Let's get it started (Steelers)

[Prosdo]

Let's get it started

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key veteran additions: WR Cedrick Wilson.
Key veteran departures: LB Kendrell Bell; WR Plaxico Burress; DT Kendrick Clancy; TE Jay Riemersma; OT Oliver Ross; CB Chad Scott; OG Keydrick Vincent.
Most significant change: The Steelers decided against re-signing Burress in the offseason. Burress was a lightning rod for criticism in Pittsburgh, but he was QB Ben Roethlisberger's friend and favorite deep-ball threat. The Steelers are asking WRs Antwaan Randle El and Wilson to pick up the slack. How this affects the offense remains to be seen.
Reasons for optimism: It's Roethlisberger's second season as starter. That's one reason for Steelers supporters to smile. Roethlisberger was outstanding as a rookie with poise and accuracy beyond his years. Another reason: the return of NT Casey Hampton and ORG Kendall Simmons from knee injuries that ended their 2004 seasons prematurely.
Causes for concern: Although Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis proved an effective power-running duo in '04, both backs are 30 or older. Also, the depth on the offensive line is a concern. Overall, though, this is a team with less to worry about than most squads.
Battle to watch: Randle El vs. Wilson. Randle El knows the offense, but he has shown a tendency to put the ball on the ground. Wilson, a former 49er, has good speed. The loser of this battle figures to fit in as the third receiver.
Don't be surprised if ... reserve OLB James Harrison becomes the team's top pass-rusher. He impressed the team last season and figures to be put in position to get after the quarterback.

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/traini...=2115803&num=4

[BlitzburghRockCity]

They just love to blow this stuff out of proportion dont they?

Key veteran departures: LB Kendrell Bell; WR Plaxico Burress; DT Kendrick Clancy; TE Jay Riemersma; OT Oliver Ross; CB Chad Scott; OG Keydrick Vincent.

Bell= injury prone, hasnt played much at all for us and we've been fine

Burress, wines too much and too inconsistent but he was a good deterrant to keep double teams off ward. Wilson's speed will help w/ that now

Clancy= role player, will miss the depth, thats all

Reimersma= good TE, but not like we didnt have success w/ Tuman and company,we'll be ok here too.

Ross = will miss him from a depth standpoint, and he was a good LT, but Starks should be ready.

Scott = hurt most of last year, and always got burnt anyways. He was a decent veteran leader but certainly not irreplaceable.

Vincent.. again will miss him from the depth standpoint. he filled in great last year for simmons, but kendall is healthy and ready to go.


These FA's are NOT that big of a deal. they really arent.

[Prosdo]

I agree. The one that gets me the most is Kendrell Bell. Yes, he is an awesome player. But the problem is he isn't healthy. Bell wasn't doing us any good. Larry Foote stepped in for him and did great.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

When bell first went down w/ that high ankle sprain in his 2nd year, and Foote came in.. he was just awful, missing tackles, couldnt get off of blocks.. i was definately worried..but Larry worked hard, got his reps in, keep working hard and studying and now Im totally satisfied w/ him in the middle along side farrior. They both are great.