Plenty of worries, questions as Steelers offseason begins

[mesaSteeler]

Plenty of worries, questions as Steelers offseason begins
AP

PITTSBURGH (AP) _ The Pittsburgh Steelers packed their bags this week, huddled with coach Mike Tomlin for the last time and trudged off into an offseason filled with uncertainty for a number of players.

Since the Steelers won the Super Bowl 23½ months ago, their record has been a slightly-less-than-mediocre 18-15, counting the playoffs; they were 31-7 the previous two seasons. They have also seen the club change coaches for only the second time since 1969.

Now they'll learn if it is also going to change course.

Coach Mike Tomlin no doubt was reluctant to recommend major changes immediately after being hired 50 weeks ago, unwilling to tear into a team that he did not know and was only one season removed from a championship. There's unlikely to be such reluctance now, after Tomlin experienced an up-then-down season in which the Steelers couldn't have started much better (winning four of five) or ended much worse (losing four of five).

The changes won't necessarily be massive, but they may be across the board. The April draft alone can't fix all of the Steelers' problems, and director of football operations Kevin Colbert and Tomlin must be creative during an offseason that began sooner than they wanted with their 31-29 playoff loss to Jacksonville on Saturday.

There is much to be addressed:

— The coaching staff. Coordinators Bruce Arians and Dick LeBeau can't be faulted for the late-season slide. LeBeau's defense, at least statistically, was No. 1 in the NFL. Under Arians, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a team-record 32 TD passes and cut his interceptions by more than half, from 23 in 2006 to 11.

But when a new coach throws together a staff in a matter of days, he often hires assistant coaches who may not have been picked during a less hurried process. Tomlin hasn't dropped any hints, but the seasonlong problems on special teams suggest changes will be made there.

— Free agents. Left guard Alan Faneca might be the player the Steelers can least afford to lose, yet the one who leaves the soonest. His contract talks went nowhere last year, and they made him so angry it is difficult to imagine him returning.

While he is 31, Faneca hardly seems done — he made All-Pro again on Wednesday — and figures to attract a boatload of money somewhere. Pittsburgh doesn't figure to pay it, even though the Steelers have no replacement in place and the offensive line was a problem area all season.

Outside linebacker Clark Haggans was resigned all season to leaving; he knows LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons weren't drafted last year to play special teams.

— Ben Roethlisberger. Troy Polamalu is currently the highest-paid player in franchise history. Not for long. With Roethlisberger due a nearly $3 million roster bonus in March, the Steelers may speed up talks on a long-term extension. The deal is almost certain to be done; a year from now, Roethlisberger has $8 million worth of bonuses alone in the final year of the contract he signed in as a rookie in 2004.

— The offensive line. There are worries all around here. Left tackle Marvel Smith has only one season left on his contract, and the Steelers don't know how he will bounce back from recent back surgery. Top backup Max Starks' contract is up, and like Faneca, he could sign for much more elsewhere. Center Sean Mahan, the only major pickup an offseason ago, didn't have a standout season but is signed through 2011. Backup guard Chris Kemoeatu is down to one season left on his contract.

Last year, the Steelers used their first two draft picks on linebackers. Might they use their first three on offensive linemen this year?

— The kicking game. Kicker Jeff Reed was excellent, going 23-of-25 with one of his misses from 60 yards. Rookie punter Dan Sepulveda had a good rookie year. But kick returner Allen Rossum didn't do much outside of one TD return, and it wasn't a coincidence that the Steelers quietly added former Colorado kick returner/Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom to their practice squad last week.

— The running game. Until they see him on the field again, the Steelers won't know for sure if Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker lost even a smidgen of his speed when he broke his right leg last month. Backup Najeh Davenport ran for 499 yards after gaining only 221 yards a season ago, but much of that increase resulted from his 123-yard game against St. Louis on Dec. 20. In his three other games from Dec. 16 on, he gained only 48 yards on 29 carries, or 1.7 yards per carry.

— The secondary. Statistically, the defense had a great year. But good teams found a way to pass on the Steelers and a lot, with a combined 12 touchdown passes allowed in their final five games. All four secondary starters (cornerbacks Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor and safeties Polamalu and Ryan Clark) are signed through at least 2009 and backup safety Anthony Smith is signed through next season. Clark intends to come back despite having his spleen removed at midseason.

[Coryea]

The Oline has to be the main focus. I know we can't resign Faneca, but if we can't afford to sign a guy like Starks, then I doubt there will be any Olinemen worth a damn in free agency that we can afford.

[60 MINUTES]

As much As I hate reading all our problems I think this pretty much sums it up. I think it also sums up the fact that we can't fix all of them in one draft. The steelers need to spend some money and draft well. If not we will lose again next year.

To me you are 18 million under the cap with the ablity to move some other contracts around. MORE THAN ENOUGH ROOM TO COME UP WITH A FAIR CONTRACT TO PAY ALAN to play center. The knock on a big contract at his age is simple, won't be worth it. Well if he plays 5 years of it I say he is worth it. I belive he can.

[1st & 10]

He forgot to mention the DL which needs help. I like Keisel but he is not a 3-4 lineman. Smith shows his value but he is getting up in age. Hampton is a stud, but he plays a position where he is constantly getting beat on from all angles. How much longer can he hold up under that type of abuse?

He has it right concerning the O-line. They need a major overhaul. You have to protect the franchise QB, they did not do that in 07. This is the biggest area of concern and one they have to get right for next year.

I'll throw in the fact that they could use a big, fast WR. Remember how Ben wanted the team to sign Plex. That was not going to happen. Instead they brought in Holmes. He has done a good job. They could still use another big play threat.

[Coryea]

The Steelers supposedly really like Stapleton, I don't know much about him, but he will get his chance at Center in training camp.

[thatrain]

I think one of the knocks on Stapelton is his size. Hopefully he's added some pounds during the season.

[Steeltime]

The O-line can be addressed in this draft.

The D-line could be fixed as well, if the Steelers wanted to go in that direction.

I am doubtful that the Steelers can fix both lines in one draft.

The D-line will be good once again with Aaron Smith. The O-line will be much, much worse without Faneca.

To me, that means take advantage of the deep talent in the draft at OT, G and re-tool the offensive line. Re-sign Ben. Get a new ST coach.

All of these can be done this offseason, and the result is a better Steelers team - good enough to win the AFC North next season.

[Coryea]

While we could upgrade Keisel, our line of Smith, Hampton, Keisel is pretty a pretty good Dline, we just lack depth. I still wouldn't be shocked if we looked a ILB on day one either, Farrior is up there in age, I think this is his final year and if Timmons take Foote's job, I can't see them wanting to move Foote over.
We need to address the Oline in Free Agency and in the draft, we lack starters and depth.

[Milkman Dan]

I agree on the Dline really just needing depth. We need to focus on Oline in the draft. If Stapleton can upgrade our Center situation and Mahan can improve with a move to guard or Kemo can become the mauler we all think he is, we have an improvement already. The other step is getting Starks back. That would give us LT -Starks, LG -Simmons/Mahan/Kemo, C-Stapleton, RG -Simmons/Mahan/Kemo, RT- Colon.

Then for depth we would have LT - Essex/Rookie, LG - Simmons/Mahan/Kemo/Rookie, C - Mahan/Simmons RG - Simmons/Mahan/Kemo/Rookie RT - Essex/Rookie.

[Coryea]

Stapleton can't really be a downgrade at center can he?

[Far51]

would like to see Staperlton hopefully be around 300 when camp starts, I want a 6"4 320 C another Hartings type except one that can handle large NT's.

Mahen is 6"3 300, but not a power OL more finiesse type but his technique stunk this year, lacks strenght as well.

[Hollywood Bags]

We lack team speed in most areas, have an awful OLIne, the most unathletic LBS ever since we have run the 3-4 and have no playmakers in the secondary. Easy to fix.

[Stlrbum]

Pretty good assessment! I agree that alot of the problems can be fixed this off season and OL should be priority #1. If I have to watch that turnstile of an OL again next year I might just explode.

[McBane]

I've heard rumors (friend-of-a-friend type stuff but usually reliable) that Marvel's back is bad enough to have him considering retirement. Although a nice long off season will do a lot to help him heal, I'm sure the Steelers are at least concerned about losing two starters on the left side of their line.

Because of this, I think we will sign either Fanaca OR Starks. With Ben's new contract looming, i think we'll go for Starks since Fanaca will be so expensive. The logic being that Starks is younger, cheaper, and it's easier to find a starting guard than a starting LT. Also, he played fairly well while filling-in for Marvel- better than he ever played at RT. I think his natural position is LT and maybe with some experience he'll blossom. One can hope......

[Malice]

Stapleton can't really be a downgrade at center can he?

I don't see how he could be. Mahan kinda just waves at the D-line as they blow bye him.

[Irv24]

Pretty good assessment! I agree that alot of the problems can be fixed this off season and OL should be priority #1. If I have to watch that turnstile of an OL again next year I might just explode.

I would prefer an implosion. Less mess, but you be you and do what you do.

:)

[Andymisiu]

Why don't they put Holmes back to return kicks and punts? he is good at that. I know they don't want to increase his chances of getting hurt, but R'el did it.

[Stlrs4Life]

The Oline has to be the main focus. I know we can't resign Faneca, but if we can't afford to sign a guy like Starks, then I doubt there will be any Olinemen worth a damn in free agency that we can afford.

Pretty much my feelings also.

[thatrain]

Why don't they put Holmes back to return kicks and punts? he is good at that. I know they don't want to increase his chances of getting hurt, but R'el did it.

You apparently drank away all memory of 06. Good for you.

[SteelerFan448]

I think someone is going to overpay Starks and it isn't going to be us.

[Johnnylaw]

I mentioned this before but I was hoping they woulda put Holmes back there to return our final kick-off against Jax. He gave us the best opportunity to break one- if he didnt fumble first. I know, water under the bridge..

[JerseySteel]

I hope Timmons plays well and starts at inside Linebacker, I think he could add some much needed speed in the middle. I like James Farrior but he is also getting up there in Years and you never know if he hits that wall and stop being so productive. I am also real concern with the Offense line the front office needs to really address that. I hope Willie comes back full force next year I am not really a huge Davenport fan he seems to run to upright and he looked slow as hell on Saturday. It shpuld be an interesting off season but as we all are aware the Steelers aren't know for having a real active free agency period.

[TMC]

If the Steelers can re-sign Starks, and they could because he did not see a ton of starting time this season AND hurt his knee, so if the Steelers approach it correctly, he could never see free agency.....but IF they can retain Starks and then spend 2 picks, even a 1st and 4th on offensive linemen, they could have a line that looks like:
LT-Rookie/Smith/Starks/Essex
LG-Colon/Simmons/Kemoeatu
C-Rookie/Mahan/Stapleton
RG-Simmons/Kemoeatu/Mahan
RT-Starks/Rookie/Essex

Now, the rookies I am thinking of are Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus, Chris Williams, and maybe Jeff Otah slips down if some other Juniors declare. The interior rookie could be Adam Kraus, Will Arnold, Drew Miller, Jordan Grimes, or Cody Wallace. They could snag a WR in the 2nd and a DE/LB in the 3rd. Then, they bounce back in the 5th and grab a small school LB/DE and a RB.

Or, they could trade down in the 2nd and get 2-3rds like they did a few seasons ago. A first and 3-3rds would be excellent.

[RVA Steeler]

But kick returner Allen Rossum didn't do much outside of one TD return, and it wasn't a coincidence that the Steelers quietly added former Colorado kick returner/Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom to their practice squad last week.

Thank God/Allah/Odin Bringer-of-war! Rossum is a stinkbag of underwhelming magnitudes in the NFL. Our Special Teams stink, and maybe this Bloom will be the answer, at the very least competition is a good nip in the bud for hustle and improvement.

[Vader]

We really need to find some gems in the later rounds this year. The FO can't miss in the late rounds like they have been doing the past few years. We need OL, DL,WR, LB and ST help. We can't get all of that in one draft unless they do their homework and not get lovesick over a single player.

[kurtistb]

The more I look into things the more amazed I am at how deep this draft is.

[Steeltime]

The more I look into things the more amazed I am at how deep this draft is.

Conveniently enough for the Steelers, it appears deep in OT, OG, WR. Positions of need for the Steelers.

Steelers can get a premium tackle in the first round and a good OG/C in the third round.

[60 MINUTES]

If the Steelers can re-sign Starks, and they could because he did not see a ton of starting time this season AND hurt his knee, so if the Steelers approach it correctly, he could never see free agency.....but IF they can retain Starks and then spend 2 picks, even a 1st and 4th on offensive linemen, they could have a line that looks like:
LT-Rookie/Smith/Starks/Essex
LG-Colon/Simmons/Kemoeatu
C-Rookie/Mahan/Stapleton
RG-Simmons/Kemoeatu/Mahan
RT-Starks/Rookie/Essex

Now, the rookies I am thinking of are Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus, Chris Williams, and maybe Jeff Otah slips down if some other Juniors declare. The interior rookie could be Adam Kraus, Will Arnold, Drew Miller, Jordan Grimes, or Cody Wallace. They could snag a WR in the 2nd and a DE/LB in the 3rd. Then, they bounce back in the 5th and grab a small school LB/DE and a RB.

Or, they could trade down in the 2nd and get 2-3rds like they did a few seasons ago. A first and 3-3rds would be excellent.


First off any line that has Starks as a starter will not fucking work. What you are all of a sudden sold on a guy that lost his job and now is coming off knee surgery. Not to mention the only thing he can do is pass block IF he gets his hands on you. Run blocking and blocking out on a linebacker is out of the question. If you bring him back you do it for back up money and to be a back up period. He won't do that so I hope he is gone. Second you have Smith on your depth chart. If Marvell Smith is back and healthy then he is hands down your RT. Yes bring in a new stud to play LT but Smith is a clear cut starter if he back healthy.

TMC your numbers and cap talk are great and on the money. Your College Scouting is great and I look forward to seeing what you think we should do as far as pick ups. However you Team mgm and moves we should make are off and seem to be getting worse. Please stick to giving us the numbers we need and the players that are looking good in college. Let the rest of us put the team together. that is all for now.

STud LT ROOKIE, WILLIE C, ALAN F SIMMONS, SMITH

Back ups will be 3rd round Rookie T, Essex, and Mahan, Chris K

Now that is a superbowl line, its your job to find a way to Sign ALAN so get it done and get back to me. that is all.

[Super Heathen]

First off any line that has Starks as a starter will not fucking work. What you are all of a sudden sold on a guy that lost his job and now is coming off knee surgery. Not to mention the only thing he can do is pass block IF he gets his hands on you. Run blocking and blocking out on a linebacker is out of the question. .

Hey 60, hate to tell you but Max' STRENGTH IS RUN BLOCKING! Sorry for the caps but i know how you enjoy them so...

Anyway, Starks came in after Smith went out and, imo, looked better than Marvel did. He got his weight down which helped his footwork and leverage issues. Starks will draw serious interest due to his potential and size.

I'd rather see him stay and move Smith to the right side.

[Slaine]

TMC ...you Team mgm and moves we should make are off and seem to be getting worse. Please stick to giving us the numbers we need and the players that are looking good in college. Let the rest of us put the team together. that is all for now.

....its your job to find a way to Sign ALAN so get it done and get back to me. that is all.

Wow. How to make friends and influence people.

[SteelerScott]

The more I look into things the more amazed I am at how deep this draft is.
That's good, b/c we sure as hell aren't deep.

OLine-OLine-OLine!
What's the point of a FranchiseQB if he's on his @$$ everyother play?
I don't care if it's addressed via draft or FA, but fixing our OLine is paramount.

DefLine would be my 2nd concern.

We're getting destroyed on both sides of the LoS. To me, nothing is more frustrating. (except maybe giving up 3rd and long).

ALL our issues won't be repaired this spring/summer, though. I realize this.
As a Pburgh fan, at least I can say they're not as sad as the Pirates.

[Cap'n A]

I really can't see how anyone expects this team to keep Faneca. Doesn't anyone remember last year and how awful that negotiation went? Don't expect either the front office or Alan's agent to concede an inch of ground, especially when this years draft has so many prospects. Hopefully I think we're going to see the core of our ST coaching staff torn out by the roots. How many more games would we have won last year (including the playoffs) if a ST tackle was made here (including the playoffs), or we got off a good directional punt (including the playoffs) or we got a decent return (not including the playoffs).

[steelberger1]

Why don't they put Holmes back to return kicks and punts? he is good at that. I know they don't want to increase his chances of getting hurt, but R'el did it.

I cant believe that I just read this.

If this is a joke...good one.

If it isnt...memory loss is a serious problem...seek help.

[Coryea]

I mentioned this before but I was hoping they woulda put Holmes back there to return our final kick-off against Jax. He gave us the best opportunity to break one- if he didnt fumble first. I know, water under the bridge..

I was wondering the same thing, 40 seconds left before the kickoff, no timeouts, we needed a big return and Holmes gives us the best chance at a big return. He should've been back there.

[Penguins Fan]

More gloom and doom. I say bullshit.

We all know what the Steelers' weaknesses are. the began to address the linebacker situation in the 2007 draft. This draft, management has to address the offensive line problems.

Faneca is gone. Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone. He has 10 years on his body and is not worth what he wants. Let someone else overpay him.

The Steelers must be more active in the free agent market than they have in the past. The Steelers have a core of players in their prime or close to it (Ben, Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Santonio, Hines Ward, Troy, Ike) that are as good as or better than anyone else in the AFC. I'm certain the Steelers' management does not want to spend years rebuilding the team around these players. With two good drafts and good free agents, the problems can be solved while keeping the team competitive (division championship) in 2008.

Piss on pessimism. I fucking hate it, from anybody. Set high standards and achieve them.

[60 MINUTES]

Hey 60, hate to tell you but Max' STRENGTH IS RUN BLOCKING! Sorry for the caps but i know how you enjoy them so...

Anyway, Starks came in after Smith went out and, imo, looked better than Marvel did. He got his weight down which helped his footwork and leverage issues. Starks will draw serious interest due to his potential and size.

I'd rather see him stay and move Smith to the right side.


He has to get to the guys to run block, I don't see it. WOW, he came in for 3 games and played well. DO YOU THINK IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH A CONTRACT YEAR..

His weight is down all of a sudden. Wow! I can't believe that. Give him 4 or 5 million a year and he will become a fat ass again.

Bottom line for me is this. I think he is a good back up and can come in and give you a decent push here and there. 4 million a year for a LT that has showed us he can be a little better then average is not for me. Your LT should be Probowl material. Not a guy coming off knee surgery that played well for 3 games


By the way your are putting him against a man that was playing with a servere back problem.


Overall I don't hate the guy and if the steelers can get him back thats fine, my point is simple if we are planning for the next superbowl run then it shouldn't start with Max Starks at LT. Someone please tell me this board is better then that.


Thats the browns way of thinking or the bungles. The steelers need to go out and draft a LT that will be a stud for the next 10 years and protect BEN for the next 10 years, just like the colts and pats did. Notice even the shit Browns did it. Drafted LT to protect pussy ass Brady Q.


Again not saying Starks is not worth a shit but IMO, I would rather give Alan 7 Million a year and not pay starks 4 or Mahan 3. Its not if the steelers have money guys, its who they are giving it to.

Add Brent K to the shit list of wasted money. Again not a bad player but no where near a 4.5 million dollar cap hit. Very stupid waste of money.

THAT IS ALL, I WILL TAKE MY CAPS AND GO JERK OFF NOW, THANKS FOR EVERYONE POINTING OUT MY LIKES AND DISLIKES. I LOVE MOST ALL OF YOU GUYS. I ALSO LOVE MY BALLS AND WEE WEE VERY MUCH. THAT IS ALL.