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Steelers Team Analysis

Excerpt #1

 Updated on 2/19/06

                        

Text Box: Safety Troy Polamalu is one of the best in the business and the backbone of the defense. He will be a fixture for years to come. Chris Hope is an unrestricted free agent. Obviously, if he opts to sign elsewhere, this will be a high priority need. Hope lacks great cover skills and is much better stopping the run (91 tackles in ‘05) although he did lead the team with three interceptions. He often goes for the knockout hit. He is not always in good tackling position and misses too many tackles. He tends to hit high and not wrap up the ball carrier. He will garner some interest if left to test the open market & may end up receiving a hefty paycheck elsewhere. Overall, he is an above average safety worthy of re-signing—if the price is right. Mike Logan will be 32 entering his 10th year and has had some nagging injuries the last two seasons. When healthy, he provides solid depth at both SS & FS. In addition, he excels on special teams. Tyrone Carter was more than adequate —both in nickel and dime defense & special teams. He lacks great cover and ball skills, but he is an aggressive tackler that enjoys contact. He is a journeyman best suited for a backup role. Russell Stuvaints has looked good in limited action. While lacking great speed, he has good instincts, provides depth at safety and is a solid special teams contributor. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the latter part on the season and playoffs. Russell is a solid backup, but no more. There has been some discussion that if the Steelers are able to re-sign Deshea Townsend they may move him to safety. This is always an option, but Deshea has been a solid corner. I believe this may be more of a backup plan rather than the ideal situation. Ron Israel will provide training camp depth. Conclusion: Much depends on the ability to resign Chris Hope to a fair contract. If this comes to fruition, the team will be looking to add depth and youth at the position—primarily Logan’s future replacement. If Hope signs elsewhere, the team will likely be looking for their new starter in the draft. Cornerback Ike Taylor played above most expectations in 2006. He is one of the more athletic CBs in the league and has been an upgrade over former long-time starters Dewayne Washington and Chad Scott. He’ll give up the occasional big play, however name one CB that does not? He effectively shut down just about every wideout he matched up against man-to-man, including Chad Johnson, and Marvin Harrison (minus one big catch). He is solid tackler and a force in run support—finished last season tied for 4th on the team with 91 total tackles. One of the more underrated players in the league, he is a restricted free agent and signing him to a long term deal is a top priority. I’d be amazed if that does not get done. Deshea Townsend had an adequate campaign—nothing more. He remains an effective blitzer when called upon. He may have lost a step in coverage but remains a solid starter at the position. He may not command a huge salary if left to test the market to due his age (31 at the start of next season) and his lack of top flight speed. He is a good fit for this defense and worthy of retaining. He could be moved to safety and likely will see reduced playing time as Bryant McFadden’s maturation continues. McFadden was an excellent 2nd round selection a year ago and appears to have a bright future as the Steelers starting corner opposite Ike Taylor. He saw more action as the season progressed and enjoyed steady improvement. Bryant made numerous big plays in the playoffs including touchdown saving pass break ups against Indianapolis (Reggie Wayne) and again versus Seattle in the Super Bowl (DJ Hackett).