Steelers notebook: Dick LeBeau wants to return

[Chadman]

More than any other 'team' at the Steelers, the Defense 'team' underwent some pretty major surgury this seaon- from Farrior & Smith & Hoke moving on, to multiple injuries, to the decline of some long-term vets, and the promotion of some young up-and-comers.

The Defensive unit was one of major change, and LeBeau did a very good job, considering the circumstances.

The Defense, sadly, will continue to suffer from instability until the transition from old-to-new is complete. Replacing Hampton, Harrison, Clark, Taylor, Polamalu & Keisel over the next couple of years will be difficult. Not to mention potentially losing Lewis this season.

[NorthCoast]

I too, think Carnell Lake has made his mark with this secondary. Lake was never a guy with elite speed or athletic ability but it was reported how much of a student of the game he was, always where he needed to be to make a play. It is quite remarkable his impact on the young guys in so short a time.

Now where can we find an OL coach version of Lake?

[steelfin]

LeBeau is the best in the business, if you had any doubts it was erased this season. Even the injuries couldn't stop this defense in being a top tier defense.
Glad he's coming back!

+1...That is the best news I have heard this season....

[Slapstick]

Given all he's had to deal with, did you really think our D would have been as good as they've been? A top 10 scoring D should be good enough to get you in the playoffs when you have a "franchise" QB. Lebeau is holding together a house of cards in a tornado imho.

QFT. This is exactly right. The scheme is exceptionally sound. Players need to make the splash plays when given the opportunity, like they did against Cincy...

[phillyesq]

I'm quite pleased that Lebeau is coming back. The fact that the defense was able to do what it did despite the OLBs generating little pass rush is really a credit to DL.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Maybe the lack of pass rush (not just OLB pass rush) is partly due to LeBeau ...

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Here is where I am at on this. Before the 2012 season I was ready to move on without him for 2013. Based upon the 2012 final outcome, I would like him to come back. Not because of what he did or where the defense ranked. Because of what I think will happen over the next 6 months. I feel there will be a big turnover on defense in 2013 and will continue in 2014. It would be very beneficial to have DL here for 2013 for player development in this system. I predict Harrison, Hampton, Foote, and possibly Keisel may be gone for 2013 and Polamalu, Clark, and Taylor will be gone for 2014.

[Oviedo]

Because of what I think will happen over the next 6 months. I feel there will be a big turnover on defense in 2013 and will continue in 2014. It would be very beneficial to have DL here for 2013 for player development in this system.

You mean the historical LeBeau two to three year player development cycle? You really think that is what we need going forward?

It's really moot because the Rooney's are going to let LeBeau stay as long as he wants no matter what the performance.

[Mister Pittsburgh]

You mean the historical LeBeau two to three year player development cycle? You really think that is what we need going forward?

It's really moot because the Rooney's are going to let LeBeau stay as long as he wants no matter what the performance.

We can't take 2 or 3 years to develop people, which half the time I think that is horse rap anyway and nothing more than Lebeau favoring veterans and making young players earn their stripes.

[lloydroid]

[B]

“That would be up to Coach (Mike) Tomlin. Let‘s just say I really like Pittsburgh and I really like working for the Steelers,” LeBeau said. “Coach Tomlin will tell you if he wants me back or not. It will be up to Mike.”
[URL]http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/3188475-74/steelers-miller-award?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_ca mpaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewsteelers+%28Steelers+S tories%29#ixzz2GIkCHrGr[/URL]

Anyone believe that? No way. It won't be up to Tomlin; it will really be up to the Rooneys. I never heard Tomlin say a peep about "his" decision to boot Arians; that's because it wasn't his call, nor will DL status be.

[lloydroid]

We can't take 2 or 3 years to develop people, which half the time I think that is horse rap anyway and nothing more than Lebeau favoring veterans and making young players earn their stripes.

That crap has to end. You no longer can afford to wait 3 years for a player to be playing. It's BS. There is something to be said for making young guys earn playing time, but this team just takes it way too far. It's madness.

[lloydroid]

LeBeau isn't hungry any longer and it is a feeling that's passed on to his players and something you can see on the field.

Yea, but they are all buddies, fawning all over each other, so it doesn't matter. As long as they are best buddies, we should be content.

[squidkid]

Anyone believe that? No way. It won't be up to Tomlin; it will really be up to the Rooneys. I never heard Tomlin say a peep about "his" decision to boot Arians; that's because it wasn't his call, nor will DL status be.

i think anyone who really knows anything realizes the rooneys make the big decisions. DL is just being nice and making it sounds good. tomlin was probably able to hire the OL coach or ST coach(with rooney approval) but not much else.

[pittpete]

Im sure we all know this allready, but in D.L.'s defense he had no Harrison and an uninspired,often injured Woodley.
Throw in the fact that none of our DL can beat a blocker and unless Foote or Timmons are unblocked, there's usually no pressure generated.

[NorthCoast]

You mean the historical LeBeau two to three year player development cycle? You really think that is what we need going forward?

It's really moot because the Rooney's are going to let LeBeau stay as long as he wants no matter what the performance.

I'm going to call you out on this one. Over the last 3 seasons, most of the defensive draft picks were in a significant number of games, even in their rookie seasons. It may not be to the extent you want to see, but part of LeBeau's talent as a coach is knowing exactly how much to put on a young player to instill confidence and give the best chance for success. So regardless of your perception, the truth is DL plays young players when he thinks they are ready.
The pickup of CB Van Dyke is a typical example. The Raiders rushed him into the game and he was quickly overwhelmed and generally sucked and benched. With some patience and coaching from DL and Lake, I am hoping the guy can turn into something special.