The 2008 Steelers arguably put the greatest defense ever on the field week in and week out. They got their groove back, with both Woodley and Harrison causing havoc and racking up double digit sacks on the season and proved the the world they were for real in the Super Bowl. With that said, lets move onto grading the team by position and coaches.
NT – Casey Hampton clogged the middle and had something to do with the great run defense. That being said, Hoke could take his place for a lot cheaper price tag if the Steelers need to save cap money. Casey needs to play pissed off all of the time, not just when he gets called for defensive holding. Hampton B- Hoke B Paxson INC - (Needs is 2009 – Fresh legs & talent to prep for the future.)
DE – Aaron Smith gets an A for playing in the Giants game after dealing with his son’s leukemia. He had a quiet post-season but during the season he did his part to help the defense be number 1. Keisel played okay when he was healthy and probably led the team in batted down passes. Kirchke filled in when needed and was always hustling to the ball. Eason was just a big body. Roye came back to win the ring that Cowher screwed him out of. The 3-4 defense is set up to make stars out of the linebackers, not the linemen. This group did what they needed to do. Smith A, Keisel B-, Kirchke B- , Eason C, Roye C – (Needs is 2009 – Fresh legs & talent to prep for the future.)
ILB – James Farrior captained the best defense in football, arguably the best defense ever!! He missed some tackles and got burned in coverage a few times but overall he gave a B effort. Would you rather have Ray Lewis? Foote was the weak link of the linebackers as we all know but he still played his role, which is stopping the run. Timmons had a number of big plays coming off the bench. Let’s hope this will continue when he is given the starting job. Fox played mostly in garbage time and earned his keep on special teams. Farrior B, Foote C, Timmons B, Fox C+ (Needs is 2009 – Depth.)
OLB – James Harrison, aka ‘Silverback”, gets an A for his performance, playing hurt and not dancing like a fool when he makes a play. Lamarr “The Beast” Woodley, was a great bookend for Harrison and is only getting better. Woodley also set an NFL record by recording 2 sacks in every playoff game, including the Super Bowl. Bailey was a force on special teams and won the Steelers rookie of the year. Woods looked good on special teams before he got hurt. Davis is a project with “Boom or Bust” written on his forehead. Frazier also looked decent on special teams. Poor Arnold Harrison got hurt in the preseason again and put on IR. Harrison A++, Woodley A+, Everyone else, the jury is still out on. Their combined special teams play A. (Needs is 2009 – Depth and someone to develope to replace the aging Harrison in 2-3 seasons.)
S – Troy Polamalu was healthy and it showed. He made his trademark spectacular interceptions but had too many kamikaze missed tackles. Missed tackles aside, he is still the best and he sealed the deal against the Ravens in the AFC Champ game. Some fans don’t like Ryan Clark’s hits on Welker and McGahee but that is called intimidation and why we love him in the Burgh. Those hits bring back memories of Thomas Everett, Gary Jones, Mel Blount and all of the other great Steeler hitters. Clark isn’t the greatest cover man but he works well with Troy. Tyrone Carter brings depth but I only like to see him in garbage time. Anthony Smith is most likely on his way out. He couldn’t beat out Carter for playing time. That isn’t a good sign. Polamalu A-, Clark B, Carter C, Smith F, Mundy INC (Needs is 2009 – Depth and some talent to replace Clark down the road.)
CB – Ike Taylor had a decent season as the shutdown corner. He needs to improve his tackling and his butter fingers. Bryant McFadden was playing great before breaking his forearm. That opened the door for William Gay who had a breakout year and should be able to replace McFadden. The crafty old veteran Townsend was solid as the nickel corner and had the big interception against the Cowboys. Madison is a special teams demon but hasn’t played much defense yet. Roy Lewis was a practice squad demon who could be a suprise down the road. This group benefitted from the pass rush and made plays. Ike B, McFadden B, Gay B, Townsend B, Madison and Roy Lewis INC (Needs is 2009 – Some DB’s who can catch and replace Mcfadden and Townsand soon.)
HC – Mike Tomlin made a lot of gutsy calls this year and has the respect of his players. I still think he should have gone for the touchdown on the first drive of the Super Bowl. He took over a good talented team just like Cowher did. The difference is that Tomlin didn’t have numerous playoff failures before winning the big one. When Tomlin was on the podium with the trophy he was already talking about next year with a different group of players. He doesn’t sound like he rest on his laurels. Tomlin A+ (Needs is 2009 – To grow as a coach and win another title.)
OC – Bruce Arians – The fact that this team won the Super Bowl with him is amazing. He has the credentials for the passing aspect of the game but is not built for Steeler football and the run game. Arians C- (Needs is 2009 – Bring back the FB and change some of the repetitiveness in the run game.)
DC Dick LeBeau – Coached the number one defense this year, possibly of all time. I don’t think he should have changed the defenses in the second half of the Super Bowl. Outside of that, he made the right calls and now needs to be in the HOF. LeBeau A+ (Needs is 2009 – Keep breathing, get elected to the HOF and continue to bring the heat.)
ST Bob Ligashesky – What a turnaround by the special teams. Except for a couple of Jim Leonhard returns it was a solid year for the return defense. Santonio needs to be replaced on punt returns for two reasons. He calls too many fair catches and he is now the number one receiver. Someone also needs to be brought in to return kickoffs. I think half of Steeler Nation would have had heart attacks if Russell had took one back for a touchdown. Ligashesky B (Needs is 2009 – Find returners who can scare opposing teams.)
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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