Bout time

Now go maul some people.

Ladies and gents, looking back at the end of this past season to the beginning of training camp, you have to give the front office props for all the moves that it has made, including some in which it was forced to make changes on the fly due to injuries.

From resigning Big Snack, R. Clark and J. Reed, to bringing back McFadden & Leftwich in trades for 5th and 7th round picks and then signing each to contract extensions(I think those two moves were HUGE for this franchise and don’t get the proper amount of attention that they’re worth, but they will) to bringing back Foote and Randle-El and bringing in S Allen, WR A. Battle & T J. Scott (jury’s still out on him, but I like the fact that our new OL coach went to bat to bring him in here) to this year’s 2010 draft (which might end up being K. Colbert’s best since he’s been a Steeler, and I actually thought the 2009 draft was his best).

You have to like the OL being addressed with M. Pouncey, Chris Scott (I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts on the PUP list and then is placed on IR in October) and A. Jones and Flozell added for more competition after injuries to Scott & Willie Colon. (For those still crying a river over losing W. Colon and saying he’s one of the best RT’s in the league, I just rewatched the Steelers-KC game this morning while I waited for a technician to look at my AC and Colon was pretty bad that game. I just don’t see him being as good as everyone says that he is. Let’s see if someone will take this opportunity and Colon’s spot and runs with it. Don’t count Ramone Foster out of this dance to get a spot in this starting line somewhere).

And then the Rooney family extending Tomlin and extending K. Colbert, this has just been a whilrwind of activity that we all hope results in a turnaround for this team. I just wish there was some way to give Woodley his money, but the 30 percent rule is making that next to impossible. He’ll get his money, but just wish they could lock him up this year.

All in all, a very good (but under the radar) offseason for this FO that was overshadowed by Ben’s foolishness and Santonio’s trade. Time to see who will get a seat on the bus.

Datruth’s prediction for the player who comes out of nowhere to challenge for a starting position: ILB Keyaron Fox. Everyone has given the other ILB spot to Farrior/Foote, but I believe the Keyaron Fox is going to do his thing in a contract year and force his way on the field. (Other candidates: Big Doug Legursky & R. Foster).

All, who else do you think will fall into this category as an unknown that could challenge to start this year?

Remember that McFadden could not displace Townsend for a couple of years and was less than impressive in Arizona. If Troy stays healthy the perception of the defensive backfield could do a 180. Pouncey could take over the center position before season’s end. Got a feeling about Dwyer. I think this team could be a beast.

Pouncey’s on-time arrival is welcome news for Steelers Nation. Sean Kulger now has the chance to stage some real competition on the right side of line, with the signing of Adams, Adrian Jones, and (God willing) the growth of Kraig Urbik.

Ed Bouchette argued that the signing of Adams was an act of desperation on the part of the Steelers. On the surface, his point make sense. However, the way they brought him on board really sets the stage for some first-class competition. For a brief discussion of why, click here.