Menduo's Steelers Analysis (Long)

[Menudo]

I know I annoy many you with my constant Steeler talk, but quite simply, I am just an enormous fan of this team and can't help but express that on a daily basis. Here I would like to give an honest, non-biased (at least as much as I can) preview into what I expect out of the Steelers this year and where my concerns lie.

 

Quarterback:

 

Ben Roethlisberger had a year that record-wise will not be duplicated this year. Everything just worked out perfectly for him last year, which led to the tremendous record he had in the regular season. However, I do think there will be improvements in his game just from the experience that he gained last year. There are some that feel he was somewhat of a fluke, but I have seen a lot of QB's come through the NFL, and I think this guy has what it takes to be a superstar in this league. He's got a great arm, he has mobility for a man of his size, he can improvise very well, and, most importantly, he is a very hard worker with a mind for the game. I expect him to build on what he started last year, and regardless of what his record is as a starter, I expect to see improvement in his play, as the Steelers open up the playbook to him a bit. Either Tommy Maddox or Charlie Batch will be the odd man out this year, as I feel the Steelers will stick with Brian St. Pierre as the # 3 man for cost reasons, and because it allows them to carry 2 QB's at times bcause Randle-El can be an emergency QB. I think Batch will be the odd man out. Tommy Maddox has shown himself to be a good mentor for Ben, and I also feel comfortable with him in the backup roll. He has proven before that he can win and run this offense. He doesn't have the mobility of Ben Roethlisberger, but he still can play a solid QB in the NFL.

 

Running Back:

 

Duce Staley's injury is certainly a concern for me. He has been injury-prone throughout his career. Fact is, when he was healthy last year, I loved what he was able to do. He is a hard-nosed runner who gets every inch that he can everytime he touches the ball. He will certainly be missed if he is unable to go, and/or has lingering injuries throughout the season. Jerome Bettis shocked me, and I am one of his biggest fans (my dog's named Bettis) last year by showing that he can still put the running game on his back, as he ran for 100+ yards in each of his 6 starts last year and looked great doing it. However, I don't feel he can carry a load for a full season, and I think he and the Steelers know this. That is where the two Steelers "Diamonds in the rough" come into play. When Verron Haynes is healthy (He has been somewhat injury prone as well), he has done nothing but succeed when given the opportunity. I, for one, believe that he could be a very good starting running back in the NFL now. However, he would obviously need to prove that on a week-to-week basis. Willie Parker is an exciting player with his under 4.3 speed. He showed in his only start last year against Buffalo that if he gets a seam, he is extermely explosive. He has also shown that he is no slouch running between the tackles as well. He obvioiusly has a lot more to prove, but I think he could be a solid 3rd down back in this league and maybe even more at some point. Noah Herron has been solid in camp, but we will have to see him in game situations before we can see if he is ready or not.

 

Wide Receiver / Tight End:

 

Hines Ward of course is the man man in this group. The Steelers need to do everything they can to get this man signed and as soon as possible. He embodies everything the Steelers reperesent as an organization. He works hard EVERY play, whether he is involved or not. He is a great leader on and off the field. I still feel confident something will get done soon, but I am starting to worry a little bit. I didn't have huge expectations of Cedrick Wilson coming into camp, but he has impressed everyone. He did put up decent numbers for an awful 49'er team, so he might be a huge sleeper this season. I thought the # 2 job would belong to Randle-El hands down, but after the camp Wilson has had so far, I'm not so sure. Antwaan Randle-Ell is a great playmaker and filled in very well when Plex was out last year, but I still do feel that he fits better in the slot position, so if Cedrick Wilson proves he can handle the # 2 WR position, than I think El will help the team more at the slot, though I don't think he would be completely happy with this. Fred Gibson is a tall rookie receiver with a lot of potential, but I havent' heard much from him in this camp. I'm hoping he can win the #4 WR role from Lee Mays. Lee Mays has always had talent, but the guy has just been way too inconsistent in my eyes, and he hope to see him as nothing more than a #5 WR. WR Sean Morey will make the team, but it will be as a Special team specialist and he would only see time at WR in an emergency situation. At Tight End, the Steelers finally have one that can make an impact. If the Steelers are smart, they will make heavy use of Heath Miller's skils, as he could be a huge help in providing a threat in the middle of the field. I fully expect him to have that impact, as the Steelers drafted him for this manner. Jereme Tuman is a solid TE, but should be supplanted quickly by Miller. He will be a nice # 2. Walter Rasby is a verteran TE, who provides veteran depth. If Matt Cushing makes the squad, it will only be because he has an ability to play FB as well. Matt Kranchick, of Penn State, has some intrigue with his receiving abilities, but I think the drafting of Miller may leave him off of the team.

 

Edit to add: Zamir Cobb could also find his way onto the receiving corps. He

had a great pre-season before injury last year, though I haven't

heard much about him in camp thus far.

 

 

Offensive Line:

 

This is my biggest concern for the offense, other than getting Hines signed. I'm not as worried about the starters. Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Jeff Hartings, and Kendall Simmons are proven solid players. Faneca is the best guard in football, Hartings is one of the best Centers, and Marvel Smith is emerging as one of the better Tackles in the game. New Right Tackle Max Starks will have something to prove, but he has impressed everyone in both his first season and at camp thus far. The concern is depth. Chucky Okobis is a great backup at the Center position, but they need either Trai Essex or Chris Kemoetou to step as solid backups to provide depth, because I don't have a lot of confidence in Barrett Brooks or Jim Jones to provide it.

 

Defensive Line:

 

Once again, no problem at all with the front three. Kimo Von Oelhoffen, though aging, is still solid. Casey Hampton comes back and is the perfect player to clog the middle and open up the linebackers in the Steeers 3-4 defense. Aaron Smith is one fo the most under-rated players in the NFL. He is a phenomenal Defensive End. Chris Hoke proved last year that he is a solid backup at DT, but depth at DE is a concern. Brett Keisel and Travis Kirschke have shown signs that they could be solid, but I'm still not comfortable with either moving into a starting role if the necessity came about due to injury.

 

Linebackers:

 

On the outside, I feel real good with Joey Porter (If he can recover from the knee surgery) and Clark Haggans manning the positions. Porter is a solid playmaker year in and year out, and Haggans showed explosiveness last year and has potential to be a good one. The person who has me extremely excited is James Harrison, who came out of nowhere to show that he could be a starter if need be right now. He was dominant in his opportunities last year, was fearless on special teams to prove himself, and has dominated in camp. He could push Haggans for a starting job if he continues his dominance in Porter's absence. Keep an eye on this kid. At the other OLB backup position is Alonzo Jackson, who has been a big bust thus far. This is the make or break year for him, if he fails again, his career, at least with the Steelers is over. At Inside Linebacker, James Farrior has moved up to Stud status. He plays with reckless abandon, and has become a leader on this defense. Larry Foote emerged last season and took full advantage of Kendrell Bell's never-ending injuries. I am hoping he continue to build on last year's showing, but I still need to see a little more to be certain he is ready to cement himself into that job. Backups at ILB could be a problem, as Clint Kriewalt has really not done anything other than solid work on Special Teams, and rookie Rien Wallace has not had a stellar camp from what I've read. They have been mixing Harrison in the middle as well, but with Porter's injury, that might be scratched.

 

Secondary:

 

Probably still the only spot on this defense that can still be exploited. At cornerback Deshea Townsend has proven himself to be a solid corner, but is not spectacular and does not have the skills to be a shutdown corner that the Steelers really need. The old man Willie Williams came in and did well last year, but I really hope that one of the younger guys supplants him as the starter. Ricardo Coughlough could be that guy, he is extremely fast and can be impressive at times, but has not shown the staff enough consistency to be given the job yet. Ike Taylor seems to have a lot of physical skills, but he has gotten into Cowher's doghouse on several occasions for not being able to pick-up game plans and adjustments quickly. 2nd Round pick Bryant McFadden is my pick in this secondary to emerge as the starter around mid-season and could become a very good one. He has the size and speed necessary and is a solid tackler as well. He will just need to learn the defense and adjustment. Chidi Iwoma is a standout on special teams, but would only play at CB in an emergency. At Strong Safety, the Steelers are set for years with Troy Polamalu. Troy is the most exciting player on this defense, and, in my opinion, will be a perennial Pro-Bowler. He has all the skills and is just plain nasty on the field. At Free Safety, Chris Hope showed potential to develop into a good one, but he still gets suckered up with run plays and needs to learn from his experience last season. Mike Logan is a solid veteran backup, who can play both positions. Russell Stuvaints and Tyrone Carter will probably battle out for the other backup safety position, but I expect Logan to come into either position if the need arose.

 

Special Teams:

 

The Steelers have a lot of strong special teamers led by Chidi Iwoma, Sean Morey, and Clint Kriewaldt. Jeff Reed proved to me last year that he is a solid, clutch kicker. He had a great year in a tough stadium to kick in. Punter Chris Gardocki is just plain solid.

 

Coaching:

 

Ken Whisenhunt should have gotten Assistant Coah of the year for the job he did last year as a first-year O-Coordinator. What he did with this offensive gameplan last year was truly amazing. Dick Lebeau is an awesome Defensive Coordinator, and the fun was back with this defense last year with him at the helm. Now for Cowher, until he wins the big one, he will not reach the top echelon of coaches. However, he has done everything else better than most. The Steelers have the best record in the AFC during his tenure. He needs to succeed in the playoffs and win a ring or two. If he does, he will go down as a legendary coach, if he doesn't, he will go down as a good coach who couldn't win the big one.

 

Outlook:

 

As I said before, the Steelers will not come close to duplicating 15-1. I am a homer, but I can be realistic sometimes I'm predicting an 11-5 record, which I would be very happy with. Their schedule is much tougher and the division has improved. As much as I hate to admit it, Baltimore, despite the fact that I think their defense isn't what it used to be, has added some offensive weapons to a defense that is still very solid. The Cincinatti Bengals are improving, and I think they will have something to say about this division when all is said and done. I'm still picking a Steelers Super Bowl victory.... , but I do know this is the NFL, and the tides can turn oh so quickly. Anyway sorry for the rant, but I am thinking a lot about football these days.

 

P.S. Hines - Steelers - GET A DEAL DONE

 

P.S.S. HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO !!!!!

 

STEELERS

Edited August 11, 2005 by Menudo

[Hugh 0ne]

Lee Mays has always had talent, but the guy has just been way too consistent in my eyes

 

Yep, nothing worse than a consistent receiver.

[Skilly]

That was long.

[Hugh-mongus]

Very nice, but who is this "Menduo" character?

[Trots]

 

Can you write a poem about how you yank it to the Steelers every night?

[Menudo]

Yep, nothing worse than a consistent receiver.

920961[/snapback]

 

:doah:

[Menudo]

That was long.

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I told you.

[Menudo]

Very nice, but who is this "Menduo" character?

920993[/snapback]

 

:doah: :doah:

[1stimer]

Very nice, but who is this "Menduo" character?

920993[/snapback]

That's just his other personality. Too close to his real alias to be a Ron Mexico or anything like that.

[Menudo]

  Can you write a poem about how you yank it to the Steelers every night?

920996[/snapback]

 

Thank you for this well-thought out post. It really added a lot to the thread. Nice work.

[chiefjay]

I think it's a long year for the Steelers, possibly 6-10 to 8-8. Just a hunch, too great a regular season last year, things even out over time.

[Menudo]

I think it's a long year for the Steelers, possibly 6-10 to 8-8.  Just a hunch, too great a regular season last year, things even out over time.

921063[/snapback]

 

I now, officially, do not like you.

 

I would be surprised if things fell that low, but it is the NFL, and one never knows. A few injuries here, a few bad breaks there, and a good season goes South quickly.

 

P.S. I still don't like you though.

[Menudo]

I've change my mind. The Steelers will go 19-0.

[Donutrun Jellies]

I've change my mind.  The Steelers will go 19-0. 

 

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Now that's the Menudo we're familiar with -- and it didn't even rhyme!!

[Ruffian]

  Can you write a poem about how you yank it to the Steelers every night?

 

920996[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

Well, I am not a poet, but I am writing a short story about a team from the east coast. The main character is a drug dealer, but he's also a pro running back. :doah:

[Randall]

Can you update your avi with a Vikings logo?

[Menudo]

Can you update your avi with a Vikings logo?

 

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The week they play the Vikings, it will be there. I plan to update it on a weekly basis. Maybe I should put the Eagles there, since they are the first pre-season game.

[Menudo]

Well, I am not a poet, but I am writing a short story about a team from the east coast. The main character is a drug dealer, but he's also a pro running back.  :doah: 

 

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Don't forget to add a passage about a Linebacker that just happened to be hanging around with his boys when a murder occurred in Atlanta.

[Randall]

The week they play the Vikings, it will be there.  I plan to update it on a weekly basis.  Maybe I should put the Eagles there, since they are the first pre-season game. 

 

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I hope Hines Ward will be back by then.

[Menudo]

I hope Hines Ward will be back by then.

 

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Read my most recent reply to the Hines Ward post above .....

[Deacon Bill]

Outlook:

 

As I said before, the Steelers will not come close to duplicating 15-1. I am a homer, but I can be realistic sometimes I'm predicting an 11-5 record, which I would be very happy with. Their schedule is much tougher and the division has improved. As much as I hate to admit it, Baltimore, despite the fact that I think their defense isn't what it used to be, has added some offensive weapons to a defense that is still very solid. The Cincinatti Bengals are improving, and I think they will have something to say about this division when all is said and done. I'm still picking a Steelers Super Bowl victory.... , but I do know this is the NFL, and the tides can turn oh so quickly. Anyway sorry for the rant, but I am thinking a lot about football these days.

 

P.S. Hines - Steelers - GET A DEAL DONE

 

P.S.S. HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO !!!!!

 

STEELERS

 

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I take it no one has told you about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny yet? WOW, was that excruciatingly LONG! It took me less time to read "War and Peace"! Dude, go outside, take in some fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and get back to reality. Nothing against you or your Steelers but that was way TMI. Useless TMI.

[Pancake]

I'd like Menudo to translate this into FF now.

Projections for key offensive skill players please.

 

Thanks.

[Trots]

I'd like Menudo to translate this into FF now.

Projections for key offensive skill players please.

 

Thanks.

 

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I'll take the liberty:

Roethlisloser 2700 yards 17 TDs

Bettis 850 yards 8 Tds

Staley 400 yards 3 TDs, 2 trips to the IR

various lackey RBs 500 yards 3 TDs

Ward 950 yards 4 TDs

Randel El 650 yards 3 TDs

Wilson 400 yards 2 TDs

Miller (TE) 450 yards 4 TDs

:

[Menudo]

I'll take the liberty:

Roethlisloser 2700 yards 17 TDs

Bettis  850 yards  8 Tds

Staley  400 yards  3 TDs, 2 trips to the IR

various lackey RBs  500 yards  3 TDs

Ward  950 yards 4 TDs

Randel El  650 yards  3 TDs

Wilson  400 yards  2 TDs

Miller (TE)  450 yards  4 TDs

:

 

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Rothlisloser - Boy oh Boy Trots, you sure are a clever one

[Trots]

Pipe down Menduo

Edited August 12, 2005 by Trots