Casey Hampton

New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley hinted at it in his introductory press conference.Now the word is out. Tight end Heath Miller will have a bigger role in the Steelers' offense, according to both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.The main reason for this is to help keep the grass stains off Ben Roethlisberger's uniform. Roethlisberger has been sacked 289 times over the last six seasons...  

But Ben Roethlisberger said the Steelers will likely run the ... I currently have Roethlisberger as my No. 10 quarterback, but I’m starting to flirt with the idea of moving him down the list. That leads to a programing note, the very early ...  

Of course, a lot can happen between now and then and Brown did not state he definitely would not stay ... Smith will move on to next week’s finals to face Byron Leftwich. --- First, Ben Roethlisberger earned his degree from Miami University and now ...  

Brown had a breakout sophomore season, catching 69 passes for 1,108 yards while also playing a big role in the return game. As these two electrifying wideouts continue to improve, Big Ben will continue to wreak havoc on opposing defenses through the air.  

With all of the issues the Steelers had at offensive line last year, Miller found himself pulled back into more protection schemes for Ben Roethlisberger, which probably kept him from exceeding his 2009 stats. Now with the offensive line restocked and ...  

The questions about whether Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and new offensive coordinator ... “Every day we’re getting a little bit better, learning something new every day and taking the things we know and trying to apply little ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a noted golf lover ... considered the birthplace of the game. The closest thing to business on the itinerary is breakfast with Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.  

With the division boasting three playoff teams in 2011, there's high expectations for the AFC North quarterbacks to continue the trend. Let's see how the quarterbacks graded out against each other. 5. Charlie Batch / Pittsburgh Steelers A lot of people ...  

In tonight's edition of Around the AFC North, we take a look at linebacker James Farrior possibly returning to the Steelers to retire, another Bengals player with legal issues, and former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis filing for bankruptcy. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB James Farrior Talking to Team About Retirement We're saying goodbye to a couple of long-time Steelers this offseason. First, it was Hines Ward. Now, it looks like...  

I ain't got to offer them anything. Guys like James Harrison-- they'll do it for nothing. The men I work with, I'm a blessed person." Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk took Tomlin's comments and ran with them. The easy message is that Tomlin has ...  

Against the Dallas Cowboys, Ben Roethlisberger has quarterbacked the Pittsburgh Steelers to two key victories during his career. While the setting may have been different both times, gridiron wars waged at Texas Stadium and Heinz Field respectively, the ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 draft class got outstanding reviews for drafting three potential starters in the first four rounds. David DeCastro headlined the class as no one expected him to fall to the 24th selection. Pittsburgh wasted no time to selected one of the few elite prospects in this draft. Pittsburgh added Mike Adams in the third giving them a potential left tackle of the future and found a replacement for Casey Hampton in the...  

It's impossible (and downright futile) to predict in mid-April how the 2012 NFL schedule will play out for the Pittsburgh Steelers this fall.That being said, from this vantage point, the Steelers' slate is littered with must-see-TV material, even if it means watching Ben Roethlisberger and his buddies run around in these bumble bee unis for two hours.Let's face it; they could probably run around in short shorts and meat suits and we'd all...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers will take the field next season with new uniforms designed by NIke Inc. that look only slightly different but have a lighter, better-fitting feel. The Pittsburgh Business Times has a story and slideshow about the new Nike Elite 51 Uniform, which was modeled by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and other NFL players during a launch event Tuesday in New York.  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has twice mentioned to the media that new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is like the "Rosetta Stone," the ancient stone written in three languages that helped archaeologists decipher Egyptian ...  

The Steelers show last year's division champions (the Ravens) and the division's upstart team (the Bengals) that they still own the division as long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and the defense is at full strength. A return trip to the Super Bowl would ...  

We've all seen what happens when Mike Wallace is stymied by double coverage—quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turns elsewhere, generally to Brown—but this year, both Wallace and Brown will be the subject of double-teams now that opponents know how ...  

Two days into OTAs, it sounds like Ben Roethlisberger hasn't quite cracked the "Rosetta Stone" that is the new Pittsburgh Steelers offense. He's been trying to tell his receivers to remain patient with him. "I tried to tell (them) don't get frustrated ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL.    The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger received his bachelor's degree in education and joined nearly 600 students during Sunday's commencement at the campus in Oxford. His wife, parents and grandmother attended.    Roethlisberger, who's led the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles...  

but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger opened the week by speaking with the media at a celebrity golf tournament hosted by Merril Hoge and Max Starks. The quarterback was asked how his relationship with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley is going ...  

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Right now, Ben Roethlisberger is struggling to understand new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook. But once he masters it, it's going to be another successful year for the Steelers' passing game.  

No disrespect to Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Kendall Langford and Michael Brockers, but they're unlikely to come anywhere near leading the league in sacks, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense taking a devilish form this off-season. The Steelers ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers said they wanted to run the ball more often when they parted with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians this offseason, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hasn't noticed too much of a change with new OC Todd Haley, the Pro ...  

OXFORD, Ohio — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger received his bachelor’s ...  

So when did P.T. Barnum set up shop on the South Side of Pittsburgh at Steelers headquarters? It must have been during that mild winter we had. With all the drama and intrigue that has gone on, you could almost swear the circus has been in town.  

The Steelers enter the offseason with more questions than usual: Will Mike Wallace be back? How will Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley get along? How will the franchise cope without former mainstays Chris Kemoeatu and James Farrior, among others?  

BEN ROETHLISBERGER, record-breaking quarterback at Miami University from 2001-2003 and current star for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education Sunday morning (May 6) in Commencement exercises at Miami's Millett Hall.  

The only Pittsburgh Steeler to sell more was Ben Roethlisberger's #7 jersey, at the 10th spot. In the 2009 AFC Championship Game, Polamalu was key in helping the Steelers win the game ... No method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic ...  

#pittsburghsteelers That's according to Roethlisberger, who said as much during what the Altoona Mirror called his "first-ever speaking engagement" Saturday night. Roethlisberger said when he called David DeCastro shortly after Pittsburgh took the Stanford guard with the 24th overall selection, DeCastro began asking him about his "flight plans." More »  

Despite the gaffe, DeCastro is getting rave reviews as a prospect, from all kinds of unlikely sources.For instance, Ozzie Guillen curiously weighed in, saying "Oh, man. I love David DeCastro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill DeGuy for DeLast 10 years, but that [expletive] is still there. He's a dictator, and everybody's against him, and he still survives and has DePower. I admire him." Gamboa Constrictor  

Rashard Mendenhall Should Return to the Field This Season Time heals all wounds, including late-season ACL tears. The Pittsburgh Steelers were fearful just a few months ago that starting running back Rashard Mendenhall would miss the entirety of the 2012 ...  

Nice Pick, CowherSteelers lagging behind?CSNwashington.comIt didn't get a lot of attention with the Ravens on the practice field for an OTA at Owings Mills this week, but a trio of ESPN insiders got around to predicting the 2012 AFC North race, and their opinions were surprising, to say the least.Required Reading: Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 5/25 EditionBleacher Report'SportsCenter's' AFC North predictionsESPN (blog)Analyst Clowns...  

I've watched the Broncos get railed in Super Bowl XII, and I've watched them squeak by the Raiders to get there in the 1977 AFC Championship. Both of those games kind of made sense. But one thing about that season never made sense to me. How the hell did Craig Morton and company make it past the Steel Curtain in the Divisional Round? I'm getting in my VHS powered time machine to check it out on Christmas Eve, 1977. via cdn.bleacherreport.net...  

Bleacher ReportPittsburgh Steelers 2012 Schedule: Top 5 Most Intriguing OpponentsBleacher ReportWhile they've underachieved in so many seasons, few will contest the talent featured on the San Diego Chargers roster. Ben Roethlisberger will duel once again with draft peer Philip Rivers. Todd Haley gets to show off his new offense against his old ...and more »  

a.stbar.chicklet img {border:0;height:16px;width:16px;margin-right:3px;vertical-align:middle;} a.stbar.chicklet {height:16px;line-height:16px;} ShareThis PITTSBURGH - Everyone misses on draft picks, even in the first round, even high in the first round. For every Peyton Manning, there is a Ryan Leaf. For every Ben Roethlisberger there is a Matt Leinart. For every Clay Matthews there is a Tony...  

Dream scenario (13-3): Losing a handful of veterans this ... It's tough to win in one of the top divisions in football when you're not at full strength. The key to any Steelers season is the health of Roethlisberger. While the Steelers offensive ...  

a.stbar.chicklet img {border:0;height:16px;width:16px;margin-right:3px;vertical-align:middle;} a.stbar.chicklet {height:16px;line-height:16px;} ShareThis PALM BEACH, Fla. - Ben Roethlisberger has a new coordinator, a new playbook and a new language to speak Steelers offense with his teammates. At age 30, Roethlisberger must learn a new system for the first time in his nine-year career. How he...  

All four teams in the AFC North are set to have much-improved offenses in 2012, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will remain the best on that side of the ball. In both the passing and running games, the Steelers will look a bit different, but that will only ...  

A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Steelers in 2012. Dream scenario (13-3): Losing a handful of veterans this offseason won't impact the Steelers' play on the field. The Steelers show last year's division champion (the ...  

With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now 30, and the team's most valuable player ... team from 2011 is expected to have more than two line changes this season, and that 10 clubs will have either one or zero alterations. "Whether it was needed or not ...  

OXFORD, Ohio -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger graduated Sunday from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving school for the NFL. The university says he received his bachelor's degree in education and joined ...  

OXFORD, Ohio -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger graduated Sunday from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving school for the NFL. The university said Roethlisberger received his bachelor's degree in ...  

There was some apprehension from Ben Roethlisberger when offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was not retained by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any concern should be out the window now as Roethlisberger is learning the direction of new offensive coordinator Todd ...  

OXFORD, Ohio -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger graduated Sunday from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving school for the NFL. The university said Roethlisberger received his bachelor's degree in ...  

Hampton is 34 years old and probably won’t be ready to start the season after undergoing ACL surgery. The Steelers would love to acquire an enormous young nose tackle to serve as Hampton’s heir apparent, and the 6-foot-4, 346-pound Poe may ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has some interesting thoughts about being the target of players trying to injure him. While appearing on radio's "The Dan Patrick Show" on Wednesday, he had this to say about the Steelers' 20-3 ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers said they wanted to run the ball more often when they parted with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians this offseason, but Ben Roethlisberger hasn't noticed too much of a change under Todd Haley, the Pro Bowl quarterback ...  

Traditionally, it has been the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense that has carried the team to success, but there may be a shift in philosophy evident by this year's draft. Pittsburgh added two blue-chip linemen to the mix drafting David DeCastro and Mike Adams in the first two rounds. Even if only DeCastro starts, add him to the offensive line with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback and a team stacked with talent at the skill position, and the...  

Continuing what many are considering to be a highly successful 2012 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers added a defensive tackle and a running back to address issues to veterans Casey Hampton and Rashard Mendenhall who both have ACL injuries that could keep ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The university said that Roethlisberger, 30, received his bachelor's degree in education and ...  

The Steelers have been fortunate enough to not be embroiled in a quarterback controversy since roughly the last quarter of Week 2 of the 2004 season. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been unchallenged since then, giving the Steelers an advantage every team without it envies; a franchise passer. This will prove to be the ultimate test to Roethlisberger's talent, character and leadership abilities. Who Moved Ben's Cheese? Some of you...  

Education students at Miami University in Ohio had a very unusual peer at their graduation ceremony this past Sunday. Normally, the graduation’s most well-known attendee is the guest speaker, but in this case it was one of the students.  

The initial plan was to kick Gilbert to the left side, but he'll stay on his more natural right side after the Steelers drafted Mike Adams. The plan appears to be starting two rookies -- Adams on Ben Roethlisberger's blind side, and David DeCastro at right guard.  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. OXFORD, Ohio -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gur) received his bachelor ...  

Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and why. The Steelers talked about running the ball more after parting ways with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. It remains to be seen how the offense will look ...  

Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and why. The Steelers talked about running the ball more after parting ways with offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. It remains to be seen how the offense will look ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he will prepare himself for the 2012 season by embarking upon a golfing marathon he believes will sharpen his focus. Roethlisberger is heading to Ireland and Scotland in June, where he will play some of the ...  

If Ben Roethlisberger gets any pregame jitters before the start of the NFL's best rivalry game, you can bet it's because of Suggs. During Steelers-Ravens games, Suggs almost seems to paint a bull's-eye on Ben's chest, targeting the quarterback every chance ...  

After an offseason of offensive overhaul, Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is happy with the team's O-line focus in NFL Draft, the Altoona Mirror reported. "I'm really excited," Big Ben said at speaking engagement Saturday. "We got some ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger received his bachelor’s degree in ...  

David DeCastro's phone was ringing. On the other end was a two-time Super Bowl champion and the man DeCasto was drafted to protect. The Stanford guard, selected No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Thursday's NFL draft, was getting a congratulatory call from Ben Roethlisberger. DeCastro answered and Roethlisberger welcomed him to the team. The rookie's response ? "Did you get those flight plans?" DeCastro thought Roethlisberger was the...  

(AP)David DeCastro's phone was ringing. On the other end was a two-time Super Bowl champion and the man DeCasto was drafted to protect. The Stanford guard, selected No. 24 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Thursday's NFL draft, was getting a congratulatory ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The 30-year-old Roethlisberger joined nearly 600 students in red caps and gowns at Sunday's commencement. His wife ...  

The suspicion that Todd Haley and Ben Roethlisberger would go together like oil and water might have been overblown. But for Roethlisberger, Haley's new playbook isn't going down easy. Roethlisberger has had less than two weeks to peruse the new offensive ...  

It seems the playbook that new Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is installing may as well be written in a foreign language. "(I'm) looking over this Rosetta Stone that sits in front of me called our new offense," Steelers QB Ben ...  

There was a bit of drama that unfolded earlier this offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers when Bruce Arians left for the Indianapolis Colts and the team hired Todd Haley, former Chiefs head coach, to take his place as offensive coordinator.  

Roethlisberger was in the red zone for his diploma. Time to get it done. “He responded in less than 20 minutes,” said Melissa Chase, associate dean. “He never asked for a shortcut. It was always, ‘What do I need to do?’ He did everything we asked of him.  

Longtime starter Casey Hampton is recovering from offseason knee surgery and longtime backup Chris Hoke retired in January, leaving third-year man Steve McLendon as the most ... receiver following the retirement of Hines Ward. Rainey, whose older brother ...  

Hitting the books at age 30 has produced two tangible items for Ben Roethlisberger these days ... that my final paper for Miami on Tibet was a lot easier than the Rosetta Stone we're doing now here." Haley's new playbook may be thicker than anything ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a happy medium. They have a $102 million quarterback, clearly among the top 10 franchise quarterbacks in the NFL. The strength of Ben Roethlisberger is his toughness, ability to shake defenders and uncanny knack to extend and make plays. The weakness of this style of play is the vulnerability to injury. Roethlisberger, sacked 314 times in his regular-season career, limped along with his team into...  

Trading up in the fourth round, the Steelers grabbed Washington nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu with the 109th overall pick. This addresses a major need because it's unsure whether five-time Pro Bowl performer Casey Hampton (ACL surgery in January ...  

NFL teams that possess a franchise quarterback are immediately better. For the past several years the Pittsburgh Steelers have been blessed to have Ben Roethlisberger as their quarterback. The minute the Steelers went from Tommy Maddox to Roethlisberger they became a Super Bowl contender. There are several NFL teams that haven't found their franchise quarterback yet but I have good news for those teams. Next year's class of rookie quarterbacks...  

Every season there are trendy picks to win the Super Bowl. Last season everybody jumped on the Philadelphia Eagles' bandwagon and the "Dream Team" didn't even make the playoffs. Meanwhile, every season the Pittsburgh Steelers quietly go about their business and more times than not they are a top contender in the AFC. After a disappointing first round loss to the Denver Broncos the Steelers are trying once again to get on top. Did the NFL Draft...  

In 2003 the Pittsburgh Steelers had their only losing record and a negative point differential for the only time in the past decade. What happened after that? The Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger. Since Roethlisberger became the Steelers starter Pittsburgh has a record of 89-39 in the regular season, a 10-4 record in the playoffs and has won two Super Bowls. That is how a team can change when a team makes the right choice for their...  

In 2003 the Pittsburgh Steelers had their only losing record and a negative point differential for the only time in the past decade. What happened after that? The Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger. Since Roethlisberger became the Steelers' starter Pittsburgh has a record of 89-39 in the regular season, a 10-4 record in the playoffs and has won two Super Bowls. That is how a team can change when a team makes the right choice for their...  

The new offense will have a fullback, focus on getting the ball to the running backs more and protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro with the 24th overall pick in the NFL Draft, hoping to bolster a unit that struggled to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last year. The 6-foot-5, 316-pound ...  

OXFORD, Ohio -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving for the NFL. The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gur ...  

The Steelers were 12-4 last season, and still didn’t win the AFC North. With Baltimore possibly not having their premier pass rusher for the season, that could result in the Ravens struggling in the phase of the game in which they are best ...  

OXFORD, Ohio, May 7 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is now a college graduate, having picked up his diploma from Ohio's Miami University during the weekend. The university said the 30-year-old pro football player's ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has graduated from Miami University in southwest Ohio, about nine years after leaving school for the NFL. The university says the 30-year-old Roethlisberger (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gur) received his ...  

Per the Altoona (Pa.) Mirror: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger already talked with the newest Steelers first-round draft pick, offensive guard David DeCastro. Roethlisberger said he phoned DeCastro to welcome him to the team, but DeCastro thought ...  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro with the 24th overall pick in the NFL Draft, hoping to bolster a unit that struggled to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last year. The 6-foot-5, 316-pound ...  

Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t accusing the San Francisco 49ers of any concerted, financially-motivated hits in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game in Candlestick Park last December, but he did bring up the topic of whether his injured ankle was a ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Byron Leftwich just hours before the start of the NFL Draft. Leftwich signed a one-year deal to back up Ben Roethlisberger. Financial terms were not disclosed. It is likely ...  

PITTSBURGH (AP) Playing nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers is pretty simple according to veteran Casey Hampton. Push the guy in front of you left. Push him right. Push him backward. Pittsburgh selected the massive defensive tackle in the fourth round ...  

"I am happy to get him where we got him," Mitchell said. "We are going to start him off at nose tackle and see how it goes." Nose tackle was a position of need for the Steelers. Veteran Casey Hampton is coming off knee surgery, and Steve ...  

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has turned his life around in the last 24 months.  He’s married, and he somehow has gotten back in the good graces of Steelers fans who were ready in 2010 to run him out of town. And now Roethlisberger ...  

The outside linebacker is the glory hog of the Steelers defense. Not that James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley don't deserve the praise they get, but their other front seven contemporaries are setting them up for success. They're used to success. They've had a lot of it. But what the best tandem of 3-4 OLBs in the game haven't shared much together is injuries. Harrison and Woodley missed a combined 12 games last season, more than...  

Meeting with reporters yesterday for the first time since the day after his team's playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addressed comments made by Steelers president Art Rooney from this past January, in particular Rooney’s belief that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger needs to “tweak his game” to avoid taking so many sacks. Tomlin responded to this notion with the following: Ben is Ben. That is some...  

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has turned his life around in the last 24 months.  He’s married, and he somehow has gotten back in the good graces of Steelers fans who were ready in 2010 to run him out of town. And now Roethlisberger ...  

Casey Hampton isn't getting any younger, so Bryan has the Steelers taking a possible nose tackle replacement in Michigan's Mike Martin in the third ... Hillman could help Rashard Mendenhall in the backfield while he recovers from his knee ...  

With veteran Casey Hampton battling injuries and not getting any younger, an anchor like Hebron Fangupo would give Pittsburgh options to rotate in-and-out of the middle of their line, as well as, a player to develop for the future. BYU coaches considered ...  

In mid-January, Art Rooney II suggested that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger needed to "tweak" his game ... "They kept me in the loop a little bit," he said in Altoona. "When DeCastro was there, you got to take him. Some are saying he's one of the best ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers learned exactly when and where all 16 games of the 2012 season will be played. The NFL released the entire 2012 schedule on Tuesday. The four teams of the AFC North will play against the four teams from the AFC West and NFC East.  

With the odds of Dontari Poe falling to the Steelers at 24 remain up in the air, it does not change the fact that the position needs to be addressed early in the 2012 NFL Draft. Not only is Casey Hampton recovering from ACL surgery, but he is also in the ...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers' schedule in 2012 may not seem overly imposing, but hidden challenges this season could see Ben Roethlisberger and Company slide. When examining the Steelers' 2012 schedule, you must first look at the obvious rising team ...  

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said a few months back that drafting another quarterback could be a possibility, as the backup situation for starter Ben Roethlisberger was looking a little thin. But now, they won't likely have to use one of ...  

Of all the AFC North's Day 3 picks, the one that I want to see the most is running back Chris Rainey, who was selected in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rainey can bring an added dimension to the Steelers offense as well as handle ...  

They're in the midst of a transition from older players like Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, and Casey Hampton to younger ones like Hood, Heyward, Ta'amu and Steve McLendon. The 2012 season will be crucial for Hood, in particular: Hood did not have a ...  

PITTSBURGH — When the Steelers drafted Alameda Ta’amu, he was immediately proclaimed Casey Hampton’s eventual successor. That may happen. Then again, it’s hardly a slam dunk. There are two things to consider: the Steelers’ checkered history with ...  

After a few weeks of news report after news report talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers' money problems and releases, it suddenly became very quiet on the Steelers front. There have been rumors about possible free agents but nothing has come of it so far. On a slow news day last week someone decided to report on Ben Roethlisberger's "training regiment", at least that is what we'll call it. Roethlisberger is taking a different approach this...  

With defenders in hot pursuit of Ben Roethlisberger and a coroner standing by on the Pittsburgh Steelers' sideline, the big quarterback rifled a pass to the end zone. All week I was convinced the Steelers would find a way to grind out a victory over Green Bay.  

The Steelers and quarterback Byron Leftwich have come to terms on a one-year contract, reuniting him with veteran Charlie Batch behind starter Ben Roethlisberger ... Leftwich, who played at Marshall University, was the seventh player drafted overall ...  

The Steelers have finished re-signing veterans for now and it leaves a question as to who will back up Ben Roethlisberger in 2012. It becomes more important as Roethlisberger turns 30 and injuries seem to be catching up to him a little. Roethlisberger and ...  

Ta'amu, a nose tackle, could be the heir apparent to the aging Casey Hampton, and he and Steve McLendon will likely handle the nose tackle duties this season while Hampton recovers from injury. Ta’amu (6-2, 348), who was the 109th overall pick ...  

Ben Roethlisberger is giving the Steelers’ first-round ... DeCastro didn’t realize it was his future teammate. Instead, DeCastro asked Roethlisberger about his “flight plans,” mistaking the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback ...  

Fisher believes that the Browns' No. 4 overall pick is in play ... It's the Steelers that must change around Ben Roethlisberger, says Aaron Nagler Justin Edmonds/Getty Images In speaking to the media yesterday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ...  

2011: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State ... Woodley is one of the leaders of the Steelers defense and made the Pro Bowl in 2009. Mike Wallace, WR: Taken in the third round of the 2009 draft (No. 84 overall). Wallace has 3,206 yards and made ...  

The State Police are getting a new bloodhound from money raised by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's foundation. Trooper K, based in Salt Point, expects to get the 15-month-old dog on Wednesday. The animal will be used for search-and ...  

Recently, Rant Sports posted its Rant Sports 2012 Mock NFL Draft ... If Pittsburgh wants to have a fighting chance to contend for the AFC North title this coming season, protecting the face of the franchise, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ...  

Overview: The Steelers have consistently found key contributors in the draft in GM Kevin Colbert's tenure as the primary personnel decision maker, and the very best of those players have been true difference makers, a la QB Ben Roethlisberger.  

The NFL Draft is now about one month away, and it's time for teams to start scheduling visits with players they have on their radar. With that in mind, let's take a quick look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest areas of need this year to get a better idea ...  

Casey Hampton arrived at training camp so overweight a few years ago that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin banished him to the physically-unable-to-perform list for two weeks. Steelers’ fourth-round pick Alameda Ta’amu can relate, but the heir ...  

Lost in the hubbub of The NFL Draft Experience was a key indication of how the Steelers were going to prepare for their yearly selection of amateurs. While it's somewhat old news now, the Steelers re-signed veteran QB Byron Leftwich to a one-year contract. He will join Charlie Batch in backing up starter Ben Roethlisberger. Leftwich is a solid back-up, but injuries have plagued the off-again, on-again Steelers passer. He's...  

Batch, a Homestead native, is returning for his 15th NFL season and 11th as a member of the Steelers. As Ben Roethlisberger's backup, Batch saw minimal game action in Weeks 2, 13 and 14 last year. He also started in Week 15, guiding the Steelers to a 27-0 ...  

The Steelers have re-signed backup quarterback Charlie Batch to a one-year contract, giving them an experienced signal-caller behind Ben Roethlisberger. Batch, a Homestead native, has been with the Steelers since 2002. He has started seven games for the ...  

His name has been often mentioned on this web site, but the Steelers made it official. After trading up to the 109th overall pick, the Steelers drafted the possible replacement for Casey Hampton, Alameda Ta'amu, a fourth-year player from Washington. Ta'amu is another team captain, joining David DeCastro and Sean Spence as other collegiate captains to join the Steelers. At 6-foot-3, 348 pounds, he certainly has the size to play...  

It became clear to the Steelers as well as anyone owning a Terrible Towel: Pittsburgh can't make a Super Bowl run with a limping Roethlisberger. Fast forward from the deflating playoff loss in Denver to this week's NFL draft. Pittsburgh used its ...  

ESPNPatch Poll: How Do You Like the Steelers' New Nike Uniforms?Patch.comNike, the NFL's new uniform supplier, unveils its new line of player garb featuring shape-retaining fabric and a trimmer fit. By Cindi Lash Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (center of photo in No. 7) and other NFL players model Nike's ...New alternate uniforms will be unveiled by individual teamsNBCSports.comA uniform approach by the NFLWashington...  

Before the start of the 2011 Steelers season, there was great optimism that the offense could be one of the most dynamic and explosive in franchise history. Ben Roethlisberger had long established himself as a legitimate franchise quarterback, and there was great excitement about the plethora of weapons that he had at his disposal. Mike Wallace was quickly emerging as the best deep threat in the NFL, and there was a lot to like...  

The absence of these players combined with the in game injuries of Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel and the Steeler defense ... after being stood up by Peyton Manning. The CHIEFS and PIOLi have come roaring back and in my opinion have had a ...  

Poe fits the physical profile of the heir to Casey Hampton, a true nose tackle. But I think Poe is athletic enough to be a 3-technique in Dick LeBeau's system. The Steelers really need to build up the depth on the defensive line, and Poe is a great fit.  

Year after year, no matter where they are picking, Kevin Colbert always gets it right. We can say the same this year. When it was the Steelers turn to pick, Stanford guard David DeCastro was there and the Steelers quickly chose him. DeCastro was the best ...  

In 2012, the foursome of starter Ben Roethlisberger and backups Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon will be broken up. Earlier this week, the Steelers re-signed the 37-year-old Batch to a one-year contract. Leftwich and Dixon remain ...  

The theme of the 2012 NFL draft for AFC teams was offense. Whether it was in the first round with skill-position players (five of the first seven skill-position players were selected by AFC teams) or with offensive linemen (Pittsburgh used its first two ...  

The 6-foot-2, 348-pound defensive tackle out of Washington is expected to back up Casey Hampton this season ... improving to 11-10 in the conference. The win was the second shutout of the series and UW's seventh win in its past eight games.  

Batch first signed with the Steelers in 2003 and has backed up current quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with decent results. In his seven seasons with the team he has thrown 11 touchdowns to eight interceptions. He made appearances in four games ...  

Besides Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers haven't used a first round pick on the offensive line since 2002 and would be wise to use another one here to protect Ben Roethlisberger and keep him healthy. Glenn has really stood-out during the pre-draft ...  

Todd Haley is putting together the new Steelers playbook on offense with input from his fellow coaches, and it won't be familiar to Ben Roethlisberger and his teammates. One thing that won't change much is the blocking scheme for the line. They will have ...  

The secondary and interior defensive line is short on depth . Bottom line: The Bengals are finally positioning themselves for a bright future with the drafting last year of QB Andy Dalton (a second-round gem) and Green and the signing of RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  

The Steelers now have five quarterbacks on the roster: Roethlisberger, Leftwich, Batch, former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, and Jerrod Johnson. Striking a deal with Leftwich decreases the chances of Pittsburgh drafting a quarterback in the ...  

The Steelers have the No. 24 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and a number of areas of need. While there is a need for some new offensive linemen to help protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, nose tackle is also an area that needs to be addressed.  

Nice Pick, CowherRules for the NFL. Rules for the SteelersNice Pick, CowherThe Steelers arrived with their own agenda too: They want the current playoff version of the overtime rules to extend backward into the regular season, and they have seen enough of Ben Roethlisberger getting hauled down from behind via the horse collar ...  

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ben Roethlisberger has a new coordinator, a new playbook and a new language to speak Steelers offense with his teammates. At age 30, Roethlisberger must learn a completely new system for the first time in his nine-year career.  

Bleacher ReportWake-up: Brown sees Wallace with SteelersESPN (blog)By Jamison Hensley Wide receiver Antonio Brown sounded confident that restricted free agent Mike Wallace will be with the Steelers in 2012. "I definitely expect it," he told the NFL Network on Friday. "I definitely look forward to him providing me help ...Draft team needs: Pittsburgh SteelersCBSSports.com5 Players That Ben Roethlisberger Would Most Love for the Steelers to...  

Ben Roethlisberger was having one of his best seasons ever in 2012 before an injury derailed him. As the Steelers approach this year's draft, I'm sure there are a few players that Roethlisberger would like to see the team bring on board...  

Looking at the rest of the AFC North, it has been a pretty quiet offseason around the division. The cap-strapped Pittsburgh Steelers released a handful of popular veterans and are holding their breath as they wait and see if another team makes a ...  

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he looks forward to working with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Reports of a chilly start between them are "overblown," he says. Roethlisberger was close with ...  

Roethlisberger said he knew before the draft that the Steelers’ brass liked first-round pick David DeCastro and second-round pick Mike Adams. “I had an idea,” Roethlisberger told the Altoona Mirror. “They kept me in the loop a little bit.  

No team is the same from one year to the next, but one can learn about where a team is going by studying where it has been. We've watched each Steelers game last year play-by-play and pulled out a certain amount of trend-setting and trend-extending plays that earned the Steelers both a 12-4 record and a first-round playoff loss. We'll highlight what each of those plays meant from a bigger picture perspective on the season that...  

No team is the same from one year to the next, but one can learn about where a team is going by studying where it has been. We've watched each Steelers game last year play-by-play and pulled out a certain amount of trend-setting and trend-extending plays that earned the Steelers both a 12-4 record and a first-round playoff loss. We'll highlight what each of those plays meant from a bigger picture perspective on the season that...  

Then again, they also could use some reinforcements to help protect Ben Roethlisberger. But the needs along the defensive line would seem to be the most pressing and if there's a bona fide prospect available, Pittsburgh could pounce on him.  

PITTSBURGH -- Playing nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers is pretty simple according to veteran Casey Hampton. Push the guy in front of you...  

Former NFL kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who cut a controversial swath through a nine-year NFL career, is in trouble again. The first kicker in NFL history to go through an entire season without missing a field goal or extra point (he did that in 2003), Vanderjagt is better known for two incidents related to the postseason. In the 2005 playoffs, he missed a 41-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers with seconds left in the game -- not...  

There are certain NFL teams that make the headlines regardless of how well they play. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. If they are good, everyone is talking about how good they are, if they are bad, chatter abounds on their troubles, and even if they are mediocre, fans lament their fall from greatness.  

One of the most popular teams in the NFL is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their fans are a diverse bunch, ranging from old men all the way down to toddlers. Whether your mom is new to the Steeler Nation or a longtime fan, picking out a Steeler-themed Mother's Day gift is sure to be a big hit. These are some of the best gifts for mom featuring her favorite football team.  

In the 2010 draft, the Steelers liked Jonathan Dwyer enough to take him seven picks before Antonio Brown. Brown, a sixth-rounder like Dwyer, has become one of the keys to the Steelers’ offense, a formidable receiving threat opposite Mike Wallace. He’s also a Pro Bowl kick returner.  

It is mid-May and the sports world is not focused on the NFL. But hardcore fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are already getting excited for the 2012-13 season. While I previously lamented how hard this offseason of goodbyes was going to be, I think the Steelers organization is making all the right moves to make the 2012-13 season a great one.  

Wednesday's announcement that OT Willie Colon is now LG Willie Colon creates competition for the Steelers' right tackle position. It could even influence the left tackle position. What it ultimately does, though, is completely transform the Steelers offensive line, which is probably overdue at this point. The Game of Musical Linemen Continues The Steelers led the NFL in offensive line combinations last season (I saw there were 22...  

It's been confirmed by Ed Bouchette that Willie Colon will be moving from right tackle to left guard, in an article which you can read in its entirety here, which means both Steelers rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams will have a chance to start early. "The move from his spot at right tackle, paves the way for their top two draft choices to start immediately. David DeCastro will be put at right guard and Mike Adams at left tackle...  

Once More Unto the Offensive Line Breach, Dear FriendsI find it ironic that the amount of in-game and pre-game fluctuation among the offensive line was one of the reasons behind the justified savagery of the Steelers offensive line. Yet, the transfer of Willie Colon three spots west of where he used to be (and essentially hasn't played) has gotten Steeler Nation so excited. I'm excited as well, but looking down the road, it's worth...  

Tribune-Review reporter Scott Brown, amongst others, reported Friday the Steelers released OT Trevis Turner, and signed CB Andre Freeman, an UDFA out of Slippery Rock. The move to release Turner was likely in part to the recent signing of OT Kyle Jolley, who also looks to contend for the last tackle spot the team will carry with it on its full 53-man roster. Turner would still be practice-squad eligible. Steelers waive OT Trevis...  

Mike Wilkening of Pro Football Weekly penned a solid piece on Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer, and what he's up to this off-season. From Wilkening's accounts, Dwyer is ready to compete for an increase in playing time, something he hasn't had much of since being chosen six picks before Pro Bowl WR/KR Antonio Brown. Wrote Wilkening: Entering his third NFL campaign, "you want more," Dwyer said Thursday. "You want to be out (there) more...  

A Forbes Magazine report lists Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at $5.75 million, tying him with Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt as the 6th highest paid coach in the NFL, and 8th highest in professional sports. Tomlin, a two-time AFC champion and winning coach of Super Bowl XLIII, is 55-25 in five seasons at the helm in Pittsburgh, most recently, a 12-4 2011 campaign. He's helped set the bar so high in the legendary...  

Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly transcribed a bit of Steelers CB Ike Taylor's appearance on TribLive Radio, and it will very likely be the talking point for the rest of this session OTAs. Taylor spent the weekend in Las Vegas with his teammate, WR Mike Wallace, and Taylor said Wallace is frustrated with his contract situation. What he also said was much more newsworthy. Mike feels like he outperformed his last contract. But he...  

Mike Prisuta reported Wednesday afternoon Steelers OL Willie Colon will move from right tackle to left guard, a move often discussed throughout Colon’s tenure with the team. A report indicates the Steelers notified Colon of their intentions to move him to the left guard position after the draft, when they selected Stanford OG David DeCastro in the first round. This strongly indicates DeCastro will remain at right guard, the...  

The Steelers depth at cornerback should be one of their strength in 2012, but it's also one of its biggest question marks. Such is the way of things for NFL cornerbacks. Every play, hero or goat. Riding that thin line between greatness and ridicule, it is, next to quarterback, the toughest mental position on the field. The Steelers will ride into training camp with one definite starter, CB Ike Taylor, and three younger players vying...  

Many Steelers fans have been waiting for former LB Greg Lloyd to weigh in on the NFL's current direction of offensive emphasis and general "safety" initiatives. The wait is over. Lloyd, speaking to WXIX-TV in Cincinnati while at Bengals coach Marvin Lewis's charity golf tournament (Lewis was Lloyd's position coach in Pittsburgh), minced no words over the matter, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who remembers Lloyd from his...  

Amid the pre-screening for local media of the Steelers 2011 highlight video (titled "Heart"), the team announced the narrator for the video, KDKA radio host Larry Richert, will be the Heinz Field public address announcer as well. It's unique in the sense that when you hear "Roethlisberger's pass is complete to Miller," it will be the same voice that melts through the Steelers' highlight videos, giving each stat announcement a...  

OTAs start on Tuesday, thank God! We are about to reach our next little oasis in the Death Valley that is the offseason. You would have thought that this would be a particularly slow news week, but there actually have been a few noteworthy developments, including some continuing encouragement coming out Steelers camp. But we begin with... Jonathan Vilma sues Roger Goodell New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma received the...  

Tomorrow, the Steelers begin their OTA's, and for die-hard fans, it's at least a little taste of football, so to speak. We'll get to see our boys in action again, albeit only in shorts, and we'll get another glimpse of the new rookie crop...........well, except for DeCastro and Adams. Speaking of that, Mike Wallace also won't be there because of his contract dispute, and his absence will probably dominate much of the talk. Coach...  

Big Blue View editor Ed Valentine does a great job in summarizing the specifics of what OTAs are, and what Steelers fans can expect to happen at the start of Phase One of OTAs, which is set to begin Tuesday in Pittsburgh. The main goal of Phase One is based around conditioning and rehabilitation. In other words, this time will mostly be spent with strength and conditioning coaches conducting variations of track practice or military...  

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the road in Week 1, and will take on the team that ousted them from the playoffs in January, the Denver Broncos. Taking a look at where the Broncos are in May, it will be a daunting task. But one the Steelers need to get used to. With perhaps the toughest schedule overall they've had since 2008, this isn't the last good team they'll play in 2012. They're only the first. Broncos Improvements Obviously...  

I just turned 40 recently (brief self-serving pause for "Happy Birthday" wishes), and it's a weird feeling. To paraphrase comedian Louis C.K., you're older, but you're not really old. And you're still youthful, but you're not really young anymore. Turning 80 is an even bigger milestone, and 2012 just so happens to be the 80th year anniversary season of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that was founded in 1933 by the late Arthur J...  

I had written after the draft Steelers rookie OG David DeCastro would be able to attend the Steelers Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which begin Tuesday in Pittsburgh. I was wrong, DeCastro will not be able to attend OTAs because of a completely nonsensical NFL rule prohibiting rookies to practice with their pro teams until the academic calendar year of the school they attended is over. All rookies can attend their team's rookie...  

Most people are aware Steelers WR Mike Wallace is not attending OTAs. Most are even more keenly aware he's doing it because he wants a contract extension, and not the $2.7 million restricted free agent tender offer the Steelers have given him. There seems to be a split in SteelerNation on whether Wallace is doing the right thing - or even the ethical one. Turns out, there's a long list of Steelers who will not graduate OTAs with 100...  

It's as if the local fish wraps were hunting for CB Keenan Lewis exclusively after OTAs finished up in Pittsburgh Thursday. And he had plenty to say, such as quotes in both the Tribune-Review and the Post-Gazette indicating Lewis sees himself joining the AFC's Pro Bowl team in 2012. Lofty individual expectations are good. They show where a player's head is. Lewis, apparently, is very optimistic about his chances of starting...  

Yahoo Shutdown Corner editor Doug Farrar had draft guru Greg Cosell on his podcast Thursday, talking about the early projections of the 2012 draft classes of the AFC North. They both rightfully lavished heavy praise on the draft class of the Cincinnati Bengals, both this year and last year. The Bengals' trade-down move behind Pittsburgh to select Wisconsin OG Kevin Zeitler while the Steelers selected Stanford OG David DeCastro, a...  

It's a simple proposition for Steelers 5-time Pro Bowl OLB James Harrison. If suspended Saints LB Jonathan Vilma loses in his lawsuit against NFL Commission Roger Goodell, he feels it shows Goodell has too much power. If Vilma wins, however, according to Harrison, "the floodgates will open." The floodgates of media attention will open over Harrison's comments, that's for certain. It won't be long before the cat-calls over Harrison...  

With new offensive coordinator Todd Haley kept under media lockout, analysts and fans alike have been making projections as to what the Steelers offense will look like in 2012. There's a hint or two here and there, but the biggest wrinkle will no doubt be the inclusion of the fullback position once again. It appears as if David Johnson will assume a dual-role this year, one part blocking back, other in-line protector. Clearly, this...  

Tribune-Review columnist Dejan Kovacevic has an interesting column in regards to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's somewhat passive-aggressive response to an off-season that saw him called out for extending plays, fired his buddy offensive coordinator and a supposed overhaul of the offensive scheme.Kovacevic's column isn't slanted the way the headline "Kovacevic: Get Over It, Ben" implies. It's actually more pro-Roethlisberger, but...  

Allegedly, former Colts K Mike Vanderjagt still knows how to choke. Only this time, it wasn't at the end of a playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the throat of a student after he taunted Vanderjagt by chanting "Wide Left! Wide Left!" in reference to his missed kick at the end of the 2005 NFL Divisional Playoff game between the Colts and Pittsburgh. Vanderjagt, a volunteer coach...  

In the interest of providing comprehensive coverage of all things Steelers as well as taking advantage of the current lull resulting from the off season, I am redirecting the focus toward Steeler Nation, particularly its fans. The supporters of the team are just as much a part of the story of Steelers football as are the players and other members of the organization. Usually once a week, Wednesday night, I spend some time with Arla...  

Steelers CB Cortez Allen appears to be the man to beat for the nickel back position this season, writes Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly. That seems the easiest of what promises to be a training camp full of positional battles. If Allen showed anything his rookie year, it's the ability to handle slot coverage duty, and could very well grow to be better in that area than his predecessor, William Gay. Allen, a former fourth-round draft...  

Ralph Cindrich, the agent of former Steelers LB James Farrior, said his free agent client is in discussion right now with the Pittsburgh Steelers about retirement. Cindrich said this on FM 93.7 The Fan radio in Pittsburgh Friday afternoon. Farrior, a free agent, was released by the Steelers this off-season in the team’s roster purging. WR Hines Ward was also released, only to return to Pittsburgh to announce his retirement...  

We've seen a few storylines emerge as the Steelers powered through the first week of Phase 3 OTAs. Some good things, some bad things, and a lot to look forward to starting with the next set of three OTA sessions beginning May 29. Johnson vs. Johnson The conversion of David Johnson to fullback and his subsequent battle with rookie UDFA Will Johnson, the Workout Warrior of West Virginia, is something that may heat up quickly from...  

I'm feeling pretty good about doing the Check Down this week. With the start of OTAs there are plenty of interesting stories to highlight. For many of the past several weeks I've been feeling like someone tasked with serving a banquet armed only with a bag of saltine crackers and a can of sardines. Where to begin? How about starting with a story that will get your hackles up. ESPN predicts Steelers finishing 3rd in the AFC North A...  

There have been many accolades given to Steelers SS Troy Polamalu in regards to his athletic ability. With the presence of outstanding leaders on the defensive side of the ball, though, he's never had to assume a strong leadership role. Starting with OTA Phase One, which began in Pittsburgh Tuesday, that is changing. Polamalu typically works out in Los Angeles with Marv Marinovich, his trainer, during OTAs, but his presence, he...  

Following up on a story we ran Friday in regards to the possibility of former Steelers linebacker James Farrior retiring, his agent, Ralph Cindrich, responded to a question posed via Twitter about it. Cindrich's response suggested Farrior, the 13 year veteran, is waiting for a "championship opportunity." Will one of those present itself for Farrior? It's an interesting question. He's just getting around to the retirement part. On...  

Reports indicate Giants WR Hakeem Nicks' foot surgery was successful. hat's a good thing for Nicks and the Giants. And Steelers fans should be resigned to understanding why WR Mike Wallace is not participating in OTAs. Nicks broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot Thursday while running a route in the defending champs' OTA session. He had surgery the following day and is expected to be inactive for the next 12 weeks (although...  

According to an ESPN poll of a random sample of 1,500 Americans, the Steelers are the third-most popular team in the NFL. The poll was conducted by asking participants 12 years of age and older which team was their favorite. Since 1994, this survey has polled 390,000 Americans, and the results are cumulative. The Dallas Cowboys were No. 1 with 8.8 percent of the vote. The Green Bay Packers were No. 2 at 7.2, barely edging out the...  

NFL Around The League writer (and BTSC friend) Brian McIntyre wrote an interesting piece on Steelers NT Steve McLendon, expounding on the work done by Tribune-Review writer Mark Kaboly. The subject of both articles was to show McLendon as a potential starter among the Steelers defensive line. They both certainly make a good case for it, but they seem to be missing the forest for the trees. Odds are excellent McLendon will be the...  

A rematch of the 2010 AFC Championship Game for the home opener sounds like the makings of another great game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets. Two teams that ended their 2011 seasons on down notes, two teams looking to climb back to the top of their respective divisions. Two teams needing every win they can get to keep pace with an outstanding rival within their division. Jets Improvements The last few years...  

Despite the excitement of OTAs, it's still the off-season. So let's step back for just a moment and take a closer look at some players who will help to define the 2012 Steelers season. Because he's been in the news a lot this past week, I'm going to begin with Troy Polamalu. (The fact that he is my personal favorite Steeler has nothing whatsoever to do with this choice). Why has he been in the news? First, because he was at the...  

For the most part, I've been fairly critical of the role of Pro Football Talk in the media landscape covering the NFL. At the same time, I respect the opinions of the site, and its founder, Mike Florio. They're entitled to those opinions, as am I, as are you. My main contention is the style in which he writes. Sometimes, it seems the presumptions he makes are a bit off-the-mark. And his offensive character assassination of Steelers...  

It's pretty safe to say that a huge segment of Steeler Nation still loves the running game. It's Steelers football. It's our identity. If you make any case for why franchise quarterbacks and passing the football are the way to win in today's NFL, you'd probably get five counter-arguments from Steelers fans emphatically stating that a good ground attack is always the best way to win a football game. "Forget about the trends! It doesn...  

The Raiders are undergoing a complete overhaul from its previous administration. And with few draft picks on which to begin building a foundation (six picks, none in rounds 1 or 2), new head coach Dennis Allen has quite the undertaking. Hosting the Steelers in Week 3 doesn't make it any easier on him, or new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp or defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. Raiders Improvements It's hard to list just one. Or...  

The Steelers announced Tuesday they have come to terms with third round draft pick, LB Sean Spence. His signing, on the first day of the second OTA session, leaves only their first round pick, OG David DeCastro, unsigned. With Cincinnati having signed OG Kevin Zeitler, the 27th overall pick of the draft, on May 25, the table appears to be set for DeCastro's signing. Spence, though, is all set. The speedy if undersized linebacker...  

It's unclear what former Steelers QB Kordell Stewart means by "needing closure." The 39-year-old former player who last suited up in 2005 - for the Baltimore Ravens...as a punter - announced his retirement from the NFL Wednesday, a move that was unexpected, in the sense that everyone assumed Stewart had done that very thing several years ago. Not to knock the guy too much - who knows, maybe he's coming out with a reality show in the near...  

Steelers back-up quarterback hopeful Troy Smith has been a part of the Steelers for a few months, but he's already mixing things up with two traditional rivals. Speaking to AP reporter Will Graves, Smith mentioned a set-back he had with tonsillitis his rookie season, before saying he would have given Ravens QB Joe Flacco a run for for the team's starting quarterback position. Smith was a fifth round draft pick of the Ravens in 2007...  

On paper, the Eagles had lots going for them in 2011. Fresh off the signing of Nnamdi Asomugha, the momentum of Michael Vick, the ascension of LeSean McCoy, dynamic big play ability from DeSean Jackson. So what happened? Jackson's pre-season contract dispute, Vick's inevitable injury, Asomugha adapting to a new system, all these things took their tolls on the Eagles, and they limped to an 8-8 finish. The NFL should be wary of the...  

As the site regulars have probably noticed, I’ve been rather busy lately assessing the Steelers’ drafts from the past decade. During the course of this I discovered something curious. In the upper rounds the Steelers were quite successful in comparison to most of the league. But in the fifth round they were next to worst, only exceeded in incompetence, if incompetence is the problem, by Cincinnati. The Steelers were in the bottom...  

Chuck Finder of CBS Sports reported Friday morning undrafted free agent QB Alex Tanney has left the Steelers, opting to go through rookie minicamp with the Buffalo Bills instead. Finder wrote Tanney, a Monmouth product, went to Buffalo due to the fact the Steelers brought in Oregon QB Darron Thomas, and apparently, didn’t want to compete against him. Thomas is in the athletic mold the Steelers seem to like in their project back-up...  

Call him The Coliseum. Alameda Ta'amu signed a four-year rookie contract with the Steelers, the team reported Sunday. His size inspires the nickname - a play off Oakland's Alameda County Coliseum - but his ability led the Steelers to trade up with Washington in the fourth round to take the Washington Huskies product. Ta'amu will compete with third-year man Steve McLendon for playing time this season, as both of them will look to...  

Aaron Wilson of Scout.com tweeted Sunday afternoon the Steelers have signed fifth-round draft pick Chris Rainey to a four-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Rainey, out of the University of Florida and high school teammate and friend of Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey, will add another element of competition to a position shaping up to be the fiercest training camp battle. With incumbent Rashard Mendenhall tearing his ACL...  

Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson worked Friday's rookie minicamp - his first coaching action since being burned in a house fire in January. His return to the field is nothing short of amazing, so much so, even rookie RB Chris Rainey was impressed. According to WPXI, Rainey went out of his way to note his admiration: "I told him, ‘God bless you that you're still here and I'm praying for you,'" Rainey said. "He's glad to...  

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall bounced to the outside, one of those unpredictable moves a running back must make routinely, trusting his legs to handle the stress of constant change of direction with ease. Unfortunately for Mendenhall, it was one time his prize-back legs didn't follow the plan. He crumpled to the ground along the right sideline, clutching his right knee. Without any contact initiating the fall, the immediate...  

When I posted Part I of this series, I don’t think it was quite what many people were expecting it to be when they clicked on the link. OR60faithfull commented "When I first read the title of the article I had pondered that you might be offering insight on how best to integrate our new influx of talent," and others may have well been thinking the same. That isn’t really my metier, though—many on this site are far more qualified to...