[Lebeau]tiful

Dick Lebeau has finally been nominated for the Hall of Fame. He's now being taken into consideration for a seniors' spot in the class of 2010. His role, however unique, deserves a spot in the Hall.

No man has had such an impressive a playing career-7th all time in interceptions and possibly the most consecutive starts for a cornerback-and gone on to change the game as a coordinator. Come on people, he invented the zone-blitz.

Although this nomination is long overdue, it was also easily foreseen. Peter King and Rod Woodson, leading media and player push respectively, are two of the many NFL observers that were shocked by his absence in the Hall.

As Steeler Fans, we've watched his amazing schemes confuse quarterbacks and coaches alike. We've seen him scold and praise players and turn boys into bodysmashing, runstopping, route detecting, o-line rupturing machines. He made the defense a bonded unit that, with ease, touted the league's top achievements for years.

Now his placement in Canton is only a summer's wait away- he's belonged there for quite some time.

Stefan's Speed;Thoughts On Preseason Game 2

Ben was out for this preseason game, and the Steelers got a better look at some of the younger guys-especially against the Redskins' first team. Some guys made a great impression, and some did their job, but no one really made a bad impression this game.

Here's some quick thoughts from yours truly.

*Daniel Sepulveda continues to boom, so I may start calling him "thunder." His consistency will make him a key component to the 2009 team.

*Although Fast Willie ran well, Rashard was definitely more impressive. Mendenhall got several carries against the Redskins first team defense, and he made the most of them. After 2 or 3 carries, he got into a great rythm. More importantly, he was making some great cuts between the tackles.

*Run Blocking, for the second game in a row, was not impressive. Runners are getting the getting the ball only to face a brick wall. We can't expect them to make great cuts every time. They need holes to find if the Steelers want to move out of their embarrasing 23rd rushing offense.

*Mike Wallace continues to impress for two reasons. First-his speed is always lingering as a danger for coverage. He hasn't been covered well downfield in a game yet. Second-he's making great short catches to keep the coverage guessing. He made a great sliding catch and ran decent slants when he was in there. More importantly, he was running routes against first team coverage. No one really expected this guy to come into the league with this much polish. If he had Sweed's height, he'd be the number 3 reciever without question. This WR competition is shaping up to be interesting-->it can only help the team. I'm still giving the 3rd spot to Sweed for now; Wallace will get his chances though.

*Tony Hills needs to get his snap count together. He continued to jump the ball, line up in the wront position, etc. Other than that he protected fairly well.

*Stefan Logan was by far the most impressive player this week. His kickoff and punt returns were the most promising and consistent i've seen since Randel El-->and he wasn't even that great. His cuts and speed make him the danger that we've needed at that position. Although I don't think he'll start at the position, he should make the team if he continues his magic in practice/future games.

*The First Team Defense is full of weapons just waiting to explode. There is so much talent at every position, and all of the guys look like they're in the best shape of their lives. It's really a treat to watch these guys perform for just one quarter. I can't wait until the real deal.

Jets Looking into Receiver Options

Brandon Marshall has been asking out of Denver for a few weeks now but the Broncos have not shown much interest in moving their premier receiver. Their relationship is rocky to say the least at this point.

The Jets, seeing an opportunity, have begun to entertain conversations with Denver to see about maybe acquiring a big time target for Mark Sanchez. Marshall has caught over 100 balls and 1,000 yards the last two seasons and has been refereed to as a "defensive lineman playing wide receiver." He is known as a strong physical receiver which could really add some swagger to the Jets who have seemed to lack some character the last few years.

The Jets are also talking with Kansas City about Dwayne Bowe who followed up a strong rookie season with a breakout sophomore year. He hauled in 86 passes for 1,022 yards and 7 TDs.

At this point the talks are not particularly concrete and we are not sure what pieces the Jets are willing to give up but the talks are promising. Beyond Jerricho Cotchery the Jets do not have a whole lot of talent at the wide receiver position. With the Jets grooming Sanchez to be a superstar having a wide receiver like Marshall or Bowe can make that growth period a lot less tumultuous.

Even if they do not get the deal done as a Jets fan it is nice to see them being more aggressive when it comes to building their team. They are not just sitting back and hoping but going out and getting quality talent to run out there every week.

Goodwill Punting

Daniel Sepulveda could be that extra boom the steelers need-->no pun(t) intended.

But seriously, has the return of a punter ever been so celebrated? Now, let's not forget that his first trot onto Heinz Field turf was in front of many drunk and giddy fans, waiting for something to cheer about during a preseason game; but nevertheless, Sepulveda's first boomer was quite the stomach release for a Steeler Faithful. He could be that extra peptobismol dose the team needs to get over the feared super bowl hangover. Let's face it, no one wants to live through a repeat of 2006.

Sepulveda's punting was greatly missed in 2008, as Steeler Fans were enlightened as to how important punting and field position can be in a close game. Mitch Berger's punting in several games cost us either a comfortable win, and in some cases a tally in the loss column. I'm thinking of the week 8 loss to the Giants, specifically. Although the Offensive Line was labeled as the worst unit in Black and Gold, punting is certainly the worst, and most overlooked part of the team. Berger's punting was wretched and put the defense into horrible holes that, usually, they could somehow escape from. But with Sepulveda launching the pigskin deep into enemy territory, the defense will have a lot more room to play with, and alot more freedom to blitz as they please.

The only caveaut I might add is that the Defense seemed to perform at their best when they were under great pressure. When the opposition was at midfield, or approaching field goal territory, the secondary would clamp down, and black and gold sack machines would turn to extreme mode. So, although other teams will be starting much further back than in 2008 with our new addition, the Defense has got to keep that pressure mentality up to perform as well as last year. This is a small worry of mine, because the the additions and improvements in the defense can only make it a better unit this year. And having more breathing room certainly has more benefits than downsides.

Playing the Ravens 2-3 times in a year, a matchup in which field position can decide games single-handedly, I'm certainly relieved to see Sepulveda booming away in the backfield.

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

Those of you that read Sports Illustrated, you know that after flipping through the occasional jibber jabber and ad scatter, there is a high quality-well written article that will turn up once in a while. And although I usually appreciate SI more for their online coverage and large printed pictures in their magazine preface, I really enjoy reading the feature articles that SI digs up.

This week's SI Issue had such a great article, that it was a no brainer for Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week. The article, titled "A Gift from Africa," tells the heartwarming story of a South African Pirates' prospect that goes by "Gift"(his middle name and translated first name). The article follows him as he arrives in Bradenton, Florida and goes back to his struggles as a young child. Gift is still a Pirate Prospect and he's got some great potential to hit a major league field one day.

It's just an amazing story. And to boot, Gary Smith does a great job with writing it. I'm not sure i've read a more high-quality sports article in any magazine of sort. The piece is long, but the story doesn't get boring and the writing flows like koolaid in an ice pitcher. Smith is a veteran SI writer, and he's got some other great stuff in his article bank.

Kudos to SI for digging this story.

Whatchutalkinbout, Wallace!?

O.K. all of you fellow die hard Stiller fans, don't get too excited. Don't go buy his stitched authentic jersey or draft him early on in your fantasy league. Don't place bets on his success and definitely don't get a tattoo of his face on your bicep; But Mike Wallace is looking reaaaaal good in camp.

Wallace was only drafted late in the 3rd round, and wasn't perceived as a wide receiver with much polish or mechanics, but boy, he's been quite the unexpected gem so far in workouts. He ran the second fastest 40 at the combine, behind only Darrius Heyward-Bey (that kid that Oakland drafted 7th overall), and scored in the top 5 for jumping as well. But the biggest surprise has been his route running and finish at camp-he's not just using his speed.

This gives us steeler fans some hope that this kid might be more than just a Nate Washington-more than a guy that can get away with using his speed to stay at the 3 spot. But with Hines Ward aging and Limas Sweed looking to step up, it sure is comforting to see some unexpected talent to break coverage. Wallace is already looking like a threat downfield, as Roethlisberger has hit him several times after he beat coverage on every play.

Jim Wexell has already labeled Wallace the fastest Wide Reciever in Steeler History (uhhhhh),
and much as been made of a possible race between the reciever and Ike Taylor, supposedly the fastest man on the team. In fact, Taylor's summer workout man has touted him as the fastest in the NFL (this guy works with Chris Johnson as well). It's really exciting to have such young speed on the team.

Sometimes we Steeler Fans forget that we have Kevin Colbert at the realms. The guy that found William Gay in the 5th round two years ago, and Willie Colon in the 4th round of 2006. These are two dependable starters going into 2009. Super Bowl Champion-dependable starters, that is.

So watch with me on Thursday, as Tomlin shows off his new toy in Mike Wallace. He'll start the game as the kickoff return man; so don't blink-you might just miss him.

7 to the 4: August 8

Yankees 5 Red Sox 0

After a game like yesterday CC is finally starting to earn his pinstripes. He pitched an absolute gem yesterday; going 8 innings and not allowing a runner past second. He was perfect through 4, no hit through 6 and finished with 9 strikeouts and no earned runs. The Red Sox should be happy with how Clay Buchholz performed but it is not enough to soften the blow being down 5.5 games.


Mets 1 Padres 3

Now that the Mets season is effectively over they are trying out different players to get an idea of what they have to work with next year. They started rookie Bobby Parnell with a pitch count of around 60-75 pitches. He lasted just 2 1/3 and gave up 2 runs and four hits and left with the bases loaded. He said he could not get his slider over which is no surprise considering all he has is a fastball anyway.

That Tomlin Swag

Swag isn't something you can just mimic. It's not easily recreated or transferable through any medium. It's someone's patented and established way of carrying themselves; Of talking, of walking, of acting. But specifically for Mike Tomlin-it's coaching.

Since his emergence into the league as the sultan of swagger, many have tried and failed to mirror his essence, his style, his culture. They've seen those steely eyes when he trots into Heinz Field on game day. They've envied his pat-on-the-back encouragement after first down completions. They've spent nights staring into the mirror, practicing one liners that don't come close to Mr. Tomlin's glorious fire-spits.

Why wouldn't they want to be like him? Tomlin is the leader of the most successful franchise in Football. He won a Super Bowl in his second coaching year, and he became the youngest coach-second ever African American-to win the biggy. The desirous bunch of unaccomplished coaches have plenty reason to follow his every move, but they can't even touch him. Blinded by the reflection off of his pitch-black shades, they struggle to catch a glimpse of Pittsburgh Potentate.

We all understand why teams are hiring these young, defensive coordinators as coaches. We know why they're looking for that guy that doesn't take any nonsense; the man that has a simple plan-one of few words and hard action. Guys like Mike Singletary and John Harbaugh are reasonable attempts for a team's recreation of the Tomlin Aurora. But they fall short in so many ways. Lombardi trophies, like helium, lift Tomlin and the Steeler Organization over the posing potentials.

Singletary proved this past week that he doesn't come close to Tomlin. The main reason?-he tries too hard. His obvious attempt at shooing away Michael Crabtree drama is yet another case of Tomlin mimicry that just doesn't feel right.

Singletary's failed effort sounded like this:
"In terms of Crabtree, when he comes in, he comes in," "Would you love to have him in? Absolutely. You'd love to have him. Do we want him here? Yes, we want to have him in. But until that happens, I just can't sit back and think about the what-ifs. All I can do is concentrate on what is, and control that."

Far too many words Mr. Singletary. It comes no where close to a Tomlin Tag like "Not subscribing to hocus pocus." So much less blabber, yet so much more swagger.

So the posers can pose, the haters can envy, and the hungry can starve. But with Tomlin, "Together we all eat."

His swagger can't be touched.

QB Battle Brewing

The Jets find themselves in the middle of the age-old debate; do you start your new rookie-stud right away or do you put the mediocre veteran under center?

For every Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco there is a Matt Leinart, Ryan Leaf and David Carr. There is no set answer as to how to prepare a QB for the rigors of the NFL. Ryan came in as a rookie and turned around an entire franchise, erasing the memory of the infamous Michael Vick. Carson Palmer sat for a year and came in for his second season and lite it up. David Carr played right away and flopped. You just never know.

For the Jets they have their 50 million dollar arm in Mark Sanchez and their crafty experienced QB in Kellen Clemens. They have to decide which route they are going to take. Sanchez is the kind of QB that can win games and make spectacular plays with his arm. Clemens does not have that type of talent. On his good days he is a game manager.

There is a risk of running Sanchez out there too early. If he gets pummeled and the Jets continue to lose the pressure of New York and the speed of the league can get into his head. He can basically play himself out of the league right away. However, If you sit him you might be sacrificing a special talent at a premium position.

The Jets, however, are a run first team. They do not need a QB to come in and sling it around the field; they do not need Peyton Manning back there but rather Ben Roethlisberger. They need a guy who can hand it off to Thomas Jones and make enough quality throws to keep the defense honest. So why risk your future franchise QB by placing him under center too early. He is still learning the offense and adjusting. There is no reason to take a chance with his health/head by slapping him in there early. Clemens has a strong enough arm that a defense has to respect his ability but for the most part he should be handing the ball off.

Sure a rookie QB can come in and thrive in a situation like that but there is no risk of keeping him on the bench for some time. Whether it be 6 games or 16 games give him time to learn and get comfortable before throwing him into the fire. The Jets are not going to be winning any Super Bowls this year (although in the NFL you never know) but they have a chance to do it down the road if Sanchez pans out as everyone is hoping. Why risk the future for maybe a few wins now?

Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week

This week's Pittsburgh Sports Article of the Week might be the last article featuring the Pirates. Given that training camp is approaching, and most have lost interest in the Pirates since the trade deadline, most press has been about them losing, their bad management, or their hiatus until 2011. But after last week's deadline, Jeremy Crasnick, writing for ESPN, featured the Pirates trade moves and movement this year. The article is titled "Pirates 'Clean House' in a very big way."

Crasnick really impressed me with this article-it's the first national article on the Pirates that i've come across that doesn't fully criticize or write them off. He is very much an analyst, rather than an opinion-disher, and he digs deep in his analysis. He goes back several years, reviews the current state of the team, and takes a look at the prospect pool-all with accuracy. It's extremely impressive and refreshing, that a national story on this rebuilding team doesn't have any negative tone or implication.

Check out more of Crasnick's writing here

Top 11 Steelers of the Decade

The decade of the New Milennium has been a momentous one for the Steelers Organization. There have been many highs, lows, changes, and of course, championships. The Steelers Management has a reputation of not overpaying players, and letting guys go when they become free agents. In this decade, it has proven a successful strategy for the team. Relying on the draft has created competition, youth, development, and depth within the organization, but it makes it hard for a player to last. Well, except for the great ones.

These are the players with that Steeler Mentality. The true essence of Black and Gold. The quintessential hypocycloids, if you will. The guys that don't get overpaid, but overperform, so that their contributions lead the team to success year, after year. Based on their attitudes on and off the field, statistic contribution, consistency, and team success while playing, these players have stood out as the best of the BG. Some are gone, some are retired, and some are suiting up as we speak. Given that there are 11 guys on the field for a team at any time, doing 11 guys only makes sense. These guys are the top 11 steelers of this decade.

11. Deshea Townsend-CB
Although not the most talented, nor flashy player on the team at any point in the decade, he made the list because of his hustle, leadership, and most of all consistency. All of these contributions can't be shown through statistics, but he is such a great component to the team because he can be so under-the-radar, yet make big plays at crucial times. Also, his coverage has never been doubted, and the skills he's learned in his 11 years as a Steeler have enabled him to keep up with today's passing game. The skill and leadership that he passes down to younger cornerbacks is unmeasurable.

10. Dan Kreider-FB
Krieder was the player most missed by Steeler Nation, following his release in 2008. The fullback position played a crucial role in the running game from 2000, his rookie year, to 2005. However, Bruce Arians has since devalued the position's contribution. Kreider was a force in front of Jerome Bettis, and his loss hurt the Steelers in the 2008-2009 season, when they suffered the worst running attack since entering the AFC in 1975. Willie Parker was continuously caught in the backfield, and Kreider's blocking skill was hurtfully longed for. Kreider was a tough competitor, who played without recognition. He triumphed when his running attack triumphed-and playing Steeler Football, he got his share.

9.Joey Porter-LB
Porter only played in 7 years of the decade, but in those 7 years he defined himself as a player with significant passion, work ethic, and performance. Talking trash was a large part of his game, but backing the trash up was just as important to Porter. He got into people's heads, then he destroyed them on the field. Porter played a signficant role in the playoff runs of 2001, 2004, and the road to the super bowl in 2005. "Peezy," was the team leader in speeches and motivation of all kinds. Possibly his most influential contributions came when he sacked Peyton Manning twice in a row to smother their comeback attempt, leading the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. Porter also led the Steelers in sacks in 2002, 2005, and 2006. Although he left the team in 2006 to play for the Dolphins, he will always be remembered as a Steeler.

8. Alan Faneca-OL
Faneca was the Steelers most well known offensive lineman, and most recognized for his tough mentality and nitty gritty playing style. He was a six time pro bowl selection with the B n G, because of his consistency, and ability to run block. His most famous block came in the 2005 Super Bowl XL, when he cleared the hole for Willie Parker to make the longest run in super bowl history. His relationship with the Steelers soured in 2007, when he felt he should be resigned, but the Steelers didn't want to overpay him after his playing peak. Faneca signed with the Jets, and continued to produce pro bowl blocking. Faneca makes the list because he held the offensive line together for the Steelers, and established the run blocking game that enabled them to continously run the ball the Steeler Way. His six pro bowl invites are the kicker.

7.. Jerome Bettis-RB
Bettis has made a case as one the best running backs in Steeler History-behind Franco Harris, perhaps, as second best. "The Bus" was quick on his feet but hard on his hits, and could destroy a defense in the 4th quarter. He could run out the clock single handedly, and rushed for a 5th best 13,662 yards in NFL history. Bettis is only 5th on this list because he retired after the super bowl run in 2005, and only has one ring with the Steelers.

6. Ben Roethlisberger-QB
Roethlisberger joined the Steelers in 2004, and made one of the best Rookie Campaigns ever in the NFL. He won 15 straight games as the "manager" of the steeler offense, and led the team to the AFC Championship Game. Although he only played 6 years in the decade, his contributions to win the team's two super bowl wins in the decade surely make him worthy of the All Decade Team. He's defined the Steeler Offense in the past two years, making clutch plays and "getting it done." Roethlisberger continues to make his case as one of the best quarterbacks in Steeler History. He makes the list above Bettis because he has earned two super bowl rings in the decade.

5.Casey Hampton-NT
As the nose tackle in the Steeler Defense, Hampton held together the core of the infamous 3-4 defense for every year in the decade. His ability to take on double teams and move back the line of scrimmaged enabled continous pressure and run stopping year, after year. "Big Snack" earned 4 pro bowl selections, and made significant contribution to the Super Bowl runs of 2005 and 2008. He is a key component to why the Steeler Defense has been elite throughout the decade. Hampton has two super bowl wins, and has played with the team throughout the decade.

4.Troy Polamalu- S
Drafted by the Steelers in 2003, Polamalu improved the Steelers Secondary instantly with his impact. His playing style enables him to be "all over the field," and he consistently makes plays that are unthinkable, and unexpected. He is a nightmare for an offense. Earning 5 pro bowl selections in only 6 years, he has defined him self as one of , if not the best safety in the league. He earned 2 super bowl rings with the team, and made big plays on both super bowl runs. But he makes the 4th spot on this list, because he transformed a below-average secondary into an elite passing defense through his consistency and big plays.

3. James Farrior-LB
Farrior is the current captain of the Steeler Defense, and his perhaps the best Free Agent signing of the decade for the Steelers. Playing from 2002 to the present after being signed from the Jets, Farrior has consistently led the team in tackles, terrorizing defenses as both a pass rusher on the line and a run stopper in the secondary. Although is one of the oldest members of the team, his ablity to stay in shape has made him the Steelers' most consistent tackler of the Decade. He earned 2 pro bowl selections and 2 super bowl rings, and his role as Defensive Captain puts him above Casey Hampton on this list.

2. Aaron Smith-DE
Smith is the most underrated player in Steelers history. Known perhaps only to Steeler fans, this gritty, hard working, and incredibly skilled defensive end has been the core of the Steeler Run defense for 11 years, throughout the decade. He was most recognized when he was injured midseason of 2007, and the Steelers run defense deteriorated. He has two super bowl rings, and sadly only one pro bowl selection. He is recognized league-wide among players as one of the best defensive ends in Football in the decade. He makes the list at number two because of his play without recognition, his consistency through 11 years, and his ability to hold together the run defense.

1. Hines Ward-WR
Ward is the epitome of a Steeler. His tough playing style, work ethic, consistency, clutch play-making, leadership, and personality make him the best steeler of the decade without question, and one of the best Steelers in history. As a wide reciever he is underrated because of his speed, and as a player he is feared because of his blocking. Ward is one of the best blocking wide recievers in NFL history, and is hated for it by un-expecting cornerbacks and linebackers. Playing from 1998 to present, he has showed no signs of decline, given that his skill at route running makes up for his lack of speed at the position. His leadership on the team and among wide recievers is unmeasurable, and his dedication to the Steelers is a large part of why the team has been so successful in the decade. He was MVP of Super Bowl XL, and although he was injured in the 2008 super bowl, he still played, as well as made significant contributions in the road via in 2008.

Honorable Mention: Ike Taylor, Willie Parker, Jeff Reed, Jeff Hartings Larry Foote, Clark Haggans

Looking to the future: Santonio Holmes, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, Lamaar Woodley, Ben Roethlisberger, and Lawrence Timmons

Cutch Got Tha' Powah'

The Pirates don't expect home runs out of Andrew McCutchen. The fans have come to give him a pass in that respect as well. After all, he could go two months without a long-ball, and still be the most significant contributor in a Pirate uniform. He doesn't have the power to hone home run expectations. He has the speed, quick swing, and poised ballwatching to get around the bases the old school way.

But Boy, did we Pirate Fans just get new-schooled.

Mr. Cutch has the swing to knock 'em out once in a while. By once in a while, I mean hitting three home runs in one night, capping off a 6 RBI 4 hit night for the young buc(k). The humble slugger shrugged it off as a good night where he got his pitches, but it was much more than that. It was surprise slugger party for a team that will take all and any pleasant surprises at the moment.

Surprises like Lastings Milledge hitting in RBIs when it counts.

Like Ronnie Cedeno hitting well at the bottom of the order.

I think we're all beginning to enjoy these stint-series with Nationals.

Let's Go Rebuilders