No Surprise: Hartwig Named Steelers Starting Center

In slightly less than shocking news, Mike Tomlin named Justin Hartwig the starting center:

"We watched this battle closely," Tomlin said after today's practice. "We have a level of comfort with his size, strength and range."

This was a no-brainer to most of us, due to Hartwig being equally as athletic (range in Tomlin's words) as Mahan, but with an extra 25 or so pounds of meat and power on him. While I'd love to see him become an All-Pro for us, most likely he will be a solid, slightly above-average center.

On the flipside, this most likely will mark Sean Mahan's last season in Pittsburgh. Darnell Stapleton seems to have improved by leaps & bounds, and has better overall physical ability than Mahan. He is simply lacking seasoning, which he should pick up this year when he makes our 53-man roster. On top of that, Mahan has a large cap number that we won't want, or need to carry after this season.

What do you guys think? Will Hartwig drastically or marginally improve the line play? Is this Mahan's last year?

over 3 years ago TheMostViolentTeam 8 comments 0 recs |

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He’s an upgrade certainly, it was obvious Ben had more room to step up in the pocket against Minney (which may have saved his life). And Ben will need that space when he’s running for his life from speed rushers all day…

by BluegrassSteeler on Aug 25, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

thank god

Thats all i got to say about that….

* till next time wave those towels proud

by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Aug 25, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

Hartwig will marginally improve the offensive line because there is still a lot of mediocrity surrounding/including him. Of course, by marginally improving the offensive line I mean Big Ben will break his single season touchdown record he set last year, and FWP will lead the league in rushing (joking, joking). But, the key to this year’s offensive line is cohesion. With Kemoeatu and Hartwig starting for the first times under the Steelers system playing together and communication will be vital.

Julius Peppers and the Panthers defense should provide the Steelers offensive line with another great test. Not only do the Steelers have to play the toughest regular season schedule, but the toughest Pre-Season schedule.

by bradyquinnsclipboard on Aug 25, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

not the fix that ends all...

Granted I thought Mahan look awful last year, but he wasn’t the only glaring need on the O-line…I hope this is just a start to a revamped line but I am scared to see what happens next year going into free agency!

-Dave
http://www.eSellOut.com
Steelers Tickets for the fan who needs odd #’s of tickets!

by esellout on Aug 25, 2008 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

I wish Mahan would learn to longsnap

It seems to me that longsnapping should be practiced and perfected by a backup lineman. It would give Mahan a stronger purpose and team flexibility. I am acutely aware of the value of a longsnapper. When something goes wrong it’s MAJOR. But do we really need to use a precious roster spot for a guy who just does that? Is longsnapping so difficult that other linemen (backups) on the team couldn’t learn it? I’d rather use a roster spot for some European soccer guy to boom it out of the end zone every time. I think that would be a better use of a roster spot. Obviously I don’t understand how hard it is to longsnap, but that is the question in my head.

by maryrose on Aug 26, 2008 8:07 AM EDT reply actions

Longsnapping

I have never attempted it so I am by far no expert…I think it is a lot harder than it looks. It is like throwing a pass through your legs and it has to be perfect everytime. For people who remember the dark days of the 80’s and some of the 90’s will remember Bubby, Malone, Kent Graham and some others couldn’t do that standing upright!!!

by black&goldtilldead&cold on Aug 26, 2008 8:57 AM EDT reply actions

I like it

It shows Tomlin can admit a mistake and correct it.

Mahan was his guy, one of his first. You like loyalty in a coach, but to a point. Then it can become detrimental, something even Cower struggled with at times.

by herewegosteelers on Aug 26, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions