Willie Parker visiting the Redskins

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Pittsburgh Steelers tailback is scheduled to visit with the Washington Redskins on Monday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to not resign Willie Parker and letting him test the free agency market. Parker has struggled with injuries the past 3 seasons including a broken leg and turf toe injuries.

During the 2009-2010 season, Parker lost his starting RB position to up-and-comer Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers 1st round pick from Illinois.

Before the Roethlisberger Assault Incident…

Posted below, TMZ news outlet reports a picture of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger strolling through Georgia restaurant hours before the alleged sexual assault incident took place (see below):

“TMZ has learned Roethlisberger spent some time at the Velvet Elvis in Georgia last night — before heading over to the Capital City Club … where the Steelers QB allegedly sexually assaulted a young woman in the bathroom.

According to people at the Velvet Elvis, Ben was very friendly inside his establishment — even taking pictures with fans. We’re also told Ben was “not inappropriate at all” — though we’re told Ben did have one beer while inside.”

Ben Accused of Assault, Again!

Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2-time Super Bowling winning, pro bowl quarterback has been accused of sexual assault while at Capital City — a club in Milledgeville, Georgia.

According to law enforcement officials, the alleged victim was interviewed by police authorities and was already released from the hospital.

This incident is in addition to Roethlisberger already be being sued by a Reno woman, Andrea McNulty, who claims the QB sexually assaulted her in 2008.

Various news outlets are reporting that the alleged victim indicated she was assaulted by a 6-5 241 pound male with brown hair and brown eyes which obviously fits Ben Roethlisberger’s profile. It should be noted that is one specific description. In fact, the alleged victim must either be a huge fan of Roethlisberger or read the exact height and weight (24–1 pounds) directly from a stat sheet. However, it should be noted that the alleged victim has not mentioned any names specifically.

According to sources at TMZ, “Ben Roethlisberger has already been interviewed by police. We’re also told no formal charges have been filed at this point.”

Your It! Steelers Expected to Tag Hampton and Reed

Per various reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to tag 2 of their high priority free agents:

Casey Hampton (NT) – The Steelers 33 year old nose tackle, Hampton is an unrestricted free agent.  The Steelers would like to sign Hampton to a long-term 3 year contract  but negotiations have not initiated an agreement between the two parties.  Although against Hampton’s request, the Steelers are expected to place the franchise tag on  “Big Snack” Hampton for a 1 year contract with a payout of approximately 7 million.  It is expected that the Steelers and Hampton will continue to try to work out a long term contract.  If a long term deal cannot be agreed upon by the 2010 NFL Draft, expect the Steelers to seriously think about drafting Hampton’s replacement.  The ideal candidate at this time appears to be Tennessee’s DT, Dan Williams.

Jeff Reed (K) – Another high priority unrestricted free agent is Jeff Reed.  Although Reed has had his fair share of off the field troubles, Reed has been a staple of consistency at Heinz Field.  Heinz Field has proven to be one of the most difficult stadiums in the NFL to kick at, but Reed has excelled in field goal accuracy.  He has struggled in kick-offs which has been a “pain point” for the Steelers especially during the 2009-10 season.  With that being said, Reed is an underestimated player that has been clutch for the Steelers both during the regular season and post season.  The Steelers are expected to transition tag Jeff Reed for 2.6 million.

Steelers Free Agency 2010

Now that the NFL is in the complete offseason, it’s time to look at how the 9-7 Pittsburgh Steelers can improve their team.  In typical Steelers fashion, don’t expect the Rooneys to make a big splash in free agency. Instead, they will operate as usual and build their team through the draft.

Although the NFL looks geared up to enter the 2010-2011 as an uncapped season due to the laboring agreement, the Rooneys, Kevin Colbert and the Steelers front office indicated that they will manage this season as if it were capped.

The following is a look at current Steelers players of interest for this offseason:

Willie Parker - Unrestricted free agent (UFA).  Parker is unlikely to get resigned unless he comes back very cheap.  Parker is looking for a starting role but isn’t going to see that in Pittsburgh.

Deshea Townsend – The Steelers won’t sign Townsend long-term but would like to bring him back for cheap.  Although, he’s towards the end of his career, Townsend replaced William Gay late in the season.  Towsend provides depth and experience in the secondary.

Casey Hampton – Hampton must be the Steelers top offseason priority.  Although Hampton warned the Steelers not to use the franchise tag, the notion is that the Steelers are likey to tag Hampton regardless unless the two can agree on a fair 3 year deal.  The Steelers don’t have a replacement for Hampton.  Chris Hoke is older than Hampton and is on the downside of his career.  It’s doubtfut that Hoke can holdup for an entire season.

Josh Reed – Reed is very consistent at Heinz Field which is considered one of the most difficult stadiums in the NFL for kickers.  The Steelers would like to bring Reed back for a decent price despite his off the field troubles.  Reed does struggle with kickoffs which has consistently put special teams coverage in bad situations.

Ryan Clark – Another priority for the Steelers.  Clark is aging at 30 years old but is consistent and plays well with Troy Polamalu.  The downside is once Polamalu got injured, Ryan Clark was exposed and really struggled.  I see the Steelers signing Clark or Hampton but not both.  The Steelers could be looking to draft Clark’s replacement in Texas’ Earl Thomas or University of Southern California’s (USC), Taylor Mays.

Willie Colon – Like it or not, the Steelers feel that Willie Colon is one of the better right tackles in the league.  He has been consistent and has played in every game the past 3 years.  Due to the labor agreement, Colon is setup to be a restricted free agent again and likey won’t get a long-term offer until next offseason.

Tyrone Carter – The Steelers will most likely not offer the UFA, Tyrone Carter a contract.  Carter struggled in filling in for the injured Polamalu and his time is likely over in Pittsburgh.

More Steelers Draft and Free Agency (FA) information coming soon…. stay tuned!

Steelers Coaching Staff Update

According to Adam Shefter of ESPN, the Steelers could see significant coaching staff changes for the 2010 season.

Reports indicate the special teams coach Bob Ligashesky is as good as gone for the 2010 season.  Everyone could see this move coming and is probably long overdue.  The Steelers special teams have been horrendous this year giving up the most touchdowns of anyone in the league.

Also facing cuts are offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and offensive line coach, Larry Zierlein.  Even though slightly improved this season, the Steelers offensive line continues to struggle.  Not only is their talent level subpar compared to other teams, they consistently appear to have a lack of communication.  They also have recently been dominated by some of the worst defenses in the league.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is also on the hot seat and expected to be fired.  Arians has very easily one of the most talented offensive skills position players in the league but yet the Steelers struggle to score touchdowns against the worst teams in the league.  The offensive has looked pathetic and has not improved.  Arians does not adjust to defenses well and always appear to try to fit a “square peg into a round role”.  The productivity of the Steelers offfense does mach the skill level.  The Steelers need a coach that is both more flexible and able to make play calls that both exploit defenses and play to our players strengths.

Steelers vs Ravens: Overtime rewind

• The Steelers won the coin toss and chose to receive to start overtime
• Mendenhall on two carries gets the first down.
• Dennis Dixon throws the ball deep to Mike Wallace but out of bounds
• Steelers punt the ball out of bounds to the Ravens
• The Ravens go three and out and punt to the Steelers
• Dennis Dixon throws an interception on 3^rd down and the Ravens return the ball 20 yards.  Ravens are already in field goal range and are about ready to kick a field goal to win the game in overtime.
• On 3^rd down, Ray Rice runs for a 1^st down.  The Ravens have only a 32 yard field goal to win the game.
• Ray Rice runs the ball again for another first down
• The Ravens kick a field goal to win the game.

Score: Ravens 20 Steelers 17

Steelers vs Ravens: 4th quarter rewind

• c has really struggled so far in the 4th quarter
• The Steelers punt coverage unit almost gave up a touchdown.  According to the reply, it looks like several blocks in the back occurred.
• Lawrence Timmons blitzed up the middle and caused a Flacco fumble
• Steelers have very good field position
• Rashard Mendenhall has run very, very hard in this game.  He has shown a great burst of speed, power, and a nice spin move.  Very impressive considering the Ravens run defense.
• With 7 minutes left, Dennis Dixon scores a touchdown on a QB draw.  Dennis Dixon was in the shotgun formation and make a reverse to Mike Wallace.  Dixon ran the ball to the right side and received a very nice block from Mewelde Moore that led him to the end zone.  Very nice call by Bruce Arians.
• Ray Rice called for tripping on 2nd down.  The Steelers accepted and made it 2nd and 19.  The Steelers then held on 3rd down by stopping Ray Rice on a screen pass.
• Ravens just converted a huge 4th down by Ray Rice.  For some reason James Farrior was 1:1 with Ray Rice and it was a complete mismatch.  Ray Rice caught the pass and ran it 60 yards to the Steelers 10 yard line.  Several Steelers missed tackles.  Lawrence Timmons tackled one of his own players who was in great position to make a tackle.
• The Steelers hold on 3^rd and goal.  The Ravens kick a field goal and tie the score 17-17 with 2 minutes left in the 4^th quarter.
• Dennis Dixon almost threw an interception on 2^nd down.  Consequently, the Steelers run the ball on 3^rd down.  A 3 and out for the Steelers
• Steelers punt the ball and the Ravens almost return it for ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN.  Will MIKE TOMLIN OR THE ST COACH EVER FIX THE SPECIAL TEAMS.  This is getting a bit ridiculous.
• A 24-yard pass interference call on Ike Taylor with 1 minute remaining in the game.
• The Steelers caused a last second fumble. The Ravens field goal unit and rushed a last second field goal which comes up about 2 yards short.

Score: 17-17

Steelers vs Ravens: 2nd quarter rewind

• Dennis Dixon has play well thus far with limited opportunities.  Dixon throw a nice roll-out pass and the followed up with a nice play action TD pass to Santonio Holmes
• Steelers continue to have success with running the ball with both Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker
• Ravens are giving the Steelers a heavy dose of McGahee, Rice, and fullback McClain
• William Gay continues to get abused
• William Gay and Ryan Clark get beat on a 50 yard pass play
• Ike Taylor gives up a touchdown on a fade pattern
• Steelers coaching staff goes overly conservative with 1:45 left in the 2nd quarter with consecutive running plays.  The offense gets close to the 50 yard line and runs out the clock.  The Steelers had plenty of time to try to gain around 30 yards to try a field goal.  A very disappointing decision by the Steelers coaching staff.

Steelers vs Ravens: 1st quarter rewind

• William Gay got torched several times on the Ravens’ first drive
• Willis McGahee scored the opening touchdown for the Ravens
• Bruce Arians is being overly conservative with Dennis Dixon
• Timmons caught out of position on a long Ray Rice run
• Ziggy Hood getting a good pass rush
• Steelers having success running the ball with Rashard Mendenhall

Score: Ravens 7 Steelers 0W