The Fifth Quarter W/ Coach D

Ohio State VS Michigan – College Football’s Biggest Rivalry

Today is the day once again, when the world can turn on their TV and watch the biggest and best rivalry in college football, possibly the biggest and best rival in sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor to take on The Michigan Wolverines. The rivalry between these two teams goes way back, and it is like fine wine. It just gets better and better with time. Every year, there seems to be a thing or two that makes this the must-watch game, as if the rivalry itself wasn’t good enough, and this year is no exception.

First, the winner of this game will most likely find themselves in the BIG 10 Championship Game, a step closer to the National Championship Game. Look for both teams to pull out all the punches and dig deep into the playbook today, anything to get the edge over the opponent. For those aspiring to be a coach, this may be the game you want to watch as it will be one of many adjustments and calls made in stressful situations.

Michigan must make those adjustments and those stressful calls without Jim Harbaugh on the sideline for this crucial game. Jim is completing his three-game on-field suspension for “sealing signs,” one of the biggest travesties in sports. Jim was doing what any other coach would and should be, scouting the opponents to get a leg up on them; even in high school sports, this happens, and the fans are made to believe it doesn’t happen in college and the pros, please! The suspension goes deeper than that; the NCAA has seen Harbaugh do amazing things, and he may be leaving the NCAA next year for a return to the pro game. Again, every coach does this to a degree. Why the punishment on Harbaugh and why now, we will never know.

Ohio State is coming into this game with a wide receiver who many feel is the best athlete, and you will get no argument from me. Marvin Harrison Jr is a phenom at the receiver position and will present a problem for the Wolverine defense throughout this one. Ohio State must find a way to get the ball and get it to him often and in many ways. Harrison needs to catch the ball, run the ball, hell, even let him return the ball in this one.

Offensively, Michigan is bringing a whole different attack, a rushing attack led by Blake Corum. Corum is a combo running back with great speed, power, and excellent hands out of the backfield. Michigan will need him to have a big day, just like Ohio State needs from Harrison. The one thing Corum does very well for Big Blue is he has a nose for the End Zone, and every time you put on a Michigan game, it seems like this kid is scoring touchdowns.

In the trenches, this game will be a war of who wants it more and who is willing to dig a little deeper in the later points of this game. The team that can do so and impose their will on the other will most likely come out victorious in this one, and this will be the thing to watch for: who is getting pushed around and who is doing the pushing.

Defensively, both teams will have their hands full trying to stop the go-to guy for the opposing team’s offense, Harrison for Ohio State and Corum for Michigan. If one of these defenses makes a mistake and the other team can capitalize on it, the mistake costs them a trip to the coveted Big 10 Championship Game.

The wild card in this game, for me, is J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy must be a big-time player in moments and can do just that. Ohio State knows Michigan wants to run the ball, so they will be sold on stopping that run, leaving throwing lanes for McCarthy to get the ball outside to his playmakers out there in space. McCarthy needs to have one of his better games today, and he will. Don’t be surprised if the Wolverines ride McCarthy’s arm as long as possible to open up the run lanes for Corum and possibly ride his arm to victory in this one.

If you only watch one game this year, make it this one; it isn’t going to disappoint. Ohio State VS Michigan, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Michigan by 7

Matt Canada Out as Steelers Offensive Coordinator – Steeler Nation Keep that Champagne on Ice

On Tuesday Morning (November 21, 2023), The Pittsburgh Steelers went entirely against their norm. The Steelers mid-season fired Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, a move Steeler Nation has been vocal about making for about two years. On the surface, this was a much-needed move, but Steeler Nation, there are a few reasons to Keep that Champagne on Ice (for now), as well as a possible look into the future that may have the corks on those bottles popping in a celebration when the smoke clears.

1.) Silence the Noise in the Locker Room – The Steelers as an organization have a creed that if you speak out about the brand, you usually pack your locker. In this instance, though, the noise was so loud that the higher-ups had to listen. When T.J. Watt, Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, Kenny Pickett, and others talk very loudly about how bad the offense is, from scheme to preparation and everything in between, you must listen unless you are ready to dismantle the whole team.

2.) Promotions from Within – Steeler Nation This is your biggest worry with this move. Tomlin promoted Running Backs coach Eddie Faulkner to Offensive Coordinator and quarterback coach Mike Sullivan to game-day play caller. The first problem with this is replacing one guy with two. Two men to be on the same page at all times, and this is not the alarming part of this move. The problematic part is the last couple of times the Steelers promoted within is what has got them to this point. Randy Fichtner and Matt Canada are both within the team promotions. Unless these two ultimately wow everyone, this cannot be a long-term move but a bridge move until they get their guy to fill this spot permanently. The Steelers Offensively will be a challenge for anyone who can’t get in and get dirty with them. The Offensive Line has shown it is miserable at best up to this point. Najee Harris has just about disappeared (what happened to put him out in the slot on passing plays) or even run him on a toss or off-tackle run once in a while; he is more than capable. The WR group is talented and young but needs more disciplined route running and blocking in the run game, and when it’s your time to make a play, make the play. What is Kenny Pickett? Pickett has shown signs of being excellent and capable of being what Pittsburgh needs at QB, but lately, he looks lost, confused, and non-confident; this all needs to change to see what he is or isn’t.

3.) Finding “Their Guy” – As a coach myself, this is where Mike Tomlin might be entirely over his head and out of his league. Mike Tomlin is a defense-oriented coach (more on this later) and has zero grasp on what the NFL is about today. The NFL is no longer a smash-mouth league, but more of a track meet and throwing the football all over the yard. At this point, the successful coaches in the NFL all have one thing in common: an above-average to an elite offense with a defense that keeps you in games coached by a young coach (except for Andy Reid) who understands the pulse of the NFL. Andy Reid, Kyle Shannahan, Nick Sirani, Sean McVay, and Mike McDaniel all have the same things in common: an offense led by a mobile QB who can throw the ball down the field, a versatile run game, and a WR who gets open and catch the ball. The Steelers have all of these except the Offensive line, but they can patch this with different blocking assignments. If the Steelers want to turn this offense around before it gets too bad and players start jumping ship, they need to find a guy like those mentioned above. A few names to watch would be Byron Leftwich, Eric Bieniemy, Ken Dorsey, and Darrell Bevell.

Here are a couple of things lingering in my mind that deserve some consideration as well

1.) Steelers Quiet at Trade Deadline–They were reticent at the trade deadline when many thought they would make some significant moves. Is it possible the Steelers were quiet at the deadline because they knew firing Canada was possible, and they wanted to give the “new guy” the whole arsenal to work with? I think this is a huge possibility.

2.) Mike Tomlin, the new Defensive Coordinator – Steeler Nation, hear me out. On Tuesday, another story out of Steeler camp got pushed aside because of the Canada news. The Steeler’s current Defensive Coordinator, Teryl Austin, is rumored to be Syracuse’s number-one guy to fill their spot at Head Coach next season. Remember earlier when I said Mike Tomlin knows the defensive side of the ball? What if Pittsburgh doesn’t hire a new DC, and Mike Tomlin takes over the play calling there (which I think he already does to a degree, anyway)? The move would allow the Steelers to go out and get a higher name on the offensive side of the ball that could work hand in hand with Tomlin as an assistant head coach and the OC, just as Tomlin would be doing as the DC. This coaching move is a story I know will get no push, but I would love to see it happen. If this were to happen, the guy would have to be John Gruden. Gruden is excellent friends with Tomlin, knows the offensive side of the ball, has been a proven coach, and would set that offense room on fire. The best part about this would be for the next three years, his pay would be minimal because the Raiders owe him the bank, so his salary from the Steelers would be pennies.

Steeler nation, it’s time to rebuild this great franchise that has been crumbling slowly and lying in a pile of rubble on the ground for about three years now. The front office of the Steelers has been the best for many years, and I don’t see why they won’t right this ship. There is no evidence that they are doing so now, but if they do, Steeler Nation will pop those corks and pour one out for this great franchise’s return to greatness.

How are the Ravens Mistreating Lamar Jackson?

In the off-season every year for the NFL, a story sees its 15 minutes of fame and then seems to linger around longer than it should. This year in the NFL, that story is the contract negotiations, or lack thereof, between the Baltimore Ravens and their QB Lamar Jackson.

Before I dive too deep into this, let me make myself clear in saying that every sports contract is beyond ridiculous and blown way out of proportion. With that said, The Ravens initially offered Lamar Jackson a five-year $250 million deal, with $133 million of that deal guaranteed. Jackson turned down the deal and said he wanted more. I have to listen to analyst after analyst that says Jackson has proven he deserves top-tier money, and some have even said he should reset the market for the QB position. Jackson is electric on the football field and is a glorified running back that has displayed he can throw the football, but when asked to throw the ball to win a game consistently, those are the games he comes up short in. Jackson has played for Baltimore since 2018, and the best the Ravens have finished was 14-2, and they lost in the divisional round of the playoffs.

In 2018 the Ravens finished with a record of 10-6 and a loss in the wild-card round.
In 2019 the Ravens finished with a record of 14-2 and a loss in the divisional round.
In 2020 the Ravens finished with a record of 11-5 and a loss in the divisional round.
In 2021 the Ravens finished with a record of 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
In 2022 the Ravens finished with a record of 10-7 and a loss in the wild-card round.

Now, you may think he at least is taking his team to the playoffs every year, except for 2021. The statement would be a true one, but let's look at the stats of a guy with an overall, as far as money goes, contract similar to what Baltimore offered Jackson and see how it compares.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs has a ten-year $450 million with a $133 million guaranteed contract. In the same years of play as Jackson, Mahomes is way above Jackson, where his team finishes at the end of every season, with two of those seasons ending in a Super Bowl victory.

In 2018 the Chiefs finished with a record of 12-4 with a loss in the conference finals.
In 2019 the Chiefs finished with a record of 12-4 and won the Super Bowl.
In 2020 the Chiefs finished with a record of 14-2 and lost in the Super Bowl.
In 2021 the Chiefs finished with a record of 12-5 and lost in the conference finals.
In 2022 the Chiefs finished with a record of 14-3 and won the Super Bowl.

My question to all the analysts out there is, explain to me how the Ravens are mistreating Jackson during these negotiations. Jackson may be above average, but he isn't in the same tier as Mahomes, yet the Ravens offered him Mahomesesque money, and somehow this is an injustice to Lamar Jackson. Couldn't one argue it would be an injustice to Mahomes? Yes, Lamar is a dual threat and has more running yards than passing yards in most games, but what matters is the win/loss column, and in the winning side, he comes up short when the lights shine the brightest, while the lights can't get bright enough for Mahomes.

Lamar Jackson is at fault here, and his ego will bury his football career before he can even have time to prove he is the $200 million man. They offered Jackson a ridiculous yet beyond-the-fair deal, and his ego turned it down; say it like it is and quit coddling this man.

Why Does ESPN Continue to Allow this to be Aired?

Ladies and Gentlemen (Please read this entirely before commenting), this will probably be longer than it should; just FYI
I have been trying not to comment on things happening in the world today because, to be completely honest with you, it's like hitting my head into a brick wall, but something has been going on now for a couple of days. It shows again how the kids of today WARPED into thinking the world hates everybody......but to bring my argument full circle, I must first give you some background, and the experience is this...

What is an MVP award, and who deserves to get it??????

Now I can speak openly about this because this question brought up a rough patch in my life of coaching football and owning a semi-pro football team. An MVP is a person whose team could not be the same without them; MVP stands for MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. Unfortunately, though, in the sports world, it often should be called the MPP award, the MOST POPULAR PLAYER award, because when the "popular" guy doesn't win, the world is in an uproar and has to find an excuse for why the VALUABLE person won and not the POPULAR person.

In my first year as a semi-pro football team owner, I gave a player the MVP that never missed a practice, played multiple positions, never questioned the coaching staff, and knew the offensive and defensive playbook by heart. Was this person the POPULAR choice? Nope, not by far, but he gave the most VALUE to the team and therefore was the most VALUABLE to the team.

The same with High School sports; the POPULAR kids win EVERYTHING while the kid that is busting his ASS in the background and doesn't fight for himself as he should but still shows up and shows out when given the opportunity gets overlooked YEAR after YEAR!

Now to the reason for this, Kendrick Perkins was on ESPN the other day, and the co-host asked about the MVP for the NBA this year. He made a statement that was so RACIST; yes, I said RACIST, yet NO ONE is speaking on it at all......Perkins said that in the last thirty years, the MVP has only gone to FIVE guys who didn't lead the league in scoring, and in those years, the MVP went to Steve Nash in 05-06, Dirk Nowitzki in 07, and Nikola Jokic in 21-22 and he said do you know what all three guys have in common.......and he ended by saying I will just let that stew there and you figure it out! Perkins implied that those THREE gentlemen are WHITE!!!!!!!! Now before I go further, allow me to say yes, they, by the color of their skin, are white, but do you also know they are also from a nationality other than THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!! Nash is Canadian, Nowitzki is German, and Jokic is Serbian. Yes, that needs to be CELEBRATED, not DEGRADED.

Let me take you back even further. Do you know if you go back to 1980, only Larry Bird is the only other WHITE guy to win the MVP in those 42 years from 1980 to 2022, and he did so three consecutive years from 84 to 86!

Let me bring my point full circle and ask the basketball fans a legit question. Do the Phoenix Suns win in 05-06 if Nash is on the bench or not playing there? Do the Mavericks look amazing in 07 without Nowitzki? Are the Nuggets in contention in 21-22 without Jokic?????? The answer is simply NO!!!!!!! Those men were the MOST VALUABLE to their teams in those seasons, which is why the NBA (a 98% WOKE organization in the first place) gave those men their props. The argument isn't a SKIN COLOR issue. The view is a POPULARITY issue, and just because these men's jersey sales aren't through the roof doesn't mean they aren't VALUABLE to the teams they put their uniform on and play every night.

Kendrick Perkins is a PREPETUATER of HATE, and ESPN should be (but won't be) ashamed for allowing him to continue spilling this HATE into the ears of our YOUTH!!!!!!! PERKINS 100% ABUSED his TV and MICROPHONE TIME. I mean, isn't the fact that you used five years out of 30 to say the WHITE MAN won an award that the BLACK MAN didn't win a RACIST statement?????

I bet if Jokic had said oh, finally, another WHITE MAN won this award for the fifth time in 30 years, everyone would be out to get him!!!!!!
RACISM is RACISM, PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!

Pittsburgh Steelers: 2022-2023 Off-Season

End of the Season Recap: The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the 2022 season the best they could. The Steelers went 7-2 down the stretch and they were healthy at the end. Steelers fans got a glimpse at what the team could be. The end of the season brings changes both incoming and outgoing. Even though the Steelers went 9-8 and had a winning season, in reality, the season left a lot to be desired, and hopefully, the organization will go to the drawing board and right the ship.

Looking to the 2023 Season:

The Front Office: The front office of the Steelers organization is consistently one of the best front offices in the NFL, especially around draft time. The Steelers always seem to find” their guy” every year, most of those guys being “Steelers guys” not necessarily the “big board guys”.

Mike Tomlin: Tomlin's focus this off-season has to be finding the guy that can take this young, talented offensive roster to the heights it needs to go to. If Tomlin cannot find this guy (and no, he is not in-house) then maybe Tomlin needs to step aside and allow the front office to find the guy that can. Tomlin has a great grasp on the defensive side of the ball, and can definitely keep his hand in that cookie jar/

Matt Canada: Canada needs to go back to being the QB Coach. Canada's questionable play calling has put the Steelers in bad spots consistently throughout the season. His inability to stay with what's working has left everyone, including Canada himself, scratching his head. The Steelers are the most predictable offense in the NFL. If you've watched one Steelers game with Canada at, OC, you've seen them all. Canada a word to the wise 1st & 10 or 1st & 5 is the down to take a chance, not 3rd and inches. On 3rd down, you need to get the 1st down. Sustaining drives is a defense's best friend. Averaging 16 points a game will not produce many wins in the NFL. Quit relying on the defense to bail you out and win games for you. The defense may win championships, but without points, you CANNOT WIN! Canada you have had more than enough time to get this right and should not be flushing this talented offense down the toilet.

Teryl Austin: If there ever was a guy that gets paid to carry a clipboard, wear a headset, and hold a title in name, only Teryl is the guy. There's no secret why the defense has looked no different since Lebeau left, and the reason is that as stated before, Tomlin will continually have his imprint on the defense as long as he is in that coaching room. The main problem with the defense is playing out of who they are. The defense always seems to make the needed play and will continue to do so year after year as long as the depth remains and the gun doesn't completely unload soon.

2023 Potential Free Agents: The Steelers find themselves in a very familiar place this off season. That place is in the potential loss of critical pieces of the team the year before. This year is no different. Some potential free agency losses may not seem as hard as others. Here are some that the Steelers need to consider bringing back to keep the much-needed depth or starter spot filled.

Larry Ogunjobi–The Steelers got Larry at the tail end of his career, and although he may not be the wrecking ball, he was in his earlier days, Larry was a much-needed depth guy. Larry originally brought in as a depth guy saw plenty of playing time on the DL to show he earned the chance to come back and be the guy they picked them up to be.

Devin Bush–This one is an either-way decision. The rumor mill is cycling high. The Steelers have a replacement in mind a guy that's a more sideline-to-sideline and deep mid-cover guy. If this rumor pans out, I can see him moving on, but if this doesn't come to fruition Bush can resign at a very low market value and could still be efficient enough to be a bridge guy to the next guy, especially with the play of Spillane providing they bring him back as well.

Robert Spillane–Spillane will be the LB to resign, as he is the one true MLB that knows the system in place there in Pittsburgh. Spillane is also a Swiss army knife in the LB position as he can play inside or outside, which lends himself to be used in different sets and makes him a higher priority in what Pittsburgh wants to do.

Cameron Sutton–this one may surprise some, but the truth of the matter is Sutton is an above-average Nickle corner. The Nickle corner position gets overlooked often, but in the Steelers scheme they ask a lot out of their Nickle corner, and Sutton can also lend his services to the outside Corner spots as well for depth in case of injury. Sutton plays much better inside but can move outside as well for a game or two.

Terrell Edmunds or Damontae Kazee–this is going to come down to which one the coaching staff likes more. I give the edge to Edmunds because he knows the system, and he is the reason that Minkah Fitzpatrick can move around the way he does because Edmunds can control the back end. Kazee might do the same, but there's not enough production to tell that at this moment.

Derek Watt–Watt is the lone offensive guy on this list. For the Steelers to warrant resigning Watt, they really need to use him more effectively. Watt has proven to be a great short-yardage guy, whether it be a 3rd and inches or a goal-line situation Watt is money, and if the Steelers are going to take advantage of this, then they need to pay him for his services or let him go where he can use his services elsewhere.

2023 Team Needs:

Defensive Tackle–The Steelers always seem to find “the hog” for the middle. As great as Heyward is, he isn't getting younger and he could really benefit from a wing-man. Alu-Alu was good two years ago, but disappeared after his injury and has never resurfaced. Pittsburgh needs to find the new Heyward and a wingman or two.

Inside Linebacker–With the uncertainty with Bush and Spillane, the Steelers need a run-stuffing sure tackler in the middle. Myles Jack can be a sideline-to-sideline guy. They need a get in the hole and tackle the ball carrier guy.

Offensive Line–With a young gunslinger at the QB spot and a coaching staff hell-bent on running the ball with the workhorses Harris and Warren, the o-line is a huge concern. Yes, Harris had over 1,000 yards rushing again for the second straight year but he also carried the ball 272 times and averaged just over 3.5 yards a carry. This isn't bad at all, but imagine if the o-line could have made and solidified a block more often. While the line gelled at the end of the season, it needs o be better and have more depth.

Cornerback–Pittsburgh needs a true #1 corner. Corner by committee will eventually rear its ugly head and will get exposed. The Steelers need to find an island guy and use the other spot as a rotating door and keep the fresh guy in over there. Corner seems to always be a need for the Steelers and this year it is the same.

Quarterback–This is not a need at the starting spot. Pickett locked that down. This is a depth need. Trubisky and Rudolph both could easily pack up their lockers right now. Look for the Steelers to draft a QB in the later rounds of the draft and to bring in a capable veteran backup in the event Pickett gets hurt.

Wide Receiver–I cannot believe I am even mentioning this position. At the beginning of the year, it seemed like this was the most fruitful position on the field. Exit Claypool, and the rest not really living up to potential and the Steelers dip into this pool once more like it seems like they do every year recently. Luckily for the Steelers and their fans, the Steelers have a great reputation for drafting at this position.

2023 Steelers by Position: Offense

LT - Dan Moore Jr - The Steelers could use an upgrade here, but the upgrade is more so for the passing game to keep edge rushers out of Pickett's hip pocket.

LG–Kevin Dotson–An upgrade here would benefit the run game. The Steelers are not an outside run team, and both Harris and Warren prefer to keep the run game inside the tackles. The Steelers could benefit from a Guard that can get up to the second level explosively consistently.

C–Mason Cole–Cole held down the middle decently, and his snaps were very consistent. Cole needs to get more consistent with his blitz pickup blocks, but definitely something he can work on in the off-season.

RG–James Daniels–This is the same thing as the LG. I think Daniels is more of a depth guy than he is a starter. The Steelers really need to address their line, especially the inside positions, the guards.

RT–Chukwuma Okorafor–Chuk has been the Steelers' most consistent o-linemen in recent years and he still lacks the ability to keep the defense off the QB. Chuck has shown he is a dominant explosive o-linemen the problem is it's at a very inconsistent rate

QB–Kenny Pickett–Pickett, if handled properly, can be the next “talked about” QB in the league, and for all the right reasons. Pickett has just enough moxy that keeps him confident in his abilities and drives defenses crazy. He is very mobile and has above-average accuracy when on the move. Pickett has shown some inconsistencies in his throws from game to game, but he is a rookie. His ceiling is extremely high, and that is why the other two guys that were in the QB room with him this year probably will not be at the start of next season.

FB–Derek Watt–The FB position is all but forgotten in today's NFL, but they put Watt on display in the last few games of the season this year. Maybe, the Steelers have finally acknowledged why they signed Watt in the first place and will continue to use him in those down and dirty short yardage situations and give Watt a chance to be a legit weapon for the offense.

RB–Najee Harris–Harris again this year (and for years to come) proved why the Steelers selected him in the first round. Harris started the season banged up, and it led to critics saying he lost a step and wasn't the same running back he was a year ago. Harris shut the critics up by putting up another 1,000-yard season, becoming the only Steeler in history to rush for 1,000 yards in their 1st two seasons.

Jaylen Warren–Warren burst into the scene in every aspect of the word. Warren packs the same toughness and strength as Harris with an extra gear or two. Warren is excellent-two punch with Harris and an extremely great compliment. Warren will see a lot more touches this upcoming season, making it very hard on opposing defenses faced with stopping those two.

WR–Diontae Johnson–The Steelers have dug themselves into a hole here. Johnson has shown the ability to be a legit threat in the passing game so much so that the Steelers decided he deserved a big payday. The problem is Johnson lacks effort when the effort is needed the most. Diontae gets lost in space not knowing where the first down markers are, refuses to fight for the ball, and will instead watch the opposing DB catch the ball and then get frustrated that they did. Johnson had an issue with drops again this season, an issue that plagued him his rookie year as well. The Steelers moved Claypool on for supposedly the same reasons and having too much depth in the WR room. Johnson could also find himself on the outside looking in if he doesn't start performing like a #1 WR like he is getting paid to be.

George Pickens–The True #1 WR in Pittsburgh. Pickens can become a household name this upcoming season if the Steelers can keep him reigned in. Pickens has an explosion, runs great routes, and I am not sure there's a pass he cannot catch. The Steelers had a player very similar in talent to him a few years ago Antonio Brown before the “diva” bug bit him. It's no secret, just like Big Ben looked for AB when he needed a play. Kenny Pickett is looking to Pickens for those exact same kinds of plays. Keep the Diva at bay and Pickens is going to be a force that just runs through the NFL secondaries.

TE–Pat Freiermuth–The Steelers have once again found their TE. The Steelers have very quietly always utilized the TE position from back in the Eric Green days to Mark Bruener, Heath Miller, and now Pat Freiermuth. The Steelers always find a way in the scheme to get the ball to the TE and Pat Freiermuth has fit the mold very nicely. Pat has above-average blocking skills and is a weapon in the passing game. Pickett will find him more often next season as he gets more in sync. Pat is one of the golden picks in recent drafts for the Steelers.

Connor Heyward–Zach Gentry was in this spot this season, but in the last two games Connor saw the ball come his way a few more times than anyone expected, and he made the most out of those touches. This is the reason I feel Connor gets his shot to be the #2 next season. Also watch for the Steelers to move Connor around as he has the ability to play a little WR, FB, and RB as well.

**Chase Claypool could have been a dark horse here, as he did play TE at Notre Dame. Claypool could have been a tough match-up for LBS, especially down the seam**

2023 Steelers by Position: Defense

DL– Cameron Heyward–Isn't the name Cameron Heyward enough? Heyward has been the voice of the Steelers both on and off the field. Heyward may talk to the media through a mic after the game, but during the game, Cam is all about talking through his play. When the defense needs a play, you can bet Heyward's name is going to be mentioned. He may not always do it alone, but he is always around the ball when the play needs to be made. Heyward is without a doubt the anchor of that front seven. Cam isn't going to take a play off until there isn't a play left to play. Unfortunately for Heyward, he is getting long in the tooth and the Steelers need to find someone for Heyward to hand the torch to before the time runs out.

Larry Ogunjobi–Ogunjobi came to the Steelers this year and filled a role nicely. Towards the end of the season Ogunjobi was injured and had to sit out a few games, but Ogunjobi when in the game he demands attention, and while he may not have off-the-chart stats, he does his job and allows the surrounding others to shine by doing his assignment and making the blitzing lanes for those around him. Ogunjobi is one the Steelers should consider bringing back and seeing what a full healthy season will look like for him.

Tyson Alualu / Montravius Adams–the weak link of the DL. Alualu isn't fully healthy, or so it seems. If Alualu is healthy then it's safe to say his better play days left him in the rearview. Adams is a spot filler not really dominant on any level. This is a glaring need for the Steelers this off-season.

OLB–T.J. Watt–Watt is the most destructive force on the defensive side of the ball. Watt is in the company of Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald and is quickly climbing to the top of that list to sit atop the throne by himself. Watt definitely is the catalyst of the Steelers' defense and they go as he goes. Even though the Steelers list him and his mate Highsmith on the other side as OLB, in reality, they really play a DE-type position on the field. Watt is explosive off the ball and if you don't get a hand on him, he will get his hands on your QB or RB in the backfield.

Alex Highsmith–Highsmith got to get in the spotlight when Watt was injured and once the spotlight turned on, he made sure TJ had to continue to share it with him. Highsmith definitely benefits from Watt being on the opposite side of him and takes every advantage of the one on ones he faces because of it. Highsmith is growing into a wrecking ball all his own, he has the ability to drop into coverage a little better than Watt can and that just adds to how the Steelers can use him. Highsmith will have another great year next year.

Outside Corner–Levi Wallace–Wallace is still getting familiar with the Steeler system and as he does, he will continue to trust in his ability and his teammates more and make more plays on the defensive side of the ball. Wallace needs to work on his man coverage a little more and not get caught looking in the backfield as often.

Ahkello Witherspoon–The Steelers have James Pierre listed here, but I think Witherspoon, when healthy, will beat him out for this spot and continue to grow into a decent corner.

**The Steelers need to develop or find a true #1 Outside Corner**

Nickle Corner–Cameron Sutton–if the Steelers resign Sutton, he will beat Maulet out for this job. Sutton has a great break on the ball and has really good hip movement. Pair this with his physicality and he is everything you need in a Nickle Corner. Sutton can also play outside and could see some rotational or injury reps there as well, but he really made a name for himself in the Nickle this season.

Arthur Maulet–Maulet is in the same boat as Sutton as he will be a rotational player most likely seeing most of his time in the Nickel position, but also saw some outside time as well due to injuries at the position. Maulet is still inconsistent in his play, which is why Sutton will get the start over him.

FS–Minkah Fitzpatrick–Fitzpatrick is one of the best trades the Steelers have made in recent history. Fitzpatrick is a ball-hawking safety with exceptional tackling skills. Fitzpatrick led the NFL in INTs this season and as long as the Steelers can let him do Minkah-type things, his name will be mentioned in the seasons to come as well. Fitzpatrick is sitting atop the safety mountain looking down on the rest of the NFL.

SS–Terrell Edmunds / Damontae Kazee–both of these gentlemen are up for a contract, so this will depend on which of the Steelers chose to sign if they sign either one. With that being said, the Steelers bring back both, with Edmunds getting the starting spot and Kazee being a depth guy as he is able to play both safety spots. Edmunds will continue to benefit from those around him and make the necessary plays to keep his spot locked down.

2023 Steelers by Position: Special Teams

K–Chris Boswell–Boswell hit a rough patch and led many to believe the Steelers will bring in some camp competition for him this year, and that is always a good idea. Boswell is the reason the Steelers even remotely stayed relevant behind a disastrous offense, so Boswell should still be kicking FGs and EPs next season for the Steelers he has definitely earned it.

P–Pressley Harvin–Harvin is a very consistent punter and has the leg to occasionally really boot one. Harvin will find himself in the black and gold again most likely punting the ball way more often than he should or probably even really wants to

2023 Look Ahead: - The Steelers find themselves in a really good spot as far as the draft is concerned and that should have Steeler fans happy because again the Steelers always seem to draft very well and that isn't going to change. If they can pull the trigger on some coaching changes, especially at the OC spot, the buzz will definitely start circulating once again in a good way for the Steel City. The Steelers will inevitably cut a player or two that to the fans makes no sense, but will usually work out in the end. Personally, I think the Steelers should really consider looking outside of the organization to fill some holes as that has had some promise in recent years. With the youth on this team, especially on the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers are going to be intriguing again this upcoming season, and hopefully put a product on the field the storied franchise fans can once again get behind.