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View Full Version : Steelers Lounge: Protecting Big Ben: Offensive Linemen or Weapons?



stillers4me
11-12-2010, 05:09 PM
Posted on November 12, 2010 (http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/protecting-big-ben-offensive-linemen-weapons/) by ryan (http://www.steelerslounge.com/author/admin/)


In the wake of Max Starks landing on injured reserve — and the subsequent back (http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/starks-reportedly-lost-season-major-blow-steelers/) and forth (http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/starks-season-doomed/) about why the organization refuses to address the offensive line (obvious exception: Maurkice Pouncey) through the early part of the draft — I got to thinking about something Mike Tomlin said minutes after the Steelers used their first two picks of the 2008 draft on running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed.

Heading into that weekend everybody identified the offensive line as a need (you know, like every other draft weekend this century). Some of my favorites in February and March to end up in Pittsburgh — Branden Albert, Chris Williams and Jeff Otah (Ryan Clady didn’t have a chance in hell of slipping to the 23rd pick and there were questions about Gosder Cherlius’ work ethic) — slowly worked their way up draft boards and by that last Saturday in April, all were gone when Pittsburgh went on the clock.

And so went another Day 1 of the draft without addressing the needs that most drove fans crazy. But then Tomlin went on the NFL Network and said something that resonated with me at the time, and which now seems appropriate given our recent discussions about the o-line....................

Read more........http://www.steelerslounge.com/2010/11/protecting-big-ben-offensive-linemen-weapons/

BigNastyDefense
11-12-2010, 07:00 PM
Good piece.

Luckily we have the oak tree of oak trees at QB, so we should survive the rest of the season just fine without Starks.

And knowing that most people felt Starks was garbage, maybe Scott will be an upgrade.

HometownGal
11-12-2010, 08:21 PM
I enjoyed the article immensely until he had to take an unnecessary shot at BA at the end. Movin' on? You betcha. :jerkit: :coffee:

No offense meant to you, Sue - I know you were just posting an article of interest. :drink:

zulater
11-12-2010, 08:56 PM
The problem is the unreliability of the offensive line this season has largely cost Ben one of his best weapons, that being Heath Miller, who has largely been relagated to a third tackle on most passing plays.

Psycho Ward 86
11-12-2010, 11:03 PM
Id rather have an O-line, but damn am I glad that our offense has toys like Mendenhall, Ward, Wallace, and Miller!

Merchant
11-12-2010, 11:20 PM
That reminds me...

SWEEEEED

2011 baby! Breakout year! :chuckle:

Galax Steeler
11-13-2010, 03:52 AM
Id rather have an O-line, but damn am I glad that our offense has toys like Mendenhall, Ward, Wallace, and Miller!

Agreed if our line could protect the quarterback and give him time to throw there would be no one who could stop us with all of these weapons.

SteelerFanInStl
11-13-2010, 08:48 AM
The writer of the article makes it a point to question the Texans for trading up and "reaching" when taking Duane Brown in '08 but he's started at OT for them since day one of his rookie season. That sure looks like a good pick to me.

I was happy with both of the picks when they happened in '08, especially Mendy. The Sweed pick may not have worked out for us (yet?) but if you look at the other WRs taken before him in that draft, only DeSean Jackson has been a real good player. Those other guys haven't worked out very well either.