Daniel McCullers, the Steelers’ 6-7, 352-pound rookie nose tackle, could make his NFL debut Monday. — GETTY IMAGES
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Minutes after the Steelers sprint out of the tunnel Monday night at Heinz Field to take on the Texans — 8:32 p.m. kickoff — there will exist at least a chance to witness something truly special as it relates to the Dick LeBeau defense: The best players might actually take the field.
Be sure to savor it. Your grandchildren will want the tale told right.
Brice McCain will start over Cortez Allen at left corner. McCain hinted as much in our interview last week, and LeBeau strongly suggested it Thursday, as well. And all that took was for McCain to be the team’s best corner in practice by a wide margin — Mike Tomlin’s assessment, not mine — and for McCain to pull off a game-sealing pick-6 in Jacksonville and for Allen to be ranked 103rd out of the NFL’s 103 qualified corners by Pro Football Focus.
Huzzah.
Stephon Tuitt, the second-round pick who was praised so effusively by Tomlin in training camp that the coach later conceded he needed to tone it down, might also see more duty. That’s might, but that’s better than the 13 snaps he saw in Cleveland while Cam Thomas was being shoved all over creation and Brett Keisel was again looking like Da Gray Beard.
We’ll see. If I had to guess, Thomas and Keisel will see significantly more snaps Monday.
Daniel McCullers, the behemoth rookie nose tackle with surprising athleticism to match, might see time, too, given Steve McLendon being sidelined. That’s might, but that’s better than not being handed a helmet for the first six weeks.
If I had to guess, Thomas, who played nose tackle in San Diego last season, albeit badly, will simply slide over into that spot to maintain status quo.
And that’s really the priority here, that status quo, isn’t it?
Let’s not kid anyone here: McCain, Tuitt and McCullers aren’t exactly the next Darrelle Revis, J.J. Watt and Haloti Ngata. That’s not the point at all.
Rather, it’s that the Steelers continue to maddeningly prioritize knowledge of a complex system over choosing the personnel with the greatest ability to actually execute plays.
Tomlin has said a lot of eyebrow-raising stuff the past few days, but nothing perked my ear quite like this, when asked Tuesday if he ever considers simplifying the system for newcomers like McCain or younger players: “I think the larger thing is for them to rise up to the level of standard of expectation in terms of the detail and the energy and the physicality in which we want them to play. It’s less about the adjustments or what we dial back or what we minimize.”
Yeah, perish the thought.
Stop and think about that mindset for a moment: A head coach has only so many controllable variables at his disposal. The overall talent at hand, by and large, is not one of them. At least not once the season starts. But even in that context, rather than asking one of the game’s renowned defensive geniuses to … you know, tear a couple pages out of the playbook, Tomlin would rather have his most athletic players watch while the geriatrics show the apprentices how it’s done.
As an almost-aside here, I’ve got to share this tiny personal tidbit: While standing at the end of the players’ tunnel watching the Steelers walk off the field in Cleveland last week, long face after long face, all dead silent, nothing out of that march struck me as much as seeing 76-year-old James Harrison trudging right along with them.
Really, I recall thinking, what’s he doing here?
Actually jotted that sentence down on the iPhone.
The answer, of course, is simple: He’s here because he knows the system. That’s why Keisel is here, too. And that’s why Ike Taylor was not only brought back for another year but also, before his injury, trusted to be left in island coverage when he hasn’t been capable of that since Tim Tebow.
LeBeau explained his broader philosophy on his system and younger defensive linemen Thursday: “We’ve had a lot of young players contribute for us. We were pretty fortunate there for a lot of years that we had Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Keisel. There wasn’t anybody going to step in that alignment too much. But we had young guys that came along, got ready to play fast. I think that anybody that has the raw material these guys have — Dan has got the size and strength, Tuitt has the athletic ability — they’re going to be able to contribute, and they have to start right now.”
That sounds encouraging, but it’s similar to what LeBeau has been saying about both since Latrobe. What matters is the decision that’s made Monday.
I hope all three of the aforementioned are out there. And it’s easy to tell from talking to Tuitt, who’s probably the most gifted of the group, he’s at least emotionally ready:
The most common charges by the fan base against LeBeau are that the game has passed him by, that his 3-4 defense is no longer innovative and that he can only win with — repeat after me — Bill Cowher’s players.
There’s merit to the second and third points, obviously: More NFL teams are using the 3-4 than ever, and no one can argue that the Steelers’ drafts haven’t nosedived over the past decade. To that first one, though, I’m not so sure. LeBeau pushed all the right buttons in Carolina, and the players made it count in a way few of us, myself included, thought possible against Cam Newton and company. Overall, his defense is ranked No. 12 in the NFL. He’s still sharp, still willing to mix it up.
But it desperately needs takeaways, and that entails playmakers.
At some point, LeBeau needs to wake up from the long dream, look around the room and realize that Big Snack and all the rest are long gone, that it isn’t 2005 anymore. And that it’s well past time to give others at least a fighting chance.
This is exactly the column I would have written if I had your talent. I agree with every word in it and feel like I've said them all. I am a LeBeau fan and no one can doubt the contributions of Harrison, Taylor, Keisel ( I'd even add Polamalu) but time moves on, so should they.
Steelers would say that they haven't drafted high enough in those years to get the really good ones, and after that, we might as well take one in the 4th or 5th round. Bet you don't agree, and I don't either, Bob.
Wild Bill
10-20-2014, 7:12 am
All of this feels right to me. Shazier out for another week, is that right?
i really get tired of hearing the complex defense excuse. Opposing QB's get about two-three full days to prepare during a typical week and they seem to pick it up just fine. Are our draft picks really that stupid or is this scheme just paralysis by analysis.
Tomlin similar to Bylsma in one respect. Early success, many accolades, youngest/fastest to certain achievement level. Both overvalue(d) win/loss records at expense of player growth, trying to squeeze few extra wins to pad resumes.
.
Cost Bylsma in end. Tomlin may be next.
At least we’ll save about $2 million next season when he’s gone.
James Schmitt
10-20-2014, 9:23 am
My fear is the mediocre divisional competition keeps us w/in striking distance & they don't allow Tuitt, McCullers to play much, while continuing to trot out the old guys. It may get us an extra win this yr, but set the D back again next yr. I'd rather lose w youth than vets.
Tuitt is supposed to start tonight. One would think he’d be able to obtain more playing time if he performs well.
Brotherhood of the Redus
10-20-2014, 9:26 am
At some point one of these young men are going to come out and play like they were shot out of a cannon...and that's on them to make it so there's no way they lose snaps to the old dogs. No more excuses this late in the season. They should be well adjusted to life in the NFL
Rocco
10-20-2014, 2:17 pm
I'm sure you've seen this team play enough to know that they aren't in any danger of winning enough to stay competitive, plus, the Ravens are starting to play well.
Brotherhood of the Redus
10-20-2014, 9:23 am
Nicely done DK. How much of this is on Colbert as well? Is Cortez Allen that bad or is he just an open sore exposed because the rest of the defense is not a functional bandage at this point?
Extending Allen is on Colbert, Tomlin and the asst. coaches. There's no way a guy gets an extension unless the coaches think it is the right way to go. Now, the detailsof the extension were solely on Mgt. Hopefully, they can cut bait easily if he doesn't improve quickly.
chethejet
10-20-2014, 9:34 am
When the slide to mediocrity stats, teams want to stem the tide with desperate decisions that fail to stop it. It begins a cascade that shows up down the road. The Steelers are still heading south. Tomlin however is going nowhere. To much invested in his success.
One could argue this column is too easy on lebeau.
Also, at that future date when the steelers finally realize we need a change, this column will read more like fact and less like opinion, particularly "what is this guy doing here?" line.
The only thing I'll say is that playing good defense in the nfl has become increasingly rare. Even the seahawks are giving up points out the wazoo. Product of the shifting rulebook.
But some sacks and turnovers would be nice at least. Those are still legal, I think.
Rob
10-20-2014, 9:50 am
Great quote from Chip Kelly, captured by NFL Films on the sidelines of the Giants-Eagles game eight days ago: “We got a good group of guys, don’t we? Culture wins football games. Culture beats scheme every time.”
The problem for Ben is that the teams needing and willing to pay for a really good free agent qb might reek worse than the Steelers do. He's gotta be thinking about winning soon with the number of years he has left.
nage415
10-20-2014, 10:37 am
Great column DK, the Steelers need to simplify the scheme and to let go of older players like they did Porter or watch what the ravens did when the let go of Reed. One thought regarding Carolina game, Cam Newton wasn't even close to 100% physically with the bad ankle and ribs.
Yep. Carolina had several offensive weapons missing -- or essentially missing -- that game. And a look at how they've fared in other games shows that the 2014 Panthers are simply nothing to write home about.
ltkennedy007
10-20-2014, 10:59 am
does anyone say nothing in more words than mike tomlin does on a week by week basis. If you can look past the frustration and see it from afar...its really impressive. i mean he makes no point EVER yet does it in 1000 words.
Obviously, you need more words to explain things or people won't be able to understand you. And then Rex Ryan will mock you.
Mean Joe
10-20-2014, 11:03 am
I don't disagree with this column, but let's remember something basic:
The two first-round linebackers the Steelers have drafted need to get healthy and start producing. If Jones and Shazier live up to their potential, it will cure 80 percent of what's wrong with the defense.
Hmmmmmm.... Respectfully beg to differ. The DB's, as a unit overall, remain woeful. D-line doesn't scare anyone either. Not to fear, though: even if Jones and Shazier come back healthy, we'll draft another LB in the 1st round, next May. (A tip o' the hat to Plan on this one.)
Pitt Critic
10-20-2014, 11:11 am
I still don't get why Steelers re-signed Cortez Allen to this huge extension. smh.
Reminds me a little of Willie Colon after his extension albeit Colon was always injured.
They been making these extensions for several years now. I like Timmons, but I remember thinking when they signed him it was bit of a stretch. Very good player, but seemed like lotta $ at the time
Jeff
10-20-2014, 11:29 am
I agree with the article. You can't fault DL If he doesn't have the talent to implement his schemes. Our recent injuries expose the deficiencies that we have Many of our future HOF r passed their prime and should b released after season. Leadership and pride r just not there.
At some point though, don't you have to adjust the scheme to fit the talent? The CB example is the perfect one... When you don't have a shutdown guy, you have to run a defense that doesn't require one. You double more, etc. Have to adjust for the team you DO have.
James Schmitt
10-20-2014, 12:31 pm
DL plays a part in who they draft.
Ghost
10-20-2014, 12:49 pm
I could only change 1 thing on D, would retire LeBeau. Sure, we've neglected replenishing our cornerbacks. Sure, we've wasted draft picks on players from Ziggy Hood to Alameda Co. Coliseum (or whatever his name was). But even JJ Watt and Richard Sherman would be squandered by DL
Let's play Make a Prediction! Today's topic: "What will that wacky Mike Tomlin say in his post-game?"
A) We live in our tears
B) I know, that you know, that I know that you know we know what we want to know. I don't run from that.
C) ... (fill in one of your own)
I humbly submit that you include the word "embrace" in letter B somewhere.
Karen
10-20-2014, 2:30 pm
You obviously forgot to include the word obviously in your post-game round-up. I know that you know that such an obvious oversight had to be a mistake. Obviously.
Very nice though seriously!
Jim Bergreen
10-20-2014, 1:43 pm
What is everyone's standard for a good season this year? Make the playoffs? Win a playoff game? Super Bowl? And what do we propose to do to fix the red zone offense? I'll admit, I haven't watched the past couple weeks because one more bubble screen will make me vomit.
An offensive line that can push a pile once in while might help...just saying.
Jack Turner
10-20-2014, 2:08 pm
I agree with youth movement when you have good young players ready to step in ..but we don't have that luxury this year. Farrior was a free agent find that worked out really well. The draft has not worked out well with Tomlin and Colbert.
Ben to Brown for 3 scores - Bell runs another.
*
How do I know? My fantasy Team. I have Brown and have already won. Which means this is the week he will go off. Book it!
Great article, Dejan. I hope these guys really get a fair shot tonight. But will it be enough? I'm not even sure I want it to be now. I almost want a bad season (not that I consider the last 2 good), so that there are some actual changes. Not more of this…
The defense, as last constructed, is old, slow, & injured. No surprise there. I'm more fed up w/ the O-line. They get no push up front. An offense w/Blount & Bell at RB is last in red zone TD% and has scored TDs from inside the 7 TWICE all season, both passes to TE's. Disgusting
I don't care who you have in the secondary or what your scheme is, if you can't get pressure on the QB, even Blake Bortles and Jake Locker can beat you on any given Sunday.
That being said, this is 100% spot-on DK as usual.
I'm going to steal this, DK: "... it’s that the Steelers continue to maddeningly prioritize knowledge of a complex system over choosing the personnel with the greatest ability to actually execute plays." Been trying to explain to friends that the team is stubborn in its mindset.
Great article, DK! I've been saying a lot of this for awhile, it's nice to see it more eloquently phrased here. I love the Steelers, but we have got to adapt or we'll be left in the dust with Jacksonville and Oakland.
October 20, 2014
Column: LeBeau, Steelers’ D need to move on
by Dejan Kovacevic • Columns • Steelers
Daniel McCullers, the Steelers’ 6-7, 352-pound rookie nose tackle, could make his NFL debut Monday. — GETTY IMAGES
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Minutes after the Steelers sprint out of the tunnel Monday night at Heinz Field to take on the Texans — 8:32 p.m. kickoff — there will exist at least a chance to witness something truly special as it relates to the Dick LeBeau defense: The best players might actually take the field.
Be sure to savor it. Your grandchildren will want the tale told right.
Brice McCain will start over Cortez Allen at left corner. McCain hinted as much in our interview last week, and LeBeau strongly suggested it Thursday, as well. And all that took was for McCain to be the team’s best corner in practice by a wide margin — Mike Tomlin’s assessment, not mine — and for McCain to pull off a game-sealing pick-6 in Jacksonville and for Allen to be ranked 103rd out of the NFL’s 103 qualified corners by Pro Football Focus.
Huzzah.
Stephon Tuitt, the second-round pick who was praised so effusively by Tomlin in training camp that the coach later conceded he needed to tone it down, might also see more duty. That’s might, but that’s better than the 13 snaps he saw in Cleveland while Cam Thomas was being shoved all over creation and Brett Keisel was again looking like Da Gray Beard.
We’ll see. If I had to guess, Thomas and Keisel will see significantly more snaps Monday.
Daniel McCullers, the behemoth rookie nose tackle with surprising athleticism to match, might see time, too, given Steve McLendon being sidelined. That’s might, but that’s better than not being handed a helmet for the first six weeks.
If I had to guess, Thomas, who played nose tackle in San Diego last season, albeit badly, will simply slide over into that spot to maintain status quo.
And that’s really the priority here, that status quo, isn’t it?
Let’s not kid anyone here: McCain, Tuitt and McCullers aren’t exactly the next Darrelle Revis, J.J. Watt and Haloti Ngata. That’s not the point at all.
Rather, it’s that the Steelers continue to maddeningly prioritize knowledge of a complex system over choosing the personnel with the greatest ability to actually execute plays.
Tomlin has said a lot of eyebrow-raising stuff the past few days, but nothing perked my ear quite like this, when asked Tuesday if he ever considers simplifying the system for newcomers like McCain or younger players: “I think the larger thing is for them to rise up to the level of standard of expectation in terms of the detail and the energy and the physicality in which we want them to play. It’s less about the adjustments or what we dial back or what we minimize.”
Yeah, perish the thought.
Stop and think about that mindset for a moment: A head coach has only so many controllable variables at his disposal. The overall talent at hand, by and large, is not one of them. At least not once the season starts. But even in that context, rather than asking one of the game’s renowned defensive geniuses to … you know, tear a couple pages out of the playbook, Tomlin would rather have his most athletic players watch while the geriatrics show the apprentices how it’s done.
As an almost-aside here, I’ve got to share this tiny personal tidbit: While standing at the end of the players’ tunnel watching the Steelers walk off the field in Cleveland last week, long face after long face, all dead silent, nothing out of that march struck me as much as seeing 76-year-old James Harrison trudging right along with them.
Really, I recall thinking, what’s he doing here?
Actually jotted that sentence down on the iPhone.
The answer, of course, is simple: He’s here because he knows the system. That’s why Keisel is here, too. And that’s why Ike Taylor was not only brought back for another year but also, before his injury, trusted to be left in island coverage when he hasn’t been capable of that since Tim Tebow.
LeBeau explained his broader philosophy on his system and younger defensive linemen Thursday: “We’ve had a lot of young players contribute for us. We were pretty fortunate there for a lot of years that we had Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Keisel. There wasn’t anybody going to step in that alignment too much. But we had young guys that came along, got ready to play fast. I think that anybody that has the raw material these guys have — Dan has got the size and strength, Tuitt has the athletic ability — they’re going to be able to contribute, and they have to start right now.”
That sounds encouraging, but it’s similar to what LeBeau has been saying about both since Latrobe. What matters is the decision that’s made Monday.
I hope all three of the aforementioned are out there. And it’s easy to tell from talking to Tuitt, who’s probably the most gifted of the group, he’s at least emotionally ready:
The most common charges by the fan base against LeBeau are that the game has passed him by, that his 3-4 defense is no longer innovative and that he can only win with — repeat after me — Bill Cowher’s players.
There’s merit to the second and third points, obviously: More NFL teams are using the 3-4 than ever, and no one can argue that the Steelers’ drafts haven’t nosedived over the past decade. To that first one, though, I’m not so sure. LeBeau pushed all the right buttons in Carolina, and the players made it count in a way few of us, myself included, thought possible against Cam Newton and company. Overall, his defense is ranked No. 12 in the NFL. He’s still sharp, still willing to mix it up.
But it desperately needs takeaways, and that entails playmakers.
At some point, LeBeau needs to wake up from the long dream, look around the room and realize that Big Snack and all the rest are long gone, that it isn’t 2005 anymore. And that it’s well past time to give others at least a fighting chance.