Team Report

[BB2W]

Team Report
(Fox) June 27th


The coaches were really impressed in minicamp with rookie LB Rian Wallace, an inside linebacker from Temple. That is good news for a position that will need some depth after the free-agent loss of ILB Kendrell Bell. Larry Foote, who started every game in 2005, has developed into a dependable player who takes good angles to the ball and has the ability to play in pass coverage. But Bell's loss created a depth problem inside, and Wallace looks as though he will be the answer. The coaches like his toughness and instincts. . . .

The decision to re-sign veteran S Travis Carter is an indication the team is not sure about Mike Logan, who has beset with injuries the past couple years. Logan, a former starter missed nearly the entire 2004 season with injury. In his absence, first-year S Russell Stuvaints spent time in the dime defense and impressed the coaches with his speed and ball reaction.

SCOUTING REPORT: The team will try to use DE Travis Kirschke even more this season because starter Kimo von Oelhoffen is 34 and in the last year of his contract. Kirschke, a free-agent pickup in 2004, played very well last season, showing good strength and explosion off the ball. He also does a good job using his hands inside to shed blockers. Kirschke often played in the dime defense as one of two pass-rushers, but he is primarily an inside rusher who will not threaten to the outside.

COACH UNDER PRESSURE: Secondary coach Darren Perry will have a tough job this season because he has lost his most experienced cornerback, Chad Scott, who was released, and has to hope that either veteran Willie Williams or second-year CB Ricardo Colclough can step in. Williams started 12 games after Scott was injured last season and the team was 11-1 with him as a starter. But Williams is in his 13th season and is susceptible to getting beat deep. Perry will also have to get rookie No. 2 Bryant McFadden ready in a hurry.

INSIDE DISH: The Steelers and four-time Pro Bowl WR Hines Ward are talking about a contract extension, but the sides remain far apart and probably won't get a deal done until the beginning of training camp. Ward, who is in the final year of his contract, is in a good bargaining position because the Steelers let their other starting receiver, Plaxico Burress, leave in free agency.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: GRADE C-plus: The addition of rookie No. 1 Heath Miller will drastically improve the position because it gives the team a quality pass-catcher over the middle. It will make Jerame Tuman a better No. 2 tight end.

[atlsteelers]

Lets open the offense up a little, give ben the ball... everybody in the house could call the plays in the AFC championship game...throw the ball more on first down..run some play action passes...get ben out of the pocket...and lets see fast willie parker on the field...well maybe - if can learn how to catch a football

[BB2W]

I couldn't agree more....... +1

[steelparrot]

Originally Posted by atlsteelers

Lets open the offense up a little, give ben the ball... everybody in the house could call the plays in the AFC championship game...throw the ball more on first down..run some play action passes...get ben out of the pocket...and lets see fast willie parker on the field...well maybe - if can learn how to catch a football

bingo. last year we kept winning so there was no need to fool around with the play calling. However when it came playoffs and we started facing teams for a second time, we were to predictable. However, its been said before and ill say it again, balance. It seems the steelers go to the well one to many times if they have success with one thing.