LeBeau Talks About Up-Temp Offenses
When Dick LeBeau talks defense, people listen. This season he's preparing Steelers defense for read-option, up-tempo games (Say: "Chip Kelly').
"You're going to see these up-tempo offenses more and more across the league, " said LeBeau. "You need to practice that, because the up-tempo is another tool offenses have now to pressure defenses," added LeBeau.
Steelers are confident in LeBeau considering there's nothing he hasn't seen in many decades of coaching.
Key Players Added + Lost:
Key Additions:
RB LeVon Bell, CB William Gay, QB Bruce Gradkowski, OLB Jarvis Jones, KR-RB LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Key Losses:
OL Willie Colon, NT Casey Hampton, LB James Harrison, CB Keenan Lewis, RB Rashard Mendenhall, T Max Starks, WR Mike Wallace
Also: Steelers released DT Omar Hunter and C Nigel Malone. Signed C Ryan Hunter and TE John Rabe from the Vikings.
"Losing Mike {Wallace} is unfortunate, but when Mike left, the next guy has to step up. That next guy is me." WR Emmanuel Sanders
USA Today, PittsburghSteelers.com, ESPN, Fox Sports
Steelers Preseason Schedule Is Out
Saturday, Aug. 10
Giants @ Pittsburgh, 7:30 pm
Monday, Aug. 19
Pittsburgh @ Washington, 8 pm (ESPN)
Saturday, Aug. 24
KC @ Pittsburgh, 7:30 pm
Thursday, Aug. 29
Pittsburgh @ Carolina, 7:30 pm
Some Burning Questions
We know the Steelers are facing some major challenges this upcoming season. Some of the following questions will be on the front burner:
- Does the offensive line have enough depth? Still unknown considering only Ramon Foster played the entire season.
- Will the Steelers be able to do anything on the ground? Last season was a bust. Steelers were ranked 26th in rushing yards. Obviously, they need to do MUCH better. Many will be looking at what Le'Veon Bell can do.
- What's Heath Miller's health status? Steelers have been strangely silent.
- Will Jarvis Jones LB be ready for the NFL. Again, there was little news about his performance at rookie mini-camp.
Steelers.com; Yahoo News, ESPN
Steelers Training Camp Schedule
Steelers will open training camp on Friday, July 26, at St. Vincent College.
The first day camp will be open to the public will be Saturday, July 27. There will be 14 practices open to the public. Times will be from 3-5 pm.
There will also be two night practices. One will be on Friday, Aug. 2, at 7 pm at Latrobe Stadium. The second night practice will be on Wed., Aug. 14, at 5:30 pm at St. Vincent.
Final practice will be on Saturday, August 17.
The specific daily schedule can be found on Steelers.com.
What To Look For
Initial observations indicate the Steelers will have some major challenges facing the team this season. The Steelers will have to rely on two rookies, Jarvis Jones and Le'Von Bell.
A number of pre-season rankings have the Steelers about half way down the list of rankings. But, as any football fans know, those rankings are worthless once the season starts. There are just too many unknowns when the season starts beginning with injuries.
Regarding injuries, reports continue to be positive regarding Roethlisberger's knee.
There continues to be some free agents available the Steelers should give serious consideration. For example, TE Heath Miller is still recovering from his serious knee injury. Perhaps Dallas Clark, if he has anything left in that aging body, could fit the bill. RB Michael Turner is still available. While he didn't have a great season, he still racked up 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. WR Branden Lloyd, formerly of the Patriots, is still out there. He could be a good replacement for Mike Wallace. Finally, John Abraham, DE, is still available. This is a guy who finished the season with 32 tackles and six forced fumbles. He'd be a good catch if the Steelers are willing to pay a few bucks for a 35 year old ball player.
Pittsburgh Steelers.com, Bleacher Report, ESPN
Steelers 2013 Schedule
Key Dates
- Week Four's Game against Vikings is in London.
- There are two Sunday night games, one Monday night game and one Thursday night game.
- Week 13 game at Ravens (Thursday night)
Steelers Training Camp Dates For 2013 Season
Steelers recently announced their training camp dates.
- Report to St. Vincent's in Latrobe, PA on Friday, July 26, 2013.
- First open practice to public: Saturday, July 27. (Practices open to public: 3-5 p.m.)
- First practice in pads: Monday, July 29.
- Annual night practice: August 7 at 7 p.m.
- Evening practice will be held August 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- Last scheduled practice open to public: Saturday, August 17.
- Training camp breaks on August 18.
Up-Date On Ben's Knee
Roethlisberger said this morning his knee feels great. According to Dr. Bradley, the surgery went very well. Ben said no repair was involved only "clean up." It appears the knee is well on its way to a full recovery.
Recent Transactions:
- CB Justin King on reserved/injured list on June 6.
- Signed TE Peter Tuitupou on June 3.
Steelers.com, Fox Sports
It's time once again to review the legacy of the best team in the history of the NFL. I'll let the images speak for themselves. Enjoy.
The Following Is Some News To Keep You Busy Speculating:
- Emmanuel Sanders will be remaining with the Steelers for the 2013 season. According to reports, he was offered 2.5M from the Patriots but the Steelers matched that number.
- Heath Miller still recovering from his torn ACL + MCL.
- Steelers signed WR Justin Brown, WR Marcus Wheaton and CB Terry Hawthorne.
- Steelers also signed LB Vince Williams as well as S Shamarko Thomas.
- According to early reports, Tod Haley is excited. However, he admitted, one of the goals is to "get better at communicating." He also added, "We have to run the ball much more effectively.
- C Cortez Allen said---with confidence in a recent interview---he's ready to step in as a starter at corner.
- Marcus Gilbert made it clear he wants to be Ben's body-guard at left-offensive tackle. He just needs to get by Marcus Gilbert.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh PG, Steelers Depot
