http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08015/849244-66.stm"Obviously, the sack numbers [47] were something that were up and were unacceptable. But you also have to realize it's the same line that blocked for the league's leading rusher before his injury and it's the same line that allowed the quarterback to have his best year ever.
"To say you need that position and that it is a glaring need, I don't think it's really fair to that group of guys. That being said, sure you want to add depth -- you realize you can lose two unrestricted free agents, and if you do, maybe that changes your focus as you move forward. But I think you have to keep in mind that group did some good things too."
He is still saying Ellen isn't out yet as well, but I think everyone would be surprised to see him stay. He is covering his ass on the Mahan signing, but I guess he can't just come out and say " The Pittsburgh Steeler OL really blows, and after we lose our best shitty player it will get even more sucky. You thought Ben went down a lot this year, just wait until next year".
Still, I hope he doesn't really think that unit is solid. IMO, Ben and Willie putting up big numbers is a reflection on how big of studs they are, not the OL. They did it despite the OL.
Mahan has got to go. He is not the answer at center and he proved it all year. I'm not sold on Marvel coming back to '04-'05 form either. Simmons is so up and down from play to play its impossible to predict he will be. Colon will probably stay out there at RT simply because they can't replace everyone. I see them trying to keep Max to back up the tackles and maybe even push Smith out.
So does the '08 OL look like
Smith/Starks- LT
Kemo/Mahan- LG
Draft pick- C
Simmons- RG
Colon- RT
Does Capizzi(sp?) make it at tackle? I don't see Mahan getting cut, but kept around to maybe replace Reddy and general depth. He's pretty expensive depth though. Some tough calls to make coming up regarding FA and the draft and I hope that come September '08 , it is a new and improved OL, and therefore team, out there.
