The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an underwhelming season last year going 8-8. For a team that believes every year is a championship season, this doesn’t sit well with players, coaches, management and fans. It is time for the Steelers to shed the players that have lost a few steps and no better time to do it than to do it in training camp.
Guy Whimper has yet to play a snap in the city of Pittsburgh and hopefully it stays that way. Whimper had only 392 plays on offense in 2012 with the Jaguars and gave up five sacks, six quarterback hits and 15 hurries during those snaps to go along with four penalties. In 2011, Whimper allowed a sack in nine consecutive games and 12 overall in 14 games. Plaxico Burress used to be a red zone threat, these days he is no longer an asset, but a liability. The Steelers new wide receiver crew is built on speed, quickness and possession. Burress fits nowhere in Todd Haley’s offensive scheme ,and that will be figured out in training camp. Larry Foote has and always been an undersized middle lineBacker in the NFL. Foote played well last year, however he is a liability in pass coverage and he isn’t getting any younger.
Markus Wheaton was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and this guy is a playmaker and fits the mold of what the Steelers look for in a receiver: Quick, fast, and great hands. Wheaton had a breakout year in 2012 with the Oregon State Beavers as he recorded 91 receptions for 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wheaton should be given every opportunity to take the slot position in 2013. Kelvin Beachum, The Steelers seventh-round pick last year, started the final five games at right tackle during his rookie campaign and played considerably well. Beachum has been moving up and down the offensive line taking snaps at center, guard and tackle and we are seeing now why Legursky wasn’t resigned and why Whimper shouldn’t make the roster. Kelvin Beachum is quickly becoming the Steelers five-tool guy.
As the offseason rolls along, one name keeps getting thrown into the topic of Steelers linebackers, and that is, Marshall McFadden. McFadden, an NFL sophomore, has made huge strides from his rookie season. He has appeared well conditioned and mentally ready during practices and quite honestly has the look of a Steelers linebacker. He is able to play both the Mack and Buck interior assignments, which will make his roster spot even more valuable. McFadden will start behind Foote for sure but will definitely have his opportunities in 2013. The 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers have the make up and tools to reach their full potential this year. It’s time to get, “Out with the old” and start a new regime.
