As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

[Steel Life]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

I'm hoping Foster gets the start over Legursky, saw better results with him at LG than we have with Legursky at RG. Also...while we're fretting about who's out there - Chris Degeare is on the Vikings PS & the Steelers brought him in when he was available for the draft.

[steeler_george]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

LT - Jamon Meredith
LG - Chris Kemoeatu
C - Maurkice Pouncey
RG - Ramon Foster
RT - Chris Scott


And to think some of us thought it couldn't get any worse than what the Steelers had been trotting out before this...


Mario Williams and Antonio Smith just because very happy men.

I think it will go something like this:

LT-Gilbert
LG- Kemo/Foster
C- Pouncey
RT- Leg/Foster
RT-Essex

With Meredith, Scott, and Foster being active.

I think this game had better put the state of the O-Line into perspective & shut up those who harp on Ben hanging onto the ball too long being the problem. These guys generated no push in the run-game & were flat-out manhandled for the second time this year. Ben & Mendy are going to get killed behind this line & with BA's tone-deaf play-calling (& I used to think that Mike Martz was the most neglectful OC in the NFL). Make no mistake, the success of this year's team lays at the feet of the OL, let's hope that Ben isn't lying there as well.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Well apparantely Starks is trimmed down and healthy because he plans on meeting with the Vikings today. If there is any interest of the Steelers to bring in a vet the obvious choices would be Starks or Adams because if they were in shape they could actually slide right in for next week. The biggest problem is the salary cap and I'm not sure the Steelers have any room to bring any vet in. Buckle up...It gets rough ahead.

[steeler_george]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Well apparantely Starks is trimmed down and healthy because he plans on meeting with the Vikings today. If there is any interest of the Steelers to bring in a vet the obvious choices would be Starks or Adams because if they were in shape they could actually slide right in for next week. The biggest problem is the salary cap and I'm not sure the Steelers have any room to bring any vet in. Buckle up...It gets rough ahead.

Hey plain I agree, Starks and Hotel would be logical choices, but it shows that the team is cash strapped, because they would of signed either one when Colon went down. But then again they didn't truely see how much J Scott sucks this year.

[NWNewell]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

I think this game had better put the state of the O-Line into perspective & shut up those who harp on Ben hanging onto the ball too long being the problem. These guys generated no push in the run-game & were flat-out manhandled for the second time this year. Ben & Mendy are going to get killed behind this line & with BA's tone-deaf play-calling (& I used to think that Mike Martz was the most neglectful OC in the NFL). Make no mistake, the success of this year's team lays at the feet of the OL, let's hope that Ben isn't lying there as well.

The three turnovers were not problems with the O-line, they were three bad decisions by Ben, playing against Freeney and Mathis there has to be a clock in your head that tells you it's time to give up on a play (particularly, if you don't know where Mathis and Freeney are) and the INT was just a bad throw that sailed high on him. The O-line in each instance was successful. Overall, the O-line was as putrid, but those three plays Ben had the time necessary to make better decisions, IMO.

Pappy

Sorry pap, at least one fumble (from the Freeney hit) can't be blamed on Ben. He barely completed his drop and was crushed from the blind side. There was no that blintz Ben missed. You have to assume the O-line is at least going to get a chip on him. They barely achieved that.

The INT was obviously your typical Ben-Bonehead-Play.

And I'll give you the Mathis hit too. Ben was trying to be aware of him, scrambling looking behind to see if Mathis was coming. Unfortunately, it seemed like he was in Ben's blind spot (or somehow Ben didn't see him). Seemed more "unlucky" than neglect. But none the less, after that much time and when he is scrambling, it's all on Ben to take care of the football.

[insanesteelersfan]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Well both Gilbert and Legursky seem to think they will play at Houston....



Steelers | Doug Legursky says he will play Week 4
Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:05:06 -0700

Pittsburgh Steelers C Doug Legursky (shoulder) said he will be ready to play in the team's Week 4 game.

0 Comments | Share: | Source: CBSSports.com








--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Steelers | Marcus Gilbert says he will play Week 4
Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:06:43 -0700

Pittsburgh Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert (shoulder) said he will be ready


Read more: [url="http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz1Z4fw7owH"]http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz1Z4fw7owH[/url]

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

legursky needs to go back to the bench.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Post-Indianapolis thoughts

posted by Dale Lolley
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011


I feel badly for Jonathan Scott.

I know, I know, he had a tough game. But do you blame Scott for that, or do you blame the people who felt he was capable of blocking Dwight Freeney?

Scott, by the way, looks like he'll be out for the next couple of weeks.

He was in a walking boot after the game.

[url="http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/"]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/[/url]

[Steel Life]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

And to rub salt in our wounds & prove a point I've made about our GM's lack of action with the OL, here's an article from Pro Football Talk about the Ravens' recent OL pick-ups...

Ravens find another solution with Andre Gurode
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 26, 2011, 7:35 PM EDT

In late August, the Ravens offensive line looked like the team’s biggest weakness.

Thanks to two late free agent pickups, it may wind up being a strength. We wrote about left tackle Bryant McKinnie’s impressive debut a few weeks ago.

Another former Pro Bowler, Andre Gurode, made his debut as a starter at left guard on Sunday and looked great by all accounts. Gurode needed some extra time learning how to play left guard after starting at center for so long in Dallas.

Baltimore was tripped up in Tennessee, but overall they have looked like a stronger 2-1 team than the Steelers. With an out of division schedule against the AFC South and NFC West, Baltimore has a great opportunity to rack up a big win total this year.

Add this to the Pats picking up Brian Waters & it only emphasizes that there were opportunities out there to improve this OL & Colbert refused to consider them.

[fordfixer]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Upon further review: Steelers

September, 26, 2011
[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/32222/upon-further-review-steelers-2"]http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_ ... steelers-2[/url]

By Jamison Hensley

Revisiting the Pittsburgh Steelers' 23-20 win at the Indianapolis Colts:

The Steelers' struggling offensive line is beginning to break down just three weeks into the season.

Three starters -- left tackle Jonathan Scott, right guard Doug Legursky and right tackle Marcus Gilbert -- left the game with injuries, and their availability is uncertain for Sunday's game at Houston. The injury to Scott, who was beaten repeatedly by Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, looks to be the most serious.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin didn't provide an update after the game and wouldn't specify the injury to Scott. "I don't know what it is," he said. "I am not going to speculate."

It appeared as if Scott sprained his ankle. Gilbert hurt his shoulder, and Legursky separated his shoulder. Because the Steelers only suited up seven offensive linemen, Gilbert had to return to the game when Scott had to be helped off the field.

If Gilbert and Legursky are sidelined, the Steelers would start Ramon Foster at right guard and Trai Essex at right tackle.

To address left tackle, the Steelers might have to reach out to Flozell Adams or Max Starks, both of whom were released by the team at the end of July. Adams, a left tackle who switched to the right side for Pittsburgh last season, would seem to be the preferable option to the team because the Steelers have remained in contact with him.

STAT THAT STICKS: 27 -- Game-winning drives in the fourth quarter that Ben Roethlisberger has delivered (which includes playoffs) in eight NFL seasons.

OVERHEARD: "We walked out of here with a win. Did we play well? No, we know we didn't play well. Do we got to get better? Yes, and we will get better." Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward on the tougher-than-expected win at Indianapolis.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Steelers (2-1) play at the Texans (2-1), who are coming off their first loss of the season (a 40-33 defeat at New Orleans).

[fordfixer]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Tomlin: Steelers “not perfect by any stretch”

By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer 10 minutes ago

[url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-steelers"]http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-steelers[/url]


PITTSBURGH (AP)—Marcus Gilbert(notes) and Doug Legursky’s(notes) left shoulders appear to be OK. Maybe. Jonathan Scott’s(notes) left ankle remains tender but not terrible. Probably.

Still, if you’re an out-of-work offensive lineman, there could be a call from the Pittsburgh Steelers in your near future.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are “open to looking to maybe bring someone in” this week to provide the team with some much-needed depth after three starters had to be helped off the field during Sunday night’s 23-20 victory over Indianapolis.




Tomlin stressed the team is looking for depth, not someone to show up on Wednesday and be ready to play in Sunday’s game at Houston.

“It would just be for practice purposes only,” Tomlin said.

At least, as of now. Given the perpetual state of flux the line has been for the last two seasons, Tomlin knows it’s too early to rule anything out.

If Scott can’t go, veteran Trai Essex(notes)—signed off the street earlier this month—will be in charge of protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s(notes) blind side at left tackle against the Texans (2-1).

His job? Try and hold off a Houston pass rush led by Mario Williams(notes). Not exactly the player the Steelers want to see after allowing Indianapolis defensive ends Dwight Freeney(notes) and Robert Mathis(notes) wreak havoc in the backfield in front of a national audience, sacking Ben Roethlisberger three times and forcing him to put it on the ground twice.

Tomlin gave credit to Freeney and Mathis rather than point fingers at his players, though he acknowledges the line needs to get better if the Steelers want to take some of the pressure off Roethlisberger.

The running game is 20th in the league in yards per game (85.7) and 26th in yards per attempt (3.3). Not exactly the formula the franchise typically uses to win games.

Tomlin would like the offense to be more balanced but refuses to place blame on the line or running back Rashard Mendenhall(notes).

“We’re still very much a team in development in that area,” he said. “I’m trying not to frame it.”

Plugging holes along the line is almost an annual challenge for the Steelers. They did it with aplomb last year, using seven different starting combinations en route to a Super Bowl appearance.

If Scott can’t play, the line will have its fourth different lineup in as many games.

There haven’t been nearly as many injuries on defense, and there’s proof the Steelers are starting to round into shape after getting whipped in Baltimore in the season opener.

Pittsburgh shutout lifeless Seattle and held the Colts to 241 yards even though Indianapolis managed a late touchdown drive to tie the game at 20 behind lightly experienced backup quarterback Curtis Painter(notes).

The defense could get a boost on Sunday if defensive end Brett Keisel’s(notes) sprained knee continues to improve. Keisel sat out last week, though third-year man Ziggy Hood(notes) held his own.

Though Tomlin says the run defense could be better, the Steelers have been solid against the pass, allowing a mere 164 yards per game. Linebacker James Harrison(notes) continues to round into form as he comes back from a pair of offseason back surgeries, registering a sack and forced fumble that safety Troy Polamalu(notes) returned for a touchdown.

Tomlin laughed when asked if there’s evidence the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year appears to be getting healthier.

“He’s a sandbagger,” Tomlin said, “we expect that.”

The Steelers also expect their turnover problems to end. Pittsburgh is minus-9 through three games, easily the worst turnover ratio in the league.

Despite the mistakes, they’re still 2-1 on the season. The miscues, while highly visible, haven’t damaged the season. Yet.

“We were not perfect by any stretch,” Tomlin said. “We’re very much a team in development … but it’s encouraging to see necessary plays in all three phases of the game.”

[fordfixer]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Help wanted! Steelers exploring options for injury ravaged offensive line
[url="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/help-wanted-steelers-exploring-options-for-injury-ravaged-offensive-line/2011/09/27/gIQAOeXH2K_story.html?wprss=rss_redskins"]http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/re ... s_redskins[/url]

By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, September 27, 1:14 PM

PITTSBURGH — Marcus Gilbert and Doug Legursky’s left shoulders appear to be OK. Maybe. Jonathan Scott’s left ankle remains tender but not terrible. Probably.

Still, if you’re an out-of-work offensive lineman, there could be a call from the Pittsburgh Steelers in your near future.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are “open to looking to maybe bring someone in” this week to provide the team with some much-needed depth after three starters had to be helped off the field during Sunday night’s 23-20 victory over Indianapolis.

Tomlin stressed the team is looking for depth, not someone to show up on Wednesday and be ready to play in Sunday’s game at Houston.

“It would just be for practice purposes only,” Tomlin said.

At least, as of now. Given the perpetual state of flux the line has been for the last two seasons, Tomlin knows it’s too early to rule anything out.

If Scott can’t go, veteran Trai Essex — signed off the street earlier this month — will be in charge of protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side at left tackle against the Texans (2-1).

His job? Try and hold off a Houston pass rush led by Mario Williams. Not exactly the player the Steelers want to see after allowing Indianapolis defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis wreak havoc in the backfield in front of a national audience, sacking Ben Roethlisberger three times and forcing him to put it on the ground twice.

Tomlin gave credit to Freeney and Mathis rather than point fingers at his players, though he acknowledges the line needs to get better if the Steelers want to take some of the pressure off Roethlisberger.

The running game is 20th in the league in yards per game (85.7) and 26th in yards per attempt (3.3). Not exactly the formula the franchise typically uses to win games.

Tomlin would like the offense to be more balanced but refuses to place blame on the line or running back Rashard Mendenhall.

“We’re still very much a team in development in that area,” he said. “I’m trying not to frame it.”

Plugging holes along the line is almost an annual challenge for the Steelers. They did it with aplomb last year, using seven different starting combinations en route to a Super Bowl appearance.

If Scott can’t play, the line will have its fourth different lineup in as many games.

There haven’t been nearly as many injuries on defense, and there’s proof the Steelers are starting to round into shape after getting whipped in Baltimore in the season opener.

Pittsburgh shutout lifeless Seattle and held the Colts to 241 yards even though Indianapolis managed a late touchdown drive to tie the game at 20 behind lightly experienced backup quarterback Curtis Painter.

The defense could get a boost on Sunday if defensive end Brett Keisel’s sprained knee continues to improve. Keisel sat out last week, though third-year man Ziggy Hood held his own.

Though Tomlin says the run defense could be better, the Steelers have been solid against the pass, allowing a mere 164 yards per game. Linebacker James Harrison continues to round into form as he comes back from a pair of offseason back surgeries, registering a sack and forced fumble that safety Troy Polamalu returned for a touchdown.

Tomlin laughed when asked if there’s evidence the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year appears to be getting healthier.

“He’s a sandbagger,” Tomlin said, “we expect that.”

The Steelers also expect their turnover problems to end. Pittsburgh is minus-9 through three games, easily the worst turnover ratio in the league.

Despite the mistakes, they’re still 2-1 on the season. The miscues, while highly visible, haven’t damaged the season. Yet.

“We were not perfect by any stretch,” Tomlin said. “We’re very much a team in development ... but it’s encouraging to see necessary plays in all three phases of the game.”

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

Latest Steelers News - RapidReports

Sept. 27, 2011
by Chuck Finder

Essex may switch to left OT, Gilbert back at right if Jonathan Scott (sprained ankle) can't play. Rookie OT Marcus Gilbert would start at his customary right tackle and swingman Trai Essex will start at left OT, Mike Tomlin said Tuesday at his news conference.

He listed Scott as questionable along with starting right guard Doug Legursky (shoulder). Ex-starter Ramon Foster would replace Legursky if need be.

[url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT"]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/PIT[/url]

[Shawn]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

shawn, i wonder if hills said something or did something the team didn't approve of when he was told that he'd lost the job at RG.

It does make one wonder.

[Pahn711]

Re: As it stands now, the Week 4 starting OLine...

My question is, if Scott and Legursky can't go, Essex plays tackle and Foster RG, who is the top backup guard? I'm pretty sure they don't have any other guards on the roster. I guess they can move Essex to guard and one of the other backup tackles up but I'm wondering about the position flexibility of those backup guys.