Posted on Sunday, 21st September 2008 by admin

In dedication of another Steeler’s victory against the Cleveland Browns, we at Planet Steelers present the classic ‘Screw the Browns’ video.

Watch more videos at Planet Steelers!

Tags: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
Posted in NFL News, Pittsburgh Steelers, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Posted on Sunday, 14th September 2008 by admin

Cleveland Browns

Braylon Edwards

Expect Edwards to put up a better performance than last week in which he had 2 receptions for only 14 yards. Edwards also dropped 3 passes. Edwards will probably be matched up with the Steelers top corner, Ike Taylor all day. Free Safety, Ryan Clark will provide over-the-top help for Ike. Also expect Troy Polamalu to be a presence in the Steelers secondary which should also help contain Edwards.

Kellen Winslow

Last week, Winslow grabbed five balls for 47 yards and a touchdown. Expect similar numbers (or more) from Winslow this week. I expect Winslow to see more balls thrown his way due to the Steelers very active pass rush. Derek Anderson won’t have much time to look down field which should mean that Winslow will see more action. I expect Lawrence Timmons to see significant playing time this week and matched up against Winslow. Winslow will be given the slight edge as he has more experience, but Timmons has the size, speed, and agility to match up well with Winslow. Remember, the Steelers drafted Timmons because they were intrigued with his athleticism and his ability to match up one on one with tight ends such as Winslow.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Willie Parker

Willie Parker should have another good week for fantasy owners. While I don’t think he’ll have the same type of success as last week, I still expect at least 100 yards and a TD from Parker. Parker may be less successful due to the large defensive line of the Cleveland Browns. In the past, our offensive line has had trouble with larger defensive lines. The Browns boast a large defensive line especially with free agent pickup Shaun Rogers.

Santonio Holmes

Holmes had a quiet week 1 with only 2 receptions for 19 yards. I expect Holmes to bounce back with a big week against the Browns. The Browns secondary is depleted with injuries and Holmes is too good to contain. Both Roethlisberger and Holmes seem to play well in there college alumni states. (Miami (OH) and OSU respectively).

Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben was 13 of 14 with 137 yards and two touchdowns in week 1 versus the Houston Texans. With a depleted Browns secondary, Roethlisberger should be able to throw at will versus the Browns. The only cause for concern is Roethlisberger’s sore shoulder that he suffered from a hit by Mario Williams. If the offensive line can keep Roethlisberger clean, expect big things from #7.

Tags: Ben Roethlisberger, Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns, Kellen Winslow, Pittsburgh Steelers, Santonio Holmes, Willie Parker
Posted in NFL News, Pittsburgh Steelers | Comments (2)

Posted on Tuesday, 9th September 2008 by admin

The ESPN has released its latest power rankings today after week 1 is officially completed.  The Steelers are ranked #2 overall trailing  what appears to be the favored Dallas Cowboys in the NFC.

The Steelers jumped four spots from #6 overall to #2 overall after showcasing a strong performance routing the Houston Texans 38-17.  Of course, the season ending injuries to both Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Shawn Merriman of the San Diego Chargers had something to do with that.

Discuss the latest power rankings at our Planet Steelers Message Board

*Provided by ESPN.com

Tags: Pittsburgh Steelers, Power Rankings
Posted in NFL News, Pittsburgh Steelers | Comments (0)

Posted on Sunday, 31st August 2008 by admin

It has been reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to “package” trade (possibly with the Chicago Bears) with Trai Essex, Max Starks and/or Sean Mahan.

Sean Mahan

It’s been rumored that Mahan has been secretly demanding a trade after losing the starting center position to newcomer Justin Hartwig (signed from the Miami Dolphins). Sean Mahan has been a disappointment to the Steelers after failing to prove that he can play the center position for the Steelers especially considering his steep salary cap hit of $4.6 million. Consistency, Mahan has proved that he does not have the size or strength to anchor the offensive line against the largest defensive tackles and nose tackles that are present in the AFC North.

Trai Essex

Trai Essex has had a decent 2008 preseason in showing the coaching staff that he is a legitimate backup at both the tackle and guard positions. Still, he appears to be nothing more than a career back at the tackle but has stepped in an been successful in limited playing time.

Max Starks

Possibly the biggest disappointment of anyone on the Steelers roster. Starks is being paid among the top of all offensive tackles with a 1 year, 6.9 million dollar contract but is in a backup role. Starks, if it wasn’t for the money, should be cut. Watching Starks throughout the 4 preseason games was painful. He has not improved at all. In fact, he looks slower and heavier than ever and displays extremely poor technique for being a high-paid veteran. Rumor has it, that in training camp, Starks was simply going through the “motions” without any intention of becoming a better player. Most Steelers fans would be happy with a trade involving Starks especially if it results in a better o-line prospect, or depth along the defensive line. The only problem is which team (if any) would pay Starks 6.9 million this year?

Tags: Max Starks, Offensive Line, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sean Mahan, Trai Essex
Posted in Defense, NFL News, Offense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Preseason, Training Camp | Comments (1)

Posted on Thursday, 21st August 2008 by admin

It has been reported that Gene Upshaw, President of the NFL Players Union, has died at the age of 63 on Tuesday August 21st, 2008.

It is thought that the cause of death was his fight with pancreatic cancer.

Gene Upshaw played for the Oakland Raiders in the AFL and the the National Football League for 16 years after graduating from Texas A&I University. He played in three Super Bowls; in the 1967, 1976 and 1980 seasons.

Discuss at the PlanetSteelers.com forum

Tags: Gene Upshaw, NFL News, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Posted on Thursday, 14th August 2008 by admin

vs

7:30 pm est

(Replays on NFL Network)

Tonight, the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to kick-off their second preseason game in Toronto against the AFC East Buffalo Bills. Mike Tomlin suggested that the starters are expected to see significantly more playing time in tonight’s game. Below are some players to keep an eye on:

Justin Hartwig – One of the very few Steelers free agent pickups is expected to see his first start tonight, Justin Hartwig at center in place of last year’s starter, Sean Mahan. Hartwig is expected to gain the starting role after Mahan struggled last year with the larger nose tackles in the AFC North. Hartwig is bigger and stronger than Mahan and tonight he could prove to everyone that he belongs to start.

Lawrence Timmons – LT was very impressive in his last preseason game against the Eagles. Timmon’s showcased why Tomlin & Co spent their #15 overall pick in the 2007 draft. He displayed his speed and his explosiveness to close quickly on the ball. Let’s hope he can put together back-to-back impressive games. It is expected that Foote will start alongside of Farrior but Timmons will play on 3^rd downs\. However, if Timmons continues to impress, expect LT to unseat Foote for the starting role.

LaMarr Woodley – Woodley was not able to get a sack against the Eagles but he did display good penetration. I look for Woodley to have at least one sack against the Bills. It’s just a matter of time until he registers his first one. Overall, I think the Steelers pass rush needs to improve. I did not see the pocket collapse quickly against the Eagles and that is a little worrisome.

Rashard Mendenhall / Willie Parker – Both of these guys looked really good against the Eagles. Parker looked as explosive and fast as always and looks to be over his broken leg. I’m really excited to see more of Mendenhall. Against the Eagles, Mendenhall averaged just about 5 yards/carry and looked impressive doing so. He has a great combination of vision, size, power, and speed to really excel in this league.

Offensive Line – The OL looked adequate in its first preseason game. However, it’s way to early to determine if this OL will give up another 47 sacks this year. The jury is still out on these guys. Until they can show consistency, I can’t label this group as improved. On a side note, Starks looked terrible as usual in a backup role. Can someone please explain Colbert’s logic for paying Max Starks, a backup, 7 million dollars this year? By the way, that is the most of any left tackle in the league. YIKES.

Defensive Line – The DL really did not impress me in the last game. I thought the Eagles had some success running right up the middle of the Steelers defense. Now that Casey “I don’t weigh 365 pounds anymore” Hampon has returned to the lineup, I expect this unit to improve in this area.

Limes Sweed – Even though Sweed didn’t have many opportunities, he did make some very nice catches. I had heard Sweed had “suspect hands”. Based on the Eagles game alone, he looks to have great hands. I like what I see so far, and I think he’ll only improve from here.

Other Notables:

Ben Roethlisberger / Santonio Holmes / Hines Ward - I just want to see these guys in action a little more. The “hot read” with Ben and Holmes that resulted in a touchdown against the Eagles was a thing of beauty. This should keep defenses honest and improve on the amount of sacks given up. This offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive units in the NFL as long as the OL can hold its ground.

Check our the Planet Steelers forum for up-to-the-minute updates on ALL Steelers Games!

Tags: Ben Roethlisberger, Defensive Line, Hines Ward, Justin Hartwig, LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Limas Sweed, Offensive Line, Pittsburgh Steelers, Preseason, Rashard Mendenhall, Santonio Holmes, Willie Parker
Posted in Defense, Offense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Preseason, Training Camp | Comments (1)

Posted on Monday, 4th August 2008 by admin

Second year pro Lawrence Timmons dominated in the back on backers drill. His agility and explosiveness is represented in the following video. He used strength and explosiveness to avoid blocks on one occasion and agility via a “swim move” on the next. In fact, the only person that was able to contain Timmons was pro bowl running back, Willie Parker. Parker stood up TImmons and contained him for the majority of the drill. Pro Bowler, James Harrison was also impressive in these drills by overpowering everyone that he faced.

Check the latest training camp updates in the here!

Special thanks to costanza2k1 for providing the Planet Steelers community with all the latest training camp information.

Tags: Back on Backers, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Training Camp
Posted in Defense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Training Camp | Comments (0)

Posted on Sunday, 3rd August 2008 by admin

As the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp continues in Latrobe, PA certain players are starting to standout and looking like 2008-09 will be a break out year. Let’s review a few of the players that are turning heads thus far in Latrobe.

LaMarr Woodley

Woodley has been virtually unstoppable thus far in training camp. Coach Mike Tomlin has attempted to match up Woodley against both right tackles Willie Colon and Max Starks but both resulted in Woodley sacking the quarterback on most occasions. I don’t know if Colon and Starks are that bad or if Woodley is simply that good, but I believe it’s a combination of both. Woodley has a great combination of speed, strength, and relentlessness that will allow him to be star this in these league. Woodley doesn’t seem to be flying under the radar either, Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com is predicting Woodley to have 15 sacks this season.

Santonio Holmes

Let’s just say this, Holmes showed up in great shape this year in camp. He’s looks like he’s on the verge of having a breakout season and I believe he will do just that. Again, Pete Prisco said that he thinks Holmes is going to have pro bowl season with over 80 catches and topping 1500 yards receiving! This could be the year that Holmes will turn into Ben Roethlisberger’s #1 target. Prior to training camp, Holmes (along with several other Steelers) trained with Tom Shaw at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex to work on his explosiveness, and speed. Look for huge numbers from Holmes this year. Pick Holmes for your fantasy team.

Lawrence Timmons

Lawrence Timmons is another player that is going to make a big impact in the 2008-09 season. It is expected that Timmons may not beat out Foote for the starting position, but he will see a significant amount of playing time especially on 3rd downs. Thus far in training camp, Timmons has displayed his explosiveness, and a knack for being around the ball which prompted the Steelers to pick LT #15 overall in the 2007 NFL draft. Timmons has been unstoppable in the back-on-backers drill showing his explosiveness and quickness to avoid blocks. Timmons showed up bigger, and stronger, and in great shape at 6-1 245 pounds. He is much more comfortable with role in the Steelers defense at both inside and outside linebacker. Timmons is also said to be the “5th man” which means he is the top backup at both ILB and OLB.

Tags: LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Santonio Holmes
Posted in Defense, Offense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Training Camp | Comments (0)

Posted on Monday, 28th July 2008 by admin

Casey Hampton has showed up overweight and out of shape to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 training camp resulting in him failing the traditional first-day run test.

This is nothing new as Hampton has had similar problems in the past regarding his weight and in-shape status. What is new is that Mike Tomlin set an example of Hampton by placing the 4-time Pro Bowler on the physically unable to perform list (PUP). Kudos to Coach Tomlin for making an example of the veteran Pro Bowler. Hopefully, publicly humiliating Hampton for being too fat will be a motivational tool for the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive anchor.

Hampton showed up at training camp listed at 6-0 325 but looked about 6-0 350+. This comes as a disappointment because Hampton should know better. He has completed these sprints before and he knows what it takes to finish them. Now, instead of practicing he has to focus on losing weight.

I understand Casey’s argument; I’ve done this for 7 years… When will I ever have to run 100 yards? Well Casey, hopefully never but that’s not the point. The point is you shouldn’t have eaten yourself overweight and out of shape. Hampton was injured for half of last year and he isn’t getting any younger at 30 years old. Additionally, the Steelers defensive line is extremely thin (not literally) and we can’t afford any injuries this year. As for his comment about making the pro bowl last year, he and Polamalu made it off of past reputation. They did not make it due to their on field productivity. He should take some notes from James Farrior. Farrior is a workaholic and works harder with age because he knows that it’s going to take that much more conditioning to compete with the younger players in their low 20’s that this league is now producing. Casey has had a knee problems and last time I checked carrying an additional 25 pounds will not help matters.

Let’s hope for Casey and the rest of the Steelers that this is a wake-up call. Thanks goodness the season his upon us. Here’s to a successful and injury-free training camp — Camp Tomlin part 2.

Tags: Casey Hampton, Defense, Pittsburgh Steelers
Posted in Defense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Training Camp | Comments (0)

Posted on Friday, 25th July 2008 by admin

The Offensive Line Mystery

Max Starks 6-8 337
Willie Colon 6-3 315
Chris Kemoeatu 6-3 344
Tony Hills 6-6 305
Jeremy Parquet 6-6 321
Trai Essex 6-4 324
Marvel Smith 6-5 321
Justin Hartwig 6-4 312
Doug Legursky 6-1 323
Darnell Stapleton 6-3 285
Sean Mahan 6-1 305

Average Weight: 317.5

Based on Steelers.com, this list of players is what the Steelers will be working with (give or take a few) when the 2008-09 NFL season is underway. While this offensive line will not impose fear in opposing defenses, the Steelers have a fair amount of “average” players on this list. That’s a pro & con. There is not one player on our O-Line that is a pro-bowler. This list is severely lacking an all-pro guard (ala Faneca).

I have heard it all at this point in the offseason. Here is a short list:

1. Jason Capizzi is the next Orlando Pace
2. Max Starks will be “competing” with Willie Colon for the starting RT spot
3. Darnell Stapleon has all the attributes of an all-pro center
4. Justin Hartwig will be a significant upgrade over Sean Mahan at center
5. Kemo has all the physical tools to dominate at the LG position
6. Tony Hills will develop into a legitimate RT at the least (possibly a starting LT)
7. Max Starks has lost weight and is much “lighter on his feet” (literally) than last year
8. Marvel Smith feels healthier than he’s been in years.

I don’t want to be negative… But I want to see Capizzi make the team first, before we start comparing him to a possible HOF’er. The Steelers are always looking for the diamond in the rough and that philosophy has left us with two major problems: The Offensive and Defensive Lines. I will address the defensive line in a follow-up article.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have all the hopes that a couple of these 11 offensive linemen will step up and finally display the potential the Steeler fans have been hoping for. The time is now and it’s for the likes of Colon, Simmons, Kemo, Mahan, and especially Starks to step up or be shown the door our of Pittsburgh.

Let’s review a few names on this list:

Max Starks

Max Starks now has a 6.9 million dollar salary cap hit for the 2008-09 season. For those with a short memory, Max Starks lost his starting job to Willie Colon last year and before that was basically a decent RT prospect with slow feet. The Steeler’s front office decided to reward the underachiever (and backup) Starks with a 1-year 6.9 million contract. Let’s hope this money, and losing his starting job was motivation to lose weight and work on his footwork in the offseason. I don’t think the Steelers will pay him that type of money to backup? Do you?

Chris Kemoeatu

It’s do or die time for Kemo with 1 year left on his contract. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Simmons barely beat out Kemo last year for the starting RG spot, and obviously couldn’t beat out Faneca for the LG spot. I think that Kemo always had the physical attributes and aggression to play LG but his intelligence, and uncontrollable aggression has always been a problem.

Justin Hartwig

Hartwig is the wild card this year just as Sean Mahan was last year. Mahan was dominated at the point of attack last year and couldn’t handle the overall size and strength of nose tackles and defensive tackles. Hartwig will bring his experience and size which is desperately needed to the interior section of the Steelers offensive line which acted as a revolving door last year with Mahan as center.

Darnell Stapleton

I look for the young Stapleton from Rutgers to push Hartwig for the starting center job. The coaching staff has been stated to have high hopes for Stapleton but he needs to get bigger and work on his technique to hold up against the larger DT/NT to remind us fans of the strength that the Steelers have had for several years at the center position.

Trai Essex

I see Tony Hills, the rookie from Texas being drafted as the replacement for Essex especially considering he is a FA after this year. Essex was a surprise high draft pick and many experts agreed the Steeler’s reached to draft him. Without very high expectations, it hard to be disappointed with Essex’s performance thus far especially has a backup.

I don’t think it would be right to comment on the offensive line like making a slight prediction on the starting lineup even before training camp. I’ll be bold in my prediction:

LT: Marvel Smith
LG: Willie Colin
C: Justin Hartwig
RG: Chris Kemoeatu
RT: Max Starks

Posted in Offense, Pittsburgh Steelers | Comments (1)