N"iF"L: A Steelers CFM (1995-???) - Madden 18 - Steelers4190's Dynasty

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N"iF"L: A Steelers CFM (1995-???) - Madden 18

Posted on July 8, 2018 at 07:55 PM.

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Pittsburgh Gazette Steelers Training Camp Primer

January 15th, 1994 will be a dayear that will be in the back of Steelers coaches, players, and fans minds. After dominating the visiting San Diego Chargers for nearly three quarters of the AFC championship game the Steelers watched their Super Bowl dreams go up in smoke in the aftermath of two late Stan Humphries bombs and a failed pass attempt just three yards away from the goal line. "Three more yards" has become the rally cry around the city and Steelers facility this Spring and Summer. Though the scars of the past drive this Steelers bunch, like the NFL itself entering the 1995 season, there are winds of change within the organization. The Steelers have a new defensive Coordinato after promoting secondary coach Dick LeBeau in the wake of Dom Capers moving on to Carolina to lead the expansion Panthers. From a player standpoint the Steelers will have some questions marks on that terrific defense from the year prior. After Tim McKyer followed Capers to Carolina as a Free Agent and a shooting accident has sidelined CB Deon Figures for the Summer there is open competition for the CB spot opposite of All Pro Rod Woodson.

On the offensive side of the ball the Steelers will look to fill the departures of TE Eric Green who will know catch passes from future Hall of Famer Dan Marino. The Steelers are hoping to replace Green with their first round rookie TE Mark Bruener and veteran TE Jonathan Hayes while also hoping on more production from the Steelers' WR group. The Steelers are also hoping that free agent pick up Erric Pegram will be able to fill in for the departed Barry Foster. The Steelers let their short lived super star hit the open market after injuries began to pile up and sap his ability. Barry Foster looks to prove doubters in Pittsburgh wrong as he spearheads the expansion Houston Texans backfield. Pegram will be paired with 2nd year back Bam Morris who had a strong rookie campaign for the Steelers. Though as we approach camp there are some concerns over Morris' weight and conditioning around the facility. The Steelers will also sport two new starting guards as Duval Love and Todd Kalis are both playing elsewhere. Replacing them are Tom Newberry and the versatile Justin Strzelczyk. Rookie Brenden Stai will also be in the mix.

Special Teams will also look different as the franchise's best kicker will be swinging his leg on the other side of the state for the Eagles. Mark Royals was also allowed to leave town. The Steelers brought in vets Norm Johnson and Rohn Stark to replace them. There is also buzz around the building that Coach Cowher is looking to get Rod Woodson off return duties for good as he turned 30 this season. The thought process is to keep him as fresh as possible. Possible replacements are Charles Johnson who returned kicks and punts with Woodson last season as a rookie, Andre Hastings, and Ernie Mills.

Potential Break Out Players

During Spring workouts a few guys have really stood out in terms of their improvement. Neil O'Donnell's hand looks completely healthy after it was banged up last season, but the Steelers and fans know what the team has with him. A steady performer who seems to be under appreciated by the "loud" portion of the fanbase. The Steelers WR group looks to be very much improved. Especially Yancey Thigpen. He could be the go to guy with Eric Green no longer around. Defensively 3rd year CB Willie Williams looks to be very much improved. With the spot opposite of Woodson open due to free agency and off the field occurrences he could be primed to join the starting lineup.