How Close We Are... V3

Oh boy.

Today I promised to talk about the offensive line.

I have put it off all day because I wanted some sort of good mood in this 24 hour span.
So here goes...

Currently the Steelers have 14 Offensive Linemen on their roster. And with the departure of Alan Faneca, things look bleak.
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Center:

...wow.

1) Justin Hartwig

- Hartwig was an addition made in the offseason via the Carolina Panthers. He is going to try to fill a legacy of strong Steeler Center play that was abandoned last season. The Steelers have had good luck in the middle, with players such as Dermonti Dawson and Jeff Hartings making the snaps. So it will be interesting to see how Hartwig can step up.
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Tackle:



1) Marvel Smith
2) Willie Colon
3) Max Starks
4) Tony Hills

- Marvel Smith seems to be the best lineman protecting Big Ben, which isn't too great. Smith had problems last season with a back injury and now the 2005 Pro Bowler will have to step it up even more, since he is the best player on the line.

- Willie Colon stepped in last season in place of an ineffective Max Starks, who is becoming even more of a bust every year. So the job may be up to Colon to hold down the right side of the line.

- Max Starks is one of the biggest questions going into this season. If he can play to his abilities, the O-Line may not be too bad. But he is in a fierce battle right now with Willie Colon, who replaced Starks last year. Starks needs to play with more intensity and stay out of injuries in order to play this season.

- The Steelers went into the draft looking for Linemen. They took a RB, WR and LB in the first 3 rounds. Then they selected Hills. Hills is a big body with good footwork who could fill in if there are any injuries. but most likely he will see a lot of bench this season and in the couple years to come.
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Guard:



1) Kendall Simmons
2) Chris Kemoeatu
3) Sean Mahan
4) Matt Lentz

- Simmons is the best guard on the team, which isn't too great. There were a lot of questions about his diagnosis of diabetes a couple years ago, but he seems to be handling it. He needs to pick up his play if he wants to be the anchor in this depleted O-Line.

- The fact that Kemoeatu is starting is depressing. This was Faneca's job and it wasn't replaced through free agency or the draft. So here we are with him starting this season it seems over Sean Mahan.

- Mahan could see time as a starter this season if Kemoeatu becomes ineffective, which is a possibility. He has the ability to play the Center position and has been the long snapper for a couple years now.

- I don't even know who Matt Lentz is. Sorry. Sue me.
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So that's all for the offense, starting tomorrow I will analyze the defensive line for the Steelers this season.

How Close We Are... (continued)

Today I will continue my look at the Steelers roster by focusing in on the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends.
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Wide Receivers: B




1) Hines Ward
2) Santonio Holmes
3) Nate Washington
4) Limas Sweed
5) Willie Reid

- Hines Ward may not be the #1 guy for the duration of this season. He is coming off knee surgery and is getting up there in years. Yet no one will deny his importance as a pass catcher, run blocker and leader. Ward had a few nice games last year, particularly his 11 catch performance against the Bengals on Sunday night. If he can put up performances like that on a more continual basis he could find himself back in the Pro-Bowl.

- Santonio Holmes blossomed magnificently last year into a great Receiver for the Steelers. He was the best receiver on the team last season and filled in while Ward struggled with injuries. His blazing speed and elusiveness helps him break short passes into long touchdowns. If he shows more of that effort like that he will be the #1 guy by seasons end.

- Nate Washington is maybe the most inconsistent Wide Out in the NFL. He has games where he catches multiple TD's (MNF vs. Ravens) and has other games where he looks like he greased up his hands. He has the potential to be a good 2nd Receiver one day if he can work on his consistency.

- Maybe the biggest question of Training Camp is "How will Sweed contribute?" Besides having the best name in the NFL, he also brings good size and speed to the table. It is not hard to believe that if Washington catches a case of the drops again this season that Sweed will be the #3 guy. He will be used like Plaxico Burress was in his time here close to the goal line, in order to utilize his size. Big Ben asked for a big target, now lets see if he will get one.

- Wille Reid needs a new set of hands (See: the Steelers 16th game last season). He has the potential to be a return threat but needs to stop dropping the ball so much to surpass the talent that new addition Mewelde Moore has brought in.
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Tight Ends: B+



1) Heath Miller
2) Matt Spaeth
3) Jon Dekker
4) Cody Boyd

- Miller started to become an elite Tight End in the first 9 games of the season. He was thrown right into the passing game and utilized greatly in red zone situations. He is a phenomenal blocker for the run and the pass and has a great set of hands. Unfortunately, Miller really lost his Pro Bowl potential in the final weeks of the season by never having more than 40 yards receiving after week 10. But He still finished with 47 catches for 566 yards and 7 TD's last season.

- Spaeth caught 5 passes last season. 3 were TD's. He has a good ability to catch passes but is rarely utilized because of the offensive format brought in by Mike Tomlin. He was mainly used in close goal situations along with MIller. If the Steelers decide to use a 2 Tight End scheme in situations this season he could see a lot more time and numbers.

- Dekker and Boyd will be battling it out in camp for a possible 3rd spot on the team, if the Steelers go that route. Boyd brings incredible size (6'8", 264 lbs.). Dekker played in 3 games last season but did not touch the stat sheet whatsoever. It is unlikely that either will make the final roster, but if there is an injury they will want to work hard to fill in.
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Tomorrow I will talk about the Offensive Line... or whatever those players are who represent an offensive Line.

How Close We Are...

We are 16 days away from the start of the Preseason and only a matter of days away from the start of training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With that said, I am going to work on a series of these posts that break down every position on the football and who will be covering those positions for the Steelers this season, as well as providing my thoughts on the particular situations.

So.. let's get started, shall we?

I will start with the Offensive Backs.

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Quarterback: A-



- 1) Ben Roethlisberger
2) Charlie Batch
3) Dennis Dixon

- If not for the Steelers drafting RB Rashard Mendenhall, the QB position would be the deapest on the team. Ben Roethlisberger rebounded in a big way last year by throwing for a Steelers franchise record 32 TD's. He also was a force at times in the running game as well.

- Charlie Batch filled in at the end of the season against Baltimore and almost led the 2nd team to a win. He threw for 2 TD's and 3 INT's. Not phenomenal stats but we all know that Chuck can lead the team if called upon.

- And for the Rookie. Dennis Dixon was on pace to win the Heisman Trophy for Oregon before he was injured. He has unbelievable athleticism. Most likely Dixon won't see a lot of action under center. But, with that kind of skills it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the field a few times this season.
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Fullback: C-



- 1) Carey Davis

- The Dan Kreider era sadly and quietly came to an end this offseason and the position is now in the hands of Carey Davis. Kreider was always one of the most underrated players in the NFL, blocking for Jerome Bettis (5th Leading Rusher All-Time) and Willie Parker. But it appears as if the Fullback position in the NFL is becoming fazed out, as most teams are going with a double running back approach. With the additions of Mendanhall and Mewelde Moore to go along with Parker, don't expect to see a ton of Davis on the field, except for special teams situations.
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Running Back: A



- 1) Willie Parker
2) Rashard Mendenhall
3) Mewelde Moore
4) Gary Russel

- Willie Parker was the NFL's leading rusher before his season ending broken leg. But reports say he is 100% now. With the additions of Moore and then Mendenhall, Parker won't have to carry as much of a load as he did last season, which will ultimately keep him healthy. Expect more big things in the running and passing game from Parker.

- Mendenhall's selection in the draft was one of the most questioned. A top 10 talent going into the draft, he mysteriously slipped all the was to 23rd, where the Steelers selected him. Mendenhall brings fantastic speed, power and the ability to change fields with the NFL's elite. Expect to see him on the field a good bit in passing situations.

- Moore was brought in to help out Parker, but now it appears that his role will be in the special teams as a returner and possibly in some passing situations.

- Russel is a good special teams talent for the Steelers and has always shined in the Preseason for the Steelers. He will only see action late in games if the Steelers are up big.

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Tomorrow I will talk about the Wide Receivers and TIght Ends... Stay Tuned.

ESPY Blog N'at

I am currently watching the 2008 ESPY's.

Justin Timberlake is hosting and has the crowd in stitches.
(Because they've had to cut their ear drums out.)

So far the best thing he has done is sing.. which isn't suprising and is what he needs to stick to.

The lack of laughter from the crowd is awkward.

And he just sniffed David Beckham's shoes. I think it was to look up Posh's dress.

Brendan Fraser is an idiot.

Why are there no hockey player as nominees for Best Male Athlete?

Will Ferrel is the man... and hilarious.

Screw the Red WIngs.

Fergie is drunk and weird.

Who is the white guy on the Celtics?
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The Winners:

- Best Upset: New York Giants over New England Patriots at the Super Bowl
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
- Best Record Breaking Performance: Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
- Best Championship Performance: Tiger Woods, 2008 U.S. Open
- Arthur Ashe Courage Award: John Carlos and Tommie Smith, 1968 Olympic medalists
- Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker, Tennessee Lady Volunteers/ LA Sparks
- Best Play: Eli Manning to David Tyree, Superbowl XLII
- Best Game: Superbowl XLII, New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
- Arthur Ashe Courage Award: Kevin Everett, Buffalo Bills
- Best Baseball Player: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
- Best NBA Player: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best NFL Player: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
- Best MLS Player: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Female Action Sport Athlete: Gretchen Bleiler, Snowboarding
- Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, University of Florida
- Best Sports Movie: Semi-Pro
- Best Moment: “Great Sportsmanship” (Central Washington University’s Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, Western Oregon University’s Sara Tucholsky)
- Best Male Athlete: Tiger Woods
- Best Team: Boston Celtics

(The following I never saw announced... but supposedly they won. And of course ESPN threw a hockey category in there... which Sid won.)

- Best Male Athlete With a Disability: Ryan Kocer, Wrestling (Wagner, SD)
- Best Female Athlete With a Disability: Shay Oberg, Softball (Montana State-Billings)
- Best International Male Athlete: Rafael Nadal, Tennis
- Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa, Golf
- Best Coach/Manager: Pat Summitt, Tennessee Women’s Basketball
- Best WNBA Player: Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm

- Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins--------- Hey! Hockey! And a Penguin!

- Best MLS Player: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Male Action Sport Athlete: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
- Best Bowler: Norm Duke
- Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson
- Best Fighter: Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
- Best Golfer: Tiger Woods
- Best Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
- Best Outdoor Athlete: Captain Scott Smiley, Mountain Climber
- Best Male Tennis Player: Roger Federer
- Best Female Tennis Player: Maria Sharapova
- Best Track and Field Athlete: Tyson Gay

My thoughts so far on winners:

- Appalachian State should have been upset of the year. DIvision II school beating the #5 team in the nation vs. a league where any team can win any week.
-Danica Patrick doesn't deserve to be nominated for anything... except for "whiny brat" of the year.
- Everything else is deserved.
- It's tough to pick the best team... all were deserving. I pick the Red WIngs or the Celtics.

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FInal thoughts.

-Timberlake got better as show went on. Still was weird though.
-Decent show I guess.
-Lupe Fiasco was the only performer I think... which I didn't mind.
- They need to announce ALL the winners. Especially Best NHL player. Sid got the Shaft. Someone correct me if they showed that he got BEst NHL Player and I just missed it.

The Night is Darkest Before the Dawn

The Dark Knight is the #1 movie of all-time according to imdb.com.



I am going to see TDK again tomorrow in IMAX, hopefully.

Yes.

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Hopefully the dawn is soon for the Pittsburgh Pirates, after dropping the first 4 games after the All-Star Break to the Colorado Rockies, who were 18 games behind .500 before the break.

Let me be as blunt as possible.

The Pirates are awful.

They were outscored 28-9 in the 4-game series with the Rocks.

Again, awful.

It's time to bust our those "(P) irate fans" shirts once again.

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I got my fantasy football leagues invite today... which makes me almost as excited than a Pirates player getting traded to the Red Sox.

2 years ago I started fantasy football.

Year 1- 2nd place.
Year 2- 2nd best regular season record.

2 solid performances.. still no championship.
Is this the year?

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19 days til you know what.

For some reason I can't seem to get too excited for football season.

For the first real time I have a hockey hangover I think.

The preseason always used to sneak up on me.
It would be early August and someone would say "Steelers start Friday" and I would be shocked.

But now I know it's coming and it's weird.

August 8 vs Philthy.

I know that once I hear pads hit and see Big Ben play one series and not do much at all I will be ready once again.

The Dark Knight

The Pirates lost last night.
The Pens released their schedule.
The Steelers are doing some stuff.
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Okay. There is just something a little more important on my mind. Yesterday I made a post about how I was anticipating The Dark Knights release maybe more than any other movie I have ever planned to see.

And after seeing it... I was justified.

Wow.

The Dark Knight gets a 9.5/10 from me and that is saying a lot.

I should have waited to make that list yesterday, because TDK is now in my top 5 favorite movies ever.
Heath Ledger completely freaked me out as the Joker and is undoubtedly the greatest villain ever.



((Shivers))


GO SEE THE DARK KNIGHT!!!

Movies N'at

Being the eve of one of my top 5 most anticipated movies of all time, I have decided to blog a little about movies n'at.

I will list my top 5 favorite movies of all time.
This should take a while to write. I have much considering to do.

First I will think about it while taking my cat for a walk... yes, my cat. You heard me.

-Drama-


(For you Entourage fans out there.)

1. Shawshank Redemption


2. V for Vendetta


3. The Departed


4. The Godfather


5. Saving Private Ryan



Honorable Mention: The Matrix (1 and 2 only), Forest Gump, Star Wars, American History X, Jaws, Braveheart.

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-Comedy-

1. Anchorman


2. Superbad


3. Wedding Crashers


4. Animal House


5. Old School


Honorable Mention: Zoolander, A Night at the Roxbury, Borat, Rush Hour (1 and 2), 1941, Young Frankenstein

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With that said... and with no real sports going on today from what I can see... I am going to go swimming and then prepare for the Dark Knight 12:04 am show tonight.

Oh yeah.