Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch is entering his third year in the league and with no guarantees that he will make the 53 man roster out of training camp later on this summer, he will have to prove that he can be more than just a special teams player. Batch, the Steelers seventh-round draft pick in 2011, was forced to sit out his rookie year after suffering a torn ACL just prior to the first preseason game that year. He returned last offseason to make the Steelers 53 man roster primarily as a special teams player and emergency running back and wound up dressing for 12 games and playing Read more [...]

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted moms and their children for a Youth Football Skills Clinic at the Steelers Indoor Practice Facility to raise awareness about new safety measures.... Source: Pittsburgh Steelers : Videos The post Youth Football Clinic for Moms appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.

By Christopher DiMarino With the 2013 NFL draft now behind us, we are entering a stagnant time of waiting and over-analysis. Many are spiteful of this advanced look, but it's only natural given the amount of time, effort and excitement that goes into the draft. Sure players won't be battling for positions for a few more months, but those battles are all but set in stone. So, I decided to start taking advanced looks at the rosters and position battles that are generated from the draft. While position battles league wide are important, I bet you're wondering why you should care. Well since I'm the Read more [...]

The way it was timed it might be understandable if you thought it was a pattern. Two weeks, two Steelers legends move on in a bittersweet manner. In an interesting twist, on other fronts the talk is how the Steelers appear to be the same that they've always been; this in spite of all the hang wringing and sullen talk emanating out of Steeler Nation these past months. A rookie was signed after the club explained that because of the financials they would be waiting until June to sign their newcomers. Thought player safety was going away or at least to the back page, think again. Jack Butler Butler 'thankful to play in the City of Champions Steelers DB Jack Butler was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, and shared fond memories of playing in his hometown. Last week Joe Greene announced his retirement from the Steelers organization. Though he had long ago ceased being an everyday presence in the consciousness of fans, it resonated as sad news. The consolation was that Greene was in good health and we could believe and hope that he would make an appearance from time to time in the years ahead. Then, less than a year after he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, Jack Butler passed away. In this case the sadness is associated with death and loss; he is gone now. The consolation comes in the sense that he lived to be properly recognized for his contributions as both a player and in innovation the process of player evaluation. He got to experience a well earned victory lap before exiting the stage. And so the sadness is softened by a sense of justice served. Shamarko Thomas Earlier this week the Steelers created the expectation that they would wait until after the 1st of June to sign members of their rookie class. The strategy was based upon the salary cap windfall that would be realized because of the terms of Willie Colon's contract. A few days later the club announced that they had come to terms with fourth round draft pick, safety Shamarko Thomas. When you are fully aware of the Thomas' circumstances it is not a story of inconsistency but the kind of story that will reinforce the pride that many feel in supporting the Steelers organization as well as earning Thomas legions of fans who will be rooting for his success for reasons that go beyond his ability to contribute to the win/loss columns. But besides the human interest dimensions a lot of voices locally and nationally are suggesting that Thomas has the capacity to be the first year player to have greatest immediate impact on the team this season. Nobody really knows at this point and a lot can happen between now and September, but for now the needle is pointing up for Thomas on multiple levels. Thomas rightfully the first Steelers pick to sign Shamarko Thomas ended one amazing journey when he signed his first NFL contract this week. It also started another, writes BTSC's Neal Coolong Colbert The Steelers GM participated in a Q&A with season ticket holders. The questions that were field were not atypical of those that a frequently raised here and throughout Steeler Nation. They included, the status of Sean Spence, the state of the salary cap, draft philosophy as it relates to issues such as character, best player available and need. See some of his responses here. Le 'Veon Bell Another rookie whose stock seems to rising a bit after some decidedly mixed initial reviews is the running back out of Michigan State. Neal Coolong provides us with a video assessment of Bell's play. Steelers Draft Breakdown: Le'Veon Bell uses quickness more than size Breaking down Le'Veon Bell's impressive performance against Boise State this past season, it's clear Bell's best attribute isn't his power, but his quickness, writes BTSC's Neal Coolong CTE's In February 2012 I wrote that the CTE/player safety concerns would be a story that would not be going away any time soon. Over the past fifteen months if h

October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) straps on his helmet against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports This week James Harrison had his introductory press conference with the Cincinnati media and for me, the sting of losing Harrison came back to the surface again. I never thought I would agree with Bengals CB Adam “Pac Man” Jones about anything. According to NBC Pro Football Talk.com Jones said this about Harrison: “He gives you that swagger and that seal. When you mail out the letter you have to make sure you put a stamp on it. Well, he’s the stamp.” The Bengals were already good. The Bengals defense only lost Manny Lawson this off-season through free agency but replaced him with Harrison. In recent years the Bengals defense has been consistently one of the best defenses in the NFL but definitely seemed to be lacking something. Yes Harrison just may be that “stamp” the Bengals need to push through the wall the Bengals know as the Wildcard round. The only good news in all of this for the Steelers and their fans is the Bengals run a 4-3 defense. Reports are the Bengals are moving Harrison to the left side in their 4-3 defense. Harrison has played his whole career at outside linebacker on the right side of Pittsburgh’s defense. It is hard to know at this point whether Harrison’s play at a new position, in  a new scheme with new terminology can be as effective as he was in the 3-4. Bengals Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer is one of the best in the league (and it is a mystery how he has not been offered a head coaching position) and surely will find ways to try and utilize Harrison effectively. Overlooked Factors of Leaving Pittsburgh Something else that comes into all of this that is often overlooked and to me, is one of the biggest reasons why free agent signings don’t work out, will be Harrison’s comfort zone. Right now his whole comfort zone has changed. It has been turned upside down. Most people don’t like change especially when things are going well. Particularly athletes. Never underestimate what these changes can do to psyche of any individual especially someone as regimented as Harrison. A new team, new city, new neighborhood/home, new locker room, new teammates, new coaches, new practice schedule, different way of practicing and new training staff are just some of the reasons why players are taken out of their comfort zone. Some players never make the adjustment thus the reason they fail after  leaving the team they had so much prior success with.  Add in learning a new position in a different scheme with new terminology. It will take Harrison some time to adjust, time which he may not have and the Bengals may not give him. Harrison’s Presence In The Bengals Defense May Be More Intangible The Bengals defense may be good but it is hard to name anyone outside of ILB Rey Maualuga or Geno Atkins who may be the best defensive tackle in the league and a player the Steelers have yet to contain. No player on the Bengals will outwork Harrison on or off of the field.  No one will prepare better than him. He has an ‘at all costs’ burning desire to succeed. Harrison was always a great teammate and played selflessly. He was not a “look at me” guy. He was not a showboat. He let his play speak for himself. Harrison brings to the Bengals a championship mentality and the work ethic it takes to achieve it. Harrison will be a leader by example. Adding Harrison and everything he brings to that locker room can only help the Bengals. Harrison’s Intangibles                                                                                          December 23, 2012;  Steelers Harrison (92) and  Roethlisberger (7). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It's never bad to suck up a little to your boss. (Have you checked out what's on Arrowhead Pride today? Just a great job they're doin' over there...) For Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, never one to hold back his opinion, he goes out of his way in an interview with Scout.com and GoBlueWolverine.com writer Josh Newkirk to mention his boss, Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, is the exception to a firm rule. What you may not understand about Larry Foote There seems to be disconnect between how the Steeler coaches view Foote, and how the fans view him. BTSC's Paper Champions breaks down Foote's film. "(The Steelers) got a couple Ohio State guys," Foote said in a lighthearted (to us, perhaps) part of Newkirk's interview with the Michigan product. "The only Buckeye that I ever liked is Dick LeBeau. He gives it to me all the time." The active roster is likely to hold two Wolverines (Foote and OLB LaMarr Woodley) with two Buckeyes (OT Mike Adams and DE Cameron Heyward). The 2013 NFL Draft was the first in the last four years to see the Steelers not select an Ohio State player. They haven't drafted a Michigan player since Woodley in 2007. That doesn't diminish the rivalry at all in Foote's estimation. BTSC interview with Dick LeBeau BTSC's Neal Coolong spoke with Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who said, among other things, the Steelers were looking to get a young safety at some point this offseason. "When the big games come up, (Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin will highlight it that Saturday night (with a) speech before we play our game on Sunday. It's a lot of trash talking. A lot of money gets exchanged, pushups, dinners, all types of stuff." It may not have been the wisest course of action for Foote to admit money exchanges hands based on these games within the locker room, but it's a secret everyone knows. Some variation of this goes without saying as well. "I call them Suckeyes. I call them a whole bunch of names." Follow @NealCoolong

Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress spoke on Sirius XM NFL Radio Friday, tossing his hat into the ring of support for Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. New York Daily News reporter Manish Mehta Tweeted Burress's comments Friday. Plaxico Burress on former teammate Mark Sanchez (via Sirius): "I think he will turn the corner and become a good QB in the league." #nyj — Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) May 17, 2013 Perhaps Plax is lulling Sanchez into a false sense of security. Then again, judging by the start to Sanchez's career, any security he may have can't be considered anything other than false. Sea-Adderall Bruce Irvin's suspension the latest in a long line of suspended Seahawks Burress played with the Jets in 2011, one season after the Steelers defeated Sanchez and New York in the AFC Championship game. Burress had 45 catches and eight touchdowns in his first season back after being incarcerated for two years on a weapons charge. To give Burress a break, he is obviously going to be asked about Sanchez (look at what happens before the Steelers play the Jets in Week 6. That's assuming he's on the team. It's possible Burress is just networking, considering his non-guaranteed one-year contract with Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted Oregon State's Markus Wheaton in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, giving the Steelers three receivers who are assured of roster spots - Wheaton, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Veteran (and former Jets receiver) Jerrhico Cotchery and Burress are behind the first three, and the Steelers kept four receivers on the active roster in 2012. That's not to say they will definitely do that again, but the 53-man roster becomes a numbers game after the obvious choices are added. Includng fullback Will Johnson, the Steelers had six running backs last season. With Rashard Mendenhall having moved on to Arizona, and Chris Rainey having been released, it seems more likely they'd only keep five this year. But the signing of Matt Spaeth and the recovery of Heath Miller could lead to the Steelers keeping four tight ends - Miller, Spaeth, David Paulson and David Johnson. However it shakes out, Burress, as well as other members of the 2012 roster, shouldn't feel any more secure than Sanchez right now. Well, maybe more secure than Sanchez. Follow @NealCoolong

There were several red flags raised around Bruce Irvin, the talented but troubled pass rusher taken by Seattle with the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Irvin backed up production hype with eight sacks his rookie year, but gave haters fuel with a recent suspension for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Steelers Draft Breakdown: Le'Veon Bell uses quickness more than size Breaking down Le'Veon Bell's impressive performance against Boise State this past season, it's clear Bell's best attribute isn't his power, but his quickness, writes BTSC's Neal Coolong It's an intentionally vague reason, not wanting to disclose specifics, but judging by Irvin's comments, it doesn't take much to see into those specifics. "I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement. Wallace: Tannehill might be able to throw farther than Ben Former Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace thinks Ryan Tannehill might be able to throw farther than Ben Roethlisberger While it's likely a player will eventually seek exception to the policy for marijuana use based on medical need, the medical exception he speaks of is most likely for Adderall, the Type II controlled substance used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder that's already claimed multiple suspensions, including former Steelers tight end Weslye Saunders. According to an Associated Press report, five Seahawks players - John Moffitt, Allen Barbre, Winston Guy, Brandon Browner and Irvin - have received four-game suspensions for violations of the banned substances policy. Cornerback Richard Sherman was suspended after violating the policy, but had it overturned on a procedural technicality that didn't at all skew the results of his test. Moffitt was a rookie and said he was unaware of Adderall being a banned substance at the time. That is leading to the coining of the nickname "Sea-Adderall" for a Seahawks team that could compete for an NFC West championship and a deep postseason run. Assuming they will have all their players available this season. It's easy to pin it all on the Seahawks, but obviously, they aren't the only players taking Adderall without a medical exception. According to Sherman, "half the league uses Adderall," not mentioning whether that half uses it with a medical exception or are able to avoid detection one way or another. Thomas rightfully the first Steelers pick to sign Shamarko Thomas ended one amazing journey when he signed his first NFL contract this week. It also started another, writes BTSC's Neal Coolong Browns cornerback Joe Haden was suspended in 2012 for a similar violation with his admittance he tested positive for Adderall as well. It should be perfectly clear by now using Adderall without going through proper channels within the league isn't allowed. To Irvin's credit, he admitted his mistake instead of pleading ignorance, and he'll serve his suspension and move on. But there shouldn't be any excuse for anyone else. Follow @NealCoolong

... Source: Behind the Steel Curtain - All Posts The post Bruce Arians says Ben Roethlisberger should be ahead of Andrew Luck in NFL Network Top 100 appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.

Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote is making his feelings well known. First, he’s not too happy about the Steelers disappointing 8-8 season in 2012. It’s unlikely that anyone would/could be happy about a season that ended as poorly as the Steelers season did last year, but as one of the leaders on the defense Foote will have to l... Source: Yardbarker: Pittsburgh Steelers The post Larry Foote Upset About Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 Season and James Harrison’s Choice to Join the Cincinnati Bengals appeared first on Pittsburgh Steelers Blog - NFL - PlanetSteelers.com.