So last week and the weekend weren't the best times for a Steeler blogger to get the flu, what with Steeler management doing their interpretation of Queen's classic "Another One Bites the Dust." While in a Nyquil-induced stupor, I missed out on the opportunity to comment on the loss of Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, James Farrior, and Chris Kemoeatu.
Which turns out to be a good thing. I already covered the Hines Ward dilemma on February 15, and don't have much more to say about it. Yes, it's a business decision. Yes, we like to think of the Steelers as family (even though that was the Pirates' theme song). Yes, Franco Harris had a spectacularly unspectacular year in Seattle. Yes, it's all very sad. We'll miss Hines the most, but all these players have contributed great things to the Steelers, and all will be missed.
But they have all had great careers playing a game they love, and they all knew Chuck Knoll's advice would apply to them eventually - sooner rather than later, given the injuries all have suffered the past few seasons. It's time to get on with your life's work, boys - Steeler Nation loves you and wishes you well.
And now, for your listening pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE&ob=av2n
While I'll miss Hines, Aaron, and James, I will shed no tears at all for the loss of Chris Kemoeatu. He has been a constant source of pre-snap and post-whistle penalties since his arrival. We have some better behaved guys on the practice squad that are champing at the bit to get a chance to hit the line, plus, I'd bet we could put a rookie fresh from the upcoming draft into the lineup and expect fewer penalties.
ReplyDeleteSeriously...I think that was the best salary cap decision this off-season and I wasn't too terribly surprised, but somewhat dismayed, about the others.