Author Archives: Steve Alan

About Steve Alan

Steve, known by most as TTF, is owner of TheSteelersFans and administrator of the best Steelers message board on the net. Big fan of strong coffee and hardcore Steelers fan from womb to tomb.

confused-todd-haley

Steelers “Quietly” Extended Todd Haley Through 2016

confused-todd-haley

The polarizing figure that is Todd Haley has been reportedly retained by the Steelers for at least 2 more seasons. Ed Bouchette of the Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have extended Haley through the 2016 season.

Quietly, Haley signed a two-year contract extension that will take him through the 2016 season.

It’s unclear when the two sides came to an agreement, whether it was during the season, or more recently. While the season started with many (and I mean many) people calling for the coordinator’s head, the increased success of the offense seems to have changed the perception of many of his critics. After two 8-8 seasons, the Steelers made the playoffs, and several offensive records were broken.

The financial details of the extension were not, and probably never will be available.

Rob Blanchflower

Steelers Sign 7 To Reserve/Futures Contracts

The Steelers have signed seven players to Reserve/Future contracts. All of the signings were players who finished the season on the Steelers practice squad.

LB Howard Jones

DE Joe Kruger

OT Alejandro Villanueva

TE Rob Blanchflower

DB Kevin Fogg

WR CJ Goodwin

DE Ethan Hemer

Reserve/Futures contracts are just that- contracts signed for the future league year. Players who are not currently on an active roster can be signed to these deals so they can be retained for the following league year. The 2015 league year begins at 4:00 pm on March 10.

 

mike-mitchell

Tomlin On Mitchell’s Groin: “I’m Not Into The Excuse Making”

After the Steelers lost the wild card game to the Baltimore Ravens, Steelers safety Mike Mitchell told reporters that he had been playing with a groin tear.

https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/551604775239024640

Mitchell started training camp on the PUP list due to a groin injury he reportedly suffered during offseason training. This might explain some of Mitchell’s shortcomings on the field this year. Not the boneheaded penalties or obvious mental errors, but perhaps he took a bad angle or two that was a direct result of being hampered by a groin injury.

Earlier this week, Mitchell said he wasn’t trying to use it as an excuse. “It would be like having the brakes on your car not be right,” Mitchell said via ESPN. “I’m not making excuses, I’m not apologizing for anything. One thing we don’t do here in Pittsburgh is we don’t seek comfort. Everyone plays hurt.” He added, “I hate that this is even a story…we all play hurt. Everyone on the team has injuries so I’m no different than any other player.”

When asked about Mitchell’s groin yesterday during his press conference, Coach Tomlin took a stern tone. “I’m not into the excuse making,” said Tomlin. Adding, “I’m not gonna speculate on how it might have effected his performance.”

Earlier in the press conference, Tomlin listed Mitchell as one of the players who are on the short list for requiring off season surgery. Mitchell played 977 snaps for the Steelers defense this year, just 20 behind Worilds and Timmons, and was 3rd in regular season tackles with 57.

 

Troy-Polamalu-Dive-Tackle

Troy Polamalu Will Start Tonight

Throughout the week, there has been much speculation regarding Troy Polamalu’s availability for the Ravens game, and whether he should start tonight even if healthy. Some of that speculation was incited by Coach Tomlin earlier this week, when he was non-committal when asked about playing a healthy Polamalu.

Tomlin put the question to rest today. “Yes he does,” said Tomlin when asked if Polamalu will start. Tomlin added that it’s not a difficult decision when Troy is the subject. He also explained why he was non-committal about Troy earlier in the week.  “I needed to see him prepare. Sometimes a guy is able to play at the 11th hour and they don’t get the in-helmet preparation over the course of the work week.

“When you get to January football and the stakes are high, detail is going to define you. Not only him but us, and you need that in-helmet preparation to do it. He was able to practice this week, and so that made the decision easier. Had he not been able to practice this week, that’s an element of the discussion that makes it more complex. That’s what I was referring to earlier in the week.”

Troy practiced last week, but was inactive on gameday. If Polamalu does indeed start tonight, it will be the 15th time he’s done so in the post-season.

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Four Steelers Named To AP All-Pro Teams

The Associated Press has released it’s 2014 All Pro teams today and four Steelers have made the list. WR Antonio Brown, C Maurkice Pouncey, RB Le’Veon Bell were nominated to the first team, and LB Lawrence Timmons was voted to the second team.

Here is the complete list:

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, 44; Tony Romo, Dallas, 3; Tom Brady, New England, 2; Andrew Luck, Indianapolis, 1

Running backs: DeMarco Murray, Dallas, 48; Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh, 44; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle, 7

Fullbacks: John Kuhn, Green Bay, 18; Anthony Sherman, Kansas City, 14; Marcel Reece, Oakland, 12; Bruce Miller, San Francisco, 3; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle, 1; Kyle Juszczyk, Baltimore, 1

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, New England, 50

Wide receivers: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh, 49; Dez Bryant, Dallas, 24; Jordy Nelson, Green Bay, 15; Demaryius Thomas, Denver, 11; Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, 1

Offensive tackles: Tyron Smith, Dallas, 35; Joe Thomas, Cleveland, 22; Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati, 14; Jason Peters, Philadelphia, 12; Ryan Clady, Denver, 4; Sebastian Vollmer, New England, 3; Joe Staley, San Francisco, 3; Ricky Wagner, Baltimore, 2; Trent Williams, Washington, 1; Lane Johnson, Philadelphia, 1; Jared Veldheer, Arizona, 1; Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay, 1; Louis Vasquez, Denver, 1

Guards: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore, 38; Zach Martin, Dallas, 24; Josh Sitton, Green Bay, 22; Kyle Long, St, Louis, 5; Mike Iupati, San Francisco, 4; Evan Mathis, Philadelphia, 2; Jahri Evans, New Orleans, 2; Joel Bitonio, Cleveland, 1; Dan Connolly, New England, 1; James Carpenter, Seattle, 1

Centers: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh, 21; Travis Frederick, Dallas, 14; Nick Mangold, New York Jets, 7; Jason Kelce, Philadelphia, 5; Corey Linsley, Green Bay, 1; Rodney Hudson, Kansas City, 1; Ryan Kalil, Carolina, 1

Kickers: Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 25; Stephen Gostkowski, New England, 21; Matt Bryant, Atlanta, 1; Dan Bailey, Dallas, 1; Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona, 1; Justin Tucker, Baltimore, 1

Kick returners: Adam Jones, Cincinnati, 17; Darren Sproles, Philadelphia, 15; Devin Hester, Chicago, 14; Jacoby Jones, Baltimore, 3; De’Anthony Thomas, Kansas City, 1

DEFENSE

Defensive ends: J.J. Watt, Houston, 45; Mario Williams, Buffalo, 24; Calais Campbell, Arizona, 11; Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia, 5; Cameron Wake, Miami, 5; Michael Bennett, Seattle, 3; Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore, 3; Everson Griffen, Minnesota, 1; Jerry Hughes, Buffalo, 1; Robert Quinn, St. Louis, 1; Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets, 1

Defensive tackles: Ndamukong Suh, Detroit, 41; Marcell Dareus, Buffalo, 24; Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay, 13; J.J. Watt, Houston, 5; Kyle Williams, Buffalo, 4; Aaron Donald, St. Louis, 4; Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets, 4; Sen’Derrick Marks, Jacksonville, 2; Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia, 2; Calais Campbell, Arizona, 1

Outside linebackers: Justin Houston, Kansas City, 47; Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore, 13; Von Miller, Denver, 11; Connor Barwin, Philadelphia, 11; DeAndre Levy, Detroit, 7; Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 5; Ryan Kerrigan, Washington, 3; Lavonte David, Tampa Bay, 2; Terrell Suggs, Baltimore, 1

Inside linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Carolina, 43; Bobby Wagner, Seattle, 31; C.J. Mosley, Baltimore, 9; DeAndre Levy, Detroit, 4; Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh, 4; Jamie Collins, New England, 2; Dont’a Hightower, New England, 2; D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis, 1; Brandon Marshall, Denver, 1; Clay Matthews, Green Bay, 1; Larry Foote, Arizona, 1; Mychal Kendricks, Philadelphia 1

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, New England, 42; Richard Sherman, Seattle, 41; Chris Harris Jr., Denver, 9; Brent Grimes, Miami, 4; Vontae Davis, Indianapolis, 2; Aqib Talib, New England, 1; Joe Haden, Cleveland, 1

Safeties: Earl Thomas, Seattle, 39; Eric Weddle, San Diego, 16; Kam Chancellor, Seattle, 14; Glover Quin, Detroit, 13; Harrison Smith, Minnesota, 7; Antoine Bethea, San Francisco, 5; Devin McCourty, New England, 2; Tashaun Gipson, Cleveland, 2; Charles Woodson, Oakland, 1; Rashad Johnson, Arizona, 1

Punters: Pat McAfee, Indianapolis, 26; Johnny Hekker, St. Louis, 12; Sam Koch, Baltimore, 8; Kevin Huber, Cincinnati, 2; Bryan Anger, Jacksonville,

One glaring snub on this list is Ben Roethlisberger. Antonio Brown was the only Steeler voted in last year. He was nominated to the second team.

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Le’Veon Bell Has Been Ruled Out For The Ravens Game

The Steelers announce that RB Le’Veon Bell has been ruled out for tomorrow night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. As I mentioned the other day, his availability would have been a surprise. Bell has not practiced all week, and according to one reporter, didn’t try running on his injured knee as of yesterday afternoon.

With Bell out, the Steelers will have to rely on Josh Harris, Dri Archer, Will Johnson, and newly signed veteran Ben Tate.

troy polamalu

Bell, Harrison Miss Practice; Troy, Ike, And McLendon Practice Fully

The Steelers concluded practice without Le’Veon Bell again today. According to NFL Network reporter Adititi Kinkhabwala, Bell said he feels good, but did not try running today. Bell didn’t meet with the media today, but it might have something to do with the Michigan State game.

https://twitter.com/L_Bell26/status/550707732731670528

James Harrison and Landry Jones also missed practice due to illness. Landry Jones was throwing the ball around during practice before Tomlin sent him home. Can’t be too careful this time of year…

Ike Taylor (shoulder/forearm), Troy Polamalu (knee), Michael Palmer (groin), Mike Adams (illness) and Steve McLendon (shoulder) were all full participants today. With Polamalu practicing fully again today, it seems very likely that he’ll be in the lineup on Saturday night. Dick LeBeau said as much earlier today.

https://twitter.com/rayfitt1/status/550755486338150400

 

 

 

steelers

Steelers Add WR Danny Coale To The Practice Squad

The Steelers have signed WR Danny Coale to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team has placed WR Tim Benford on the practice squad injured reserve list.

https://twitter.com/SteelersPRBurt/status/550712946200834048

Benford was signed to the practice squad just a couple days ago, when the team released practice squad corner back Jordan Sullen.

Danny Coale was with the Steelers throughout training camp last summer. Coale was waived injured in August after suffering a displaced fracture in one of his fingers. The 6’0, 190lb receiver was drafted by the Cowboys in the 5th round of the 2012 draft. He is the son in law of former Steelers lineman Tunch Ilkin.

 

608px-Antonio_Brown_(wide_receiver,_born_1988)

Brown Named AFC Offensive Player of the Month, Special Teams POTW

Antonio Brown has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month and the Special Teams Player of the Week today. Over the course of the month, Brown had 33 catches, for a toal of 440 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is the first time Brown has been named AFC Player of the Month.

The last Steelers Wide Receiver to earn the honor was Hines Ward in 2004.

Brown was also named the Special Teams Player of the Week for week 17 due to his 71-yard punt return which resulted in a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/AntonioBrown84/status/550338891694108672

Le'Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell Not Limping Today By Many Accounts

While much of Steeler Nation holds it’s collective breath regarding Le’Veon Bell’s injury, it appears that his condition is rapidly improving. Monday, reporters were saying that Bell could barely walk.

Yesterday, Coach Tomlin called Bell’s injury a hyper-extension of the knee, and said that Bell was riding the exercise bike at the Steelers facility. Today, by many accounts, Bell doesn’t appear to be limping at all.

https://twitter.com/BCTBradford/status/550300877203193856

https://twitter.com/dlolleyor/status/550311348886720512

https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/550301180182925312

https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/550305581664579584

This sounds like great news, but I wouldn’t get too excited. The Ravens game is only 3 days away. Personally, I think it’s a coin toss as to whether or not he’s available on Saturday, though, I’d be surprised if he’ll be able to play.