Stiller Players Grades -- 2005 Season

 

Foreword: These grades are based on a player's play during the entire season, as I personally watched and re-watched (via videotape), as well as took notes on, each and every play of the season.  In fact, being that no analyst covering the Stillers has watched as much tape as this one has, these are the most accurate, comprehensive grades you'll see issued anywhere, because the rigor and study put into these grades far outnumbers anything done from any other source.  Bear in mind that a player's grade is based not only on what he did, but also his years of experience in the league, his salary, and any expectations of him (to include the round he was drafted in, if applicable). In other words, more is expected from, say, a seasoned 6-year veteran making $4 million per year, than of an undrafted rookie free agent making the league minimum. Every year, I hear various gripes and yelps about some of the grades, so to reiterate -- the grades are very dependent upon experience and the amount of money the player is consuming relative to his teammates.  Furthermore, gripes should be limited to only from those who have actually watched as much tape as this particular analyst.  Note: players not playing enough get an incomplete grade ("inc").   R = Reg Season, P = Playoffs, S = Sup Bowl.   In some cases, a player may not have a specific SB grade; the intent in that case is that the Playoff grade includes all playoff games as well as the Sup Bowl. 

 

In last-name alpha order, here are the final grades:

 

Batch: Batch played sparingly, starting 2 games and playing in 2 others.  He did lead the team to a key win over Clev.  He made the big play in that game, when Ward was ruled down at the 5-inch line on a 2d down curl, and Batch -- without any TO's -- had the presence of mind to rush the offense to the LOS and call his own number on the sneak, which he converted for a TD just 6 seconds before the half.  Batch hurt his hand in the 2H of that game, which was sorely felt when the Stillers lost the following week to the Ravens.  Batch is a competent, capable backup, and he'll be more than adequate as the #2 come August.  R = B, P = Inc.  

 

Bettis: The Big Bellyback had yet another mediocre season.  Like 2003, Big Jerome averaged a whopping 3.3 yards per carry and was little more than dead weight while Duce Staley was forced to stand in street clothes the last 7 games of the regular season.  Bettis had 1 good game all season, that coming in the snowstorm of the win over Da Bears.  In the divisional playoffs, Big Jerome did everything he could to give away the ballgame, nonchalantly carrying the ball with 1 hand on a goal-line plunge and coughing the ball up like a Heimlich patient.  Only a shoestring, game-saving tackle by Ben Roth saved The Doughboy from sheer, eternal humiliation and disgrace.  In the Sup Bowl, Big Jerome had 2 chances to plunge the ball in from the 2, and then the 1, yard line, but weakly failed both times by meekly tiptoeing into the line as though he were walking on eggs, forcing Big Ben to have to lunge the ball in on 3rd down.  The Tubby Tailback has called it quits and, despite the blather about "Jerome took a paycut to stay with the Stillers," he will continue to rake in millions while working for NBC.  R = B-.  P = C-.  S = C- 

 

Barrett Brooks: Acquired in 2003 to add depth when Nkwenti went on IR and Smith, Simmons, et al, were hobbled.  Fortunately, his services weren't needed in 2005, and I was hoping he'd be sent packing, but the Stillers resigned this oaf in March.   Inc. 

 

Carter:  Mired way down on the depth chart for most of the season, Carter came out of nowhere late in the season, punishing opposing players like George Atkinson reincarnated.  He won the Hard Hat Award in the wildcard win over Cinci, and made good contributions on spec teams and the dime defense throughout the playoffs.  He outplayed Chris Hope and has shown that he could very easily assume Hope's job now that The Dope has departed as a free agent, although recently acquired Ryan Clark will get first shot at the FS chores.  R = B.  P = A. 

 

Colclough: Was gradually bypassed on the CB depth chart by rookie Bry McFadden.  Got some PT at CB, of course, and did ok, although the writing may be on the wall that he'll never remotely start at CB unless injuries ravage the roster.   He did some KOR chores and was generally tip-toeish and tentative.  He really needs to step it up at camp this summer and display the skills and talent that made him a fairly high draft choice.  R = C.  P = C. 

 

Essex: Trai got his NFL baptism at the hands of Dwight Freeney when Marvel Smith lamely succumbed to injury after getting mauled by the great Freeney.  Essex took some abuse that night, plus some more the following week at the hands of Balt. defenders Suggs and Weaver.  His game improved to a level of acceptability, however, and he gives the Stillers some promise and some adequate insurance in case of injury to Smith or Starks.  R = B.  P = Inc.  

 

Faneca:  Big Al had yet another first-rate season.  He was spotty at times in pass pro, but overall had a good season in leading the O-line.  In the Sup Bowl, he pulled and made a big block that spring Parker on the long TD jaunt.    R = A.  P = A. 

 

Farrior: Jamie had a superb '04 season, and although he did a nice job in '05, there was a noticeable dropoff in his play from '04.  To his credit, he was forced to make up for a lot of blundering and slop by his fellow inside mate, Larry Slow-aFoote.  His reputation as The Great Winged God of Linebacker Coverage took a severe beating in the Super Bowl, where Jeremy Stevens ran unmolested the entire evening and was never even remotely covered by The Winged God, even though Farrior was assigned to provide coverage.    R = B.  P = B.  S = C.   

 

Foote: The 5th -year backer had yet another mediocre season.   One of the most amazing things on this team's Super Bowl run is that not only did they have to overcome the leadership (sic) of Billy Cowher, but they also had to overcome the horrendously shoddy play of Larry Slow-aFoote.  Unbelievably, unless the Stillers draft an ILB on day 1 of the draft, Foote will again be handed the starting job on a silver platter.   R = C-.   P = C.  

 

Frazier: An undrafted rookie out of Cinci, Andre was a force to be reckoned with on STs for the 2005 Stillers.  In week 7, Frazier was the recipient of the Hard Hat Award for his mean-spirited, hard-nosed efforts.  He made some good ST stop in the playoff wins over Cinci and Indy.  Frazier doesn't necessarily have all the tools to be a starting OLB in the NFL, but he does possess the frame length, nasty disposition, and nose for the football that at least give him a reasonable chance to compete for a job in 2007, especially if he can add some bulk and strength.  R = A.  P = A.  S = Inc. 

 

Gardocki:  The former Brown punted adequately.  In the Sup Bowl, he wasn't great, but compared to the bag o' shit punter from Seattle, Tom Rouen, Gardocki looked like Ray Guy.  Oh, if you haven't heard, Gardocki still has never had a punt fully blocked in his NFL career.  R = B.  P = B. 

 

Haggans:  The veteran LB from CSU really blossomed in 2005 as a stellar, steady OLB.  He was absolutely dominant in the early season loss to NE, in which he was awarded the Hard Hat Award for his efforts that evening.  As luck would have it, he was injured that evening and missed the next 3 games.  But he came back and finished the season strongly, and then, throughout the playoffs and the Sup Bowl, he was clearly the best LB on this Stillers defense.  R = A.  P = A.  S = A+. 

 

Hampton:  Fat Casey had the severe injury in 2004, but he rehabbed vigorously and came into camp ready and raring to go.  He had a solid, if not unspectacular, season.  He did what the Stillers want, which is plug the middle.  Although a low-profile player, he had some highlights in the regular season, where he shoved hapless centers from the Vikes and Brownies so deep in to the backfield that the entire play was interrupted and blown up.  In the 2H of the Sup Bowl, he simply mauled center Slobbi Tobeck with a 1-handed shove and then dropped Hasslejack for a loss.  R = B+.  P = B.  S = A. 

 

Harrison: The bulldoggish LB from Kent St. had another strong season.  He started 3 games in place of the injured Haggans and performed quite well.  His play on spec teams was strong and reliable.  He was the co-winner of the Hard Hat Award in the late-season win over Clev.  Jamie was hurt early in the playoffs and his loss was felt on STs.    R = B+.  P = Inc. 

 

Hartings: After hobbling through knee pains a couple years ago, the greybeard center was nearly pain-free in 2005 and had a strong season as the fulcrum of the Stiller O-line.  It would have seemed impossible for Hartings to have even played in 2005, but he was so steady and healthy that he'll be penciled into the starting job for 2006 as well.  R = B+.  P = B+.   

 

Haynes: The ex-Bulldog disappointed me a couple seasons ago with his wooden running style and complete listlessness.  To his credit, Haynesie has stepped it up since '03, showing good effort, power, savvy, pass-catching, and on-field awareness.  He was a key contributor to the '05 Stillers as a 3D back and as a spec teamer.  Haynesie was just re-signed and gives the team some good insurance in case Parker gets banged up.  R = B+, P = B.   

 

Herron:  The rookie from Northwestern had 3 carries in the opening day blowout over Tenn.  He got some PT the next week against the Texans.  He was later released and snapped up by the RB-starved Packers.   R = Inc.  P = Inc. 

 

Chris Hoke: Formerly known as "Hoke the Joke", he followed up a solid 2004 campaign with another solid season.  He was capable enough to provide breathers to Fat Casey without the defense suffering much of a loss.  With Kimo gone, perhaps Hoke might see some occasional PT at DE, providing Keisel with a breather now and then.  R = B.  P = B.    

 

Chris Hope: The FS from FSU had an okay, but hardly good, 2005 season.  For a man with his athleticism, he rarely ever made plays on passed balls the entire season.  The Dope got trucked and bulldozed so often that he's already being courted by Tonka Toys to be a spokesman as well as a role player on upcoming TV commercials.  He was lavished with an absurdly fat contract from the Bitans, so the Stillers won't have to endure his shabby play at FS any longer.  RBs like Rudi Johnson and Ruben Droughns are already lamenting the loss of The Dope from the AFC North.  R = C+.  P = B-. 

 

Iwuoma: Chidi gave the coverage teams some good contributions.   He may stick as an extra CB in '06, although much of that will depend on his continued caliber of ST play.  R = B.  P = B.  

 

Keisel: For a guy that sat out the season on IR a couple years ago, Keisel came out of nowhere to have a very strong, very solid 2005 campaign.  Twice he was named the co-winner of the coveted Hard Hat Award, and as the season progressed, so did The Diesel's PT and effectiveness.  He was an animal during the playoff run as well.  I'd really like to see Brett add 10 pounds of bulk.  With the departure of Kimo Von, Keisel will get even more work in 2006.  R = A.  P = A+. 

 

Kemoeatu: The hot-headed rookie guard from Utah waxed his carrot all of 2005.  He'll get a much longer look in '06 and, if he progresses, could be groomed for starting chores in 2007.  I also have to wonder if, given his temperament, he couldn’t be groomed to serve as a backup defensive lineman and thereby save the team a roster spot.  R = Inc.  P = Inc. 

 

Kirschke: The veteran DE provided adequate relief to Kimo and Smitty.  He didn't do all that much, but he did give the starters a breather and didn't embarrass himself or the team.  Given his age and his obvious lack of any upside, I'd just as soon part ways and go with a younger DE that has some upside and longevity.  R = B-.  P = B-. 

 

Kranchick:  The big TE from Penn St. appeared in 3 games and had 1 grab for 6 yards.  He was released to make room on the roster and picked up by the NYG.  R = Inc.  P = Inc. 

 

Kreider: Big Dan -- the FB who was once cut by the all-knowing Billy Cowher -- had yet another strong season, punishing opposing tacklers with ferocity and brawn.  Considering the battering this guy gives and takes, he may have only 1-2 more seasons to play at a high level of effectiveness.  R = A.  P = B+.   

 

Kriewaldt: Signed a couple years ago to bolster a sorry spec team unit, Clint did just that.  He doesn't give the defense much of anything as a backup LB, but he certainly gives a lot as a reliable ST headhunter.  R = B.   P = B. 

 

Logan: Logie missed some time in mid-season but overall, chipped in on spec teams.  He's played his last game as a Stiller, and should be lauded for his solid contribution over the years.  R = B-.   P = B-. 

 

Maddox: The Mommy was absolutely pitiful in his starts for the injured Ben Roth.  Had Roth been injured just one more game, it's entirely likely that the Stillers wouldn't have even made the playoffs.  Fortunately, The Sadd Ox has played his last game for the Black n' Gold.  R = F.  P = Inc. 

 

Mays:  Lee Gays was with the Steelers during the 2005 preseason, but missed a part of training camp with an injured hamstring. He was then released by the team in early Sept.  He was re-signed on January 10 when receiver/kick returner Quincy Morgan's leg was broken in a playoff victory in Cincinnati, though Gays was inactive for the remaining three playoff games, including the Super Bowl.  Signed to a 1-year deal on March 20, 2006.   R = Inc.  P = Inc. 

 

McFadden: The rookie from FSU started very slowly, as is the norm for Stiller rookies.  But he emerged later in the season in package defenses, and his star shone brightest in the AFC Div. Playoffs game, when he out-battled Reggie Wayne in the EZ late in regulation.  McFadd could start in '06, or at the very least, he'll be a nickel back getting 30 snaps per game.  R = B.  P = A.  

 

Miller:  The 1st round rookie from UVA was an instant success in the passing game, and voila -- he proved that you don't have to be a slow, clumsy, stone-footed oaf like Mark Bruener to be a good blocker at TE.   Miller's blocking was far more than adequate, and his pass-catching ability was awesome.  The Stillers basically wrote him out of the playbook in the playoffs, but hopefully he'll be used far more as a target in '06.  R = A.  P = Inc. 

 

Morey:  The backup WR/spec teamer was a key contributor on coverage teams.  He gives the team nothing as a backup WR, but his coverage play warrants a roster spot.  R = B.  P = B. 

 

Morgan:  Added as a stop-gap receiver in '05, Morgan chipped in nicely on spec teams and as a 4th WR.  He was injured and shelved during the wild card win over Cinci.  He showed enough that I'd like to see him in camp come July.  R = B.  P = Inc. 

 

Nua:  Like Chris Kemo, the rookie Nua from BYU rotted the entire season.  With Kimo Von moving on, Nua could fight for some PT if he has a strong camp.  R = Inc.  P = Inc. 

 

Okobi:  In his 5th NFL season, Chubby got some work on spec teams.  It's rather evident that the staff thinks little of Chubby's ability to start at guard or center.  R = Inc.  P = Inc.  

 

Parker: