
Could Steelers be moving to 4-3 defense?
A big topic when Mike Tomlin took over as Steelers coach three seasons ago was whether or not he would switch the defense from a 3-4 unit to his specialty, a 4-3. He dispelled those thoughts by retaining Dick LeBeau as defensive coordinator and keeping the 3-4. It was the right decision — and helped him win a Super Bowl — because most of the talent on the Steelers’ defensive line and at linebacker was best suited for a 3-4. However, the 4-3 talk could heat up again by the end of the season, especially with the news Wednesday that defensive end Aaron Smith will be lost for the season with a shoulder injury. For a 3-4 to be effective, a team needs special players at key positions. Smith is the perfect end for a 3-4 because he’s tall, powerful, unselfish and can hold up blockers to free up other guys to make plays. But he’ll be 34 next season coming off the shoulder injury and most likely won’t be as effective in that rol.
» Full StoryIf healthy, Parker still deserves start
Everybody in the Steelers organization knew — or at least hoped — this day would come.
» Full StoryPolamalu’s absence shows his value
The Steelers have lost the last two weeks by not coming up with a big play at the right time, especially on defense.
They won the Super Bowl last year by making those plays.
Steelers need history to repeat itself
In the previous 18 NFL seasons, Cincinnati is the city that has helped heal the Steelers.
» Full StoryRunning woes may not be too severe
It’s been difficult the last week listening to people talk football in this area and not hearing a conversation similar to this:
“Their running game stinks.’’
“Yeah, but the passing game looks good.
A case for the Steelers to go Greene
The Steelers had so many great players in the 1970s, they didn’t know where to start and stop with retiring jersey numbers, so they adopted a policy of not retiring them.
» Full StoryBuck Frank Poll
Should teams with below .500 records be allowed to compete in the playoffs in high school football?


