It’s been a few weeks since my last installment.  Since then the Steelers beat up on the Broncos with a defensive shutdown performance and Big Ben misfired big time versus the division leading Bengals.

Following the Denver game, backup Safety Tyrone Carter was the defensive player of the week for his 2 INT performance.   He was basically in the right place to pick up some poorly thrown balls and made the most of it.  Ziggy Hood started seeing some decent playing time in Denver.  He has some pressure and was not challenged much by the running game.  Sunny Harris however has been inactive and the team has gone with only 5 D-linemen the last two weeks.  This may be a sign that Harris does not know the scheme enough to contribute or a sign that the Steelers are trying to stack the special teams units to somehow stop giving up touchdowns.

In the Cincinnati game, the offense and Ben largely were unable to establish a rhythm and sustain a drive.  Ben was throwing short without touch and kept under throwing the long balls.  The offense was toothless in the red zone.  A very frustrating game altogether to see Ben continuing to throw 30 yards downfield instead of focusing on making a first down.  During this game Polamalu tweaked his PCL and will miss one or two games as a result.  That should bring him to roughly a whole half season injured.  This underscores the need to have the best backup safety in the league.  And no, despite his performance in Denver, Tyrone Carter is not that guy.

I’m guessing the Steelers should bounce back against the punching bag Chiefs this week.  Following that, they’ll have a good gut check versus the Ravens.  Kirschke and Polamalu are out this week.  Carey Davis is questionable with a minor injury from the Denver game.

In roster moves, The Steelers cut Arnold Harrison and signed Donovan Woods from the practice squad at linebacker.  Harrison has made a few tackles on special teams but is allegedly responsible for losing his lane responsibility on two of the TD the coverage units have given up.  Arnold Harrison had some versatility to play inside or outside backer.  He seems to have lost a step, perhaps due to injuries the past two years.  Woods was a standout on special teams last year.  He also played ILB well during pre-season. 

This move makes the Steelers thin at OLB with Andre Frazier the primary backup and ST guys Bailey and Woods a step behind.  Timmons can play outside as well.  If one of the OLB goes down, it’s a possibility that the team might move Timmons outside and put Fox in the middle. 

The team has signed Curtis Gatewood to the practice squad in Woods’ spot.  At 6-2, 245 lb Gatewood looks like an OLB/ST guy.  He’s in his second year in the league and has spent time with the Redskins, Lions, Chiefs and most recently the Eagles.  With the Eagles, for what it’s worth , he was listed as a 4-3 OLB.  He’s a DE converted to OLB so he could be a diamond in the rough who was unable to find a spot on those 4-3 teams.

Position Review – Wide Receiver

Starter Hines Ward – Super Bowl MVP, Fierce Competitor, All-World Blocker, Veteran Team leader, Community Service All-star – What more can you say about Ward?  He’s persevered through probably a dozen receivers drafted to compete with him.  He’s aged fantastically and is having as productive season as ever.  His infectious smile and spirit lift the team and fans alike.  While some think he’s on the fringe, I think there’s a spot in Canton for Ward.  He’s got a few more years left in the tank for sure.

Starter Santonio Holmes is the second Super Bowl MVP receiver on the squad.  He’s coming into his own and is probably mid-pack for a #1 receiver on an NFL team.  He’s signed through 2011.

Starter Mike Wallace is a promising rookie the team picked up in the third round this year.  He’s lighting fast, has good hands and is a very coachable player.  The sky appears to be the limit for this guy.  Wallace’s emergence is key in my opinion as it allows the team to take some chances with the #4 and 5 receivers down the road instead of signing a veteran insurance policy.

Backup Sean McDonald is a fine veteran receiver and the aforementioned insurance policy.  I don’t think he has the physical tools to start on this stacked squad but he should be considered a reliable fill-in in case of injury.

Backup Limas Sweed has so much potential but has yet learned to consistently catch the ball.  He’s fast and tall and can be found open in the endzone, but if Sweed can’t make the catch, there’s no room for him on the team.  As a second round pick he’s on the verge of being considered a bust.  At best, he’s been unacceptably slow to become a dependable receiver.  Look for him to get a few more chances this year to show something.  If he can’t get his head on straight, his next camp might be his last.

Practice Squad player Tyler Grisham could potentially find a roster spot down the road as a slot receiver and special teams ace.  He was a special teams captain at Syracuse.  The Steelers have a tradition of #5 receivers who are special teams dynamos.  Perhaps Grisham can be the next such player in the mold of Chidi Iwuoma and Sean Morey.