next Steelers defensive Captain.
- Jeff Reed is a solid NFL placekicker, and he has 2 Super Bowl rings. He is making $2.8m in 2010, which is good coin for a guy who can't kickoff into the end zone. Besides being a loud mouth all of a sudden, "Skippy" has been less than a model citizen. Kickers rarely get long term deals in the NFL, and even the best ones bounce around to different teams (Morten Anderson, Gary Anderson, Jason Elam, etc.). The last thing the Steelers need is more negative media attention, and Reed should know that as a 5+ year veteran. The time has come to bid "adieu" to Jeff Reed and begin the search for the next Steelers kicker.
- The Steelers acquired a real FB today, claiming former Eagles FB Dwayne Wright off waivers. This spells the end of the Demetrius Taylor experiment, as the former Virginia Tech DE was released. This is a good thing for both Rashard Mendenhall and fans of the Steelers running game. Wright is 100x better than Carey Davis, and although I don't know Mr. Taylor, I would imagine a guy who has played FB at D1 Fresno State and 3 seasons in the NFL would be a better use of roster space.
- Lamar Woodley is getting jobbed right now by Steelers management. The guy has been phenomenal at OLB since he was drafted, and made the transition from DE to OLB in less time than anyone the team has brought in over the past 20 years. Woodley is as natural an athlete as there is in the NFL, and he is going to get better each year. The time has come to pay the man. History would argue that Kendrell Bell was as much a "sure thing" as anyone in team history, but Woodley is a different player at the Steelers most important defensive position. With DE Aaron Smith and ILB James Farrior approaching the end of their great careers, and Troy Polamalu a long term injury risk, Woodley has an inside shot at being the next Steelers defensive Captain.
- Jeff Reed is a solid NFL placekicker, and he has 2 Super Bowl rings. He is making $2.8m in 2010, which is good coin for a guy who can't kickoff into the end zone. Besides being a loud mouth all of a sudden, "Skippy" has been less than a model citizen. Kickers rarely get long term deals in the NFL, and even the best ones bounce around to different teams (Morten Anderson, Gary Anderson, Jason Elam, etc.). The last thing the Steelers need is more negative media attention, and Reed should know that as a 5+ year veteran. The time has come to bid "adieu" to Jeff Reed and begin the search for the next Steelers kicker.
Welcome to the Steel World Order - A Steelers Blog
As we approach the 2010 NFL Season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steeler Nation have descended on Saint Vincent College in little Latrobe, PA for Camp Tomlin 2010. The Steelers enter the season with more controversy and debate than any year in memory. All-Pro QB Ben Roethlisberger, the unquestioned leader and Captain of the 6-Time Super Bowl Champions, will miss at least the first 4 games of the season after being accused of sexual misconduct. Super Bowl XLIII MVP WR Santonio Holmes, owner of the greatest catch in NFL history, has been traded to the New York Jets after numerous violations of the NFL Personal Conduct policy. The team allowed RB Willie Parker to leave via free agency, which places Rashard Mendenhall in the spotlight as the unquestioned starting RB. In the meantime, the team reached into the Free Agency pool to reunite Steeler Nation with 3 of its favorite sons - WR Antwaan Randle-El, CB Bryant McFadden, and ILB Larry Foote. The 2010 NFL Draft brought OL Maurkice Pouncey, OLB Jason Worilds, WR Emmanuel Sanders, WR Antonio Brown, DE Thaddeus Gibson, OG Chris Scott, CB Crezdon Butler, ILB Stevenson Sylvester, DE Doug Worthington, and possibly the biggest steal of the Draft, prolific Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer.
The Steelers lost OT Willie Colon to a season-ending injury in minicamp, and probably saw the end of the Limas Sweed experiment when he was injured and placed on IR.
The Steeler Nation will do what we always do - pack every stadium the Black and Gold come into, and support our team with 110% effort. We will support our QB, who was never permitted by the league to give his side of the story and continues to be guilty until proved innocent. We will support our amazing Head Coach, who has accomplished more at age 38 than any Head Coach in NFL History. We will make Heinz Field a house of horrors for any team who challenges us.
We will win Lombardi Trophy #7 in 2010.
The Steelers lost OT Willie Colon to a season-ending injury in minicamp, and probably saw the end of the Limas Sweed experiment when he was injured and placed on IR.
The Steeler Nation will do what we always do - pack every stadium the Black and Gold come into, and support our team with 110% effort. We will support our QB, who was never permitted by the league to give his side of the story and continues to be guilty until proved innocent. We will support our amazing Head Coach, who has accomplished more at age 38 than any Head Coach in NFL History. We will make Heinz Field a house of horrors for any team who challenges us.
We will win Lombardi Trophy #7 in 2010.
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