For decades now it has been no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers like to build their defense through the linebacker position. Needing a new identity with some popular veterans aging over the past few years, Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert once again has been following that blueprint in order to try and restore the Steelers defensive unit among the best in the league. For that to happen, the Steelers quartet of first round picks need to live up to their draft status. While the ... Read More
Cameron Heyward contract extension should be coming soon
With many of the veterans of the defense now long gone, there aren’t many guys left that can be considered the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. One of those guys who could though is defensive end Cameron Heyward. Heyward has gotten better each year in the league to the point where he looks to be a fixture on the Steelers defensive line for years to come. For that to happen though Heyward is going to need a new contract. The Ohio State product is entering the final year of his ... Read More
Better play at nose tackle critical to Steelers improvement
From 2001 to 2012, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was consistently among the leagues very best. The 3-4 "zone-blitz" schemes implemented by legendary defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau made life miserable for opponents, and helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls over that span. The list of dominant players on those defenses is impressive, and though only Troy Polamalu looks to be the only surefire bet to make the Hall of Fame, you could make an argument that another player from that vaunted ... Read More
Madden Curse alters Troy Polamalu’s greatness
As everyone knows, Pittsburgh Steelers great Troy Polamalu officially played his last game of pro football. Polamalu was an unbelievable playmaker on defense and was frequently described as possibly becoming the greatest safety ever. It looked like he was an unstoppable force until he became victim to a curse, not just any curse, the “Madden Curse.” Don’t believe me. Just take a look at Polamalu’s career before and after his placement on the Madden cover. Polamalu was drafted by the ... Read More
NFL changes extra-point distance
While you are watching the NFL this season, it will have a bit of a different look. Especially after touchdowns. The owners approved on Tuesday to move the distance of the extra point back from the two-yard line to the 15. The idea is that by snapping the ball from the 15-yard line will make PAT's more challenging. The approved rule was one of three proposals considered by owners Tuesday at the NFL's Spring League Meeting. Teams still have the option to go for a two-point conversion ... Read More
Steelers claim QB/WR Devin Gardner on waivers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have claimed Devin Gardner on waivers from the New England Patriots. Gardner, 23, was listed as a wide receiver by the Patriots, but had spent most of his collegiate career as a quarterback at the University of Michigan. As a senior in 2014, he started 12 games, passing for 1896 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the Wolverines to a 5-7 record. He was noted as dual-threat quarterback for Michigan, often making plays with his legs as well as his arms. In 2013, his ... Read More
Steelers must utilize Dri Archer properly in 2015
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kent State running back Dri Archer in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft, many questioned whether or not the diminutive speedster could make an impact as a pro. As Archer gets ready for his second year with the Steelers, those questions still linger. In fact, the skeptics who were critical of the selection at the time were given plenty of ammunition for their arguments during Archer's rookie campaign. Among the arguments made against picking Archer so ... Read More
Steelers sign third-round pick Sammie Coates
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to lock up their draft picks from the Class of 2015. With most of their picks already locked up, the Steelers signed their third-round pick Sammie Coates on Friday. Coates, a wide receiver out of Auburn was selected with the No. 87 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has the ability to become a big time playmaker on the outside, but also comes to the Steelers with some concerns. Coates hands are often questioned, but there is no doubting that he ... Read More
Steelers sign first-round pick Bud Dupree
After signing tight end Jesse James earlier in the day, the Steelers reduced the number of unsigned draft picks down to two, as they signed first-round pick Bud Dupree to his rookie deal on Thursday evening. According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the deal with Dupree is for four years, worth $9.2 million. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus and a fifth option year. Steelers sign first-round pick Bud Dupree to four-year, $9.2 M contact, $5 M signing bonus, plus ... Read More
Steelers sign fifth-round pick Jesse James
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed another one of their draft picks from the Class of 2015, coming to terms with fifth-round pick Jesse James on Thursday. James, a tight end out of Penn State, was the No. 160 overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. He caught 38 passes for 396 yards and three touchdowns last season for the Nittany Lions. He declared for the draft after his junior season, finishing with 78 receptions for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 11 touchdowns is a Penn State ... Read More