Special Edition - MEQB's Regular Season Grades

The Steelers wrapped up their season with a poor loss at Baltimore, a game where both sides had a large number of players sitting out. While the offense was predictably pedestrian without Ben Roethlisberger, the defense allowed a third string quarterback and third and fourth string running backs to put up 27 points.

Still, the playoffs await. A home game against Jacksonville on Saturday night allows the team to start with a clean slate. Playoff football is a whole new game, and a whole new season.

Before the Steelers start their first playoff journey under Mike Tomlin, I present my 2007 grades and evaluations as a final wrap on a regular season that saw the Steelers win their first AFC Championship since 2004.

 

Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger/A-

Review: Ben Roethlisberger had his best season at quarterback at the young age of 25. Ben completed 65.3% of his passes and set a Steelers record with 32 touchdown passes, and made his first Pro Bowl. The "game manager" label should officially be laid to rest after this offseason.

Ben suffered from a poor pass blocking offensive line, and was hurt by injuries to his receivers. He struggled at times late in the season when teams started to take away his scrambling lanes outside, and forced him to get rid of the ball on time.

Outlook: Roethlisberger made himself a lot of money with his bounce-back performance in 2007. He'll be awarded with a new contract this offseason. He's still young, and will continue to get better. Improvements along the offensive line and in the receiving corps will go a long way to hasten his development, especially as far as trusting his reads and delivering the ball on time, which is his greatest weakness at this time.

 

Charlie Batch/B

Review: Batch didn't get to play much in 2007, though he started the final game against the Ravens. His greatest value is his intelligence. He also brings great character, and he seems to have a positive effect on Ben.

Outlook: Batch is signed through next season. Unless the Steelers make a move in the draft or free agency for a guy who can become a long-term backup, Batch will likely play out the string with one year contracts until his effectiveness dries up.

 

Brian St. Pierre/INCOMPLETE

Review: St. Pierre sat the bench, as expected.

Outlook: St. Pierre is a free agent after the season. His return is doubtful, and the front office will probably look a little harder for a guy who can be #3 for a year, then possibly take over as Batch's backup in 2009.

 

Running Backs

Willie Parker/A-

Review: Willie Parker finished 4th in the league in rushing (1,316 yards) despite breaking his fibula against the Rams. Though his numbers were slightly down from 2006 (especially touchdowns), Parker was a more complete back in 2007. He showed more patience between the tackles, his reads got a little better, he cut down on fumbles and his blitz pickup improved considerably. Parker will never be a pounder between the tackles, and it is very likely that 321 carries was too heavy a workload, but Parker is a sell-out type of team player, one who deserves his standing among the top running backs in the NFL.

Outlook: Parker will be fully recovered from his fractured fibula by minicamp. Losing the rushing title due to injury will likely stabilize the chip on his shoulder. Better blocking and a little more rest could turn Parker into a monster for the remainder of his prime.

 

Najeh Davenport/B-

Review: Davenport is the classic tease. He'll make incredible plays one series, then make boneheaded plays the next. However, he's an asset to the team and was generally effective when called upon, rushing for 499 yards and leading the team with 5 rushing touchdowns. Despite catching 18 passes, Davenport could be used more often in the passing game, as he's got natural hands and can make yards after the catch.

Outlook: Davenport is signed for one more season (2008), and will continue to play different roles on offense and special teams. It is unclear, however, if he's capable of being a legitimate #2 back. It's likely that he's best used as a utility player, capable of contributing as a 3rd down back, emergency fullback, kick returner and special teamer.

 

Gary Russell/INCOMPLETE

Review: Russell looked good in late action against the Ravens, but not good enough to shuffle the running back rotation for the playoffs, though he'll see a few token carries.

Outlook: Russell could provide stiff competition for the #2 running back job in camp next summer. He's got a boatload of natural tools, and a full offseason in the program could add conditioning and understanding to his already promising skill set.

 

Verron Haynes/INCOMPLETE

Review: Signed before the final game to fill Willie Parker's roster spot, Haynes looked fit in limited action against the Ravens. Haynes is an eraser in pass protection, which could be just what the doctor ordered as the team leans more heavily on the pass in the playoffs.

Outlook: Haynes will help this team in the playoffs. His pass protection skills are extemely valuable. A good postseason could earn him a chance in camp next year.

 

Fullbacks

Carey Davis/C+

Review: Though he's one of the scapegoats for the running game, Davis played adequately for most of the season. He excels at blocking in space, which would be great if that's where this offense is heading. Too many times, however, Davis was overused in the inside running game, where he's just too small to get big movement, where former starter Dan Kreider excelled. Davis was supposed to bring a threat in the passing game, but he caught only 12 balls with a meager 4.1 yards per catch average.

Outlook: Right idea, wrong player. Davis will come to camp again, but I expect to see a few new bodies (RB, FB) to compete with him. Getting a top-tier fullback would go a long way towards knocking him off the team.

 

Dan Kreider/B

Review: He did what he does while he was healthy. Hit people and lead the running back through the hole. He offers next to nothing as a runner, receiver or as a blocker outside on the move.

Outlook: The Hammer is a free agent after this season, and is doubtful to return.

 

Tight Ends

Heath Miller/B+

Review: Miller is a reliable receiver with great instincts around the red zone. However, he's not in the same class as Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow, Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey, Tony Gonzalez, Ben Watson, Randy McMichael or Chris Cooley as a receiver. As a blocker, his reputation precedes him but is mostly unfounded. Miller is a great blocker on the move. He's dependable as a sidecar in the shotgun. He gets overpowered when he's in-line, which is a problem considering the current offensive design. Miller is a definite asset, though, and is a top effort player. He has a great relationship with Roethlisberger.

Outlook: Miller is signed through 2009, which means it's time to start talking extension after the 2008 season. But what is Miller's worth? I listed those TE's above to try to gauge where he stands, and it's difficult. He's one of the top "complete" TE's in the game, but that's a small list.

 

Matt Spaeth/B-

Review: He gets an A for effort and for improvement. Spaeth's blocking keeps getting better as the season moves on, and he's made some impressive blocks over the past few weeks. When he gets his hands on a player and keeps his feet moving, he can generate quite a push. Although he'll never be a downfield threat as a receiver, he's got great hands and good instincts.

Outlook: He'll be a great #2 tight end for the Steelers. With another year in the weight room and at the training table, he'll add some strength and could become a dominant blocker.

 

Jerame Tuman/B+

Review: Before going on IR, Tuman was a key cog in the Steelers' run game. He was more effective than Heath Miller as a blocker while he was healthy.

Outlook: Tuman will be a 32 year old free agent tight end with 43 catches in his 9 year career. Assuming the market for him is ice-cold, I would welcome him back for the veteran minimum.

 

Offensive Line

Marvel Smith/B

Review: It was a tale of two seasons for Marvel Smith. Early in the season, when healthy, he was the forgotten man, which is as good as it gets for a Steelers offensive lineman in 2007. Later in the season, (corresponding with his back issues) Smith was a liability at left tackle.

Outlook: A free agent after 2008, Smith's health is his biggest question mark. He's gone from must-sign to being in danger of getting cut (because of some combination of health, injury history and contract) during the course of the season. Expect Smith to return, but he might not be in the team's long-term plans anymore.

 

Willie Colon/C+

Review: Colon struggled at times both in pass protection and run blocking, but he cut down on mental errors and started communicating with his linemates better as the season wore on.

Outlook: What is Colon's home long-term? I don't think it's at right tackle. Colon is short with short arms, which causes problems for him against defensive linemen with some length. Colon could get a shot at left guard in 2008.

 

Max Starks/A

Review: As one of the few bright spots of the late portion of the schedule (you know, the 4-4 part), Starks blew minds and shattered the logic of observers everywhere by playing 4 stellar games at left tackle. Starks showed decent feet, great punch and surprising tenacity down the stretch, and will be an important cog in the playoffs assuming his sprained knee isn't severe.

Outlook: Starks could be one of the most sought after free agents this offseason, and the Steelers have little chance to re-sign him unless they decide that Marvel Smith's days are done.

 

Trai Essex/INCOMPLETE

Review: Essex's only appearance was after Starks was injured against the Ravens, though he dressed for 3 games.

Outlook: Essex is a restricted free agent whom the Steelers might deny a tender offer.

 

Alan Faneca/B-

Review: At least he showed up, which was a serious question after his offseason full of outbursts. Faneca was solid in the run game, and less than solid in pass protection. He is most effective when pulling, but the rest of the line didn't hold up well enough for slow-developing run plays to be effective.

Outlook: Later, Alan. He was a pillar of many run-heavy Steeler teams, but those days are gone. He'll get big money elsewhere. Bill Parcells loves Alan Faneca, and probably has visions of an inside running game featuring Ronnie Brown in Miami. Just a thought.

 

Kendall Simmons/D+

Review: Never have so many Steeler fans been so right about a player. For years, Simmons has been the weak link of the offensive line. The only thing that changed in 2007 is that Sean Mahan made a late challenge for the honor. Simmons lacks the anchor to hold up against big defensive tackles, and he's a false start waiting to happen.

Outlook: Simmons signed a long-term contract extension before the season. Unfortunately, Omar Khan didn't yell "sike!" after Simmons signed on the dotted line. There have been theories about moving Simmons to left guard or center, but only left guard makes sense - he'd still be a victim to bigger, stronger defensive tackles at center.

 

Chris Kemoeatu/C

Review: While he looked good in spot action, he apparently didn't do enough to unseat Kendall Simmons (again), and it's not like he hasn't been given the opportunities. Kemoeatu looked more comfortable this season, and didn't make the mental mistakes that have plagued him in the past. He's a mean, nasty mauler whose success could go a long way towards fixing up the line.

Outlook: Kemoeatu is a restricted free agent, and it's his last chance to step up and seize a starting job at either left or right guard. The draft is likely to bring even more competition, if it doesn't come in free agency first.

 

Sean Mahan/C-

Review: He looked very solid for about the first 5 weeks of the season, then it went downhill quick. Mahan lacks the strength to take on big nose tackles. 34 defenses gave him fits, and the blocking scheme in general didn't suit his skills. Mahan showed good feet to the second level, and he was good against guys his size who relied more on quickness. He was eaten alive by anyone with a strength/size/leverage advantage.

Outlook: The Steelers need better center play to have big success in the running game. Though it appears that Mahan is not the guy, it is important to keep in mind that his experience lies at guard. Even Jeff Hartings had some struggles when he first made the switch. Mahan is a try-hard guy with some skills and some toughness. At the least, he'll make an excellent sub at all three OL positions.

 

Darnell Staplton/INCOMPLETE

Review: Stapleton did not dress for a game.

Outlook: Stapleton is interesting, if only for trying to figure out where the offense is headed. Mahan has problems with big centers at 301 pounds, and would fit better in a more zone-oriented type of scheme. Stapleton is listed at 285. He's not going to do any better than Mahan against huge nose tackles. Makes you think the philosophy/scheme is going to change.

 

Wide Receivers

Hines Ward/B+

Review: Hines Ward brings his big boy pads every week, and is still the heart of the team. He was banged up over the course of the year and lost significant explosiveness as the season wore on. He dropped more balls than usual. He remains a dominant blocker.

Outlook: He's signed for two more seasons. His replacement is likely to join the team this offseason. Ward will be an example, a competitor and a mentor for that player, while continuing to do what he does best: move the chains, catch touchdown passes and spring Willie Parker for long runs.

 

Santonio Holmes/A-

Review: He makes the offense go. In 13 starts, he put up 942 yards receiving while averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He still can improve, as a route runner and as an instinctive player against zone defenses. The offense was limited vertically when he was absent, and the whole team suffered.

Outlook: Holmes is the go-to guy already, as a 2nd year player. Improving the offensive line would allow Holmes and Ben to hook up on more deep passes.

 

Nate Washington/B-

Review: Another guy who is maddeningly up and down, though he's young and inexperienced. Washington made some great catches and dropped some easy balls. He was down statistically despite starting 2 more games.

Outlook: I've always said that Nate Washington is a #4 receiver, a very good one. He can come into the game in obvious passing situations and seriously threaten another team's 4th DB deep. You can get by with Washington as a #3 unless one of the starters get injured, which is too often with Ward and Holmes. Washington will receive heavy competition from a draft pick or free agent.

Cedric Wilson/C

Review: He made some clutch plays in 2007 and will be a key in the playoffs as the Steelers open things up on offense. He is a mismatch against 4th corners and safeties, one that could be exploited more often.

Outlook: He makes way too much money to be a 4th receiver. He will likely be released in the offseason.

 

Willie Reid/D+

Review: He got a few more chances in 2007, but he's a bust at this point. Not a big enough contributor in the passing game (4 catches) and poor hands for a return man.

Outlook: He's got one more chance, but it looks like he needs to make it as a wideout, which is a tall order when the team needs more height, not more smurfs.

 

Nose Tackles

Casey Hampton/B+

Review: Hampton looks overweight and is often gassed at the end of games. What's new? Well, lack of defensive line depth is a serious issue and has resulted in Hampton playing much more in the package defenses. He gets more winded, which allows the other team to run the ball, which keeps drives alive, which keeps Hampton on the field and the cycle continues. Hampton has been his old self at times(especially early in games), but he's clearly drained heading into the playoffs.

Outlook: Hampton has two more seasons on his contract, and he'll be 32 when it expires. He needs to drop weight to remain productive and to have any chance at a 3rd contract from the Steelers.

 

Chris Hoke/C+

Review: He's a solid enough backup, but he's nothing special and he's getting older.

Outlook: Hoke is signed for 3 more seasons, and he'll continue to back up Hampton. I'm not as comfortable with the idea of Hoke seeing extended playing these days if Hampton were to be injured. Finding a suitable replacement at the end of the draft or off the scrap heap in the next year or two would be wonderful.

 

Defensive Ends

Aaron Smith/A

Review: To gauge Aaron Smith's worth, simply watch the games the Steelers have played without him. Gashed. Smith was having one of his best seasons when he got hurt, stuffing the run and playing more actively down the line than he had in years.

Outlook: He's signed until he's 36 years old, which is a little disconcerting. Smith is a warrior, and can be counted on for at least the next two seasons. Additional defensive line depth is needed to give Smith some rest and ensure a proper replacement if he goes down again.

 

Brett Keisel/B-

Review: Keisel once again led the team in pressures, but recorded only 2 sacks. He was far from the dynamic playmaker Dick Lebeau envisioned during training camp, and attempts to move him around were fruitless. Keisel is not a top anchor against the running game.

Outlook: Like Smith, Keisel would benefit from the addition of another high-quality defensive lineman. Keisel was most effective in 2005 as a wave player who specialized in rushing the passer.

 

Travis Kirschke/C+

Review: Kirschke cannot be expected to be a starter at defensive end, not at 33 years old and not with a bad back. He can be effective as a wave player against the run, but he offers nothing as a pass rusher.

Outlook: Kirschke is a free agent after the season. The Steelers must not only replace him, they must find an upgrade.

 

Nick Eason/D-

Review: Nick Eason has more ability than Kirschke, but was completely unreliable as a backup and a train wreck as a spot starter. Eason showed decent agility for his size, but was victimized too often in the run game.

Outlook: Eason is a free agent, and won't be back.

 

Ryan McBean/D-

Review: McBean was John Mitchell's personal whipping boy throughout camp, but it didn't pay any dividends. He spent the season on the practice squad until being elevated due to Aaron Smith's injury.

Outlook: McBean is athletic, but needs to add weight. He needs to put forth better effort, but will get another chance in camp.

 

Linebackers

 

James Harrison/A

Review: Harrison ably replaced long-time starter Joey Porter at right outside linebacker, and was dominant at times as a pass rusher. He was also strong against the run, and was rarely exposed in pass coverage, which is his weakness.

Outlook: Despite his breakout season, Harrison is no spring chicken. The ascendance of a pass rusher on the other side would go a long way towards freeing Harrison from endless double teams.

 

Clark Haggans/C-

Review: Haggans is a solid, unspectacular company man who can't afford for his best days to be behind him, because he was only mediocre to begin with. Despite starting all 16 games, he registered only 4 sacks. The Steelers' defense requires more than what they got from the LOLB position this year.

Outlook: Haggans will hit the road in free agency as a mid-level backup for some team in need of a veteran pass rusher.

 

Lamarr Woodley/B

Review: Despite not starting a single game, Woodley notched as many sacks (4) as Haggans. Woodley is going to be a terror rushing the passer, though he has work to do against the run and in coverage.

Outlook: Woodley will be handed the starting LOLB position this offseason. He has room to improve, but he will likely be an instant upgrade for the pass rush.

 

Lawrence Timmons/B-

Review: Timmons' rookie year didn't amount to much, but he showed flashes of his superior athletic ability and his uncanny knack for finding the football. He's got range and coverage skills that could help the package defenses as soon as next season.

Outlook: He'll bring much-needed playmaking ability to the linebacker group, but it's unclear as to his position. His quickest route would be at inside linebacker in place of Larry Foote.

 

Arnold Harrison/B-

Review: He's got real potential beyond special teams. He's a quality coverage linebacker with good range against the run.

Outlook: Harrison will get a chance someday, but it might not be in Pittsburgh. He would make an excellent strongside linebacker in a 43 system that requires coverage and blitzing ability from their SAM linebacker.

 

Andre Frazier/C

Review: Frazier was signed midseason to help out on special teams. His play there was okay, but not exceptional.

Outlook: Frazier will struggle to make the team next season.

 

Marquis Cooper/C+

Review: Cooper was the better special teamer than Andre Frazier when he got his chance.

Outlook: Tomlin seems to like this undersized linebacker. He's got a chance to stick down the road as a coverage guy, and his value would increase with a move to a 43.

 

James Farrior/B

Review: Farrior finished second on the team in tackles and was second in sacks with 6. Despite increasing age, he's a dependable starter who can still make great plays every now and then. However, there were moments when his declining skills were exposed.

Outlook: Farrior has one season remaining on his contract, and will turn 33 on Sunday. He has enough left in the tank to be a solid contributor again next season, but the team needs to find his replacement for 2009.

 

Larry Foote/C+

Review: Accumulated tackles, but most were down the field. Foote improved as a blitzer this season, but is still not what you want at a position where Kendrell Bell and Chad Brown were able to generate a lot of sacks. Foote isn't a liability, but his tackling was somewhat iffy this year.

Outlook: Mack linebacker is a position that could be upgraded at Foote's expense. Timmons might have a good shot at doing it this offseason, which would make Foote's $3.3 mil cap figure hard to swallow.

 

Clint Kriewaldt/C

Review: He's supposed to be the special teams' stalwart, but he's been the captain of some pretty poor units during his Steeler career, especially this season (when he registered only 3 solo tackles on coverage teams). He offers next to nothing as a backup inside linebacker.

Outlook: He's got one year remaining on his deal. He needs to be replaced in order to groom inside linebackers in preparation for Farrior and/or Foote's departure.

 

Cornerbacks

Ike Taylor/B

Review: He was generally solid, but his ball skills remain his achilles heel, be it making the interception or playing the ball in the air. He's a plus tackler in run support and has the physical ability to match up against the best wideouts. When he's focused and on his game, teams throw away from him. It's too bad he can't play every game against the Bengals.

Outlook: Taylor is entrenched as one of the starting cornerbacks, for better or worse. He's still an improving player, and could reach elite status if he improves his awareness and hands.

 

Deshea Townsend/B+

Review: Townsend generally benefited from favorable matchups, and quietly had one of his best seasons. His departure from the game against the Patriots paved the way for the Patriots to establish Wes Welker, who was silenced with Townsend in the game. Townsend struggles against taller wideouts.

Outlook: Under contract for two more seasons, Townsend is a valuable player who could eventually find a home at free safety in today's whacky passing world.

 

Bryant McFadden/B-

Review: McFadden regressed and has not yet passed Townsend in his quest to be the starter at cornerback. McFadden plays the ball well, but can't hold up in off coverage against quick wideouts. He is a solid tackler, but he can be juked for long gains.

Outlook: McFadden is a restricted free agent, and he might get some play from a cover 2 team where he would be allowed to play press or bump and run coverage the majority of the time.

 

William Gay/C

Review: William Gay pushed Ricardo Colclough out of the lineup and off the team, but was an accomplice to quite a few gaffes himself during his rookie season. Still, Gay has potential as a cornerback and is a competent gunner on special teams. He's a solid 4th corner right now.

Outlook: Gay doesn't have the speed to become a starter, but he's physical and has a nose for the ball. He has a chance to be the nickel back in the future.

 

Anthony Madison/C+

Review: Madison doesn't get to play much in the regular defense, but he's a quality special teams player who has the potential to become a competent corner.

Outlook: He's at a disadvantage because he and Gay are so similar. Gay is the better corner, Madison is the better gunner. In the end, his roster chances for next year depend on whether the Steelers seek out another cover guy.

 

Safeties

Troy Polamalu/B

Review: Troy had a tough year, and was banged up for much of it. He still made the Pro Bowl. Despite the fact that he didn't have a sack or an interception this season, Troy changes the game when he's playing and is capable of making the spectacular play. He's the key to the playoffs. If he's the Tasmanian Devil, the defense has a chance against anyone. If he's merely human, the defense is, too.

Outlook: He's the highest paid Steeler for now, and will be the cornerstone of the defense. His recent injury history is troubling. If he can find a way to stay healthy, the big plays will return and the Steelers' defense will benefit.

 

Ryan Clark/B

Review: Clark was solid before having his spleen removed. He played steady, reliable football and his consistency was missed after he was put on injured reserve. Though he doesn't have great speed, he tends to be in the right spot, though he's more likely to make the hit than play the ball.

Outlook: It's hard to predict how he'll be affected by his injury. All signs point to a full recovery and no risks moving forward, but injuries are never that simple. If healthy, he'll once again compete in camp for the starting spot at free safety.

 

Anthony Smith/C+

Review: 5-7 plays ruined what should have been a growth year for Smith. In the end, Smith lost his starting job because of his lack of every variety of discipline required to succeed in football, before the game, during the play, after the play and after the game. When he's not too tied up making stupid decisions, Smith is a natural talent with great hands, great hitting ability and solid instincts.

Outlook: Perhaps Anthony Smith has no humility. That's the risk. Chances are, he'll learn from his mistakes this season and will continue to grow. Free safety is a cerebral position in the Steelers' defense. Anthony Smith isn't that type of player right now.

 

Tyrone Carter/B-

Review: Carter is a vet's vet who does everything asked of him despite physical shortcomings. Carter threw his body around at every opportunity in 2007, and was generally more solid in coverage than one would expect, even during his appearances at free safety.

Outlook: Carter has two years on his contract, and he'll continue to be a valuable utility guy at safety.

 

Grant Mason/INCOMPLETE

Review: Mason got a late season call-up, and was abused during his cameo in the dime package against the Ravens.

Outlook: If Clark is healthy, Mason doesn't have much of a chance.

 

K

Jeff Reed/A+

Review: Jeff Reed was the most consistent Steeler this season, missing only two highly excusable field goals and improving slightly on his kickoffs.

Outlook: Reed is a Steeler through at least 2009. Though his kickoffs improved, a kickoff specialist would be an asset to the special teams.

 

P

Daniel Sepulveda/B+

Review: Sepulveda delivered on all the fantasies the team had for him. He recovered an onsides kick, recovered a fumble and completed a long pass on a fake punt. But he seldom showed off the big leg he was famous for, and he shanked an alarming number of punts towards the end of the season.

Outlook: His inconsistencies can be chalked up to inexperience. He'll get better, and he'll have an opportunity to contribute in even more aspects in the future.

 

LS

Greg Warren/A

Review: No mistakes. That's all that matters.

Outlook: He'll return.

 

Coaching

Mike Tomlin/B+

Review: Tomlin was generally solid, but showed his age and inexperience as an NFL head coach. He did a great job as far as constructing the roster and distributing playing time. He held players accountable (with a few exceptions) for what they put on tape, which is what he promised. On the down side, he struggled at making in-game adjustments. He made poor use of his challenges. His team played down to their opponents, at times with disastrous consequences. It was an uneven year, but the Steelers went from an 8-8 team to division champions, and earned their first home playoff game in three years.

Outlook: Tomlin is very young. He has a lot to learn. He is eager and able to learn. He will learn. Tomlin will remake this team in his image, and he'll be a very successful head football coach - in Pittsburgh.

 

Bruce Arians/B-

Review: Arians gets high marks for his handling of Ben Roethlisberger. He somehow managed to score a lot of points despite the fact that the offensive line was mediocre. However, he played to a philosophy far too often and became predictable. Late in the season, his play calling improved. He will (and should) be judged by his game plan and play calls in the playoffs.

Outlook: Arians will return, if for no other reason than the fact that his relationship with Ben is priceless. Arians needs to be given the tools to run his offense, which includes another wideout and an improved offensive line.

 

Dick Lebeau/B

Review: Lebeau's schemes always look stale when they don't work, but it's been less about the scheme and more about the players during the defense's late season slide. However, Lebeau has been slow to adjust to what other teams are doing, and his units played embarrassing games against the Patriots and Jaguars.

Outlook: Lebeau will likely return, but he needs new toys, too. Woodley would be a big boost. Timmons will help, too. A pass-rushing defensive lineman is a necessary addition. Lebeau is an old dog, but he's not afraid of new tricks. He and Tomlin need to figure out a way to adjust their 34 to combat the short passing game, which has been a thorn in the Steelers' side for years. It will take a combination of adding players and adjusting the scheme to make it work.