"Starks earned the job for two seasons -- one of them ending with a Super Bowl victory -- before a new coaching staff removed him in favor of Colon last season."As I remember it, there were significantly fewer Max Starks haters before last August. That was when he was supplanted at Right Tackle by young'n Willie Colon. Of course, to be fair, most days I have trouble remembering my own name. That lack of mental acuity aside, is it possible that Max Starks was simply marginalized because Tomlin didn't like him?
- Ed Bouchette
Now, before we go any further, I'd like to offer one disclaimer. That being, I really don't know. I'm not an insider. My name isn't Ed Bouchette. I don't, "have access," as Buzz Bissinger would say. I am merely offering a topic for discussion.
So let's discuss.
Starks was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 draft. He then earned a job as Big Ben's right hand man (literally) in 2005, just in time for Super Bowl XL. The next year, Starks maintained his position through 14 games until he went down with an injury. And although the team went an underwhelming 8-8 that year, I don't remember anyone laying the blame at Starks' [enormous] feet.
Yet, by August 2007, new Head Coach Mike Tomlin had anointed 2006 4th rounder Willie Colon the new starting Right Tackle.
Starks was relegated to the bench. Only to remain there for the better part of the season, until the team had to shelve Marvel Smith when he
But that's not all. Oh no, friends. We all know the best is yet to come.
Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers decided - rather than lose TWO offensive lineman to free agency - they would
So that brings us to the present. Currently, Starks is expected to compete for, but not necessarily re-assume, the starting Right Tackle position. How the team could justify giving Starks all that coin to pick splinters out of his ass is beyond my comprehension. But again - what do I know? I write a Steelers blog.
Now, you guys tell me. Am I, as the man who slings BS just as well as he does a baseball says, "misremembering" the facts? Certainly he's not on the short list for next year's pro bowl, but can Starks win a starting position? Is it possible that Tomlin just has a bias toward Willie Colon? And last but not least - How tall do you think Starks really is, counting the afro?
Oh, and here are some fun facts you probably didn't know about Starks - he likes Basketball and Swimming and aspires to someday have a second career in TV or radio...you listening, Tunch?
Comments now, please.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Starks Hopes to Make Big Impact [Post-Gazette]
