For the Steelers, going from defending the title to not even making the playoffs will not cut it with fans in Pittsburgh. With all their winning tradition and seemingly being in the playoffs every year, missing the playoffs makes fans in the Steel City restless. The Steelers not being a part of the playoffs is like George Clooney going to an awards show without a hottie on his arm.
Back on November 29th, when Pittsburgh dropped their third consecutive game in a tough loss at Baltimore, Head Coach Mike Tomlin said his team “would unleash hell” on the rest of the league. Well, “hell” is what fans of the Steelers would be in for as they would suffer two more pathetic losses. The Steelers would drop the next two games to the woeful Raiders and Browns. Can you imagine being a boxer and having your fight called only to be hit below the belt as the referee called it off. That’s what those two extra losses felt like to Steeler fans.
That five-game losing streak all but ruled them out of the playoffs. Sure, the Steelers regained some of their manhood as they wound up winning their last three games, some in epic fashion, but nevertheless the Steelers were left out of the ball with a 9-7 record.
It’s time to refocus and get back to basics. Like Biff in “Back to The Future,” the Steelers must return to being the bullies on the block and establish their game and not let anyone get in their way. When push comes to shove, they have to push back.
On top of the agenda for the Steelers is what to do with their free agents. Currently there are six key free agents: free safety Ryan Clark, right tackle Willie Colon, nose tackle Casey Hampton, running back Willie Parker, kicker Jeff Reed and cornerback Deshea Townsend.
At one point or another all of these players have been vital to the team’s success. But all come with some question marks and risks. Below, in order, is my priority list for the Steeler free agents.
1) Ryan Clark-Clark was one of the most consistent defenders for the Steelers. He is a great compliment to a healthy Troy Polamalu. He fits into what Tomlin preaches. It’s possible Clark finds greener pastures, but he is a beloved figure in Pittsburgh. Hopefully the Steelers show him some love and the money.
2) Casey Hampton-The five-time pro-bowler has been a staple of the Steelers defensive line for nine seasons. But in those nine seasons, Hampton has been beaten up and has had trouble with his weight. But he clogs the middle with the best of them and the Steelers have no depth behind him.
3) Willie Colon-While Colon has been prone to make some boneheaded plays, not many linemen have his pedigree. At the very least, Colon gives Ben Roethlisberger an experienced lineman he is comfortable with.
4) Jeff Reed- Usually a kicker gets no love and is pegged as expendable. However, kicking in Heinz Field is no easy task and Reed has been the best kicker in the stadium’s brief history. I would like to see management keep him.
5) Deshea Townsend- Townsend’s age is catching up with him and it’s not like he has shown you much with his ability of late. In April’s draft, expect the Steelers to shore up the secondary and say goodbye to Townsend.
6) Willie Parker- I truly believe “Fast” Willie Parker is the most expendable free agent yet the hardest to say goodbye to. Parker has been so instrumental to the team’s last two Super Bowl wins. His speed is not what it once was and he is a huge injury risk. The NFL is a cutthroat high stakes business that is results-driven. With that, it’s time to say goodbye to Parker. Rashard Mendenhall proved he is a quality NFL running back, one who has not met his full potential, so he can handle the load. With Mewelde Moore providing stability as a third-down back, perhaps the Steelers can nab a complement to Mendenhall in the draft.
Between deciding on what to do with the free agents and assessing the talent available in the NFL Draft should make this an interesting off-season. In future blogs I will point out some directions the Steelers should take when it comes to free agency and the draft. Read the rest of this entry >>
