LIst of Steelers' Top Ten Most Valuable Players
by MSsteele on Jul 10, 2009 11:24 AM EDT
56 comments
This time of offseason is very boring around the NFL. It seems like I'm watching America's Most Wanted, rather than a sporting event. I usually check ProFootballTalk regularly, but all I hear is Chad Johnson Twittering on the sidelines of the games, who has court, who went to jail, or what fines are given out. Here is a little something to talk about for a while hopefully. Maybe it'll get the sour taste out of our mouths about all this pointless talk.
10.) Lamar Woodley- Woodley has came out into his own over the last season. He should have more sacks and plays next season due to double teams of Harrison. He is quickly becoming a star on defense.
9.) Ike Taylor- He covers the best WR in the league. He doesn't have the best hands, but he is an elite corner, and definitely underrated at his position. He is one of our quickest guys and he knows our playbook well.
8.) Heath Miller- The complete TE. Expect him to have a monster year due to the awaiting contract. He is a true Steeler.
7.) Aaron Smith- Again, the most underrated defensive lineman in the league. Sure he doesn't get all the sacks, but our defensive scheme allows him to make way for our awesome LB corps; he does just what we need him to do. A huge asset to our defense and DL.
6.) Willie Parker- I'm sure I'll get negative feedback on this one, but hear me out. Willie made the longest SB run in history, he has 3 1000+ yard seasons (1300 before he got the leg broker, imagine what he could have had), and he is an incredible leader. He has tremedous heart, drive, and talent. He is not about himself, as many players are. He has worked hard this offseason already to secure his spot; with a better synchronized OL, expect to see the old FWP.
5.) Santonio Holmes- You hear alot that this season is Santonio's breakout year, and it very well may be. He had huge, huge plays in the SB, resulting in his SB MVP trophy. He is a solid reciever, and gives a great complement and eventual replacement for Hines.
4.) Hines Ward- How could anyone hate Hines Ward; beside the sissy linebackers and players that get that ass knocked out by a reciever half their size. Hines is a leader on and off the field, a loyal player to the franchise, and a playmaker despite his age. What a great player, HOF bound.
3.) James Harrison- Harrison has had a hell of a road to become one of the best linebackers in the league. He made huge plays in the SB, especially the longest INT return/play in SB history. He is a force of defense. He doesn't make num. 1 or 2, strictly because he hasn't had the success through the seasons like other Steelers have had.
2.) Ben Roethlisberger- Ok, Deebo didn't make num. 2. This is because Roethlisberger is a motivator, playmaker, and leader on this team. He is an offensive force, even though he has made mistakes on the field. The comebacks and 2 SB rings are enough to show that he is an elite QB.
1.) Troy Polamalu- He is overall the best safety in the league. He has become one of the anchors of the best defense in years and is an intense competitor. The guy does wonders on and off the field. Picture our defense without this talent!
Honorable Mentions- Ryan Clark, Big Snack, DeShea Townsend, Keisel, Kemo, Mewelde, William Gay
I wanna hear everyone's top 10!
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good though on the post
I like the idea. I will start the arguing and nitpicking :)
First and foremost. Ben has to be #1. Troy is an amazing playmaker and helps our defense tremendously but he can have an off game and we can still win. On games where Ben’s off? Well see the Colts game from last year.
I think I also drop Willie Parker from the list. I like the guy a lot, but he’s not a game changer for us like many other guys on the list. I’d probably replace him with Jeff Reed. His ability to kick at Heinz makes a big difference in close games.
Also I move Aaron smith up to 3 or 4. He keys so much of our run defense.
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 10, 2009 11:53 AM EDT reply actions
Nice List MS
1) Ben…“the straw that stirs the drink”
2) Aaron Smith…“we all saw what happened to teh run D when 91 went down in 07”
3) Max Starks…“the best lineman we have and no real experienced back up at T if he goes down”
4) Skippy Reed…“we historically play close and with all the issues last year losing Sepulveda, can you see us having to replace Skippy at mid season?” (you beat me to the post Chi Steeler)
5) Deebo & Woodley…“a consistent playmaker on D. An injury to an OLB would force Timmons outside and hurt our depth”
6) Holmes & Ward…“with no 3rd WR a loss of Holmes or Ward would cripple the passing game”
7) Polamalu…“playmaker and leader gets us a W or two every year.”
8) Ike Taylor…“while DeShea could play CB he is getting older. Taylor is the best DB on the team.”
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
43
I might move him up. 43 is probably the best player on the team with Ben.
But, feel if they lost him it would hurt but not like when they lost A Smith or if had to replace an OLB or T. Think Ty Carter while not a starter or Townsend while not a S could replace 43 better than say Frazier or Davis replaced Woodley or Deebo or if we lost 86 or 10.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
I think you are EXTREMELY underrating what Polamalu does on the field. Without him in the AFCCG we do not win. And I am not talking about just the pick 6…he had several crucial plays… that were just ‘wow’.
The Steelers system makes LBs. Granted, the two we have right now are outstanding, but we could have capable replacements if we needed them. Look around the league, there are many very good linebackers but few very good safeties.
Putting Reed above all three of them is absolutely shocking. He is good, but kickers are replaceable.
Tru Dat
Although CLUTCH kickers who can kick in Heinz Field are not quite as plentiful. Its pretty much a kickers hell. Yet skippy kills it pretty much every time.
But yeah the Pola Bear does a lot more than we realize. His closing speed is phenomenal. I mean recall the diving INT in Chargers 1, thats the type of shit Edward Reedicus doesnt even come near doing. He has a great sense for where the ball goes, and can cross the field in a split second. Which lures a QB to throw into a seemingly open spot, only to find Troy’s paws on the ball.
I concur
He does make big picks and big tackles, but that is just the tip of the iceberg on what he does to an offense. Troy essentially dictates what the other team’s offense can do. His blitz and fakes really confuse and offense and can lure them into making horrible passes. A lot of offenses we face probably alter their plays while thinking of #43
Can I have some of what you got...
Ben, number one? he’s good at times but a great game manager at best
50 feels that 7 is most valuble because he would be the hardest loss to overcome. Don’t see us winning many games against top notch comp with Dix or Batch at QB.
Had A Smith 2nd after watching the Steelers D get run on unmercifully in 07 after 91 went down.
Probably should have listed Polamalu 3rd or 4th but was hurrying my post. Plus, Ty Carter does a decent job as a replacement S.
I know if Skippy went down they would be hard pressed to find a Heinz kicker.
Don’t see much depth (yet) at WR or OLB. That’s why Ward/Holmes and Deebo/Woodley are so high. Davis/Frazier or Sweed/Wallace play could change the thoughts on depth come August.
Whatever I got you are welcome to share! It’s all good in Cali…Mi casa su casa.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
You're a Steelers fan?
I take it you watched last year, correct? Did you miss where Ben had something like 6 game winning drives in the 4th? Including the Super Bowl!
If you think ben is a “great game manager at best”, I am sorry but you must be high on something or not watching the games and just looking at the box score afterwards.
Beerman?
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Jul 13, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Good post idea
I struggled a little after 6 but here we go:
1) Ben Roethlisberger – the only one holding our offense together
2) Troy Polamalu – the most unique of the many pieces that let our defense do what it does
3) Aaron Smith – he could drop lower on this list if Hood emerges, but he’s the only dominant DL we have right now
4) James Harrison – rushing the QB is only the beginning of what he brings to the table
5) Ike Taylor – even though he’s not the 5th best player on our team, his unique skill set along with Troy’s gives our defense the flexibility to be aggressive while preventing the long play
6) LaMarr Woodley – led our team in sacks when you include the playoffs and still plays the run well
7) Hines Ward – I’m still not confident in Holmes as a chain mover
8) Jeff Reed – it’s nice to have a guy we can count on for 4th and inches
9) Max Starks – a passable LT is better than nothing, which is what’s behind him
10) Santonio Holmes – it’s nice to have a guy that can score from anywhere, and Holmes is probably the only guy we have (on offense) that can do that
Honorable Mention:
Heath Miller – if only we used TE’s for something other than blocking
Ryan Clark – not a star, but I’ve seen a lot worse
Willie Colon – without Colon, the ends of Steelers games would lack as much excitement
charity standing orders
Man, no love for Farrior.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
I thought about him, but he doesn’t exactly have a unique skill set. Certainly his knowledge and leadership are great additions to the team, but he’s not that great in pass coverage anymore, which makes him the more generic of the two ILB’s.
charity standing orders
It doesn’t have much to do with what he brings to the table (though we shouldn’t overlook the amount that his nose is around and tackling the ball) physically, but what he means to the team and the defense.
When I think “MVP” I think…who would hurt the most if they got injured and their replacement stepped in? I worry about his backup, because it doesn’t really exist. Right now he’s pretty high on my list of guys I don’t want to see injured. Above him on D I would put A. Smith and Ike Taylor and Troy P (all due to ability, and lack of depth behind them), but our defense could survive without Woodley or Harrison. I question how they would do without Farrior.
The only managing Ben does is that he manages to win games. - chewiesteeler
I disagree in part
I think your reasoning is perfect and I agree 100%, and my list below follows your logic entirely.
However I think that without the Meastly combo Of Woody Harrelson (see what I did there) opposing QB’s would have a lot more time to make plays on us. And I think while Farrior makes a big impact, and we dont have much behind him in the backups, I would like to think we can manage a game without him.
+1
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 10, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Farrior’s role has been overstated, partly because he hasn’t missed any time recently and we don’t know what our defense would be without him. I’d rather have Farrior in there, but Fox is a good athlete and has been around the league and the team long enough to fill in adequately. Troy, Clark, or Ike could handle the helmet. If we lost Farrior for a while, then minor injuries would become major ones because behind Fox the situation is a lot more dicey – one of the reasons I would have liked to sign Napoleon Harris as a backup – but the production dropoff after Farrior doesn’t seem all that sharp to me.
charity standing orders
Fun!
1 and 2 I’d give to Ben and Troy in any given order, with the slight edge to Ben because the rest of our defence is so solid therefore more rides on Bens capable shoulders. I think Troy though, is for the D what Ben is for the O. So if you say that Defense wins championships…then maybe Troy could edge out Ben.
3- Hines Ward – Offense with Hines is a totally different unit than with out him.
4- Silverback- You can’t be D player of the year and not be somewhat important to your team.
5-Woodley- Without Woodley I believe that Harrison would only be great instead of amazing. And vise versa, with both on the team, opposing O’s are damned no matter which way they move the double team.
6- Neck Smith- Holding down the run D.
7- Robo punter – we saw how well we did last year without him
8- Reed – clutch is very important especially in Hines stadium
9- Heath Miller- All around amazing and when his number is called (as unfrequent that it is) it is ALWAYS good stuff!!
10- Farrior- A solid cornerstone on D that holds the unit together. By himself solid and a good player, but if you take him away from the team, I dont think the D operates as well.
I have to say, that I hope Willy P, will be on my list by the 2nd or 3rd week of the season. He has the skills for sure. BUT…. I felt that after his injury he was tenative. He didn’t hit the hole like he used to. Almost as if he was a little scared of what was going to hit him on the other side. The result I felt was that he was caught from behind by back side linebacker or end and would fall forward for a yard or 2 gain when he could have hit the hole and gained 5-7 yards far more often. Either he was timid, or he was always waiting to see if the outside would open up for a bounce. Either way he wasn’t hitting the holes quickly enough after his injury (just my opinion)
100% Agree
Woodley- Without Woodley I believe that Harrison would only be great instead of amazing. And vise versa, with both on the team, opposing O’s are damned no matter which way they move the double team.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 10, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep
I like how at the end of the year Ds would double team Harrison and Woodley went on that tear of like 8 sacks in 4 games (stats based on memory). People claimed Harrison “fizzled out” (direct quote from the guys at the Beatdown) because he was not doing as much. I tend to disagree, because teams were basically saying “hey Woodley, have at it.” And boy did he.
Next year when teams realize they cannot double team either without getting punished its going to get interesting!
So True
And the reverse happened later. We know they all said “Woodley hit the wall” in the last couple weeks, but then he just went on a great run in the start of the playoffs. So you can pick your poison. They complement eachother beautifully.
Ugh tell me about it
Teh offseason blows hard. I love that when we win the SB, we spend all the offseason dwelling about previous losses and misery. Its a great reversal.
But yeah Woody Harrelson is like the best LB combo ever and watching them fresh from the start with a great synergy will be amazing.
OMG
That is what im looking forward to most……seeing those 2 and Lawrence Timmons creating havoc
ARGH IS IT SEPTEMBER YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Lol nope...
Middle of flippin July. Tis soon my lad!
Whats funny i just realised
Is i am looking forward more to September when NFL starts, than i am August…which is when i turn 21
Somethings not right there
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Makes sense to me
You got nothing to drink for, till the games start.
I couldnt wait that long so im in Peru where the age is 18 lol… I’m only 19 right now.
New Zealand bro
Drinking age is 18 : )
21st is just an excuse to get buck wild
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
On FWP
I dont quite see this as the case. To me, after the broken leg and the start of this last year, he looked fine to me. I think the run blocking scheme was horrific. And I also think the first couple games after the knee injury he still wasnt quite right physically. We saw how he got re-injured shortly after. I think those MCL sprains are a real bitch to discern. I dont blame anybody but I just think thats a tough injury to judge.
I mean he was hitting the hole with a hell of a lot of conviction in the Chargers game.
Other problem is play calling. Watch Ravens 3, and you’ll see how the two runs we ran outside gained +5 yards, and yet every time we just plunge the poor guy up the middle. Arians aint that brilliant.
TOP 10 is not a long enough list for our Pittsburgh Steelers...
I heard someone say at work: I would crawl thru glass to get about 20 of your players!!
This is the list of the players they hate the most!!
1. Ben-Absolutely no question
2. Aaron Smith-We can’t do it without him.
3. James Farrior-The most underappreciated playmaker in the league
4. Hines Ward-The toughest guy on the field-iron man
5. James Harrison/Lamar Woodley-The Blitzburgh Blast!! The Harry Wood!!
6 Troy Polamalu-The Flying’ Hawaiian
7. Max Starks- 6’8" 400 LB Behemoth
8. Mewelde Moore-based on last year only
9 Jeff Reed-A Paper Towel Killer and part-time kicker that needs to go to the Pro Bowl
10 Casey Hampton-one of the best but on the decline
11 Heath Miller-Needs a lot more balls thrown his way. Great hands! Needs signed right away.
12. Ike Taylor-a few less penalties this year, Ike.
13. Timmons-Foote’s shoes will be a tough act to follow
14. Ryan Clark-The guy is a special force all by himself
15. Deshea Townsend-Very reliable but getting old.
16. Anthony Madison-An Ace on special teams
17. Greg Warren-Worth his weight in gold-who would of thunk it?
18. Charlie Batch-Steady veteran that Ben used for his knowledge for the past five years
19. Willie Parker-Slipping down the list because Tomlin says he won’t follow the fullback and can’t catch out in the flat very well. Steelers won’t re-sign him.
20. Brett Keisel-Made a few outstanding plays last year
Who's laughing now, O Line???
uhmmm...
17. Greg Warren-Worth his weight in gold-who would of thunk it?
If I remember correctly it was Warren’s stupid celebration that caused his injury. The next week his replacement did OK job. So, I don’t see where ur “gold” is coming from. We had problem only during the game when he was injured.
celebration?
He tried walking off the field and his knee buckled. I don’t remember him celebrating anything, but maybe i’m wrong. He certainly didn’t seem to be pulling a “Gramatica”
by Chicago Steeler on Jul 13, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I had an extensive explanation of my top ten
But my effing laptop mouse accidentally hit the back button and it wiped it all out. So I’ll just list my top 10. I had spent a good half hour typing it up too.
10. Willie Parker
9. Heath Miller
8. Aaron Smith
7. James Farrior
6. Santonio Holmes
5. Hines Ward
4. LaMarr Woodley
3. James Harrison
2. Troy Polamalu
1. Ben Roethlisberger
Honorable Mention:
Casey Hampton, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, Jeff Reed, Daniel Sepulveda, Brett Kiesel.
Lawrence Timmons has a good shot at cracking this top 10 after this season.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 10, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions
Always do a control C and keep a copy of it while you are typing...I lost mine all the time until i did that!!
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jul 10, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I see
Thanks I’ll keep that in mind for the future.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 10, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Control A, then Control C, then if something happens ya good!
Best combo in the history of forums…. Learn it well lol..
When I said
I had spent a good half hour typing it up too.
I of course meant the initial rational and list.
I have a life….:P
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 10, 2009 3:17 PM EDT reply actions
Hmm.. Heres my top 10
By the way I didnt really look at your list first, I wanted to have a very pure “all my own” version as much as possible:
1. Ben Roethlisberger. Reasons are plenty, words cant say enough. But we all know where we were without a QB for the last 20 some years.
2. Troy Polamalu. Troy gives the defense a lot more freedom, and confuses opponents a lot. Without his shenanigans, we could not be so liberal in other facets of our defense, and it would be way less multi-dimensional.
3. Hines Ward. Awesome and aging all at the same time. Hes the Go-To Guy and usually, delivers on that. Plus he boofs people.
4. James Harrison. Right now hes the best OLB in the NFL in my opinion. He gives opposing QB’s diarrhea during the day and nightmares at night. Again, like Troy he free’s up others to do more things because of the amount of planning needed against his meastlyness.
5. Mr. Skippy Jeff Reed. Yes Jeff Reed is #5. How many big kicks does he make, and how many are you ever really scared about? He’s been money the last two years, and has 1-0 record against Towel Dispensers.
6. Ike Taylor. I cant stress enough how huge Ike’s recovery from Cowher’s 06 abuse has been to our D. Ike doesnt falter against the teams’ top men, and while his hands drop everything, at least its not into the other guys hands (except for Reggie Wayne).
7. Heath Miller. Again hes like a bigger Hines Ward. Catches everything thrown at him, usually knows where to be when Ben is doing his shenanigans, and boofs people.
8. William Everette Parker. When healthy I think hes in the top 5 RB’s in the league. And I think this year he will rebound quite nicely with an Improved O-line, solid crew of backups, and freshness. His speed often takes what would be a -3 yard carry back to the LOS, which has been huge on occasion.
9. Ryan Clark. When you know Ryan Clark is waiting to take you in half, you probably think about the hit more than the catch. He has a strong presence on his side of the field, and I think hes silently become a very important part to the machine.
10. Aaron Smith. We all know what happens when he is out, usually our defense suffers. He’s the cornerstone of the 3-4 we run, and we all know he’s the boss.
Thats my take.
I'll spare everyone another full list
But I want to put in my usual Ike Taylor plug. Ike is a phenomenal cover corner and it is no coincidence that the Steelers two Super Bowls came in Ike’s two best years and the post SB debacle was his worst year. The guy plays the single most important position in Dick LeBeau’s defense with the possible exception of NT. I’d put him in the Top 4.
Also, Max Starks has to be in the Top 10 because he is the only dependable player on the O line. If you don’t think he’s in the Top 10, imagine our line if Starks goes down and Trai Essex and Willie Colon are your starting tackles. Yikes.
by CarlWeathersMustache on Jul 11, 2009 12:38 AM EDT reply actions
A point about Ike
Yeah but in my opinion I think Ike had ONE bad bad bad game against Javon Walker (who was having his last best game ever), and that led to Cowher’s flip out. I truly think he didnt deserve that shit.
Valid point about Maxamillion. I’m quite high on him, however I think this year showed that we can succeed with a pretty much basement level O-line.
My 10
1. Big Ben – Our field general, clutch and determined
2. Aaron Smith – Underrated, and in 07 we saw how quickly our Run D collapses without him.
3. Troy Polamalu – Does everything required on a field, both run and pass
4. Hines Ward – Clutch in the redzone and on 3rd down, enough said.
5. Lamarr Woodley – without him, James Harrison gets shut down. Woodley shifts protection his way, opening holes elsewhere
6. James Harrison – Same story as Woodley
7. Ike Taylor – Shut down every #1 WR last season…exc the 4th quarter against Larry
8. James Farrior – controls his Linebackers and makes tackle after tackle
9. Ryan Clark – his skills in coverage and the run allow Polamalu to run wild
10. Heath Miller – Does brilliantly in every aspect of the game
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
I like it but
I find smith is a bit high up. I mean I think hes a crucial component. But to play devils advocate we did in fact not have him for a couple games this last year and we did ok. Albeit using people such as Orpheus Roye as fill ins.. But we got it done. I will agree though in that 07 ending that was abysmal. Course so was the ref’ing on Garrard.
And how you bout to put Wood above the Silverback lol… The big man ran a TD 100 yards in the super bowl….
Thanks Mechem
I just feel Woodley is gonna be better. They are equal….if i could edit my post id make them equal
lol
Couldnt be higher on Woodley unless i could roll him up and smoke him, no knock on Harrison tho
I feel this reply is going nowhere…so im gonna cut it short
Oh wait, yeah i love Aaron Smith, he may be a bit high on mine…but i think the team around him was better this season than last season, so his loss wasnt as devastating….
Gonna be a sad day when he retires
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Yeah for real
But after he is gone, Im excited to see what Ziggy’s got in him and I hope they continue to address the lines in the upcoming years.
I guess I can do one...
10. Heath Miller- nuff said.
9. Robopunter- I couldn’t look when we had to punt last year.
8. Holmes-yes, #8, will explain later.
7. Farrior/Woodley/Harrison- best LB corps in the league.
6. Ike Taylor- nuff said.
5. Ryan Clark- Receiver killer.
4. Deshea Townsend-Veteran to show the n00bs how to play. Still a good corner.
3. Troy Polamalu- nuff said.
2. Hines Ward- Clutch clutch clutch. Also, does anyone really think Holmes would have made SB MVP without good ol’ Smiley’s guidance?
1. AAAAAAnd of course, The Field Marshall himself, Benjamin.
Thank you drive through...
Dammit!
I meant to explain why I left FWP off the list…grumble
The reason being is we have ALOT of depth at that position, and I didn’t feel like one RB should have precedence over another. Sure FWP is good, but so is MeMo, and hopefuly Mendy and Tank as well.
Thank you drive through...
I don't think Townsend should be on that list
Or at least not that high. I’d put him ninth on your list, maybe tenth. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s a seasoned veteran, and he can make some fine plays, but he’s basically our nickle corner right now, meaning he’s 3rd on the depth chart @ Corner. It will be interesting if he moves to safety this year though.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 12, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd put Aaron Smith or Big Snack in over DeShea, but that's just me...
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Jul 12, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
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