The Steelers wrapped up day 1 of mandatory mini-camp today. The men who missed all or most of voluntary OTA’s were in attendance today as expected. S Troy Polamalu, CB Ike Taylor, and LB Jordan Zumwalt were all present and accounted for. There was one rookie however who wasn’t present- Martavis Bryant.
Martavis Bryant, the Steelers 4th round selection, was reportedly home sick today after coming down with a virus yesterday. Markus Wheaton missed some of the final OTA practices, but participated fully today. Dri Archer, however, was sidelined about halfway through today’s practice with a bag of ice on his knee.
Hopefully Bryant’s illness doesn’t sideline him for the entire mini-camp. Rookies need every minute they can get, and as Coach Haley said earlier today, “he’s got a long way to go”.
“[Bryant’s] another rookie, so we’re not anointing him. He’s got a long way to go, because at the receiver position, there are a lot of subtle things that go on, but he’s big and fast and what sets him apart and should give him a chance to succeed is that he gets to top speed fast for a guy that big,” Haley said in an interview earlier today.
Mini-camp continues tomorrow and concludes on Thursday. The team then breaks until training camp begins July 25th.
The Steelers 3 day mandatory minicamp kicks off today. The padless sessions are referred to as “baby training camp” by cornerback Ike Taylor, and aside from the important football practices that go on, they’re the first opportunity for us to hear from assistant coaches publicly.
Todd Haley spent some time talking about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with the media today. The two were once the focus of a media magnifying glass, and they’re supposed rocky relationship may have been the most overblown narrative in the history of Pittsburgh sports. Either way, you’d never know that was the case while listening to Todd Haley talk today.
Haley attributes Ben’s leadership and mental focus to much of the team’s turnaround last season. “In those low times the true leadership of the team shows, and some of those low Wednesdays when we came out for practice and were 2-6, it could have been easy to just go through the motions,” said Haley via the Steelers website. “But in those situations you saw Ben take charge, and a lot of those practices that were make-or-break practices from the coaches’ perspective, you could see there was no quit. We kept fighting until the end when we were watching Kansas City miss the field goal against San Diego in overtime in that last game of the season that kept us out of the playoffs. Even though it was a rough, tough year and nobody was satisfied with it, a lot of good came out of it that should help us moving forward.”
The Steelers offense looked like a well oiled machine for much of second half of the 2013 season. Haley hopes to build on that success, but with new faces at WR and RB this year, Haley knows that all starts with Ben Roethlisberger’s leadership.
“They all see him as the leader of the team. It’s very clear that when Ben speaks, or he’s on the field for his set of plays in practice, he’s running the show,” Haley continued. “Whether guys are on the field with Ben or not, they’ve all got their ears perked up and they’re listening to anything that he says. The entire group will look to the quarterback always, and we’re fortunate we have a guy who has played well in a lot of games and played well in a lot of big games. And because he’s not going to be satisfied unless we’re playing in the final game, the Super Bowl, the entire group, being a younger group, will lean on Ben all the way until we get there.”
Summer hasn’t even begun yet, but there’s plenty to be excited about come September.
The Steelers plan to honor legendary coach Chuck Noll this season according to team president Art Rooney II. Mr. Rooney was on NFL AM yesterday sharing his memories of coach Noll. During the interview, he revealed that the team intends to honor his memory this season by including him on a jersey patch or helmet decal.
Art II was asked what plans the team had to honor Chuck Noll at home this season. “Well, coincidentally this season will be the 40th anniversary of our first superbowl win. So, we had planned on wearing a patch for one game this year, and bringing back the 1974 team,” Rooney told the cast of NFL AM. “Obviously we’ll build on that, and we’ll be of course including probably a patch, or a decal, or something. We’ll be working on that over the next couple of days, but obviously we’ll be including Chuck in the plans in terms of honoring that team, and honoring him.”
The Steelers aren’t the only Pittsburgh team planning to incorporate a jersey tribute. The Pitt Power is planning to add a decal to their jerseys to honor the late Steelers coach. Power co-owner Matt Shaner told reporters over the weekend that the team has requested league approval regarding a jersey decal which would pay tribute to Noll. Pitt Power is Pittsburgh’s Arena league AFL franchise.
Second year wide receiver Justin Brown is looking at a familiar situation this summer. He’ll be on the roster bubble, fighting for the remaining receiver spot on the depth chart. With a year on the practice squad under his belt, he’s in a better position now than he was last year. According to various reports, he performed well at OTA’s, and coaches took notice.
Brown was running with first team receivers these past few weeks at OTA’s, and the 6’3″ receiver knows the significance of that. “It is definitely good getting some reps with the ones,” Brown said. “When my number is called, I am just trying make sure that I’m ready and I know what I am doing. I’ve noticed (the coaches see what I’m doing), and it’s definitely encouraging.”
Justin Brown was drafted by the Steelers in the 6th round last year. In 2012, Brown totaled 75 receptions for 879 yds, including 5 touchdowns, and amassed over 200 yards in punt returns. While not one to get separation at the top of his route with elusive speed, he demonstrated frequently that he was an instinctual hands catcher, and used his long frame to attack the ball in the air. Even though he transferred from Penn State after the 2011 season, he quickly became Landry Jones’ go to chain moving target.
Brown’s friend and former teammate at Penn State- Derek Moye- is his biggest competition this summer for a roster spot. “We’re all out here competing, we’re all out here trying to get better,” Brown said via ESPN. “Derek’s my boy so there’s no hard feelings at all. We’re always trying to help each other out with our games.”
Moye made the 53 man roster last year, but saw a very limited amount of playing time (53 snaps). He echoed Justin Brown’s sentiments. “It’s going to be a good competition. At the same time we’re out there helping each other out, making sure we all push each other to be better.”
Both Brown and Moye were putting in extra time working out with Ben Roethlisberger back in February, as was Markus Wheaton. While OTA’s are just ‘football in shorts’, it certainly seems like the extra work is paying off in Brown’s case. The wide receiver position battle is going to be a very interesting one to watch in August.
The times for the funeral and public viewings of former Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll have been announced. Noll died at his home in Sewickley Friday night.
Public visitation will be held at John A. Freyvogel Sons funeral home Sunday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Monday from 2 to 4, and again at 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at St. Paul Cathedral. You can see further details for viewing services at the funeral home’s website here.
If you wish to attend, you can see the map and get directions to the funeral home below.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”ChuckNollfuneral”]
Here is the map to St. Paul’s if you are interested as well.
Charles Henry Noll left behind a legacy of greatness. His likeness became the symbol for hard work and tradition, and set the ethereal standard of success for future generations of Steelers players and fans. Coach Noll was a reluctant celebrity who avoided the limelight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Landry, Lombardi, Shula, or Madden’s name’s misspelled, but The Emperor still gets the inevitable silent K from time to time.
The man who coached the Steelers Dyansty of the 70’s touched countless lives during his 23 years as Steelers head coach and beyond. Here is a very small sample of reactions from fans, coaches, former players and more around the web today.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement about Noll’s passing earlier today.
What set Chuck Noll apart was his remarkable ability as a teacher. His subject was football and his students became four-time Super Bowl champions. Coach Noll’s quiet leadership produced extraordinary results that deeply inspired players, coaches and fans. He always put the team, his players, and the game first. His legacy of excellence will forever be an important part of the history of the Steelers and the NFL. We extend our condolences to Chuck’s wife Marianne, his son Chris, the Noll family, and the Steelers organization.
Art Rooney II was on 97.3 The Fan this morning sharing his thoughts on Chuck Noll. Art II described him as a tremendous person and a great person to be around. He also agrees that Coach Noll was the most important component of the Steelers development into a Dynasty. You can listen below.
The following interviews are also from 93.7 The Fan today. Coach Cowher, Mel Blount, and Merril Hoge all share their feelings on the passing of the iconic Steelers coach. Cowher
Blount
Hoge
Many former Steeler greats shared their thoughts via the Steelers website. I’ll just include a couple, but I recommend following the link to see the rest.
Terry Bradshaw:
“It’s certainly sad for Marianne and Chris to lose a husband and a father. In Marianne’s case, Chuck was her best friend. There is nothing sadder. And you start thinking about Chuck and when all of the wonderful things that come to mind, you realize he’s in heaven and spending eternity in peace. That’s very refreshing. I’m proud to have played for him. It was a great honor.
My relationship wasn’t good, as you well know, but he made me understand my job responsibilities, because I had to grow up. I came out of an environment with nothing but pats on the back and love. With him it was nowhere near that. I had to go through all the developments emotionally of how to deal with it. He was a tough coach to me, and I spent more time with him than anybody, so I know. I learned how to be mentally tough with him, and for that I can never say thank you enough, because that got me through divorces, Super Bowls, and those times when I had bad moments in big games. He made me mentally strong, which I wasn’t. And he instilled in me a great work ethic. I had a good work ethic, but preparation was paramount with him, so we spent a lot of time going through preparations for the games.
He was an amazing guy. I watched him more than he watched me (laughs). I had a great amount of fear for him. He’s kind of like a father from whom you want approval and you don’t quite get it, and in the advent of that journey you work harder and harder, you try to get better and better, and then when it’s all said and done he says, “Thank you. You were a great quarterback.” And you say, “Wow!” He was different than anybody I had ever been around and played for. He was smart, really smart. His game plans were spot on. He figured out the 3-4 blitzing schemes. He figured out the flex. He was just an amazing football mind. I would say I know I more about defenses than I do offenses because that’s what he taught me. He taught me defenses. If you know defenses you can run offenses.”
Franco Harrris:
“I am a little shocked by this, and sad. My condolences and my heart goes out to Marianne. She’s a great lady. These are times when we reflect on all the great memories and the great times that we had. And there’s no doubt that these memories that we had, probably people consider them the best of times in pro football. That goes for Chuck, the organization and the team he put together.”
Lastly, here are a few thoughts I selected randomly from some of the members of our community-
“I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut.
Such a great man. I don’t often say I have an idol, but he was one.
Rest well, dear friend. We never met, but you touched my life just the same.
My deepest sympathies to his friends and family. Steeler Nation has lost an icon.”
“Gracias por todo lo que hiciste por nuestro amado equipo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Rest in peace you were the greatest coach of the greatest team ever assembled in any sport! I am so glad for being a little part of the Steeler Nation, that was brought to greatness by you. Thanks again Mr. Noll RIP.”
“One of the most important Steelers ever. He, Dan Rooney and Joe Greene transformed the Steelers. RIP Emperor the greatest coach the Steelers will EVER have.”
“Wow. I almost feel like a member of my family has died. In one sense, I guess that’s true, he’s a member of my Steelers’ family. Simply put, he was the most dignified and the classiest head coach ever to walk the sidelines of an NFL stadium. I’ve heard the word “stoic” attributed to Noll but I don’t think that’s true. A person who is stoic is essentially indifferent to what’s going on around him. Ask Jerry Glanville if he’d describe Noll as stoic. Ask Bradshaw or any player that had the privilege of playing for him if Coach Noll was indifferent.
One of my favorite Noll memories was Super Bowl XIV when the Steelers were trailing the Rams 13-10 at halftime after a lackluster first half. Steeler fans, including me, were nervous because the team just didn’t seem to be clicking that day and the underdog Rams seemed primed for an upset. But as the team was leaving the field Noll starting walking toward the locker room with a CBS camera man back pedaling with a camera in his face. Noll then began jogging slowly with the camera guy still back pedaling. Then Noll decided to have a little fun. He sped up to a sprint for a few steps and the poor camera guy finally decided to give it up. Noll laughed heartily as he continued on to the locker room. I knew then that the Steelers had the Rams exactly where they wanted them going into the second half. We’ll sure miss you, Chuck. May God bless your family during this difficult time.”
“Rest in peace, Coach.
I met him once and he was just as dignified in person as he always seemed on TV. He is definitely on the Mt. Rushmore of NFL coaching legends.”
“Goodbye to the much loved, much trusted leader and friend to a team, its many players, its owners, an entire city, and the fans who stand loyal worldwide. Blessings to all who will mourn him, and many thanks to a great guy.”
“RIP Coach Noll. You will never be forgotten. Any Steelers fan young and old will always have you to thank for the greatest franchise in the history of sports. Without your guidance there would never have been the dynasty that set this team to be the best ever.
I’ll never forget meeting you at a hunting and fishing club after catching some trout all day. I should have spent more time with you, Rockey, Ham, Russell and the few others up at the club house but the trout were really biting that day. I remember my dad coming down to pry me away from the lake to meet all of you but as an 8 yr old at the time I had no idea of what a true iconic legend really was.
RIP Coach.”
You can share your own thoughts with other members of Steeler Nation in the forum thread here, or in the comments below.
Former Steelers head coach Chuck Noll has passed away tonight. Noll coached the Steelers for 23 years, until Bill Cowher took the helm in 1992. He was the most successful coach in NFL history in terms of super bowl victories, and finished his career with a record of 209-156-1. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Noll’s health had been declining over the years, and he was reportedly under doctor’s care for an undisclosed illness. Severe back pain forced him to walk with two canes, and caused his public appearances to wane over recent years. According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, Coach Noll died of natural causes at his home in Sewickley. His wife Marianne called 911 after finding him unresponsive.
There’s so much to be said about Chuck Noll. The man was a legend and was literally my idol growing up. He epitomized the hard working, lunch pail philosophy of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
I’ll close this with a couple short videos. Share your memories of Coach Noll in the forum thread here.
As you know, the Steelers signed Maurkice Pouncey to a five year extension yesterday. Initial reports revealed that the 5 year deal included a total value of $44 Mil, with a $13 Mil guaranteed signing bonus. Thanks to additional numbers provided by Jason LaCanfora, Tom Pelissero, and Aaron Wilson, I can break down the contract for you. FYI, anyone who says they aren’t using numbers provided by the latter two to give a full breakdown, are straight up full of it.
Pouncey’s total deal is for 6 years, $48 Mil. The contract includes roster bonuses that are due the 5th day of 2015 and 2016 league years, which are for $3.75 Mil and $3.5 Mil respectively. Pouncey’s 2014 salary has been reduced to $1 Mil, and now has just over a $5 Mil cap number. His 2014 cap number has been lowered a couple hundred thousand.
[table]
Year, Base Salary, Prorated Bonus, Roster Bonus, Cap Hit, Dead Money
As you can see, the deal is actually very team friendly, and is structured so that the team can get out easily in the last couple years. Don’t get too wrapped up in that ‘total value’ number. The only money that is truly guaranteed is the $13 Mil signing bonus. If he is on the roster in March of ’15, and ’16, he’ll receive those roster bonuses. Hopefully Steeler Nation is feeling a little better about this now.
*Edit. I’ve added a column for dead money by year should he be released.
The Steelers officially announce what I reported yesterday– 3rd round pick Dri Archer has been signed.
https://twitter.com/steelers/status/477461988801409025
With Archer now under contract, Stephon Tuitt is the only remaining unsigned draft pick. While the CBA makes rookie signings much easier than they used to be, there is some wiggle room in his contract, which is what is likely causing the delay in his signing.
According to the National Football Post, the total value of Archer’s four year deal is $2,748,000, with a signing bonus of $506,016. My estimates from last month were a little off. The signing bonus money was a couple hundred dollars off, and the total value was less. Here is how Archer’s contract effects 2014.
[table]
Base Salary, Prorated Bonus, 2014 Cap Hit
“$420,000”, “$126,504”, “$546,504”
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After displacement, his signing should only move the 2014 salary cap needle by $51,504.
The Pirates game was rain delayed tonight, but earlier in the day, Ben Roethlisberger was at PNC Park working on his swing.
https://twitter.com/abbeyway11/status/477180865789702144
Abbey Way of 93.7 The Fan shared this brief video of the Steelers quarterback swinging for the fences this afternoon.
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While the video is very short, it’s always fun to get random peaks at what players are doing when they’re not wearing a Steelers helmet. It’s also refreshing to see Ben wearing the gloves, and not having it turn into the topic of controversy.
