A lot's changed under new head coach Mike Tomlin: the yelling, screaming, spitting, all gone; veteran linebacker Joey Porter, released; and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is now in Arizona.
But one thing is the same as it's always been: dreadful special teams. Steelers former special teams coach Kevin Spencer was the scapegoat this off-season, and the new guy, Bob Ligashesky, was supposed to fix everything with his gadgets, drills, and hours of training camp devoted just to "teams."
Seventeen weeks later, it's the same 'ol, same 'ol. Pittsburgh is one of the worst coverage teams in the league, and save kicker Jeff Reed (and maybe rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda) there's not much to be excited about.
Which is why this off-season, the Steelers should make a legitimate effort to sign every available Bills special teamer. For the last few seasons, Buffalo has been a top-5 unit in every phase: field goals, punts, coverage and returns -- special teams coach Bobby April has done a splendid job of preparing his guys.
Most of the glory goes to kicker Rian Lindell and punter Brian Moorman - both Pro Bowl caliber at their positions - and returners Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, but players like Stamer, Haggan, Neufeld and Aiken are just as valuable in April's system. April hands out an award at the end of each year to the top player on the unit. Aiken won the award in 2005 ... But by next season, April could be working in a new group.All four players -- Josh Stamer (LB), Mario Haggan (LB), Ryan Neufeld (FB) and Sam Aiken (WR) -- will all be free agents. And while they're listed at various positions, let there be no confusion: they are primarily special teams maniacs. And that's exactly what the Steelers need.
"It's been a pleasure to work with them, but the reality is they won't be here," said April, shaking his head. "That's a tough one."
Or maybe it would be easier if the Steelers could figure out a way to kidnap Bobby April.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-28-2007 @ 1:01PM
Luz said...
"Or maybe it would be easier if the Steelers could figure out a way to kidnap Bobby April."
I've rented a black van and I've got a bunch of ski masks. Now all I need is April's home address and a couple of volunteers.
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12-30-2007 @ 10:18PM
SteelCityFan#7 said...
If anyone remembers Bobby April used to be the Steeler's Special Teams coach under Cowher in the mid-90's. We lost him because he thought he could be a Head Coach... now he's back to doing what made him great in Pittsburgh... Special Teams...
Let's spend some money and get this guy back... or, I will follow Luz's suggestions and get his home address... I got my own ski mask dude... I'm ready.
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1-03-2008 @ 7:15PM
Nick said...
Mr. Wilson, really do you think that April is the answer? Just in case you are not up to date on your sports knowledge, Mr. April coached in Pittsburgh in 1994-1995 seasons, then much like everyone else whom he has coached (speacial teams)he made them actually perform worse than they are. Maybe it is not the coach, maybe OUR beloved steelers really are just overrated. And I say OUR because I am a HUGE Steelers fan, but also a realistic one. You mention guys that they should sign, but we dont have a passionate team nor one that has the likes of a Top Flight Returnman like Roscoe Parrish or Terrance McGee. Unfortunately we are still stuck on trying to get the undisciplined athletes whom play in Pittsburgh to stay in their lanes (which the often do not do, or to actually bust through the wedge to help others make plays. Unfortunately for us, it is not the coaching, it is the players. Remember not to far back when Cowher was coach, he was widely regarded as the best special teams coach in the league when he was in Cleveland in 1985-86, and because of his knowledge of that angle of the game he progressed rapidly to other more important ranks such as secondary coach, defensive coordinator, and finally head coach. And yes, not even cowher could help us, with or without talent. Looking at April's record, he has been a Special Teams coach for approx 16 years now, and not once has been promoted. Actually April has been fired 4 times, (by Pittsburgh 94-95, St. Louis 01-03, New Orleans 96-99,and Atlanta 91-93). He now has settled in in buffalo and benefits from having the likes of McGee and Parrish.
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