Steelers News: Porter, Johnson, Butler
By Kim Myers
The Steelers players head into the offseason for recovery and the coaches head out to prepare for free agency and the draft.
Steelers season never truly ends for Steeler Nation so while the offseason starts to heat up we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.
Peezy at the Combine
The NFL world will descend upon Lucas Oil Stadium this week for the NFL Scouting Combine. Teresa Varley gives us Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter’s experience from when he went to the Combine as a player in 1999.
Porter ran a 4.68 40-yard dash, bench pressed 225 pounds at 27 reps and had a broad jump of 39 inches. He was excited to showcase his skills on the big stage at the Combine after coming from the small school of Colorado State.
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These days Porter is on the other side of the field, watching the young draft prospects showcase their skills for teams. He enjoys the whole process of evaluating and grading talent.
Always there
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tells us the story of Chad Johnson (not that one) who works with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an NFL team pastor. He’s been in this position for the past thirteen years (nine with the Arizona Cardinals and the last four with the Steelers) and he’s done everything from praying over injuries to offering couples counseling.
Fowler explains that although Johnson hosts 30-35 players and coaches regularly for chapel services he accommodates players and coaches from all different faiths and backgrounds if they choose to accept his services.
What will Butler do in year 2?
Even though we all danced a jig when the news of the possible return of James Harrison came out Mark Kaboly of the Trib suggests that Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler will lean more on his younger players in his second season heading up the defensive unit.
Next: Steelers Draft: OLB Leonard Floyd
The Steelers defense improved by impressive length at limiting points, getting sacks and turnovers and stopping teams in the red zone. They’ll need to get better in pass defense and with the majority of their defensive backs up for free agency they’ll have the opportunity to infuse youth in that area as well.