Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason: Five Players to Watch Saturday Night Against Atlanta Falcons
by Simonsen on Aug 26, 2011 2:01 PM EDT
in Steelers Training Camp/Preseason 2011
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PrintDespite recent announcements like the contract extension for Lawrence Timmons and the signing of veteran offensive lineman Trai Essex, it has been a quiet week of Steelers-related news. The reason is undoubtedly the team's return to their practice facilities on Pittsburgh's South Side, where the media is not allowed to give specific reports of players. After spending weeks reading about our stars' every move, we as fans are now information-starved and can do nothing but look forward to our next preseason game - the Pittsburgh Steelers' bout against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night.
By all accounts, the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles last week was a sweeping success. Young players such as Keenan Lewis and Curtis Brown flashed their potential, while the first-team defense showed that it hasn't slowed down; instead, it might have even picked up speed. Yet what we saw was only a meaningless preseason game, and none of the players shining against the Eagles can rest on their marbles.
The regular season starters traditionally play the majority of the third preseason game, but that doesn't mean that camp- and practice standouts can't show their worth. Instead, it presents an opportunity for all of us to guess who has recently impressed the coaches by closely watching player rotations. Find your weekly guide on Five Players to Watch in Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles after the jump.
5. Weslye Saunders, Tight End, #44, Rookie
I am talking of course about Weslye Saunders, a player from South Carolina who was thought to be one of the top tight ends in the 2010 NFL draft before lying to NCAA investigators and getting kicked off the South Carolina football team. The Steelers, who had brought him in for visits before the draft, decided to give him a chance in training camp, and the young tight end has not disappointed. In college, Saunders was known primarily for his receiving skills, yet he impressed early in camp with solid performances in the popular 'Backs on 'Backers' drill and flashed his potential in various practices. After being a no-show in the preseason opener against Washington, he bounced back with a solid performance against the Eagles when he caught a pass for a first down and was open in the end zone but overthrown by Dixon late in the game. The first roster cuts on Tuesday are fast approaching, and Saunders has to improve on his performance to secure the precious third tight end spot with the Steelers.
4. Ziggy Hood, Defensive End, #96, 3rd Year
3. Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, #17, 3rd Year
Mike Wallace came out of the lockout and into training camp with a bang. After recording over 1,250 yards receiving and leading the AFC in yards per reception at 21.0 in only his second year, the former third round pick from Mississippi came to Latrobe not being shy about his lofty 2011 goals. He boldly told reporters that he wants to reach 2,000 receiving yards this season, a mark that would break the NFL record in that category set by Jerry Rice by over 100 yards.
Wallace has quickly ascended into the elite ranks of NFL wide receivers, and evidently believes that he can take his game to the next level while being mentioned in one breath with the all-time greats. This comes besides the fact that Tomlin famously called out Wallace last year as being a 'one-trick pony' for only being effective on deep routes, a statement that the young wide receiver rigorously rejects. But much like Hood, Wallace has yet to flash the skills that made him a feared player and essential member of the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers this preseason. He has only caught one pass in two games so far, and seemingly was unable to get open against the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall. Both are pro-bowl corners, but nonetheless players that Wallace has to beat if he wants to reach his ambitious goals. He has little to prove and will go into the season as the clear number one receiver; but it would be comforting to see him have a big game in extended playing time against Atlanta.
2. Marcus Gilbert, Offensive Tackle, #65, Rookie
Before April's draft, the 6 foot 5, 330 pound Gilbert was considered a right tackle or guard prospect. The Steelers however thought differently when they drafted him with the 63rd pick of the second round, preparing him to play left tackle ever since. After an injury and some rocky performances to start training camp, he started coming into his own in practices and was thrown into the cold against the Eagles when Scott went down with a knee injury. Gilbert made some nice plays blocking, but also allowed a quarterback pressure and conceded a penalty. Of course, his night was also cut short by an injury, which fortunately proved minor. The Steelers have precious little depth at left tackle, especially if Tony Hills wins the starting right guard job. If Scott goes down in the regular season or his injury proves more significant than originally thought, Gilbert will have to be ready to step in and against Atlanta, he has the chance to prove his worth along the first team offensive line.
1. Donovan Warren, Cornerback, #30, 2nd Year
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Nice list
This week I will go:
- Donovan Warren
- Weslye Saunders/John Gilmore
- Tony Hills – Injuries made him get pushed to LT and we missed out on seeing how he could do at G. Tomlin says the competition is far from over, so lets hope he gets a chance to win it this weekend.
- Keenan Lewis – I need to see some consistency from him to make me feel a bit more comfortable with him having a bigger role this year.
- Troy Polamalu – It was awesome to see his burst back last week. I want to see some more of it!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
#5?
If I see Troy weaving with an interception in a preseason game, I’ll personally track him down and shave his head…
Did anyone else have a mini heart attack during that play?
I was screaming at the tv. GO OUT OF BOUNDS!!!!
by Enragedsteeler on Aug 26, 2011 7:15 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
True
But I loved that one play where he broke on the ball and had a diving PD.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Aug 26, 2011 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
My list
1) Keenan Lewis
2) Curtis Brown
3) Tony Hills
4) Crezdon Butler
5) Weslye Saunders
Can you tell I’m mostly intrigued by the secondary battle? Don’t really care about Donovan Warren though.
1. Tony Hills – He played formidably last week at RG. I want him to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
2. Tyler Grisham – Arnaz Battle showed up last week and proved he can do more than just be a special teams ace. Tyler needs to step up his game if he wants that last WR spot.
3. Keenan Lewis – I’m worried about our secondary.
4. Donovan Warren – I’m worried about our secondary.
5. Marcus Gilbert – Let’s see how he responds when pressed into duty, which could easily happen during the regular season.
Honorable Mention – Chris Scott – A guy who has supposedly had a good training camp, but I’ve seen nothing him do nothing in the two preseason games except get beaten and blown up. I don’t think he’s in danger of losing a spot on the roster, but his stock has to be quickly dropping.
by Craig Sager's Wardrobe on Aug 26, 2011 2:26 PM EDT reply actions
Quick Question
Where do you guys put Saunders’ chances for making your squad?
As a Giants fan, I’m more concerned about our TE situation (or lack thereof) than the injuries on Monday. (Other than (possibly) Travis Beckum, Saunders could step in and be the best TE on our team =/ )
anywho, good luck this weekend, I hope everyone comes through healthy.
Oh, and thanks for laying a smackdown on the eagles… watching that did all of us good (b^.^)b
Saunders
He has a lot of potential but, as far as I have heard, his blocking is suspect. He will need to make the team on ST play I suspect though he might be kept on the 53 as a healthy scratch until he can bring more to the table than just his potential as a receiver.
The Eagles haven’t had a chance to gel. They may be formidable if they can get it together. Vick needs to be let off his leash before you see the full potential of that offence.
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 26, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
Of all the possible turns of phrase to use in describing Michael Vick, you choose leash?
C’mon, was that intentional?
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Aug 26, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
no it wasn't
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 26, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, it was hilarious.
To clarify, killing dogs is not funny. But the accidental pun is sort of amazing.
I do agree with you though that IF the Eagles cohere, they will be super dangerous.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Aug 26, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Saturday's game could go a long way to determining that
He is might already be our second best pass-catching TE on the team behind Heath, but as as Cold_Old_Steelers_ Fan pointed out his blocking in live game action so far is suspect. Since the competition for 3rd TE is not that heated, he has a decent shot.
suspect blocking
Matt Spaeth wasn’t exactly the greatest blocker either. I’d keep Saunders and see about using someone else as the 2nd blocking TE, either by getting David Johnson in there and using Legs at FB is required to have both on the field at once, or alternatively using a reserve Tackle at the TE2 spot, whether that ends up being Hills or Gilbert maybe.
by KiwiSteelerFan on Aug 26, 2011 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Spaeth was a terrible blocker
I forget who said it, but some sports writer referred to him as “Matt Spaeth, the man who doesn’t cast a shadow because it would require him to block the sun.”
I laugh every time I think of that, especially now that he has moved on.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Aug 27, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
As a 3rd TE
I think his chances are above average.
What the hell is going on in the Meadowlands? First, the plague of DB’s, and now your TE’s? I generally root for the Giants when I watch them, and their bad luck so far with injuries is bordering on absurd…
Glad watching the Eagles get thrashed brought you some joy.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Aug 26, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Well.. the TE situation is (kinda) our own doing
We got blindsided with Boss signing in Oakland, then Ben Patrick spontaneously retired. We weren’t deep there to begin with (I was actually hoping they’d grab either Saunders or Oordt as UDFA’s), so yeah.
That left us with:
Travis Beckum (who could be a Dallas Clark type weapon, but at 240, he’s not much of a blocker… at all)
Bear Pascoe (who thought he was going the be the fullback going into the season, and doesn’t get consistent reps at either position)
and Jake Ballard, who could be a decent No. 3.
The DB’s? Just our usual rash of injuries. Last year it was OL and WR that get wiped out… we can never have our injuries spread out. They always hit 1 or 2 positions.
Thanks for the answers guys.
Good Choices
I would like to watch, in no particular order:
Tony Hills
Marcus Gilbert
Donovan Warren
Anthony Gray
Curtis Brown
With the following being bonus choices:
Weslye Saunders
Crezdon Butler
Mario Harvey (I want to see the kid on the field at least once).
Cortez Allen (see above)
Chris Carter and Morty Ivy (Poison?)
I am thinking that unless Lewis blows it in the next two games, that he will make it. I want to see who else is close.
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 26, 2011 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
Good Choices
OL is so critical for our success
1) Marcus Gilbert
2) Tony Hills
CB is our only weakness on D, since we know what Gay and McFadden can do or not do,
3) Keenan Lewis
4) Curtis Brown
5) Donovan Warren
Hopefully at least one of the corners will step up.
by Steeler Nation VA on Aug 26, 2011 3:31 PM EDT reply actions
Good choices.
My list:
1. James Harrison’s back. Until he looks 100% he’s the top spot.
2. Gilbert. He’s throwing this kid, and Ben to the avian predators tonight, this is a big moment for him.
3. Donovan Warren. We were a good game by a fourth corner short last year, right now he looks like he might be our third best.
4. Tony Hills. We need you man.
5. Essex. Where will he be playing? If Gilbert struggles who goes to LT? I think how we handle Essex says a lot about how Tomlin and co. view the line we have.
If Essex goes to LT
it may say how important it is for Tomlin to get a good look at Hills at RG. If Essex goes to RG and Hills goes to LT then that will be making a very different statement.
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 26, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I am wondering about that, because if we made the signing over the LT position, you’d think we’d go for Max.
by Phantaskippy on Aug 26, 2011 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
warren is not our third best corner
c’mon, he can’t cover any better than willie gay or the rest of them. i’d keep butler well before warren.
by syrsteelerfan on Aug 27, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Saunders...
Continues to intrigue. I really disliked Matt Spaeth, and want the kid to be a STRONG compliment to Miller.
I would like to see proof that Harrison is recovering effectively.
I want to see Warren do what he did against Philly again. I want one of the younger DB’s to show that they either ARE the future, or the team moves on without them.
Finally, I want Jonathan Dwyer to be in better shape, and to flash the talent he showed two years ago in college, cause THAT guy could help this team, but the out-of-shape and unprepared variety who has reported to camp is nothing special.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
Any other thoughts...
On Wallace or Hood?
I notice Wallace got swallowed by Nnamdi (it’s ok, he’ll learn from it that he’s still got some learning and growing to do), and that, I’m not terribly concerned about.
Hood’s non-factor through, I hadn’t really noticed until it was pointed out, but it DOES seem to be perplexing at best.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
not terribly concerned about either
like you said, preseason is learning more than anything. But it will still be interesting to see how both bounce back, I have no idea why Hood hasn’t shown up in games so far this year.
D Line
All the above choices are good. However, I am surprised nobody chose Heyward. I really believe he and Ziggy (and an eventual replacement for Hampton) are the keys to another 4-5 years of a dominating steeler defense. There is a lot of talk about our average corners (and they are average) but the facts are that the Steelers have finished at our near the top in defense the last couple of years with the same average corners.
The reason the Steelers D works is because we simply take the run away and make teams one dimensional. Then, we use confusing packages and uneven pressure schemes to disrupt the pass as the downs become predictable.
This defense (think ‘07 and ’09 seasons) falls apart if we cannot stop the run, thus when A. Smith or Kiesel went down in the past we struggled. Last year Ziggy matured and we did not miss a beat. The linebacker play and secondary are all significantly impacted by our d-line’s ability to hold the point of contact, eat up space within their zone and play the 3-4 with very sound technique. I think Ziggy will be a B to B+ in this category which is okay if Heyward becomes an A. It maybe too soon to judge him but if he turns out to be a B or less any cracks in the linebackers or secondary will be exposed to a greater degree than we would like to see.
LeBeau needs to have downs that are predictable to make aggressive defensive calls…and that all starts up front.
As for the corners, I believe Lewis has had his chance to show what he can do and I think I would like to see someone that plays the game with a little more moxie to step and take that roster spot.
Lastly, I am absolutely terrified they are allowing a rookie to play left tackle to protect Ben this week – one that came into camp fat and out of shape no less…I hope he holds on every play…
Mad Dog
The thing is though
He impressed a LOT of people in camp last year, and throughout the season, looked like a B+/A- guy (to use your rankings). If he were only capable of being above average, that would be one thing, but I think the concern is the drop-off from last year. Is he out of shape? Did the lockout hurt him?
You might be right on Lewis, but I think he just needs a bit more game time to definitely make that call.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Aug 26, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
don't worry
as I mentioned, he impressed a lot of people in training camp this year too. So it’s definitely not being out of shape – it’s just that for some reason so far, he hasn’t been able to transfer his performance to the actual games.
The reason I didn't mention Heyward in the article
I have done a writeup like this each preseason game so far, and try not to repeat my ‘players to watch’ in order to get exposure to some guys people might not know very well yet. For that reason, I didn’t include other intriguing players like Heyward, Lewis, C. Brown, and Hills – I already mentioned them in a previous article. That doesn’t mean I won’t keep an eye on these players though, and they will certainly be worth watching Saturday night.
mark kobaly knows nothing
Disappointment in a practice game? are fn kidding. Wallace beat two guys and Ben and the other guy missed him.
but to be a great number 1 receiver
wallace needs to prove he can get open beyond just on deep balls, on short and intermediate routes, and he hasn’t been able to do that in the preseason so far.
nice counterpoint
but aren’t quite some of Jackson’s big gains underneath routes that he breaks after the catch? Like Holmes used to do… Don’t watch the Eagles enough to know for certain, but I seem to remember a quite a few highlights where that is the case. For Wallace, in 2 years of Steeler football, I remember one such play.
Great article
So much better than the uninspired, ill-informed lists we read on Bleacher Report. Thank you!
Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"
stop reading there then!
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Aug 26, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Green'd
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU
only thing I will say about BR
is the one guy gave some good coverage of camp
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Aug 27, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Time to see who wants a roster spot ...
A REAL big game for K. Lewis. C. Butler, C. Allen, T. Hill, M. Gilbert, D. Warren and W. Saunders. I know Tunch & Wolf said they don’t feel like BMac has anything to prove and just needs to be healthy for when Sept. 11 roll around, but I disagree. I don’t think the Steelers want to pay him $2.5M this year for an injured below the line CB if they think K. Lewis could start in his place.
I also heard one writer mention that Carnell Lake is a big BMac fan and has spent a lot of time with BMac on getting back to the basics with his technique. We’ll see if that is a big help to his game.
by datruth4life2.0 on Aug 26, 2011 4:45 PM EDT reply actions
great insight on BMac
he’s another guy I will look forward to seeing (if he can already play). He looked good in camp before his injury, playing the #1 corner before Ike was re-signed. I want to see if he can be better than last year again.
My number one to watch is Gilbert, but my very close 2nd is Kemo, and that goes hand in hand. Kemo hasn’t played yet and Gilbert is being thrown into the fire, and I want to see how well those guys work together. And being that I don’t necessarily have a good eye for that other than seeing no sacks or big running lanes, I will be interested in reading after the game how people with a much more keen eye than I have observe how well they play together.
My guy is Crezdon Butler...
On his Facebook page he stated “Thank you Lord for helping me get back healthy time to ball” I want to see if he can indeed “ball” his way to the third or fourth corner.
A lot of us were high on him coming into this season
But he has a lot to prove. No more sitting on the trainer’s table if he wants to make the squad.
I was all for him before training camp, but I’m not too high on him now.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Aug 26, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep, would like to see what he can do.
Which hopefully bumps gay off the roster.
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Aug 26, 2011 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
How has Heyward looked so far for you guys?
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
couple outside the box
1. Baraka Atkins – Might bump Chris Carter to the PS
2. Anthony Gray – Will ATL please try to run between the tackles?? If he can shine, might bump Hoke and continue youth movement at DL. Nothing against Hoke but he’s 35 and the snack’s contract is up after next year.
3. Morty Ivy – Needs to make his own roster spot like Sylvester did last year.
4. Curtis Brown – his second game, if he lights it up he could work his way onto a starting role.
5. Jason Worlids – Should be a good game to test him versus the run.
I’m also interested in Sean Weatherspoon LB for ATL. I wanted him badly in that draft. Heard he’s coming on strong.
by Steely McSmash on Aug 26, 2011 10:04 PM EDT reply actions
Agree with you
About Gray and Ivy. They are two guys I will be watching closely along with Hood and Saunders.
Cant see Brown working into a starter this year.
Nickel spot is where we need him.
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Aug 26, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
If he can be a solid #4
and developing I will be happy.
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 27, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
chris carter makes this team
or he will not make the p.s.
mcclendon could bump hoke, but gray is going to the practice squad.
by syrsteelerfan on Aug 27, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
All of ou DB's except Gay and B-Mac
I already know how bad Gay so they could actually sit him down. If B-mac stops playing like Ray Horton and starts playing like Carnel Lake he will be fine, If not he gets the ax. It sounds crazy but you know what you get from those two, play the young guys and see if the Eagle game was a fluke.
by steelerfromtheco on Aug 27, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions
Another Fan's 5 for the rest of preseason
1. William Gay – If he gets outperformed by Lewis, or Butler…heck, even Warren at this point…he could find himself shopping for a new team by the end of preseason. We have plenty of depth, but I know Dick LeBeau would rather have a solid Nickelback so we don’t have to depend on Dime looks in passing situations.
2. Miguel Chavis – I know this name isn’t connected with any starting of reserve position battles, but there is a good chance we will only keep 3 active TE’s, 2 of which are Miller, and Johnson (FB experience keeps roster spot). That’s only if the offense doesn’t take a look at lining up Redman in the FB position, then I think we will only keep the 2 starting TE’s active. With the attention I believe Saunders and McCoy would receive if they fell to the PS, Chavis would give us a PS slot who can play a position on both sides of scrimmage, if need be. At positions where depth could become an issue.
3. Tyler Grisham – If Tyler is going to be a Steeler after preseason week 4, he is going to have to make the active roster on a team already loaded with solid reliable options. We already know about Ward’s toughness and Wallace’s speed. We know Antonio Brown has the skills, work ethic, and attitude to be a Steeler great. I believe Manny Sanders will be the solid guy that fills Hines’ cleats, when he hangs them up. I don’t think we signed Cotchery just to play the preseason, and Battle has been earning his roster spot for a few years now. Tyler can’t go back to the PS, so its sink or swim for him.
4. K. Williams – He’s gonna have to show the coaching staff, that he doesn’t need a year on the PS. I am pretty sure we re-signed Essex because, even though he was never one of our best linemen, he has played every O-line position in this offense, except Center. Legursky can back up Center and either Guard slot. Essex can man Guard and Tackle. If the coaches are concerned with unforseen injuries, they may choose to stick Essex in the mix as the second LG. I think that would punch Williams’ ticket to the PS. I think Williams brings more to the table at LG, so he will need to prove that to the coaches and the front office in the next 2 weeks.
5. Charlie Batch – Ok, there are some other, very interesting roster battles taking place. Who deserves to be the PS WR, Robinson or Lyons? Who will win the back up role behind Woodley; Carter or Atkins? Will he show us something we haven’t seen yet: Butler, Cromartie-Smith, C.Scott, Foster… A lot of names I could have gone with, but we all need to watch in reverance any remaining snaps that come to #16, for I think they will be his last. I hope he walks out of the locker room, and straight into the Front Office, or the coaching staff. When Detroit decided they didn’t want him anymore, he gave up the notion of being a starting QB elsewhere in the league, and has proudly been a steeler ever since. This man has done more for his community, his fellow players, his team, his league, and the City of Pittsburgh, than most of us will ever fully appreciate. Thanks Charlie, for always being there and ready, never being a distraction over wanting to start, and for bleeding Black and Gold, just like me. Heck, we’re practically related! (count this as my vote to retire the #16, when Charlie has finished using it)
by SteelCityRoller on Aug 27, 2011 1:18 AM EDT reply actions
Charlie Batch
Charlie is dependable, reliable and available but I think his making the roster depends on how Dennis Dixon performs and whether Dixon is traded, kept or released. Regardless of what happens I hope the FO can find a role for Charlie in the Steelers organization.
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity." Jack Layton (R.I.P.)
"My city's still breathing (but barely it's true) through buildings gone missing like teeth. The sidewalks are watching me think about you, all sparkled with broken glass. I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know. They never take me anywhere but here. " John K Samson (Left and Leaving)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 27, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree completely. Rec’d.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
Ryan Mundy
Not sure what happened to him during the off season, but the dude is playing with a major amount of heart this preseason. I’m impressed.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
Ziggy
I noticed Ziggy was betting pushed around and a non-factor when the Redskins were jamming the ball down the defense’s throat.
by Yinzer from Myrralind on Aug 27, 2011 7:31 AM EDT reply actions
My eyes are on one thing mainly
That 3rd cornerback role, whether it be Will Gay or Keenan Lewis (the only two competing in my eyes) that role was an obvious weaker link last season against teams with better depth at receiver, not to mention the tougher quarterbacks in the league
We do not need a lot of improvement in that area, just being marginally better at corner than last year will help make our season go a long way.
No injuries either please!
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
Really looking forwad to this one
The last three between Pitt and Atl have been epic and had personal good memories, too. This may be “just” pre-season, but this is must-see for me.
Does it look to anyone else...
That Arn Tomlin is taking a swing at that zebra in the pic?
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU
Does anyone have a link for where the game will be showed?
I’d appreciate it being posted for us not in the Pittsburgh area. Thanks.
by datruth4life2.0 on Aug 27, 2011 12:38 PM EDT reply actions
Got no reliable link, but...
you can pay $10 on NFL.com and watch this game and all preseason games, including those already played anytime you want.
I invested the $10 today. It was $39.
I think it’s worth it.
R.I.P. Mad Dog
by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Aug 27, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
One Falcons player that may be interesting to see is Jacquiz Rodgers
A small scatback who broke all TD records in high school in Texas and lit it up in college in the PAC 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5XwHwe0QNI
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
Game thread?
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
I need a game thread please?
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
Found it. Should I email it you guys rather than post it and it getting yanked? Post your email with the word “hip” in there to throw off the bots so you don’t get spam mail.
i think you can figure it out
no !
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
ssbpdhip!yahoo.com
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
What can Brown do for you!
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
Yeahhhh Antonio!
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz
Cornell University Class of 2014
by LV Steelers Fan on Aug 27, 2011 7:36 PM EDT reply actions
Was that the same play call?
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
3 plays, 6 points
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
David Johnson?!
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz
Cornell University Class of 2014
by LV Steelers Fan on Aug 27, 2011 7:38 PM EDT reply actions
Mendy punched it in
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
No, I was just surprised to see him get involved on two straight plays
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz
Cornell University Class of 2014
by LV Steelers Fan on Aug 27, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Check
And KDKA just showed the fullback (also Johnson) with great blocking on the TD.
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
a dream first drive
except for the danger on that horse collar tackle on Brown
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
See you at the game thread!
Bill Beeelichick proved that in America it’s okay to cheat, as long as you cheat your way to the top. – Eric Cartman
Maybe we should pull the starters quickly if they look so good...
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.
-Thomas Szasz
Cornell University Class of 2014
by LV Steelers Fan on Aug 27, 2011 7:41 PM EDT reply actions
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