Time To Put Your Kevin Colbert Hat On [Day 2]...

Well, it appears day one of free agent watch 2009 went swimmingly. Good thing I haven't been paying attention enough to know that Byron Leftwich wants to be a starter again. Not like that was any kind of well kept secret or anything. It's just, to be honest with you, news about Byron Leftwich's life isn't very high up on my list of things to follow. But, you know, good for him. And when he can't find a decent starting job, I'll be happy to welcome him back with open arms.

So anyway, yesterday we covered the two QBs and Jeff Reed's life partner.

Today, I feel like the universe is trying to tell me something, but I just can't quite figure out what it is. It's like it's calling out to me...

Hmmmm...weird.

Right, so if that was a little too cryptic for you, I'm saying today we should talk about the state of the O-line, specifically the Tackles.

From where I stand, while I appreciate the way the line turned it on in the playoffs, I can't really accept that as the norm considering Ben was still sacked 46 times during the regular season. And eight times in one game against the Eagles at that! You can argue until you're blue in the face that they aren't that bad, and maybe they're not. But 46 sacks, countless false starts, untimely holding penalties, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties [thy name is Kemoeatu], I mean, none of that is indicative of a solid unit.

Still, for most of the season we had two first year starters at guard and a "backup" at Left Tackle (a $7 million dollar backup, mind you...looks like a smart decision now, though, doesn't it?). Plus, Hartwig was new to the team. And then there's Willie Colon. I really don't have anything to say about that guy that I haven't already said about going to the Dentist. Put a little Kenny G on in the background of a game and watching him is pretty much the same thing. I don't see how he hasn't lost his job on that side other than the fact that we have jack shit for depth at Tackle beyond Max Starks. Well, ok, not EXACTLY jack shit - Trai Essex, Jason Capizzi and Tony Hills - but close enough.

So, I can see where you might think this is a serviceable unit, a fact I will not deny. I mean, we did just win a Super Bowl with them. I just frankly don't think they did a satisfactory job overall, even with Ben's tendency to hold the ball longer than one mountain of a human being blocking for him might like.

Wherever you come out on this whole thing, let us all know in the comments. For now, allow me to present to you the free agents of the 2009 Steelers Offensive Line, beginning with...

Max Starks - I think you almost have to re-sign him?

I mean, at this point, it's either Starks, Marvel Smith (see below), Trai Essex (also see below), develop Tony Hills and/or Jason Capizzi or draft a Tackle in April. Y'all may know that I'm a Max Starks apologist. I really never thought he was that bad. But since Mike Tomlin disagrees, I have to defer to his judgment.

Still, which would you rather have - a guy who's started in two Super Bowls and done alright, a guy who's 30 and coming off multiple seasons cut short by back injuries, a guy who's probably a career backup, or either of two unproven current practice squadders? Money is obviously an issue, since Starks apparently ranks among the most attractive free agent tackles. But I feel like the Steelers ought to seriously consider bringing Starks back AND starting him at Left Tackle.

Then there's...

Marvel Smith - Just like when it comes to drugs, I gotta say no.

I don't want this. You don't want this. But like I said above, the guy's 30 and just had his second straight season cut short by back problems (and potentially needs a second back surgery, though I haven't heard anything about this in a while). Remember, you're protecting a $100 million dollar QB back there. Max Starks is no Jonathan Ogden, but he's battle tested and isn't a complete dunce.

That said, I'm not going to throw a hissy fit if the Steelers decide to bring Smith back over Max Starks. So long as the discs in his back can stay in place, he's still a solid Left Tackle. I just worry about the injury sitch, which you may have gathered from the first 15 references I made to it.

Next, you've got...

Willie Colon - Can I defer?

I don't even know what to say. Needless to say, I make no secret about the fact that I'm not a Willie Colon fan, but what are the alternatives? We have no other natural Right Tackles currently on the roster. Sure, you could go with Trai Essex or one of the practice squadders I mentioned above, but I'm not sure I like Essex as a potential 16 game starter, and both of the practice squadders are still young and have no experience even in limited action. So, I really just don't know. I guess keep him? God, I can't believe I just said that...

And finally, there's...

Trai Essex - I say go for it. If you blow chunks and she comes back, she's yours. If you spew and she bolts, then it was never meant to be. Or something like that. He's a sold backup Tackle. No two ways about it. And no doubt you can get him on the cheap. So where exactly is the debate here? PS - Do I want to spend my time photoshopping something for Trai Essex? No, I don't.

And now that I've said my piece, what do y'all think about all this?

Goodnight, Sweet Prince...

Marvel Smith to IR.

Could this spell the end of ol' Marvel in Pittsburgh?

Who knows, but it spells the end of his '08-'09 season.

Either way, get yourself healthy, Marvel. Steeler or not, we wish you all the best health-wise. And don't believe Santonio when he tells you he's got the answer. Weed only works on cataracts.

Alright, Alright, Alright...

I'll let Wooderson's immortal words above convey the sentiment of this one - According to Tomlin, Keisel is "probably close enough to warrant some consideration to participate" [in Sunday's game].

Still no Marvel Smith, but I'll be super psyched if Keisel's back for Bitchmore!

Behold, Wooderson...


Not this Wooderson, although they're pretty cool too...I guess.

Still Wondering About Marvel Smith's Life?

Alright, so Marvel Smith hasn't played since October 5 at Jagoffville, and we've heard that he may need back surgery again this offseason.

So ummm, at what point do we just put him on IR?

I mean, I love the guy. When he's healthy, I'd prefer him over Max Starks every day of the week. But it doesn't appear that he's in very good shape, as he'll be missing his 8th straight game this coming Sunday.

What are we holding out for, January? I doubt we want a Left Tackle with a bad back protecting our franchise arm in the playoffs. But, then again, I could be wrong.

Reactions?

PS - I emailed this one to Random Asshole last night, so he's already seen it. Duder, you can ignore this, or just leave your reply in the comments. Your choice.

Marvel Smith - What's Up With His Life?

So here's something that sucks - Our ol' buddy, Marvel Smith, has missed the last six games with back spasms and will be missing tomorrow's game due to this continued affliction.

You'll remember he also had to cut short his '07-'08 campaign to have surgery back (pun intended) last December.

Now, the team's Doctors are trying to determine whether these problems require another surgery.

I'm no expert (shocking, I know), but a 30-year-old Left Tackle who's missed 10 out of the last 20 games because of back problems for which he's already had surgery once and may need surgery for again, sounds serious.

You think there's any chance we get him back at any point this season? Or ever, for that matter? And similarly, in your opinion, has Max Starks been earning that 7 mil in Marvel's 'stead?

Well It Certainly Is Offensive...

Forty-seven sacks later the Steelers lose all-world Guard Alan Faneca to the New York Jets and.....................the projected Offensive Line, according to Ed Bouchette, includes Marvel Smith and Willie Colon at Tackle, Chris Kemo-EAT-U and Kendall Simmons at Guard, and Justin Hartwig at Center.

Comforting?

In other Steelers news....

1. Jeff Reed Has Bitch Tits [Sports by Brooks]
2. Steelers' O-Line Coach Feels Kemoeatu Is Ready [Post-Gazette]
3. Big Ben Makes It Rain On Some Bitches, Literally... [Post-Gazette]
4. A New Threat In The Bengals Backfield? [MJD]
5. Congrats To The Sexiest Woman In The World [FHM Online]

Notes and What Not - Steelers v. 'Skins...

Tomorrow night. At FedEx Field. Everyone. Gets. Laid.

Ok so that's a line from PCU (if you haven't seen it you're either only 19 or you are severely deprived), but it does look like the Steelers first team offense and defense are going to get a little more work this weekend than they have the past couple preseason games. At this point, Tomlin is obviously getting close to his final evaluations, trying differnt options at different positions and in different capacities, so we can expect to see some unusual things. Positive unusual things? Who knows. But potentially yes.

Here's a few notes I got from this morning's Post-Gazette report, some related to tomorrow's game, some of just general preseason relevance:

• Possibilities on the O-line:
  • Trai Essex at Left Tackle
  • Willie Colon at Right Tackle
  • Marvin Philip, still has a long way to go to even be included in conversation with Chukky Okobi and Sean Mahan
  • Max Starks winning the One For The Other Thumb "Weakest Link" Poll, so far garnering all votes (though only 3 votes have been logged...jagoffs)
  
  
• Willie Parker and James "Silverback" Harrison to play...finally. Still no Timmons though.


• Ryan Clark will probably start at Free Safety for the injured Anthony Smith. Also may be holding his ground amidst Smith's bid to overthrow him in the starting role...mixed feelings on that.


• Gary Russell's blocking and maybe pass catching skills will likely be tested, as Tomlin evaluates him for the final roster.


• Walter Young, this one's anybody's guess but Tomlin loves his determination (it's his 4th camp with the Steelers).


• Nate Washington, dropped a couple passes, nothing to lose sleep over and it's certainly not due to lack of confidence.


• Brian St. Pierre, "some teams keep two quarterbacks, some teams keep three...what Brian has done to this point has not been disappointing"...Straight from the horse's mouth.

Plus, here's some other random shit to write home about...sarcasm is thick today:

• Everyone's favorite Sports Illustrated Columnist, Peter King, has posted his "All-Future" team for 2012. Steelers players included - Zero, Steelers Coaches included - One. Yep, King (catching us all by surprise, since he overlooks the Steelers pretty readily) noted Mike Tomlin to be the Dream Team Head Coach of the future. Guess it's not all cobwebs in that noggin' Peter.


• FoxSports.com's Steelers Team Report focuses on the Steelers moving away from Dan Kreider into a non-fullback offense. In doing so, they point out the Carey Davis/John Kuhn factor -- that one or the other will likely make the cut as a tailback/fullback. Guess the end may really be near for Kreider and the Steelers...I'm fighting back my tears...seriously.


• Even the Baltimore Sun is getting in on The Smoking Gun's outing of the Steelers hotel demands the other day...


• More bad news for Cincy...not like I care, we'd beat 'em with Hines Ward playing DE!

That's all for now, have a great weekend dudes and dudettes!