Hey Steelers Fans! Welcome to Friday!
Earlier this week, eight former Pittsburgh Steelers’ players were nominated for Hall of Fame consideration. Fullback John Kuhn and Cornerback Allen Rossum are listed along with Mike Vrable, James Harrison, Hines Ward, Casey Hampton, James Farrior and kicker Gary Anderson. I want to focus on Hines Ward in this particular case. Ward’s biggest problem in terms of him getting into the Hall of Fame is that there are a ton of talented receivers who have bigger numbers. Numbers should not be the only factor in getting into the HoF though. In my eyes, Ward was the truest definition of a football player as we’ve seen on the offensive side of the ball. He was not the fastest guy, yet could pull away from defenders. He wasn’t the biggest guy, yet never backed down from a challenge. He will always be regarded as the best blocking wideouts of his or perhaps any generation. And he has those rings and a Super Bowl MVP to go with it. It will likely take awhile, but he’s incredibly deserving in my opinion.
The Newest Podcast
Episode 387 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your viewing and/or listening pleasure. The first few seconds are sloppy and that was entirely my fault! Great Steelers talk as always and plenty of interaction from our loyal band of viewers!
The Other Wilson Looks Ready
While Russell Wilson still looks like my elderly neighbor trying to climb a porch step, Rookie WR Roman Wilson is close to playing. He was a full participant yesterday at practice and the arrow as Mike Tomlin says is “pointing up.” I have no designs that Wilson will suddenly make the offense turn into a scoring machine but I do see him having some success from the slot. He’s an excellent route runner with great, short area quicks. And he’s a willing blocker. We shall see.
Point Break
I really hope the Steelers’ players refer to Keannu Benton as ‘Point Break’ as he shares a name with that movie’s star Keanu Reeves. If they don’t, it’s a missed opportunity. Not only is the movie reference a fair one but Benton has been breaking offensive lines at the point of attack so far this year and I have a feeling he could be the most vital cog in the Steelers’ defensive machine Sunday. They are the top rushing team in football and his ability to control the middle will be huge. But with Justin Herbert on a bum ankle, pressuring him from the interior will force him to move. And when he does it should be into the waiting arms of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
Random Reads
Aaron Rodgers is a strange dude. I’ll just leave it at that… Check out Ian’s coverage of WPIAL High School Football right here at Steel City Blitz. If you’re a former player or no longer live in the area, his coverage is the best around… I’ve been relatively unimpressed with Tom Brady the analyst so far. He sounds like a fan at times and often leaves big gaps between thoughts. My gut tells me he’ll eventually be really good at this… The Ravens have to right the ship in Dallas against a Cowboys’ team that was embarrassed at home last week. It will be interesting to say the least… If you’ll recall at last year’s season and home opener, the amount of 49ers’ fans at Acrisure Stadium was alarming. Don’t be surprised to see something similar on Sunday. I really hope I’m wrong.
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