Category Archives: Steelers News

Cortez Allen Hopes To Be Like Ike

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Steelers CB Cortez Allen  hopes to be like Ike Taylor. At least, he hopes to be able to play at the level that Ike Taylor does. Allen, who is entering his 4th season with the Steelers, battled injury early in the season, but saw far more snaps than in previous seasons. Out of the 718 snaps he saw action on, he was thrown at a total of 81 times. Approximately 55% of those pass attempts were caught, and 5 of those resulted in a touchdown.

While he saw less playing time than Ike Taylor, his coverage allowed fewer yards, far fewer YAC (yards after catch), fewer touchdowns, and a significantly lower catch percentage. Arguably, the most important stat is the difference in interceptions. Allen had two, while Taylor had none. In the past you could argue that Ike was assigned to the X receiver, but that wasn’t always the case in 2013.

In an interview with Steelers.com writer Mike Prisuta, Allen shared his hopes to assume the responsibility of being the #1 corner. “Of course,” said Allen. “I’ve always liked to challenge myself. I’ve always wanted that challenge just to see how I match up. And it’s always fun to go against talent like that. Ike’s done it before me. Hopefully, one day I’ll be in that position to be the level of player that he is. It’s a day-by-day process. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from him and the guys around me.”

The Citadel alum continued, “Wherever I am in the defense, wherever they see fit, what’s best for the team, then that’s where I’ll be. I’ve never been a guy who said, ‘I want to play on this side or that side.’ We’re both capable of playing either side. And we’re both capable of playing anybody we face. It’s always us. It’s never them.”

I think the future is full of promise for Allen, and he expressed a similar sentiment. Now that the season’s over, he said it’s time to start working on improving. “[He’ll start to] Evaluate myself and begin the process of attacking what I need to improve. Talk to Coach Tomlin and Coach Lake and see what I can improve in the off-season and go from there…there’s so much room for me to grow.”

Ryan Clark And Jerome Bettis Voice Opinions On Michael Sam

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If you haven’t heard by now, NFL draft prospect Michael Sam announced to the media today that he is gay. It goes without saying that this will be a vigorously discussed topic for the next few months leading up to the draft (and beyond). There is already plenty of debate about whether or not this will negatively effect his draft stock. Today on ESPN, both Jerome Bettis and Ryan Clark shared their opinions, and both were supportive.

Bettis said that he thinks 90-95 percent of NFL players will welcome Sam. “I think this is the perfect opportunity for the NFL to now make this a point to communicate to every NFL team now you have to understand, now you have to bring these players to this moment,” Bettis said on SportsCenter. Adding, “For him to make it public that he is gay, the key word is he knows who he is and he’s comfortable with who he is. I think that sends the message that it is OK and I think that’s what everyone needs to take from that. It is OK that he is gay and wants to play football in the NFL.”

Lastly, the former Steelers running back said, “You’re always going to have one or two guys that feel strongly in a different capacity but that’s going to be in any situation you deal with. You understand that and hope those players allow him to be in that locker room and give him the respect he deserves being in the locker room.”

Steelers Safety Ryan Clark expressed optimism, and concerns about the situation. “If he’s willing to put his hand in the pile and be a part of the solution to winning a championship and winning football games, then guys will accept him,” said Clark. “The one thing we know about NFL locker rooms and NFL teams is it’s the ultimate team sport and you want that camaraderie, you want that chemistry,” Clark told ESPN via telephone. “I think before he steps into a locker room people will talk to leaders in the locker room, leaders on their team to see how do they plan to accept him as a teammate.”

“This is the thing people have to understand about NFL locker rooms: It’s a lot of ornery veterans,” Clark said. “There’s a lot of veterans that don’t like talking to rookies. There’s a lot of veterans that don’t really mingle with guys coming in playing their positions or guys they feel like haven’t earned their spots. So we’ve had situations where there are veterans that don’t talk to the young guys or that don’t necessarily accept them until they’ve proven themselves in certain ways.”

Clark went on to say that he thinks people will need to be careful to not judge guys who don’t come out openly supporting Sam, as opposing him. “For a lot of guys it’s going to take some time to get used to that has never been through this situation. For us, it’s about being patient with the whole process and allowing the guy to play football.”

Here’s my take: Sam was in an awkward place before this announcement. He’s a good pass rusher, but he isn’t very easy to find a place for on a NFL team. He’s essentially a 4-3 DE who’s predominately a third down pass rush specialist. You’re going to hear lots of people asking if the Steelers will or should draft him. The easy answer is- probably not, and it has nothing to do with who he kisses goodnight. He doesn’t have the size to be a 3-4 DE, and I don’t believe he is likely a good candidate to convert to OLB due to mechanics.

Compensatory Pick Projector Predicts Steelers 2014 Comp Picks

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There has been much debate, speculation, and discussion about the Steelers 2014 compensatory draft picks during the last few months. Like many things Steelers draft related, you’ll find a variety of differing opinions. I broke down the compensatory draft picks, and made my own comp pick projections a few weeks back. My prediction remains unchanged.

Craig Turner, who has been proven to be pretty accurate in the past, has released his compensatory predictions for every team. Turner has the Steelers receiving 3 compensatory picks. A third for WR Mike Wallace, a fifth for DB Keenan Lewis, and a seventh for S Ryan Mundy.

In my earlier article, I predicted a third for Wallace, and a fifth for Lewis, so we’re of the same mind there. I do not believe the loss of Ryan Mundy will garner a 7th round pick, though. His contract falls below the qualifying range in my opinion. I could be wrong, and hope I am obviously. Still, gaining a third and a fifth is extremely valuable- this year especially.

No one outside the league office really knows the formula the NFL uses, but it’s not impossible to predict somewhat accurately based on data from previous years.

 

Report: Jets Interested In Emmanuel Sanders

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The New York Daily News reports that they’ve learned that the NY Jets are “coveting” soon to be Steelers free agent WR Emmanuel Sanders. The Jets are in bad need of an upgrade to their receiving corps, who were ranked 31st last year. Also, Santonio Holmes is reportedly not part of their plan moving forward.

This makes at least the third team that is rumored or reportedly interested in Sanders. I’ve felt for some time that Sanders wouldn’t be a Steeler next year, and that Jericho Cotchery would. Cotchery is definitely going to be the easier FA WR to keep, and his recent on field production has earned him the nickname of “Jericho Clutchery”. OK, I made that up, but it could work.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Sanders landed a contract that averaged in the $4 million per year range. That’s on the high end, but with buzz he’s garnering before free agency begins, it’s realistic.

Former Steelers WR Coach Montgomery Named Duke’s Offensive Coordinator

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Former Steelers Wide Receivers Coach Scottie Montgomery has been promoted to offensive coordinator at Duke. Montgomery was the Steelers wide receivers coach from 2010-2012, before leaving to return to Duke last off season. When he left the Steelers, he took the WR coaching position at Duke, which also included passing game and associate head coach duties.

Ryan Clark: “I Know Guys On My Team Who Smoke”

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Steelers Safety Ryan Clark was on ESPN’s First Take earlier today talking about NFL and marijuana usage. After a bit of discussion about Antonio Cromartie’s recent comments on marijuana in the NFL, Ryan Clark opened up (arguably too much so) about his thoughts on the matter.

“I know guys on my team who smoke,” Clark said. “And it’s not a situation where you think, ‘Oh, these are guys trying to be cool.’ These are guys who want to do it recreationally. He went on to say, “A lot of it is stress relief. A lot of it is pain and medication. Guys feel like, ‘If I can do this, it keeps me away from maybe Vicodin, it keeps me away from pain prescription drugs and things that guys get addicted to.’

Guys look at this as a more natural way to heal themselves, to stress relieve and also to medicate themselves for pain. Guys are still going to do it.”

Clark went on to agree with Cromartie, “It’s 100 percent true. They’re fighting a losing battle. The testing isn’t stringent,” Clark said. “There is one random test during OTAs and minicamps during the offseason, and everybody will be tested early in training camp. After that, there are no more tests. So guys understand the ways to get around failing a drug test.”

Personally, I think Ryan is entitled to his opinion, and will have a long career on ESPN. However, I think he’s violating a code of sorts by speaking about his teammates and the locker room on national TV. What do you think?

Brett Keisel “Shears Da Beard” For Charity

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Brett Keisel said goodbye to his famous facial hair last night once again, to raise money for children’s charities. The fourth annual “Shear Da Beard” event was held at Jergel’s in Warrendale for the second year in a row. The event, which was sold out, has raised over $100,000 with proceeds benefiting the oncology program at Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital.

There was a special guest auctioneer last night- James Harrison.

Photo credit- @ScottBrown_ESPN via Twitter

Several guests were on hand to have a turn shearing Keisel’s mane. Coach Tomlin, Coach LeBeau, Coach Butler and others. Here’s some highlights posted on social media.

 

 

Lastly, I’ll leave you with Big Brett singing Ring of Fire. Enjoy.

Brett Keisel- Ring Of Fire

Ben Roethlisberger Getting Head Start On Chemistry With Moye, Wheaton

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Big Ben is already getting some early work in with his young receiving corps. Both Derek Moye and Markus Wheaton are getting reps with Ben out in Orange County, California. Specifically, I would imagine they’re in Irvine, CA, as that’s where Ben’s representation agency is located. Photographers and videographers are on site, and the workouts are in conjunction with Rep1Sports, so Irvine is a safe assumption, though other agencies have players there, so anywhere in Orange County is a possibility I suppose.

If you follow my Twitter account (@TheSteelersFans) or visit the site often, you’ll likely have seen these tweets from yesterday and today.

 

 

Nestler and other coaches were on the scene yesterday to participate in the workouts. Markus Wheaton, Derek Moye, and other draft prospects who are training for the combine were there as well. UCLA WR Shaq Evans is one receiver who I know to be signed with that agency, so perhaps he was there. Coincidentally, Blake Bortles who draws Big Ben comparisons, is represented by them, too. Who else might be there would just be a guess.

The news of Moye and Wheaton getting early reps with with Ben should come as a nice surprise. This extra time should pay dividends in the spring, summer, and hopefully the fall.

 

Big Ben On Being Cerebral And The No Huddle

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Steelers fans everywhere know how successful Ben Roethlisberger was running the no-huddle offense during the latter part of the 2013 season. Ben spoke with Mike Prisuta of the steelers website about running the no-huddle offense, and about playing cerebral football.

On the no huddle, Ben concedes that it promotes getting the ball out faster. “I would agree with that because when I’m calling the plays, I can call it off what the defense is giving us. So it’s kind of that chess match I’ve talked about before with coordinators, where if Coach Haley calls a play, he doesn’t know what the defense is going to give us.” Roethlisberger went on to say, “The defense doesn’t know what play we’re going to call. When I’m out there, I can actually see what the defense is giving us, and I can change the play or call a play that I think is best to work against that specific defense. In that sense, yes, usually the ball will come out quicker because I’ve kind of predetermined where I’m going to go with the ball because I’ve called the play off a specific defense.”

Clearly it works, and Ben’s been wanting to run it for some time. At least as far back as 2011 when Bruce Arians was still the offensive coordinator.

Ben also says he can play cerebral football, too.

“I think so. There are still times that I make mistakes calling a play where I call the wrong play or guess wrong or they guess right and it doesn’t look so good. I’d like to think I get us in the best play possible most of the time. It’s more than just me. I’ve got to give credit to the coaches and the other quarterbacks, because so much of the no-huddle is done on the sidelines. We’re talking about so many things and the players are coming up and talking to me about plays that they like, whether it’s Heath or Jerricho, guys who are really on the interior part of it. It’s more than just me. It’s all of us and just being able to use the things that they give me on the field to make us all better.”

Jerome Bettis Falls Shy Of Hall Of Fame Again

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The 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees have been officially announced , confirming what was leaked all over the internet earlier, Jerome Bettis has not been inducted. This is the fourth year in a row that The Bus was not chosen.

“As disappointed as it is to not get in, I’m happy for the players who got in,” said Bettis when asked about being snubbed. “They all deserve to be in. So I can’t be mad, I can only hope that next year is my year.”

Here is the list of inductees:

LB Derrick Brooks

WR Andre Reed

DE Michael Strahan

DB Aeneas Williams

OT Walter Jones

Seniors candidates- DE Claude Humphrey and P Ray Guy.

Ray Guy is the first punter to make it in. Former Steelers LB Kevin Greene also did not make it again this year, nor did Tony Dungy.

In 13 seasons, Bettis ammassed 13,662 yards, the 6th most in NFL history, and remains the only one of the eligible top 14 career rushing leaders not inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Bettis and Steeler Nation will have to repeat what they’ve said for the past few years- “Next year for sure.”