Two marginal players, playing their way off the team

The following is from an article by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (emphasis added):

Tomlin emphasized that the traditional first-day running test Thursday was not a test. He called it a "conditioning evaluation."

'We don't know where these guys have been,' Tomlin said. "More than anything, we wanted to see where they are from a conditioning standpoint."

While Tomlin said it went "extremely well," there were several players who could not continue. Two of them were wide receiver Limas Sweed and running back Jonathan Dwyer, who looks as though he could play nose tackle. Adams and Casey Hampton also cut their number of runs short but likely were given a pass because of their ages.

There are no words to express the stunned feeling here regarding these two underachievers. Limas Sweed has been skating on very thin ice with his head coach ever since his dropped pass in the 2009 AFC Championship game versus Baltimore; a drop made all the worse by his unwillingness inability to get off the turf immediately thereafter. The guess here is that Kevin Colbert will bring in more wide outs, irrespective of what Plaxico Burress decides to do.

As for Jonathan Dwyer . . . he was a one camp wonder, and if he is not amongst the first cuts (on or about August 30) it will be a big surprise.

Preseason, Halfway Home: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

Some will write about every game ~ including preseason. If the years have taught me anything it is that an individual player (or team) can look like a world-beater one game and a bum the very next.

Those of you who watched the Steelers in Landover, Maryland know what I mean.

But two games can give us some notion as to where some players are at in their preparation for the season, and here are some thoughts along those lines.

The Good

1. Stefan Logan: After doing nothing in the game against Arizona, "The Joystick" came to play versus the Redskins ~ a twelve yard return average on punts and a 39.3 yard return average on kicks ~ and his presence energized the kick/punt return units more than any player since Louis Lipps. Given the emphasis that special teams receive in the preseason Mr. Logan's performance may well be the best of any Steeler thus far.


2. Doug Legursky: After a year on the Pittsburgh practice squad last season Mr. Legursky is making a strong push for a spot on the 53-man roster in 2009. His ability to step in for Justin Hartwig in week one, along with his strong performance against the Arizona starters, and then the versatility to start at left guard in week two, move to center shortly thereafter, and more than hold his own against Albert Haynesworth (zero tackles in Saturday evening's game) must have Larry Zierlein and Mike Tomlin feeling very good.


3. A.Q. Shipley: He has stepped in, playing significant minutes in both games, and performed quite capably. Whether or not he will remain on the 53-man roster remains to be seen but Mr. Shipley has only helped his chances with solid plan.

Honorable Mention: Bruce Davis for solid special teams play.

The Bad

1. Dennis Dixon: Nobody was more pleased about the Steelers' decision to choose Mr. Dixon in the 2008 NFL Draft ~ he was a dynamic college quarterback who, despite a devastating knee injury, exhibited Micheal Vick athleticism without all the baggage. But after two weeks (a combined 18/35/180/0 TD/0 INT/66.369 QB Rating) it seems that the challenge of being the third string quarterback (i.e. not playing) is simply more than he can overcome. The lack of touch on his passes is very disappointing to see, and he still seems less than comfortable passing from the pocket. Making the decision to keep or cut Mr. Dixon is made even more difficult because, thanks to his presence on the Steelers' roster for the 2008 season), he is ineligible for the Steelers' practice squad this season.


2. Limas Sweed: He has made some very nice catches and played pretty well versus Arizona, but he continues to perform inconsistently ~ dropping a third down pass versus the Redskins (on Pittsburgh's opening offensive series) that would have been good enough for a first down. He seems to make the tough catches in traffic but struggle with the easier catches. He has great potential but his concentration needs to improve (think AFC Championship game versus Baltimore ~ I know I do).


3. Joe Burnett: In week one he was given an opportunity to show what he could do as a kick/punt returner, and what he did was call fair catches. Then against the Redskins, after Stefan Logan had impressed all evening, he was given another opportunity and promptly fumbled. He has one more game to provide the coaching staff with some reason or another to keep him around.

The Ugly

1. Max Starks & Tony Hills: Is it possible that the situation at left offensive tackle for the Steelers is deteriorating? Max Starks comes out of his stance as slowly as any starting left tackle in football ~ high school and college included ~ and Tony Hills has a nasty tendency to stand straight up out of his stance. Bruce Arians had better plan on keeping an extra blocker on the left side all season long, barring some kind of miracle.


2. Penalties: In the first two preseason games of 2008 the Steelers were called for a total of ten penalties; meanwhile in two games this season they have been penalized 20 times for 159 yards. Sixteen of those have come against the offense ~ the majority involving the offensive line (e.g. illegal formation, holding, false start). To put that into some kind of perspective nearly 30% of the Steelers' offensive output (i.e. 518 net yards) has been negated by penalties. Nothing like making an already tough job tougher.


3. Opening series defense: In the game versus Arizona, the first time the Steelers' defense was on the field the Arizona offense ran off 10 plays, for 42 yards, and possessed the ball for 4:47 (zero points). In the second game the Redskins offense had a drive of 15 plays (including a fake punt), 62 yards, and possessed the abll for 6:47 (scoring three points). In both games adjustments were made (though in the Arizona game the Cardinals' first three possessions consisted of drives of 10 plays, 10 plays, and 14 plays ~ none of which resulted in points) and defensive play improved. However, it would be great to see the defense begin with a three-and-out in a few games ~ just to make me feel better.

For all the positive and negative developments this is still the preseason so there is no need for panic. But after two games it is pretty clear that there is a great deal of work still do; and with less than ten days before first cuts are made and three weeks before the regular season begins time is definitely short.

Mike Tomlin saw things just like we did

The fact that a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers is on the (regional) cover of Sports Illustrated is no surprise, but what we did find somewhat surprising was a piece of information included in Peter King's article about head coach Mike Tomlin. Specifically, Mr. Tomlin did not care much for the reaction that Limas Sweed had to dropping a second quarter pass that almost certainly would have gone for a touchdown:

[W]ith 1:00 left in the first half and the Steelers leading the Baltimore Ravens 13–7. Pittsburgh rookie wideout Limas Sweed, uncovered deep down the left side, dropped a sure touchdown pass, then fell to the ground and lay there. Replays showed the only injury was to his pride. But when Sweed was slow to rise, the Steelers had to take their last timeout—one they'd wish they had when the clock ran out before they could attempt a short field goal. After Sweed finally walked off, to 65,350 boos, he was met at the sideline by a livid Tomlin. For 10 seconds the coach blew up, and the wideout took it.

"I wasn't mad because he dropped the ball," Tomlin said later. "That kind of mistake can happen to anyone. I was pissed that he'd lay on the ground, fake an injury and cost us our last timeout. My point was, Be a man! Grow up!"

Three plays later Sweed was back in the game and delivering a ferocious block on cornerback Corey Ivy, enabling tight end Heath Miller to gain an extra yard or two. "Coach Tomlin's got an interesting way of explaining stuff," Sweed said. "He's got a little magic in him."

That lay-on-the-ground-after-dropping-a-pass stuff may have worked at Texas but it simply does not work in the pro game; and definitely does not work in Pittsburgh.

Ravens v. Steelers:The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Surprisingly enough, home field can be an advantage, even in Pittsburgh (many thanks to my friend Joe Brugh for the included photograph ~ taken from section 524 of Heinz Field). In a postseason that witnessed an unprecedented strength amongst the road teams (i.e. in this postseason visiting, and home, teams were 5-5) the Pittsburgh Steelers overcame their franchise's history, and the angst that all Pittsburgh fans feel for no other reason than they are Pittsburgh fans, to earn a trip to Florida and Super Bowl XLIII. Here are some of our impressions from that game.

The Good

1. What does one say, what can one say when everything has been said? In the afterglow of the AFC Championship can anyone really question whether or not the Steelers have the NFL's most dominant defense? During the 2008 regular season the Baltimore Ravens' offense averaged 324.0 yards per game, and 248.5 yards per game in the postseason. But in the AFC Championship the Steelers held Baltimore's offense to 198 total net yards ~ their lowest single-game total of the season (their second lowest total was 202 yards ~ against the Steelers in the second meeting between these two teams).
   
   Obviously the most impressive part of that low yardage total is the job that the Steelers' run defense did ~ the 73 yards rushing for Baltimore was their second-lowest total of the season (the lowest total was 10/12/08 versus Indianapolis ~ 51 yards), and came against an offense that averaged 148.5 yards of rushing during the regular season and 91.3 yards per playoff game.
   
   In addition to the yardage allowed, the Steelers defense sacked Joe Flacco three times, making it an even 10 sacks by Pittsburgh against Mr. Flacco on the season. To put that into some kind of perspective, in the other 16 games the Ravens played this season Mr. Flacco was sacked a total of 25 times.
   
   During the previous 18 games Joe Flacco threw 12 interceptions. On Sunday the Steelers picked off three passes.
   
   Going into the game there were some who expected the Ravens to have an answer for the Steelers. Based upon this game we are not sure the Ravens' offense understood the question.


2. Every time Baltimore and Pittsburgh play we hear all about Ray Lewis, and what a great player he is. Fair enough ~ he is a great player; however if he is great then what about James Farrior? In the game Mr. Lewis had 6 tackles, 3 assists, defended 1 pass, and forced 1 fumble. Meanwhile, the less heralded James Farrior had 6 tackles, 3 assists, and defended 1 pass ~ and had the good fortune of having played on the winning team. Mr. Lewis talks more, but Mr. Farrior's impact on the field of play iis as least as significant.


3. Special teams were something of a mixed bag on Sunday, but the kick coverage team did a terrific job. During the regular season Baltimore averaged 20.1 yards per return, and averaged 22.8 yards per return in the December 14th meeting between these two teams. This past Sunday the Patrick Bailey, Keyaron Fox, Anthony Madison, et al limited the Ravens to a 14.3 yard average. As a result the Ravens' average starting point was the 24 yard line and, based upon the results (i.e. the turnovers) keeping them on a long field had a significant impact.


4. Troy Polamalu, we salute you. The interception and return for a touchdown ~ on a play which we predicted would be the most important play of the game (our exact words immediately before the snap were "this is the ballgame!") ~ is obviously a moment no Steelers fan will ever forget. But his leaping stop of Joe Flacco late in the first quarter on fourth-and-one at the Steelers 34-yard line kept Baltimore off the scoreboard (and there is no doubt as to how important that was), and certainly set the tone for the game ~ despite trailing by only six points at halftime, the Ravens ran the ball 10 times in the second half.
   
   However unorthodox Mr. Polamalu's offseason training regimen, here's hoping Casey Hampton gets on the same program.


5. Last but certainly not least is the matter of Ben Roethlisberger. The passing numbers are decent if not spectacular ~ one can only imagine how those numbers would have looked if Willie Parker had held on to the first quarter pass thrown in his direction, or if the first quarter pass thrown to Santonio Holmes had been ruled a touchdown rather than an incompletion when it was reviewed, or if Limas Sweed had held on to the second quarter touchdown pass thrown to him ~ but what pleased us most was that he threw no interceptions and did not fumble the football. He created opportunities by moving around in the pocket, but when it was time to get rid of the football he did so, and did so without falling victim to Ed Reed. It was a mature and seasoned performance.

The Bad

1. We understand that the Baltimore defense is very strong versus the run; however 52 yards of rushing, and a per rush average of 1.9 yards is putrid (by way of comparison, in the first meeting between these two teams the Steelers averaged 2.5 yards per rush, and in the second game they averaged 3.4 yards per rush). The offensive line did a very good job protecting Ben Roethlisberger on pass plays, but their inability to open holes for the running backs ~ in re-watching the game it was clear that there was little or no surge from the offensive line (i.e. Baltimore's defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage on running plays) ~ has been a problem all season long.


2. We do not have any major complaints about the offensive game plan; however Bruce Arians nearly cost the Steelers a chance at the Super Bowl with a single play call. Early in the fourth quarter, with third-and-one at their own 37 yard line, the Steelers went to an empty backfield, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a very poor pass. Creativity is a great thing, but we question the empty backfield ~ if a pass is to be thrown, why not make it a play action pass? It was a poor play call poorly executed, and (thanks to the Steelers special teams) nearly had disasterous consequences.

The Ugly

1. Mitch Berger's 21-yard kick in the fourth quarter appeared to be what one wag (i.e. Big Dan the 'Burgh Man) described as "an onside punt," and immediately followed the questionable third-and-one play call previously mentioned. The result of these two plays was to give Baltimore the football at their own 42 yard line, and the Ravens managed to score their second touchdown on a six play drive.
   
   More generally, poor punt coverage ~ a problem that cropped up versus San Diego ~ reared its ugly head again, with Jim Leonhard averaging 10.8 yards per return, and had a long of 45 yards. Though it must certainly be obvious we feel compelled to point something out: Making mistakes in special teams play, especially at this time of the season is a formula for losing, and nobody knows that better than fans of the Steelers.


2. Chris Kemoeatu, feel free not to get any more ill-advised personal foul calls for the remainder of your career with the Steelers (he is a free agent this offseason). His transgression turned what should have been third-and-five into third-and-nineteen, effectively killing the drive. Playing with composure is always important, but is especially so in big games.

Looking forward to Super Bowl XLIII, as big as the challenges will be for the Steelers the team (and their fans) can take some comfort in knowing that they got to the big game without playing their best football. However, no one should doubt that it will take their very best effort to win their sixth Lombardi trophy.

Cincinnati v. Steelers:The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Normally we utilize a very standard template ~ good stuff, bad stuff, ugly stuff ~ but for this game we are turning the whole thing upside down; and would like to begin by highlighting a portion of Mike Tomlin's post game press conference:

The Ugly

1. Question: It seemed like the punting was a problem tonight . . .
   
   Mike Tomlin: It was horrible.
   
   Question: Will you look at that situation?
   
   Mike Tomlin: We'll address it.
   
   Now we would like to repeat a portion of our post game analysis from last week:
   
   "Paul Ernster has to go.
   
   Four kicks, a 31.0 yard average, and a net of 30.8 yards. His average is tied for lowest so far this weekend (with only the Monday evening game remaining), and his net is the second lowest (Indianapolis punter Hunter Smith had a single punt with a net of 16 yards). He has done a good job holding for field goals, but his fourth quarter, 20-yard punt from the Chargers' 38 yard line was horrific."
   
   Thursday evening's performance makes that look spectacular:
   
   4 kicks, 28.4 yard average, 28.4 yard net.
   
   We checked the position list for punters at NFL.com, and there are any number of players available, including Zac Atterberry who had a good training camp with Chicago.


2. Having tall receivers may be something that Ben Roethlisberger wanted, but if Limas Sweed cannot ge away from a punted football then please keep him on the bench. Obviously that play could have been disastrous, and would have been if they had been playing a team with a better offense.


3. Ben Roethlisberger completed 17 of his 30 passes, and we believe that receivers dropped fourteen of those incomplete passes. For the second game in-a-row Nate Washington dropped a ball that hit him square in the hands. Santonio Holmes, after having his jersey grabbed by a defender, had the ball hit him in the chest before he dropped the pass. Hines Ward and (the usually reliable) Heath Miller each dropped at least one pass. The next five opponents have a combined record of 32-18 (a winning percentage of .640), and missed opportunities like that simply will not do.

The Bad

1. Why is it that the Steelers' offense will not take a knee when they should? After dodging a bullet following the Limas Sweed miscue Bruce Arians called a pass play? What good could have possibly come from that? Feel free to run out the clock, and head to the locker room next time.


2. Despite a good performance we want to remind Mewelde Moore that, with time running out in the game and the Steelers in possession of the ball, it is preferable that he remains in-bounds. This is not the first time a Pittsburgh running back has done that this season (as we pointed out following the game against Cleveland), and we would like to think that running back coach Kirby Wilson is delivering the same message.


3. We love the defense but Ryan Clark had what (we hope) was his worst game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Missed tackles, poor coverage ~ he has had a Pro Bowl caliber season until now. We are sure (*fingers crossed*) he will bounce back.

The Good
(This may end up reading like the "All Redemption" team)

1. We have openly questioned Troy Polamalu. His physical ailments, we argued, were talking a toll that few others were willing to acknowledge.
   
   We stand corrected.
   
   Whether defending the run by launching his body like a missile into running backs, or tackling receivers in the open field, or picking off another pass he is back, and a force to be reckoned with.


2. A quick tip of the hat to Aaron Smith for his three deflected passes. Always one of our favorites, he continues to amaze us with his versatility


3. We have been unrelenting in our criticism of the play calling of Bruce Arians, but Thursday evening he showed us how good he can be. Sure we would like to see 100% running, but 37 rushes and 30 passes is a good mix; and more importantly the Steelers seemed more willing to stay with the run when it was working (we recall only one drive in which a relatively effective running play was followed by two unsuccessful passing plays, and a punt). Despite meager first half numbers the Steelers stayed with the run, and wore down the undermanned Bengals defense. Additionally, the short passing plays worked well, which leads us to item #2.


4. He has been roundly criticized, and some called for his benching, but Thursday night Ben Roethlisberger looked very good. With time to throw and receivers getting open he had a passer rating of 94.2 ~ his second highest such rating in his last five games (last Sunday's game was his highest in that stretch ~ 96.4). We especially liked the short passes to receivers in space who were then able to make big plays. We believe that that approach ~ i.e. get the ball to playmakers and turn them loose ~ is what good quarterbacks do. Making perfect, downfield passes should be the exception not the rule. Which leads us to item #3.


5. Yes, we criticized the receivers, but we also recognize that when they were able to hold onto the football (his second quarter catch, a completion that went for 27 yards, in which he grabbed the back end of the football was spectacular) they made things happen.


6. Last, but not least, a big shout out to the offensive line! Yes, the Bengals have a pass rush that is largely ineffectual, and yes the Cincinnati defensive line was horribly depleted, but the Steelers controlled the offensive line throughout. We were especially pleased with a play in the fourth quarter.
   
   Facing 3-and-10, Ben Roethlisberger dropped back to throw and was immediately pressured, and hit by a Bengals' defensive lineman. Mr. Roethlisberger escaped, and as he did Darnell Stapleton was there to drive that defensive lineman to the ground. That play enabled Mr. Roethlisberger to escpae to his left, and throw a 14-yard completion to Limas Sweed.
   
   We loved the determination and the refusal to quit on the play that Mr. Stapleton displayed. It really was indicative of how all the O-linemen performed Thursday; and gives us hope for the remainder of the season.

The Beat Goes On -- Update

Update: The latest reports are that Mr. Sweed was suffering from a cramp -- thank goodness that's all it was!

Original Post

It's been almost four whole days since training camp began, so naturally there have been injuries and pseudo-injuries, but this is getting ridiculous.

To review, we have the PUP Trio ~ Troy Polamalu, Chris Kemoeatu, and Casey Hampton.

Then Daniel Sepulveda, out for the season.

Now comes word that Limas Sweed has a "hamstring injury."

Perhaps this latest player injury in nothing serious, but with camp concluding in just nineteen days, and the season beginning in 39 days (and counting down), the injury bug is hitting the Steelers early and hard.

You Always Hurt the Ones Who Love You

We've made no secret of our respect for, and reliance upon, the expertise of the fine folks at Pro Football Weekly, so it is with some sadness that we must report that it appears they are hell-bent on bursting the collective bubble of Steelers fans everywhere.

In their post -draft analysis PFW player personnel expert Nolan Nawrocki rips the Steelers for having chosen "injury-ridden OT Tony Hills" as their only selection along the offensive line; describes the decision to choose Bruce Davis (UCLA) as "a major reach in the third round;" and argues that knee injuries suffered by Dennis Dixon and Mike Humpal could keep each "from reaching their potential."

Finally, in what could arguably be described as journalistic piling on Mr. Nawrocki tells us both Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed "were slow to develop in college and may not provide much in the way of immediate returns;" and that "Ryan Mundy could have been signed after the draft."

Mr, Nawrocki's final grade for the Steelers selections: C-

Ouch.

Draft Leftovers

The feeling here is that the Steelers' brain-trust did an excellent job early on of responding to the realities of the draft (i.e. the rapid depletion of offensive linemen well before pick #23 rolled around). To underscore that point one need only look at the pre-draft rankings by Pro Football Weekly of the top 150 players available. Despite picking late in each of the first two rounds the Steelers were able to get two top twenty players (Rashard Mendenhall, #13 and Limas Sweed, #19).

And as a UCLA alum I am thrilled that the Steelers brought Bruce Davis into the fold in round three -- he is going to make a contribution, including on special teams.

However, three of the final four choices made by the Steelers were of players who are either coming off significant injuries or have had injuries of one sort or another during their respective college careers.

Tony Hills, at 6' 5 1/8", 309 pounds, is a big man but according to Ourlads Scouting Service he is "more athletic than powerful." There are worse things to be, but the knock on this converted tight end has been his poor technique. He may end up as an offensive tackle, but will probably play on the right side. Of course he also broke his left fibula in the game against Texas Tech in November.

Dennis Dixon was one of the most electric college football players to come along in quite awhile. A legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate before tearing up his ACL -- he actually played on that injured knee against Arizona for about a quarter -- he has been compared by some to Vince Young, but Mr. Dixon is already a better passer than Mr. Young. However, as good as Mr. Dixon might become the Steelers could have addressed their offensive line needs with Roy Schuening, a guard from Oregon State who Ourlads rated as the #2 guard available, and who was chosen by the St. Louis Rams with the pick immediately after Mr. Dixon was chosen by the Steelers.

In round six the Steelers made their final two selections -- Mike Humpal, LB, Iowa and Ryan Mundy, FS, West Virginia. Mr. Humpal missed playing time in 2003 and 2006 due to nagging injuries (back and knee sprain), but was productive over the course of his last two seasons (172 tackles in 24 games). Additionally, Ourlads is complimentary of his skills and potential: "Instinctive and hard working . . . [g]ood football intelligence, competitive, and active." Think a younger version of Clint Kriewaldt.

As for Mr. Mundy, his is an interesting case -- he actually played for three years at Michigan, graduated, began graduate studies at West Virginia, and with a year of eligibility left he played for the Mountaineers. He has good size, 6' 1", 215 pounds, and was timed at 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash. However, the problem with this choice is that once again the Steelers failed to address their need at offensive line -- Donald Thomas, an offensive guard from Connecticut (6' 3 3/8", 303 pounds), described as "a good athlete . . . [who] flashes an explosive punch" -- was the very next player chosen after Mr. Mundy.

Despite doing a good job of dealing with the prevailing conditions of the early rounds the Steelers have taken some chances on players coming off of injuries, and missed a couple of opportunities to select offensive linemen. However that could be rectified if the team acquires some undrafted free agents (a la Willie Parker), and with that in mind here are a couple of suggestions.

Eric Young, offensive lineman, Tennessee: Two year starter at tackle who is expected to move inside at the pro level. Pre-draft rankings by both Pro Football Weekly and Ourlads had him as the #8 guard prospect available. Described by Ourlads as a "good athlete that is smart and competitive."

Drew Radovich, offensive lineman, University of Southern California: Ourlads says that he "[p]lays with an attitude and aggression." A two year starter at tackle, he projects to move inside in the NFL. Rated ahead of Donald Thomas by Ourlads.

There are others out there, but either of these two young men would augment what was a somewhat risky second day of the draft.

Big Enough, Ben?

In round two, after watching Jacksonville beat them to Quentin Groves, the Steelers picked up the tall receiver that ben Roethlisberger requested during the offseason.

Limas Sweed, measured at the NFL Combine at 6'3 7/8", missed most of his senior season because of a wrist injury that ultimately required surgery. Beyond that, the general consensus appears to be that while he is a physical receiver he lacks breakaway speed, and is sloppy in his route running. Despite all that was perceived as a first round pick in a few mock drafts.

However, given the struggles that most collegiate receivers have adjusting to the pro game, fans should not expect Mr. Sweed to have much of an impact in 2008.