All signs point to a disappointing year for the Steelers

[hawaiiansteel]

All signs point to a disappointing year for the Pittsburgh Steelers

August 14, 2012
Denver Sports by J Simp

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2012/01/09/sports/sub-broncos/sub-broncos-articleLarge.jpg

Pittsburgh, PA. For any Pittsburgh Steelers fan, this had to have been a very difficult off-season to deal with. Let’s be honest, this is easily one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, and all of sports for that matter. Their followers expect nothing less than deep runs into the playoffs, and championship trophies as well. Some would say, they are the gold standard in pro football, as this organization has six Lombardi Trophies to their credit. Since 1969, they have had a total of three head coaches, which is just simply unheard of in pro sports. Mike Tomlin continues on the tradition of tough, hard-nosed Steeler-style head coaches. There just aren’t many, if any, better run franchises than the Pittsburgh Steelers. When the Steelers made the trip west to the Rocky Mountains last January, it was going to be business as usual, and just about all football fans were expecting a workmanlike road playoff victory. But three and a half hours later, and an 80-yard pitch and catch in overtime, the season was over….just like that. The end of the year for the Pittsburgh Steelers came in shocking fashion, and was something they and their fans were not used to. For a team who is so used to winning, it may have begun a slow downward spiral, and one that has all the makings of lasting well into 2012.

For years now, there has been something called the “Super Bowl hangover”. Many times throughout the past decade or so, the team that has lost in the Super Bowl has missed the playoffs entirely the following season. Something about losing in the big game has done a number on that particular team. Well, in this situation, the Pittsburgh Steelers loss back on wildcard weekend could definitely produce the same outcome in 2012. That was such a shocking, bitter pill to swallow, that it could be hard for them to bounce back this year. Several other factors point to this as being a down year for the Steelers. The holdout situation regarding Mike Wallace is becoming a problem. Pittsburgh’s best receiver is nowhere to be found, and if and when he does report to the team, there is a good chance that he won’t be in football shape. Muscle pulls or strains could very well be in the cards for Mr. Wallace this year, if he ends up playing at all. The Steelers also have plans for two rookie offensive linemen to get a lot of playing time. Rookie linemen protecting Ben Roethlisberger? Not an ideal situation. Although the defense has always been Pittsburgh’s identity, this one is getting quite old. James Harrison and Troy Polamalu are just a couple of the guys who are well into their thirties. Starting running back Rashard Mendenhall is coming back from an ACL tear, and probably won’t be ready until October at the earliest. Then there is just simply the law of averages. In the last twenty years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a total of three losing seasons. That is unheard of success, especially in the salary-cap driven NFL. Their division is not an easy one either. Baltimore is always a tough opponent and an AFC contender, and Cincinnati is young and only getting better after a trip to the playoffs last year. The bottom line is this….there are just too many signs that point to the Steelers having an off year in 2012. They will bounce back in the coming years, like they always do, but this season will end up being a disappointing one for the black and gold.

The first week, at Denver, will tell everyone a ton about where this Steelers team is at. They will have all the motivation in the world to come in and ruin Peyton’s party. Avenging that difficult loss back in January will also be on their minds, and a win on September 9th would do them wonders in moving on. But what happens if they lose again to Denver? A loss for Pittsburgh in the regular season opener could be just the thing that sends them into a season-long tailspin….

One that they won’t recover from until 2013 at the earliest.

http://denversportschat.com/all-signs-point-to-a-disappointing-year-for-the-pittsburgh-steelers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DenverSportsChat+%28Denver+Sp orts+Chat%29

[skyhawk]

Quite old on D eh? Wallace is Pitts best receiver? Well. apparently this guy hasn't done his research. I quit reading after that.

I see possible upgrades on the Oline and Ben being protected. Rashard has been average at best. And the Steelers have one of the youngest Ds in the league (outside of Troy and James Harrison, that is). And a healthy Woodley, and a well positioned Timmons will make a difference.

Of course, I am preaching to the choir here. But I see why you posted this article Hawaiian! haha!!!

[Flasteel]

I think the Mayans provided a better factual basis for their 2012 predictions than this chucklehead. All signs point to moron.

[Discipline of Steel]

I think the Mayans provided a better factual basis for their 2012 predictions than this chucklehead. All signs point to moron.

Nice Fla! Of course our imminent demise is predicated on a season opening loss to the Broncos.

Personally, I wouldnt want to have my hopes based on a player (Manning) that could end up looking like Stephen Hawking after any given play.

[Slapstick]

624
(This is not directed at Hawaiiansteel, but to the author of the article.)

[Oviedo]

Quite old on D eh? Wallace is Pitts best receiver? Well. apparently this guy hasn't done his research. I quit reading after that.

I see possible upgrades on the Oline and Ben being protected. Rashard has been average at best. And the Steelers have one of the youngest Ds in the league (outside of Troy and James Harrison, that is). And a healthy Woodley, and a well positioned Timmons will make a difference.

Of course, I am preaching to the choir here. But I see why you posted this article Hawaiian! haha!!!

I think the article is nonsense too, but don't forget Kiesel and Foote when talking about "old" on defense...neither is a spring chicken.

I love how these guys predict the demise of the Steelers while they totally ignore that the Ravens and their aging defense has lost its best player. But the assumption is that they won't miss a beat. This guy must get his info from Ravens "homer" Mel Kiper.

To be honest I'm more concerned about the Bumgals than the Ravens.

I think an 11-5 record is very doable, no worse than 9-7.

[Djfan]

Enjoy that pic, gentlemen. It shows James Farrior in his last seconds as a Steeler. That still sucks.

[Eich]

Pretty lame article. We limped into the Playoffs last year licking our wounds. Ben was a mess. The defense was full of missing starters. Yeah, losing to the Tebow-lead Donks stunk but had we won, no one really expected the Steelers to get past a much healthier Rats or Cheaters team last year.

If we can remain healthy, I don't think any signs point to a disappointing year this season. But I hope everyone counts them out all season long.

[DukieBoy]

Agree, the moron sensor went red alert on that article. But he put it out there. It's up to the Steelers to stuff it back where it came from.

[pfelix73]

The guy has a little bit of reality in there. I'm not too concerned with the offense- especially now that we re-signed Max. However, I do have concerns about the Defense. Specifically, being able to stop the run- hoping #90 will have a big season will help. CB's though- they worry me..Have for years.. And starting out in Denver- we have no Clark....Why can't Denver ever come to Pitt.?

[phillyesq]

Not that this guy is anybody of any relevance, but I hope that the media takes this view of the Steelers. I always prefer them as an underdog.

[DukieBoy]

ESPN, by measure of its NFL coverage, expects a Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos vs a Tim Tebow led New York Jets Super Bowl this season. The rest of the NFL will have to prove it on the field rather than in the media.

http://deadspin.com/5934761?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

[DukieBoy]

Another POV is written here:

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/15/pittsburgh-steelers-2012-n-f-l-season-preview/

[Shoe]

The guy has a little bit of reality in there. I'm not too concerned with the offense- especially now that we re-signed Max. However, I do have concerns about the Defense. Specifically, being able to stop the run- hoping #90 will have a big season will help. CB's though- they worry me..Have for years.. And starting out in Denver- we have no Clark....Why can't Denver ever come to Pitt.?

You are right. Everyone hear seems to forget (despite any silly rankings) our inability to stop the run when we want to (i.e. dictate). Losing Harrison does hurt that aspect; no question about that. I think Carter can bring a comparable level when it comes to pass-rush (I don't think Worilds is near 92 vs. run or pass), but losing Harrison means we're one Polamalu injury from being an average defense.

[lloydroid]

Quite old on D eh? Wallace is Pitts best receiver? Well. apparently this guy hasn't done his research. I quit reading after that.

I see possible upgrades on the Oline and Ben being protected. Rashard has been average at best. And the Steelers have one of the youngest Ds in the league (outside of Troy and James Harrison, that is). And a healthy Woodley, and a well positioned Timmons will make a difference.

Of course, I am preaching to the choir here. But I see why you posted this article Hawaiian! haha!!!

Typical naive, ignorant talking head. Over 90% of the football media is ignorant and they get paid to know this stuff? Unreal. But I like it. First of all, week 1 will NOT be the telling story to where Pgh is this season. Week 1 is almost meaningless. It's gonna be on the road, in prime time, with the return of Manning and we will be without our starting safety, at least, if not our all-world OLB. Losing week 1 will not be an indictment on our entire season. What matters is just keeping up, by in large, winning more than you lose and make to it Nov./Dec. and THEN get hot. Losing on the road week 1 to Manning in prime time hardly means your season is going to suck. Writers are so stupid.

[lloydroid]

Not that this guy is anybody of any relevance, but I hope that the media takes this view of the Steelers. I always prefer them as an underdog.

And Bingo was his name-O

[Shawn]

I think this article is full of wisdom, and terrific observations. I feel more intelligent having read it.

[Captain Lemming]

I feel more intelligent having read it.

Hmmmm,
You feel MORE intelligent......I guess......depends on your starting point :)

[Captain Lemming]

I think the Mayans provided a better factual basis for their 2012 predictions than this chucklehead. All signs point to moron.

ACTUALLY, the Mayans, dont have us in the SB either.

IT GETS WORSE.
if you believe their predictions WE WILL NEVER WIN ANOTHER SB.

[hawaiiansteel]

ACTUALLY, the Mayans, dont have us in the SB either.

IT GETS WORSE.
if you believe their predictions WE WILL NEVER WIN ANOTHER SB.


we'll never lose another one either...:tt2

[Captain Lemming]

we'll never lose another one either...:tt2

Only you could find the "silver lining" in imminent the demise of the human race :p

[hawaiiansteel]

TRAINING CAMP 2012

by Albert Chen - SI.com
Postcard from camp: Steelers - Inside the NFL

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2012/writers/albert_chen/08/16/steelers-camp-postcard/chris-rainey.jpg

A track star at the University of Florida, Chris Rainey ran a 4.45 40 at the Combine.

At postcard-perfect Latrobe, Pa., where these fans of Steeler Nation have squeezed into the stands at Chuck Noll Field, scattered across the hills of idyllic St. Vincent College and lined up along the perimeter of the practice fields on a sultry 90-degree afternoon to watch the Rashard Mendenhall- and Mike Wallace-less Steelers. This is football heaven. Quick impressions from one packed day in the home of Arnold Palmer: The young offensive line is growing up quickly ("There have been some growing pains, but I really like what I see," said offensive coordinator Todd Haley), and Ben Roethlisberger's rotator cuff tear is a non-issue ("He's looking real good," said Antonio Brown. "He's having a great camp -- it's the Big Ben of old.").

Three Observations

1. Todd Haley is chill. Really. "I feel like I've come home," the new offensive coordinator said to me as we baked underneath the midday sun outside the cafeteria. Before he was the coach of the Chiefs, before he was the offensive coordinator at Arizona, Haley was a Steelers ball boy in the '70s when his father, Dick, was the team's director of player personnel. "It's special, the connection I have to this organization," he said, "and it really makes you want to accomplish great things."

For that to happen, Haley and Roethlisberger will have to play nice -- when I suggested that everyone's waiting for the first blow-up between quarterback and coordinator, Haley laughed. "Look, I'm passionate about this game and proud of it, but it was always about what the situation dictated at the time," he said, pointing out that at his prior stops, Arizona and Kansas City, the teams were mired in losing situations.

It's too early to say precisely how the offense is going to evolve under Haley, though we know this: the Steelers are restoring the fullback to the offense. They'll run more no huddle. The preseason opener against the Eagles last week offered more clues: the emphasis, as expected, seemed to be on a short passing attack and ball control, which will be a contrast to Bruce Arians' spread. There's still much for Haley and Roethlisberger to work out, of course -- Haley wants Roethlisberger to dump the ball off to the back more, Roethlisberger likes to check to his secondary receivers -- but so far, so good. Stay tuned.

2. No Rashard Mendenhall for now ... but the running game will be better in 2012. While Mendenhall will be out until at least October, the Steelers clearly have faith in Isaac Redman, despite lingering questions about the third-year back's durability (he's only logged double-digit carries in four career games and is already undergoing an MRI for a groin injury). It should be noted that while Mendenhall averaged 3.9 yards a carry since 2010, Redman, who when healthy will lead a committee that includes Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch, is averaging 4.5 yards over that time and riding the momentum of his 121-yard game against the Broncos in the playoffs.

Redman is ready for this moment -- he talked about losing some weight over the offseason to add some versatility to his game ("I'm trying to be more than a red zone back," he said). The Steelers ranked 14th in the league in rushing last year, but Haley will have them running more behind the improved line. The young linemen, David DeCastro at right guard and Mike Adams at left tackle, will struggle at times, of course, but the Steelers like Willie Colon at left guard. Marcus Gilbert continues to get better and Maurkice Pouncey is already one of the best centers in the league. The Steelers running game looks poised to be one of the best in 2012.

3. They don't seem to miss Mike Wallace at the moment, but they'll be hurting, badly, if he doesn't sign. There seems to be increasing optimism in camp that Wallace will sign and report to Latrobe any day now, though Pittsburgh is preparing for the possibility of life without its big playmaker. The concern here isn't the No. 1 slot -- everyone knows that Antonio Brown has the talent to be an elite receiver in the league. But beyond that it gets ugly fast. Emmanuel Sanders is a good slot receiver, but not everyone's convinced he can be an effective No. 2. Is Jerricho Cotchery the answer? Derrick Williams, David Gilreath, or Marquis Maze? Plaxico Burress?

Step On Up

Keenan Lewis, cornerback. The best camp battle is for the cornerback slot opposite Ike Taylor, with Bryant McFadden and William Gay gone. The fourth-year Lewis has started one game in his career, but is already talking about making the Pro Bowl this season. (No Steeler corner has made the Pro Bowl since Rod Woodson in 1997.) Lewis has worked with the starters but has also been held back with a shoulder injury -- that may open the door for Cortez Allen, who is exceeding expectations in camp.

New Face, New Place

Chris Rainey, running back. A sign of things to come? The explosive rookie back played early and often in the team's first preseason game and scored on a 57-yard screen pass. Rainey also was slotted as the team's primary kick returner. The former Gator, who used to live with Pouncey during their days at Florida, is an intriguing X-factor in the new Steelers offense -- Roethlisberger is already raving about the former track star. Haley will use him as a Dexter McCluster-type -- though by season's end, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound back will be drawing comparisons to Darren Sproles.

Looking At The Schedule

The Steelers' season begins where last year's ended: in Denver, against Peyton Manning, in the first of five nationally televised games. That's the start of a tough opening stretch -- four of the team's first six games are on the road (two out west). We'll find out early just how much the offensive line has improved. The division will be decided over three weeks late in the season, when the Steelers face the Ravens on Nov. 18, and again two weeks later. Bet on the Steelers if they're in the driver's seat in December: they finish with a favorable final stretch, with three of four games at home, the final two at Heinz Field against the Bengals and Browns.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/albert_chen/08/16/steelers-camp-postcard/index.html#ixzz23jComjQO

[Oviedo]

TRAINING CAMP 2012

by Albert Chen - SI.com
Postcard from camp: Steelers - Inside the NFL

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2012/writers/albert_chen/08/16/steelers-camp-postcard/chris-rainey.jpg

A track star at the University of Florida, Chris Rainey ran a 4.45 40 at the Combine.

At postcard-perfect Latrobe, Pa., where these fans of Steeler Nation have squeezed into the stands at Chuck Noll Field, scattered across the hills of idyllic St. Vincent College and lined up along the perimeter of the practice fields on a sultry 90-degree afternoon to watch the Rashard Mendenhall- and Mike Wallace-less Steelers. This is football heaven. Quick impressions from one packed day in the home of Arnold Palmer: The young offensive line is growing up quickly ("There have been some growing pains, but I really like what I see," said offensive coordinator Todd Haley), and Ben Roethlisberger's rotator cuff tear is a non-issue ("He's looking real good," said Antonio Brown. "He's having a great camp -- it's the Big Ben of old.").

Three Observations

1. Todd Haley is chill. Really. "I feel like I've come home," the new offensive coordinator said to me as we baked underneath the midday sun outside the cafeteria. Before he was the coach of the Chiefs, before he was the offensive coordinator at Arizona, Haley was a Steelers ball boy in the '70s when his father, Dick, was the team's director of player personnel. "It's special, the connection I have to this organization," he said, "and it really makes you want to accomplish great things."

For that to happen, Haley and Roethlisberger will have to play nice -- when I suggested that everyone's waiting for the first blow-up between quarterback and coordinator, Haley laughed. "Look, I'm passionate about this game and proud of it, but it was always about what the situation dictated at the time," he said, pointing out that at his prior stops, Arizona and Kansas City, the teams were mired in losing situations.

It's too early to say precisely how the offense is going to evolve under Haley, though we know this: the Steelers are restoring the fullback to the offense. They'll run more no huddle. The preseason opener against the Eagles last week offered more clues: the emphasis, as expected, seemed to be on a short passing attack and ball control, which will be a contrast to Bruce Arians' spread. There's still much for Haley and Roethlisberger to work out, of course -- Haley wants Roethlisberger to dump the ball off to the back more, Roethlisberger likes to check to his secondary receivers -- but so far, so good. Stay tuned.

2. No Rashard Mendenhall for now ... but the running game will be better in 2012. While Mendenhall will be out until at least October, the Steelers clearly have faith in Isaac Redman, despite lingering questions about the third-year back's durability (he's only logged double-digit carries in four career games and is already undergoing an MRI for a groin injury). It should be noted that while Mendenhall averaged 3.9 yards a carry since 2010, Redman, who when healthy will lead a committee that includes Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch, is averaging 4.5 yards over that time and riding the momentum of his 121-yard game against the Broncos in the playoffs.

Redman is ready for this moment -- he talked about losing some weight over the offseason to add some versatility to his game ("I'm trying to be more than a red zone back," he said). The Steelers ranked 14th in the league in rushing last year, but Haley will have them running more behind the improved line. The young linemen, David DeCastro at right guard and Mike Adams at left tackle, will struggle at times, of course, but the Steelers like Willie Colon at left guard. Marcus Gilbert continues to get better and Maurkice Pouncey is already one of the best centers in the league. The Steelers running game looks poised to be one of the best in 2012.

3. They don't seem to miss Mike Wallace at the moment, but they'll be hurting, badly, if he doesn't sign. There seems to be increasing optimism in camp that Wallace will sign and report to Latrobe any day now, though Pittsburgh is preparing for the possibility of life without its big playmaker. The concern here isn't the No. 1 slot -- everyone knows that Antonio Brown has the talent to be an elite receiver in the league. But beyond that it gets ugly fast. Emmanuel Sanders is a good slot receiver, but not everyone's convinced he can be an effective No. 2. Is Jerricho Cotchery the answer? Derrick Williams, David Gilreath, or Marquis Maze? Plaxico Burress?

Step On Up

Keenan Lewis, cornerback. The best camp battle is for the cornerback slot opposite Ike Taylor, with Bryant McFadden and William Gay gone. The fourth-year Lewis has started one game in his career, but is already talking about making the Pro Bowl this season. (No Steeler corner has made the Pro Bowl since Rod Woodson in 1997.) Lewis has worked with the starters but has also been held back with a shoulder injury -- that may open the door for Cortez Allen, who is exceeding expectations in camp.

New Face, New Place

Chris Rainey, running back. A sign of things to come? The explosive rookie back played early and often in the team's first preseason game and scored on a 57-yard screen pass. Rainey also was slotted as the team's primary kick returner. The former Gator, who used to live with Pouncey during their days at Florida, is an intriguing X-factor in the new Steelers offense -- Roethlisberger is already raving about the former track star. Haley will use him as a Dexter McCluster-type -- though by season's end, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound back will be drawing comparisons to Darren Sproles.

Looking At The Schedule

The Steelers' season begins where last year's ended: in Denver, against Peyton Manning, in the first of five nationally televised games. That's the start of a tough opening stretch -- four of the team's first six games are on the road (two out west). We'll find out early just how much the offensive line has improved. The division will be decided over three weeks late in the season, when the Steelers face the Ravens on Nov. 18, and again two weeks later. Bet on the Steelers if they're in the driver's seat in December: they finish with a favorable final stretch, with three of four games at home, the final two at Heinz Field against the Bengals and Browns.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/albert_chen/08/16/steelers-camp-postcard/index.html#ixzz23jComjQO

Not sure I agree the running game wil be better in 2012 with Mendenhall out. I think it will be sketchy until he returns.