Steelers Release 2007 Schedule

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
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Who Do We Need in the Draft?

Do we need a Linebacker to replace Porter? A good backup RB? Another playmaker at WR? A hard nosed Defensive lineman? Someone to protect Big Ben? Well, not one jumps out at me, in fact, they all do. What may take precedence for the Steelers is getting a versatile playmaker, outside linebacker or not, that will allow them to transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.

That is why the Steelers have been linked with players such as Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons and Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker, to name a few, in mock drafts. Timmons appears capable of playing outside linebacker in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, and draft analysts have said the 6-foot-1, 234-pounder could also line up at defensive end in a 4-3 alignment.

Carriker, meanwhile, could line up at tackle in a 4-3 and end in a 3-4. He could possibly play outside linebacker in a 4-3, though speed would be a concern. “He’s big, he comes hard every play and to me, any defensive structure you want, Adam Carriker is going to fit into it,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said.

What structure the Steelers will have is nothing more than an educated guess at this point.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, a 4-3 disciple, has said the Steelers will stick with the 3-4 at least through next season because their personnel is best suited for it.

Tomlin has dismissed the importance of base formations — he also hasn’t ruled out using both a 3-4 and a 4-3 as situations dictate — but who the Steelers draft, particularly in the first round, could give more than a glimpse into what shape the defense will take in future years.

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Joey Porter Gone

I’ve been away for a while and haven’t posted but I thought I’d post my thoughts on Porter being cut. I am a HUGE fan of the 3-4 defense and it’s worked for the Steelers for as long as I’ve been alive. I’m not sure I’m ready to see the 4-3 put into use. Sure, it’s not alot different as the 3-4 sometimes morphs into a 4-3 after all the movement and blitz packages are put into it. But, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The last thing a new coach needs to do is come in and completely change everything. How about fixing what needs fixing and then and only then, start mixing things up. Ok, on to Joey Porter.

Joey was cut because Mike Tomlin says he’s just not a fit in the new scheme. I honestly don’t understand that, he’s fast, he’s big, he hits, he plays smart.. so why on earth doesn’t he fit into a 4-3 scheme. Hell, the teams that are interested in him, Bengals, Browns, etc.. they all play the 4-3 and do we need him playing against us?

I hate to see him go but I will support the team for yet another year.

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Steelers to Introduce New Head Coach at Press Conference

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. today to introduce Mike Tomlin as their new head coach. Tomlin will become the 16th head coach in Steelers history after coaching as defensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.

The press conference will take place at Steelers headquarters at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.

Bill Cowher Announces He will Retire.

Bill Cowher announced today that he is stepping down as Steelers head coach after 15 years at his position. Cowher was the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL and only the team’s second head coach since 1969.

Cowher, the 15th head coach in team history, replaced legendary Steelers Head Coach Chuck Noll on Jan. 21, 1992, at the age of 34. In 1995, at age 38, he became the youngest head coach to lead his team to the Super Bowl when the Steelers played the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. He ultimately led the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl title in 2005, with a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.

“We would like to thank Bill Cowher for his tremendous contributions to the Steelers organization and for leading us to our fifth Super Bowl title,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “Bill will always be a valued part of Steelers history and tradition, and we wish him the very best with all future endeavors.”

Cowher led the Steelers to postseason appearances in each of his first six seasons, tying an NFL record originally set by Cleveland Browns legendary head coach Paul Brown. In 15 seasons under Cowher, the Steelers made 10 postseason appearances, won eight division titles, played in six AFC Championship games and two Super Bowls, winning one NFL title.

“History will look back on Bill Cowher as one of the great head coaches of his time,” said Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney. “He led us through one of the most successful eras in franchise history and has my lasting respect and admiration.”

Cowher ended his Steelers career with an overall record of 161-99-1 (.619) including a 149-90-1 (.623) mark in the regular season. His record with the team ranks second only to Noll’s overall (209-156-1/.572) and regular season (193-148-1/.566) records. Cowher’s .623 regular season and .619 overall winning percentages are the highest in Steelers history.

During Cowher’s tenure as Steelers head coach, 105 head coaches were hired throughout the NFL. In 15 seasons under Cowher, the Steelers tied (New England) for the league’s most division titles and posted the NFL’s best overall record in the regular season. Cowher also posted winning records against 20 of 31 NFL teams.

Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler Fanatic
Pat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.