Steelers IDP Report

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With the exception of Kendrell Bell leaving and Chad Scott gone the Steelers D hasn't gone through many changes. With Bell and Scott being injured for a large portion of last season the D remains intact.

 

LB:

 

Strong group led inside linebacker James Farrior. The other three starters will be Clark Haggans and Joey Porter on the outside and Larry Foote as the other inside backer. Farrior has a nose for the ball. Farrior was 2nd on the team with 94 tackles last year along with 3 fumble recoveries. In the Steeler's 3-4 scheme the LB's not only get to stop the run they also get to get their hands on the QB in blitz packages. With the departure of Bell it looks like Foote is ready to step in at inside linebacker. While Foote isn't quite Farrior he may be worth keeping an eye on as the season goes on.

 

DL:

 

While they are a solid group the only DL for the Steelers that puts up the numbers to take as an IDP is DE Aaron Smith. Smith rushes the passer well and has the ability and speed to crash down the line and stop RB's as they enter the guard/tackle gap. The Steelers DL primary function is to take up space and eat up blockers so the LB's can make the play.

 

DB:

 

With the exception of old man Willie Williams this group is still pretty young led by Troy Polamalu. The "Flyin Hawaiian" plays a big role in stopping the run and can cover ground at the safety position. Polamalu led the team in tackles with 96 and led the team with 5 int's last season. He does take risks and sometimes gets the reward with an INT. Polamalu is very athletic and can stick people (just ask Carson Palmer and that was when Troy had the ball). Troy is worth a pick at IDP. Chris Hope is also an up and coming safety as well. Hope was 3rd on the team in tackles with 89 last season and got better with each game.

 

Start'em:

 

Farrior will put up consistant numbers on a weekly basis. Polamalu is next in line and will produce at safety. Smith is a good filler but a bit of a stretch to become a weekly IDP starter as he is a lineman in a 3-4 system.

Edited June 29, 2005 by max

[RWings]

Let me help you strike the right tone regarding the Flyin' Hawaiin: Polamalu is a Stud and will be a top 5 producer at the DB position!

[max]

Let me help you strike the right tone regarding the Flyin' Hawaiin:  Polamalu is a Stud and will be a top 5 producer at the DB position!

 

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I couldnt agree with you more. I think he is definately a good start and a great player.