Training camp. The two dirtiest words in the English language to linemen… 90 degree heat with 80% humidity in full pads. Training camp 2008 should be interesting. I expect at least 4 quality position battles.
1. Max Starks and Willie Colon.
As most of you know I ‘m not a fan of Willie Colon. Colon’s strength is suppose to be his quick feet and quality pass blocking technique, based upon Colon’s 2007 performance I feel comfortable making the following observations…Colon’s feet are terrible and his technique is awful. Colon is a smallish right tackle; his technique needs to be flawless if he is going to be successful. Colon may be able to move inside to guard; I seriously doubt it...Colon is a bum.
Max Starks is an enigma. His ability to run block is off the charts. He wins just about every matchup in a phone booth, Starks is a devastating down blocker, Starks may not look pretty at the second level he just gets in the way and gets the job done. Starks technique in pass protection varies from excellent to putrid from game to game. If Starks ever learns NOT to lunge and bend at the waist in Pass Protection he could be a dominant right tackle. Starks is to clumsy to be a quality left tackle in the NFL…He doesn’t have the lateral movement or coordination to adjust to speed off the edge.
My starter…Starks
2. Deshea Townsend and Bryant McFadden
Every year fans write off Deshea; every year he wins the job. I think mother time has finally caught up with Townsend. Townsend can’t run at this point of his career, he was never a blazer to start with… Deshea struggles with quality number Two Wr’s. Townsend has the football IQ to anticipate plays and make things happen…His value to the team goes way beyond the stat sheet. When Townsend came into the league he was a great number three corner…Townsend will leave this league as a great number three corner.
Bryant McFadden has run out of excuses. Football is a violent game; at some point you must differentiate between hurt and injured. McFadden is a perfect compliment to Ike Taylor. McFadden’s strength is playing up on a receiver where he can control the release of the Reciever. McFadden is also a quality corner in zone coverage. McFadden’s weakness is Townsend strength…McFadden at times will struggle to read routes…He will miss a tackle going for the knock out shot.
My starter…McFadden…I have a feeling the light may go on for Fad…Can you say Pay day?
3. Anthony Smith and Ryan Clark
Anthony Smith hits like a cement truck…He has quality ball skills. Smith has the physical tools to play and excel in the NFL. I believe Smith’s best fit is strong safety…I believe Polamula best fit is free safety (The upper body injuries at SS scare me). Smith needs a ton of work on the mental aspect of the game. An example…3rd down 18 against the Pats Smith bites on play action…That can’t happen. Anthony Smith should have spent the off season doing two things. Practicing the words no comment and studying film.
Ryan Clark is still a long shot in my mind. The spleen is a vital organ. My biggest concerns are health related. Clark if healthy will take the job from Smith. Anthony Smith doesn’t seem the type to study film and perfect his craft in the off season. Clark does nothing great. He understands the defense…He understands his job and the jobs of the players around him…This allows Clark to anticipate plays. Clark doesn’t have the physical tools Smith has.
My starter…Anthony Smith by default. I hope Clark is healthy.
4. Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote.
Larry Foote tries hard…Foote is small slow and weak. He’s lucky if he weighs 230 pounds. Foote does nothing at a high level. He cant beat a block…Foote is to slow to come under blocks…To small to beat blocks (shed and go). Foote is a liability in coverage…Foote will make plays when he comes unblocked…Or Foote will make plays 5 yards down field. The Steelers need more from the MACK.Lawrence Timmons…. Timmons is long and lanky…He can run and chase plays down…His length and quickness allowed him to come under blocks at the college level…Many smart people I know believe Timmons will NOT be able to come under blocks at the Pro level…Timmons will struggle to stack and shed blockers at 238 pounds. Timmons is explosive…He can run and cover…He can rush the passer.
My starter…Timmons.
Other Position Battles
3rd and 4th defensive end.
Incumbents: Nick Eason and Travis Kierschke.
Challengers: Jordan Reffett Kyle Clement Scott Paxon
My take: I know 1 of the kids will win a job…Give me Clement over Eason. I would not be surprised to see Paxon give Hoke a run at NG.
3rd Wr
Incumbent: Nate the Great Washington
Challenger: Limas Country Sweed
My take…Washington’s route running holds off Sweed.
Week 1 is just around the corner….The Steelers have plenty of talent…Also plenty of question marks. Should be fun kids!!!!
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