Its been talked about but there IS a lack of leadership

Let me start by saying that I'm NOT in the locker room, don't know the players, personnel or any staff, I can only speculate and give my opinion. Watching Troy and Brett Keisel on NFL AM and Espn's First Take this morning I am convinced that what's missing in that locker room is what we've had for the last 15 years or more; 2 team captains that enforced the "Steelers Way". 2 captains who were respected for what they did on and sometimes off the field in their preparation to be ready on game Sunday. 2 captains that could be respected and looked up to for their work ethic and counted on by the head coach to help fix and or straighten out whatever distractions there might be (a coach can only do so much). Before you dismiss my opinion look at our sorry Defense and tell me who is "The Man" amoungst men? Is it Keisel..........Really? Keep in mind that prior to The Beard it was James Farrior for (8) consecutive years, a player widely respected, worked hard, was rarely out of position, and made tackles. Sharing Co Captain duties with Farrior for (4)of those years was Joey Porter who not only talked a good game but backed it up on the field. He was brash on a team of silent but deadly warriors (except for a couple of overrated DB's we had lol) HE WAS ALSO COWHER'S GO TO GUY when we absolutely had to have a play on Defense. Sharing a year with Joey Porter and having Captains duties himself for (3) years was Jason Gildon (one of the best linebackers in Steelers history) And didn't Gildon do a MORE than respectable job considering who HE was replacing (none other than Greg Lloyd, my favorite Linebacker btw) Lloyd was another linebacker who WAS Cohwer's GO TO GUY on Defense. Anyone remember Cohwer grabbing Lloyd by the Jersey "Rush the QB". Greg lloyd probably was never a captain because he didn't really seem like a people person lol but the person who was Captain for (3) years before Gildon was an imposing figure who's name was Levon Kirkland (we remember the size of Levon right?) What do all of these captains have in common? They were ALL imposing figures in their own right on and off the field, all Linebackers, and all players that a coach and team could count on. Now tell me any of you feel the same way about Keisel. Is it me or does he and Troy seem a little too concerned with this whole hair thing than fixing the attitude of the Defense. The only one I know who has spoken passionately about whats going on, The Steeler Way, or football itself is Ryan Clark but I could be wrong. Who is ready to lead this team on Defense!!!!

I don't believe our offense is the problem and I do believe Ben has grown up and with Hines gone SHOULD be a captain, HOWEVER. What Hines brought was a toughness in a position that not usually associated with the word. Wide Receivers may be the biggest prima donnas but when did Hines ever complain? I hope that Ben can reach Mike Wallace the way Hines probably could and say hey you deserve and WILL Get a big payday until then this is my friggin team and you're part of it so while you're here I need nothing short of 100 percent. Names like Faneca, Bettis, and Dawson Preceeded Ben btw and we all know how great these guys were.

Tomlin indeed may be a little to chummy with his players (I certainly wont argue the lack of discipline with all the holding penalties and off field shenanigans) but sometimes having a true captain in the locker room, a go to guy, can make ALL the difference in the world. That is something I don't think Tomlin has; not yet at least. As for those who want him replaced you must be delirious. He has made mistakes but the man CAN coach. Many of you called for Cohwer's head (all the big game losses, especially at home) before he won the Superbowl....remember?

 

I would tend to agree with your assessment. They is that lack of Veteran leadership on the team right now and someone needs to step in and be a leader. You are right Keisel just isn't the type, he is a follower. I still remember how irked I was during a game against the Pats at Hienz field where on a goal line stand Brady threw a TD and got hauled down after it and Keisel turned looked at the resulting TD smiled at Brady and helped him up. Now I love Da Beard but let his own players pick him up. Nope Brett is just too nice and isn't the leading type.

I don't often agree with anything Trent Dilfer says but I saw last night a segment after Monday night football where they were discussing Ray Lewis and Dilfer was talking about leadership. He said there are thermometer guys and thermostat guys. Ben is a thermometer type guy he is good at providing leadership in the moment and changing the course of a game. A thermostat type guy like Ray Lewis changes the culture of a team whenever he walks into a room. That is what the team needs now someone to walk into the room and challenge guys, to hold them accountable, to fire them up, to talk them back from the ledge if they need it, to actually lead.We know Tomlin won't do it because he views his position as mentor/guide along the journey so someone has to step forward.

 

There are 2 sides to Leadership:

1. Someone to step up and lead.
2. The followers must be WILLING to follow.

Right now, I think our leadership issues is multifaceted.

When it comes to the leaders, I think there have been guys who have tried to do this. Keisel, Troy, Harrison, Clark...the problem is, they aren't executing or aren't on the field.

The followers now have 2 issues. First, I am not sure they want to follow. They want to help fix it, so they are trying on their own, rather than getting together. Secondly, I think they are struggling with the leadership itself. They look around the vets and what do they see? Ike doing interference. Keisel not going to the correct hole. Foote not changing the D when he knows he should. Woodley not producing. Harrison and Troy just not playing. If you are a young kid....that's a hard group to follow.

 

Aren't these guys suppose to be professionals? Isn't the money they earn, motivation enough?
This is what you hear coming out of are locker room.
I wish we had a Ray lewis type of leader in our locker room, unfortunatley we don't.
I like big motor type players and big motor type personalities, Ryan Clark is about
as close as your going to get, yes he does alot of talking, but the man gives it his all
to back up all the talking he does. Kudos to you Ryan, all the others minus a few are SPINELESS,
CMon Silverback step up to the plate and tell these guys where the bear ****s in the woods.