Steelers 'ticked off' about missing playoffs, it shows in practice

Nuggets from Pat Kirwin

The interesting thing about Steve McLendon replacing Casey Hampton is the added quickness it gives the position. Dick LeBeau will use him in many different ways, and as one coach said to me, "Steve could play end in our scheme."


Plaxico Burress may have lost a step or two with age but he looks in great shape and is still a big threat in the red zone. He appears to be a situational player and the plan is for rookie Marcus Wheaton to be the third receiver. GM Kevin Colbert called Wheaton "exciting and a guy that can beat the press."

The Steelers will consider adding an offensive lineman either through trade or at the last cuts. As Kevin Colbert said, "there will be close to 200 linemen released before the final rosters are set and we will look at all of them."

Rebounding from a non-playoff year: Not many things in the NFL are more dangerous than an angry Steelers team coming off a non-playoff season. From president Art Rooney down to the equipment men, this group is quietly angry. Mike Tomlin told me "we don't like to look back as we get ready for this new season, but if it serves as motivation, then so be it." Mr. Rooney said he noticed a renewed work effort in the offseason. Larry Foote said "I was pissed off after last year." LaMar Woodley said "we all know what has to be done around here and it will get done." Don't expect much predicting or players firing off warning shots. This team is going to do its talking on the field. I asked one player what he thought of people predicting the team would come in fourth in the division. His answer was unprintable.

Prediction: In June, I said the Steelers were my pick to go to the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, most likely as a wild card team. After visiting with them and watching the work they put in and the attitude, I will stick with my prediction.



http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/p...f-about-missing-playoffs-it-shows-in-practice

 

If this prediction holds true, Shemarko better be ready to step in for Clark.

 

Unfortunately from what I've read Manning looks great. Couple a healthy Manning with a solid defense and great running game and road to the SB might go through Denver.

 

I have been saying for five months that the Ravens winning the Super Bowl was the best thing to happen to the Steelers. I was booed for that sentiment (LOL) but I stand by it. It had to have eaten the Steelers up inside seeing that team and that coach hoist that trophy.

 

It wasn't Boldin. The guy who scored that TD for Baltimore was named Rahim Moore.

 

there's no reason the SB can't go through Pittsburgh. bring peyton here if he wants to play us and quit being afraid of playing against mr. clark. how old is he now? 60 or something? sheeesshhh.

 

I'm not saying this as a homer or anything but I really believe the Superbowl goes through Pit. Manning is still a pu$$y, Blatimoore is still a cesspool, the Bengals are still house-arrest cats and the Browns have come to be affectionately know by me as the Turd Elfs (I was able to work that in again)! Ok, I am a homer and see the world through Steeler colored glasses...and I couldn't be more proud of the fact. GO STEELERS...Let's get this party started, already!!!

 

The Browns are the Browns, they may have gotten better, but not so much better that they can win the division.

The Ravens IMO have lost more than the Steelers. They lost leadership more than skill, but they lost significant contributions.

The Bengals will be tough, but the question still becomes one of can they do it more than 1 year in a row without folding to the pressure. Last year 10-6. Steelers last year 8-8. If we don't lose on the last second FG in the next to last game, and that 1 game outcome is reversed....the Bengals go home and the Steelers make the playoffs. THAT is how close this team, the one that beat the Ravens with Batch as the QB and almost did it with Lefty as the QB, came to making the playoffs.

Personally, I expect a team which is focused and ready to go. Depth is a concern, but the starters I have ZERO concerns about.

 

I say that all the time. People act like we're so far below the Ravens and Bengals because of our record. Um, we almost beat the Ravens with our 2nd string QB while he was hurt the whole game, and we BEAT the Ravens with our 3rd string QB.

 

That team lost 4 games on last second FGs. FOUR! All of those games could have gone the other way....all of them. Guess what if that happens...we're 12-4 and at worst hosting a playoff game.

 

quite the different team this year.

 

They were ticked off when they lost to the CHargers, they were ticked off when they lost in Dallas. So what did they do next? They lost to Cincy at home with the playoffs on the line.

Players say crap like this all the time. We'll see if they are still ticked off on Oct 1st

 

Yes, but they were ticked off and injured. Perhaps now, they'll be ticked off and healthy.

 

Evert team, every year gets injuries..... Especially when a lot of key
players are over 30.

 

I don't that the team plays better because they are ticked off, have a chip on their shoulders, or any of the other nonsense a long those lines.

 

I don't think you are hearing a lot of rhetoric from the players that they are ticked off. Most of what you hear is reporters saying you can "see" they are ticked off. There is a difference when players go the extra mile to prepare in the offseason.

 

H*ll, I'm ticked off!

Let's see how they play when they get up on an opponent by a couple scores.

 

We shall see, lots of work to be done to make the playoffs.We better hope # 7 can win us some games this year.He will have to be super.Lip service is ok for the casual fan, lets see what they do under the big stage.When the lights are the brightest.

 

Agreed! I am now excited about the season, but it took essentially the entire offseason to get over last year.

 

I am not even going to respond to your comments.