Max Starks...

[Steelerfreak58]

Wow the guy came in off the couch and did a really great job. Hope he realizes this is his second chance and that he stays healthy! Kudos Max!

[rd31669]

Ben seemed really comfortable with him on his line too. Great chemistry !!!

[stiller39]

Max Starks has always been the consummate professional during career. He always says the right things through out all of his ups and downs. He has never embarrassed himself or the Team when he was benched or cut. He now returns and gives the battered O line some new life. Anyone who weighs over 300 lbs and can't work out with the neck injury will put on weight without even trying... Stillers should have know that. They should have cut Aaron Smith, whom I love, and signed Starks and worked him into shape...I'm glad he's back!!!!!

[fer522]

Originally Posted by rd31669

Ben seemed really comfortable with him on his line too. Great chemistry !!!

you're right on the money Ben looked comfortable
something we didn't see in the past 4 games

[tanda10506]

Not only did he look comfortable, but he had a decent amount of time. He still got rushed a few times but he had 3-4 seconds instead of 1-2 at best, what a difference. 24/34 is not bad, especially with 5 TD's, and the INT was a team fluke not a throwing error. He still had a few throws that were off, but this was the first game where he was able to concentrate down field, he'll reel them in by next week, all around great passing. I had made some comments earlier in the year that if we just got a good LT that the line would be "okay" because there wouldn't be a free rusher blowing by Scott every play and the rest of the line could focus on their assignments. I think that's what we saw, hopefully Gilbert is okay. Thank you Starks!!!

[Steel Boss]

It seems like there were some issues going on with Max. I've heard stuff suggesting that Kugler and/or Tomlin were not fans of his, though the reasons were obscure.

It's been clear to many since camp, that they needed some help at tackle. After Week 1, with Willie going down, absolutely everyone could see that they badly needed help at tackle. Their reported talks with Flozell only confirm that they knew it too.

Yet they waited forever to sign Max. Who knows, maybe that Houston game unfolds differently with him in there.

I would LOVE to know what their thought process with the awy they've handled the O-line. From the outside looking in, it's looked very bizarre.

[stb_steeler]

Originally Posted by rd31669

Ben seemed really comfortable with him on his line too. Great chemistry !!!

Well being best friends does help.......We hear about teams having chemistry all the time, maybe thats whats been missing!

[Drizztbob]

Tomlin gave Starks the game ball on Sunday, so they definitely realize what an asset he is to the team.

[ricardisimo]

I think it's telling that the game plan finally changed this week, shorter passes, more up-tempo, three-step drops instead of five, slightly more balanced running attack. Starks is good, and I'm glad he's back, but I'm sure they felt some pressure to help him out first time back.

[steelerjim58]

I do not know if the adjective exist to describe how well Starks played all things considered. I have got to believe that possibly he and the Steelers have been in contact for a while. He has to have been working out and getting in shape to have played the way he did on Sunday. But in any case it was good to see him out there.