With two games remaining, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to finishing strong and extend their non-losing streak which dates back to 2003. Even in a down year, there is no quit from the Steelers, who in a year of countless injuries and demoralizing defeats, continue to push forward. Over the last 10 games, the Steelers are 6-4 and yet could easily be 8-2. For Mike Tomlin’s squad, It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
Attention should now be focused on personnel to see where this team stands heading into 2014. The Steelers are faced with a lot of decisions in the offseason as age, salary, performance and health will be factors in these decisions.
LaMarr Woodley/Jason Worilds: Woodley, by all accounts, has had a disappointing season marred by injuries. Woodley, in his seventh season with the Steelers, could be looking for employment elsewhere if he decides not to re-negotiate his contract that pays him $13.5 million a year. Jason Worilds is in the final year of his contract that pays him $985,000. On the season, Worilds leads the Steelers with eight sacks coming on strong as of late.
At this stage, it would appear that simply cutting Woodley seems to be the logical decision for two reasons. First off, the Steelers would save $25.5 million and secondly, when Woodley did return two weeks ago, he was moved to right outside linebacker, where he hasn’t played since 2007. Worilds has subsequently taken over Woodley’s position. Furthermore, Jarvis Jones is the future at the right outside linebacker position.
Brett Keisel/ Cameron Heyward: Keisel has been an absolute gem for the Steelers. Selected in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL draft, Keisel would have to be considered in the top 10 best draft selections in team history. Present day, Brett Keisel is 35 years old and like Woodley, has been limited this year to nagging injuries. As Tomlin says, “Next man up” and that player has been Heyward.
Heyward, a three-year veteran, has slid into the starting lineup and has never looked back. Even in a disappointing loss to the Patriots, Heyward had a solid game as he finished with five tackles and a sack, along with multiple pressures on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. On the season, Heyward has 50 tackles and four sacks as his ability to rush the passer with effectiveness gives the Steelers much more flexibility towards the future.
Emmanuel Sanders/Markus Wheaton: The Pittsburgh Steelers matched the Patriots offer sheet for Sanders in the offseason hoping that the young elusive receiver would pay dividends for this team moving forward. On the season, Sanders has 63 receptions for 707 yards, five touchdowns and a few crucial dropped passes.
One would think that Sanders has underperformed this year with a contract in the balance. For a player like Wheaton, who continues to work hard with goals set in mind, he will almost certainly have more opportunities next season and could still see some playing time in the final two games of the season.
Ryan Clark/Will Allen: Ryan Clark’s career in football looks to be coming to an end as the pro bowl safety is 34 years old. Over the course of the season, Clark has been looked upon for leadership with a lot of new faces on defense. So with that being said, Clark’s over aggressive style of play this year has been detrimental leading to several touchdowns and big plays of 50 yards or more.
Will Allen is making the most of his second stint with the Steelers and has flourished since rejoining the team in October.
“He probably won the Detroit game, at least from a defensive standpoint,” Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said. “He picked up that fumble and ran about 60 yards in the Cleveland game. (And) he’s done a great job for Coach (Danny) Smith on special teams.”
Furthermore, Clark took an internship with ESPN in the offseason as his new career looks to be covering games from the sidelines.
