Two words for you - holy shit!!! The Pittsburgh Pirates wasted no time in their attempts to eradicate their 2012 catching woes by inking veteran backstop Russell Martin tonight. Don't be tainted by the haters who will stress over Martin's gimpy .211 BA this year. He's a proven commodity yet still south of thirty years old, a three time all-star, a gold glover, hits for reasonable average with some pop, and above all else, he maintains a respectable 30% runners caught stealing percentage for his career. As far as intangibles, Martin has vast playoff experience in comparison to the Bucs' current roster, and by extension will bring a lot of seasoning to a club that desperately needs to learn how to play through the pressure of late summer games.
Again, the haters will be all over this, but in my opinion, this move comes with little downside. Martin is clearly an appreciable upgrade at the position that has most troubled the Pirates over the past few seasons, even at his 2012 numbers. Martin was the biggest catching name still available. The ability to actually go head to head with the normal MLB price setters and lure home a quality name is something that the Bucs are not known for, and something that GM Neal Huntington should be lauded for tonight.
Here is Martin's Baseball-Reference.Com link. Again, the numbers don't lie. The Bucs signed a decent catcher tonight. Kudos.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
C.O.Y. for B.O'B.
I'm going to buck tradition and deviate slightly off of my all things black and gold mission path with this post. I'd like to give a well deserved shout out to Penn State head coach Bill O' Brien, as he earned the 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. In a year when nearly every applicable sports governing body (including the Big Ten) took a shit on the Penn State football program, warranted or not, it was really nice to see a fitting award for a job well done. This blog will not delve into any off-field Penn State football matters, and let's face it, there's no need to. I just wanted to post a little blurb about something Happy in the Valley today.
Unleash Hell, Volume 2 ???
Let's just start by saying that it ain't a good day to be an agent for former Steeler offensive starters Mike Wallace or Rashard Mendenall. Yes, I did say former as head coach Mike Tomlin demoted both highly skilled players in a new found level of testiness yesterday. Tomlin evoked memories of 2009 when he delivered the ill fated Unleash Hell promise along with his 'some heads are gonna roll/the standard is the standard' type jargon. In '09, the only unleashing was that of the fury of Steeler Nation as the team staggered to a 6 win, 7 loss mark before finally finding it's pulse. Along the way, practically no heads rolled, or even turned for that matter, as Tomlin's benchings were notional at best.
2012 may smack a bit differently, as Tomlin has reasonably proven commodities, such as Emmanuel Sanders and Jon Dwyer, to help him his hold line. One take home message that can be derived from Tomlin's newly sculpted depth chart as that time is now officially running out on Mendenhall, a former first round pick. His demotion to third string, his questionable health, his renewed willingness to put the ball on the ground, coupled with his zany and inexplicable social media gaffes, all work together to build a reasonably sound case that #34 ain't in the Steeler for Life category.
As far as Wallace, well, as this blog delights in pointing out, that fat contract is on the Atkins Diet right now, and shrinking with each game. I have to believe that Wallace would have to muster up an epic December/January for the Steelers to even consider either: 1) offering a contract that he finds remotely suitable, or 2) ponying up the $10 mill + for the franchise tag. Both scenarios seem far off at this point. The cold reality for Wallace fans is that the game of musical quarterbacks that the Steelers are playing at the moment has been dramatized by the absence of Antonio Brown, the true #1 receiver, the true go-to guy. Wallace could have stepped up over the last few weeks to help carry the load, the fact is that he didn't. Don't think for a moment that the Steeler top brass will forget these past few games when negotiation time draws near.
We were assured in the summer that Wallace's holdout was strictly NFL business, and that since he was such a true professional, it would never be a distraction to the team or even to him personally. Perhaps it's a focus issue,or perhaps Wallace simply doesn't want to risk injury on the eve of big money, but the man is playing at a level beneath him and the proverbial standard. Time will tell on this one, as well as with Mendenhall, but methinks that some #17 and #34 jerseys will be available on the discount racks very soon.
2012 may smack a bit differently, as Tomlin has reasonably proven commodities, such as Emmanuel Sanders and Jon Dwyer, to help him his hold line. One take home message that can be derived from Tomlin's newly sculpted depth chart as that time is now officially running out on Mendenhall, a former first round pick. His demotion to third string, his questionable health, his renewed willingness to put the ball on the ground, coupled with his zany and inexplicable social media gaffes, all work together to build a reasonably sound case that #34 ain't in the Steeler for Life category.
As far as Wallace, well, as this blog delights in pointing out, that fat contract is on the Atkins Diet right now, and shrinking with each game. I have to believe that Wallace would have to muster up an epic December/January for the Steelers to even consider either: 1) offering a contract that he finds remotely suitable, or 2) ponying up the $10 mill + for the franchise tag. Both scenarios seem far off at this point. The cold reality for Wallace fans is that the game of musical quarterbacks that the Steelers are playing at the moment has been dramatized by the absence of Antonio Brown, the true #1 receiver, the true go-to guy. Wallace could have stepped up over the last few weeks to help carry the load, the fact is that he didn't. Don't think for a moment that the Steeler top brass will forget these past few games when negotiation time draws near.
We were assured in the summer that Wallace's holdout was strictly NFL business, and that since he was such a true professional, it would never be a distraction to the team or even to him personally. Perhaps it's a focus issue,or perhaps Wallace simply doesn't want to risk injury on the eve of big money, but the man is playing at a level beneath him and the proverbial standard. Time will tell on this one, as well as with Mendenhall, but methinks that some #17 and #34 jerseys will be available on the discount racks very soon.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Mistakes by The Lake
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the holiday season with the spirit of giving yesterday, as they gave away the ball, the game, and virtually any remaining chances of the AFC North title. Let's hope that they haven't given away the season with their blunderous play.
For the second straight week the Steelers suited up with a reserve quarterback at the helm, needing a complete unified effort from all other areas of the team to seal a victory. For the second straight week, only a portion of the order was fulfilled. Despite another stalwart defensive grind against the Brownies yesterday, the offense managed an unfathomable eight turnovers, thus eliminating any prospect for victory. After a nifty and splashy pick six by Lawrence Timmons only moments into the contest, the Steelers resumed last week's script as soon to be exiled tailback Rashard Mendenhall fumbled away his second carry of the game. Mendenhall would quickly acquire roommates in the dog house as all three remaining tailbacks would put the pig on the carpet at some point in the contest.
There isn't much more for me to add here. You all saw it. Eight turnovers = loss.
CHEERS AND JEERS:
CHEERS
JEERS
For the second straight week the Steelers suited up with a reserve quarterback at the helm, needing a complete unified effort from all other areas of the team to seal a victory. For the second straight week, only a portion of the order was fulfilled. Despite another stalwart defensive grind against the Brownies yesterday, the offense managed an unfathomable eight turnovers, thus eliminating any prospect for victory. After a nifty and splashy pick six by Lawrence Timmons only moments into the contest, the Steelers resumed last week's script as soon to be exiled tailback Rashard Mendenhall fumbled away his second carry of the game. Mendenhall would quickly acquire roommates in the dog house as all three remaining tailbacks would put the pig on the carpet at some point in the contest.
There isn't much more for me to add here. You all saw it. Eight turnovers = loss.
CHEERS AND JEERS:
CHEERS
- Lawrence Timmons - Timmons was once again driving the wrecking ball truck as he blew up plays all over the field while equaling the Steelers' entire offensive output.
- Jason Worilds - the guy just played plain nasty yesterday as Lamar Woodley took his usual spell on the trainer's table.
- Heath Miller - he tried, yes sir, he tried.
- James Harrison - is this a mirage, or is the ornery old Silverback getting close to his old form?
JEERS
- The Steelers Front Office - for still clinging to this flawed and arrogant notion that Charlie Batch is the no-brainer solution for the 3rd QB spot. Quoting MP - "Charlie Batch - he just shouldn't be playing in the NFL." Enough said on that...
- Rashard Mendenhall - the 'veteran' in the backfield? Really?
- Mike Wallace - what would my blog be if I couldn't give #17 a jeer. At this point, I truly hope he has gotten back his deposit on that Caribbean island he was hoping to buy with his Larry Fitz money. This guys has had a critical role in at least three losses this year. For all the big plays he makes with his feet, he seems to double them with bad plays with his hands and brain.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Bucs Get Their Thanksgiving Pie
In a week dominated by news and rumors of news that accompanied the bevvy of roster moves made by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the other North Shore guys wouldn't be outdone in the crafty personnel moves department, as they inked a notable deal of their own yesterday.
No, not Josh Hamilton or Justin Upton, nope, not even close. The Buccos locked in on journeyman Felixe Pie, a middling outfielder last seen languishing in the Braves farm system. As if the Pirates didn't already have an ample reserve of career minor league outfielders and/or reclamation projects, GM Neal Huntington felt just one more dive into the proverbial MLB dumpster might yield this year's Xavier Paul.
Pie, a zero tool player who seems to fit the mold that the Bucs gravitate to, lacking both power and speed, turned in his best season in the bigs in 2009, when he mustered a whopping .763 OPS as a fourth outfielder/utility guy for the Orioles. I'm not quite sure why this deal actually happened, but part of me says that Huntington simply wanted to employ a man named after a pastry dessert.
Look for Pie's name to begin surfacing in late May as all of Bucco Nation is clamoring for the lynching of both Jose Tabata and Alex Presley. Also look for Pie to join Tabata, Presley, and a host of other stiffs who will be royally pissing you off by mid June.
No, not Josh Hamilton or Justin Upton, nope, not even close. The Buccos locked in on journeyman Felixe Pie, a middling outfielder last seen languishing in the Braves farm system. As if the Pirates didn't already have an ample reserve of career minor league outfielders and/or reclamation projects, GM Neal Huntington felt just one more dive into the proverbial MLB dumpster might yield this year's Xavier Paul.
Pie, a zero tool player who seems to fit the mold that the Bucs gravitate to, lacking both power and speed, turned in his best season in the bigs in 2009, when he mustered a whopping .763 OPS as a fourth outfielder/utility guy for the Orioles. I'm not quite sure why this deal actually happened, but part of me says that Huntington simply wanted to employ a man named after a pastry dessert.
Look for Pie's name to begin surfacing in late May as all of Bucco Nation is clamoring for the lynching of both Jose Tabata and Alex Presley. Also look for Pie to join Tabata, Presley, and a host of other stiffs who will be royally pissing you off by mid June.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Chaos
Plaxico Burress, Vince Young, Tyler Palko, Donovan McNabb? In less than 36 hours following the disturbing loss to arch rival Baltimore Ravens, Steeler Nation has careened into an utter state of hysteria as candidates to replace fallen quarterbacks and receivers filter in by the minute. At some point this morning you will most assuredly hear the name Tommy Maddox in a reference that will most likely not bring warm tinglies to your midsection. When I hear Kordell Stewart, I will officially climb the clock tower with rifle in hand.
As the news broke that both Byron Leftwich and Jerricho Cotchery have joined Big Ben Roethlisberger on the all rib team; panic, rumors, and resumes began flowing from every direction. Didn't things seem crystal clear a few weeks back after the team bested the New York Giants to take a ton of momentum and a 5-3 record into the mid-way point? Clarity has since given way to uncertainty as the stable of depth continually falls victim to injury.
Considering that Leftwich busted up his ribs falling into the end zone after his Kordell-esque touchdown jaunt to open Sunday's night game, Steeler Nation should have every right to be pissed off this morning. Seriously, we're now being force fed the truth that Leftwich's miserable play following the opening drive was compounded by injury? If we continue the logic path on this, do we conclude that a healthy Leftwich (or Charlie Batch) could have and should have beaten the Ravens, thus leaving the Black and Gold in the allusive catbird seat?
So what is ground zero right now on this team in terms of the next few weeks, and the prospects for the playoffs? Based upon which route to the post season party the team chooses (or rather is presented with) the vibe and realities are quite different.
AFC NORTH TITLE: Looks long, right? Ok, consider that the very beatable Ravens must now travel to San Diego and play without another starting defensive back, after losing playmaker and headhunter Ed Reed to suspension, and the likelihood of a Charger upset is not outlandish. With that being said, it becomes paramount that the Steelers come out of Cleveland with a win. Thus urgency is upon them.
WILD CARD: What, me worry? The wild card is the greater of the two possibilities at this point, albeit not the preferred route. The road to the wild card is simple and contains a lot of #7 in the recipe card. The 2012 AFC wild card field is much weaker than in recent years. The Steelers can afford to lose this week, and even next week, while resting Big Ben for the stretch drive. Four wins down the stretch almost locks the Steelers into the WC at 10-6. Three wins leaves them at 9-7 and probably still post season bound, particularily if one of those wins is against the Cincy Bungles at home. A 9-7 would most likely garner the notorious #6 seed, which would probably then require a trip to New England, Denver, or possibly even Baltimore. None of these prospects are desirable, but all are winnable.
All in all, a win in Cleveland against a 2-8 Brownies squad would help ease a lot of pains and strengthen both playoff scenarios. Of course, how many hits, or even snaps, can the ageless Charlie Batch take before he's taking his ride on the meat wagon? Oh the drama...
As the news broke that both Byron Leftwich and Jerricho Cotchery have joined Big Ben Roethlisberger on the all rib team; panic, rumors, and resumes began flowing from every direction. Didn't things seem crystal clear a few weeks back after the team bested the New York Giants to take a ton of momentum and a 5-3 record into the mid-way point? Clarity has since given way to uncertainty as the stable of depth continually falls victim to injury.
Considering that Leftwich busted up his ribs falling into the end zone after his Kordell-esque touchdown jaunt to open Sunday's night game, Steeler Nation should have every right to be pissed off this morning. Seriously, we're now being force fed the truth that Leftwich's miserable play following the opening drive was compounded by injury? If we continue the logic path on this, do we conclude that a healthy Leftwich (or Charlie Batch) could have and should have beaten the Ravens, thus leaving the Black and Gold in the allusive catbird seat?
So what is ground zero right now on this team in terms of the next few weeks, and the prospects for the playoffs? Based upon which route to the post season party the team chooses (or rather is presented with) the vibe and realities are quite different.
AFC NORTH TITLE: Looks long, right? Ok, consider that the very beatable Ravens must now travel to San Diego and play without another starting defensive back, after losing playmaker and headhunter Ed Reed to suspension, and the likelihood of a Charger upset is not outlandish. With that being said, it becomes paramount that the Steelers come out of Cleveland with a win. Thus urgency is upon them.
WILD CARD: What, me worry? The wild card is the greater of the two possibilities at this point, albeit not the preferred route. The road to the wild card is simple and contains a lot of #7 in the recipe card. The 2012 AFC wild card field is much weaker than in recent years. The Steelers can afford to lose this week, and even next week, while resting Big Ben for the stretch drive. Four wins down the stretch almost locks the Steelers into the WC at 10-6. Three wins leaves them at 9-7 and probably still post season bound, particularily if one of those wins is against the Cincy Bungles at home. A 9-7 would most likely garner the notorious #6 seed, which would probably then require a trip to New England, Denver, or possibly even Baltimore. None of these prospects are desirable, but all are winnable.
All in all, a win in Cleveland against a 2-8 Brownies squad would help ease a lot of pains and strengthen both playoff scenarios. Of course, how many hits, or even snaps, can the ageless Charlie Batch take before he's taking his ride on the meat wagon? Oh the drama...
Monday, November 19, 2012
Benless, Hopeless, and Winless
Last night, under a clear and chilly November sky, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens did battle for the inside track to the AFC North Divisional title; along the way two important opinions would be tested:
#1: The importance of an elite franchise quarterback, say Ben Roethlisberger, is oft overrated.
#2: By continually renewing the contracts of both Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch, the Steelers have wisely maintained a glut of talent and experience at the quarterback position.
By the end of the first quarter of last night's painful 13-10 loss, it should have been self evident to all that both opinions are bustable myths. Starting in reverse order, anyone who still feels the need to cling to the aging "Steelers are so-o-o deep at QB" mantra should fire up the DVR and review the tape a few more times. Byron Leftwich, despite his nimble footed 31 yard touchdown gallop to open the game, looked old, slow, and brittle throughout the critical junctures of the contest, while certainly not resembling a quarterback capable of winning a big game. The slow delivery looking like an AJ Burnett cutter, just begs for a defensive end tomahawk chop, and that big right arm, well, I didn't really see it much from section 113. Now the boys at 93.7 The Fan are telling me that Leftwich got hurt during his rampaging TD lunge, untouched mind you,...again, not the serviceability that the Rooney dollars paid for. Considering that coach Mike Tomlin displayed nearly no interest in inserting Charlie Batch, even after Leftwich's injuries, should tell you that the supposed depth at the position is greatly over reported.
As far as the franchise quarterback thing, there shouldn't be any doubt anymore. Anyone who is delusional enough to believe that this team can pull out anything better than .500 with Ben's arm in a sling should contact their therapist immediately. There's a reason why the Steelers win with Ben and lose without him. No further commentary is needed on this.
Now, here comes the big contradiction: despite all I that I just ranted over, the Steelers did NOT lose last night simply because #4 lined up under center in place of #7. In what could have been an epic team victory, failures on special teams as well as other critical miscues saddled the Steelers with a stinging team loss. On a night when the team needed to be strong on all phases of the game to give Leftwich any remote chance of victory, the Steelers had far too many breakdowns to put a kill on a playoff bound team.
CHEERS AND JEERS
CHEERS:
#1: The importance of an elite franchise quarterback, say Ben Roethlisberger, is oft overrated.
#2: By continually renewing the contracts of both Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch, the Steelers have wisely maintained a glut of talent and experience at the quarterback position.
By the end of the first quarter of last night's painful 13-10 loss, it should have been self evident to all that both opinions are bustable myths. Starting in reverse order, anyone who still feels the need to cling to the aging "Steelers are so-o-o deep at QB" mantra should fire up the DVR and review the tape a few more times. Byron Leftwich, despite his nimble footed 31 yard touchdown gallop to open the game, looked old, slow, and brittle throughout the critical junctures of the contest, while certainly not resembling a quarterback capable of winning a big game. The slow delivery looking like an AJ Burnett cutter, just begs for a defensive end tomahawk chop, and that big right arm, well, I didn't really see it much from section 113. Now the boys at 93.7 The Fan are telling me that Leftwich got hurt during his rampaging TD lunge, untouched mind you,...again, not the serviceability that the Rooney dollars paid for. Considering that coach Mike Tomlin displayed nearly no interest in inserting Charlie Batch, even after Leftwich's injuries, should tell you that the supposed depth at the position is greatly over reported.
As far as the franchise quarterback thing, there shouldn't be any doubt anymore. Anyone who is delusional enough to believe that this team can pull out anything better than .500 with Ben's arm in a sling should contact their therapist immediately. There's a reason why the Steelers win with Ben and lose without him. No further commentary is needed on this.
Now, here comes the big contradiction: despite all I that I just ranted over, the Steelers did NOT lose last night simply because #4 lined up under center in place of #7. In what could have been an epic team victory, failures on special teams as well as other critical miscues saddled the Steelers with a stinging team loss. On a night when the team needed to be strong on all phases of the game to give Leftwich any remote chance of victory, the Steelers had far too many breakdowns to put a kill on a playoff bound team.
CHEERS AND JEERS
CHEERS:
- Jon Dwyer. More good, hard running by an emerging back. Why he only got 12 carries is still mysterious to me, but at least you can't blame Bruce Arians anymore.
- Defensive Secondary. Particularly CB's Ike Taylor and Keenan Lewis. The Ravens' offense is predicated on Joe Flacco connecting on big strikes down field to set up Ray Rice's underneath game. Taylor and Lewis effectively kiboshed any vertical yardage, thus forcing Flacco into short and quick outs, something that he just hasn't shown efficiency in doing at this point in his career.
- Mike Wallace. As this outlet has become a weekly critic of #17's shortcomings, last night should have again shown you that Wallace is simply a talented receiver with blazing speed. He is nowhere close to the elite wideout that his agent would like you to believe he is. His fumble, deep inside the Steelers' own territory, was the first big pendulum swing of momentum towards the purple birds. His lack of effort on a short hopped (but catchable) pass from Leftwich proved costly. The fade route in the end zone was probably a bad call given the small space available, but again, the elite receiver makes the play.
- Todd Haley. Where was this tailor made game plan designed to maximize Leftwich's limited strengths.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Mid Season Report Cards Are In!
As requested, here is the annual Steelers' mid season report card posting. I will follow the basic format utilized by the Post-Gazette.
OFFENSE:
Quarterback - starting right off with the clear strength of the Steeler squad, Big Ben Roethlisberger has been a stud on the field and a model teammate off the field. The highly publicized feud regarding the arrival of new O.C. Todd Haley proved to be more media hype than fact, as Ben has quickly grown into the system. He is off to the best start of his fabulous career, this after not having speedster Mike Wallace to work with all training camp. He's not only the team MVP thus far, he's a legitimate candidate for league MVP. As far as my score, Ben is one completion (against the Titans) short of me giving him a perfect rating.
A-
Running Backs - how can I score these guys below an A? No Mendenhall, no problem says the quartet of Isaac Redman, Jon Dwyer, Chris Rainey, and Baron Batch. It doesn't matter who starts as of late, the results are there. To me, this unit will go a long way to determining how the Steelers continue through the second half.
B+
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - the most talented unit on the North Shore, but not always the most consistent. Antonio Brown has already shown the front office that their money will be well spent; conversely, Mike Wallace at times has shown that their caution may have been justified. Wallace will need to reduce the drops both for his sake and the team's. Emmanual Sanders has shown that when healthy he's a quality receiver and special teamer, as veteran Jericho Cotchery has been rock solid in the few opportunities he's received. Tight end Heath Miller is having an All-Pro season while rookie David Paulson looks like a keeper.
B+
Offensive Line - the guys we used to bash as Ben gets sacked time after time. Maybe not this year, as the new Haley offense requires a much shorter protection period, while emphasizing physical run blocking. The line started out of the blocks rather sluggishly, and of course ran into their customary litany of injuries, but somewhere in mid October the unit found themselves and a little swagger to go along with it. Willie Colon now seems comfortable in his new home at guard, with a nasty moxie that would bring a tear to Mike Webster's eye. Maurkice Pouncey looks Pro Bowl bound again, as rook Mike Adams has shown promise with some punishing run blocking, although his open door policy during pass protection is still cause for bother. Ramon Foster has been well above Tomlin's proverbial line, thus allowing the team to halt any urgency to get rookie David Decastro back into action. As for Max Starks, what more needs be said about a man who continually steps up when called upon, seemingly after being sent packing.
B
DEFENSE:
Defensive Line - for years this was one of the strongest performing unit on the team. Not so far in 2012. Starting the season with no Aaron Smith and a gimpy Brett Keisel, the line once again looked 'old and slow' as their ability to thwart the run vanished faster than a hoagie in Casey Hampton's fridge. The performance has improved steadily throughout October, and now the unit looks much closer to the run crushers that D.C. Dick LeBeau craves. NT/DT Steve McClendon continues to fly under the radar as the best defender that most folks still haven't heard of. Keisel seems to have found his old form while Ziggy Hood continues to develop into a quality DE.
C
Linebackers - just like the D line, the 2012 linebacking crew started the season minus it's leader, as James Farrior was handed his pink slip in the off season. My main man Larry Foote has stepped in nicely, leading the team in tackles. Lawrence Timmons has been a machine at times, trying his best to contribute more explosiveness to offset the loss of playmaker Troy Polamalu. Lamar Woodley is once again terrorizing opposing QBs when he isn't on the trainer's table icing his hammies. James Harrison, coming off of minor knee surgery, is beginning to look the part of a 34 year old linebacker as his presence has been nothing more than minimal thus far.
B+
Safeties/Cornerbacks - considering that all world safety playmaker Troy Polamalu's collective playing time in 2012 has been shorter than one of his shampoo commercials, this unit has towed the line nicely. Keenan Lewis is the first back to get mention as his play has turned former corner William Gay into nothing more than a memory with a funny last name. Lewis's emergence has played neatly off that of quickly resurgent swaggermaster, and reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Ike Taylor. Despite the ravings of certain sports writers and broadcasters, the play of Will Allen in place of Polamalu, has been solid but certainly not stellar. Ryan Clark has been the steadying force on the defense, but he needs to recite the overused Tomlinism "don't hit the head, don't use the head". Clark still relishes laying out receivers ala vintage Donnie Shell, and the sad fact is that he is now a seemingly marked man to the point where a shot to the ribs gets ruled as a blow to the head. All in all, despite leading the NFL in passing yards allowed and passes broken up, the unit must contribute more than 0.5 interceptions per game to gain a higher score.
B+
SPECIAL TEAMS: Lots of highs and lows with these guys. On the plus side, kicker Shaun Suisham has been off to a career start (with his kicking, not his running). Chris Rainey and A.B. have both been explosive on returns. New punter Drew Butler has been a pleasant surprise, and the coverage units have been fairly strong. Now the other shoe falls. The Steelers lead the NFL by a whopping margin in return yards erased by penalty. The blocked punt in Tennessee allowed the Titans back into the game. The fake field goal in the red zone against the Giants was more about the call and not the execution, so I can't hang this on the players. So, what does a mixed bag of goods and bads usually spell?
C+
COACHING: Much like 2010, the Steelers opened shop this year short handed and loaded with drama. It appears that the storm has been weathered, as the team is emerging at the mid point, touting a 5-3 record. Most NFL teams would kill to be north of .500 after losing three veteran leaders, entering the pre-season with a host of key injuries, changing out their O.C. and special teams coach, and watching one of their true offensive stars sit out the entire training camp. Oh, let's not forget having their defensive playmaker out almost all season with a bad calf. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is often mentioned in coach of year discussions, but I can't think of a better overall display of grounding leadership than Tomlin's efforts this year. Todd Haley has injected an offensive system that looks good with the promise of greatness, and Dick LeBeau, well, we ain't talking about his age much lately.
A-
MID SEASON AWARDS:
MVP - Ben Roethlisberger
BEST ROOKIE - Chris Rainey
MOST IMPROVED - Keenan Lewis/Willie Colon (tie)
BEST SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCE - Isaac Redman (against Giants)
PRO BOWL CANDIDATES: Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Maurkice Pouncey, Lawrence Timmons, Shaun Suisham, Ryan Clark
OFFENSE:
Quarterback - starting right off with the clear strength of the Steeler squad, Big Ben Roethlisberger has been a stud on the field and a model teammate off the field. The highly publicized feud regarding the arrival of new O.C. Todd Haley proved to be more media hype than fact, as Ben has quickly grown into the system. He is off to the best start of his fabulous career, this after not having speedster Mike Wallace to work with all training camp. He's not only the team MVP thus far, he's a legitimate candidate for league MVP. As far as my score, Ben is one completion (against the Titans) short of me giving him a perfect rating.
A-
Running Backs - how can I score these guys below an A? No Mendenhall, no problem says the quartet of Isaac Redman, Jon Dwyer, Chris Rainey, and Baron Batch. It doesn't matter who starts as of late, the results are there. To me, this unit will go a long way to determining how the Steelers continue through the second half.
B+
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends - the most talented unit on the North Shore, but not always the most consistent. Antonio Brown has already shown the front office that their money will be well spent; conversely, Mike Wallace at times has shown that their caution may have been justified. Wallace will need to reduce the drops both for his sake and the team's. Emmanual Sanders has shown that when healthy he's a quality receiver and special teamer, as veteran Jericho Cotchery has been rock solid in the few opportunities he's received. Tight end Heath Miller is having an All-Pro season while rookie David Paulson looks like a keeper.
B+
Offensive Line - the guys we used to bash as Ben gets sacked time after time. Maybe not this year, as the new Haley offense requires a much shorter protection period, while emphasizing physical run blocking. The line started out of the blocks rather sluggishly, and of course ran into their customary litany of injuries, but somewhere in mid October the unit found themselves and a little swagger to go along with it. Willie Colon now seems comfortable in his new home at guard, with a nasty moxie that would bring a tear to Mike Webster's eye. Maurkice Pouncey looks Pro Bowl bound again, as rook Mike Adams has shown promise with some punishing run blocking, although his open door policy during pass protection is still cause for bother. Ramon Foster has been well above Tomlin's proverbial line, thus allowing the team to halt any urgency to get rookie David Decastro back into action. As for Max Starks, what more needs be said about a man who continually steps up when called upon, seemingly after being sent packing.
B
DEFENSE:
Defensive Line - for years this was one of the strongest performing unit on the team. Not so far in 2012. Starting the season with no Aaron Smith and a gimpy Brett Keisel, the line once again looked 'old and slow' as their ability to thwart the run vanished faster than a hoagie in Casey Hampton's fridge. The performance has improved steadily throughout October, and now the unit looks much closer to the run crushers that D.C. Dick LeBeau craves. NT/DT Steve McClendon continues to fly under the radar as the best defender that most folks still haven't heard of. Keisel seems to have found his old form while Ziggy Hood continues to develop into a quality DE.
C
Linebackers - just like the D line, the 2012 linebacking crew started the season minus it's leader, as James Farrior was handed his pink slip in the off season. My main man Larry Foote has stepped in nicely, leading the team in tackles. Lawrence Timmons has been a machine at times, trying his best to contribute more explosiveness to offset the loss of playmaker Troy Polamalu. Lamar Woodley is once again terrorizing opposing QBs when he isn't on the trainer's table icing his hammies. James Harrison, coming off of minor knee surgery, is beginning to look the part of a 34 year old linebacker as his presence has been nothing more than minimal thus far.
B+
Safeties/Cornerbacks - considering that all world safety playmaker Troy Polamalu's collective playing time in 2012 has been shorter than one of his shampoo commercials, this unit has towed the line nicely. Keenan Lewis is the first back to get mention as his play has turned former corner William Gay into nothing more than a memory with a funny last name. Lewis's emergence has played neatly off that of quickly resurgent swaggermaster, and reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Ike Taylor. Despite the ravings of certain sports writers and broadcasters, the play of Will Allen in place of Polamalu, has been solid but certainly not stellar. Ryan Clark has been the steadying force on the defense, but he needs to recite the overused Tomlinism "don't hit the head, don't use the head". Clark still relishes laying out receivers ala vintage Donnie Shell, and the sad fact is that he is now a seemingly marked man to the point where a shot to the ribs gets ruled as a blow to the head. All in all, despite leading the NFL in passing yards allowed and passes broken up, the unit must contribute more than 0.5 interceptions per game to gain a higher score.
B+
SPECIAL TEAMS: Lots of highs and lows with these guys. On the plus side, kicker Shaun Suisham has been off to a career start (with his kicking, not his running). Chris Rainey and A.B. have both been explosive on returns. New punter Drew Butler has been a pleasant surprise, and the coverage units have been fairly strong. Now the other shoe falls. The Steelers lead the NFL by a whopping margin in return yards erased by penalty. The blocked punt in Tennessee allowed the Titans back into the game. The fake field goal in the red zone against the Giants was more about the call and not the execution, so I can't hang this on the players. So, what does a mixed bag of goods and bads usually spell?
C+
COACHING: Much like 2010, the Steelers opened shop this year short handed and loaded with drama. It appears that the storm has been weathered, as the team is emerging at the mid point, touting a 5-3 record. Most NFL teams would kill to be north of .500 after losing three veteran leaders, entering the pre-season with a host of key injuries, changing out their O.C. and special teams coach, and watching one of their true offensive stars sit out the entire training camp. Oh, let's not forget having their defensive playmaker out almost all season with a bad calf. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is often mentioned in coach of year discussions, but I can't think of a better overall display of grounding leadership than Tomlin's efforts this year. Todd Haley has injected an offensive system that looks good with the promise of greatness, and Dick LeBeau, well, we ain't talking about his age much lately.
A-
MID SEASON AWARDS:
MVP - Ben Roethlisberger
BEST ROOKIE - Chris Rainey
MOST IMPROVED - Keenan Lewis/Willie Colon (tie)
BEST SINGLE GAME PERFORMANCE - Isaac Redman (against Giants)
PRO BOWL CANDIDATES: Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Maurkice Pouncey, Lawrence Timmons, Shaun Suisham, Ryan Clark
Nutting Brings in New (Old) Blood
Just days after Pirates' owner Bob Nutting announced that the Best Management Team in Baseball would once again avoid the guillotine, the Pittsburgh sports world was rocked to it's core as the team announced the hiring of long time Yankee staffer Bill Livesey. Livesey, the 72 year old fossil who served most recently as a Yankees' scout, will be brought in to provide senior mentorship to GM Neal Huntington.
Perhaps after Livesey scolds Huntington for not cleaning his room or scrubbing behind his ears, he can actually help the embattled GM with critical baseball related stuff like talent acquisition and player development. Maybe Livesey can also take the old hickory stick to player development extraordinaire Kyle Stark, the raving maniac who authored the Bucs' highly scrutinized Hell Week, as well as other forgettable training calamities. Hopefully Livesey can help jolt this system into reality, but conventional logic tells me that it is he, in fact, who will be in for the rude awaking, as he quickly learns that he's gone from Daddy Warbucks' stately mansion to the humble homestead of Mr. Al Bundy. Say no to Josh Hamilton, say yes to Josh Harrison. A fifteen million dollar corner outfielder? Maybe over the life of the contract, sure. Hell, Jason Bay just became affordable again.
My grandfather was great at fixing things, but the Bucs' issues run a little deeper that a crooked screen door or an air conditioner on the fritz. Livesey's baseball resume is robust, if not stellar. He's been involved on the ground level with multiple winning organizations. His accomplishments in the sport probably outshine the Bucs' entire management team, but once again I have to wonder what he will be able to bring to a table that works with far less than he is accustomed to.
Perhaps this is how Livesey wishes to conclude his baseball career, but somehow I feel like this is no way for a man to spend his golden years.
Perhaps after Livesey scolds Huntington for not cleaning his room or scrubbing behind his ears, he can actually help the embattled GM with critical baseball related stuff like talent acquisition and player development. Maybe Livesey can also take the old hickory stick to player development extraordinaire Kyle Stark, the raving maniac who authored the Bucs' highly scrutinized Hell Week, as well as other forgettable training calamities. Hopefully Livesey can help jolt this system into reality, but conventional logic tells me that it is he, in fact, who will be in for the rude awaking, as he quickly learns that he's gone from Daddy Warbucks' stately mansion to the humble homestead of Mr. Al Bundy. Say no to Josh Hamilton, say yes to Josh Harrison. A fifteen million dollar corner outfielder? Maybe over the life of the contract, sure. Hell, Jason Bay just became affordable again.
My grandfather was great at fixing things, but the Bucs' issues run a little deeper that a crooked screen door or an air conditioner on the fritz. Livesey's baseball resume is robust, if not stellar. He's been involved on the ground level with multiple winning organizations. His accomplishments in the sport probably outshine the Bucs' entire management team, but once again I have to wonder what he will be able to bring to a table that works with far less than he is accustomed to.
Perhaps this is how Livesey wishes to conclude his baseball career, but somehow I feel like this is no way for a man to spend his golden years.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Power Restored in New York
Just days after Superstorm Sandy rampaged through the metropolitan New York City region, the area experienced the fury of a second force of nature on Sunday night, that of a focused Pittsburgh Steelers team. In playing what turned out to be their best game of the season, the Black and Gold overcame an assortment of obstacles to achieve their first true signature victory of the season.
In what was shaping into a seemingly NFL scripted feel good story for the victims of Sandy, it was the Steelers that would pen the final chapter, a 10 point come from behind fourth quarter victory.
Cheers To:
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry about the short length - experiencing left button mouse issues today.
In what was shaping into a seemingly NFL scripted feel good story for the victims of Sandy, it was the Steelers that would pen the final chapter, a 10 point come from behind fourth quarter victory.
Cheers To:
- Isaac Redman, Ben Roethlisberger, Jerico Cotchery, the offensive line, Lamar Woodley, and the entire Steelers secondary.
- The NFL officiating crew. Seriously, can anyone please explain the Ryan Clark blow to the head (ribs) penalty?
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry about the short length - experiencing left button mouse issues today.
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