Hope and Concern: Steelers' O-line- ESPN's James Walker

[SteelerSal]

Hope and Concern: Steelers' O-line

By James Walker 7-8-2011

We continue our "Hope and Concern" series Friday with the offensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Biggest reason for hope: Health

There were games last season when Pittsburgh's depth was thoroughly tested. Starting left tackle Max Starks suffered a season-ending neck injury in November in addition to lesser injuries to others members of the line. Jonathan Scott was inconsistent filling in for Starks, leading the Steelers to draft tackle Marcus Gilbert in the second round. Gilbert should provide depth as a rookie and a potential fill-in behind Starks or aging veteran Flozell Adams. Rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, who missed the Super Bowl with an ankle injury, is healthy again and should be even better in his second season. Chris Kemoeatu is a solid but not great left guard. Pittsburgh still has questions at right guard. Pending free agent Willie Colon is a possibility to return.

Biggest reason for concern: Pass protection
Pittsburgh's sack numbers are staggering. Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 221 times the past five seasons. That’s an average of 44 times per season, and Roethlisberger even missed four games in 2010 due to a suspension. Roethlisberger does have a penchant for holding the football, but that doesn’t absolve the Steelers’ offensive line of 200-plus sacks. read more.... (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/28915/hope-and-concern-steelers-o-line)

[Count Steeler]

Wouldn't it be nice that the 2 most improved units are the O line and the secondary. If the O Line stays healthy, I think Kruger will get this unit in prime shape for the season. We may even see consistent 150-160 yards per game rushing, and many less sacks.

The secondary is another story. Wouldn't it be nice if Lake found the fountain of youth and was able to play until the kids are ready.

[oneforthetoe]

Damn .... I was "hoping" that Hope and Concern were just the nicknames of a couple of really good pass blocking tackles.

[polamalubeast]

I'm tired of the problems of our CB....The o-line has much improved since 2007 and the Steelers have proven to be able to win despite this weakness, but the CB is a different story.

I wonder why William Gay is still a Steelers.It was awful against teams that have an very good 3rd WR as patriots and the packers .... It's embarrassing..... And I speak not of his 2009 season as the 2nd CB.

If we lose Ike Taylor, the Steelers have one of the worst groups of CB in the NFL and the opponents will pass 50 times per game against the steelers and many of his passes will be in the direction of William Gay.

[Psycho Ward 86]

I wonder why William Gay is still a Steelers.It was awful against teams that have an very good 3rd WR as patriots and the packers .... It's embarrassing..... And I speak not of his 2009 season as the 2nd CB.



The patriots have a good 3rd wide receiver? hell, they have a good 2nd receiver?

[polamalubeast]

The patriots have a good 3rd wide receiver? hell, they have a good 2nd receiver?

In fact, the Patriots' receivers are almost about the same level.

[steel striker]

Yeah there is no mystery on how to beat the steelers spread them out and, use quick passes.

[VTsteel]

If we lose Ike Taylor, the Steelers have one of the worst groups of CB in the NFL and the opponents will pass 50 times per game against the steelers and many of his passes will be in the direction of William Gay.

Hey look at the bright side . . . at least would still have the #1 run defense.




















:sarcasm: