by Jeffrey Burton,
Pre-season Thoughts
It seems that everything that could have gone did go wrong for the Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season. No Ben for four games, Santonio gone, Willie Colon gone and Leftwich out for the first two to four games. And on top of that our “Genius” coaches thought it was a swell idea to cut Stefan Logan who was our ground yardage leader last year with 1700+ yards and the dependable and intelligent Center Justin Hartwig.
I understand the emergence of Maurkice Pouncey probably forced the decision and I’m guessing Justin might have asked for the move. I’m guessing he’ll land a starting gig somewhere. Stefan has already been claimed by the Lions.
People I am Unimpressed With.
New Special Teams Coach Al Everest – Our special teams blocking is horrible, and kick defense is as bad or worse than last year. I think he cost Stefan his job.
New Offensive Line Coach Sean Kugler – Starks, Kemoeatu, Pouncey (ok, he’s good), Essex and Adams? That is the line you think you are going to win with? They have been ignored in pre-season by defenses in both passing and running situations. Dennis Dixon will be doing his best Fran Tarkenton impersonation running for his life. How about giving Ramon Foster and Doug Legursky a shot?
Offensive Coordinator ‘Coach’ Bruce Arians – Do I really have to explain why?
Head Coach Mike Tomlin – He’s the guy that needs to fix all this. It’s his show now with the contract extension.
People I am Impressed With
WR Antonio ‘Downtown’ Brown – Man, he has jets and I like that he always points to the end zone, I’m guessing he’s trying to show our offensive line where we are supposed be going. Explosive is the word that comes to mind.
RB Isaac “Redzone” Redman – He’s a Bad Man.
WR Emanuel Sanders – He’s a smooth operator. He reminds me a little of Hines in how exploits the zone.
RB Jonathan Dwyer – He’s starting to show his college form, let’s hope he keeps it up. The Combine clocked him at 4.74 for his forty. If that’s the case everybody else runs 4.84.
CB Crezdon Butler – Bad-ass. Reminds me of a 70’s Steeler.
CB Keenan Lewis – Ditto. I like that he’s playing as crazy as Ike Taylor. We need to intimidate the other teams receivers. If we don’t have a Derelle Revis we need to have a bunch of Donnie Shell’s and Jack Tatum’s. A Mel Blount would be nice, but hey…
LB Stevenson Sylvester – I questioned this pick, but he plays with attitude. He has adapted to the inside very well so far.
The Upcoming Season
With the Falcons, Titans, Buccaneers and The Dreaded Baltimore Ravens as our first four games, things will be rough. The Ravens just added T.J. ‘Who’s-yur-momma?’ So he can disrespect the Terrible Towel two times a year, again. I hope we can keep Dennis and/or Charlie safe through this stretch. When Ben comes back we become a different team. And on the subject of Ben, I’m still ticked off at him and I don’t like his false nicey-nicey attitude on the sideline, but damn can he play. I think he’s one of the best ever to play the position.
League Thoughts
Tom Brady injured his middle finger…movin’ on.
I wish we would have claimed Pat White. I think he probably has his NFL Quarterback thoughts out of his system. I really want another Slash.
Matt Lienart should open up a hot tub company… with Nick Lachey.
Sage Rosenfels really got the short end of the stick with the Vikings. That guy has been a good Quarterback everywhere he’s gone. He’ll be riding the pine again with the Giants.
Did we try to claim former Ravens OT Adam Terry? If not, why?
I don’t like T.J. ‘Who’s-yur-momma?’
Last Pre-season Thoughts
Last year I took some friends to the opener against the Cardinals. It was my first time at Hines Field (yeah, I know how to spell it. It’s just a better name.) It seems very friendly, there was nothing friendly about Three Rivers Stadium. Football stadiums are not supposed to be friendly. It’s great place to watch a football game though.
Some tips, give yourself about a half-hour more than you think it will take to get there. They opened a casino and an entertainment complex so there are a lot of heathens that go there NOT for the purpose of Steelers football. How can this be allowed? Bring cash, I swear they have only one ATM in the entire place and the line is long enough that you will miss the game. Drink Ying-Ling, no it’s not a Chinese beer it claims to be the oldest American beer. It’s yummy.
My nephews, the Twin Towers Sean and Joel went with as did my buddy Chuck and his lovely wife Bev, and my sister’s hubby Bobby. We sat behind this girl that I called “Me-Me” because all she did was talk about her self and didn’t watch the game at all. I was starting to get ramped up and my nephews noticed it so all of the sudden I had two Ying-Lings in my hands. They treat me like an animal that you have to shoot with a tranquilizer dart from time to time. Did I say Ying-Lings are yummy? They have this great feature that they project a number on the big screen to report obnoxious fan behavior. Me-Me moved over a couple rows and the guys behind us called her in. I said “No you didn’t.” they said, “Yes we did.”
Anyway, fantastic place to watch a game and there’s no fans like Steelers fans. I hope to go to a game or two this year
2011 Draft Sneak Preview
| Rd 1 – OT | Rd 2 – NT | Rd 3 – OG |
| Gabe Carimi LT Wisconsin | Jerrel Powe NT Mississippi | Mike Pouncey OG-C Florida |
| Rd 4 – S | Rd 5 – QB-AHLETE | Rd 6 – DE |
| Shiloh Keo SS-FS-PR Idaho | Colin Kaepernick QB-ATH Nev | Adrian Taylor DE OK |
| Rd 6 – PK-P (Comp for JG) | Rd 7 – DE | Rd 7 – S (Comp for WP) |
| Alex Henery PK-P Nebraska | Ricky Elmore DE Arizona | Chris Prosinski FS Wyoming |
Gabe Carimi is a big athletic Tackle from Wisconsin, which seems to be a breeding ground for Offensive Linemen.
Jerrel Powe is a potential replacement for “Big Snack” Casey Hampton.
Mike Pouncey could reunite with his brother. Think of the half-time shows when they make-out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gSE76XfHQo&p=FEEC560C5A83C988&index=53&playnext=2
That just never gets old.
Shiloh Keo is a Banzai style guy that I think fits what Dick Lebeau wants to do with our DB’s. Banzai means “Ten Thousand Years”. I didn’t know that.
Colin Kaepernick is a favorite of mine. Threw for 2,000 yards and rushed for another 1,000.
I have Alex Henery as a versatile PK-P and the rest of the guys are there to fill needs. I am anticipating compensatory picks for Joey Galloway and Willie Parker, with any luck we’ll get something Justin Hartwig and Stefan Logan.
Looking forward to the season opener.
Go Stillers!
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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Great photo Mr. Editor! Funny!