Behind the Steel Curtain - 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Camp ConfidentialA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2017-08-02T08:00:02-04:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/158133632017-08-02T08:00:02-04:002017-08-02T08:00:02-04:00Random Thoughts from a Black and Gold Mind: Training Camp edition
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<p>BTSC's resident mad man has ended his summer holdout and is passing his thoughts on the Steelers and bizarre pop culture references on to you.</p> <p id="mcMTUa">Thank all things <span>Tim Tebow</span> and Swiss cheese, training camp is here. I was going bonkers without football. So bemoaningly bonkers that you wouldn't believe some of the ponderings permeating from my pons. It's your lucky day, I'm sharing them with you and the twelve other people that clicked here by accident or not.</p>
<p id="nRjZVT">But first I feel compelled to apologize for the apples of anger that I may have shot my arrow of idiocy through while resting on your head. So, barkeep, a lager of lament to and for all that I may have chagrined the last time around.</p>
<ul>
<li id="qxXM6V">Making most of you to have to google Mills Lane</li>
<li id="rL5U1m">Insinuating that Ivan Lendel was boring</li>
<li id="j9AjZw">Labeling Joey Fatone as the weak link of *Nsync</li>
<li id="tj25Tx">The actual referencing of *Nsync</li>
<li id="73KcS4">Bemoaning Lethal Weapon 4 on VHS and a trip to Cracker Barrell as a bad birthday gift</li>
<li id="w778DI">Mel B. </li>
</ul>
<p id="b3lgZl">And Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.</p>
<p id="CoJfL2">Now on with random thoughts from a black and gold mind...</p>
<ul><li id="Ml5Ghe">I have no problem with <span>Antonio Brown</span> showing up to training camp in an ultra-expensive luxury car that 99% of Steeler fans couldn't afford, but the more I think about it...how original is the idea? Didn't Willie Mays Hayes do it back in 1989 at Indians camp in Arizona.</li></ul>
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<ul><li id="6Dw35R">I loved <span>James Harrison</span> showing up in a fire truck to camp. While even though AB is loved, Deebo seems more relatable rolling in on big red. A part of me wanted to see him break out the hose and spray down the media much like Pittsburgh's Kurt Angle and the milk truck spray down on August 20, 2001.</li></ul>
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<li id="mqZ3ML">
<span>Senquez Golson</span> sustained an injury early-on in camp. This just in...water is wet. Seriously though, any lengthy absence for the former second-rounder will greatly hamper this kid's chance to make the team. The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> philosophy regarding what they'll get out of <span>Golson</span> seems to be a state of "nothing but gravy" at this point.</li>
<li id="XApnsH">I want to see <span>Martavis Bryant</span> back on the field more desperately than Ralphie wanted "an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle" in <em>A Christmas Story. </em>No. 10 says he is "close" to getting back on the field according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL network. This whole thing seems odd to me, I'm not going to breathe easy until I see Bryant and his extra twenty pounds in pads.</li>
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<cite>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<li id="dcrHvl">Speaking of Kinkhabwala. Isn't that a Kid Rock song? Sing it with me..."Kinkhabwala, da bang, da dang diggy diggy diggy, said the boogie, said up jump the boogie".</li>
<li id="pvHWFE">Speaking of Robert Ritchie, he's ahead in the polls for the GOP Senate seat in Michigan. I'd like to channel another Kid Rock song on what Michiganians are thinking..."God Only Knows".</li>
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<li id="cyjoQO">One would think that Le'Veon Bell would benefit by actually signing his tender and showing up to camp. Being at team meetings and displaying himself as a team player would go a long way in helping to establish one's self as the present and future. It might possibly help loosen purse strings a tad. You know training camp for a guy as established as Bell would be an NFL version of Club Med.</li>
<li id="Cq3HBG">At this time last year, the Steelers offensive line depth had me like a man whose wife proposes a threesome with two other dudes but not him...deeply concerned. But in 2017, I feel OL depth could be a team strength. Besides the protection agency of Gilbert, DeCastro, Pouncey, Foster and Villanueva, having the piece of mind that guys like <span>Chris Hubbard</span>, <span>Jerald Hawkins</span>, <span>B.J. Finney</span>, <span>Matt Feiler</span> or <span>Brian Mihalik</span> could fill in, is a reassurance.</li>
<li id="ZhQ3Ys">
<span>Artie Burns</span> is once again shadowing his initial-sake in camp, Antonio Brown. Although he's losing more battles than he wins...It will make him a better player. There's no better way for No. 25 to become a shutdown corner than spar with the best. It's kind of like when Screech joined the Bayside wrestling team and practiced with Slater, it made him a better wrestler. Ok maybe not.</li>
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<ul><li id="1rhfPr">T.J Watt has benefited from offseason workouts with his brother J.J. His work ethic is said to be tremendous and he has definitely turned a lot of black and gold heads early in camp. Let's hope his commercials aren't nearly as dorky as big bros are.</li></ul>
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<cite>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<ul><li id="laJtRx">
<span>Bud Dupree</span> will challenge for the Defensive Player if the Year Award. It may be an Iron City town, but Pittsburgh...This Bud's for you!</li></ul>
<p id="rvwrXR">And finally....</p>
<ul><li id="uQLErC">I wonder what Rick Moser is doing these days.</li></ul>
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<p id="bZD0fr">Until next time, I think Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band sum up training camp best with lyrics from the title cut from their 1986 LP <em>Like A Rock.</em></p>
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<p id="lzrgnw"></p>
<p id="V1qG7z"><strong>Stood there boldly</strong></p>
<p id="2s0WeN"><strong>Sweatin' in the sun</strong></p>
<p id="CLuBlu"><strong>Felt like a million</strong></p>
<p id="8or9Qc"><strong>Felt like number one</strong></p>
<p id="wKihrO"><strong>The height of summer</strong></p>
<p id="w4fSuC"><strong>I'd never felt that strong</strong></p>
<p id="6hGMfd"><strong>Like a rock</strong></p>
<p id="6BajbW">Take that for what it's worth and Go Steelers.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/8/2/16055666/random-thoughts-from-a-black-and-gold-mind-training-camp-edition-pittsburgh-steelers-nflBryan Anthony Davis2017-07-30T07:40:02-04:002017-07-30T07:40:02-04:00Steeling History: See which Steelers are set to challenge franchise records in 2017
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied past, but a current crop of players is set to move up and challenge and possibly surpass all-time greats in 2017. See who is preparing to make history.</p> <p id="3HkMMF">With the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> arriving at training camp to prepare for their 85th season of play, several players on the current roster can propel their names onto or farther up the list of all-time statistical greats.</p>
<p id="rcdl8K">Does Hines Ward hear footsteps? Who is knocking on Franco's door? Is Is It Ben or Bradshaw that statistically reigns supreme? Where is <span>James Harrison</span> on the all-time tackle list? Will season No. 85 be another dream campaign for No. 84?</p>
<p id="5XdHV9">Those questions won't be answered until January, but in our annual series, Steeling History, BTSC highlights the players that could move up the all-time charts and what they need to do to do so.</p>
<p id="wJ1GvM"><span><strong>Ben Roethlisberger</strong></span></p>
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<cite>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="quePa1">Ben is, far-and-away, the greatest statistical quarterback in the history of Pittsburgh football. There will be always a debate on who, between Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw, is the greatest Steeler slinger of all-time. No. 7 owns pretty much every Steeler quarterbacking record, but what he lacks is the greatest record of them all, four <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> titles owned by the incomparable and aforementioned Bradshaw.</p>
<p id="97i5ST">Here is where Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger ranks first in Steeler QB passing lore:</p>
<p id="P4GZgU">Most Passing Yards (Career): 46,814</p>
<p id="imjOrF">Most Passing Yards (Single Season): 4,952 (2014)</p>
<p id="Cua9RI">Most Passing Yards (Single Game): 522</p>
<p id="JFdKxw">Most 300 Yard Passing Games (Career): 49</p>
<p id="CusoaX">Most 300 Yard Passing Games (Single Season): 9</p>
<p id="Nlb1KI">Most Completions (Career): 3,804</p>
<p id="b4MPZQ">Most Completions (Single Season): 408 (2014)</p>
<p id="968zbL">Most Completions (Single Game): 40 (twice)</p>
<p id="SKwZqY">Most Consecutive Completions: 15 (tied with Bubby Brister)</p>
<p id="vB6vV2">Highest Competion Percentage (Career): 64.1%</p>
<p id="wjszis">Highest Competion Percentage (Single Game): 85.7%</p>
<p id="K0NYKp">Highest Competion Percentage (Single Season): 68.0% (2015)</p>
<p id="ihCUHg">Most Touchdown Passes (Single Season): 32 (2007, 2014)</p>
<p id="vAGcJD">Most Touchdown Passes (Single Game): 6 (twice)</p>
<p id="b1GVa0">Highest Passer Rating (Career): 94.1</p>
<p id="X2nUHz">Highest Passer Rating (Single Season): 104.1 (2007)</p>
<p id="aczTbi">Most 4th Quarter Comebacks (Career): 29</p>
<p id="ZWnbrU">Most Game Winning Drives (Career): 39</p>
<p id="Ww2ri9">Wins (Career): 123</p>
<p id="84ZYO5">One of the few records that Ben doesn't have is a positive one. Big Ben (160) is second all-time in interceptions thrown to Terry Bradshaw (210).</p>
<p id="VmPJjo">Roethlisberger, getting ready to start his 14th season. Mike Webster leads by having played 15 seasons. He also trails Webster in games played. A healthy 16-game season will jump the current Steeler QB up to 201 good enough for a tie for third with Donnie Shell. The two up top are Hines Ward (217) and Webster (220).</p>
<p id="2N1Lae">Once again, the landmark that Steeler fans care about mostly for Ben Roethlisberger to achieve is Super Bowl victories. The hope is Ben ends the 2017 campaign one ring shy of tying the record of four.</p>
<p id="MGxuBj"><span><strong>Antonio Brown</strong></span></p>
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<cite>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="pAJX8B">Brown may own every team record for receivers when his career is all said and done. His new contract may help him reach the mountain top.</p>
<p id="zUZ9pF">Brown currently ranks second on the all-time team with 632 receptions. <span>Hines Ward's</span> mark of an even 1,000 receptions is not in jeopardy this season or the next, but a healthy couple-of-seasons should alow AB to come close.</p>
<p id="Vx0nfD">Antonio is third all-time with 8,377 receiving yards. His 2015 record-breaking tally of 1,834 could be bested in 2017. No. 2 John Stallworth is definitely catchable at 8,723 with a season of 347 yards. Hines Ward with 12,083 is still way too far ahead.</p>
<p id="QQ7XOC">Also, Brown is the franchise leader for yards-per-game, both single-season and career, with 114.6 (2015) and 82.9 respectively.</p>
<p id="25cxSs">Brown's mark of 1,284 yards-from-scrimmage in 2016 kept No. 84 at fourth all-time with 8,834 yards. Next closest is Hines Ward at 12,511. Not this year.</p>
<p id="MjoLWO">Marks that the Pro-Bowler will not come close to this season is career touchdowns and receiving touchdowns. Currently at fifth with 55 total TDs and fourth with 50 receiving trips to the end zone, Antonio would need to match his 2014 all-time and franchise high of 13 receiving touchdowns to tie John Stallworth for second at 63. Franco Harris (100 total) and Hines Ward (85 receiving) are safe for now. But with Antonio, you never know.</p>
<p id="n9gnLX">The seventh-year standout from Central Michigan already owns the team's single season mark for receptions (136) and receiving yards (1834). He broke his own marks in 2015. If AB can eclipse 143 grabs and 1,965 yards in 2017, he would be the NFL's single-season champ in both categories.</p>
<p id="B1B0H7">AB is in the hunt for a couple of punt return records, but the hope of many in Steeler Nation is that a suitable replacement for Brown in that position is found and that he doesn't get the opportunity to break any. This is due to the fact that focusing only on his receiving duties would shield him from possible injury more. He currently is tied with Antwaan Randle-El for the top of the charts with four punt returns for touchdowns. Brown ranks third, behind Rod Woodson (257) and Randle-El (182) in career punt returns (175) and second to Woodson (2,362 yards) in punt return yardage at 1,698.</p>
<p id="MBqA4D"><span><strong>Le'Veon Bell</strong></span></p>
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<cite>Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="CiuHgl">Bell has ranked fairly high for only completing four seasons as a pro. In what could be his last season in Pittsburgh, Bell could move considerably among the best in Steeler RB history.</p>
<p id="KeFOh9">No. 26 currently ranks 5th in career team rushing yardage with 4,045. Eclipsing John Henry Johnson's 4,381 yards seems likely, while Willie Parker's third place mark of 5,378 would take a season of 1,334.</p>
<p id="aihMi2">Juice's 26 touchdowns are good enough for a tie with Barry Foster and JHJ for 6th. Passable in 2017 are <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> (5th with 29), Terry Bradshaw in fourth with 32 and Kordell Stewart (3rd with 35). Second place's <span>Jerome Bettis</span> is safe for now with 78</p>
<p id="qDYeIJ">The ex-Michigan Stater ranks first all-time in single season yards from scrimmage with 2,215 in 2014. Bell needs to increase his career mark of 6,050 another 2,784 to get by John Stallworth and into the career top five. That will be tough.</p>
<p id="SvW9jH"><span><strong>James Harrison</strong></span></p>
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<cite>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="OMCq50">Before 2016, Deebo needed to add just three sacks to his 74.5 to leap over another No. 92, Jason Gildon, for the honor of being recognized as the team's "Sack King". Gildon's total of 77 sacks from 1994-2003 was the mark to beat. Last year, Harrison set the record with five more to reach 79.5. </p>
<p id="HXUwsw">No. 92 is ranked eighth with 551 tackles. 89 tackles would leap him into sixth past Levon Kirkland's 639. Troy Polamalu's 581 for seventh is more in reach.</p>
<p id="VzEt7H"><span><strong>William Gay</strong></span></p>
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<cite>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tINByO">Will Gay is tied for 46th all-time in team interceptions. This wouldn't even be notable if it wasn't for the fact that Gay is tied for first in team history with five career interceptions returned for scores. He needs one to surpass his co-leader, Rod Woodson, for best all-time and to hold that honor on his own. Even though he needs one, this may be a tough record to break. Scores from interceptions don't come in bunches. Case in-point, he had none in the seven seasons before his record-setting year in 2014. Gay's three TDs on INTs that year is the team's single-season standard.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/30/16024136/steeling-history-see-which-steelers-are-set-to-challenge-franchise-records-in-2017-training-campBryan Anthony Davis2017-07-30T06:00:01-04:002017-07-30T06:00:01-04:00Pittsburgh Steelers training camp stories, from those who lived them
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers are back! Get all the information you will need to have get you prepared for the 2017 season!</p> <p id="Mt3B79">The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> are back to camp, and although they have yet to have an official practice at Saint Vincent College, both practices being forced to Greater Latrobe High School due to rain, we took to our Facebook page and asked fans for some of their best stories from training camp, both past and present. </p>
<p id="ZPWSVS">Here is what we came up with:</p>
<p id="2rvHxF"><strong>From:</strong> Ed Schuessler<br>“Stood by the steps coming out of the dorms in August 2008 for about 2 hours. At about 3:00 Ben comes walking out by himself. Everyone yelling and screaming. I heard one guy with a football say "this is for my sick brother in the hospital "! Bought my youngest daughter Carlie a pink n white 7 jersey the day before. She had just turned 7. We stood and said nothing. Ben walked over to her and said " is there anything I can do for you"? He picked her up under the armpits and turned her around and signed the back of her jersey!! I will never forget it!!”</p>
<p id="fjeGY6"><strong>From:</strong> Anthony Balbo<br>“My Dad grew up near Pittsburgh and most of his friends still lived there. He hadn't been back in 25 years when I finally forced the issue and brought him back in 2005. We spent an afternoon there. Ward was holding out, but everyone else was there. Even Bradshaw and Greene stopped by. Bettis came right by us after a carry. It was beautiful. That night, I brought him home and took him out to see several old friends for, what turned out to be, the last time. That night, he had the time of his life. That season, as you know, was our 5th title. We watched every game together. I always used to watch <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a> at friends parties. That year, I decided to watch with my Dad, as I had all year. We started the season together at camp and finished with the Super Bowl. After we won, we gave each other the biggest hug of our lives. It all started in Latrobe that sumner. 2 years later, he passed away. The following season, we won again.”</p>
<p id="rbHvAW"><strong>From:</strong> Bill Steele<br>“Went to camp for a couple of days with my daughter several years ago. The second day we stayed by the fence near the dorms for the entire practice so that we had a prime autograph location when the players came back. We each had a t-shirt we were using for the signatures. I was giving mine to her youth minister, who was a big Steelers fan. The players seemed reluctant to sign for adults - after awhile, she had a pretty full shirt while I only had the mascot's autograph we got earlier. After watching <span>Lawrence Timmons</span> grab every item around me I finally said "come on Lawrence, you can't send me home with just Steely McBeam." He started laughing and signed the shirt.....”</p>
<p id="ZR7Tic"><strong>From:</strong> Bill Sterner<br>“My Dad had a tradition of taking me to Latrobe a few times each summer to watch the Steelers practice. Before the 1967 season, as a seventh grader I was watching some Steeler linemen lift weights in the corner of the practice field. In those days you could sit just a few yards away from the players in drills. Ben McGee, a defensive end and one of my favorite players , was lifting and I remember it was a really hot day. Sometime during the workout McGee took off his gray t-shirt and hung it over a wire fence that surrounded the weight lifting area. When Coach Bill Austin blew the air horn to change work out stations McGee jogged off leaving the t-shirt hanging on the wire. I was standing there and everyone else left including all the players. I grabbed that t-shirt and ran as fast as I could to the parking lot and sat outside my Dad's car until he came back. I was so afraid I would be in trouble for taking that t-shirt or someone would see me, but no one seemed to notice.</p>
<p id="XmjjcG">That old gray t-shirt was just that...a rip in the nech and stretched out with McGee #60 written in black marker on the front neck. No imprint or anything..I think it was a 4xl.But it was a treasure to this seventh grader. I had that shirt for years eventually growing into it enough to wear it under my pads when I played football. Gave it to my younger brother later on. I always felt a little guilty like I owed Mr Rooney for that work out t-shirt lol!</p>
<p id="NjbwhM">What a great memory of those old days with my Dad at Steeler camp. Loved those times.”</p>
<p id="9yXtqv"><strong>From:</strong> Carrie Susko Hopkins<br>“My dad and grandfather used to take my brother and I to camps when we were younger back in the 70's. I would take pictures of the players and go back with them later and got some of the players to sign them. I will always remember how big those players looked. Bradshaw, Greene, Ham, Harris, Lambert, Greenwood, Blount, Blier. Great times. Since I moved back to Pennsylvania in January. I am hoping to get to go to camp this summer. I took a 24 year break to marry two soldiers and live in other places.”</p>
<p id="jDaSUQ"><strong>From:</strong> John Wagener<br>“Joe Greene's rookie year. He almost killed Dick Hoak. He hit him so hard at the LOS that Hoak went backwards suddenly and violently. Crowd loved it.”</p>
<p id="KPOawf">Do you have an awesome training camp story? Let us know about it in the comment section below!</p>
<p id="Mt2B6P"></p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/30/16049298/pittsburgh-steelers-training-camp-stories-from-those-who-lived-them-2017-latrobe-saint-vincentJeff.Hartman2017-07-29T11:00:01-04:002017-07-29T11:00:01-04:00Is 2017 the year the Steelers climb the last step to greatness?
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<img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y0dA7IPDf4EGpjk66qghM4YiIyQ=/0x0:5118x3412/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55955637/629166850.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the 2016 season as AFC North champions, but fell a single step short of Super Bowl XLI. Improved depth and the return of key pieces should make them even better — but is it enough?</p> <p id="3CBjgX">Up, and down.</p>
<p id="ZM4hzI">High, and low.</p>
<p id="4sRP6f">Top of the world, bottom of the barrel.</p>
<p id="znKvrj">The 2016 season was, for the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, a tale of extremes. Wide receiver <span>Martavis Bryant</span> was suspended — the lowest of lows. The team looked excellent out of the chute, with a dominant win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> and then a victory over bitter-rival Cincinnati. Thirty-five thousand feet high and climbing.</p>
<p id="zR9NXi">Then they fell flat against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>, giving up 34 points and scoring a meager three. </p>
<p id="UGBCuI">But they started 4-1, including utterly destroying the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>, 43-14. </p>
<p id="1XBGUV">Then they got thumped by the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>.</p>
<p id="Yq94Dr">If you aren’t already catching on, then here is a clear analogy to describe the Steelers’ season: follow the bouncing ball.</p>
<p id="iWsjr4">It’s the hallmark of a team that is on the cusp of greatness. That showed when they fell one step short of a ninth <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> appearance. They were almost there, but not quite.</p>
<p id="L1PdxG">One more step to climb.</p>
<p id="8fVFyf">Bryant is back, and will instantly elevate the receiving corps to new heights. Le’Veon Bell may hold out of training camp over the lack of a contract, but when he hits the field, he’s playing for his future — be it in Pittsburgh, or elsewhere. 2017 should be his finest season, and that’s saying a <em>lot</em>. And there’s little need to even mention receiver <span>Antonio Brown</span> and quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>.</p>
<p id="urA3nF">Even offensive tackle <span>Alejandro Villanueva</span> has signed an extension, and is locked in. Distractions are at a minimum. The offense, that struggled at times in 2016 due to lack of receiver depth, is healthy and as strong as ever. They have the ability to get there. To climb that last step.</p>
<p id="5znwiL">Defensively, <span>Cameron Heyward</span> returns after a season-ending injury in week seven. <span>Bud Dupree</span> is healthy entering camp — he didn’t play a snap in 2016 until week nine due to injury. <span>James Harrison</span> is as much of a physical freak as ever, despite turning 39 years old a few months ago.</p>
<p id="YeNqpv">First-round draft pick <span>T.J. Watt</span> will push Harrison, and vice versa. <span>Vince Williams</span> rises to starter with the departure of Lawrence Timmons. Ryan Shazier brings another year of experience along with his off-the-charts speed and athleticism. The secondary is deeper and more experienced. There is little reason to believe this won’t be an improved unit over last season — and that unit stood on the threshold of the Super Bowl.</p>
<p id="EoGbqa">One more step to climb.</p>
<p id="DEIQXe">The coaching staff returns intact. Same head coach, same coordinators, same position coaches. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak is a magician. Defensive Coordtinator Keith Butler, as well as linebackers coaches <span>Joey Porter</span> and Jerry Olsavsky, have more personal experience to lean on in their budding roles. They, too, should be better than before.</p>
<p id="DC7RL5">One more step.</p>
<p id="MoQcFB">One thing is certain: 2016 was <em>not</em> the pinnacle for this team. It was a year in which character was built through difficult circumstances. They climbed the stairway to seven, and faltered. Knocked back? Perhaps. Knocked down? Head coach Mike Tomlin probably wouldn’t understand such a foreign question. He’s always been the type to push forward, to forge ahead.</p>
<p id="NpgVl0">One. More. Step.</p>
<p id="jOod5V">Players have descended on St. Vincent College. Coaches have spent the off-season preparing. It’s nothing different than any other season. At the same time, it’s completely different. The off-season lacked the drama of years past, and you can see and hear the focus in the players. As their longtime quarterback approaches his career twilight, the urgency has increased. The time has not passed, yet — but the time, as they say, is <em>now.</em> It’s time to come together as a cohesive unit. It’s time to let go of past successes and failures. It’s time to look at the climb ahead. It’s almost done; the mountain of mediocrity, through two years of rebuilding and three seasons of pulling together, lies behind. The peak is near!</p>
<p id="QbSaMP">One more step.</p>
<p id="EKxRs9">Just one more.</p>
<p id="rqCS7Y">Here we go.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/29/16048676/camp-confidential-can-steelers-climb-last-step-greatness-2017-preview-training-camp-pittsburgh-nflmpfrazer2017-07-29T10:00:02-04:002017-07-29T10:00:02-04:00Best/Worst Case scenarios for the 2017 Steelers offense
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<img alt="NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Qg6np7ek_G3l2LyJVr_RvMODbI=/0x29:1856x1266/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55955605/usa_today_10107195.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What are the best and worst case scenarios for the Steelers offense in 2017?</p> <p id="PnPLGK">Ahh training camp. This is truly the time of year when football season begins to come to the forefront of the mind. Summer is still in in full swing, but as the warm weather dwindles, fans can look on the silver lining that with the end of summer comes the begging of the NFL season. Now is the time of year where fans get to brag to their friends about how well their favorite team is going to be. Or, if you’re of the glass half empty mindset, you can spin your tales of woe to your friends about how team has no vision and the fall of 2017 is going to be miserable. </p>
<p id="fqbsn5">For fans of the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, these best and worst-case scenarios play out all the time in person and online. <span>T.J. Watt</span> is either going to be the terror and future Hall of Famer his big brother is, or he’s a wasted pick that was only selected because of his famous last name. <span>Martavis Bryant</span> is here to live up to his potential, or is a suspension waiting to happen again. </p>
<p id="NLHI0q">The truth is, there’s a better than average chance that some players will reach their potential, and some players simply won’t have things go their way in 2017. I broke down the best and worst-case scenario for every position group. I tried to ignore injuries as a worst case as applicable because that’s obviously the worst case. Without further ado, let’s dig into the offense. </p>
<h3 id="783jPr"><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></h3>
<p id="eFsQy5"><strong>Projected Players: </strong></p>
<p id="5pvVia"><span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> </p>
<p id="BTtZwG"><span>Landry Jones</span> </p>
<p id="f6Acil"><span>Joshua Dobbs</span></p>
<p id="CfO55o"><strong>Best Case: </strong>The best case for the quarterbacks is that Ben Roethlisberger plays a full 16 games and doesn’t suffer any serious injuries that causes him to miss a game. I know I said I wouldn’t bring up injuries, but Roethlisberger is the Steelers most important player and is coming off a year where he dealt with leg injuries once again. A healthy Roethlisberger could potentially set a career high in touchdown passes with the talent around him. Roethlisberger gets over his well-documented struggles on the road that cropped up in 2016. His primary backup, Landry Jones, hasn’t done a lot to inspire confidence in the Steelers faithful, but he is capable of pulling out a win with some help from his defense. Hopefully the Steelers have the division wrapped up heading into week 16 and Roethlisberger could sit out and give the team a chance to get Jones or Dobbs some gave reps. <strong> </strong></p>
<p id="u6w3TB"><strong>Worst Case: </strong>The years of hits and his flirtation with retirement take their toll on Roethlisberger and he begins to break down both mentally and physically. Roethlisberger’s fluky play continues and he struggles mightily on the road again. Jones and Dobbs aren’t able to pick up the slack if forced to fill in for Roethlisberger in a critical game or for an extended period of time. </p>
<h3 id="ysWcjc"><strong>Running Backs</strong></h3>
<p id="xxPpwR"><strong>Projected Players: </strong></p>
<p id="ehxNLp">Le’Veon Bell </p>
<p id="G5JQ4R"><span>James Conner</span></p>
<p id="3L2rYv"><span>Roosevelt Nix</span></p>
<p id="tvb8nq"><span>Knile Davis</span>/<span>Fitzgerald Toussaint</span> </p>
<p id="K3jvq5"><strong>Best Case: </strong>Bell takes the Steelers <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/2/14/14584232/how-does-the-nfl-franchise-tag-work-players-paid">franchise tag</a> and bets on himself to prove his worth to the franchise. Bad feelings are put aside and Bell has fun playing football with his teammates as he dominates the league again. Bell flirts with 2,000 overall yards. The Steelers up their contract offer to Bell after he plays a full season with the team. <span>James</span> Conner proves he’s more than a feel-good story and provides the Steelers with around 500 yards and three touchdowns in relief of Bell. Davis or Toussaint handle return duties and serve as a stand in should Conner struggle to adjust to NFL life. Roosevelt Nix continues to be a solid special team’s contributor and run blocker. Nix scores his first touchdown this year. </p>
<p id="0hu42e"><strong>Worst Case: </strong>Bell is legitimately angry at the Steelers and brings a cool attitude to camp that rubs his teammates the wrong way. As Jeff pointed out on a recent podcast, Bell has suffered season ending lower body injuries in the last three seasons. For a running back, a position with a short shelf life to begin with, that’s not ideal. Perhaps Bell begins to breakdown this year. Conner struggles to adapt to the NFL game and loses reps as the season goes on to veterans like Davis and Toussaint. </p>
<h3 id="YuVXAM"><strong>Receivers: </strong></h3>
<p id="LscneI"><strong>Projected Players: </strong></p>
<p id="j9Cj68"><span>Antonio Brown</span> </p>
<p id="QKl8hd">Martavis Bryant </p>
<p id="PGYuO5"><span>Eli Rogers</span> </p>
<p id="M92DLb"><span>JuJu Smith-Schuster</span> </p>
<p id="zZ7b9q"><span>Sammie Coates</span> </p>
<p id="Q3XCPL"><span>Demarcus Ayers</span></p>
<p id="fTt5jf"><strong>Best Case: </strong>Antonio Brown is able to build on his 2016 season to have the best receiving stats in the league in 2017. This includes a possible 2,000 receiving yards. The reason for <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> success is the talented cast of characters around him commanding the respect of opposing defenses, preventing them from focusing on brown. Bryant’s year away from the game has rekindles his love of football and he finally puts all his skills together for a complete year. Bryant has a 1,000-yard season and leads the team in touchdowns. <span>Rogers</span> and Roethlisberger find good chemistry toward the end of 2016. In 2017, they build off that chemistry and Rogers becomes a safety valve for Roethlisberger. Smith-Schuster puts up similar numbers as Rogers did last year, and shows improvement over the course of the year. <span>Coates</span> beats out Heyward-Bey for a roster spot. His hand injuries have healed and he’s able to cut down on the drops. He and Bryant use their speed to torture defense. Ayers makes the team as a return man and special teams player.</p>
<p id="mqfOKn"><strong>Worst Case: </strong>Brown calling out Bell on social media isn’t just motivation, they legitimately have a problem with each other and they become a distraction in the locker room. Bryant also brings a poor attitude and rumors of a conflict with Roethlisberger boil over. His conditioning proves to be inadequate for a full NFL season and he struggles as the year goes on. By removing the Heyward-Bey from the roster the Steelers have lack of leadership. It shows as the young receiving core has focus and discipline problems during the year. </p>
<h3 id="tfGOo3"><strong>Offensive Line/Tight End</strong></h3>
<p id="JONYvc"><strong>Projected Players: </strong></p>
<p id="Rtbo3N"><span>Maurkice Pouncey</span> </p>
<p id="5wanxA"><span>Chris Hubbard</span></p>
<p id="BmQEUO"><span>David DeCastro</span> </p>
<p id="Ey7I4G"><span>Ramon Foster</span> </p>
<p id="ZPJkHr"><span>Marcus Gilbert</span> </p>
<p id="7l8q9S"><span>Jerald Hawkins</span></p>
<p id="NMKd0R"><span>Alejandro Villanueva</span> </p>
<p id="aXVkH3"><span>Xavier Grimble</span> </p>
<p id="Qkg5D2"><span>Jesse James</span> </p>
<p id="fqgFFz"><span>David Johnson</span></p>
<p id="QmdEZR"><strong>Best Case: </strong>The Steelers have the best offensive line the league, leading to another <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">pro bowl</a> selection for Pouncey and DeCastro. Villanueva signs his franchise tender and relatively quickly and uses this season to earn himself a new deal. The unit as a whole keeps Roethlisberger upright and limits the his to the signal caller. Grimble and James are able to provide Roethlisberger with easy targets over the middle and become certified weapons in the red zone due to their size. Grimble improves his blocking enough to play more two tight end sets. <span>Johnson</span> holds on to the blocking tight end role. </p>
<p id="yP93DY"><strong>Worst Case: </strong>Villanueva suffers a setback in play, making the left tackle spot an issue for the Steelers. The line isn’t able to keep pass rushers away, and a heavy hit total leads Roethlisberger to more seriously consider retirement this offseason. The Steelers tight ends fail to play at even a league average level in terms of pass production. Their impact in the red zone is negligible. </p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/29/16048734/steelers-training-camp-2017-best-worst-case-scenarios-for-the-offense-ben-roethlisberger-nflEric.O'Connell2017-07-29T07:45:02-04:002017-07-29T07:45:02-04:00Predicting the winners of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2017 Postseason Awards
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<img alt="NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zTKrb03WHoZrV3jUZMO81eWhakY=/0x86:2376x1670/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55953337/usa_today_10107173.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Training camp is finally here for the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s time to put our proverbial money where our mouths are, and make some predictions.</p> <p id="62PtYG">We, the writers of Steeler Nation, have spent the last five months opining, spewing obscure statistics and analyzing every aspect of the 2017 draft class except shoe size and sleep patterns. Training camp is here. The interminable off-season is behind us.</p>
<p id="DptOWo">Let’s kick it off with some post-season award predictions.</p>
<h2 id="TnLS5h">Rookie of the Year</h2>
<p id="M3dQZx"><strong>Outside Linebacker </strong><span><strong>T.J. Watt</strong></span></p>
<p id="NZOD9O">It feels a little like a cop-out to choose the team’s number-one draft pick as their Rookie of the Year, but the reality is that he’s going to see the most playing time, and has the greatest chance to make an impact. While he will likely rotate with ageless veteran <span>James Harrison</span> early in the season, Watt will be used more and more as he grows into the role. Given how quickly he progressed in his lone year as a starter at outside linebacker in college, there is little reason to believe he won’t acclimate quickly at the next level.</p>
<p id="lpXYnj">Other possibilities here are second-round pick <span>JuJu Smith-Schuster</span>, who will likely see playing time in the slot but faces stiff competition from the incumbent <span>Eli Rogers</span>; and third-round pick <span>Cameron Sutton</span>, who could end up as the team’s slot cornerback. Sutton also has competition, though: longtime Steeler William Gay is likely going to begin the season as the slot corner, and hopefuls <span>Senquez Golson</span> -- a former second-round pick who missed his first two seasons with injuries — and free-agent pick-up <span>Coty Sensabaugh</span> will push Sutton hard. Running back <span>James Conner</span> will likely see the field about as much as <span>DeAngelo Williams</span> did the last two years, which is to say, “not all that much.” And the late-round picks will be facing an uphill climb just to make an already crowded roster.</p>
<h2 id="gRMBNV">Offensive Player of the Year</h2>
<p id="gulK41"><strong>Wide Receiver Martavis Bryant</strong></p>
<p id="BRpDjN">For a team that has weapons at every level of the offense, the return of their number-two receiver after a yearlong suspension is going to be huge. So far, when on the field, the only thing that really stood in Bryant’s way has been...Bryant himself. Concentration lapses aside, Bryant has proven his ability to both make huge plays and to draw significant coverage to his side of the field, opening things up for All-Everything receiver <span>Antonio Brown</span> and, now, the combination of <span>Rogers</span> and Smith-Schuster. In 2016, Life Without Martavis proved to be a story of the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> relying far too heavily on Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell. Bryant’s presence will be as palpable in 2017 as his absence was in 2016, and he will be rewarded for it.</p>
<h2 id="09t1Xm">Defensive Player of the Year</h2>
<p id="P9kbTB"><strong>Outside Linebacker Bud Dupree</strong></p>
<p id="elQSjk">After missing the first nine games of the 2016 season, as well as all of training camp, Dupree took a few games to get back up to speed. Once he did, though? It was a sight to behold. He picked up 4.5 sacks and 15 tackles in the final four games of the regular season, and followed that up with half a sack and 10 tackles in the playoffs. If he stays healthy all season long, look for at least 10 sacks and 50 tackles from Dupree. Combined with Harrison and Watt, the outside linebackers should finally be a strength again.</p>
<h2 id="VdddZM">Most Valuable Player</h2>
<p id="LffQRk"><strong>Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger</strong></p>
<p id="07GzTz">With more offensive weapons at his disposal than ever, and one of the top three offensive lines in the league, Roethlisberger is well-positioned to lead his team to a stellar season. He has, potentially, five very capable wide receivers — including the best in the NFL in Brown. He has Le’Veon Bell, who needs no further discussion. He has <span>Jesse James</span> at tight end. He’s loaded down with talent around him. If he stays healthy, there is no reason why this can’t be the best offense in the NFL -- and it all starts with the quarterback.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/29/16030864/predicting-pittsburgh-steelers-2017-postseason-awards-preview-2017-training-campmpfrazer2017-07-28T12:52:30-04:002017-07-28T12:52:30-04:00Smashing the misconceptions surrounding William Gay’s 2016 performance
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<img alt="NFL: AFC Divisional-Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EdPTTGsyWg0-Mk-s85rmldFUc4I=/0x0:2148x1432/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55944865/usa_today_9813054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Among Steelers fans there is a misconception surrounding William Gay. Most say he is washed up, but when you go back and look at the film, you can see he is still a valuable asset to the team.</p> <p id="U2BTL3">“<span>William Gay</span> is washed up.”</p>
<p id="DzCrq7">“William Gay was beaten like a drum in 2016.”</p>
<p id="BP6IGj">“William Gay’s roster position is in jeopardy, and he could become a salary cap casualty due to his 2016 play.”</p>
<p id="PHkJtW">“Did you see William Gay get roasted all game long by the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> game?”</p>
<p id="6wnwBD">Two words for all of this: HORSE PUCKY!!! </p>
<p id="6eH21L">Too many Pittsburgh Steeler fans listen to what “experts” spout off, or insiders say, instead of digging into the tape themselves. </p>
<p id="ZVnYov">Have no fear, I will not let the “experts” mislead you any further.</p>
<p id="WkDNSW">Father Time takes his toll on all of us in one form or another, but did Gay lose a step after the 2015 season which saw him give up zero TDs? </p>
<p id="qwMB4W">“Well, duh, it’s obvious to any fan he did. <span>Artie Burns</span> took his starting gig during the Nov. 6 <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> game, right?” </p>
<p id="eYFHan">You, sir, are correct. </p>
<p id="X4VKVK">Well, sort of. </p>
<p id="CeFicc">The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>’ “base” defense is the 3-4, which was utilized under 30% of the time in 2016. But to say the slot CB position, in which Gay was utilized for the remainder of the season, does not get substantially fewer reps than other defensive starters would be incorrect. After the Baltimore game, Gay played in <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GayxWi99/fantasy/2016">68.5%</a> of the total snaps for the remainder of the season. The move to slot CB in the NFL is not like a QB being benched. The role has tremendous value.</p>
<p id="LX9ua6">Let’s get to the meat of this article and delve into some cold hard truths in regard to Big Play Willie Gay.</p>
<p id="amSKoY">1. He’s the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-best-player-over-30-years-old-at-every-defensive-position&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2017%2F7%2F28%2F15951642%2Fsmashing-the-misconceptions-surrounding-william-gays-2016-performance-training-camp-2017-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">second-best slot CB</a> in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Only <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> slot CB <span>Chris Harris</span> had a better grade. Gay gave up 226 yards, which is just 11 more yards than Harris gave up during 2016.</p>
<p id="r0TAG2">2. He gave up <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-william-gay-working-as-pit-starting-slot-cb-in-otas&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2017%2F7%2F28%2F15951642%2Fsmashing-the-misconceptions-surrounding-william-gays-2016-performance-training-camp-2017-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">0.61</a> yards per play while manning the slot in 2016. <span>Terence Newman</span> topped the list in the league last year at 0.57.</p>
<p id="O0GO2g">3. He was the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-william-gay-working-as-pit-starting-slot-cb-in-otas&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2017%2F7%2F28%2F15951642%2Fsmashing-the-misconceptions-surrounding-william-gays-2016-performance-training-camp-2017-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">15th-best</a> CB according to PFF, scoring a grade of 83.7 (best of his career). Many Steelers fans were clamoring to sign <span>Captain Munnerlyn</span> during the offseason. Munnerlyn ponied up an 83.8 rating.</p>
<p id="ZozP0o">4. He’s got an <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-william-gay-working-as-pit-starting-slot-cb-in-otas&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2017%2F7%2F28%2F15951642%2Fsmashing-the-misconceptions-surrounding-william-gays-2016-performance-training-camp-2017-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">83.7</a> passer rating out of the slot. For perspective, Pacman Jones, whom <span>Ike Taylor</span> listed as his seventh-best NFL CB, had a passer rating of 83.3.</p>
<p id="ymGDXW">5. He gave up <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/869120133737979904">6.6</a> yards per reception. For comparison’s sake, Harris gave up just shy of 10 yards per reception.</p>
<p id="gCVZPL">6. Gay gave up just one reception every <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/nfls-improved-players-category-imaginable/story?id=44673800">10.9</a> coverage snaps from the slot. </p>
<p id="5aLGq6">The AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots is one where Steelers fans get the disdain for Gay’s play so very wrong. We all saw Gay giving up a TD to <span>Julian Edelman</span>, one of the best slot WRs in the NFL. When I watched it live, I was upset at Gay -- just like all the rest of you -- because of his poor defense. Gay was beaten so badly that he was 5 yards from the play. Then I went back and watched it again. After the play, Gay throws up his hands. I figured he was upset that he had no inside or underneath help. </p>
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<p id="aWZw8L">But after watching it again, I realized Gay wasn't throwing his hands up in the air in frustration over getting zero help from his teammates. He threw his hands up in frustration for not getting any help from the refs. </p>
<p id="MJ1wT1">To understand this, you need to see the play from a different angle, one you couldn't view during the game. You’ll be able to see the clear offensive pass interference that was not called. Edelman’s arm is fully extended and the interference was unbelievably missed. Michael Irvin would have been proud. But Steelers fans never got to see that angle during the game, so it just looked like Gay had messed up. </p>
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<p id="wTRM1N">During the regular-season game against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>, there was another play that the slot CB must always be wary of: the WR screen. Gay diagnosed the play almost immediately and evaded the block to shut down <span>DeVante Parker</span> after a minimal gain. </p>
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<p id="EbfMEp">Pitt traveled to Kansas City for the divisional-round matchup with the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>. Gay came up big on a bit of a trick play by the Chiefs. Alex Smith dumped off a quick shovel pass to Travis Kelce. Gay sniffed it out and knifed in to stop a possible TD, showing off his speed and veteran instincts. </p>
<p id="oxDkyf"> </p>
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<p id="TyAQtJ">One aspect that every slot CB has to participate in is run defense. Gay has never shied away from contact, never hesitated to stick his nose in to defend against the run. The following Gay does just that </p>
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<p id="CuHmuI">These are just some examples of why I believe the premature demise of the Steelers’ 10-year vet is overblown and over hyped. Too many of the talking heads in the local Pittsburgh media criticized Gay unfairly for his play in 2016, possibly based on emotion, or their vision being blurred by not wanting to put the blame where it belonged -- on the young players. </p>
<p id="IFcd7u">I implore each and every one of you to look at the game tapes for yourselves and make your own decision about Gay, and don’t let others’ misconceptions cloud your own judgement. Take a few minutes to actually scrutinize the tape, and you’ll see that Gay is still the best CB Pittsburgh has — and why. </p>
<p id="DXXffD"></p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/28/15951642/smashing-the-misconceptions-surrounding-william-gays-2016-performance-training-camp-2017-steelersF. S. "Flip" Fisher2017-07-28T08:30:01-04:002017-07-28T08:30:01-04:00Five Defensive Camp Battles that will shape the Steelers 53-man roster
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There are great camp battles every year, with starting positions — or even jobs — on the line. Which defensive camp battles are most worth watching for the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers?</p> <p id="CU8F38">Each year, at the end of July, about 90 players — some already locked into roster spots, others hopeful, and still others carrying the elephant-in-the-room weight of being mere camp bodies to fill out the roster. Sometimes, a camp body will arise from the depths to snag a last-minute roster spot, and sometimes someone who seemed destined to make the team will fall flat on his face in August.</p>
<p id="oK9DnZ">Regardless of the circumstances, one of the best parts of training camp is the chance to watch those camp battles as they play out.</p>
<p id="KTPIK2">Here are five to watch on defense for the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> during their 2017 training camp.</p>
<h3 id="eOVC5G">Outside Linebacker - <span>James Harrison</span> vs. <span>T.J. Watt</span>
</h3>
<p id="gvXh8k">Both of these guys are making the team, of course. You don’t cut the team’s 800-pound gorilla, and you don’t cut the most recent first-round pick. Not that it would be in question, anyway. Watt has done a phenomenal job of picking up the outside linebacker position after starting there for a single season at Wisconsin. The expectation should be that Watt will rotate with Harrison for the first four to six weeks and then, if he has performed well, he should take over the starting spot.</p>
<p id="zqKZxO">The only thing that really is going to alter that is Watt’s grasp of the playbook and the overall defensive system. If he is struggling to adapt, Harrison will start deeper into the season. If Watt is picking it up quickly, though — and all indications are that he is — then he could start sooner. The ceiling, of course, is starting in week one. But that’s probably not happening.</p>
<p id="9RnlQF">Still, it will be fun to watch.</p>
<h3 id="obxEdC">Slot Cornerback - <span>Cameron Sutton</span> vs. <span>William Gay</span> vs. <span>Senquez Golson</span> vs. <span>Coty Sensabaugh</span>
</h3>
<p id="lg21Ss">A famous Tomlinism is “two dogs, one bone.” In this case, it’s likely “four dogs, three bones.” The reality is that one of these guys will be on the outside looking in, because they are relatively similar in size. They all have pros and cons. </p>
<p id="2OcLtl">For Sutton, he’s a third-round pick. Typically, they get a full season to prove themselves, and indications out of OTAs and minicamp are that he has looked good so far.</p>
<p id="vBI25N">Gay has experience on his side, and age counting against him. If the Steelers want to continue to keep the defense young, Gay is in a tough spot. But he’s still playing pretty well.</p>
<p id="7Oke65"><span>Golson</span> has missed his first two seasons, and has the most strikes against him because of it, but he <em>is</em> a former second-round pick. The team kept linebacker <span>Sean Spence</span> after he missed his first two years, so there is precedent on Golson’s side. If he performs like a second-round pick in training camp, it will be hard to justify letting him go.</p>
<p id="wRsepK">Sensabaugh <em>also</em> has precedent on his side, because the Steelers rarely let veteran free agent acquisitions go without giving them at least one full season in the system. And Sensabaugh is a largely underrated slot corner. But he has an injury history, too, which could come into play.</p>
<h3 id="dwtm5T">
<span>Steven Johnson</span> vs. <span>L.J. Fort</span> vs Tyler Matakevich</h3>
<p id="IfDtem">These three duked it out for roster spots last year, as well. Fort and Johnson have experience on their side — both are five-year veterans — but both are probably at their ceilings. Matakevich, the 2015 NCAA tackles leader as a senior — has a single year of experience, and looked at least as good as Fort and Johnson. At this point, it looks like two of the three could make the team, and I’m projecting Fort as the odd man out. But don’t rule out a camp darkhorse: rookie <span>Matt Galambos</span>, who has a non-stop motor. Most likely, he ends up on the practice squad, but there is at least a very slim chance that he is at least in the running for one of the spots that I currently predict will go to Johnson and Matakevich.</p>
<h3 id="RX1xEh">Safety - <span>Robert Golden</span> vs. <span>Jordan Dangerfield</span>
</h3>
<p id="bRMCEK">Both of these players made the roster in 2016, but I imagine that had more to do with lack of anyone else rising up than it did, specifically, the performance of Jordan Dangerfield.</p>
<p id="TzCVnT">That’s not to say he didn’t deserve a chance. The problem, really, is that Dangerfield is a slightly lesser version of Golden — who is, himself, a less-capable version of starting strong safety Sean Davis. And, really, Davis isn’t all that different from starting free safety Mike Mitchell. There is little need for four players who are so similar, as Golden or Dangerfield could easily fill in for either of the starters. My gut feeling is that Dangerfield is on the way out, to be replaced by a rangier player who can play a centerfield-type free safety. The only way Dangerfield stays, in my opinion, is if he has improved to a significant enough level that he makes Golden expendable, instead. Since Golden was the initial starter in 2016, and did it well, I don’t see that happening.</p>
<h3 id="3uz1sq">
<span>Keion Adams</span> vs <span>Arthur Moats</span> vs <span>Anthony Chickillo</span>
</h3>
<p id="SHKe35">Let me start by saying I am a firm believer in Adams. Had he played for a bigger school, he likely would have gone a bit higher in the draft. That’s not to say the Western Michigan <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> were a bunch of scrubs — they were a Top 25 team, after all. But Adams was plagued in the draft by a combination of less-than-stellar competition in the MAC, and a historically deep EDGE class. In his favor are top-notch quickness, very good awareness and bend around the edge that would border on the absurd if we weren’t all so used to what James Harrison has done for most of his career. Adams may be the second-best on the team at bending the edge right now.</p>
<p id="k56lC3"><span>Chickillo</span> isn’t going to wow anyone with amazing plays, but he has a constant motor and a good sense for the ball. But Moats is a somewhat proven veteran, and Adams is more athletic than Chickillo. So, it will be a steep, uphill climb for Chickillo to hang on to his roster spot. My early guess here is Chickillo is on the outside looking in, unless he has really stepped up his game in the off-season.</p>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2017/7/28/16030688/steelers-training-camp-2017-five-defensive-camp-battles-that-will-shape-the-53-man-rostermpfrazer