A championship caliber Squad

SteelCityRings-Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison knows the Pittsburgh Steelers Opportunity is Now when it comes to Winning a 7th Championship Ring. Right now the Steelers have such a Well balanced team in terms of Experience and Youth on both sides of the ball . The personnel is in place at nearly every position from the front office to the field to be Great. The Schemes , Game planning  and In game adjustments will be the keys to Winning a 7th Championship this season .
https://www.google.com/amp/s/pit.247sports.com/Bolt/James-Harrison-The-2017-Steelers-are-a-Super-Bowl-caliber-team-105641401/Amp

William Pick 6 Gay

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 I didn't understand the William Gay needs to go sentiments during the off season leading up to the draft . Clearly Will Gay was not the problem in the secondary in 2016. He was actually part of the solution . I understand Gay is on the back side of the 9 and The Steelers needed to draft youth and sign depth to the Slot position for the future , but their is no way any of them will be taking Mr Pick 6 Slot position in 2017 unless he gets injured or needs a breather . We have 2 proven solid Slot CBs in Gay & Coty ,with a number of young Slot CBs competing for the future as well . The main CB being Cam. 

Back to Big Play Willie Gay . How can yinz forget about all the Pick 6s ? The solid Tackling , Blitzing , Defended Passes and Run Stopping abilities . Plus the fact that he knows this Steelers Scheme along with opposing Offensive Coordinators schemes enough to be the QB of our Defense. Their is no doubt Willam Gay is a Strength within our Defense.

Young Nasty & Rebuilt

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The Pittsburgh Post Gazette posted a cool article on The rebuilding of The Steelers Defense. The 7th Ring is in sight.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/07/29/Steelers-Stephon-Tuitt-Ryan-Shazier-defense-Bud-Dupree/stories/201707290095

See How the Steelers Started Camp

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The Pittsburgh Steelers 1st day of Mini Camp seemed like a good start for the team . Steelers Depot reported a Very Detailed Article on The practice . See who made the big plays . Lots of Info at this link
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/07/steelers-training-camp-diary-day-one/

Safety Malik Golden signs with Steelers

SteelCityRings-Pittsburgh Steelers

Former PSU Nittany Lions Safety has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a 6'0 205 LB. FS/SS with some speed. Golden ran a 40 yard dash in 4.49 at his Pro Day. He ran a solid 3 Cone Drill of 7.06 & 16 reps of 225 lbs on the bench. His film and Pro Day results were enough to get Golden signed to a 3 year deal worth $1.6 Million as a UDFA by the San Francisco 49'ers . The San Francisco General Manager and Former Pro Bowl Safety and Broadcaster must have seen something in Golden to sign him . Although he was released to make room for another Top Prospect to build their Offensive Line. That's when the Steelers have him a shot . He will compete as a depth at our Safety position . Hopefully he can make a splash in Training Camp . 

Sammie Coates could miss up to 3 months

SteelCityRings-Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers WR Sammie Coates suffered a Knee injury during summer training and now he had to have Arthroscopic Knee Surgery.  A Arthroscopic Knee Surgery doesn't have a set recovery time . A minimum recovery  time of 4-6 weeks is the norm but depending on the severity of the injury and/or Activities the patient is returning to plays a major role . As of now Coates's injury is being downplayed to only a Cleaning of the Knee in which he would be out for 1 month. Although nobody actually knows exactly when Coates can return because the recovery times vary . What we do know is He will have his Knee examined in 4-6 weeks for an update on his recovery process and then if everything is good he may be able to start working out again . It could potentially take him another 4-6 weeks to recover all of his strength , movements and balance in his Knee. This injury could end up keeping Coates out for 3 months or more .
That would open the door for another 6'4" 215 lb Deep Threat in Justin Hunter. Hunter could resurrect his career right here in Pittsburgh.
http://auburn.247sports.com/Bolt/Is-Sammie-Coates-on-the-bubble-in-Pittsburgh-105449782

Bell will have Consequences

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Fanrag.com shares an interesting article on LeV Bells hold out . Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Le'Veon Bell will have some form of Consequences for not showing up to Training Camp .
I believe those consequences will come in the form of a loss of touches to James Conner. JC will get more Reps in Training Camp and he will capture the headlines with this opportunity. JC will surprise alot of fans behind an Elite Offensive line that just signed OT Big Al to a new 4 year Contract . I won't forget about Kniles Davis either. He has the athletic capabilities to dominate behind this Great Steelers Offensive Line. You won't find a better group that's all about Team & Winning a Ring than Center Pouncey , Gaurd Foster , OT Gilbert , Gaurd DeCastro and OT Villanueva .
https://www.fanragsports.com/news/tomlin-will-consequences-bell-not-showing/amp/

Steelers go Power

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The Steelers have the perfect personnel to run a big power offense. With NFL defense's shrinking or going smaller to gain speed as NFL offenses have been trending toward shotguns & spread. Defense's want that extra DB on the field to compensate for this era's short quick passing game , so they go with the Big/Regular Nickleback. To combat that defensive formation a offense would want to go bigger for power.
The Steelers have an Elite Offensive Line , QB , RB & WRs. We should see plenty of 12/21 personnel with  RBs Bell/JC/KD/Fitz TEs James/Xav/DJ & FB Nix. Our 12 Personnel set should be unstoppable with an All Pro QB/RB/WR in Ben , Bell & Brown plus add in one of the best Big Deep threats in NFL in Martavious Bryant and you have a formation that you can run or throw out of and beat any defense.
What's Steelers fans thoughts on our best Offensive and Defensive formation for this season ? Welcome all input & feedback

Steelers in Coverage Pt 2

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The Steelers Defense played well in coverage at the Slot position vs WRs & Big Play William Gay was a huge reason for that . Although Pittsburgh didnt do so well in Coverage on the outside boundary vs WRs . The Steelers had their ups and downs vs RBs & TEs in Coverage. As you can see from the charts put together by Footballoutsiders.com the Steelers were wildly inconsistent in Coverage ranking from #1 to #32 in differing Coverage areas.

Steelers in Coverage

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As bad as Belichick & Brady's Offense made the Pittsburgh Steelers Zone Defense look in the AFC Championship game the defense fared better throughout the season ranking 2nd defending the slot position. We had more of a problem covering the Wideout position ranking 25th .

Big Ben Roethlisberger #1 on Money Downs

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Footballoutsiders.com chart detailing QB Completion % per down . Ben Roethlisberger is # 1 on 3rd Downs .
#MoneyDown

Coach Tomlin's Stamp is Official

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Coach Tomlin's Defense is finally here & it looks Great on Paper . Now they have to put it all together in the classroom & on the field. A NFL roster can't get much more talented than what GM Butler & HC Tomlin has constructed under the salary cap .

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000817780/article/making-the-leap-steelers-fielding-titlecaliber-defense

Pittsburgh Steelers 2017 Odds

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James Conner Will Lead Steelers to 7th Lombardi Trophy

SteelCityRings-Pittsburgh Steelers

Le'Veon Bell will lose touches to 3rd round draft pick from Pitt Panthers James Conner. James Conner is 6'2" 225 lbs with quick feet and solid hands . He is a Truck. He lead the Nation in broken Tackles at Pitt with 88 . He has heart. James Conner has battled for his life through a bout with Cancer . He is a Survivor. James Conner is exactly what the Steelers Offense has been lacking since the departure of Jerome Bettis & Hines Ward. Toughness. The recent decision of Le'Veon Bell to decline a Once in a LifeTime offer of $72 Million for 5 years from the Pittsburgh Steelers is probably another dream come true for James Conner who would have gladly accepted a deal of that nature .Some folks may say well James Conner isn't as good as Bell . I am betting on James Conner to be just as or more effective than Bell within the Pittsburgh Steelers Organization. Conner is a Team Leader that will impose his will on defense's to get this Steelers team its 7th Lombardi Trophy. I believe Conner can be effective in the Run & Pass game behind an Elite Offensive Line . Plus he is signed through his rookie contract for 4 years which allows The Steelers to free up some Cap space in order to keep a Championship Caliber team in Pittsburgh . Why pay Bell when you can use that money for Defense and Offensive Lineman . I hope that Bell will get his guaranteed $15 Million a year for 5 years somewhere but I guarantee it won't be in Pittsburgh. It will be in a Organization that is constantly struggling due to decisions like this . I want to see Bell get his ring this year with the Steelers and I hope he is willing to work hard for it but according to statements he has made it seems as though he is more worried about approaching this season with caution so he can be healthy for his next deal . He will not give it his all is what it sounds like to me . He will not be in Pittsburgh after this season unless he shows up ready to put in work . On the other hand James Conner is young and hungry, ready to roll ! Conner already has the 2nd best NFL selling Jersey only behind Tom Brady . That should tell you something . Check out this video to see who James Conner really

http://www.nfl.com/m/share?p=%2Fvideos%2Fnfl-360%2F0ap3000000802331%2FNFL-360-The-remarkable-courage-of-James-Conne

Penn State Nittany Lions Primed for National Championship Run

Penn State Nittany Lions Football

Penn State Nittany Lions Football program has fought its way back to the Top after suffering Severe Sanctions from the Sandusky Crimes. Penn State fans will enjoy this article of good news . Happy Valley will be Happy again ! 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/this-is-where-you-need-to-be-penn-states-road-back-five-years-after-ncaa-sanctions/2017/07/20/bc77353a-6c93-11e7-9c15-177740635e83_story.html

Penn State Nittany Lions Are Back

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PSU Nittany Lions back in business?
https://www.landof10.com/penn-state/penn-state-recruiting-nittany-lions-building-elite-2018-class-offer-californoa-lb-isaak-togia

Every Antonio Brown TD

SteelCityRings-Pittsburgh Steelers
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1535862586478459&id=138292829568782

Le'Veon Bell Contract

Le'Veon Bell would be smart to play on the Rich Franchise Tag for 2 years for a guaranteed $24 million. After his 2 years he can sign a 4 year long term deal worth atleast $8 million a year. He would make $56 million over the next 6 years . That's a Great retirement plan . He will be 32 years old at the end of this plan . Look at Matt Forte , Lesean McCoy , Adrian Peterson Marshawn Lynch etc... They are all still playing and getting paid .

Le'Veon Bell's Contract details and Market Value

The Post- Gazette has an interesting article about Bell's Contract dispute. Bell's Contract deadline is today at 4pm. Bell is asking up to $15 Million per year . Adrian Peterson was only making $14 million before his legal problems began. Matt Forte & Lesean McCoy both made $8 million for 4 years in 2012 on their biggest deals . Both of which were successful deals . If I were the Kevin Colbert the GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers I would not consider any deal longer than 4 years at $8 million per year. Too many risks come along with the Running Back position for a deal longer than that. I believe the best bet for Lev Bell is to sign the Franchise Tag at $12 million Guaranteed for the next 2 years for $24 million . Essentially making it a 2 year deal for $24 million Guaranteed. You can't beat that deal. That's why I think no long term deal will get done anytime soon. Imagine if Bell's production over the next 2 years stayed around the same as it is now and then he can have a better argument and another big payday ( retirement) long term contract after these 2 years of collecting . Bell would highly likely still be worth a 3 - 4 year deal at $8 million Guaranteed  per season, after signing the Franchise tag the next 2 years for $24 Million Cash . He could make $56 million over the next 6 years if he plays his cards right . The risk is injury . Even if he signed a long term contract now and he would get injured Bell would not collect the full payment of that contract anyway because Pittsburgh structures their contracts to prepare for injury situations. Bells agent Adisa Bakari will make sure Bell takes advantage of the expensive Franchise Tag the next 2 years without a doubt .
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/07/17/Steelers-Le-Veon-Bell-franchise-tag-deadline-Adisa-Bakari/stories/201707170084

Steelers Play Action Defensive rankings

Footballoutsiders.com constructed a detailed statistical chart ranking the NFLs Play Action Defenses. Check it out here . http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2017/2016-play-action-defense

Steelers rank dead last in Play Action Pass %

The Steelers are at the bottom of the league in the Play action game and its been around their the last few years. As the Footballoutsiders.com article points out - The Play Action Problem is directly caused by Big Ben Roethlisberger. Find out why on the link below.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2017/2016-play-action-offense

Defensive stats vs the Run

Steelers saw least amount of 2 RB sets in 2016 . I would say Steelers Defense saw least amount of 2 RB sets due to their strong DL in Cam, Tuiit & Grave. Teams forced Pittsburgh into the passing formations because of weak secondary, which brought NT Javon Hargrave off the field . The defense went to the Nickle sub package
(2-4-5) 70 % of snaps which weakened the overall interior pass rush. Every DC knew the formula to use vs Pittsburgh's defense.
The Footballoutsiders.com uses a analytic chart to break down the stats . Check out the link below .
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2017/run-defense-number-backs-2016

Tomlin Vick & Brooks Interview

Mike Tomlin, Mike Vick & Aaron Brooks Interview. From Newport News Virginia to the Top Pinnacle of the Pigskin.
http://wtkr.com/2017/07/13/hampton-hosts-gridiron-icons-for-espn-panel-discussion/amp/

Bleacher Report Ranks Dick Lebeaus Zone Blitz #2

Steelers Former HOF DC Dick Lebeau Zones Blitz was ranked #2 as best NFLs Defensive Schemes. Clink on Link and find out why ! http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2719940

Is Vince Williams a liability in Coverage

Steelersdepot.com shows some good evidence on film that VW Buck ILB may be better than thought of in Coverage. Check out the Video's & link .http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/07/film-room-vince-williams-will-just-fine-coverage/

Steelers 2016 Zone/Man Defensive Splits

The Steelers played an abnormal amount of Zone defense in 2016 . They were in Zone 73% of the time . That is 2nd in the NFL behind Carolina who were in Zone 79% of all defensive snaps . Just a quick estimation based off of this ProFootballFocus.com chart it seems like then the average NFL team is in Man Coverage around 40% of the time . Arizona KC SF TEN & CHI are the only teams who were in Man Coverage atleast 50% of all defensive snaps. Denver just missed the cut at 49% . The Steelers needs to get that 22% Man Coverage up around 40% in 2017 if they want to be successful. Pittsburgh was actually played a Nickle Sub Package 2-4-5 around 70% of defensive snaps. You will never generate any consistent pass rush with only 2 Interior Defensive Lineman on the field. Pittsburgh Steelers need to get back to their SteelCurtain Roots to Win thatv7th Championship Lombardi Trophy.

Stanley Cup & The Steelers

FaceTime with Steelers DB Brian Allen

What James Harrison means to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown's Path to the NFL

FaceTime with Steelers FS Sean Davis

Defense still Wins Championships

Amidst all the Offensive firepower throughout the NFL ,Defense still wins Championships . The numbers in this article proves it.

The Steelers will be fielding their best defense since the 2008 Super Bowl run vs Green Bay . That Defense came up short & was on the backend of their overall Prime as a unit. The Steelers have been Re-building their defense ever since. Now they possess a Top DL among other teams that utilize the 3-4 defensive base. They also have one of the best OLBs ever in James Harrison along with young athletic Bud Dupree & TJ Watt at OLB. Ryan Shazier is the NFLs fastest ILB & this season will be his best year yet. The Secondary hasn't been deeper & younger since that 2008 -2009 season. Out defensive backfield is littered with potential stars in FS Sean Davis , CB Artie Burns , CB Cam Sutton & DB Brian Allen . The personnel is here . Now we just need to have Tomlin & Butler put together the right scheme . 

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/zeise-is-right/2017/07/06/steelers-super-bowl-lii-odds-defense-vegas-artie-burns-ben-roethlisberger/stories/201707060157

Steelers wont Give Le'Veon Bell long term contract

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/zeise-is-right/2017/07/13/paul-zeise-le-veon-bell-contract-franchise-tag-steelers-nfl/stories/201707130152?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#link_time=1499966182Pittsburgh Post Gazette has the most realistic article I have read on Lev Bell's New Contract scenario. I would continue to place the Franchise Tag on Bell this season & next . How could Bell be unhappy making Top Dollar at his position per year at an estimated $14 Million per season

Keith Butler on Defensive Scheme

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive coordinator Keith Butler talks about changes on the defensive side of the ball. Steelers will play more Man Coverage this year along with Zone. Out base defense will remain the same in a 3-4-4 . More Pattern matching Man Coverage is being incorporated into defense. Expect to see some Man/Zone mixed . Half the field will be split into Man & the other half will be zone. The same philosophy can be broken down into Quarters coverage also . Last year the Steelers were in the 2-4-5 Nickle Sub Package 70% of all snaps . Their is no way Hargrave should be coming off the field . Butler needs to get back to Lebeaus playbook & use more Fire Zone Blitz . The Thunder/Lightning (SS/CB Blitz) call. The only weak part of this defense is at the Buck LB position strictly in coverage . Vinny is a bonus in the Run & Blitz game but a serious liability in coverage in which position Tom 

Brady exploited in the ACC championship game where Lawrence Timmons was playing the Buck ILB position. Its probably fair to think that's part of the reason Timmons wasn't re-signed in Pittsburgh. I am looking forward to seeing positive changes in our scheme to prevent the Buck LB from getting caught in Man Coverage vs TE's/RBs & occasionally Slot WRs. That's a recipe for disaster. I believe Shazier & Vinny need to be interchangeable at the Mack/Buck LB spots depending on Offensive Formations that they are defending. Shazier should take over any Man Coverage responsibilities at the Buck and/or a 3rd Safety should take responsibility. Sean Davis seems to be a solid candidate for that spot . Golden could cover Davis' FS spot for those specific situations. Brian Allen hopefully will develop into a solid versatile DB  . Mike Tomlin always talks about being prepared for situational football and that's exactly what needs to take place within this defense this season. If Coach Tomlin & Butler can prepare our personnel for Situational football than this will be a Championship Caliber Defense in 2017. 

Prime on Bell's NEW Deal

Prime Time says Lev Bell is a Once in a LifeTime Player . Now he needs to be paid like it ! 

Film - Antonio Brown vs Breeland & Norman

Antonio Brown vs Washington Redskins CBs Breshaud Breeland & Josh Norman in 2016.
AB smoked Breeland for 2 TDs with the help of Big Ben Roethlisberger's pre-snap reads , anticipation & ball location. Redskins played Breeland as the left Corner & Norman to the right & they remained stationed at those posts all game. I can't really fathom why you would pay a Man CB at the top of the market salary per position & not use that CB to Mirror the #1 WR anywhere he goes. The Redskins scheme limits Norman exactly how Seattle's scheme limits Richard Sherman by lining up on one side of the field opposed to Shadowing an Elite WR . I will never understand that philosophy. Although Both Redskins CBs played AB tight in this game , the difference was The QB/WR Preparations & Anticipation.
https://youtu.be/BaJcQoJE0YA

Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin Interview with L3 on education of the Fatherless
https://youtu.be/w6V-6RZCrK8

Le'Veon Bell's NEW Deal

Le'Veon Bell is One of the best RBs in the NFL & Bell's role within the Pittsburgh Steelers Offense is atleast 50% of the Steelers offensive production. I would say their is only 2 more important players on this offense and that's Big Ben Roethlisberger & Antonio Brown whom both have top Market paying contracts in the the NFL accordingly to their positions.
Their is 2 different schools of thought on the Market & value of the RB position. I believe Bell's production is worth $12 million a year but also believe the longevity of the contract is risky . You have to weigh in all the risks of the RB position & more specifically Le'Veon Bell himself. He has a past related to Substance abuse & has already been suspended by the NFL. If he were to relapse or make a mistake his next suspension is 1 year , just like teammate Martavis Bryant went thru. Bell has also been injured and missed games every year. Particularly a huge playoff game in New England last year. It would be hard for me to offer Bell a contract longer than 3 years due to all the risks. I think Pittsburgh's front Office probably feels the same & that's why we are seeing Bell get the Franchise Tag for the 2nd straight season. If Bell would agree to a Max dollar per year according to the Market for 3 years , than I would have to allow him to go into Free Agency. The front office has made all the right moves so far . It doesn't look like a New Deal is anywhere close to being done , especially within days .
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/07/former-nfl-agent-leveon-bell-negotiations-hard-deal/

Face Time with Artie Burns

Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 1st round draft pick Artie Burns played a solid rookie season . Burns looks to take a big step forward this season playing in his natural scheme of Man to Man Coverage . We have ourselves a True Bump & Run CB in Pittsburgh again.  .http://m.steelers.com/videos/videos/ICYMI-Face-Time-with-Burns---Part-1/e604dee4-c498-440e-8351-9f99798096c3

The quarterback whisperer

Former Steelers OC and Now Current Arizona HC Bruce Arians Book "The Quarterback Whisperer " revealed a interesting story about the Young Ben Roethlisberger and OLB Joey Porter. Big Ben Roethlisberger suppossedly  underwent a personality transformation after a team meeting in 2005 where Defensive Leader Joey Porter singled Roethlisberger out and told him " he needed to be one of us ." Apparently Ben Roethlisberger listened .

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/07/10/blunt-message-from-joey-porter-sparked-change-in-young-ben-roethlisberger/

The Mel Blount Rule

Mel Blount Rule

https://m.facebook.com/Steelcityrings/?__tn__=C

Why its Great to Root for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Check out the NFL.com link below for an Interesting read.
Their is no better WR/RB Tag Team in NFL than Antonio Brown & Le'Veon Bell .
Is LC GreenWood under Valued ? Is Jerome Bettis Overrated ?
Steeler fans are Trend Setters - Terrible Towel!

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000817053/article/why-you-should-root-for-the-pittsburgh-steelersld-root-for-the-pittsburgh-steelers

SteelCityRings 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Season

SteelCityRings is back blogging . We will preview and update the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Season. Stay tuned !