USA Today Player Ratings

[Prosdo]

I saw that they are doing installments of the player ratings on the USA Today website. I thought I would post what they said about our guys

Defensive Linemen Article

Rock solid

This is the perfect description of Pittsburgh's Aaron Smith. Ends in a 3-4 defense are really glorified tackles, and they rarely put up high sack numbers. Smith gets down and dirty on every play, and he still found time to record eight sacks in 2004.

On the rebound

Casey Hampton of the Steelers missed 10 games last season with a knee injury, but he should re-establish himself on the nose of the 3-4 defense.

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...gs-dline_x.htm


Linebackers Article

On the rise

Pittsburgh's Clark Haggans has the ability to make plays in his team's 3-4 defense. He had six sacks last season, and as he gets more experience those numbers could increase.

Elite

Pittsburgh's James Farrior has found a home on the inside of the team's 3-4 defense after failing to live up to expectations with the Jets.

On the rise

Pittsburgh's Larry Foote is a player to watch in 2005. He filled in for the injured Kendrell Bell last season, and with Bell gone to Kansas City, the job is his. Foote was signed to a long-term contract to keep from being an unrestricted free agent next March.

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...ebackers_x.htm


Defensive Backs Article

On the rise

Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu had a Pro Bowl season that was blemished when he bit on a Tom Brady pump fake for a crucial touchdown in New England's AFC championship game win. The second-year playmaker can blitz, stuff the run or turn and run in coverage. He led the Steelers with five interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...ve-backs_x.htm

[BlitzburghRockCity]

This is the perfect description of Pittsburgh's Aaron Smith. Ends in a 3-4 defense are really glorified tackles, and they rarely put up high sack numbers. Smith gets down and dirty on every play, and he still found time to record eight sacks in 2004.

Aaron Smith is so underrated.. he's a rock on our DL, and just finally got noticed this past season in the pro bowl!

Great article!

[Prosdo]

Originally Posted by BlitzburghRockCity

Aaron Smith is so underrated.. he's a rock on our DL, and just finally got noticed this past season in the pro bowl!

Great article!

Very true. Smith has done great for us.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

You know, its pretty bad when a national newspaper sees the light of our team and its players and recognizes the quality team we have, but yet one of our beat writers, crisco as I call him, cant even look past his own ego to actually write intelligent articles.

[bigbensgirl7]

Great article Prosdo.
I think we have a pretty solid D this year and I am excited about it!

[Prosdo]

It was nice to see a good bit of our players on the rise. No doubt is Aaron Smith rock solid and it was awesome seeing Farrior get listed as one of the elite.

[clevestinks]

Nice to see some positive press. Aaron Smith has jumped off my underrated players list.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

He's definately not making underrate players money either w/ that contract he signed a couple years ago. Isnt it interesting how so many players are making huge amounts of money by NFL standards yet are still under the radar.

[Prosdo]

Indeed it is Blitz. Smith is one hell of a player, but always seems to not get noticed as much as he probably should.

[Prosdo]

Offensive Linemen Article

Tackles

A notch below

Marvel Smith of the Steelers has zoomed up this list and should stay around for a long time. Pittsburgh's offense is built around the run and doesn't place the tackles at risk too often in the passing game, but the 27-year-old Smith has developed into a capable all-around blocker.

Guards

Elite

With more stability around him, Pittsburgh's Alan Faneca returned to left guard last season and anchored a line that paved the way for the AFC's top rushing attack.

On the rebound

Pittsburgh's Kendall Simmons missed last season after tearing his ACL on Aug. 18. That followed a 2003 season in which he struggled after learning he had diabetes and dropped 35 pounds. But his knee is expected to be healthy, and he has the diabetes under control.

Centers

A notch below

Coming off his first Pro Bowl, Pittsburgh's Jeff Hartings is 33 with chronic bad knees and could be playing his final season.


Rest of the article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...gs-oline_x.htm