The transition for the defense is officially underway. First off, Monday the team made the release of Larry Foote official. It’s a shame that Foote couldn’t see the forest through the trees. He’s on one of the best defenses the league has seen in sometime, and has two a pair of Super Bowls with the club.
So what does he want – more playing time. Hey, he’s a competitor, and I can understand that, but the bottom line is that the combo of Foote and Larry Timmons is better than just Timmons, and losing him is going to hurt, but in the end, it’s what he wanted. It’s not the Steeler way to keep an unhappy player on the roster, and that’s why they let him go.
Another issue is that of the teams defensive line. James Walker of ESPN spoke to starting defensive end Brett Keisel over the weekend, and so far there’s been no contract discussions with the team to date. His deal is up after the 2009 season, and you have to wonder if this will be his last year with the club with Evander Hood waiting in the wings.
The team has a number of players that will be free agents in 2010 – Casey Hampton, safety Ryan Clark, tailback Willie Parker and left tackle Max Starks. They have to choose who to make offers to wisely, and with Hood now around, you have to wonder if Keisel will be one of those names on the list to get an offer to stick around.
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mark
May 5, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Losing Foote will be noticed when our depth is called into question. No doubt that Timmons is ready to start, but is Bruce Davis ready to get a lot of playing time? I assume its Davis that will be the back-up. Maybe Fox, who knows? Anyway I would tell Larry Foote, “job well done!”
Troy
May 8, 2009 at 9:18 am
Foote is vastly overrated. He was a downright liability in pass coverage. You know this is true or else the Cardinals (Steelers south) would have rushed to sign him. Timmons will be awesome. He can be a devastating blitzer and can actually cover backs, ends and some third or fourth receivers. Fox is a more than able backup. Remember guys, we survived Olsavsky.
David
May 9, 2009 at 12:02 pm
again, this is where mr. favre comes in to prolong his nfl career,, he switches to defense so he can do the hitting, instead of being hit,,,, alas,,,, another rumor….from the mil,,,