smithessmokin
06-19-2008, 02:55 PM
This next season will truly tell the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers; whether they have what it takes to get to another Superbowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers have young players in just about every position. Newly acquired rookies and free agents will help strengthen the running game (mendenhall, moore, russell) and the passing game (holmes, washington, sweed). The Pittsburgh Steelers possess one the best QBs in the league in Big Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers also drafted Dennis Dixon to try to become an effective QB for later in his career. The Pittsburgh defense also has young players ready to contribute. Lamar Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Bruce Davis, Keyaron Fox, and Mike Humpal are all young LBs that have a great future ahead of them in Pittsburgh. James Harrison, an emerging elite LB, started and had a Pro-Bowl season. Though James Harrison isn't 25 anymore, he is still below 30 and will contribute for many years. The CBs are also young. Ike Taylor, Bryant McFadden, WIlliam Gay, and Anthony Madison. They are below 30 and will help the Steelers for many more seasons. The Steelers also have a good DB group, leading the way with the amazing Troy Polamalu. Ryan Clark has shown he can be good when healthy. Then, Anthony Smith and Ryan Mundy, two promising players bring up the rear.
However, these players performance will hinge on the success of both the offensive line and the defensive line. Let me begin with the offensive line: The offensive line these past two years have been horrendous. Each season, they allowed 47 and 49 sacks respectively. Pitiful. There is no other word for it. The offensive line looked like this last season:
LT- Marvel Smith, Max Starks (to fill in for the injured Marvel Smith), Trai Essex (to fill in for the injured max Starks)
LG- Alan Faneca
C- Sean Mahan
RG- Kendall Simmons
RT- Willie Colon
What the Steelers should have learned from last season is that C Sean Mahan was a complete failure. Mahan continued to lose weight throughout the season, and his play sucked. They should have also learned that the LT position for the future is up for grabs. They should have seen from constant viewings of fil that the present condition of the offensive line could not consistently (if ever) open up holes for the running game or pass protect consistently as well. The only positives learned from last season is that RT Willie Colon played all 17 games throughout the year. Now, the Steelers have taken steps to try rebuild and strengthen the offensive line. They have free agents and former backups that the Steelers feel can step in and improve the condition of the offensive line right away. Chris Kemoeatu, a 6th round pick in the 2006 draft, has been penciled in as the starter at LG. Also, free agent acquiree Justin Hartwig figures to be the starting C going into the 2008 season. Also, new battles have sprung for starting positions. Max Starks and Willie Colon figure to be fighting for the open RT starting spot. Kendall Simmons may be battling Darnell Stapleton and Sean Mahan for the starting RG position. Kendall Simmons has been hurt, and Darnell Stapleton has been effectively filling in for Simmons at RG.
The offensive line has been changed by my many different happenings. Here is my breakdown of how the offensive will hinge off the offensive line play:
LT- Marvel Smith is automatically the starter if he is healthy. But that is just it, Marvel Smtih has not been healthy these last few seasons. Sure, he had corrective surgery on his back, but does that mean Marvel Smith will have a non-injury plagued season? Who knows? If Marvel Smith has health problems again, Max Starks will undobutedly fill his shoes. Max Starks had two good games at LT last year. However, two games at starting LT does not mean he will be the answer down the road to the starting LT spot. Max Starks also sustained an injury last year. So, another question is: Can Max Starks hold up at LT? Late last year, Trai Essex started in the playoff game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he failed miserably. Essex gave up two sacks that game, and he completely looked loss on the 3rd and 6 sweep play. Trai Essex has career backup written all over him. The of the LT in Pittsburgh is up in the air. Marvel Smith needs to have a good season in order for him to get an extension. And for all the Steelers know, Max Starks could beat out Willie Colon for the starting RT spot. Trai Essex is not the answer. All of these factors leave the Steelers little insurance at LT for this season and for following season as well.
LG- Last year, LG Alan Faneca made it clear that he wanted top money. Fancea stayed to true to his word when he was not given the money he wanted. He bolted to the New York Jets, where he got a record deal for guards in the NFL. Now, Chris Kemoeatu has been penciled in as Faneca's replacement at LG. However, Chris Kemeatu has never had much playing time during the season, and his durability has been an issue. He has been inured several times, and that was without starting or much playing time. The starting LG is as much up in the air at LT. Darnell Stapleton filled in for Kemoeatu while he was nursing injuries, when he was not in pads. Stapleton looked decent, but is presently the only other G backup other than Sean Mahan. No one in Steeler Nation wants to ever see Sean Mahan back on the starting line up. Nor shall he ever be, hopefully. All of these factors leave the Steelers little insurance at LG for this season and for following seasons as well.
C- Sean Mahan started for the Steelers at C this past season. He looked promising against weaker teams, but his true weakness (strength, etc.) was exposed once the harder teams beginning after the loss to the Cardinals showed how Sean Mahan was one of Tomlin's biggest mistakes. Then there is Darnell Stapleton, the mystery man in Pittsburgh. Stapleton was aquired as a UDFA last seaon, and spent most of the season injured. When he wasn't injured, he was the backup C. His role with the Steelers is currently up in the air. Stapleton has seen time in the recent OTAs all over the inside of the line. Another mystery man in Pittsburgh in recently acquired free agent C Justin Hartiwg. While many see him as the starting center, Sean Mahan continues to practice with the first squad. Not good signs. Everyone in Steeler Nation knows that Mahan is not the answer, but Stapleton and Hartwig have yet to prove to the coaching staff that they are the answers for the starting C job. All of these factors leave the Steelers with good insurance at C, but a very clouded state of "good insurance". The problem at C may extend beyond this season and for following seasons as well.
RG- Kendall Simmons started at RG all year long. However, Simmons continually allowed sacks his way all season long. Simmons was exposed for his lack to build, strength, etc. and showed opposing teams that he can be taken advantage of. Darnell Stapleton has showed promise so far, however, has seen no time at RG with pads. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has said that they might try Willie Colon at guard sometime this offeseason, but has yet to do so. Willie Colon and Max Starks are currently the only RTs to have significant playing time over the past two years. I am not sure whether Tomlin and Cpmpany can afford to lose one of these players to compete at guard. Then of course, is the horrible Sean Mahan, who even looks to compete for the starting spot. This cannot happen. The day Sean Mahan starts for the Steelers again is Pittsburgh's doomsday. All of these factors give the Steelers little insurance at RG for this season and following seasons to come.
RT- Willie Colon started all 17 games for the Steelers last season. He was the only offensivle lineman that played consistently. However, his consistent play was not very "great". He played well as a first year starter, but his pass protection and run blocking has to improve. Max Starks was handed the backup job, and "supposedly" there was no real evidence that led to his losing of the starting RT spot. So, this will be the most interesting camp battle to watch this year, outsid of the Foote/Timmons battle. Getting back to the subject, niether of these two are great is pass protection and struggle with the speed rushers. The only difference is that Colon is better is slightly better at pass protection that Starks, but Starks' run blocking skills are way better than Colon's. Other than these two battling for the starting RT spot, there are complete scrubs competeing for the backup RT spot. Both jason Capizzi and Jeremy Parquet have shown that they are no where close to ever starting in the NFL (read my opinion on Trai Essex, in short, career backups if that). Jason Capizzi has shown that he is atheltic, but must improve his fundamentals before ever cracking a starting line up.
The only rookie added to the offensive line in draft and free agency was OT Tony Hills. Tony Hills looks to be a backup, if not practice squad player. So far, he is still hampered by his college injury (not sure on specifics). As far as the Steelers know, Tony Hills may be still be injured going into camp. The addition of Hills has only broght another scrub to compete for a back up role, if his inkury allows.
Therefore, the offensive line hinges on critical performance this year from its linemen.
However, these players performance will hinge on the success of both the offensive line and the defensive line. Let me begin with the offensive line: The offensive line these past two years have been horrendous. Each season, they allowed 47 and 49 sacks respectively. Pitiful. There is no other word for it. The offensive line looked like this last season:
LT- Marvel Smith, Max Starks (to fill in for the injured Marvel Smith), Trai Essex (to fill in for the injured max Starks)
LG- Alan Faneca
C- Sean Mahan
RG- Kendall Simmons
RT- Willie Colon
What the Steelers should have learned from last season is that C Sean Mahan was a complete failure. Mahan continued to lose weight throughout the season, and his play sucked. They should have also learned that the LT position for the future is up for grabs. They should have seen from constant viewings of fil that the present condition of the offensive line could not consistently (if ever) open up holes for the running game or pass protect consistently as well. The only positives learned from last season is that RT Willie Colon played all 17 games throughout the year. Now, the Steelers have taken steps to try rebuild and strengthen the offensive line. They have free agents and former backups that the Steelers feel can step in and improve the condition of the offensive line right away. Chris Kemoeatu, a 6th round pick in the 2006 draft, has been penciled in as the starter at LG. Also, free agent acquiree Justin Hartwig figures to be the starting C going into the 2008 season. Also, new battles have sprung for starting positions. Max Starks and Willie Colon figure to be fighting for the open RT starting spot. Kendall Simmons may be battling Darnell Stapleton and Sean Mahan for the starting RG position. Kendall Simmons has been hurt, and Darnell Stapleton has been effectively filling in for Simmons at RG.
The offensive line has been changed by my many different happenings. Here is my breakdown of how the offensive will hinge off the offensive line play:
LT- Marvel Smith is automatically the starter if he is healthy. But that is just it, Marvel Smtih has not been healthy these last few seasons. Sure, he had corrective surgery on his back, but does that mean Marvel Smith will have a non-injury plagued season? Who knows? If Marvel Smith has health problems again, Max Starks will undobutedly fill his shoes. Max Starks had two good games at LT last year. However, two games at starting LT does not mean he will be the answer down the road to the starting LT spot. Max Starks also sustained an injury last year. So, another question is: Can Max Starks hold up at LT? Late last year, Trai Essex started in the playoff game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he failed miserably. Essex gave up two sacks that game, and he completely looked loss on the 3rd and 6 sweep play. Trai Essex has career backup written all over him. The of the LT in Pittsburgh is up in the air. Marvel Smith needs to have a good season in order for him to get an extension. And for all the Steelers know, Max Starks could beat out Willie Colon for the starting RT spot. Trai Essex is not the answer. All of these factors leave the Steelers little insurance at LT for this season and for following season as well.
LG- Last year, LG Alan Faneca made it clear that he wanted top money. Fancea stayed to true to his word when he was not given the money he wanted. He bolted to the New York Jets, where he got a record deal for guards in the NFL. Now, Chris Kemoeatu has been penciled in as Faneca's replacement at LG. However, Chris Kemeatu has never had much playing time during the season, and his durability has been an issue. He has been inured several times, and that was without starting or much playing time. The starting LG is as much up in the air at LT. Darnell Stapleton filled in for Kemoeatu while he was nursing injuries, when he was not in pads. Stapleton looked decent, but is presently the only other G backup other than Sean Mahan. No one in Steeler Nation wants to ever see Sean Mahan back on the starting line up. Nor shall he ever be, hopefully. All of these factors leave the Steelers little insurance at LG for this season and for following seasons as well.
C- Sean Mahan started for the Steelers at C this past season. He looked promising against weaker teams, but his true weakness (strength, etc.) was exposed once the harder teams beginning after the loss to the Cardinals showed how Sean Mahan was one of Tomlin's biggest mistakes. Then there is Darnell Stapleton, the mystery man in Pittsburgh. Stapleton was aquired as a UDFA last seaon, and spent most of the season injured. When he wasn't injured, he was the backup C. His role with the Steelers is currently up in the air. Stapleton has seen time in the recent OTAs all over the inside of the line. Another mystery man in Pittsburgh in recently acquired free agent C Justin Hartiwg. While many see him as the starting center, Sean Mahan continues to practice with the first squad. Not good signs. Everyone in Steeler Nation knows that Mahan is not the answer, but Stapleton and Hartwig have yet to prove to the coaching staff that they are the answers for the starting C job. All of these factors leave the Steelers with good insurance at C, but a very clouded state of "good insurance". The problem at C may extend beyond this season and for following seasons as well.
RG- Kendall Simmons started at RG all year long. However, Simmons continually allowed sacks his way all season long. Simmons was exposed for his lack to build, strength, etc. and showed opposing teams that he can be taken advantage of. Darnell Stapleton has showed promise so far, however, has seen no time at RG with pads. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has said that they might try Willie Colon at guard sometime this offeseason, but has yet to do so. Willie Colon and Max Starks are currently the only RTs to have significant playing time over the past two years. I am not sure whether Tomlin and Cpmpany can afford to lose one of these players to compete at guard. Then of course, is the horrible Sean Mahan, who even looks to compete for the starting spot. This cannot happen. The day Sean Mahan starts for the Steelers again is Pittsburgh's doomsday. All of these factors give the Steelers little insurance at RG for this season and following seasons to come.
RT- Willie Colon started all 17 games for the Steelers last season. He was the only offensivle lineman that played consistently. However, his consistent play was not very "great". He played well as a first year starter, but his pass protection and run blocking has to improve. Max Starks was handed the backup job, and "supposedly" there was no real evidence that led to his losing of the starting RT spot. So, this will be the most interesting camp battle to watch this year, outsid of the Foote/Timmons battle. Getting back to the subject, niether of these two are great is pass protection and struggle with the speed rushers. The only difference is that Colon is better is slightly better at pass protection that Starks, but Starks' run blocking skills are way better than Colon's. Other than these two battling for the starting RT spot, there are complete scrubs competeing for the backup RT spot. Both jason Capizzi and Jeremy Parquet have shown that they are no where close to ever starting in the NFL (read my opinion on Trai Essex, in short, career backups if that). Jason Capizzi has shown that he is atheltic, but must improve his fundamentals before ever cracking a starting line up.
The only rookie added to the offensive line in draft and free agency was OT Tony Hills. Tony Hills looks to be a backup, if not practice squad player. So far, he is still hampered by his college injury (not sure on specifics). As far as the Steelers know, Tony Hills may be still be injured going into camp. The addition of Hills has only broght another scrub to compete for a back up role, if his inkury allows.
Therefore, the offensive line hinges on critical performance this year from its linemen.