Rookie Minicamp lesson for Offensive linemen.

This is a the firstlesson for rookie Offensive linemen. Today's teacher is professor Sean Kugler. Students are David DeCastro, Mike Adams, Kelvin Beachum and undrafted rookie FAs.

Kugler: Greetings gentlemen!

Players: Good afternoon coach.

Kugler: Today we gonna draw the parallel line between playing in Steelers Offensive line and preparing the T-Bone Steak. Mike, do you know the meaning of the word parallel?

Adams: Uhm... Sir, I don't know the exact answer. But, it has to do with straight lines. I'll do whatever it takes to study it. (Behind Adams, Kelvin Beachum vigorously raises his hand wanting to answer professor's question)

Kugler: Kelvin, you've got your master's degree. And this question is too easy for you. So don't act like a smart arse here. You better explain me the difference between porterhouse steaks and T-bone steaks.

Beachum: Porterhouse steaks are cut from the rear end of the short loin and include more tenderloin, while T-bone steaks are cut from farther forward and contain less.

Kugler: Impressive. I guess you know your stuff well. Ok, here is a question for you David. Why am I trying to teach you the similarities between playing in Offensive line and cooking steak?

DeCastro: Sir, I'm not sure. But I think you want us eat well and prepare us to be well conditioned through healthy eating.

Kugler: Wrong answer young man. I'm drawing parallels between these two, as they are very similar in nature. Playing Offensive line gentlemen, is like being a cook who prepares steaks. Every steak before preparing needs to be tenderized. And how do we tenderize meat?

We Pound the slices of meat into thinner slices, using a meat mallet. This will flatten the meat and break the fibers and connective tissues, making the meat more tender.

I want you all to use your hands as meat mallets and pound the crap out of defensive linemen and linebackers. We have huge T-Bone steaks in our division in Haloti Ngata, Terence Cody, Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, and Ahtyba Rubin. I want you all to not be afraid of their name recognition and just consider them as T-Bone steaks. Understood?

Players: Yes, Sir.

Kugler: And what do we do with steaks?

Players: We pound 'em hard!

Kugler: Good answer. If you do your job well. We make the meat a bit tender. But T-Bone steaks are tough SOBs and a good technique should be applied. You ever saw those japanese martial arts guys breaks baseball bats with their bare hands? Good, cuz I want you this off season train and make your hands true iron meat mallets. Besides, you guys gonna have steel balls to be able to succeed in this league. Maurkice has steel balls. Last year Big Ben fractured his finger when it was caught between his balls. I want you to be true Steeler players with steel balls to be able to pound those defensive SOBs continuously. When the meat is tenderized the victories will be served on the football field. Now, do you think simple pounding will be enough?

Beachum: I think there should be some more to it, right coach?

Kugler: Exactly. Pounding the meat is not enough. You need to use meat tenderizer, usually made from pineapple or papaya extracts, to the meat. These contain enzymes that break down tough fibers. In football, your meat tenderizers are hard and relentless running backs. We have one in legendary RedZone Redman. When opponents see him run they tend to piss their pants off. As enzymes break down tough fibers in meat, good running breaks down the mental toughness of tough defensive SOBs, while your pounding break them down physically.

Beachum: What about QB play coach? Do they have a say in this steak making process?

Kugler: You bet they are. Good QB play acts like pre-made marinade that contains an acidic ingredient such as vinegar, wine or citrus fruit juice. Our QB's play make the toughest of the Defensive players crap their pants in the 4th quarter. He is a true Marinade-Master of them all. So, now, anyone can sum up today's lesson for me ?

DeCastro: I'll try Sir. To be great in this league, we have to make a special recipe each and every game. I'll be looking forward to make Ravenburger with Ngata steak come this autumn. To do that we need to pound Ngata and Cody steaks, tenderize them with Redman, and Mr Roethlisberger will get the air out their breath with his marinading skills. Whoala, the meal will be served.

Kugler: I like your attitude kid. Hopefully, if injury bug will leave us alone, we'll be making a bunch of steaks this year. Class dismissed for today. Have a rest while practicing trying to shatter the baseball bats in your lockers with your bare hands.

Random history quote:

After 4th quarter of the playoffs game in Denver
Colbert: Mike, Pouncey out, Big Ben banged up, Woodley and Harrison shaky, Brown and Cortez injured, Keisel and Hampton just got injured… Would you call me crazy if I say let’s lose this game to Bronks and make them happy now, instead of making Patsies happy next week? We’ll get a better position in draft. What d’ you think?
Mike Tomlin: Hmmmm Kevin, I think I agree with you and take PIT-NE 1-0 instead of 1-1. You know how Dick feels when they talk about Pats wins.
Hey Ike, come here dude, we gotta talk about longest TD reception in OT history…

The recent news about Willie Colon switch from right tackle to left guard has the majority of Steeler Nation excited about the prospects of the Steelers 2012 interior line. I am one of those who believe that Colon will fair better at LG and be very good. I however wanted to look back at the history of players who made the switch to see what the odds are that Colon would be better. I would like to point out this is just a few of the players that have made the switch not all of them.

Poll

Assuming Willie Colon stays healthy, what do you expect his level of play to be for the 2012 season?

• All-Pro level
• Pro Bowl level
• Not a Pro Bowler level but very good player
• Serviceable

  241 votes | Results

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Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to show the 11 highest paid Steelers players who are under contract

for 2013 season. Their cap hit is whopping 97 million dollars! A lot of people here say how Omar Khan

is a genius. Please, let me know how can he be a Genius if around 20 % of roster earn around 80%

of the salary cap. This means we need to pay 20% of the salary cap to the 80% of the players on roster.

That is some great math in capology. Bravo Omar Khan, you're a genius!

	2013 base	Signing bonus	Other bonus	Total CAP Hit
Ben Roethlisberger	11600000	5320000	2675000	19595000
Lamarr Woodley	9000000	4240000		13240000
Lawrence Timmons	5375000	3285000		8660000
Troy Polamalu	7500000			7500000
Ike Taylor	6000000	1812500	1641666	9454166
James Harrison	6570000	4115500		10685500
Heath Miller	5162000	2796500		7958500
Willie Colon	5500000	1250000	950000	7700000
Brett Keisel	2825000	1675000		4500000
Maurkice Pouncey	977250	1070000	1250000	3297250
Ryan Clark	3500000	1250000		4750000
				97340416

If he is indeed a genius, how about convincing Ike to get a pay cut of about 2 mils, Troy about 2.5 mils,

Harrison about 3 mils, Colon about 2 mils. this will instantly give us 9.5 mils next year. And those pay reductions

would be around market value methinks.

THIS LINK GOES TO THE PICTURES OF THE BIKE BEING BUILT Hey everyone! A few months ago I did a quick FanPost outlining my plans to ride across the country for victims of human trafficking. I thought I'd do a quick update, since I had feedback and curiosity regarding the bike. The past few months have seen the makers of the bike, located in Brazil, begin, and then essentially finish the construction of the bike, which is made primarily of bamboo. There are a couple spots where steel or aluminum has been used (the crank case, and the steering stem, etc), all reinforced with strands of carbon fiber soaked in a naturally derived resin. It's a long, long process, and the pictures leaked in slowly as the process rolled on. The bike frame is nearly completed, and just needs a few minor finishing touches, then equipped with all the bits and pieces for a test ride. If it's looking good, then they'll be shipping just the frame out to the States where I'll eventually equip it with parts here (saves on shipping cost). PICTURES OF THE BIKE BEING BUILT HERE: http://tr4f.wordpress.com/bike-build-in-photos/ There have been a lot of other cool developments as well, with new sponsors coming on board, and more speaking engagements scheduled (I'll be giving presentations on the issue of human trafficking, how to spot it, and how to help the victims of human trafficking). Exciting times! My route is on the site as well as tons of other stuff...browse around a little! Just wanted everyone to get an update on what a severely whacked out member of Steeler nation is up to. :) Blessings, Dug

For those of us who have been hoping for this day to come, rejoice because it is here. In a discussion with WDVE's Mike Prisuta, Colon confirmed that he will indeed move to left guard in order to make room for Mike Adams to start on the offensive line. ESPN speculates here that the new offensive line will look, from left to right like this:

Adams T

Colon G

Pouncey C

DeCastro G

Gilbert T

In my humble opinion, the guard position is the best fit for Colon and the team at this point, and significantly improves the OL, assuming Adams is ready to take over at

EDIT: Meant to mention this earlier. I don't think it's a coincidence that we're seeing Colon moving to LG with Adams at LT. I'm sure part of that is to help Adams adjust and for Colon to help teach him things as they go. Certainly should be a good way to go about it if you ask me. This seems like the best way to go on paper.

Dear fellow Steelers fan, enlightenment comes in many guises. Today, a Bengals fan showed me how lucky I am...how lucky we all are to root for the Black & Gold...and how far I am from being enlightened.

While cruising You Tube, admiring Toney Clemons' acceleration, ball hawking skills, blocking skills, ect., (and generally salivating over our prospects for the coming season), I came across the following link. Sadly, despite feeling sympathy for the wretched slob, a small-minded part of me relished his misery. (See? My reaction to his pathos revealed my need for spiritual growth. I'm thinking of starting a new religion & naming it after a Tomlinism, i.e., "The New Life Church of the NFL IIWII Redeemer," or "It is what it is" for short.)

Remember. Regardless how bleak your horizons may seem, you can always cling to a certain joy: at least you weren't born in Ohio and reared a fan of the Bengals or Browns.

;<)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6GQlRdSMlE&feature=related

It has been a long while since I last wrote anything for the great community of Behind the Steel Curtain. Time to Step Up.

The Steelers this offseason have undergone as much change in their personnel as they have in about five years previous. The subsequent effect has been much more news and topics to talk about concerning the team in general.

This offseason, the collective community of Steeler Nation has bid farewell to some of our favorite players from the last decade of Steeler success, and in a way opens a new era of Steelers football which leaves myself and many others frothing at the mouth for the coming season as we cannot wait to show the rest of the NFL our shiny new toys.

Tissues and Terrible Towels aplenty as we wave farewell to heroes Aaron Smith, Hines Ward, Chris Hoke and James Farrior, and speaking from a Steeler fan since 2002's point of view, so long to four of the players that sparked my initial interest in football let alone the Steelers.

Smith the consumate professional, Ward the battling underdog, Hoke the gutsy technician, and Farrior the vocal leader.

All shall be missed, and with the departure of other Steeler veterans William Gay and Chris Kemoeatu who each held starter roles over the past few seasons, not to mention the questionable statuses of the likes of Rashard Mendenhall, Willie Colon and Casey Hampton, it appears there are some big shoes in Pittsburgh that need filling.


Who out there is ready to Step Up?

Note: The order of the following is in no way prioritized by importance, simply in order of position.

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Usually I am opposed to asking for favors but in this I need the help of Steeler Nation. My brothers girlfriend is in a Snow White and the Huntsman photo competition through the Billare Hairdressing Acedemy. She is trying to become a hair dresser an get her name out their and winning this competition could be her first step.

Poll

Will you help out and vote?

• Yes, because wearing that bright orange is a feeling only inmates should experience
• No

  22 votes | Results

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Art Rooney II walks into Steelers draft day War Room and gives a hard stare to all the seated personnel, including Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, Todd Haley, Dick LeBeau, team chaplain Kevin Jordan and many other coaches and scouts. After giving thoughtful look he says: "Winners don't wait for chances, they take them!"

Rooney: Kevin, Mike, my last words should be our motto for today's draft. What you guys think?

Colbert: All right, boss.

Tomlin: Yes Sir, today we're gonna be a first-rate version of ourselves, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Rooney: Mike, please talk to us like a normal human being not like a smart arse you usually are. You're not giving interviews here. And Kevin, give me pre draft debrief and please include in your report what the heck is our esteemed Chaplain is doing here?

Colbert: All is well so far. Draft board is set. Preliminary trade talks are done with Jets, Titans and Bears. Communication with our guys in New York is double tested. As for our dear Chaplain, he is here under your orders. After Denver game, his counselling was so good that you told us to invite him for every meeting.

Rooney: Oh shacks... completely forgot. Had too many that day. Well, since you're here, Father, please pray for us to get some nice blue chip player.

Chaplain: I'll try to do my best.

Colbert: Ok, gents. Here we go. Draft started.

Rooney: Kevin, our priority is 3 rounds 1000 pounds today?

Colbert: We'll do our best Sir, after asking Ben to tweak his game we gotta give him some O Line help. Hopefully, we'll draft some stud blue chipper O lineman this round.

LeBeau: Does it mean I can go fishing today?

Rooney: Dick, you're stabilising force here. So please stay. But we gonna go offense 1st round. And as far as I remember, things will get interesting for us in the middle of the draft. Therefore, I'll take a break for now. Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you. I'll come back after seeing team doctors.

Tomlin: If you need anything let us know.

Rooney: Nah, I'll be fine. (leaves room)

After a bit more than an hour, and half a dozen trades later Chiefs pick Dontari Poe.

Tomlin: Gents, 11 picks passed and only 1 O Lineman selected. That's great news for us. Father, please include the name David DeCastro in your prayers. We want that guy. Dick, it's official, after Chiefs pick, we're going offense this round.

Colbert: I believe in miracles... I believe in miracles.

After some more time left, when Seahwaks selected Bruce Irvin with 15th overall pick, the sound of laughter from the War room could be heard in downtown Pittsburgh. Door opens and Art Rooney II enters laughing out loud.

Rooney: Guys, this draft is getting crazy. Seahawks at their best Browns impersonation. I think we have to move now to get our guy DeCastro. Kevin please call Jets and make it happen.

Colbert: I just called them and they said No.

Rooney: Oh shucks... Father pray harder please. We don't want Bungles to take our guy.

Ny Jets select Coples and Bungles select Dre and the everyone is happy in the War Room.

Rooney: Kevin, we want to get in front of Bungles second pick. Remember our motto. Make the trade.

Colbert after calling the teams: San Diego and Titans won't trade. Bears want 3rd and 4th. That's too much. And I think we gotta wait. We still have 3 of the blue chip O Linemen on board. I'd say we wait.

Rooney: If noone is willing to trade down farely with us. We have to come up with some other thing to get our guy. Father, please write down some scary words from the Bible for me please.

Chaplain: What? There are no scary words there.

Rooney: Father, I mean please write down some passage from the Bible which will make Mike Brown from Bengals piss his pants off.

Chaplain: In that case.... (after quickly writing the passage) ...here, take this one.

Rooney calling Mike Brown: Hello Mike, this is Art. I know you're busy today as everyone else, but as a friend of yours I have to warn you buddy.

Brown: Howdy Art. And what it might be ?

Rooney: I came to knowledge that there is a passage Ezekiel 12:1:21. As this year is 2012 and you guys are drafting at 1st round 21. It may directly affect you. I'll read it for you. "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

Make your own conclusions, but seems like your pick at 21 will give some nasty results. (Art hangs up).

Chaplain: But, this passage was Ezekiel 25:17. It was even included in the movie Pulp Fiction.

Rooney: Father, I want my boy whatever it takes. This chatter will make Mikey piss his pants off and make him do some crazy shit.

Chargers take Ingram, Bears select McLellin and Titans get Wright. And it is announced that Bengals trade their pick to Patriots.

Everyone in the Steelers War Room are elated.

Haley: What if Browns get DeCastro?

Rooney: Will you talk about something else? Distract me so I won't turn around and smack you in the face Todd.

Tomlin: Sir, You should put your seatbelt on. We still can do it. Father say something please.

Chaplain: All is well that ends well.

Rooney: Kevin do something. I can't control myself.

Colbert: I have got so much Patience that I can break the Stone with Ice.

Rooney: I didn't want you to turn into Mike with your smart words. I want DeCastro!

Goodell over on TV: With the 22nd pick, Cleveland Browns select Brandon Weeden quaterback from Oklahoma State...

Tomlin: Father, I think your prayers are very good. Please continue praying.

Rooney: Kevin, can we trade with Lions?

Colbert: I believe in miracles... Father say something.

Chaplain: Patience is of the essence.

Goodell over on TV: With the 23nd pick, Detroit Lions select Riley Reiff...

After the noise of celebrations passes away.

Rooney: Kevin, please send our pick and if you excuse me, I'll call it a day. I'll join you all tomorrow.

Tomlin: As they say - "Never tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon"

Rooney: Yes Mike, we all love you. And father, please join us tomorrow as well. We'll need some more of your divinie interventions. :)

As we hit a lull in the action this offseason, I thought I would revisit a topic we had a great amount of debate on earlier this year; whether Hines Ward should be in the hall of fame. This should be a series, and hopefully it will be done before the preseason starts.

I'm going to approach it a little bit differently though. As we all know Hines didn't play the majority of his career on a passing team, and his stats look smaller than other WR's because of it. So how should we compare Hines Ward playing for Kordel Stewart vs. C. Carter in his years with Moss in Minnesotta, or M. Harrison in Indy?

For this post I am going to look at receiver stats as a percentage of their teams passing offense. I wanted to place Hines next to his main competition from his era, and some HoF to see where Hines stands in a "Most valuable to his offense" receiver competition. The basic idea is that on the surface 1250 yrd, 13 TD season on a 5000 yd 50 TD offense looks better than an 1000 yrd, 10 TD season on a 2500 yrd 25 TD offense, because we don't look at the team numbers normally. Using my above hypothetical, the first is 25% of the teams passing offense, the second is 40%.

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