zulater
01-02-2014, 01:47 PM
http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/3995/pittsburgh-steelers-season-wrap-up
Biggest surprise: Kelvin Beachum, the 248th pick of the 2012 NFL draft, solidified the all-important position of left tackle after Mike Adams flopped there. Beachum started 11 of the Steelers' final 12 games at left tackle -- he missed one contest because of a knee injury -- and was a big reason why quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sacked just seven times in the Steelers' final seven games. The 6-3, 306-pounder is not a prototypical left tackle, but the position is probably his to lose going into the offseason. Beachum's emergence allows the Steelers to use their 2014 first-round pick on defense instead of a left tackle.
Biggest disappointment: LaMarr Woodley played well enough when healthy, but the highest-paid defensive player in franchise history hasn't been able to stay on the field. Woodley has missed 13 games since signing a six-year, $61.5 million contract in 2011, including four games this season. Jason Worilds played so well at left outside linebacker in place of Woodley that the Steelers moved the latter to the right side after he returned, albeit briefly, from a nagging calf injury. If the Steelers have to make a choice between Woodley or Worilds, who will be an unrestricted free agent, it is a no-brainer to keep Worilds.
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The aging group yielded too many big plays and strong safety Troy Polamalu struggled at times in coverage though the 11th-year veteran played well for the most part while also getting significant snaps at inside linebacker in the quarter package. William Gay had a solid season after re-signing with the Steelers and Cortez Allen has the ability to be a No. 1 cornerback if he can stay healthy.
Biggest surprise: Kelvin Beachum, the 248th pick of the 2012 NFL draft, solidified the all-important position of left tackle after Mike Adams flopped there. Beachum started 11 of the Steelers' final 12 games at left tackle -- he missed one contest because of a knee injury -- and was a big reason why quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sacked just seven times in the Steelers' final seven games. The 6-3, 306-pounder is not a prototypical left tackle, but the position is probably his to lose going into the offseason. Beachum's emergence allows the Steelers to use their 2014 first-round pick on defense instead of a left tackle.
Biggest disappointment: LaMarr Woodley played well enough when healthy, but the highest-paid defensive player in franchise history hasn't been able to stay on the field. Woodley has missed 13 games since signing a six-year, $61.5 million contract in 2011, including four games this season. Jason Worilds played so well at left outside linebacker in place of Woodley that the Steelers moved the latter to the right side after he returned, albeit briefly, from a nagging calf injury. If the Steelers have to make a choice between Woodley or Worilds, who will be an unrestricted free agent, it is a no-brainer to keep Worilds.
- - - Updated - - -
The aging group yielded too many big plays and strong safety Troy Polamalu struggled at times in coverage though the 11th-year veteran played well for the most part while also getting significant snaps at inside linebacker in the quarter package. William Gay had a solid season after re-signing with the Steelers and Cortez Allen has the ability to be a No. 1 cornerback if he can stay healthy.