My initial post focuses on what I've been hearing for years: the Steelers are aging and the "window" for success is closing. Balderdash. Hooey. Rubbish. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin know full well the formula for success. This organization's history speaks volumes. No need to have to relive the past to prove the point.
So, here we are in 2011 and the names James Farrior, Casey Hampton, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel. All over 30. A few over 35. And isn't Aaron Smith over 40? It may be feel that way to the oft-insjured heart and soul of the Steelers defense.
Which leads me to the reality: the Steelers are getting younger and younger on every Maurkice Pouncey snap. Let's take a look:
The offensive line. It's projected to be Jonathon Scott, Chris Kemoeatu, Pouncey, Ramon Foster/Doug Legurskey, and Willie Colon. All are under 30. Scott is a stop gap for rookie Marcus Gilbert to take over the left tackle spot. And Chris Scott is a promising second-year guard/tackle from Tennessee. 'Nuff said.
Skill positions. Ben Roethlisberger is entering his 30s and his prime. 30 is the new 20s for a quarterback (see Brett Favre). Rashard Menendhall is just 24. Between his mouth and coming in the league as a 20 year-old, it just seems he's been in the league longer. Baron Batch might become a surprise backup as a rookie. Receivers Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders are in their early 20s. Tight end Heath Miller is over 30, a slight concern, but Wesley Saunders could be a backup coming from the free agent ranks. That summarizes the offense. Other than Ward, Miller, and Ben, there are no key offensive players over 30. Ward is among a young group of receivers. And Ben is young in the quarterback world.
Per the defense, worrisome Steeler Country fans (yes, me included) are more concerned. The likes of Keisel, Hampton, and Smith make us all think our legendary run defense will suddenly wither. But if you look closer, the defensive line is seeing a transformation. Ziggy Hood, in his third year, became a regular contributor in Smith's absence due to season ending surgery. On the other side, expect Cameron Heyward, the black and gold's first-round pick, to slowly rotate into the lineup. Add Steve McClendon, at age 25, as a backup, and the line is slowly getting a facelift. The linebackers also send shivers when you see a mid-30s Farrior, achy back angry James Harrison, and backup Larry Foote that are on the wrong side of 30. Rest easy. Lamar Woodley is $60-plus million richer and is happy to become the next legend at linebacker (and to never let Joe Flacco touch Lombardi's trophy). Lawrence Timmons is next in line for a big pay day. Harrison is a workout beast and should play at a top level for the next few years. This will be Farrior's last year. Larry Foote can move into his spot or second-year special teams standout Stevensen Sylvester should surprise. Add Jason Worlilds to the mix at the outside, and rookie Chris Carter potentially waiting in the wings, the Steelers are in good shape.
Which ends this post with the secondary. Ike Taylor signed a new deal that will keep him in Pittsburgh until his mid-30s. Bryan McFadden and William Gay are 20-some corners that are average at best. They tackle well in space, but they also give up the big play. Enter a young group of corners who may help. Crezdon Butler may step into the role of nickel back if Gay falters. Keenan Lewis, in his third-year, needs to keep his head and continues to develop. Rookies Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen have potential, but may take time to help the team. The safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark are both over 30, and backup Will Allen is almost 30. Ryan Mundy isn't the answer. So, with Troy's injury issues, this may be a problem area.
But despite the relative age issues, the Steelers are slowly rebuilding the team. And the black and gold have fewer issues than most of the NFL.
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