BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack- Training Camp And Other News.
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 3, 2009 4:34 PM EDT
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PrintIX-Some of you doubted the accuracy of the youtube video originally posted by the Pittsburgh Sports and Mini-Ponnies of Rashard Mendenhall doing a dance routine to Michael Jackson, but it has been confirmed in this article by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. It turns out Mendenhall has been taking dance lessons since his shoulder injury against the Ravens season, and really seems to enjoy them.
X-One of the best and most complete accounts I have read from the first weekend of training camp come from Steelperch over at Steeler Fury. In the piece he Also over at Steeler Fury, our very own Blitzburgh participated in a training camp Podcast with the guys over there. Just about every position is covered in the training cam write-up at Steeler Fury and it had some great opinions on position battles.
XIII-For those of you who are still holding out any hope that Michael Vick will be a Steeler in 2009, might as well forget about it according to Ed Bouchette, who wrote a very adamant opinion piece that Michael Vick will not be a Steeler. Bouchette is a lot of things, but rarely does he go out with an opinion about that team that isn't verified by the team. For a listing of the teams that have already denied interest in vick check out the running list at Profootballtalk.com. Speaking of Ed Bouchette; he is now again taking questions on the Steelers over the Post Gazette's website. The first question Bouchette answered came from a fan asking if the Steelers starting line-backing group going into the 2009 season is the best ever. I certainly think with Timmons providing an upgrade in the middle that they have to be considered in the discussion if they are able to improve on last years squad.
XIV-If you have any doubt that Mike Tomlin is going to come into the 2009 season motivated and eager to drop some more amazing quotes and "Tomlinisms" get ready for a few in this article from the Post Gazette. My favorite was this:
"I'm not concerned about avoiding anything that happened three years ago or worried about letdowns or things of that nature. When you use the term 'letdown' you proceed with the assumption that this is a continuation of something that happened in the past."
XL-Tweet of the day from Jim Wexell's twitter account from day three of training camp:
"Mike Wallace just beat [Joe] Burnett by 5 yards to haul in bomb. Fastest [Wide Receiver] in team history."
That's a pretty bold statement from Jim Wexell but seems to be about the norm from what everyone is reporting from training camp. Reportedly he is still rather raw in his route running ability but his hands and speed seem to be up to par for the NFL.
XLIII-Steel City Insider has more news on whether Ryan Clark is going to play during the Steelers week 8 match-up against Denver. According to Clark himself the prospects of him playing in Denver are bleak as he says he doesn't want to risk his career or life over playing against the Bronco's. I guess it's good the Steelers know now so that they can devise some sort of game plan around knowing he is unavailable for at least one game this season. Clark also indicates that talks between him and the front office have broken down. Steel City Insider has great content and updates on training camp and is probably the best resource out their if you are willing to pay.
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Just realized…haven’t heard anything about Mundy this camp yet, have we?
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Sometimes No news is good news.
"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Aug 3, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Wallace
Scouting reports suggested he has work to do on both his routes and his hands. He was considered a 5-7th rounder before the combine. I’m encouraged by all this press he’s been getting, but I’m still disinclined to say he’s much more than Nate Washington until I see him in the regular season.
charity standing orders
If he can be Nate Washington for us…I’m okay with that.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
I’m not complaining about Washington, but he was a very fast, raw WR when we picked him up as an UDFA and, after being more promising than productive for 3 years, he finally looked like a borderline #2-#3 WR. If that’s what we get from our 3rd round pick this year, I’ll be a little disappointed, although we could certainly do worse.
Coming out of college, I’d say Wallace has a better chance of being productive early in his career than Washington, and I really like his solid build (which gives him sort of a TO skill set), but like I said, I’d like to see him produce a little before I get too too excited.
charity standing orders
Nate turned out to be a steal. I think that if Wallace were to become Nate he would be about even value. You’d like a 3rd rounder to be more, but there are plenty of 3rd round busts. Nate turned out by the end to be a solid starter, we would be happy to have him still playing for us if the money was right.
I want Wallace to be much more than Nate, but I won’t gripe if he isn’t. If he can be Nate and be a good kick returner, he’ll have earned his third round pick status in my opinion. It sounds like he is shaping up to be a lot more. I can’t wait to see him and Sweed in pre-season.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Yeah, we’ll see how he turns out. I’m glad that his fast 40 time seems to be actually translating to football speed. That’s a positive sign.
charity standing orders
That must be why Al Davis didn’t take him.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Hey!
I think Hey-Bey Bey is going to be very good. Do I think Al Davis made the right pick? No, but he is still going to be very good.
Although, keep in mind I thought Vernon Davis was the next impact TE…whoops. I guess my home-cooking of the Terps isn’t 100% trustworthy.
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
What better mentors to have for route running and hands?
He has two Super Bowl MVPs to raise him. Pappa Smurf will have him in tip top shape.
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
Maybe Holmes can show him how to run the wrong route and let the other team intercept it?
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
That would be Andre Hastings
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
Did you hear that the ravens signed him? Since he has already basically “retired”, he’s perfect!
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
They would have gotten Favre
but he keeps wanting to play.
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
Great stuff from Ed - well the Non-Vick stuff anyway
Tell me something I didn’t know on that part.
The stuff about the WR’s was dead on IMO.
Thanks – these 6-packs have gotten me through the summer – look forward to them getting me through the Fall :)
no prob…by the time the fall runs around the Six-Pack will just be a small portion of the original content that we will be pouring out
703 is that your area code?
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 3, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Can't wait
- this site saved me from having to weed through a lot immature crap on some of the other message board type sites.
yes, area code is 703 – live outside of DC in No Va.
oh ok…cool me too
I’m outside of Woodbridge, VA
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 3, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
haha - too funny
I live in Lakeridge – right off of Old Bridge Road – Woodbridge is full of Steelers Fans – its great!
ya, we are neighbors, i live in occoquan, we can’t be more than a mile or two away….ever go to Brittanies?
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 3, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely
up until I got the Sunday Ticket, which I just dropped before last season.
Do you still go there?
I didn’t go last year at all because of the Sunday ticket and I probably don’t plan on going this year because of the ticket…
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Aug 4, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Like, live there as I was born here
And I would choose to never leave. Bmore is my home.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
The aquarium is pretty cool. Check out the zoo to.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
The Zoo is horrible
Just drive down 95 and go to the free DC Zoo
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Get molested by the penguins while you were a kid?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Have you been lately?
Instead of animals in alot of the cages they have signs that say “We’re sorry, this animal is no longer with us”
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually
I have not been there in maybe 8 years or something. I can imagine it has gotten pretty bad. Hell, if you want to go to the Baltimore zoo, just head over to the westside.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I live in Allentown
Which is like Baltimore except with less crime, less litter, less people, less STDs, more parks per capita, friendlier neighbors, less drugs, same number of professional sports championships since 2001…
The only time I’ve been to Baltimore is when I was passing through to get to DC to get my French passport. All I saw were a lot of harbor cranes and some skyscrapers. I have visited Annapolis though, very nice.
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.
Napoleon Bonaparte
by LV Steelers Fan on Aug 4, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
When they can
trade STDs IN the park.
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
by PixburghArn on Aug 5, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Glad to have you back Pixburgh.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
No city hating.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
You kidding?
You ever been to Lexington Market? It smells so bad there. He was not hating, he was stating a fact.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I think the market is pretty awesome. Keep in mind, I also like cleveland’s market house.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Cleveland's market house?
Are you serious?
OK it is pretty good, but still, It obviously sucks and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Baltimore is a nice city
Just stay off specific streets. That’s like any major city though.
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont know man
HBO made a TV series about those specific streets. Not any of the other cities.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Semantics
There are full cinematic productions about other cities being bad. Plus, wasn’t the Wire more of a circa late 90s? I’ve heard the city has turned around a bit since then.
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
who willreturn kicks/punts?
do we think wallace will be a return man as well as a 4 or 5 wr? if he is that fast returning punts and kicks could be interesting. also i heard the same on burnett the kid from ucf as well as the running back we signed from the cfl any word on who will be returning kicks or punts? i hated seeing tone back there he is too big of a part of the offense. i have heard good things about sweed being ready to step up i pray he is the real deal and if wallace can be ready midway through the season to give us 4 receiver sets on occasion would be great.
by guns dont kill people pittsburgh does on Aug 3, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions
I think
Shaun McDonald will be the 4th reciever. They’ll use heath before wallace probably until he really get his route running down
by tannofsteel84 on Aug 4, 2009 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Not so sure
MacDonald sounds like he is on the outside looking in.
It really doe sound like behind Holmes and Ward, that Sweed is dominating the competition for number 3, with Wallace supposedly looking very fast, albeit needing work on routes, but still showing enough for a #4 spot
Now the question is, which way do the coaches want to go. Take 5 WRs or 6 (very un-Steeler-like)
If its 5, do we stick with a veteran 5th in MacDonald, or allow a young gun to have the spot, which doesnt really come with a whole lot of gameday snaps anyway….just to keep them close to the action…..
Mind you, i cant help feeling that Wallace is just getting so much hype because of his speed, then again, im not able to visit training camp, so cant make my own proper evaluations, this is just off what I hear
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Aug 4, 2009 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions
So wait, whats your depth look like?
3. Sweed
4. Wallace
5. McDonald
6. Baker
I doubt we’d go with 6, especially after reading how Steelerfury.com described the top 3 as a clear notch above the rest of the group.
by John Stephens on Aug 4, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Mine personally looks like this
1. Ward
2. Holmes
3. Sweed
4. Wallace
5. MacDonald
Im expecting only 5 WRs.
Basically wouldnt be surprised if we cut MacDonald and choose to go with Nance, Nance has a bit more long term value….and i dont think MacDonald would be worth a number 5 spot….i dont think Baker will be around after this offseason either.
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Aug 4, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Ziggy...
Looks like he dropped a few pounds, and added muscle. At least when I look back at a few pics of his Mizzou days. Maybe it’s a “flattering angle” but dude looks solid.
God thats a great piece by Steelperch
Great to see Sweed is dominating the 3rd WR spot just like i thought and hoped he would. Also the willingness to get vertical, especially being 6’4, is great news!
Have to say I am extremely disappointed with the feedback on Bruce Davis…although his reps at ILB backed up my point awhile back that i thought he had the ability to play that position.
Wallace’s praise is a little surprising to me…..Im just hoping that all the hype isnt based around his speed… MacDonald could be a surprising cut or 5th WR is the hype around Wallace lives up.
Also, i was nervous to say here on BTSC that i am not that high on Urbik….and ive heard hes been showing nothing spectacular, but not necessarily bad, i highly doubt he will find his way onto the starting line anytime soon. Also the news on Essex is promising, i really think its a make or break season for him
I will be posting out my own 53 man roster soon….and although i am not there first hand to see the battles or progression of players, ill evaluate everyone elses sources and make decisions based on what i have heard
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
Patrick Bailey
I wouldn’t worry too much about Davis. It’d be sad to see a draft pick fail, but i think Patrick Bailey- last year’s team R.O.T.Y.- will fill the backup LB slots nicely. He’s a big, strong, fast kid with intelligence and enough of a mean streak to be a highly effective STer. Plus, he’s a guy a lot of scouts overlooked in last year’s draft, so he brings a certain degree of mystery to the table. I haven’t heard much about him as of yet, but i expect he’ll show up big in the preseason. At 6’4"/245/4.5-40yd he’s plenty athletic….
Donovan Woods
He should be in the mix as well as it was his going down to injury that opened up a spot for Bailey last season. Although it won’t be like we completely missed out on linebacker talent from last year, my understanding is that neither Bailey nor Woods have much pass rushing in them, while the expectations for Davis when he was brought in were more or less that he was going to be the understudy and potential safety net for Harrison and now Woodley.
Also-
I’d like to mention that i can see Hampton start to slip this year. He better watch his (big) back, because Chris Hoke is every bit as strong and athletic as Casey, has fewer years of wear on his body, and led the defense at NT in ‘04 when we went 15-1. Hoke is a Pro Bowler on any football without a Casey Hampton, and he’s our backup NT….
With good progress from Hood i like the look of our DL so far.
Hoke is smaller
And disappears when doubled. He isn’t doubled often, and if A. Smith is hurt he’d be a weak enough NT to hurt the D. Big Snack still occupies the O-line better than almost anyone.
The steelers upcoming season
I would like to say that this is one of the most awaited seasons i have had for steelers football in years. I really like what Mike Tomlin has done with this team. He is a class act and he is great for the city of Pittsburgh. I think lamar woodley is going to have a breakout season. I also think that Limas Sweed is going to surprise a lot of people he could have a breakout season as well. The guy that may amaze everyone though i think is Mike Wallace and guys remember this name because this guy is going to be the new lead blocker for Parker and Mendenhall his name is Frank " the tank Summers. I dont think people realize how good of a draft that this was for the steelers. A lot of these fourth and fifth round draft picks will end up making the roster and will be steelers for years to come. Cant wait for the season to start. This could be the year that the steelers win back to back super bowls for the first time since 74-75 and 78-79. They are loaded and Tomlin has these guys fired up and ready to play. If Tomlin does well this year a lot of people will have to say the Rooneys just know how to pick coaches and evaluate talent like no other in the league. I have to give credit where credit is due. Steeler Nation lets go. HERE WE GO STEELERS!!! HERE WE GO!!!! HERE WE GO STEELERS!!! HERE WE GO!!!
Another quick note for Steeler Nation
Does anybody realize that we won the super bowl last year with probably one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Now dont get me wrong i am not trying to come down on my steelers. We had tons of injuries and guys that were not ready had to step up and play. With that being said to win the super bowl with a patched up offensive line is pretty incredible. Another note i really believe that this was made possible because our defense played lights out almost all year. We gave up some big plays in the super bowl but we made big plays when we needed them. This steelers team seems to be the same close knit group that we had in the 70-s when we won 4 super bowls. Dont be surprised if the steelers dont win one more super bowl before the end of the decade. Also dont forget that with Tomlin and LeBeau at the helm the steelers will be the team to beat for several more years.
Does anybody realize that we won the super bowl last year with probably one of the worst offensive lines in the league
No, really?
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
lol i wonder what gave him that idea…..
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Aug 3, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey
I don’t know what you guys think, but in my opinion, Troy Polamalu is probably one of the five best strong safeties in the entire AFC.
I’m totally cereal.
Psh
Ed Reed is a much better SS than Troy Polamalu.
This is Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu getting knocked around by the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii yesterday...
Minutes later, Troy caught the ocean going over the middle and smacked it right in the mouth. The ocean fumbled, Troy recovered and ran it into the endzone. The ocean never messed with Troy again.
lol, read closer Malor…..better yet get you Sarcasm/Bullshit detector
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Aug 4, 2009 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Free Safety, more like Weak Safety.
Cause he’s too weak to play strong safety. Weak little baby safety.
Maybe they call it miniature poodle safety.
that’s all I have.
Keep on rocking the purple.
Expect Stapleton to get a scope for his knee; let's reserve final verdicts for the games
Guys, as I mentioned this past week when Stapleton’s knee swelled, I expect Tomlin to announce in the morning that he is going to have some exploratory procedure to find out what the problem is. With a routine scope, he could be back by the last preseason game and be ready for the season. That would mean Legursky and Shipley will have plenty of reps to make their case.
The training camp action is nice, but roster spots will be won and playing time will be won by how players play in games. No one thought much of LBs Patrick Bailey and Donovan Woods until the lights went on last preseason. Bruce Davis will have to pick his game up and play lights out on special teams to get a seat on the bus. Am disappointed to hear about Tony Hills, but it is still early in camp. He better find some heart from somewhere if he wants to stick. Maybe Tomlin should yell at Hills to “Show Some Dignity!”
Ray Lewis's hit officially turns Mendenhall into a puss.
After rays hit Mendenhall turns to Michael Jackson and the Moon Walk. I guess his nuts came off with his jock.
Cant blame a guy for getting his shoulder broken by a massive hit by Ray
That sounds like you credit that break more to Mendys “puss” shoulder than Rays tackling ability
I spose Rivers is a puss for getting his jaw broke by Ward?
….wait dont answer that lol
Bleeding Black and Gold.....forever
by Michael Hewitt on Aug 4, 2009 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey speaking of which...
How is McGahee? I heard he was in camp asking who won the Super Bowl.
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
by PixburghArn on Aug 4, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I hear they are trying him out at WR.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Did they find his cleats yet?
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
Wallace sure sounds like a stud. Regardless of his playing ability though, his attitude seems as good as advertised (which is why RE liked him).
From http://pit.scout.com/2/884491.html
Wallace got more than a handclap from noted headhunter Tyrone Carter yesterday. During a 7-on-7 passing drill, one play after fellow safety Ryan Clark showed mercy on Shaun McDonald over the middle, Carter decked Wallace over the middle in a fashion similar to the way Anthony Smith decked Willie Reid the last two camps.
But, Wallace took the killshot, held on to the ball, got up off the ground, and started running for the end zone.
Was he surprised to be hit during the normally easygoing drill?
"Not really," Wallace said. "I know our DBs are looking to rock the rookies out there. It’s all part of the game. I’m just playing football."
Wasn’t it over the top?
"It’s all part of coming in. I don’t have a problem with it. I like it, actually. I feel like it’s going to make me better."
That’s class.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
by steelguy99 on Aug 4, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of…it is my understanding that KR’s have not been practiced yet, correct?
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
@jimwexell Mike Wallace and Mendenhall the KRs in first retuns practice. Mendy was the blocking
back.
6 minutes ago
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Wallace is like Swann and Stallworth rolled into one. Wouldn’t you guys agree?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
He’s certainly good enough to step into the ravens #2 role, which means he can walk.
Willie Colon doesn’t get flagged because he has long arms; he gets flagged because he sucks. - cliff harris is still a punk!
Beat out Clayton already? After a week of training camp, Wallace is already better than a 4 year vet? Hmmmm, your not biased.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
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