Football never dies in western Pennsylvania, but after a Penguins playoff run and the current success of the Pirates here in the middle of summer, it may have been easy to put the Pittsburgh Steelers on the back burner.
Go ahead and crank up the heat, because Mike Tomlin and the black and gold began training camp Friday at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, and there is plenty to discuss. Here is a smattering of what to expect, who to watch for, and what to hope to see develop leading up to the first preseason game at the New York Giants on Saturday, August 9 in New Jersey.
— A new season always brings new faces, and this version of the Steelers will have many. From a quality draft that should provide several players who will have the chance to produce in 2014, to a few additions and subtractions via free agency, the roster has a different look and a more youthful feel. On offense, receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery have departed and been replaced by veteran slot receiver Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey, who come here from New Orleans and Oakland, respectively. Also expect second-year WR Markus Wheaton to play a larger role in Todd Haley’s offense coming off a rookie campaign in which he did not see much time on the field.
The defense is, in particular, much different from what we saw last year, mostly due to the draft. On the defensive line, alongside veterans Cameron Heyward and Steve McLendon will be Notre Dame draft pick Stephon Tuitt and newcomer Cam Thomas, who played his first four seasons in the league with the San Diego Chargers. At linebacker, yet another special corps could be in place as first round pick Ryan Shazier joins last year’s top pick Jarvis Jones, Lawrence Timmons, Jason Worilds and company. That is a dangerous group that could dominate the middle of Dick Lebeau’s defense. LaMarr Woodley should not be missed with this talented group stepping forward. In the secondary, former Carolina Panther Mike Mitchell is already injured (groin) and may not be ready to immediately make an impact at safety replacing the departed Ryan Clark. More on the safety position later, which is otherwise occupied by Troy Polamalu, of course. At cornerback, Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen and William Gay will again cover opposing receivers.
Finally, Pittsburgh will have a new punter this season, as Adam Podlesh is expected to fill that role. He, however, will miss some of camp while his wife delivers a child.
— Let’s discuss center Maurkice Pouncey for a minute. Pouncey was injured and lost for the season last year in ridiculously early fashion in Week One against Tennessee. His presence was sorely missed all season, so his return is very welcome, especially by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Unfortunately, there has been more off-field trouble for Pouncey. He and twin brother Mike, a Miami Dolphin, are currently facing charges in Miami stemming from an alleged night-club altercation. Keep an eye on that story and how it plays out, as any more missed time by Pouncey – especially in this manner – would be unwelcome.
— Back on defense, the injury to safety Mike Mitchell was mentioned. He had a career year with Carolina last year on football’s number two ranked defense, earning him a five-year deal with the Steelers. Mitchell is now on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list and it is unclear how much time he might miss. This gives second-year safety Shamarko Thomas the opportunity to step up, and the Steelers will need and expect him to do so.
— Finally, it has already been announced that Roethlisberger’s contract extension talks have been tabled until after the season. Might the success of this season decide what sort of deal he will be signed to after the 2014-15 season ends? Also, how will his relationship with offensive coordinator Todd Haley develop during the course of this year? It has been up and down, to say the least, so time (and winning) will determine the fate of Big Ben and/or Haley in Pittsburgh. Don’t forget about head coach Mike Tomlin, who has now missed the playoffs in two straight years. A third consecutive failure would also likely raise a lot of questions about the direction and leadership of the franchise.
Continue following along with Pittsburgh Sporting News throughout training camp to stay updated on these and other Steelers storylines heading into the regular season.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pittsburgh Steelers
