Left tackle is just right fit this time for Starks
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Left tackle is just right fit this time for Starks
Saturday, December 29, 2007
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Max Starks blocks a field goal attempt by the Dolphins' Jay Feely. (11/27/2007)
Max Starks is a natural left-hander who mostly played left tackle at the University of Florida,
where his nickname was the "Undertaker" because of his family's mortuary business. It
wasn't necessarily because Starks, who is 6 feet 8, planted opponents in the ground.
But there was little evidence of any of that during the preseason when Starks, a two-year
starter at right tackle, was tried at left tackle as a potential backup for Marvel Smith. Starks
looked uneasy and unsure at the position, giving up way too many sacks and feeling like he
wanted to crawl in a hole.
"I didn't get a chance to practice at the position in the preseason," Starks said. "They said, 'Go
play in the game,' and I was like ... uhhhh, OK."
Four months later, Starks is back at left tackle, getting ready to
start his fourth game tomorrow in the regular-season finale
against the Baltimore Ravens (4-11) at M&T Bank Stadium
tomorrow. He will remain the starter, too, at least for the wildcard round of the playoffs and maybe longer, should the Steelers
(10-5) advance.
Tomorrow
Surprisingly, and perhaps amazingly, there has been no
resemblance to the player who struggled at that position in the
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z
Who: Steelers (10-5)
12/29/2007
Left tackle is just right fit this time for Starks
preseason. Starks has played so well that the back injury to
Smith, along with the perceived dropoff in performance at left
tackle, has been minimized, if not eliminated.
"He's picked up right where Marvel has left off," said Pro Bowl
guard Alan Faneca, who plays next to Starks on the offensive
line. "There has been no real drop in play, which is what you
need from your sixth or seventh guy on the offensive line
because [injuries are] going to happen. You got to keep on
moving."
And the Steelers will have to keep on moving without Smith, a
seven-year starter who had microscopic back surgery Thursday
morning and might not play again this season. The surgery was
performed by team neurosurgeon Dr. Joe Maroon.
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z
z
vs. Ravens (4-11).
When: 4:15 p.m.
Sunday.
Where: M&T Bank
Stadium, Baltimore,
Md.
z
z
TV: KDKA.
What's at stake:
Steelers can earn No.
3 seed in AFC with a
win and a San Diego
loss to Oakland.
Smith was already scheduled to sit out against the Ravens, even before his surgery. But he
will not play in a wild-card playoff game next weekend at Heinz Field and won't return, in a
best-case scenario, unless the Steelers advance to at least the second round.
That has put Starks back at left tackle, the position that is considered the most important on
the offensive line because it protects the blind side of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
"There's definitely a certain level of comfort playing the left side and being left-handed," said
Smith, a third-round draft choice in 2004. "But there are a lot of left tackles in this league
who aren't left-handed. For me, I feel a certain level of comfort going over there and being
left-handed."
Smith missed back-to-back games earlier this season against the Miami Dolphins and
Cincinnati Bengals because of a disk problem in his back. He returned for the 34-13 loss in
New England and started the following week against Jacksonville.
But Smith allowed four sacks against the Jaguars, an abnormal total for a player who is
considered the team's best pass protector. Coach Mike Tomlin said Smith was having back
problems again, and this time the problem was even more extreme.
The pain was running down his leg, making it difficult for Smith to plant or push off. He was
replaced by Starks for the last series against the Jaguars, and may not play again this season.
Starks has helped ease the loss, something not many thought possible when they saw him
perform at left tackle in the preseason.
"You know, things are kind of flying around in training camp," Faneca said. "You're learning
plays, you're adding plays, he's bouncing around from practice to practice, he's a left tackle,
he's a right tackle, some practices he's both. You kind of lose that comfort value."
But that all changed in the regular season, beginning when Starks had to replace Smith as the
starter against in a Nov. 26 game against the Miami Dolphins. Starks played well in his first
outing, stuffing defensive end Jason Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, and holding him
without a sack with the help of a sloppy field.
The following week, he was singled out by coach Mike Tomlin for the way he played against
the Bengals' best defensive lineman, Justin Smith. Tomlin singled out Starks again this week
for the way he played in the 41-24 victory against the Rams.
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Left tackle is just right fit this time for Starks
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"Max is a professional," Tomlin said. "He executes some good sound technique. He's lighter
than he was in the preseason. I am sure that is factor with agility and mobility. I appreciate
Max's efforts. He is always ready to step up and deliver for his team."
Gerry Dulac can be reached at [email protected].
First published on December 29, 2007 at 12:00 am
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12/29/2007
Steelers Notebook: Tomlin not tipping his hand with injuries
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Steelers Notebook: Tomlin not tipping his hand with injuries
Saturday, December 29, 2007
By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Coach Mike Tomlin would not make it official, preferring to list quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger as questionable and safety Troy Polamalu as doubtful for the game
tomorrow in Baltimore.
But neither Roethlisberger (ankle) nor Polamalu (knee) practiced with their respective firstteam units this week and are not expected to play against the Ravens.
That means veteran Charlie Batch will make his first start at quarterback since the 2006
season opener against the Miami Dolphins, a game Roethlisberger missed because of an
emergency appendectomy.
"He is questionable," Tomlin said yesterday after practice, preferring not to elaborate.
Roethlisberger, who sprained his ankle in the 41-24 victory in St. Louis last week, could
have played if the game was meaningful for the Steelers. But Tomlin does not want to risk
aggravating the injury by playing him against the Ravens.
Roethlisberger and Polamalu are expected to return for the wild-card playoff game next
weekend at Heinz Field.
Also, return specialist Allen Rossum (hamstring) missed practice yesterday and might not
play against the Ravens. He is listed as questionable.
Special-teams co-captain Clint Kriewaldt (neck) has not practiced all week and has been
declared out for the game.
Haynes in shape
Verron Haynes, signed this week to replace injured Willie Parker on the roster, said he has
been staying in shape playing basketball in Atlanta and working out with trainer James
"Buddy" Primm, who also trains Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.
Haynes, who was waived in the final cut of training camp, said the time off has allowed his
surgically repaired knee to recover completely. Haynes will be used as a third-down back
behind Carey Davis.
"Now, looking at it, it was probably the best thing for me," said Haynes, a fifth-round draft
choice in 2002. "Hindsight is 20-20, of course, but I've had no problems [with the knee]. It's
not swelling, and that rest really helped. Everything felt good."
Russell rises
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Steelers Notebook: Tomlin not tipping his hand with injuries
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With Parker on injured reserve, rookie free agent Gary Russell will become the backup to
Najeh Davenport on first- and second-down situations.
Russell has dressed for only two of 15 games this season and has just one carry since the
preseason. But he could get a lot of carries against the Ravens because offensive coordinator
Bruce Arians wants to get him some work, in case he is needed
"I think I showed them I'm a young, tough runner ... I'm very physical," said Russell, who
was academically ineligible his senior season at Minnesota after rushing for 1,130 yards and
13 touchdowns as a junior.
"Before I even got here, everyone said you have to be ready because you're only one play
away. So I just sit back and watch when I'm on the sidelines. It's like a learning experience
all the way around."
Thumbs up
Rookie outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons will play with a soft cast on his left hand
after he broke his thumb against the St. Louis Rams.
Timmons, the team's No. 1 pick, said he sustained the injury when he fell on his hand on
special teams.
But he said the cast will not affect his ability to tackle or catch the ball, should the possibility
arise for an interception.
"I can still catch it pretty good," Timmons said.
First published on December 29, 2007 at 12:54 am
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Steelers' Timmons biding his time - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Steelers' Timmons biding his time
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Lawrence Timmons has two tackles and a fumble recovery as a Steelers rookie
linebacker. The second linebacker selected in the 2007 NFL draft, Timmons'
biggest impact has been on special teams where he's tied for second on the
team with 12 tackles and has another fumble recovery.
Known as a playmaker coming out of Florida State, Timmons hasn't been able
to stay on the field long enough to make an impact. A backup on the league's
top-rated defense, he mostly watches and waits his turn.
"My time will come," said Timmons, the No. 15 pick in the draft.
Timmons' rookie season nearly ended before it started.
He suffered a groin injury at his first mini-camp shortly after he was drafted. He
re-injured his groin during the first week of training camp and has spent the rest
of the season catching up.
But even after displaying flashes of the big-play ability that excited the Steelers'
brass prior to the draft, Timmons remains on the depth chart behind talented
and heady veterans such as James Harrison, Larry Foote and James Farrior.
"I'm just blessed to be in a good situation and having veterans like these,"
Timmons said. "It's just a great experience to sit behind the guys and see how
it's done. It's laid out for me this is what I need to be doing."
Fellow rookie linebackers and first-round picks Patrick Willis (San Francisco)
and Jon Beason (Carolina) became starters right away. Timmons knows that
similar expectations were projected for him with the Steelers.
"I can understand that," he said. "I feel like I made the best decision. (Being
drafted No. 15) was great. I've just got to be patient."
Not fulfilling those expectations hasn't dampened Timmons' confidence. If
anything, his lack of opportunities to make big plays has made him more
determined.
Timmons plays mostly on special teams. He usually joins the defense on
obvious passing downs, dropping into coverage. To this point, his pass-rushing
skills haven't been utilized.
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Steelers' Timmons biding his time - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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"I want to be good at whatever I'm doing. I'm trying to be as special as possible
on defense," Timmons said. "But right now, it's special teams."
Timmons said he's still learning the Steelers' complicated defense. He may
never absorb all the intricate details that defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's
system presents, but he said it won't be from a lack of trying.
"Taking time to learn the playbook and listen to what the coaches tell me -that'll carry over to when I'm playing," Timmons said. "In two-a-days, you're
learning the set defenses. But from week-to-week during the season, you have
a different gameplan. You've got to adjust."
Timmons is adjusting to a lot of things, including making the transition from
college to the NFL as the Steelers' youngest player as a 21-year-old rookie.
He's also learning how to play hurt, which is mandatory in the pros.
Timmons suffered a fractured left hand playing on special teams against St.
Louis. He had the cast removed yesterday and then re-fitted so that he can play
in Sunday's final regular season game at Baltimore.
"This is a real business here," Timmons said. "In college, it was fun. I'm not
saying the pros aren't fun -- just a whole lot more serious. Not saying it wasn't
serious in college. Just a whole lot more at stake now."
John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.
Images and text copyright © 2007 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
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Steelers' Batch likely to start - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 2
Steelers' Batch likely to start
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who did limited work in practice for
the third consecutive day, is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle
for Sunday's regular-season finale at Baltimore.
Backup Charlie Batch practiced with the first team all week and is expected to
make his first start of the season.
Roethlisberger also was limited in practice the week prior to the Jacksonville
game because of a shoulder injury but he took reps with the first team on the
Friday before the game. Roethlisberger made the start.
This week was different for Roethlisberger, who has been more of an observer
and was limited in the final practice.
Batch, who won his only start in 2006 against Miami in the opener, may finally
get a chance to perform more than mop-up duty this season.
"I'd like to see Charlie play because I know that he is a good player," coach
Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week.
As the backup, Batch said he prepares every week in practice as though he's
the starter.
"You still go through your normal routine, your gameday routine. You prepare to
start," Batch said. "I prepare the same way for every game, every week."
Other injuries
Offensive tackle Marvel Smith, who underwent successful back surgery
Thursday, will miss the Baltimore game, along with linebacker Clint Kriewaldt
(neck).
Safety Troy Polamalu (knee), who missed the last two days of practice, is
doubtful.
Roethlisberger and cornerback Allen Rossum (hamstring) are questionable.
Rossum, who returns kickoffs and punts, did not practice yesterday.
Backup return man Willie Reid (shoulder) is probable, as is linebacker Andre
Frazier (groin).
John Harris can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.
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12/29/2007
It's official: Several starters out for Ravens' season finale - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Page 1 of 1
It's official: Several starters out for Ravens' season finale
By The Associated Press
Saturday, December 29, 2007
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens' tight end Todd Heap,
quarterback Kyle Boller and running back Willis McGahee will not play in
Sunday's season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore (4-11) has lost a franchise-record nine consecutive games and will
finish in last place in the AFC North for the first time since 1997.
Rookie Troy Smith will replace Boller, out with a concussion, and McGahee
(fractured ribs) will be replaced by fifth-year pro Musa Smith.
With Heap out for the ninth time over the past 10 games due to a strained
hamstring, the only healthy tight end on the active roster is undrafted rookie Lee
Vickers. He's preparing for his first NFL start after beginning the season as a
defensive end on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.
Backup tight ends Daniel Wilcox (thigh) and Quinn Sypniewski (concussion) are
out as are wide receiver Demetrius Williams (high-ankle sprain) and safety
Gerome Sapp (hamstring).
And middle linebacker Ray Lewis isn't "looking good" to return from a
dislocated finger and a back injury, coach Brian Billick said.
Listed as questionable on the injury report, Lewis hasn't practiced all week.
The Associated Press can be reached at or .
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12/29/2007
.: Print Version :.
Page 1 of 1
Think Steelers are banged up?
By Mike Bires
Even though the Steelers have their share of injuries going into their regular-season finale, it’s pales
in comparison to the Ravens’ health issues.
Consider this: On Sunday when they host the Steelers, the Ravens will start a third-team
quarterback, a third-team running back and a third-team tight end.
“It feels like we have had more injuries this year that we have had in previous years combined,”
coach Brian Billick said.
With Steve McNair (shoulder) and Kyle Boller (head) both injured, rookie quarterback Troy Smith will
make his second NFL start.
With Willis McGahee (ribs) out and Mike Anderson (hamstring injury) listed as questionable, running
back Musa Smith will make his first NFL start.
With Todd Heap (thigh) and Daniel Wilcox (thigh) out, Lee Vickers will start at tight end.
In addition, Demetrius Williams, the Ravens’ No. 3 wide receiver, is also out with an ankle injury and
linebacker Ray Lewis is questionable (back).
The Ravens will also be without their top two cornerbacks, Chris McAlister (knee) and Samari Rolle
(shoulder), who are both on injured reserve.
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Steelers stars not aligned
By Mike Bires
PITTSBURGH — Troy Polamalu definitely won’t play. Ben Roethlisberger probably won’t play.
There’s a chance Hines Ward will sit.
That’s the prognosis for three of the Steelers’ highest profile players regarding Sunday’s game in
Baltimore.
With a playoff berth already clinched, coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t want to risk further injury to his star
strong safety, star quarterback and star wide receiver.
Tomlin refused to speak with two writers who attended Friday’s practice, but did give the team’s
communications department his official injury list.
Polamalu, who missed practice Thursday and Friday, is listed as doubtful with a sore knee.
Roethlisberger, who didn’t take any snaps with the first-team offense at practice this week, is listed
as questionable as he recovers from a sprained ankle.
Ward isn’t listed on the injury report. But as a 10-year veteran who missed two games earlier in the
year with a sprained knee, there is speculation he might sit out the regular-season finale as well.
“It’s up to coach Tomlin,” Ward said when asked if he expects to play. “It’s his decision. You know
me. I want to play every game. But you have to look at the big picture and do what’s best for the
team.”
With Polamalu out, Anthony Smith moves back into the starting lineup at free safety. Tyrone Carter,
who replaced Smith at free safety in the 41-24 win in St. Louis on Dec. 20, moves to Polamalu’s spot
at strong safety.
Even though Tomlin listed Rothlisberger as questionable — that means he has a 50 percent chance of
playing — there’s no reason to believe he will play against the Ravens (4-11). So it appears his
streak of 30 straight starts will end.
Batch has been told he definitely will play Sunday, although no one is saying exactly when Batch
would enter the game. All indicators point to Batch making his first start since the 2006 season
opener when he led the Steelers to a 28-17 win over Miami.
“As far as sitting guys or playing them, you can go both ways,” Ward said. “If you play guys, and if
someone gets hurt, people say you should have sat him or rested him. But if you sit out a game, it’s
hard to get back that tempo and continuity. Going into the playoffs, you have to be cautious about
that situation.
“Offensively, we want to stay in sync. We want to stay in rhythm. I know a lot of guys are looking to
play. I don’t know how long or how much. Maybe there will be some guys who don’t even dress.”
At 10-5, the Steelers have clinched a playoff berth as champs of the AFC North Division. They will
host a wild-card the weekend of Jan. 5-6.
Who they play in the opening round of the playoffs depends if they are a third or fourth seed.
Right now, the San Diego Chargers (10-5) hold the No. 3 seed because they have a better record in
AFC games than the Steelers. The only way for the Steelers to move up is if they beat the Ravens (411) and the Chargers, the AFC West champs, lose to the Oakland Raiders (4-11).
“I have no idea who the Steelers will start against us,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said. “We will play
whoever shows up. Teams going to the playoffs have certain priorities. So whoever shows up for the
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Steelers, we’ll play them.”
If Polamalu, Roethlisberger and Ward don’t play in Baltimore, the Steelers will play the Ravens
without six players who started on opening day.
Defensive end Aaron Smith (torn biceps) and free safety Ryan Clark (spleen) are on the seasonending injured reserve list. Although left tackle Marvel Smith has not been placed on the IR yet, he
might not play again this year after undergoing surgery Thursday to repair a disc problem in his
neck.
“It’s a pretty complicated equation because there are a lot of variables, but it’s not unlike anything
that other people in our position have to do at this time of year,” Tomlin said Wednesday when asked
who might play or rest. “We’ll make those decisions with the team’s best interest at heart.”
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SI.com - Writers - Don Banks: NFL scores big by putting Pats-Giants on national TV - Fr... Page 1 of 3
Powered by
The NFL's touchdown
League scores by putting Pats-Giants on national
TV
Posted: Friday December 28, 2007 12:12PM; Updated: Friday December 28, 2007 12:12PM
For a league that has always prided itself first and
foremost on knowing how to make the savvy public
relations move, the NFL's decision to allow both NBC
and CBS to simulcast the NFL Network's broadcast of
the New England-New York game was a master stroke.
By giving ground in its two-year-old battle with two of
the biggest cable TV companies, the NFL got to play
the role of the good guy, swooping in at the last minute
to save the day and bestow a historic gift that the
football fans of America thought they would be denied.
Most fans will forget that the league waited about as
long as it could before giving up the NFL Network's
exclusivity with the game. What will linger is a gesture
designed to create goodwill for the league and its stillfledgling network.
Every will benefit from the league's novel solution,
with the game airing on three networks, piquing fan
interest and creating even more buzz than the game
already was generating. Give them something new, and
some viewers will tune in just to see what all the fuss is
about.
If the Patriots wrap up the league's first 16-0 season
Saturday night in Giants Stadium, they won't be the
only ones ending 2007 on a note of perfection. The
NFL took a defeat and played it into a victory -- both in
the short term and the future.
Randy Moss and the Patriots should draw
record ratings when Saturday's NFL Network
broadcast is simulcasted on NBC and CBS.
Bob Rosato/SI
• Week 17 produces some weird situations every year, and this season is no different. Both the Redskins
and Titans seem to be in great shape to nail down the sixth and final playoff berth in their conferences,
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because they're playing the Colts and Cowboys, two playoff qualifiers who have locked up their
postseason seedings and will be resting key starters.
But after looking at recent history, I wouldn't be too comfortable if I were a Washington or a Tennessee
fan. Remember 2004, when all red-hot Buffalo had to do was beat visiting Pittsburgh in Week 17 to
secure a playoff berth? The Bills were 9-6 and had won six in a row. The Steelers had already secured
the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and started backup quarterback TommyMaddox in place of the banged up
Ben Roethlisberger (ribs).
No matter. The Bills' sure thing evaporated in a 29-24 loss, and they missed the playoffs.
Last year gave us another example of how treacherous Week 17 can be for playoff contenders playing
against teams with nothing to play for. All Denver (9-6) needed to do was beat visiting San Francisco
(6-9) to make the AFC playoff field. You'll recall that the 49ers prevailed 26-23 in overtime, ending the
Broncos' playoff dreams.
The Cowboys at Redskins game seems to me to be particularly ripe for a surprise on Sunday. That
rivalry is full of examples of the inferior team winning a huge game, upsetting the favorite at the worse
possible time. Even with the Cowboys resting some key starters and maybe playing quarterback Tony
Romo little, Dallas is a dangerous opponent for a Redskins team that must win.
I'm not a gambler, but I've got a hunch that form will hold and one of the two teams that has nothing to
play for -- Indianapolis or Dallas -- is going to pull the upset and ruin somebody's season.
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• Do you realize that if Tennessee and Washington do take care of business and earn playoff berths, half
of the NFL's 12-team postseason field will hail from the AFC South (Colts, Jaguars and Titans) and the
NFC East (Cowboys, Giants and Redskins).
On another playoff note, unless the Saints climb over Washington and Minnesota to earn the NFC's last
spot, half of the 12-team postseason field will be comprised of teams that didn't make the Super Bowl
tournament in 2006. That's about par for the course these days in the NFL.
Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and either Tennessee or Cleveland would be the newcomers in the AFC, with
New England, Indianapolis and San Diego being the repeaters. In the NFC, Green Bay, Tampa Bay and
either Washington or Minnesota would be playoff newcomers, while Dallas, the Giants and Seattle are
the repeaters.
• Somehow I don't think either the Saints or Bears envisioned the Week 17 rematch of their NFC title
game showdown in Chicago being such an afterthought. A little less than 12 months ago, the Bears
looked like the reigning power in the NFC, while the Saints were the consensus team on the rise. But N
(ot) F(or) L(long) really does ring true in the league.
• A word of unsolicited advice to Packers linebacker Nick Barnett, who this week waffled on whether
to file a grievance against the league protesting the around-the-neck takedown move that referee James
Quirk executed against him last Sunday in Chicago: Let it go, or risk looking like a whiner. It may not
have been wise of Quirk to try and pull Barnett off the pile during a scuffle by a forearm to the throat,
but there certainly was no intent to injure the Packers linebacker. Since when is a player wearing full
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pads in jeopardy of being seriously injured by a middle-aged ref?
Then again, Barnett's just lucky that wasn't Ed Hochuli trying to separate the pile.
• Let's see if I have this right: Whether the Browns (9-6) win or lose at home Sunday against San
Francisco (5-10) has no bearing on whether Cleveland makes the playoffs for the first time in five years.
But the outcome of the Titans at Colts game will determine not only whether the Browns make the
playoffs, but maybe the future of quarterbacks DerekAnderson and Brady Quinn in Cleveland, and if
you believe the rumors involving Miami's new VP of football operations Bill Parcells, possibly the
2008 place of employment of Browns head coach Romeo Crennel.
That's all.
• It'll likely be Jim Sorgi time in Indianapolis this week, and that's going to diminish the
accomplishment in the eyes of some if the Titans do clinch a playoff berth by beating the Colts. But
don't even think about suggesting an asterisk for third-place Tennessee, because the feat of going 10-6
and making the postseason in the NFL's toughest division -- the AFC South -- would be legitimate in
every way.
• It's the final week of the regular season, and I still don't know what to make of the 9-6, first-place
Bucs. Tampa Bay is 5-0 in the NFC South entering this week's game against Carolina. But the Bucs are
4-6 against everyone else. That's probably not good news for Tampa Bay's playoff hopes, because the
Bucs are likely to be the only NFC South team to make the postseason.
• Something tells me that Kansas City's Herman Edwards returning to face the Jets at the
Meadowlands for the first time since he ended his tenure as New York's head coach isn't going to get the
fanfare he once imagined.
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