Yesterday we took a look at some of the key free agents on offense heading into the offseason. Now we will focus on the defense and what might be on the horizon once the free agent signing frenzy begins. Let's take a closer look. Steve McLendon (DL)- Much like Ramon Foster on the other side of the ball, McLendon has quietly been an important cog for the Steelers defense. Given the unenviable task of taking over for Casey Hampton at nose tackle, McLendon has contributed to a Steelers run defense ... Read More
Free agency questions for the Steelers: Who stays, who goes on offense?
Looking ahead to the 2016 season, it's hard not to be excited about the Pittsburgh Steelers offense that could potentially end up being one of the best in NFL history. Yes, it could be that good. Bold statement to be sure, but with the collection of talent expected back next season there are plenty of reasons to believe the sky is the limit for the unit. Among those leading the way will be the trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Add the likes of Maurkice Pouncey, David ... Read More
COLUMN: What could have been for the Steelers
Am I the only one who watched yesterday's Conference championships and spent much of it wondering what could have been for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Watching the Denver Broncos advance to the Super Bowl over the hated New England Patriots assuredly was a consolation prize for dejected Steelers fans, but it couldn't possibly ease the pain of a season lost to injuries and misfortune. Sure, the idea of Peyton Manning, days short of his 40th birthday, going out a winner makes for a perfect storyline ... Read More
Three down: Season in review part two
Yesterday, we took a look at some of the best moments and performances by the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers in our first of two installments of three up, three down. In part two of of the series, let's look at some of the worst of the past season. Three down: *There's little doubt that the secondary was a big issue for the Steelers and it will be a hot-button topic during the off-season. Only the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints gave more yards through the air than the Steelers dismal ... Read More
Three up: Season in review part one
In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers gut-wrenching loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional playoff this past Sunday, many fans are still trying to cope with the fact that a season with so many ups and downs is now over. The loss to the Broncos was in many ways a caricature of the season as a whole; agonizingly close, yet in the end, something would happen to sabotage the Steelers in the end. Although the loss in Denver meant hopes of a seventh Super Bowl title will have a to wait ... Read More
Three up, three down: Steelers vs. Broncos
Agonizingly close to earning a trip to New England to play in the AFC Championship game, the Pittsburgh Steelers were unable to hold a one-point fourth-quarter lead and would eventually falter to the Denver Broncos, 23-16. It was a gutty peformance by a Steelers team ravaged by injuries, but ultimately their efforts came up just short and will leave everyone to wonder what could have been with healthy group playing in Denver. In our final installment of Three up three down, let's take a look ... Read More
Steelers fumble away chance at upset against Broncos
In a season that will be remembered for what could have been, the Pittsburgh Steelers headed to Denver a touchdown underdog, facing a myriad of injuries and having plenty of excuses for coming up short against the top-seeded Broncos. Instead, the Steelers (11-7) clung to a one-point fourth-quarter lead before Broncos running back C.J. Anderson would score on a one-yard dive with just over two minutes remaining to help the Broncos (13-4) get a 23-16 win and advance to the AFC Championship game ... Read More
AFC Divisional Playoff preview: Steelers vs. Broncos
Just a month ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to muster a second-half comeback win against the Denver Broncos in no small part due to a massive game from the Steelers passing attack and a defense that found a way to completely shut down a quarterback that shredded them for two quarters. A lot has changed since the Steelers defeated the Broncos 34-27 at Heinz Field in late December. Injuries have dramatically changed the cast of characters for the rematch in Denver as the two teams collide ... Read More
Pens acquire Hagelin for Perron in a swap of underachieving forwards
Two underperforming teams swapped underperforming wingers late last night as the Pittsburgh Penguins shipped forward David Perron and blueliner Adam Clendening to the Anaheim Ducks for left winger Carl Hagelin. The Penguins acquired Perron, 27, last season from the Edmonton Oilers for depth forward Rob Klinkhammer and the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. In 86 games with the Penguins between parts of two seasons, Perron scored 16 goals and recorded 38 points, including four goals and ... Read More
So you’re saying there’s a chance? Steelers defense key to upset in Denver
When news broke this morning that All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown has officially been ruled out for Sunday's AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, the daunting challenge of advancing to the AFC title game got all the more difficult. Already dealing with the absence of DeAngelo Williams and the reality of Ben Roethlisberger being nowhere close to 100 percent with a shoulder injury, the loss of Brown makes the odds of pulling off the upset pretty steep. Winning the ... Read More