Only a week away from the start of training camp. This marks the 45th year the Steelers will hold summer camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
The Steelers report Friday, July 30.
The first practice open to the public is Saturday, July 31.
The afternoon workouts (open to the public) generally run from 2:55 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a few exceptions, including a night practice at Latrobe Stadium on Aug. 6.
Preseason Schedule
Sat, Aug. 14 - vs. Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Sat. Aug, 21 - at N.Y. Giants, 7 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 29 - at Denver, 8 p.m. (FOX)
Thurs, Sept. 2 - vs. Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook
The Steelers are coming off a disappointing 9-7 season, but I think if you had told the front office that would be the biggest issue facing the team during the offseason, they would've gladly taken it.
Gone is one Super Bowl hero, Santonio Holmes, while another, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, will be suspended for at least the first four games of the regular season.
Undoubtedly, the biggest question mark entering the season will be at the quarterback position. Veteran Byron Leftwich is expected to compete with third-year man Dennis Dixon for the starting spot during Roethlisberger's absence.
Other key storylines:
Will Tomlin set the tone?
...Mike Tomlin has had three winning seasons in three years as a head coach, and he has a Super Bowl title on his resume. And now he has a new contract extension. But there were some rumors circulating late last season of some locker room problems. Perhaps the Steelers were frustrated during a five-game losing streak which included losses to Kansas City, Oakland or Cleveland, but it will be interesting to see how together this team is as they gear up for the 2010 season.
Re-emphasis on the run?
...The Steelers put up some prolific passing numbers last season with Roethlisberger throwing for over 4,300 yards and two receivers going over 1,000 yards. But the passing attack wasn't able to lift the Steelers into the playoffs. Pretty much everyone from head coach Mike Tomlin to team president Art Rooney II came out publicly and stated that the Steelers must get back to running the ball more. Was offensive coordinator Bruce Arians listening?
Draft impact
...No question the Steelers have gotten old at some spots, but they were able to bring in 10 new players through this year's draft. It's always fun to watch new players at training camp and during the preseason games. From a football standpoint, it's important that a few of these players contribute either in major roles or as depth.
Polamalu, Smith, McFadden and Foote return
...The Steelers defensed slipped last season but keep in mind that several of the starters from the 2008 defense were either on other teams or out with injuries. Polamalu and Smith are two galvanizing players on that side of the ball and they are players the Steelers simply can't replace. If they're back healthy in 2010 the Steelers defense should improve significantly. The Steelers also welcome back cornerback Bryant McFadden, who should start opposite Ike Taylor, and Larry Foote, who will compete for a starting spot at inside linebacker.
Breakout candidates/sleepers
Mike Wallace, WR
...Fast. Smooth. Reliable. Those are some of the words to describe Wallace's performance as a rookie. He showed off his speed several times but perhaps his biggest catch was a game-winning grab on the final play of regulation as the Steelers defeated the Packers. Wallace had a fine rookie season with 39 receptions, 756 yards and 6 TDs but the Holmes trade has placed a lot of added pressure on Wallace.
Keenan Lewis, CB
...Lewis has good size (6'0, 208) and long arms. He had a strong training camp and preseason last year but injuries derailed much of his rookie season. He likely won't start but should have a chance to get on the field more and make some things happen.
Isaac Redman, RB
...Out of little known Bowie State, Redman was a training camp sensation last year due to his ability to break tackles and score in goal-line drills. He spent the regular season mostly on the practice squad and improving his conditioning. He'll have a chance now to take a step forward.
Notable players who could be in trouble
James Farrior, LB
...The 14-year veteran has been one of the leaders of the defense the past several years but he's coming off a rough year, finally showing some age and decline. The Steelers brought back Larry Foote and they drafted three linebackers. Just looking at the numbers, Farrior may have to prove himself, again.
Matt Spaeth, TE
...The 6'7 Spaeth is a weak blocker and only a moderately effective receiver. The Steelers didn't draft a tight end, which could help Spaeth's chances of sticking around, but he may still have a tough time beating out David Johnson and Sean McHugh.
Frank Summers, FB
...The Tank never really got going in his rookie season. This will be a pivotal camp for him.
Position battles
Quarterback
...Byron Leftwich vs. Dennis Dixon...advantage Leftwich due to his experience but don't count out Dixon, who has shown some savvy, in addition to his dangerous running ability.
Offensive line
...The competition will be at center, right guard and right tackle. If Justin Hartwig holds up he'll likely remain the center with first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey the favorite to start at right guard. Right tackle is up for grabs. Trai Essex, Ramon Foster and Jonathan Scott are all in the mix.
No. 2 running back
...Jonathan Dwyer vs. Isaac Redman...Dwyer tore up at Georgia Tech but it remains to be seen how much of that was the product of the option attack. It looks like he could be the right fit as the Steelers power running back, although Redman remains a sleeper.
Inside linebacker
...Larry Foote vs. Lawrence Timmons vs. James Farrior...Foote was a durable, consistent player for the Steelers at inside linebacker. He doesn't have the speed or playmaking ability of Timmons but week-in, week-out, he might be the better option. One of those players will have to become more of a vocal leader of the defense if they're going to bump Farrior from his spot.
Cornerback
...Bryant McFadden vs. William Gay vs. Keenan Lewis...the Steelers consider this a competition so I guess I will but there is really not much doubt it will be McFadden.
