FINALLY...What Took So Long?

Well, Sean. As they say - It's been real. It's been fun. But it hasn't been real fun. You can let yourself out...

Mahan's time here was short. But his impact was large...unlike his stature. The undersized Center/Guard was a Steeler for but one season, but he accomplished enough to last a life time. A life time of sucking, that is.

Nevertheless, ol' Seanny boy did start all 16 games last season. And that's gotta count for something. So Sean Mahan, I'd like to hereby thank you for your service...and ask that you leave your VIP card to the Locker Room on your way out.

I'd just like to personally thank Jon Gruden, the Tampa Bay brass, Tomlin and the the Steelers brass for making this happen. Goodbye disappointment. Hello undisclosed draft pick.

And make way for Darnell Stapleton at backup Center.

Anyone feel differently?



REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Send Mahan Back to Tampa [Pro Football Talk]
Steelers Trade Backup Center [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Trade Mahan to Tampa [Trib]

Oh, Canada...

Toronto, Canada. Home to universal health care, legalized marijuana, some of the world's finest strip clubs, and of course, tonight's second preseason game between our Steelers and the Buffalo Bills. Given that intro, I think you can guess what my biggest fear is...that's right, Jeff Reed missing the game. That's just way too much temptation.

I kid. I kid.

But let's talk about tonight a little bit. Normally on gameday during the regular season, I'd give you a full rundown of the "Llaves a Victoria" (or "Keys to Victory" for you non-Japanese speakers). But I'm not going to do that today. Why would I? The starters may take more snaps than they did last week, but I don't expect them to take significantly more.

So really the spotlight is only shining brightly on three men...well, one man, two "battles"...

1. Byron Leftwich
2. Justin Hartwig vs. Sean Mahan
3. Mitch Berger vs. Paul Ernster

Leftwich is the most obvious of the three. Having just signed a former 1st round pick and three year starter in Jacksonville, it'd be pretty hard for us fans to pretend like we weren't looking for a good first audition. Maybe I'm wrong, but tonight I'd like to see that Leftwich has gained at least a serviceable understanding of the offense, that he can hit his throws accurately, with just enough touch so that Nate Washington can catch them, and that he's in good shape (important given his history). Beyond that, he could be sitting on the sidelines drinking a Diet Coke or drawing up some schematics for his treehouse out in the North Hills. I don't even care.

The Hartwig/Mahan battle has always been, and will continue to be, the most important training camp battle. While Mahan had been taking the bulk of the snaps thus far in camp, and started last Friday night against the Eagles, Hartwig has taken over this week - both practicing with the first team and starting in this evening's exhibition. I personally hate to follow the angry mob, but Sean Mahan definitely blew goats last year. And not mini goats, either. Like, full sized, adult male goats. So I'm really hoping Hartwig can show some promise. Maybe even hint at the possibility of being the next long term Pittsburgh Center. Yes, it's probably just a tad early to start talking about him following in the footsteps of Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson and Jeff Hartings (though not exactly "long" term, long enough for me). But traditionally, this position has been the least of our concerns. And I'd really like to get back to that. Show me something besides that sick mohawk, Justin. Pancake someone. I recommend Steely McBeam.

Then of course, there's the ever-exciting and oh-so-important battle for starting Punter. Apparently, even though we signed Paul Ernster and let him punt/kick off in last week's preseason game, the front office/coaching staff felt it was necessary to give him a little friendly competition. Enter Mitch Berger. What's the difference between the two? Damned if I know. Well, ok, it may be a yard or two in punt average. Excuse me if I haven't extensively researched the kicking prowess of our two potential consolation prizes. But I've been doing important stuff...like researching current 4th string QB, Mikey Potts. Anyways, I tend to like Ernster here. As I read somewhere this week, the difference in punting averages for most punters around the league really is only a yard or two. So having the added bonus of being able to kick off (and kick off well...9 yards deep in the end zone well, ahem ahem) is a roster-worthy asset. Not like we've got a whole lot better lined up.

And that just about does it, folks. What else to watch for tonight? I'll probably be watching to make sure Steely McBeam isn't exposing himself to unaccompanied minors. There's also probably some injury concerns I should be talking about. But frankly, I'm not even going to go there right now. It's still only August 14.

So who are you guys watching tonight? Any thoughts on the individuals/battles I mentioned above? What do you think about the ultimate score? Tomlin - 47, Jauron - 6? Sound fair?

Someone Owes Sean Mahan A Big Thank You...

Nothing special here - just a couple signings to report. Both new Center Justin Hartwig and legacy Longsnapper Greg Warren to be exact.

Like I said, nothing really spectacular here.

However I do think, as the title of this post suggests, that Hartwig should probably send Sean Mahan a Thank You card. Do you think Hallmark makes one that says "Thank You for Sucking At Your Job?" I mean they do have a card for every occasion and recipient...

Anybody out there? Bueller?

UPDATE: The Steelers also announced this morning that they have agreed to terms with former Tampa and Indy DE Anthony "Booger" McFarland. Still no word on whether or not they're paying him in McDonald's Big Macs...cause I believe that's about all we have left in terms of compensation.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers Offensive Line Shuffle Continues As Hartwig Signs [Associated Press]
Steelers Sign One of Their Own [Post-Gazette]
McFarland Agrees to Deal [Post-Gazette]

Steelers Register Miniscule Signs of Life in 2007 Free Agent Market...

In what might be viewed as something of a moral victory, at least more so than anything else, the Steelers signed Offensive Lineman Sean Mahan to a 5-year deal yesterday, worth approximately $17 million.

In the Post-Gazette's report of this acquisition, they note that Mahan has been brought in to potentially compete for the starting Center position, which of late has been linked to Chukky Okobi and Kendall Simmons as well. All jesting aside (is jesting a word?), this actually is a really good pick up for us. Even if Mahan does not end up competing for/being next year's Center, we could certainly use his 6'3" 301 pounds of muscle on the O line next year, especially if he can play right tackle!...PS he played right guard for Tampa in 2005...so maybe there's hope.

Anyways, hopefully this has somewhat appeased the militant Steeler fans who were hoping to see more intiative out of the Black n' Gold in the face of highly active free agency movement from Cleveland and Baltimore (myself included).