IX- As we all know, the 2010 Steelers suffered their fair share of injuries. They put so many players on the IR that I started to forget some of them were on the roster. This article does a nice breakdown of the current status of the injured Steelers. The article says that Sweed is under contract for 2011, but I thought he was now a FA. The article also addresses a few players like James Harrison who will undergo surgery this month and the possibility of Ben having surgery on his injured foot this offseason.
X- The Steelers are interviewing their first candidate for the opening at Defensive Backs Coach. Chuck Cecil has been a defensive coach for the Titans since 2001. He made his way up to Defensive Coordinator this year, but from what I have read he was not quite ready to be a DC in the NFL. However, I did read that he is a good at coaching defensive backs.
XIII- Are we bored reading about the NFL CBA and labor disputes? Well, it is something we should all keep our eye on. Steelers lounge has quite an interesting perspective on the issue. They believe the Steelers could actually benefit from a lockout in 2011. It is a long read, but it gives a nice view of where the Steelers are going into this off season and a potential lockout.
XIV- We heard this week that the Steelers will likely franchise tag LaMarr Woodley. That gives them a secure way of working out a deal with Woodley before this season. However, they could also be using the tag as a way to keep Woodley for a year and develop Jason Worilds to take over for him. They would probably not be able to keep Woodley then because they would have another huge resigning on the books in Lawrence Timmons. At Inside Pittsburgh Sports they believe that their is only a small chance we will resign Woodley because of this issue. They that Drew Rosenhaus, the notorious "evil" agent, who is Woodley's agent, will drive up Woodley's demands. Timmons shares the same agent and will likely have the same thing happen. The difference is that the writer of the article thinks that Timmons is more important to the Steelers than Woodley. Anyway, read the article because it is quite interesting.
XL-What do you think the biggest surprise of the Steelers 2010 season is? Was it the way Flozell Adams came in and was one of our best run blockers? Was it two rookie WRs developing quickly and contributing to the offense late int he season? Or was it the steep incline in the performance of Lawrence Timmons? Craig Wolfley's opinion is that the biggest surprise of the season was the level of play from center Maurkice Pouncey. Going into the season we all expected good things from Pouncey, but did anyone really expect him to be this good? A rookie Pro-Bowler? I think the most impressive part of his play this year is that he seemed to raise the level of every other lineman when he was in there. I am glad we drafted Pouncey and excited to watch his career.
XLIII-Speaking of centers, Dermontti Dawson was a snub from being inducted into the Pro Football Half of Fame. Recently, he did an interview with 93.7 The Fan to talk about that issue. Also, quite interestingly he talks about Pouncey and his level of play this year. Apparently, Dawson has been in contact with Maurkice all season. I wonder if the Steeler great has played a big part in molding the rookie? Hmmm....
