OFFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line is always one of the most unstable positions on the Steelers each year. By unstable I don't mean bad. I just mean there is always so much discussion and drama surrounding who the starters be. I saw a question in the Black and Gold Blog asking if Kraig Urbik will be considered as a starter. The answere was no. Why? That is not how the Steelers do things. The offensive line play is crucial to the Steelers formula for success. The only players that have started in their first year in my memory were Alan Faneca, Kendall Simmons and Marvel Smith. As everyone knows the O Line has been under fire the last few years because of the sacks that been has taken. There's always the other side of the story. One of Ben's many strengths is that he's able to hold onto the ball a long time and move around until he finds the open man. That has lead to a lot of big plays from Ben, but also resulted in the big sack total. That's Ben and that's how he'll continue to play. But, he's one of the best because of it.
The other facet of the offensive line is run blocking. This is another way to gauge the quality of the line. Unfortunately, they didn't fare well in this category either. The Steelers finished with their worst rushing total since the Tommy Gun offense. 'nuf said. There were a couple factors to take into account, Marvel Smith and Kendall Simmons. Starters for years, and as you saw above, good enough to start as rookies. They were both injured during the season, replaced and ultimately let go. It's too bad because they were great Steelers and good guys. Darnell Stapleton and Max Starks both came in during the year and played extremely well. Funny that Max Starks lost his job after being a starter, then the Steelers ended up keeping him as a backup for a huge contract and eventually returned to his starting role. If Bill Cowher had remained I think Starks would have been cut. Just how things work out.

Here's how the line will shake out this year, hopefully last year they gelled and will start improving just for the fact they're more familiar:

LG
Chris Kemoeatu, 5 Finally secured the starting role last year. Pretty much a lock.
Jeremy Parquet, 3 Played little last year.

LT
Max Starks, 6 Signed big contract in offseason, Will be starter unless he gets content with the contract and doesn't play up to his ability
Tony Hills, 2 Draft pick last year, hopefully a year of watching did him good, possible backup.
Jason Capizzi, 3 Spent time between the practice squad and the roster, could compete with Tony Hills for backup or go back to the practice squad

RG
Trai Essex, 5 Has put in his time and it looks like he'll get his chance to start. Has played well in backup roles when called on.
Darnell Stapleton, 3 Currently sitting out 2-4 weeks because of knee injury. Played well last year after replacing Marvel Smith, but it doesn't look like he'll start out at number 1 this year.
Kraig Urbik, R A project that will need some seasoning, most likely practice squad material if he makes the team.


RT
Willie Colon, 4 Also, took control of his position last year but also had a lot of holding calls in crucial situations. Still young though.

C
Justin Hartwig, 8 The old vet at the position. A quality starter that Steelers picked up as a free agent. Dependable. Currently Injured.
Doug Legursky, 1 On and off the practice squad last year. May start in preseason because of injuries to Hartwig and Stapleton. If those 2 are healthy at the beginning of the season it may be another year of travelling to and from the practice squad.
A.Q. Shipley, R Another project. Late round draft pick that the Steelers liked quite a bit. Will fight with others for practice squad spot unless he plays exceptionally in preseason.
Alex Steponavich, 6 Signed by the Steelers to shore up the position after Hartwig and Stapleton injuries arose. Unless these 2 aren't healthy he'll probably be a cut.

Ramon Foster, free agent from Tennessee. Looking good in preseason. May be a find.

Tomorrow, I'll switch over to defense. Cornerbacks