 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| • | For the 2nd straight year, Kordell has lost his top receiver. |
| • | Kordell is faced with learning the system of his 3rd offensive coordinator in as many seasons. |
| • | With the loss of veteran DBs Carnell Lake & Darren Perry, the dismantling of Pittsburgh's great secondary from a few seasons ago is complete. |
| • | The defense suffers from a glaring overall lack of depth, especially at LB, CB, & S. |
| • | Now for the biggest one of all... the season-ending injury to Strzelczyk has put the Steelers' already suspect offensive line in a complete shambles. With no clear cut starter at right tackle (not to mention an frightening overall lack of depth, inexperience, etc.), Kordell Stewart may again be running for his life everytime he takes a snap, especially if the line fails to open holes for Bettis. |
The following articles are listed in the order they were received (with the most recent entries at the top). This isn't a "guestbook" format... I read and manually insert every message, so you may not see your submission show up immediately. Thanks a million for your comments, people! Steelers Revival in '99 First of all, Bill Cowher has already started to trim the fat (both literally and figuratively) off this team, starting with super-bust Jamain Stephens. It may not stop there, but if this alone was enough to kick guys into gear, it was a small price to pay. This team is beginning to streamline, both in terms of conditioning and in terms of attitude. Most guys came into camp already in great shape and ready to play (I'll excuse Kirkland because, quite frankly, he's been the best player on the team the last three years, so I assume he knows how to get ready for the season). Their secondary will be better, with two natural corners (as much as I lovED Carnell Lake, the sellout was never a true corner even at his best), a hard-hitting born-Steeler at SS in Lee Flowers, and a more athletic FS in Travis Davis. Their backfield is deeper with the addition of Zereoue, who is already impressing the coaches, so we may no longer have to rely on Huntley's butterfingers when Bettis needs a blow. And Bettis has come into camp in fantastic condition, as long as his knee recovers properly. Most importantly, though, the team is full of guys that are playing for trophies, not paychecks. Bettis could have dogged it after he got his new contract, but instead he decided to work harder. Bruener could have done the same, but he came into camp this year fit as well. Chad Scott, one of the best young corners in the league, could have moped about his knee injury (which by the way occurred during voluntary workouts, so he didn't even have to be there, which shows a lot about his work ethic and character), but instead he rehabed hard and came back ready to go. Troy Edwards could've held out until the day before training camp, then relied on his No. 1 pick status to get a roster spot (like Jamain "Stuffin'" Stephens did), but he signed early, and has played well in camp. I also love the fact that, even off the field, Edwards dresses in Steelers gear from head to toe all the time. They seem to have a lot of guys on this team that are proud to be Steelers. Obviously, a lot of this season will come down to how Kordell plays, and while this will be his third offensive coordinator in as many years, Gilbride may be the best of the lot. It didn't take long for Stewart and Chan Gailey to click, and I think that last year's disaster with Ray Sherman was more of a result of desperate circumstances, with Gailey leaving for the Cowboys so late in the process, than anything else. The guys that have remained have come to play and to win, and I think that if they can get a winning attitude and confidence back this year, they could dramatically exceed a lot of people's expectations of them this year. Jonathan Pasterick Keys to the Season... I also applaud Cowher and the Steeler management for refusing to bow to these guys who make ridiculous salary demands, and to idiots (Stephens) who are not committed to winning. People can call the Steelers as cheap as they want, but in most cases they are usually right. Of all the free agents the Steelers have lost, how many have really hurt the Steelers? Odonnell has been a bust, Greg Lloyd is done (unfortunately), Woodson is getting close to being done, and others like Thigpen (hurt) and Hastings haven't lived up to what they are paid. In addition, Darren Perry (who people blasted the Steelers for not signing) is no longer in the league. I also believe that Carnell Lake is only a year or two away from retirement. My point overall is that all of these guys were good, some great, but I believe that Steeler management often makes sound and intelligent business decisions when it comes to player signings. I also agree that other slackers may find their walking papers before camps is over. All in All, I look for 9-7 however, but if the Bus is back in BUS form, 11-5 or better. Go Steelers! Release of Stephens a Sign of Things to Come Don't be surprised if more of this starts to happen between now and the end of training camp. Thats just Mr Cowher way of saying, "IT'S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY!" I guess it's better late than never on Stehens release, but it's a crying shame it took four years to do it. Other guys that could easily be on that same bubble are LB Carlos Emmons, WR Will Blackwell and RB Richard Huntley. Stay tuned folks... it ain't over! Tom Bragg http://community.webtv.net/francoharris/TomsPittsburgh New Players, New Scheme, New Era That brings me to the point of this letter. I am a big supporter of the passing game. Tim, it took you to show me last year that ball control was key. I am not knocking the old scheme of offense, I just want BALANCE. Many older Steeler fans dont seem to welcome a change of philosophy on offense. I grew up watching Malone, Woodly, Blackledge, Bono, Brister and O'dummell (Think you know Pain?) run overall the same scheme. I am not saying that we should abandon our running ways, but use passing to shake things up and keep the defense honest. It seems like Jerome Bettis is always drawing eight man fronts that dare us to throw the deep ball. Then when we get behind in a ball game our scheme doesn't allow us to come back from a deficit. I am glowing that Cowher is going to let Gilbride handle the offense. I am as big of a Cowher fan as it gets, but I just don't want him calling the plays anymore. I know that Cowher had veto power over the whole offense last year and eventually took over calling the plays. I think that Cowher learned from that. Now the whole team is hungrier for winning. Now, I have had to eat crow over the Rooney's splurging. I have slandered the classiest ownership in the league because I felt that they were not paying out to stay competitive. After signing Kordell's extension, Wayne Gandy, and a few other moves, I have to say that I am satisfied. As for the new additions, I welcome Troy Edwards' brash attitude. He has to back it up, but I feel that a new confidence is a nice change. So what if he went to the Deion Sanders School of Charm? What do you think? Thank you for your time and take care. Steelers 99! Travis Steelers Are Not Cheap! Here is what I found as I was just reading the RealPittsburgh.com page on the Steelers. The Steelers are letting Mark Rodenhauser go because of salary cap reasons. He is one of the best long snappers around. Also a pretty good long snapper, although he has made some costly mistakes in the last couple years, is Jim Sweeney. They may have to let him, Jamain Stephens, Roger Duffy, and Mike Tomczak. All because of the salary cap. Now, I ask you people, if the Steelers are so cheap then why are we having to let quality people go. Rodenhauser is a 6 yr veteran and because of that his salary was to go up this year. Instead the Steelers are going with a rookie because they only have to pay him $175,000. Just think where would the Steelers would be with all these draft picks and others needing contracts if we had signed even half the people they let go this year and last? In trouble that's where. As for the picks we got I am extremely excited about Famous Amos. I've watched him for the last few years and he is a great rb. He will put speed in all the kinds of plays that Ray Sherman called for Bettis last year and Bettis just didn't have the speed to complete the job. Now we've got someone. As for the other picks, I know little about them, but I expect the Steelers did their homework. If they don't turn out, then I don't think they are any worse off than they were. Here's hoping the Black n Gold have a helluva year. If we can just beat the Browns, Bengals, and Titans all their games then we have 6 wins and that is almost half the season right there. They Never Give Pittsburgh Credit There is no doubt in my mind that Kordell is a top-notch quality QB. I think last year's nightmare served as a wake up call for him & I think he and Gilbride already have a rapport and a common goal. We will see a much matured quarterback who is ready to assume the role of the field general on offense. Bettis looks to be in super condition and ready to run over opponents as always. No more bus driver to lead block, but if he and Whitman can click in training camp, then opposing defenses are doomed. I like the depth at RB as well. The receiving corps definitely will have a new look, but there is a lot of potential at this position that should shine if it can feed off of the running game and if they can master Gilbride's planned routes. I hope we can utilize the tight end a lot more, also. The big boys in the trenches will have a relatively new look, but with Mr. Dawson anchoring, the good size and speed all across the line, and time to build chemistry in camp, these guys will be one helluva unit. On defense, Joel Steed will once again be the main man lining up over center... no worries. It is good to see the competition for the starting end postions... we are deep here. Don't worry about Levon's weight... he is the heart and soul of this defense and he will assume the role of leader. This linebacking corps has to one of the best in the league. The secondary has me excited. We now have some serious speed and if this unit can stay healthy, Haslett will have these guys tearing things up for offenses. Special teams is set to still succeed with Miller punting... he has really impressed me. The placekicking has me a little worried, but hopefully someone can fill in where Norm Johnson left off. This edition of the Steelers will be just fine because Coach Cowher is a gamer and I feel he is the best at what he does. He will have us back at the top where we belong. Underestimating Bill Cowher is Foolish The Steelers must have a take-charge, veteran player who is willing to step forward and be the unquestioned leader of this football team. The two players that need to fill these rolls are, on defense, Levon Kirkland, and on offense, Dermontti Dawson. They are proven veterans with a wealth of knowledge between them. They have been in many wars and know exactly what it takes to win in the NFL. This Steelers team is not nearly as weak as many people think they are. Between Kevin Gilbride and Kordell Stewart, the Steelers offense will be a force to be reckoned with before 1999 is over. Gilbride is an excellent coach who will adapt to the players around him. He will let Kordell be Kordell in 1999. That means Kordell will not be forced to be the classic drop back passer that Ray Sherman was trying to make him be in 1998. If Stewart drops back to pass and nothing is there, he will be gone. They'll be no staying in the pocket and refusing to run. Those days are over now that Gilbride has arrived. The offensive line is much stronger than some would believe. The addition of Wayne Gandy as the new left tackle was an excellent move. He is a proven veteran who will get the job done. On the other side, a solid starter will emerge from the quartet of Jamain Stephens, Chris Conrad, Anthony Brown, and 1998 Outland Trophy winner Kris Farris. Look for Farris to do what Alan Faneca did last year. Farris will be the starter by mid-season. Wide receiver is another area that is not as bad as some might think. Courtney Hawkins is the proven veteran that can and will get the job done. Hines Ward, with a year under his belt, has done nothing but impress since mini camp (so much so that he was promoted to first team during mini camp). Troy Edwards will make an impact in the passing game as well as on special teams as a kick returner. It is foolish to think that Edwards will come in and start putting up the same types of numbers that he did while playing at Louisana Tech, but rest assured, this kid knows how to catch the ball. At running back, Jerome Bettis is probably in the best shape of his pro career. And for the first time since Eric Pegram left a few years back, the team will have a quality backup in rookie Amos Zeroue. This kid is only 5'9 and weighs 202lbs, but he has the ability to run a defensive player completely over. He also is lightning fast and can leave an opposing player in his dust. In regards to Zeroue's strength, he benches over 500lbs. This ain't no misprint folks... look it up! When all the above is taken into consideration the Steelers offense will be greatly improved from the 1998 version. Lastly, Bill Cowher knows how to get the absolute most out of his football teams, and this year will be no different. As a motivator and a teacher, they don't come any better than Cowher! Don't worry, folks, because you will be pleasantly surprised by the 1999 edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Talk to ya later! Tom Bragg http://community.webtv.net/francoharris/TomsPittsburgh |
|---|
