The fact that the Steelers made it to the great gig in Tampa Bay (and actually won it) might make some fans overlook the fact that Pittsburgh's offensive line was possibly the worst starting unit to ever win a Super Bowl... but not me. Admittedly, Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu started to play far better towards the end of the season than they did at the beginning. But, that is like saying that poison ivy under one's armpits is better than worms eating into one's brain. Simply, one of these days, these sheep, pigs, and dogs (i.e. Pittsburgh’s O-line) are going to force Ben Roethlisberger to run like hell one too many times… in turn, leaving the $100 million dollar man with brain damage. To put it simply, Pittsburgh is skating on thin ice. Ergo, my pleas, like echoes, should be ringing in Kevin Colbert's ears.
That said, I actually understand why Colbert re-signed Starks and Kemoeatu… and even, to some degree, I condone the tender that was offered to Willie Colon. Simply, if Colbert had let all of these men leave, there would have been three empty spaces on the starting roster. Thus, Colbert was forced to retain these players. Let us look at each of Pittsburgh's re-signings, and try to make sense of it all.
Max Starks was franchise tagged, albeit, not necessarily because he was the best player on the team. Simply, considering where Pittsburgh shall be drafting (last pick in round one), the question to be asked was, is there anybody out there, who could be drafted and play left tackle better than Starks? Frankly, the answer is no. Hence, Starks was tagged. That said, maybe there is a diamond in the rough that can be found and honed into a starter for the 2010 season. But, for the 2009 season, re-signing Starks was a must. [Note: To the offensive tackle that is drafted this year to replace Max Starks, I say shine on you crazy diamond… shine on.]
With Starks tagged, I figured that Kemoeatu would be crying, “Good-bye cruel world.” Yet, he received a four-year deal. Again, at first I was shocked, but then after considering the impact of the draft, I realized that Kemoeatu's signing makes some sense. Allow me to fill you in on a saucerful of secrets: at the end of the first round, there is not really a guard worthy of the pick… yet, there will be two rock-solid centers available. Also, since Justin Hartwig is a) a free agent after this upcoming season, and b) not very good to begin with, center is actually more of a need than offensive guard. Thus, due to sheer circumstances, Mr. Kemoeatu, you can have a cigar… (although, I am still comfortably numb about the length of your contract).
Regarding Willie Colon, I feel that he is playing out of position: he should be a guard. Ergo, Tomlin, please bring this boy back home (to guard), and see what he can do. Otherwise, ummagumma!!!...the man does not make the final cut.
On a side note, Nate Washington and Bryant McFadden signed with other teams (Tennessee and Arizona respectively). Washington always seemed to play as though his mind and focus were on the dark side of the moon. Hence, his departure was quite expected. As far as McFadden goes, William Gay appeared to have eclipsed him. When McFadden was injured, Gay played extraordinarily well against some top receivers (Roy Williams, Chris Chambers, and Wes Welker). Even when McFadden returned, he split time with Gay. Plus, Gay is four years younger and cheaper. In other words, Gay is still learning to fly. In summation, Nate and Bryant, I wish you were here, but simply, welcome to the machine.
Anyway, back to the offensive line.
As I mentioned earlier, time together is indeed a factor for offensive linemen. The more they play together, the better they will be. That said, I beg Mike Tomlin to meddle with the cohesiveness of this unit, by adding players who actually have some talent. Alex Mack (center, Berkeley), Max Unger (center, Oregon), and Eben Britton (tackle, Arizona) come to mind. If one, or all, of these aforementioned players were to end up on Pittsburgh’s roster, the next few years might just be the happiest days of our lives.