Keith Butler, was originally said to have left the Steelers to become the Colts new defensive coordinator. It was then reported that he was not leaving but instead interviewing this Tuesday and his status was still up in the air.
The Steelers have not confirmed it yet but it is reported that after meeting with Art Rooney II today, he will return to the Steelers as their linebacker coach in 2012.
Most likely the Steelers offered him a hefty contract, since his was set to expire on February 15th and they may have clarified his future. Butler has been LeBeau's successor at defensive coordinator since 2009; a roll he will assume once the 74 year old Hall of Famer decides to hang up his headset.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Butler to Indy?
Most people assumed that Dick LeBeau was going to retire following the 2011 season; most people assumed that about Ward too. With LeBeau's announcement that he would not retire and instead return to the Steel City, his coach in waiting, Keith Butler, might just be leaving.
Keith Butler, played inside linebacker for the University of Memphis Tigers recording 384 tackles and seven interceptions and earned a spot of the All-American team in 1977. Butler was drafted 36th overall by the Seattle Seahawks where he finished second on their all time tackle list with 834 tackles, starting 132 starts of 146 games.
Butler started his coaching career at Memphis followed by stints at Arkansas State and the Cleveland Browns before he was hired as the Steelers linebacker coach in 2003. Butler will join former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
Now all this is assumed to be set in stone, but according to the Pittsburgh Post Steelers beat writer, Ed Bouchette, it may not be. He posted via twitter "Steelers LB coach Keith Butler to interview Tuesday for Colts coordinator job. Butler says it's not a done deal." I guess Steeler and Colts fans alike will have to just wait and see what actually transpires.
Some good news is that it was reported that LeBeau said he has no plans to retire and that we will have to "kick him out of here." So, lets not look too much into it because we don't know for sure and we do have other great coaches that can step in to this roll. An option would be former Pitt and Steelers linebacker, Jerry Olsavsky, who has been on the staff the last two years as a defensive assistant.
It is important to note that Butler's contract expires on February 15th.
Keith Butler, played inside linebacker for the University of Memphis Tigers recording 384 tackles and seven interceptions and earned a spot of the All-American team in 1977. Butler was drafted 36th overall by the Seattle Seahawks where he finished second on their all time tackle list with 834 tackles, starting 132 starts of 146 games.
Butler started his coaching career at Memphis followed by stints at Arkansas State and the Cleveland Browns before he was hired as the Steelers linebacker coach in 2003. Butler will join former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
Now all this is assumed to be set in stone, but according to the Pittsburgh Post Steelers beat writer, Ed Bouchette, it may not be. He posted via twitter "Steelers LB coach Keith Butler to interview Tuesday for Colts coordinator job. Butler says it's not a done deal." I guess Steeler and Colts fans alike will have to just wait and see what actually transpires.
Some good news is that it was reported that LeBeau said he has no plans to retire and that we will have to "kick him out of here." So, lets not look too much into it because we don't know for sure and we do have other great coaches that can step in to this roll. An option would be former Pitt and Steelers linebacker, Jerry Olsavsky, who has been on the staff the last two years as a defensive assistant.
It is important to note that Butler's contract expires on February 15th.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Steeler Holiday
Today is a a special day in Steelers history. Not because of one significant thing but because of a few historical moments in teams history.
On this day in 1901, Steelers founder Arthur Rooney was born. It was this great man that on July 8th, 1933 that he took his sand lot football team, the Majestic Radios and brought them into the NFL.
It was on this same day 46 years later that the Chief hired the future creator of the Steel Curtain defense and one of the greatest teams in NFL history, Chuck Noll. Noll went on to become the only head coach to win four championships as the Steelers dominated the 1970's.
And in a true Steeler fashion it was on this day one year later that Chuck Noll drafted the first quarterback to ever win four championships, Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw fought through adversity to become an elite quarterback and two time Super Bowl MVP.
This is one of those amazing things that could only happen with this great franchise.
On this day in 1901, Steelers founder Arthur Rooney was born. It was this great man that on July 8th, 1933 that he took his sand lot football team, the Majestic Radios and brought them into the NFL.
It was on this same day 46 years later that the Chief hired the future creator of the Steel Curtain defense and one of the greatest teams in NFL history, Chuck Noll. Noll went on to become the only head coach to win four championships as the Steelers dominated the 1970's.
And in a true Steeler fashion it was on this day one year later that Chuck Noll drafted the first quarterback to ever win four championships, Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw fought through adversity to become an elite quarterback and two time Super Bowl MVP.
This is one of those amazing things that could only happen with this great franchise.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hoke Retires
Eleven years ago the Steelers moved up to draft to take NT Casey Hampton 19th overall. With the money spent on Hampton who would have thought that an undrafted free agent from BYU signed that same year would have such a large impact on the Steelers for years to come.
Chris Hoke spent his career as a backup for the Steelers but developed into one of the best in the league. Hoke played in 114 games starting 18 of them and in true great fashion the Steelers were 17-1 in those games. Across Hoke's career he recorded 83 tackles, 2 sacks and a recovered fumble.
One of the most amazing things about Chris Hoke was how little people paid attention to him until he was needed. In 2004 the Steelers drafted NT Eric Taylor out of Memphis in the 7th round 212th overall. Taylor was a big talented body who was expected to take Hoke's spot without issue. I remember the reporters for the Pittsburgh Post saying that "most fans don't even know he (Chris Hoke) is still on the team"...but Hoke spent another nine years with the team and Taylor was cut after camp.
I personally have met Chris and he is one hell of a guy. I am so grateful for the eleven years he traded to Steeler Nation so that we could have memories to share. Thanks Chris and good luck in all that you do from here on out.
Chris Hoke spent his career as a backup for the Steelers but developed into one of the best in the league. Hoke played in 114 games starting 18 of them and in true great fashion the Steelers were 17-1 in those games. Across Hoke's career he recorded 83 tackles, 2 sacks and a recovered fumble.
One of the most amazing things about Chris Hoke was how little people paid attention to him until he was needed. In 2004 the Steelers drafted NT Eric Taylor out of Memphis in the 7th round 212th overall. Taylor was a big talented body who was expected to take Hoke's spot without issue. I remember the reporters for the Pittsburgh Post saying that "most fans don't even know he (Chris Hoke) is still on the team"...but Hoke spent another nine years with the team and Taylor was cut after camp.
I personally have met Chris and he is one hell of a guy. I am so grateful for the eleven years he traded to Steeler Nation so that we could have memories to share. Thanks Chris and good luck in all that you do from here on out.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Future Contracts
The Steelers signed six players to future contracts including a former Heisman trophy winner and Penn State standout. The players Troy Smith, Derrick Williams, Walter McFadden, Tyler Beiler, David Gilreath and Jimmy Young will be reserved for the 2012 off-season.
Troy Smith was drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round 174th overall in 2007 following his Heisman winning season with the Buckeyes. Troy has started eight games with the Ravens and 49ers going 4-4 with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He spent the 2011 season with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.
Derrick Williams was drafted by the Lions in the 3rd round 82nd overall in the 2009 draft. Williams ended his career as one of Penn States all time leaders in most statistical categories. In eighteen games with the Lions, Derrick caught nine passes for 82 yards and no touchdowns.
Walter McFadden was drafted by the Raiders in the 5th round 138th overall in the 2010 draft. After being cut by the Raiders in 2011, Walter spent time on the Jaguars and Bengals practice squad. Walter is the the younger brother of Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden and Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.
It seems as if the Steelers are looking to fill some rolls early as the team will be attempting to cut nearly 25 million dollars in cap space.
Troy Smith was drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round 174th overall in 2007 following his Heisman winning season with the Buckeyes. Troy has started eight games with the Ravens and 49ers going 4-4 with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He spent the 2011 season with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.
Derrick Williams was drafted by the Lions in the 3rd round 82nd overall in the 2009 draft. Williams ended his career as one of Penn States all time leaders in most statistical categories. In eighteen games with the Lions, Derrick caught nine passes for 82 yards and no touchdowns.
Walter McFadden was drafted by the Raiders in the 5th round 138th overall in the 2010 draft. After being cut by the Raiders in 2011, Walter spent time on the Jaguars and Bengals practice squad. Walter is the the younger brother of Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden and Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.
It seems as if the Steelers are looking to fill some rolls early as the team will be attempting to cut nearly 25 million dollars in cap space.
The End
The Christmas wish list for most Steelers fans is finally complete, no more Bruce Arians. Arians notified the Steelers that he would retire from coaching and why not? The fans made it extremely clear that they did not want you in the Burgh anymore and whether it be via twitter or facebook there was nothing but negative comments.
In true Steelerfreak fashion I will salute the former OC Bruce Arians in a proper manner, an ode to his short comings. I will miss the pass, pass, run, punt combo that we became accustomed too. I will miss the games against horrid opponents that we only score 13 points. I will miss the slow developing pass plays when the defense is obviously going to blitz and we should be getting rid of the ball fast. And who wouldn't miss his runs on third and 12?
On a more serious note, most Steeler fans have attributed the horrible offense on his terrible play calling. Me personally, I don't understand how you average five to seven yards per carry and only run the damn ball 12 times. Arians was not a solid play caller and this "retirement" means nothing to me or other Steeler fans. The biggest question is his replacement.
Kirby Wilson was next in line for the job, but he is still in serious condition after he was caught in a house fire. Steelers quarterback coach Randy Fichtner could also be a possibility if the Steelers hire within. Outside the organization offers some big names but we all know the Steelers don't do the hot commodities.
One of the interesting things about the future of our offense is going to be their performance. If the Steelers without Arians continue to play terrible offense, then who do we blame? No matter what happens next year is insured to be interesting.
In true Steelerfreak fashion I will salute the former OC Bruce Arians in a proper manner, an ode to his short comings. I will miss the pass, pass, run, punt combo that we became accustomed too. I will miss the games against horrid opponents that we only score 13 points. I will miss the slow developing pass plays when the defense is obviously going to blitz and we should be getting rid of the ball fast. And who wouldn't miss his runs on third and 12?
On a more serious note, most Steeler fans have attributed the horrible offense on his terrible play calling. Me personally, I don't understand how you average five to seven yards per carry and only run the damn ball 12 times. Arians was not a solid play caller and this "retirement" means nothing to me or other Steeler fans. The biggest question is his replacement.
Kirby Wilson was next in line for the job, but he is still in serious condition after he was caught in a house fire. Steelers quarterback coach Randy Fichtner could also be a possibility if the Steelers hire within. Outside the organization offers some big names but we all know the Steelers don't do the hot commodities.
One of the interesting things about the future of our offense is going to be their performance. If the Steelers without Arians continue to play terrible offense, then who do we blame? No matter what happens next year is insured to be interesting.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Round 1: Broncos
There are so many variables in this game that I am completely torn. I know the Broncos offense is really bad under Tim Tebow; they run the ball well but that is about it. My concern for this game is much deeper than that though. The Steelers are ailing with injuries to Big Ben, Mendenhall, Pouncey, Clark is out due to a blood disorder, then you have Harrison, Polamalu and the list goes on.
Injury wise I am not as scare as others except for Big Ben. It is not like Ben has been amazing this year because he hasn't. He leads the team in turnovers and dumb ass moves. Knowing that we can only win a championship with him at the helm, why on earth did he even play against Cleveland? Now, he will be hobbled all post season long if the Steelers can even get by a single team.
Denver has a good defense but not as impressive as you might think. Head to head with the Steelers they are 24th in points allowed, 20th in yards allowed, 18th in pass yards allowed and 22nd in rushing yards allowed. Not as impressive as the Steelers who are first in all those categories except rushing yards allowed where they are 8th.
Offense numbers really don't even do anything because of the state of our quarterback and even with him we are not impressive at all. I trust Redman to play a great game and carry this team with the help of the impressive John Clay, I don't trust Big Ben. Ben is prone to mistakes when he is injured, a lot of mistakes.
This game scares me because everyone is counting the Broncos out and the Steelers really don't have the healthy pieces to warrant that. I think this game could go either way for these reasons but I am going to lean on old faithful, the defense. As the old adage goes "defense wins championships" and while I think our offense is garbage and our quarterback could hurt the team more then he could help them, I like our defense over Tim Tebow anytime.
STEELERS WIN: 16-6
On a side note, a win by the Steelers sets an NFL record for most post season wins all time with 34.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Hall of Fame Finalist
Steelers Jerome Bettis, Dermontti Dawson and Jack Butler were among the fifteen finalist along with another short term Steeler Kevin Greene.
The other finalist are as follows Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Edward DeBartolo Jr, Chris Doleman, Charles Haley, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin, Bill Parcels, Andre Reed, Willie Roaf, Will Shields, Aeneas Williams and the other senior committee nominee Dick Stanfel.
So who gets in? Well, its simpler to break it down by position, roll and situation.
I will start with the senior ballot candidates Butler and Stanfel who I think both get in. It is seldomly that senior ballots do not get on and with the wait these two players have had I don't see that changing.
Non-player wise there is former Coach Bill Parcels and 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. These are the wild cards that can go either way.
Offensively there are three receivers eligible Brown, Carter and Reed; two running backs Bettis and Martin; and three former lineman Dawson, Shields and Roaf. I can't see more than one reciever making this class and in that case Carter wins out. The same goes for the lineman and I think it is Dawson's time.
Defensively there are two lineman Doleman and Kennedy; two linebackers Haley and Greene; one back Williams. I could see Greene getting in but I think the rest of these talented guys will be left out...this year.
So, my final pick for the class of 2012? Cris Carter, Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis, Dermontti Dawson, Kevin Greene and both the senior ballot guys Dick Stanfel and Jack Butler. What I think the Steelers deserve it.
The Inductees will be announced on Saturday February 4th, 2012, the day before the Super Bowl
Sunday, January 1, 2012
NFL First
Breaking NFL records is no big deal this year. With all the rule changes that the NFL is enforcing it has become much easier for offenses and that has translated into the games.
Up to this season only one player had ever passed for 5,000 yards in a season, that was 1984 when Dan Marino set an NFL record that has with standed nearly three decades. This season three players passed the 5,000 yard mark, two of those passing Marino's 27 year record.
This was just one of many records that have fallen. We've seen a new record for touchdowns by a tight end; one tight end broke a receiving record just to have another tight end break the same record a short time later. The NFL record for all purpose yards also fell as well numerous passing records.
So, with all these records why does Antonio Brown's record make a difference? Why does it matter compared to the others? Because it is a first.
Antonio Brown was voted to represent the Steelers in the Pro Bowl this past weekend; his teammates then named him the teams MVP earlier this week and all this culminated at the season finale against the rival Browns. Brown, nicknamed AB, became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards returning in the same season.
AB finished his sophomore campaign with 69 catches for 1,108 yards averaging 16.1 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns; return wise he has combined on kicks and punts for 57 returns totaling 1,013 yards and a touchdown.
I have personally met AB and have seen his kindness and sincerity to Steelers fans first hand. He deserves this trip to the Pro Bowl and the team MVP award but more than that he deserves a championship. That drive to a championship starts this weekend when they will visit the Denver Broncos for a trip to the Divisional Playoff game.
Up to this season only one player had ever passed for 5,000 yards in a season, that was 1984 when Dan Marino set an NFL record that has with standed nearly three decades. This season three players passed the 5,000 yard mark, two of those passing Marino's 27 year record.
This was just one of many records that have fallen. We've seen a new record for touchdowns by a tight end; one tight end broke a receiving record just to have another tight end break the same record a short time later. The NFL record for all purpose yards also fell as well numerous passing records.
So, with all these records why does Antonio Brown's record make a difference? Why does it matter compared to the others? Because it is a first.
Antonio Brown was voted to represent the Steelers in the Pro Bowl this past weekend; his teammates then named him the teams MVP earlier this week and all this culminated at the season finale against the rival Browns. Brown, nicknamed AB, became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards returning in the same season.
AB finished his sophomore campaign with 69 catches for 1,108 yards averaging 16.1 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns; return wise he has combined on kicks and punts for 57 returns totaling 1,013 yards and a touchdown.
I have personally met AB and have seen his kindness and sincerity to Steelers fans first hand. He deserves this trip to the Pro Bowl and the team MVP award but more than that he deserves a championship. That drive to a championship starts this weekend when they will visit the Denver Broncos for a trip to the Divisional Playoff game.
Hines Ward
The Steelers (12-4) finished their 2011 regular season with a tight 13-9 win over the the hated Cleveland Browns. The bigger story in this game was not the final score but the things that happened from the start to end of the game.
The big news is obviously Hines Ward and his amazing career. The fourteen year Steeler caught his 1,000 career catch for our beloved Steelers. His catch, a shuffle pass for negative three yards made him only the eight player in NFL history to hit the mark.
Hines Ward still has not decided to retire or not but the writing may be on the wall for the future Hall of Famer due to him losing his starting job and his lack of production. Hines will finish the season with 46 catches for 381 yards averaging 8.2 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns, which is just a blip of his career numbers. If this is his last season the legend will end with 1,000 catches for 12,083 yards averaging 12 yards per catch with 85 touchdowns.
It has been a joy to watch Hines from his start after being drafted in the third round in 1998 and it will be sad to see him go. The important thing to remember Steeler fans is that 2017 marks the first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame.
The big news is obviously Hines Ward and his amazing career. The fourteen year Steeler caught his 1,000 career catch for our beloved Steelers. His catch, a shuffle pass for negative three yards made him only the eight player in NFL history to hit the mark.
Hines Ward still has not decided to retire or not but the writing may be on the wall for the future Hall of Famer due to him losing his starting job and his lack of production. Hines will finish the season with 46 catches for 381 yards averaging 8.2 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns, which is just a blip of his career numbers. If this is his last season the legend will end with 1,000 catches for 12,083 yards averaging 12 yards per catch with 85 touchdowns.
It has been a joy to watch Hines from his start after being drafted in the third round in 1998 and it will be sad to see him go. The important thing to remember Steeler fans is that 2017 marks the first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame.
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