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Category: ‘Defense’

Players to watch in the combine for the Steelers: Defense

February 22, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

A couple days ago we wrote up some thoughts on players who the Steelers may be targeting on offense as they do their evaluations this week at the NFL combine. Similar to our list of players to watch on offense, this defensive list of prospects is broken down by the likely position the Steelers could go to address the needs on defense.  For example; since the team doesn’t figure to go Cornerback or Safety early on we’re profiling value picks at these positions for the team.

Inside Linebackers: The Steelers figure to address this position within the first 3 rounds, more than likely 2nd or 3rd round but depending on who’s available.

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Steelers position review & outlook: Linebackers

February 20, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

We took a short break from our position review and outlook series once all the hoopla started with the Steelers coaching staff and Ben Roethlisberger.  While that’s still a hot topic, as is free agency, it’s high time we got back to this series. Next up is the Linebackers, arguably the most notable group on the Steelers year in and year out. They are traditionally the most talked about and scrutinized next to the offensive line.

James Harrison: The most notable of the linebackers without a doubt. James makes no excuses for his play or his attitude. He wears his emotions on his shirt sleeve and isn’t afraid to tell it how he sees it, anytime and anywhere. Considering the rough time Harrison had in 2010 when he was fined repeatedly, his 2011 campaign was much kinder to his checkbook if nothing else. Harrison will turn 34 this May, and just finished up his 8th season in the league. He’s got less wear and tear on his body than most players his age mainly because he really didn’t start his NFL career until 2004.  Since then he’s been a staple on the Steelers defense and arguably one of the most dominating linebackers in the league.  (more…)

Steelers secondary in good shape for next year.

February 19, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

For once, the Steelers secondary is not a major concern heading into the off season. I say “for once” because in recent years they have struggled either with injuries or sub par play at a particular position.  Heading into this coming draft though, the last line of defense for Pittsburgh shouldn’t need much help thanks to a healthy group, good coaching, and solid drafting in recent years.

Last season, 2011, they finished 1st overall vs the pass, allowing a league low 171.9 yds per game. Compare that number to 2010 when they finished 12h overall, allowing 214.1 yds per game. The Steelers strength has always been their ability to stop the run and the pass rush. They were great at making teams one dimensional, thus allowing the pass rush to pin their ears back and get after the Quarterback. The secondary just basically had to hold its own and not allow the big play.  In today’s NFL though that’s not so easy to accomplish anymore.

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Fate of Aaron Smith yet to be determined

February 18, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

It’s no secret that the Steelers long time defensive lineman hasn’t been the same since 2008, that’s the last time he was able to play in all 16 games. He finished that year with 60 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, and 4 Passes Defensed.

Since then he’s only played in 15 games since , fighting various injuries and father time (Smith will be 36 this coming April). Up until recent history, #91 was well known as one of the toughest defensive lineman and probably the most underrated in recent history. His ability to diagnose a play before the snap and occupy more than 1 blocker made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines and the pride of Dick Lebeau’s unit. Originally drafted out of Northern Colorado by Bill Cowher, Smith was a guy you could always count on to be there year in and year out. Other than his rookie year in 1999 when he played in 6 games,  Smith appeared in every regular season game from 2000-2008 except for 2007 when he played in 11.  (more…)

Steelers Defense Wasn’t Perfect in 2011 Either

February 15, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

Since the final, pain-staking moments of the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Wild-Card Playoffs well over a month ago much of he talk has been about the Steelers offense. Rightfully so I might add, but where has the talk about the defense been in what can only be described as a failed season in 2011?

It’s hard to find fault with a defense that ranked number one in the league in total defense this past season but if you look closer you’ll find some eye-opening issues that seem to have been avoided in all of the off-season talk. (more…)

Nose Tackle now top priority for the Steelers draft?

February 15, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

If the Steelers weren’t considering taking a Nose Tackle early in this years NFL draft, they may be now.  Veteran Nose Tackle Casey Hampton had surgery on his left knee last month to repair a torn ACL he suffered in the wild card game in Denver. This is the 2nd surgery Hampton has had on that knee in his career.

Bill Cowher originally drafted the big snack back in 2001 and he’s been the anchor of the Steelers defensive line ever since, playing in 157 games in his career.  Traditionally a team that runs the 34 defense like the the Steelers do, rely on a big player like Hampton to control the center of the line and free up the linebackers to make plays.  A 5 time pro bowler, #98 has done his job consistently and helped Dick Lebeau’s group remain in the top percentage of the league in rush defense year in and  year out.

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Steelers can afford to let William Gay walk away

February 14, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

Cornerback William Gay is one of the free agents that Kevin Colbert was talking about when he mentioned that the Steelers were not likely to sign any players before the March 13th deadline at 4pm. At this point the Steelers have enough quality cornerbacks on the roster that they can afford to let him leave regardless.

Will Gay did play better in 2011 so  you have to give him credit; 61 Tackles & 2 Interceptions. That touchdown catch that Torrey Smith burnt him on though, in the Ravens game, still haunts Steelers fans and probably always will.  He’s got a knack for getting after the Quarterback on corner blitzes as well, something he might be better known for than his coverage skills to some. (more…)

Why releasing James Harrison would be the wrong move

February 11, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

There seems to be a lot of chatter lately around this notion that the Steelers should or will have to release James Harrison this offseason. There’s several reasons available for this argument; some harp on one more than others but if you talk to those that think he should be gone they’ll try to make a very compelling speech but in the end it would just be the wrong idea.

-Salary cap: This one is the only legitimate reason in my opinion but even this can be worked out. Harrison is one of the highest paid players on the team, signing a contract in 2009 for 6 years worth $51.75 million. He’s certainly earned his money so far, being one of the most productive players on the team week in and week out.  (more…)

Steelers make offseason moves, release McFadden & Battle

February 8, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

The offseason is in full swing now for the Steelers, as if it wasn’t already. Today it was announced, courtesy of Pittsburgh Trib, that the team has released veteran Cornerback Bryant McFadden and Wide Receiver Arnaz Battle.

Both players were still under contract, each having 1 year left on their current deals. This comes as no surprise to most as the team needs to continue to chip away at their salary cap.  Yesterday they restructured Lamarr Woodley’s deal and saved over $6.5  million. Releasing both Battle and McFadden they’ll save an additional $3.5 million.

McFadden struggled with hamstring injuries the last 2 seasons and lost his starting job to William Gay. Since his departure to Arizona after Super Bowl XLIII and then subsequent return to the Steelers, he was never able to fully regain his previous form.

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Steelers free up cap room by restructuring Woodley’s contract

February 7, 2012 Posted by SteelerAddicts

News coming out tonight that the Steelers are already in the process of freeing up cap room and have restructured Lamarr Woodley’s contract.  – Steelers restructured OLB LaMarr Woodley’s contract to clear $6.56 million in cap room.

It’s a safe bet that they’ve started this process well before tonight if you ask me and Woodley’s deal is a good place to save significant money. They are an estimated $25 million over the cap heading into the 2012 league year so expect more information to come down in the coming days and weeks of other players who’s deal will be restructured. Other players also to watch for would be Ben Roethlisberger (cap hit $11.67 million), Casey Hampton (cap hit $8.56 million) , James Harrison (cap hit $9.43 million), and Lawrence Timmons (cap hit $9.125 million) to name a few.

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