That'd Be Pretty Sweed, I Guess...

Just a little love note to let you know that Limas Sweed has topped Pat Kirwan's list of receivers with under 15 catches in '08 who should bust out in '09.

Honestly, I'd be happy if he just caught the balls that were thrown to him. But whatev.

By the way - that's what she said.

Happy Friday!

/top 10 OFTOT photoshops of all time for sure

Obligatory Footer - If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, join the blog network and follow me on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.

Nate Washington Rolling Them Dice...

Here's the part where I'm supposed to care that Nate Washington is now a Tennessee Titan.

Say what you will about the guy, but for as decent of a season as he put together last year, he had his share of problems.

Like, Exhibit A here. I think that actually may have been the most egregious violation...topping even the history of drops.

Dude was fast as hell, though.

And I will concede that this makes things kind of murky on the depth chart.

Who do you move into the #3? SWEED?

You think he can handle that? Certainly didn't instill a whole lot of confidence last year, but I'm hopeful.

I just want to know, if you're the Titans, how are you going to offer Nate Washington six years at $27 million (9 of that guaranteed)? Don't get me wrong, I love Nate Washington as much as the next guy. But that seems like an awful lot of money to throw at a guy who's already been in the league for a few years and was never more than a 3rd receiver?

But you know what? Good for Nate Washington. I'm sure he'll love Lendale White. I know I do.

Not.

Bruce Arians thoughts on Nate Washington's replacement...

"It'll be Limas, Martin Nance and whoever we draft, one of those cats...Limas has the ability to do it. He just has to continue to grow and be consistent."

Two words - Derrick. Williams.

Oh yeah, and don't look now but things are NOT going well between Silverback and the Steelers.

All good news for us Steeler fans today.

Here's a joke to lighten the mood...

Pop Quiz - What's the hardest part about roller blading?

Give up?

Answer = Telling your Dad that you're gay.

Full disclosure - that's not my joke.

And, that's the whole post. I think fatigue is beginning to get to me.

Feel free to discuss Nate's departure in the comments. I gotta go back to Evidence class now.


Obligatory Footer - If you haven't already, become a fan of OFTOT on Facebook, join the blog network and follow me on Twitter. Or don't. Your choice, really.

Queen's City Here We Come...

Cincinnati. What can I say about the Bungles that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan? They look bombed out and depleted.

Ok, no seriously. Here's the state of the Bengals - They're 0-6 - despite a few close ones, sans Carson Palmer - sub Ryan Fitzpatrick who may be more suited to attack the MCATs than the Pittsburgh defense; they feature a one-two backfield punch of Chris Perry (averaging a staggering 42 rush yards per game) and Cedric Benson (recently signed off waivers), and an imposing Defense that includes such notable talents as Domata Peko, Rashad Jeanty and Dexter Jackson. So clearly the Steelers will face their toughest test of 2008.

Alright, no, let's get serious. There is no such thing as a sure thing. Especially in the NFL this year. I needn't remind you of last weekend's results as evidence. So while the Bengals, on their face, don't seem to be quite the formidable foe they've been in the past they were in 2005, they've still got some playmakers that we'd be apt to worry about. Mainly - TJ Douchemanzadeh, Chad Johns-circus-show, Chris Henry - The Perpetually-Incarcerated Wonder, Jonathan Joseph (ish), Leon Hall (ish), and Keith Rivers (as much ish as you can give to a 1st round rookie).

And let's not forget that now Willie Parker is out for Sunday, Marvel Smith is more than likely out (sub the 7 million dollar bench warmer man, Max Starks), and Casey Hampton may likely sit this one as well. So we're not exactly in tip-top shape either. We're a handful of sacks away from losing to an 0-6 team vying to replace last year's Dolphins as the league's most worthless franchise. We can NOT let that happen.

The good news is, the Defense is relatively healthy. We're getting Keisel back, although we can't be sure he's 100%. Nick Eason, Travis Kirschke and Chris Hoke been filling in rather well. The linebackers are playing like the ravenous, sack-happy beasts we know they truly are, and Troy looks like a man on fire, and has actually been somewhat vocal to boot. All that notwithstanding, I'm slightly worried about our Corners. Notice I said SLIGHTLY. We know they can play, but the only real weapons Cincy has are really the three aforementioned Wide Receivers. Good news again is that Deshea Townsend should be well rested. So the trio of Face Me Ike, Bryant "Look at my sick goatee" McFadden and Deshea "I ain't done yet" Townsend should be alright. That said, it's something to watch.

In addition, I'll also be watching - Jeff Reed. I know that sounds weird, and NO I don't mean watching him while he photographs his manliness in the hotel bathroom. I mean that left calf he injured in our game against Jacksonville Jagoffville two weeks ago. Tec and I have been very vocal about our expectations for Party Boy Reed, but this injury may be more than any of us are thinking. And there's only one way to find that out. Either way, hopefully he spent the bye week rehabbing and taking it easy rather than refereeing pudding wrestling with Sandy Sanderson at Buckhead's. But I have my doubts about that.

Then there's Nate Washington. And, I mean that in a good way (for the first time). Last game he shined, nabbing six catches for 94 yards and a score. If he can be that reliable on Sunday, and Hines can have the kind of game HE had two weeks ago (7 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD), not to mention hopefully a healthy Santonio, we should have some great success throwing the ball in the absence of Master Fly W Large (Willie Parker for those of you who aren't familiar with the OFTOT preferred nomenclature).

Plus, with Dallas Baker out this week, we just might get our first real taste of what Limas Speed Sweed can do. Arians wants to throw that patented corner of the end zone fade? Who better to chuck it to than a 6'4" 220 lb monster who'll likely be covered by either Simeon Castille (6'0", 195, undrafted free agent) or David Jones (6'0", 196, 2nd year Corner out of Wingate). I would love nothing more than to see Limas Sweed pillage the Bengals secondary. Of course, it's not likely...and frankly, I'd love nothing more than to see ANY of our receivers pillage the Bengals secondary. But I gotta have something to write about. You understand.

So that's my two, three, four (?) cents for whatever they're worth (don't even make the smartass joke). And in case you were wondering, Steely McGnome has predicted Steelers - 34, Bengals - 24.

What do you guys think? Anyone you'll be looking at on Sunday? Any concerns you have? Anybody got any gum?

Let's have it.

Oh, I'll also be watching the benGALs. But not in 'nam while the game is going on, of course...

Hey, I've Got A Question...

So remember when Big Ben asked for a taller receiver? And remember when we got a 2nd round gem in April's draft named, Limas Swede Sweed?

How come he's yet to play a single down?

Let your opinions abound...

Are You SERIOUS???

"All I remember is that the first play was a disaster."

- Paul Ernster (new Steelers Punter)

So, let me be the first to say - I have the utmost confidence in Paul Ernster. I mean, it seems like he's pretty much the next Steelers Pro Bowler. And certainly the quote above just confirmed that for me, as it should have for you.

What? Not convinced?

Not surprising. Because in case you couldn't tell, sarcasm was pretty thick...

So let me get this straight, first Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoeatu. Then, Daniel Sepulveda. Now Limas Speed Sweed?

Come ON.

Just to update you all - it's day three of training camp. All of the aforementioned parties are not practicing (though Sweed may be today, we shall see). And right now I'm sharpening the knives to slit my wrists...but at least there must be some Doctor in Latrobe getting quite rich right now...

Really though, I AM slightly serious about this injury thing. I mean, I know the only real concern right now is Sepulveda's leg (really, it's more like Sepulveda's replacement's leg, but who's counting). And after only three days of training camp, I guess it could be worse. We could be the Redskins. But still, let's just keep ourselves conscious of the reality. Certainly doesn't bode well for a team that wasn't exactly the picture of health last season.

Does it really worry me though? Well, no. Not particularly. For as much as I make light of things here at OFTOT, I don't actually think any of the injuries are going to prevent us from achieving success this season. But then again, when you play teams like Indy, San Diego, and of course, New England, good field position is key. Not to beat a dead horse, but you get the idea.

In other news...
1. Can you believe it's Ben's FIFTH season??? Our boy is growing up...I think I'm gonna cry...talk amongst yourselves. Here, I'll give you a topic - Brett Favre wants to come out of retirement...OK, discuss.

2. Willie Colon "set" at RT? Then what the hell was that transition tag for? Jesus. I just don't get it. Oh, also, LeCharles Bentley? What?

3. Ryan Clark appears to be "back." While Clark definitely doesn't seem like a permanent complement to Troy, I have to think it's going to help us to have a consistently serviceable yin to Troy's yang.

4. The Browns still think Shaun Rodgers is the answer. No further comment necessary.

5. Keisel may see some action on "Special" Teams this season. I might actually advocate this if our alternatives, should he get injured, didn't include 33-year-old Travis Kirschke, 28 year-old Nick Eason, and 24 year-old Ryan McBean.

Anything you guys particularly want to discuss? Any of this strike you as alarming? Interesting? Anything you're not hearing about that you're wondering about? And are any of you going to be in Latrobe next Saturday?

Two words - Beer. Bong.

Enter Camp Tomlin....

So much football. Football everywhere. It's in the trees like the Vietcong. Look, there it is, over there...

Bullshitting with you guys about the Many Faces of Willie Parker, the press conference stylings of Mike Tomlin, and the wonders of Photoshop has been fun. Real fun. But alas, what we've all been craving for the last six and a half months or so has finally arrived - training camp, and the return of Pittsburgh football.

Of course, in the last two days, I've seen way more Steelers news than I can even keep up with. If you can, then please teach me. But let's be honest, the two most important/encouraging/puzzling/troubling and of course, sexy "stories" are...

Big Snack Apparently Did His Nickname Proud
So I guess all that talk about Casey Hampton not being at OTAs might have actually meant something. It seems the already delightfully plump Nose Tackle ate just a few too many twinkies this offseason, because ah...well, he showed up looking "overweight" and failed to complete a conditioning run.

Now, all I'm saying is - the guy's already listed at 325 pounds. How much weight would he have to gain to look "overweight?" Ok, you're right. Not important. Anyways, I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you that the current Defensive Line is thinner than Calista Flockhart circa 1998. And well, Hampton is the anchor of that line. Not that I don't trust Chris Hoke. Any guy that looks that much like Vader has gotta be worth something. But he's no Hampton. Few are. Bottom Line - send treadmills to St. Vincent College, care of Casey Hampton. Also, if you happen to have Richard Simmons and/or Jenny Craig's phone numbers, you should probably go ahead and send those too.

Oh yeah, Troy and Kemoeatu are joining Hampton on the PUP list.

Moving right along...

The Gang's All Here
All picks signed with time to spare. Mendenhall and Sweed are in Latrobe, ready to mix it up. Let's just hope Jeff Reed doesn't get his hooks into them until at least next week.

Not that we really thought there was going to be a holdout. But you never know. So we can all rest a little easier knowing we've got Wreckingball Mendenhall for five years, and Speed Sweed for four. Sounds like four to five years of Offensive fireworks to me.

It's like a wise man once told me - "No guac, let's rock."

Other than that, we'll see how this beast unfolds. I don't imagine there'll be many surprises. But there sure shouldn't be a shortage of things to talk about. So, who's psyched for training camp? Anyone else making the pilgrimage to Latrobe? And most importantly, when are we drinking?

Oh, and as usual, here's a recap of what you missed this weekend while you were busy enjoying the fruits of truly American innovation...

• Just a hunch, but guessing this one isn't about Casey Hampton.
• So does this mean Cleveland has superseded Steely McBeam?
• Jeff Reed - subtlety is not strong with this one.
• Issues? We don't need no stinking issues.
• Seriously, what's with all the negativity? This is day one.

God it feels good to get through one of these without highlighting some chick we'd all like to see naked, or Brady Quinn. Wait, no I'm not. Except for that last one...

That's One For The Other Thumb. Tell all your friends.

No Man, Not Swede. S-W-E-E-D...

Alright, let's be honest - approximately no one is going to read this post today. I recognize what I'm up against here. I'm a realist. So let's just get it out of the way now...Go Pens!!

Nevertheless, I really AM going to try and come up with something to entertain you this morning. What might that be, you ask? Take a wild guess...Yep, oddly enough, the most blog-worthy "reporting" I can come up with is - Limas Sweed.

In addition to being a 2nd round steal and having one of the most unique names in recent Pittsburgh history, apparently he's also been particularly impressive at the Steelers OTAs. Of course, I had to read a Browns report to get this inside information. Which certainly presents a whole host of questions. But I imagine the Pittsburgh media have their hands pretty much full with that whole Stanley Cup business right now...so I'll let it slide...this time...

Anyhow, not only has Sweed impressed Steelers Offensive Coordinator (and whipping boy) Bruce Arians, but he's also made quite an impression on fellow receivers San Antonio Santonio Holmes and Nate "Hotrod" Washington.

Holmes had this to say about Sweed -

"We can get somebody that's as physical as he is to come in and bring a different threat to the program...Being a big guy and very explosive, it's going to help us a whole lot...If I can stretch the field, we can have Hines in the middle and we have another guy who can also work the middle with Hines and take hits and be physical in the middle. It'll help us with the tight ends and all."

While Nate The Butterfingered Wonder Great said -

"If we're in the game at the same time, they can't just double me going deep, because Limas will be back there somewhere. If there's a bailout situation, you can just throw it up to him."

Now I just want to point out that if I were an opposing defense, I'm pretty sure Nate Washington would NOT be the first guy I'd double. But I see his point.

Basically the verdict sounds a lot like this - a big, fast receiver, who is but one more threat in an Offense that featured an uncharacteristically fruitful passing game in '07 just makes it all that more difficult to defend everyone...and I kind of feel like we've said this before...good thing I'm too lazy/strapped for time to go back and check.

So, as long as one of his 99 Problems ain't a bitch (See Cedrick Wilson and/or Santonio Holmes), we should be good...

Normally, here's where I'd ask you all what you think about Sweed. But since I'm sure you're preoccupied with the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup today, I'm more than willing to make the comments section of this post a forum for discussing last night's game and Saturday's upcoming Game 4...either way - have at it, friends!

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Around The AFC North [TheOBR.com]
Limas Sweed [Wikipedia]

Does This Spell the End of the Fullback Position in Pittsburgh?

Does this spell the end of the fullback position in Pittsburgh?
Does the addition of Sweed mean the Steelers will use more 3 wide receiver sets?

If Limas can beat out Nate Washington as the #3 wide receiver, and the Steelers use more three wide receiver sets it means that (a hot topic or sore topic on OFTOT) fullback will play an even less predominate role. Even though Owen Schmitt was continually brought up as the next lead blocker, he is currently a Seahawk, and the Steelers did not address the fullback position at all in this year's draft. This means that Carey Davis remains the only fullback on the roster.

Personally, I love seeing the Steelers line up in strong formations with a nasty fullback that provides the key block that springs the running back into the second level of the opponent's defense (ala Dan Kreider).

Is Carey Davis the man?
Will Limas Sweed beat out Nate Washington?
Is Cotter the next Johnnie Cochran?

Well, That Went Alright I Guess...

"It broke pretty well for us...We didn't feel like we reached for any positions."

- Kevin Colbert

Six rounds, seven picks, and I missed all but about three of them. Nonetheless, from what I've heard and read after the fact, Kevin Colbert took it to the bank, and we picked up a rather noteworthy stable of picks.

Unfortunately, our draft day discussion thread was pretty much an epic fail, despite what I thought was a pretty slick photoshop job (reused here) and some solid pre-draft rhymes. So I guess I'll just have to hear what you all think about this year's class this morning.

What do I think? Well, based on what little I know, I'd say it's fair to give the Steelers a B to B- for their performance. Outside of Mendenhall, Sweed, Dixon and Mundy, I'm pretty clueless as to these other dudes. So maybe they're studs, but I honestly couldn't tell you.

Hence, I only have a couple of things to comment on today, then I'll be more than happy to hear what you guys think...

The first two picks I couldn't have been happier with. Rashard Mendenhall is a solid between the tackles runner that will certainly give our offense a boost next season, as he'll presumably share the load with FWP (something I believe the Fast one will welcome). To get him at 23 was just unbelievable.

In kind, Limas Sweed was another guy that I am amazed we were able to steal at 53. Big Ben ought to be pretty psyched about getting a 6'4", 212 pound monster to throw to. Can't really go wrong there. If he lives up to the Plaxico Burress-esque playmaking abilities (without the attitude), this could prove to be an even bigger steal than anyone thought.

Dennis Dixon was clearly a head scratcher in the 5th round. While I personally like Dixon, it just doesn't make a ton of sense what with the Steelers signing Jared Zabransky this offseason and Chuck Batch still in relatively good health (for the relatively old man that he is). Plus we really could have gone D-Line here...

Ryan Mundy was a good call. Who knows if he'll amount to anything on the Steelers roster but I like to see that homegrown talent come back to the 'Burgh. If the analysis of his abilities is correct, and he's more of a centerfielder than an explosive tackler, maybe that won't be such a bad thing. With Polamalu all over the place, it would be nice if we had a guy that could capably handle the deep zone. Still, there's a reason why he wasn't picked until late in the 6th round. So let's not get ahead of ourselves.

And really that's all I got. I'll bet you're thinking - "man, that's three minutes I'll never have back...awesome."

I know less than nothing about Bruce Davis, Tony Hills, and Mike Humpal. So if you've got thoughts/assessment, I'm all ears.

Now, on a completely unrelated and unfortunate note -- due to my neurosis about finals, and strange, unexplainable desire to get good grades, I'll be taking my bellyaching offline for the next two weeks. IE - no blogging, just studying. But never you fear. I have solicited a replacement...err...well, Domski. Whatever you want to call him. So while I'm off trying to figure out why it was so important for me to read 50 friggin cases about Depraved Indifference Reckless Murder, the Dominator will do his best to keep you all entertained with the latest Steeler news. My head may surface here and there in the comments. But predominantly I'll be imposing radio silence until May 13 or 14, depending on how many days it takes me to recover from the traumatic events of May 5 (Criminal Law), May 8 (Civil Procedure), and May 12 (Lawyering).

So wish me luck, I'm off to enjoy self-imposed isolation. Keep it real, gangstas.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Rashard Mendenhall
Limas Sweed
Bruce Davis
Tony Hills
Dennis Dixon
Mike Humpal
Ryan Mundy