Smoke from the Diesel

Ben Roethlisberger has injected enthusiasm and pride back into the Steeler Nation as the B&G are riding a 3 game win streak. Everything has seemed to break right for Big Ben to be the starter this year. First Charlie Batch goes down, giving Ben more practice reps as the #2 QB throughout training camp. Then the week before the Raisin game Roth has his leg rolled up in practice and the MRI is negative. We all know what happens next, Gary Baxter injures Maddox and the Roethlisberger Era is upon us. It is going to be very interesting watching him these next 3 weeks as the competition increases. One thing is certain, Big Ben has already greatly exceeded all expectations for a rookie and watching him develop this season is a real treat.

Now to Ike Taylor. First off, he was a 4^th round pick and a bit of a project. Two years ago, Ike Taylor played CB for the first time in his life at a Division 1-AA school. Previously, Taylor was a college tailback. With all of one year�s experience, Taylor entered the NFL draft. Last year and this year Taylor has shown some real potential and has expectedly experienced some growing pains learning the position. Taylor did look a bit unsure of himself starting in the last preseason game against the Panthers. However, the fact that this guy has been banished to Cowher�s doghouse and not allowed to dress is unconscionable. Yes Taylor has dressed, but only due to Mike Logan�s litany of injuries. When Taylor has played he has excelled on special teams blocking a punt in Miami.

I have no problem with Ricardo Colclough taking Taylor�s spot as the 5^th defensive back. As an early 2^nd round pick and someone who played DB their entire college career, Colclough SHOULD be a more polished product than Taylor. My problem is that Taylor is rotting and not being used as the 6^th defensive back in the dime and playing on special teams. Ike has size, speed, good back-pedal and fluid hip movement. These are coverage attributes that can�t be taught. At the very least, Taylor should develop into a solid nickel and dime CB who excels in special teams once Colclough moves into a starting role. This production alone would make him an excellent pick as a 4^th round project. In addition, Taylor has the potential to become a solid starting NFL CB. I like Mike Logan, but Taylor is more than capable of manning the dime responsibilities and has loads more upside than Logan. (who is 30 years old) Logan is now out for 4 weeks and the dime defense will not drop off at all with Taylor playing the 6^th DB spot. In addition, a player with loads of potential will get valuable experience as well as contribute on special teams rather than rot on the bench.

The right side of the offensive line has been a pleasant surprise. I was not too worried when Kendall Simmons went down because I felt that Keydrick Vincent could do the job. Oliver Ross worried me, but to this point he has played well as the starting 5 have jelled into a tough, cohesive unit. Duce Staley has exceeded my expectations coming into the season and the running game has done a 180 improvement from last year. Staley never really got the opportunity to be the feature back in Philly and is relishing his new role. I have no problem with Bettis being the goal line back so long as it does not cause friction in the locker room. The way Duce is playing I do not want him to feel slighted. Bettis took a pay cut to stay in the �Burgh and I am probably a little more sympathetic than I should be. However, unlike Gildong, Bettis has al least always given us everything he has. That being said, this should be Bettis� last year as Verron Haynes and Willie Parker step into more prominent roles next year. In addition, the B&G were lucky Dante Brown has not been signed off the practice squad and he should take Bettis� spot on the roster next year.

Well it�s off to Dallas for a great tailgate party and hopefully a very satisfying B&G victory. Steel Tank, vinsteelnyc and your truly will be among the Stillers.com tailgaters in Dallas. The key to this game will be not turning the ball over early and giving Dallas an easy TD. Sounds like an obvious statement but that is exactly what the Stillers did the last 2 weeks against Cincy and the Browns. In hostile territory against a Parcells coached team coming off a divisional loss, this is a recipe for disaster. If the Stillers can establish the ground game and not turn the ball over early, Big Ben should have his way against a banged up Cowboy secondary. Vinny playing from behind against a LeBeau coached defense will play right into the B&G�s hands. My prediction: Stillers 28 Cowboys 17.