Daily News & Links: Bold Russell Wilson Prediction; Steelers Secondary Ranking
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? Former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman made a bold prediction about Russell Wilson during an appearance on The Pump Fake podcast.
“I think he won’t be starting by Week 4,” Merriman told Jarrett Bailey of Behind the Steel Curtain. “He’s gonna win [the starting job in camp] because he’s smart. One thing about Russell Wilson is he’s always been smart with the football. That’s always been his thing- he makes great decisions. So he is going to win in training camp, he’s going to win the job. He’s a great salesman… I think he’s one of the best at just dealing with the media, staying positive, saying all the right things, doing the right things- the ultimate salesman. And when it comes time to play football, we’ll see who he really is. Even now, he’s working out during the offseason… he looks amazing. He looks like the Russell Wilson we’ve seen in Seattle. Again, selling the hell out of himself. But we all know when football really starts how that can change quickly.”
? Pro Football Focus ranked the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary as the 23rd-best unit in the NFL.
“The standout member of the unit is safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been a bit hot and cold over the past four years,” John Kosko of PFF wrote. “His highs are extremely good, as his 82.4 overall grade in 2022 shows, but his 57.2 grade in 2021 shows the lows. In 2023, he was right in the middle at 73.3 — good but not great. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. had flashes of brilliant play last year but also showed rookie-year warts. The Steelers’ secondary is middle of the pack on paper, but the play of those two will determine whether they can crack the top 10 or stay mid-tier.”
? NFL historian John Turney named former Steelers defensive ends L.C. Greenwood and Dwight White as the best defensive end duo that’s not in Canton.
“Greenwood and Holmes were fine two-way ends, playing the run and pass, and were part of a defense that crushed opposing NFL running games. White made first- or second-team All-AFC from 1972-75 and went to the Pro Bowl in 1972 and 1973 … making the all-star event one year before Greenwood’s first visit,” Turney wrote.
“However, Greenwood was a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He also could make a case as Defensive MVP in Super Bowls IX and X had there been such an award. He was that dominant in those games.
Greenwood has also been a six-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Of the 32 players listed, he probably has the best chance of getting a bust in Canton.”
? Funhouse posted an interesting video on X of the last play of the Steelers-Raiders 1976 AFC Championship Game.
Last play of the 1976 AFC Championship game.
Imagine this happening today and Lynn Swann comes up one yard short of his receiving prop. pic.twitter.com/ZajM3qbLrk
— Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) July 4, 2024
? Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report thinks George Pickens is the most underrated wide receiver in the NFL.
“The former Georgia Bulldog showed some of that promise in his rookie season. Coming off an ACL tear that kept him out for much of his final collegiate season, he had 52 receptions for 801 yards. He followed that up with his first 1,000-yard season, catching 63 passes for 1,140 yards,” Ballentine wrote.
“His 18.1 yards per reception led the league with Brandon Aiyuk not far behind at 17.9. Aiyuk is definitely getting his due. His role in a dynamic Niners offense has most of the league understanding just how good he is.”
? Steel City Star posted a throwback clip of Troy Polamalu’s unique training regimen. Polamalu credits Marv Marinovich for saving his career.
Who does Troy Polamalu credit for saving his career?
Todd Marinovich’s dad pic.twitter.com/AtR7FvPPJy
— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) July 3, 2024
? Former Steelers offensive lineman and current team radio color analyst, Craig Wolfley, reflected on Chuck Noll.
“Loved this man. The last words Chuck Noll ever said to me (with a smile on his face)…”I see you have found your life’s work.” I will forever treasure that…,” Wolfley wrote on X.
Loved this man. The last words Chuck Noll ever said to me (with a smile on his face)…"I see you have found your life's work." I will forever treasure that… https://t.co/opJ35H0TAS
— Craig Wolfley 🏈🎙🎧🎤 (@CraigWolfley) July 3, 2024
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