mesaSteeler
04-25-2008, 12:05 AM
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http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/504457.html
Stealing the show
Fans watch Steelers take court in McDonald
By MIKE MCLAIN Tribune Chronicle
POSTED: April 24, 2008
Email: "Stealing the show"
Tribune Chronicle / Steve Schenck
Steeler fans, from left, Alexus Crown, 9, of Girard and her cousin, Claire Kawecki, 9, of McDonald look on during the Steelers basketball game at McDonald High School on Wednesday.
McDONALD — The group of seven Pittsburgh Steelers who arrived at McDonald High School Wednesday for a charity basketball game wasn’t exactly a ‘‘Who’s Who’’ collection of talent.
In the long run, the level of talent that shows up for a basketball game in April doesn’t amount to much. All that matters to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is how well the 53 players who make the cut perform collectively when September arrives.
Considering the way the offseason has transpired, it could be a difficult season for the Steelers.
‘‘We’re kind of rebuilding now with our offensive line because we lost ‘Red’ (guard Alan Faneca),’’ said Najeh Davenport, a six-year veteran and a backup to running back Willie Parker. ‘‘Once we get our offensive line situated, everything else is going to fall into place.’’
While fans here waited and hoped to see Hubbard graduate Anthony Smith, a 2006 third-round draft choice, among others, they were entertained by Davenport, Carey Davis, Darnell Stapleton, Brian McFadden, Mike Lorello, Arnold Harrison and Anthony Harrison.
It’s fair to wonder if the seven relative unknowns represent what’s widely believed to be a decline in talent for a franchise that’s rarely had bad seasons. Davenport pointed out the loss of Faneca, a 1998 first-round draft choice and arguably a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection.
Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets, was part of one of the elite offensive lines in the NFL in recent seasons. His departure comes a year after the retirement of outstanding center Jeff Hartings.
‘‘It makes the world go ’round,’’ Davenport said of the offensive line. ‘‘We know the running game starts in the trenches. Once we get the trenches right, we can pretty much do anything.’’
Faneca’s departure can’t be put into quantitative terms. He was a dominant force, whether it was in-line blocking or using his quickness as a trap blocker.
The loss of Faneca might play an even larger role in the locker room. He was a high draft choice that played out exactly as envisioned by management. He was a perfect pick by former coach Bill Cowher, who never thought it was a secret to say that the offensive line is the heart and soul of any successful team.
‘‘You looked for Red to make a lot of calls,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘That presence was there.’’
The players that were on hand to take on a basketball team representing the Local Competitive Athletic Association at McDonald High School know that it won’t be an easy task to successfully defend the AFC North Division title. The Steelers and Cleveland Browns both finished with a 10-6 record, but the Steelers were awarded the division crown on the basis of winning both games against the Browns.
At this time of the year it appears that the division is ready for the taking. The Browns and Steelers are considered the front runners, but the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are waiting to make moves.
‘‘In this league everyone gets paid. It’s always wide open,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘It’s always the Browns. They come ready to play.’’
The Browns don’t have a pick in each of the first three rounds of next weekend’s NFL draft because of trades. The Steelers, who have the 23rd overall pick, will be more active.
Davenport isn’t in a position to project what the Steelers will do.
‘‘They say anybody but a quarterback and a tight end,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘So, I don’t know.’’
http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/504457.html
Stealing the show
Fans watch Steelers take court in McDonald
By MIKE MCLAIN Tribune Chronicle
POSTED: April 24, 2008
Email: "Stealing the show"
Tribune Chronicle / Steve Schenck
Steeler fans, from left, Alexus Crown, 9, of Girard and her cousin, Claire Kawecki, 9, of McDonald look on during the Steelers basketball game at McDonald High School on Wednesday.
McDONALD — The group of seven Pittsburgh Steelers who arrived at McDonald High School Wednesday for a charity basketball game wasn’t exactly a ‘‘Who’s Who’’ collection of talent.
In the long run, the level of talent that shows up for a basketball game in April doesn’t amount to much. All that matters to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is how well the 53 players who make the cut perform collectively when September arrives.
Considering the way the offseason has transpired, it could be a difficult season for the Steelers.
‘‘We’re kind of rebuilding now with our offensive line because we lost ‘Red’ (guard Alan Faneca),’’ said Najeh Davenport, a six-year veteran and a backup to running back Willie Parker. ‘‘Once we get our offensive line situated, everything else is going to fall into place.’’
While fans here waited and hoped to see Hubbard graduate Anthony Smith, a 2006 third-round draft choice, among others, they were entertained by Davenport, Carey Davis, Darnell Stapleton, Brian McFadden, Mike Lorello, Arnold Harrison and Anthony Harrison.
It’s fair to wonder if the seven relative unknowns represent what’s widely believed to be a decline in talent for a franchise that’s rarely had bad seasons. Davenport pointed out the loss of Faneca, a 1998 first-round draft choice and arguably a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection.
Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets, was part of one of the elite offensive lines in the NFL in recent seasons. His departure comes a year after the retirement of outstanding center Jeff Hartings.
‘‘It makes the world go ’round,’’ Davenport said of the offensive line. ‘‘We know the running game starts in the trenches. Once we get the trenches right, we can pretty much do anything.’’
Faneca’s departure can’t be put into quantitative terms. He was a dominant force, whether it was in-line blocking or using his quickness as a trap blocker.
The loss of Faneca might play an even larger role in the locker room. He was a high draft choice that played out exactly as envisioned by management. He was a perfect pick by former coach Bill Cowher, who never thought it was a secret to say that the offensive line is the heart and soul of any successful team.
‘‘You looked for Red to make a lot of calls,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘That presence was there.’’
The players that were on hand to take on a basketball team representing the Local Competitive Athletic Association at McDonald High School know that it won’t be an easy task to successfully defend the AFC North Division title. The Steelers and Cleveland Browns both finished with a 10-6 record, but the Steelers were awarded the division crown on the basis of winning both games against the Browns.
At this time of the year it appears that the division is ready for the taking. The Browns and Steelers are considered the front runners, but the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are waiting to make moves.
‘‘In this league everyone gets paid. It’s always wide open,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘It’s always the Browns. They come ready to play.’’
The Browns don’t have a pick in each of the first three rounds of next weekend’s NFL draft because of trades. The Steelers, who have the 23rd overall pick, will be more active.
Davenport isn’t in a position to project what the Steelers will do.
‘‘They say anybody but a quarterback and a tight end,’’ Davenport said. ‘‘So, I don’t know.’’