First, can you let us know how you got started covering the Steelers for Urban Media Today?
It’s amazing to be born into something like I’ve been. I was born into a football family – my father, mother and sisters all are big Steelers fans. I was born in the 70’s -the Steelers’ greatest era. I had no choice! I was reading Steelers media guides when I was seven years old.
As time went on I kept studying the Steelers news – this was before the internet. I kept up my passion for the game. I even created my own computer program with stats on the team – I wish I had kept that!
I was in my thirties and still trying to figure out what to do with my passion. I’m a praying man and Chante’ Turner from my church told me I should reach out to Alan Lincoln at Urban Media – that he was looking for a sportswriter.
In 2010 I went and spoke to him. It was a challenging year then for the Steelers – that was when Ben was going through all of that stuff. When I met with Alan he told me there on the spot to write something on the team. I decided to write about why I thought the Steelers would make it to the Super Bowl despite the problems the team was having – with the supporting facts and reasons. Of course they did make it to the Super Bowl that year, but lost to Green Bay!
After that I was writing for the Pirates and Pitt. I was able to get credentials for Pitt and I was overjoyed for that. I did learn then that you can’t cheer in the press box! Its a business! And Brandon Ifill was my nephew and he played for Pit at the time so it was nice seeing him play.
How did that segue into Steelers coverage?
The Steelers were right next door to Pitt. I was able at first to sit in on news conferences and applied for credentials. It took eight years to get those – it wasn’t easy. My salute to Kiki Jones who came on and helped get things approved. I’ve been covering Steelers practices now since 2011 and in the stadium since 2018.
Jumping in to this year’s team, what excites or worries you most about the new offense you see them installing?
I’m excited. The Steelers always tried to go against the grain. When other teams were passing more they kept with the run. I like that they are showing that they recommitted to the run game under Arthur Smith.
They showed they were serious about upgrading the offensive line by drafting Fautanu and Frazier. I talked to Eddie Faulkner who said they plan to utilize all of their weapons. I asked him about bringing back the fullback/H-back role and he said they plan to use Connor Heyward more this year. They have plans for him. And I think they’ll use Darnell Washington more in the redzone. With his size, why wouldn’t you?
So I like all of that – that they are establishing the run game and have a veteran quarterback to make it all work. People say Wilson is old but he’s only 35 – that’s not old. No one is concerned with Aaron Rodger’s age and he’s older. I think Wilson’s presence will have a big impact on the team.
They just need to get that veteran wide receiver opposite Pickens. That’s my biggest concern. I think they really need to to do that.
I’m hearing a lot more of the Steelers leaning on versatility less and asking players more to do what they do best. Are you seeing that?
Absolutely. They are trying to win playoff games – Mr. Rooney’s patience is wearing thin. He’s a patient man but he has made it clear he’s losing his patience. He wants the team to do what it needs to do to win and let the players do what they do best.
Teryl Austin apologized to Minkah for the way they used him last year. They are going to play him the way he’s supposed to be played. They’ll use Connor Heyward more in the way he plays best – as that third tight end and situational player. There’s no time for style points – they will use the players according to their skillsets.
The slot is one spot they’ve thrown a lot of guys at and we know Sutton will likely be suspended. We’re hearing a lot about Beanie Bishop – how do you see that spot working out?
I want to see them try Cory Trice there. To see what he can do there. They had high expectations for him before his injury. Maybe that’s a place to get his feet wet in the NFL – it worked for Sutton and Hilton that way.
Bishop though has looked really good there. He’s the leader right now. Rush at 6’2″ and 198 pounds – maybe he can make an impact there too. Preseason is the time to experiment with these guys so we’ll see.
Any thoughts on what DeMarvin Leal can bring this season? They could use him to step up.
I like how he contributed at times but he really needs to turn the corner – especially with the future of Cam Heyward in question. I know Cam is older and has made some comments recently – though much of those are really just business statements. But it’s happened before with guys like Alan Faneca leaving, so it’s a real concern.
I want to see Leal show himself to be the future. He showed more in OTAs this year and has come in with a good attitude, but he really has to show it this year on the field.
At defensive tackle, Loudermilk is a guy that looks a lot bigger this year. This is his fourth season – I want to see what he can do. And Ogunjobi – he’s a veteran player they are counting on to anchor that line too. With that big contract, he’s a guy they are looking at to get past playing hurt. They need more from him.
What are they going to do at wide receiver?
Well, if they don’t get a veteran wide receiver, they don’t have a real number two option right now. Jefferson is bigger than what I expected but his hands aren’t the best.
Austin, at 5’9″, is likely too small to be the number two receiver. But in the past Randel El started, though he was platooned a lot with Cedric Wilson. So maybe they do that? But I don’t see a real viable number two option right now. I think they really need to make a move and Khan knows that and has been trying.
No mention of Roman Wilson?
More because he’s a rookie. I like his skillset – what he did for a championship team like Michigan speaks a lot about what he can do. But I think he’s a guy that can play the slot at first – I don’t think he can start this season. If you want to be like Hines Ward then show us what you can do in the slot and make an impression on special teams.
With the behavior of Najee Harris and comments by Cam Heyward, any concern about leadership on what is a young Steelers team?
I think there are concerns but the leaders just need to come in and lead. They still have Russell Wilson, Watt, Minkah….Shaquille O’Neal wrote in his book that every team needs that alpha dog to win. I think Wilson can be that guy. His presence will help. He just has to flash that Super Bowl ring!
But Najee has been a concern. I’m surprised they didn’t pick up his option. He was working out away from the other guys a lot in OTA’s and hasn’t spoken to the media. I’m curious to see how that works out and how he continues to behave. If it continues maybe he can be swapped for a receiver? Warren has been great. But I still think Warren and Harris are better together.
Any guys surprising you most so far?
Payton Wilson – I know they liked what he did at NC State. That inside linebacker room is crowded. But I would like to see him start. At least rotate him in a lot. Herbig too should be rotated in more.
Wilson though – I think he could have the kind of impact Lambert had – I know those are big shoes to put on him, but I think he could have a big impact the way he plays with passion and his skillset.
Any concerns?
Donte Jackson – I’m curious to see what he can do. I know what he did in Carolina but I’m not as optimistic on him. I’d really like to see them bring in a veteran corner. I look at Jackson like the state of Missouri – it’s the Show Me State and I need Jackson to show me what he can do before I’m comfortable with him! If he does I’ll salute him.
Lastly, what should we expect in coverage from you this season?
Well I’m just looking forward to camp. It starts the week of my wedding anniversary. But I love to be in Latrobe – I’m looking forward to it!
And a shoutout by the way to all those fathers out there. Happy Father’s Day!