Gel

No, not hair gel. The gel that happens when a team plays together for years and knows what other players are going to do before they do it. This Pirates team, after a dismal stretch, has put together a string of wins in the last week and looks to be gelling. The thing is they've played together very little. That would explain the losing streak that preceded the 5 game winning streak, but not the winning streak. These guys are looking like a team that can put up a few winning streaks of more than 2 games. Hopefully they can keep it up. If they can do it the rest of the season it is something to look forward to next year for us and the players. The pitching should continue to grow, if one guy doesn't do it we have others to choose from. Huntington did get pitchers in all of his trades and that should provide competition. Except for Charlie Morton's short stint in the 10 run effort I don't remember too many 1 or 2 inning outings from these guys. I'd like to see Ohlendorf continue to pick up wins but don't overdo the innings.

Did you see another team had a 3 run rally in the 9th last night? Indianapolis. Funny how both teams came through in the 9th.

Dennis Dixon

Haven't seen anything on the severity of Dixon's injury other than the fact that he was not wearing a sling yesterday. He could be an important cog in the system if CB goes down. Charlie hasn't been the healthiest of QBs since arriving in Pittsburgh in mostly a backup role. See 2008-2009 season highlights, but he makes a good backup because he can play in short stints. Dixon was playing well in the preseason and despite the fact that I think Batch will keep the backup role this year Dennis at least is pushing Charlie with his playmaking. Next year if Charlie is still around I would look for Dixon to take over the backup role. I would really like to see Dennis in the Wildcat role this year too. Doubt it will happen with Arians controlling the offense.

DEFENSIVE LINE WEDNESDAY

I'll review the defensive line Wednesday. Then finally what everyone has really been waiting for, special teams.

Little tidbit to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Except for Casey Hampton the Steelers can't say they've been real efficient in picking first round defensive lineman that were high quality players. But, from what we've seen in the preseason, they just might found a diamond in the rough this year. Ziggy hood, their first round selection has been playing well and is racking up the sacks in preseason. A good sign for this team with the aging line that they have found little in the draft to become younger. Of course, they did win the Super Bowl last year and everyone is back from that team less a backup or two. Stay tuned for the rest of the story on the defensive line.

New poll question starting today

The new poll question for the week, when will the Pirates next winning season be: 2010, 2011, 2012

Just short

The Pirates came up just short of the 48 game winning streak I predicted but they can start a new one against Philly. Too bad they couldn't take some of those runs from Saturday and add them to yesterday. It was good to see Ryan Doumit have a good game Saturday. He was hitting it hard Friday, and was robbed by a good defensive play to right in one at bat. Unfortunately it's nearing season end, but he still has another month to show his stuff unless they rest him for next season and play Jarmillo more.

LINEBACKERS

It's not a secret that the Steelers have been the NFL team with the best linebackers for many years now. It also helps that they have a D Coordinator that can utilize all the talent they have been able to accumulate at that position. I'm sure they had others throughout their history but the recognition for their linebacking corps started back when they started drafting their Hall of Famers in the 70's. Andy Russell and the Jack's set the pace for a future stacked with big name Linebackers. Others along the line included Bryan Hinkle, Mike Merriweather, David Little, Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirland, Chad Brown, Kendrell Bell, Jason Gildon, Joey Porter, Clark Haggans, and the guys they have now; Harrison, Woodley, and Timmons. Even when they had to go outside the draft they found a few good ones that fit the Steelers mold in Kevin Greene and James Farrior. These guys have all had Steelers Football in them.

The 2 outside linebackers strike fear into opposing quarterbacks each game. Harrison and Woodley sacked the QB time after time last year and had a competition to see who would end up with the team sack lead for the year. Harrison pulled away and took the team lead for good, but good things are ahead for Woodley. He played well beyond his 2 years experience in the league and looked more like a seasoned veteran in the playoff, chasing down Flacco and Warner. It didn't hurt that those teams were putting anyone they could on Harrison trying to keep him away. So Harrison was locked up with a new contract and this is Woodley's in his 3rd year so they're good with those 2 guys.

The 2 inside guys are James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons. James Farrior, the crafty veteran that came to the Steelers via free agency after spending 5 years there has been a rock at the position since he arrived. He is the defenses quarterback and despite his longevity in the league is ageless, he's a timex. Timmons was drafted the same year as Woodley and has been more and more productive as his experience grows. Larry Foote, the stalwart at the other inside linebacker position saw the writing on the wall but was able to keep Timmons on the bench for 2 years. After last season was over and despite having the contract for another year, Larry decided that he would probably be better off somewhere where he could continue playing full time and not come out every other play for Timmons to take over for him. Thus, Mr. Timmons inherited the starting position. He played extremely well last season and looks to be another brick in the foundation for the Steelers.

So, that leaves the rest of the guys in camp to fight for the rest of the backup duties. It helps if you're a backup to be able to play special teams: the Steelers special teams improved significantly from previous years and that had a lot to do with a couple of linebackers on the special teams. Keyaron Fox and Patrick Bailey have been very noticeable on special teams and made some big hits to improve the coverage unit from the previous year. Arnold Harrison and Andre Frazier have provided the depth and now experience after being on the team and learning from the older Linebackers.

Expectations have been that Bruce Davis in his second year out of UCLA would provide additional depth at the position. There is some optimism for his chances of making the team because of improved play, but his skills on special teams are lacking whic does not help his cause. May end up on the practice squad.

The other 2 linebackers Tom Korte and Andrew Schantz will have an uphill battle trying to make this squad.

James Harrison, 5, Kent State
James Farrior, 13, Virginia
LaMarr Woodley, 3, Michigan
Lawrence Timmons, 3, Florida State

Keyaron Fox, 6, Georgia Tech,
Andre Frazier, 5, Cincinnati, ROLB
Arnold Harrison, 4, Georgia, LOLB
Patrick Bailey, 2, Duke, LOLB
Bruce Davis, 2, UCLA, LOLB
Donovan Woods, 2, Oklahoma State, ROLB
Tom Korte, R, Hillsdale
Andrew Schantz, R, Portland State

LINEBACKERS

Next review for the Steelers is Linebackers.