Steelers veterans at risk

June 15, 2009
By Donald Starver

Recently, one of our readers asked us “which Steelers veteran is likely to lose his job in 2009?”.  I answered the question in the comments section of one of our articles, but I thought the question was interesting enough to expound upon further.

The Steelers will convene for training camp on July 31, and competition will begin for roster spots.  The Steelers brought in some veteran free agents, and they had an exceptional draft.  Both factors mean that the roster is likely to undergo some changes.

As we look ahead to what is likely to happen in training camp, a couple of names come to mind who may be at risk.

The first name that comes to mind is Carey Davis.  Davis has managed to maintain a roster position since 2007.  However, going into 2009, the numbers may not work in Davis’ favor.  Davis finds himself behind Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, and Rashard Mendenhall on the depth chart.  The Steelers drafted Frank Summers from UNLV, and he appears to be the Steelers’ short yardage back of the future.

To further compound Davis’ problems, he is officially listed as a fullback, and Steelers’ offensive coordinator Bruce Arians doesn’t really use the fullback position in his offensive scheme.  Arians prefers to utilize an H-back as the primary blocker in the backfield.  He has returning veteran Sean McHugh at that position, and has added promising rookie David Johnson from Arkansas State in the draft.

When you compare all of the players vying for time in the Steelers’ backfield, Carey Davis seems to be last in the pecking order.  When the music stops, Davis is likely to find himself without a chair.

RB Carey Davis

The next Steelers player in the crosshairs is probably Trai Essex.  Essex was drafted by the Steelers back in 2005.  Former Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm seemed to have a lot of confidence in Essex.  Essex never broke into the starting lineup, but he made himself valuable by learning to play multiple positions along the offensive line.  “Position flexibility” is something that current Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin clearly values.  However, how long will the Steelers remain patient with a player who has not been able to break into the starting lineup despite playing for an offensive line that is often criticized for lacking talent?

In my opinion, the fact that Essex was not able to win Kendall Simmons’ starting position at right guard when Simmons went down with an injury, may have been the final nail in Essex’ coffin.  Instead of winning Simmons’ position, Essex was beat out by undrafted free agent Darnell Stapleton.

With the addition of young talent like Kraig Urbik and A.Q. Shipley to the Steelers’ offensive line competition, Essex may finally find himself on the outside looking in.

Another Steeler player who may find himself on the endangered species list is Charlie Batch.

Batch is a quality backup quarterback who seems to embrace the backup role.  Unlike Byron Leftwich, who openly proclaimed that he wanted to compete for a starting position, Batch seems content to be a backup.  The fact that Batch is from the Pittsburgh area probably enhances his contentment.

Unfortunately, Batch has a young lion named Dennis Dixon challenging him for the #2 position.  Dixon is a very talented young quarterback who might have won the Heisman Trophy had he not suffered a season-ending injury during his final year at Oregon.

If Dixon can show that he has mastered the playbook, he is likely to overtake Batch on the Steelers’ depth chart.  If that happens, Batch’s career will likely be over.  As a 12 year veteran, Batch doesn’t have much gas left in his tank.  He makes too much money to be a viable #3 quarterback, so rather than retain him as the third quarterback on the roster, the Steelers would probably release him and develop Kevin McCabe or Mike Reilly to be #3.

Hopefully, Batch realizes that his future is completely in Dennis Dixon’s hands.

Another player who may find himself at risk is Tyrone Carter.  Carter has always been small for the safety position.  There are plenty of 5′9″ cornerbacks in the NFL, but you don’t find many safeties that size.  Moreover, you don’t find many strong safeties who only weigh 195 lbs.  Tyrone Carter falls into both categories.  That can’t be a good thing.

Two factors may make Carter expendable.  The first is the development (or lack thereof) of Ryan Mundy.  Mundy is younger, taller, and heavier than Carter.  If Mundy shows his potential in training camp, Carter will be sweating bullets.

The second factor that may make Carter expendable is Deshea Townsend’s ability to pick up the safety position.  I have often said that Townsend would make a great free safety, and that moving to the position would help extend his career.  Townsend is one of the most intelligent players on the Steelers’ roster.  He has never been the fastest player on the field, or the most talented.  However, Townsend is rarely out of position.  That is the primary requirement of a free safety.  Just ask Anthony Smith.

Tom Brady & Tyrone Carter

Two factors may save Carter.  Firstly, Townsend is two years older than him.  So age is on Carter’s side.  The second is the fact that the Steelers just don’t have many safeties on the roster.  Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, and Tyrone Carter are the only  safeties on the Steelers’ roster with NFL experience.  Thus, Tyrone Carter may be saved by the lack of viable competition.

The final veteran who may find himself at risk is Travis Kirschke.  Kirschke is the oldest player on the Steelers’ roster.  Despite not getting much playing time, Kirschke usually performs well when given the opportunity.  He knows the defense, and does his job when called upon.  Unfortunately, time waits for no man.  The Steelers need to get younger at the defensive line positions.  Kirschke will be 35 years old next season, and finding a young replacement for him will help the Steelers in the future.

So who do you fans think will NOT be on the Steelers’ roster when the season starts?  Do you agree with our assessment?  If not, why not?  We’d love to hear your comments.

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Pens Win Stanley Cup!!!!!!!

June 12, 2009
By Donald Starver

Steelers Today is a Pittsburgh Steelers blog.  We focus exclusively on NFL football.  We don’t talk about golf, or baseball.  We don’t talk about beer or babes.  Nope, we talk about the Steelers.

But today, for the first time, I am going to break that rule.  Today, we are going to talk about hockey.  That’s right, hockey.  Along with all other Pittsburghers, we at Steelers Today are celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship.

The Steelers are Super Bowl champs, and the Penguins are Stanley Cup champs.  What could be better?  The city of Pittsburgh has regained its title of “City of Champions”.  Now if only the Pirates could……….  Okay, maybe not.  But 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.

I’ll be honest with you.  I don’t know much about hockey.  I never played the game.  I can’t name all of the positions.  I don’t understand why most of the players speak french.  But I know that the world champs wear black and gold, so that’s good enough for me.

Since I don’t know much about hockey, I am going to write about the game in the only way I know how; like the football blogger that I am.  Here goes.

Sidney Crosby is the quarterback, or whatever the hockey equivalent of that is.  He led the AFC champion Penguins against the reigning world champion Detroit Red Wings.  Unfortunately, Crosby got hurt on a roughing the passer play by the Red Wings.  Somebody named Max Talbot came in to replace Crosby, and he proceeded to score a safety for the Penguins.

The Penguins took their 2-0 lead into the third quarter, only to see the Red Wings score a PAT.  I’m not sure how they managed to do that without actually scoring a touchdown, but somehow they managed to do so.  The Pens lead was cut to 2-1.

For reasons that I don’t quite understand, they only play 3 quarters in Hockey rather than 4.   But that’s a mystery for another time.  Suffice it to say that as the 3rd quarter wound down, the Red Wings were surging and it looked like they might tie the game.  But the Penguins went into their prevent defense and held on to the win the game.  Black and gold are champs again.

Here we go Penguins.  Here we go!

Oh yeah, before I forget; #@%^$! you, Marian Hossa!!!!!!

Okay, that ends our hockey digression.  Congratulations Penguins.  Next time you hear from us, we’ll be back to our regular Steelers talk.

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AFC North Review: Pittsburgh Steelers

June 7, 2009
By Donald Starver

This is part 4 of our AFC North review.  On Thursday,  Joe Barnes from the Baltimore Ravens blog  The Ebony Bird started things off with a review of the Baltimore Ravens’ off-season.  On Friday, Adam Kiefaber from the Cincinnati Bengals Blog Bengal Stripes gave us his review of the Bengals’ off-season.  On Saturday, Don Delco from the Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed shared his perspective on the Browns’ off-season moves.   Now it’s my turn to share my views on the Steelers’ off-season thus far.

AFC North Offseason Review: Pittsburgh Steelers

Best free agent signing and impact:

Biggest Loss and Impact:

What is your reaction to the Steelers’ draft?  I really like the players the Steelers selected.  Ziggy Hood adds much needed youth to the Steelers defensive line.  Kraig Urbik should be able to win a starting position at right guard by mid-season.  Mike Wallace has amazing speed, and is a star receiver of the future.   Keenan Lewis should see some playing time if he can learn the playbook.  Frank Summers is the short yardage back that the Steelers have lacked since Jerome Bettis retired.  And getting a center in the 7th round who won the Rimington Trophy in 2008 was the icing on the cake.  The Steelers addressed most of their needs, got much stronger in their return game, and added pieces for the future.  Overall, an excellent draft.

What storylines will you follow in camp? 1) Will the sophomores finally make an impact.  Rashard Mendenhall, Limas Sweed, Tony Hills, and Bruce Davis need to make their presence felt this year.  They were all MIA last year, and that will have to change if they want to hold onto their roster spots.  2)  How is Lawrence Timmons adjusting to being a starter?  I think he’ll do fine, but I’d like to see it on the field.   3) Can the Steelers’ offensive line finally figure out how to keep QB Ben Roethlisberger off his back?  Let’s face it.  Big Ben gets sacked way too often.  If he is going to last in this league, he is going to have to get better protection.  4)  Can Joe Burnett and Mike Wallace make an impact on the return game?  The Steelers didn’t have many weak spots last year.  Their return game was one of the few.

So, that is my review of the Steelers’ off-season so far.  I really like what they’ve done.  I don’t think we’re going to miss any of the players who left, and I think the rookies are going to be solid.  We won the Super Bowl last year, despite having the toughest schedule in the NFL.  The road to the Super Bowl will be much easier this time around.

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AFC North Review: Cleveland Browns

June 6, 2009
By Donald Starver

This is part 3 of our AFC North review.  On Thursday,  Joe Barnes from the Baltimore Ravens blog  The Ebony Bird started things off with a review of the Baltimore Ravens’ off-season.  On Friday, Adam Kiefaber from the Cincinnati Bengals Blog Bengal Stripes gave us his review of the Bengals’ off-season.  Today we will have Don Delco from the Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed sharing his perspective on the Browns’ off-season moves.   And finally, I will finish up tomorrow with my review of the Steelers’ off-season.

Take it away, Don.

AFC North Offseason Review: Cleveland Browns

2008 Record: 4-12 (AFC North: 1-5)

Key Losses:  MLB Andra Davis, S Sean Jones, TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., WR Joe Jurevicius.

Biggest Loss and Impact:  S Sean Jones and TE Kellen Winslow.  Jones is a key loss because he was a starter.  At the time, the Browns had nobody to replace him.  Mike Adams was being projected as the starter, but after the trade on draft day that netted Cleveland Elam, they now look to be in good shape moving forward at safety.  Winslow was a different situation.  Is he a big loss?  Yes.  Would they be a better team with him in a Browns uniform?  No.  Winslow was a perfect example of the old adage “addition by subtraction.”  Although Winslow will be missed in the passing game, his attitude and lack of desire to run block will not be.  This was the biggest indicator of where Mangini wants to take this team.  Run the ball and control the clock.  You can’t do either effectively with a tight end that doesn’t block anyone.

What is your reaction to the Browns’ draft?:   Two wide receivers in the second round?  Doesn’t seem like a logical choice, except for the Detroit Lions.  The best thing about the draft was the Browns did not pick at No. 5.  There was not a clear-cut player that could help Cleveland in 2009 and that selection would have demanded a lot of money.  By trading out of that spot and picking up a center in Alex Mack, it only continues to bolster an already above average offensive line.

Was the Browns’ biggest need addressed?:  No.  In the 3-4 defense that the Browns run, linebackers are critical.  The Browns still do not have above average linebackers.  Former Jets players Eric Barton (MLB) and David Bowens (OLB) will help, but the position is still a big weakness especially since the Browns employ the 3-4 scheme.

What storylines will you follow in camp?:  (1): Quarterback.  Duh.  Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?  Who ya got?  Most are leaning toward Quinn, but Anderson has a chance and that frightens most.  (2): Who will emerge as the four to start in the linebacking corps and is it enough to help this defense improve?  (3): Currently the Browns have 10 wide receivers and 10 defensive backs.  Something has to give.  (4): How is the team adjusting to new head coach Eric Mangini, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan?  (5): Does RB Jamal Lewis have enough left in the tank to solidify the Browns running game, a Mangini staple?

Thanks Don.  That was an excellent review.  I must tell you that I am very jealous that the Browns got Alex Mack.  I thought he would look great in black and gold.

I agree with you that losing Kellen Winslow Jr. is actually a positive for the Browns.  Despite all of his talent, KW2 just didn’t seem to have the right mental attitude to reach his full potential.  His focus seems to be more on himself than on his team.  I have never really liked him as a player.  I’ll take a blue collar, selfless tight end like the Steelers’ Heath Miller anyday.

So that ends our Cleveland Browns review.  Tomorrow, I will be discussing my views on the Steelers’ off-season moves.  See ya then.

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AFC North Review: Cincinnati Bengals

June 5, 2009
By Donald Starver

Today we will be continuing our AFC North review.  As I explained yesterday, I have recruited 3 fellow AFC North bloggers to help me with the review.  Joe Barnes from the Baltimore Ravens blog  The Ebony Bird started things off yesterday.  Today we will continue with blogger Adam Kiefaber from the Cincinnati Bengals Blog Bengal Stripes giving us his review of the Bengals off-season.  On Saturday we will have Don Delco from the Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed.  And finally, I will finish up on Sunday with my review of the Steelers’ off-season.

You have the floor, Adam.

AFC North Offseason Review: Cincinnati Bengals

2008 Record: 4-11-1 (AFC North: 1-5)

Key Losses:

Key Free Agent Signings:

Key Draft Selections:

Best Free Agent Signing and Impact:

The best free-agent signing in 2009 has to be Laveranues Coles.  The top reason that he is the best signing is because the team had lost its third-down go-to receiver in T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency. While fans in the Nati were bummed to see one of their favorites sign elsewhere, the signing of Coles is believed to be an upgrade over Housh in some keg lines of Bengals fans.  Coles may open up the vertical passing attack and still be able to catch those clutch short over-the-middle passes that Housh was so great at.  That being said, the upgrades on defense through free agency could provide the Bengals with a big boost.  While Coles should be the best signing, I wouldn’t be surprised if either DT Tank Johnson or S Roy Williams have great seasons.

Biggest Loss and Impact:

The biggest name lost has to be Houshmandzadeh, and I wasn’t referring to how many letters are in his name.  However, the Bengals could lose the most from its tackle spots.  The team let Stacy Andrews walk and made Levi Jones take a hike, leaving the Bengals without its two OT starters from a year ago.  Personally, I wasn’t a fan of Andrews.  I thought he was just a project who never emerged into the  superstar that everyone was hoping for.  However the Eagles decided to pay him like he is a superstar.

Then there is Jones, who has been awful for the past couple of seasons. Cincinnati is projected to start ‘09 first-rounder Andre Smith at right tackle and Andrew Whitworth (started at left guard in ‘08) at left tackle.  Both players could struggle against speed rushers, but I am certain that they cannot be worse than what Andrews and Jones did in ‘08.  Or can they?

What is your reaction to the Bengals’ draft?:

Before the draft began most Bengals fans didn’t like their chances to compete in the AFC North in 2009.  However, after the draft, those expectations changed.  The Bengals second-round pick Rey Maualuga really had fans excited.  The additions of Michael Johnson, Chase Coffman, Jonathan Luigs and Kevin Huber had fans shaking their heads and saying to each other, “could this draft have gone any better!”   Surely, the hype may not produce a winner right away, but even from an outsider’s perspective, the Bengals improved themselves immensely in the draft.

Was the Bengals’ biggest need addressed?:

The biggest need appeared to be offensive tackle and running back. The Bengals must have known that they were going to get a starter at OT in the draft, because they were set on acquiring a starting running back.  Cincinnati seemed to focused on former New York Giant Derrick Ward, but eventually made the right decision to re-sign Cedric Benson.  Both Smith and Benson need to have good seasons for the Bengals to have a chance of competing in 2009.

What storylines will you follow in camp?:

An easier question will be which ones won’t I be following.  There is always the Curious Case of Ochocinco, the attitude of Andre Smith, the role that Rey Maualuga will play, if Tank Johnson or Chris Henry shoot anybody, if Roy Williams is as close to being as good as he was in Dallas, how Coles will turn out, and there is so much more.  The obvious storyline that everyone better watch for is the offensive line.  Only one starter from 2008 is back at his spot in right guard Bobbie Williams.  The rest of the line better play well or Carson Palmer might not make it through the season.

Thanks Adam.  That was a very good review.  Personally, I agree with most of your opinions.  The Bengals have a lot of question marks this season.  I am anxious to see how Carson Palmer looks in his return.  I always wonder what Carson Palmer’s career would have been like if he had remained healthy (and played for a better team than the Bengals).

I agree with you on the question marks on the Bengals’ offensive line.  The Bengals’ line is even more suspect than the Steelers’, and that is a scary thought.

On the positive side, the Bengals probably had the best draft in the AFC North.  Andre Smith should be a stud.  Rey Maualuga was a steal where the Bengals took him.  Michael Johnson is going to be good, and Jonathan Luigs was yet another steal.

When you combine a great draft with all of the players that the Bengals signed in free agency, and the return of Carson Palmer, it becomes clear that the Bengals will be much improved and will definitely contend for…….last place in the AFC North.

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AFC North Review: Baltimore Ravens

June 4, 2009
By Donald Starver

I’m Baaaaack!  After taking the month of May off to rest, I am back and ready to get the party started again here on Steelers Today.

May was a quiet month, so I really didn’t miss much.  The Steelers went to the White House.  James Harrison stayed home.  Harrison’s kid got bit by his dog.  That’s about it.  See, we’re all caught up.

To kick things off here at Steelers Today, we are going to start with a review of what each team in the AFC North has done during the off-season.  Rather than give the update myself, I am going to have a blogger from each AFC North team provide the update on what his team has done during the offseason.  First up is Joe Barnes from the Baltimore Ravens blog The Ebony Bird.  Tomorrow we will feature Adam Kiefaber from the Cincinnati Bengals Blog Bengal Stripes.  On Saturday we will have Don Delco from the Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed.  And finally, I will finish up on Sunday with my review of the Steelers’ off-season.

Take it away, Joe.

AFC North Offseason Review: Baltimore Ravens

2008 Record: 11-5 (AFC North: 4-2)

Key Losses: LB Bart Scott, S Jim Leohnard, K Matt Stover, C Jason Brown, CB Chris McAllister, FB Lorenzo Neal

Key Free Agent Signings: CB Dominique Foxworth, C Matt Birk, TE L.J. Smith, QB John Beck, CB Chris Carr

Key Draft Selections: 1st Round: OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss), 2nd Round: DE Paul Kruger (Utah), 3rd Round: CB Lardarius Webb (Nicholls St.), 6th Round: RB Cedric Peerman (Virginia)

Best Free Agent Signing and Impact: The best signing would have to be that of cornerback Dominique Foxworth.  While he may not be as established as Pro Bowl center Matt Birk, Foxworth adds a young, solid talent in the secondary that can mature in the Ravens defense with emerging star Fabian Washington.

Biggest Loss and Impact: Lorenzo Neal’s departure hasn’t been talked about as much as that of Bart Scott or Chris McAllister, but Neal was a huge reason for Joe Flacco’s success last season.  Neal was an incredible pass blocker, but was .even better blocking in the run game.  The emergence of both Le’Ron McClain and Ray Rice was in part due to Neal’s blocking.  Moreover, Joe Flacco was put at ease by the success of the running game.

The defense, especially the linebacking corps, always manages to replace their players very well.  Bart Scott was once one of these “replacement backers”, but the offense has never been good at replacing its main contributors.

What is your reaction to the Ravens’ draft?: The Ravens managed to pull in a draft that took the best players available in their slots, while still addressing team depth.  They managed to get stud lineman Michael Oher at the #24 slot, and got FCS 2-time All-American cornerback/safety Lardarius Webb in the third.  Without drafting players that were household names in college, it will take more than just a month or so to judge this draft, but as of now, it looks like a classic Ozzie Newsome success.

Was the Ravens’ biggest need addressed?: This question has varying opinions among Ravens fans.  Many feel that cornerback was the most pressing need, especially after losing McAllister.  But the team signed Foxworth and Carr, as well as drafting Webb to replace him.  That leaves wide receiver, where the team flirted with the option of trading for Anquan Boldin, but never pulled the trigger.  The only player they acquired at the position was Kelley Washington, who was added more for depth than for impact.  There could still be time for the team to trade for a guy like Chad Johnson or another second-tier receiver.

What storylines will you follow in camp?: There are multiple things to look for going into training camp this July:  (1) Who will emerge as the starting kicker?   (2) Can Joe Flacco build on his success?  (3) How will the team deal with the loss of 6 starters?  (4)  How will Greg Mattison replace Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator?

Well, there you have it, Steelers fans.  That is Joe’s review of the Ravens’ off-season.  I noticed he didn’t mention how they plan on addressing the 3 losses they suffered at the hands of the 6-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  I’ll have to ask him that question next time I talk to him.

Personally, I think the Purple Dragon’s power will be somewhat diminished this year.  The biggest loss, in my opinion, isn’t even on the field.  It’s the loss of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.  Buddy’s son was an important component of that team.  Just imagine losing Dick LeBeau.  That’s how the loss of Ryan is going to affect the Ravens.

Chris McAllister and Bart Scott are important losses, but the Ravens will get over them.  I really like the addition of Michael Oher.  I watched him throughout his college career, and I really like him as a player and as a person.  Paul Kruger  is also a nice pick.

Ray Lewis has to start showing the effects of age soon.  But even if he slows down on the field, he is still one of the best leaders in the game (you don’t know how much it hurts for me to openly admit that).  His presence will keep the Baltimore “D” near the top of the NFL.

So what do you guys think of Joe’s review of the Ravens?  Do you like their draft choices?  Think Joe Flacco will be even better this year?  Can the Ravens challenge the Steelers for AFC North dominance?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  After a month of vacation, I am can’t wait to start talking about the Steelers again.

Also, since we still have quite a bit of time until training camp starts, are there any subjects that you’d like to see me cover?  I definitely take requests.  If there is something you’d like me to write about, just let me know.

Once again, I’m happy to be back, and I can’t wait to start talking Steeler football with all of you.

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Hiatus

I apologize to readers who have been stopping by regularly, only to find out that I haven’t written anything lately.

I try to use the month of May to recharge my batteries.  As many of you know, Steelers Today provides the most in-depth pre- and post-game analysis available during the NFL season.  During the off-season, we provided more detailed coverage of the Steelers’ draft than any other website.

I try to rest in May so that I can come back strong when Steelers training camp begins.  I find that May is the slowest month of the year for NFL teams, so this is a good time to take a break.

If anything important happens, I will definitely write about it.  But for the most part, I won’t be posting much this month.  See you when training camp begins.

Foote signs with Lions

May 6, 2009

According to reports, former Steelers linebacker Larry Foote has signed a one year contract with his hometown Detroit Lions.  Terms of the deal have not been released.

“It’s like 90% done”, said Foote.  Apparently, Foote and the Lions have agreed on the contract value.  However, they are still working out final details of the payment schedule and the guaranteed portion of the deal.

Foote, who is from Detroit and played college football for the University of Michigan, asked the Steelers to release him so that he could sign with his hometown team.

Foote probably got a rude awakening when the Steelers got no trade offers for him.  Then, to add insult to injury, the 0-16 Detroit Lions weren’t willing to offer him more than a 1 year deal.  Ouch!

The lions are badly in need of linebacker help, and not many players are actually REQUESTING to play for the Lions like Foote did.  You’d think the Lions would be excited about adding a veteran LB and Super Bowl champ to their pathetic roster.  But I guess not.

Foote indicated that several other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (what a surprise), Kansas City Chiefs, and Indianapolis Colts, were interested in acquiring his services.  But ultimately, he decided to go home to Detroit.

So Larry will have to settle for a one year contract, and earn a longer deal.  Kinda sucks, but that’s life in the NFL.

Good luck, Larry.  You got what you wanted.  I hope you can live with that.

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A tribute to Larry Foote

May 5, 2009
By Donald Starver

Well, the Larry Foote saga finally came to an end with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers released him yesterday.

This comes as no surprise to fans.  ESPN mistakenly reported that the Steelers had released him last week.  They hadn’t.  However, Foote had asked for an opportunity to play for a team that would allow him to be more than a two down linebacker.  Unspoken in his request was probably also a desire to get one final big payday before his career is over.  Nothing wrong with that.  After all, Foote is 28 years old, and NFL players can’t play forever.

The Steelers tried to honor Foote’s request.  They tried to trade him to another team.  However, they got no takers in the trade market.  Perhaps this was inevitable.  Why would a team give the Steelers a draft pick for Foote when they knew that they could get him for free when the Steelers released him?  So on Monday, the Steelers gave Foote his unconditional release.

I have read various Steelers message boards, and heard fans say some things about Foote that I found to be disturbing.  First, I saw several fans call Foote “disloyal” for requesting a trade.  I don’t understand this line of thinking.  Fans have to understand that the NFL is a business, and that there is no such thing as loyalty.  Frankly, why should a player be loyal to a team, when teams can cut players anytime they want to?  Moreover, when the players are cut, the teams owe them nothing, even if they still have years left on their contract.  So in my opinion, the disloyalty argument just doesn’t hold up.

Foote was not disloyal.  He was a victim of the realities of the salary cap in the NFL.  He was a 28 year old player with a $3 million dollar salary cap hit, and a younger, faster, 1st round draft pick playing behind him.  Foote’s fate was sealed, whether he had requested a trade or not.

Other fans have said that Foote was the weak link in the Steelers defensive lineup, and that he needed to go.  Sorry, but I can’t agree with that argument either.  Sure, Larry was the least decorated of the Steelers’ starting linebackers.  But he plays on a team with NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, Pro Bowler James Farrior, and emerging superstar LaMarr Woodley.  That’s a pretty outstanding bunch.  Somebody has to be a role player.

Foote played a role, and he played it well.  Need proof?  Larry Foote started every game for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2004.  The Steelers defense is the top rated defense in the NFL over that period.  That’s right, #1.  During that time, Joey Porter left the team, and James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley became starters, but Larry Foote was always there.  The quiet constant in the Steelers’ dominant “D”.

Perhaps the most important statistic of all is that Larry Foote was the starting linebacker on two Super Bowl championship teams.  He helped put two Lombardi trophies in the Steelers’ trophy case.  How many did Greg Lloyd win?  None.  Kevin Greene?  None.  Jason Gildon?  None.  Levon Kirkland?  None.  Mike Merriweather?  None.  Kendrell Bell?  None. See my point?

I’m not saying that Foote was a better player than the linebackers listed above.  He wasn’t.  But Larry Foote was a reliable, dedicated player on some of the greatest teams in Steelers history.  Only the Steel Curtain of the 1970’s accomplished more.  For that, Foote will always hold a position of honor.

Like former Steelers Joey Porter, Kevin Greene, Rod Woodson, Carnell Lake, Clark Haggans, Kimo Von Oelhoffen, and Levon Kirkland, Foote will not end his playing career with the Steelers.  But there is an interesting phenomenon that happens with Steelers players.  Even if they go to another team, in their hearts they always remain Steelers.  Rod Woodson won a Super Bowl with the Ravens.  But he thinks of himself as a Steeler.  Kevin Greene only played for the Steelers for 2 seasons.  But he thinks of himself as a Steeler.  The Miami Dolphins made Joey Porter a very rich man.  But in his heart, he is still a Steeler.

The Steelers organization, and Steeler Nation has a funny way of doing that to players.  It gets in their system, and they can’t get it out.  No matter where they go.  Once a Steeler, always a Steeler.  Players understand that for a brief period of time, they were a part of something special.  They know that the Steelers are not just any football team.  They know that Steelers fans are not just any fans.

Good luck, Larry.  You will always be a Steeler.  Regardless of whether you sign with your hometown Detroit Lions, or if you end up with the Arizona Cardinals (like 99% of ex-Steelers), your heart will always be in Pittsburgh, and we will always consider you to be family.

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Steelers sign 5 free agents

In a very un-Steelerlike move, the Steelers added five free agents today.  That’s right, five.  I can’t remember the last time the Steelers have signed that many Free agents at once.  I’m not talking about unsigned college seniors.  That’s normal this time of year.  Nope, they signed 5 veteran free agents.  It usually takes the Steelers about 7 years to sign that many veteran free agents.  Of course, not all of them are going to make the roster, but still….

The team added cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, punter Dirk Johnson, wide receivers Shaun McDonald and Jayson Foster, and kicker Piotr (peet-er) Czech.

Ratliff (5-11, 188) was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (49th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Florida. He most recently spent a portion of the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and finished with 34 tackles and two interceptions during his time with the Colts.

Ratliff spent three full seasons with the Bengals before being released in September, 2007. He was then signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent two weeks on their active roster before being released.

I like this move.  Although the Steelers drafted 2 rookie cornerbacks, it might be a bit much to expect either of them to contribute so soon.  Having another veteran in camp should take some pressure off the rookies and allow them to develop at a more normal pace.

Johnson (6-0, 210) enters his eighth NFL season after playing 12 games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He averaged 41.8 yards on 40 punts with the Cardinals, including a 35.2-yard net average. In 69 career games played, Johnson has averaged 41.7 yards on 320 punts (13,356 total yards).

Johnson, 33, originally signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted rookie out of Northern Colorado in 1998. He was released in training camp by the Seahawks (’98), New York Jets (’99) and San Diego Chargers (’01), before playing with the New Orleans Saints (‘02), Philadelphia Eagles (‘03-06), Chicago Bears (’07) and the Cardinals. Johnson was released by Arizona last December and signed with the Washington Redskins in March 2009 before being released in April.

I’m going to assume that Dan Sepulveda has healed from his injury, and that the Steelers are just bringing Johnson in to add a little competition during training camp.  However, perhaps there is something that we don’t know about the pace at which Sepulveda is healing.  Either way, I’m glad that we won’t be hearing the names Berger and Ernster this year.

McDonald (5-10, 183) was originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. McDonald spent four years with the Rams before signing with the Detroit Lions during the 2007 offseason. He led the Lions with 79 catches, 943 yards and six touchdowns that season.

Foster (5-7, 185) spent time on the Steelers’ practice squad in 2008. He originally signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2008 as an undrafted rookie from Georgia Southern. He was on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad towards the end of the 2008 season, but was released by the Broncos on April 28, 2009.

Foster probably won’t be a factor this year, but McDonald is a good acquisition.  He is an experienced veteran who can compete in training camp with Limas Sweed, Dallas Baker, Martin Nance, rookie Mike Wallace,  and the 3 undrafted free agents that they recently signed, for a position on the roster.  I like the competition that is being set up, and my money is on Ward, Holmes, McDonald, Sweed, and Wallace to emerge as the Steelers wide receiver corps this year.

Frankly, I’m a tad disappointed that they didn’t sign Asley Lelie.  After both sides indicated that they’d had a good meeting earlier this week, I was hoping that he’d become a Steeler.  Oh well.

Czech (6-5, 210) spent the 2008 training camp with the Baltimore Ravens after signing as a rookie free agent out of Wagner College.

Czech is training camp fodder to be chewed up and spit out by Steelers’  super kicker Jeff Reed.  Good luck Piotr.  But I wouldn’t suggest buying a house in Pittsburgh.

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