For A Few Steelers, Its A Make or Break Year

-Mason Noland

The Steelers, like many teams in the NFL, have a few players who for one reason or another
have not lived up to their billing. Whether it’s been the dreaded injury bug, excellent players
ahead of them, or just being out of shape, they don’t seem to be able to consistently make plays
on the field. I look for this year to really be “make or break” for Jason Worlids, Jonathan Dwyer
and Stevenson Sylvester. Each man for his own unique reason.

Let’s start on the offensive side of the ball. When Jonathan Dwyer was drafted in the 6th round
out of Georgia Tech in 2010, I instantaneously thought we had the steal of the draft. He was
unbelievably productive in college. The Yellow Jackets employ a triple option attack which is
a thing of beauty, when run properly and he was a great runner for this system. This system
doesn’t transfer if you are a quarterback, but he played fullback, so his skills should transfer to
the NFL as the fullback is the bell cow in this offense. Dwyer’s knock was never talent. He fell in
the draft because of conditioning.

This fact became apparent when he showed up to camp overweight and could not make an
impact his rookie year. He only dressed for 1 game and had 9 touches. You would think the
young man would have learned his lesson, however, he repeated his rookie year’s antics
and again showed up out of shape to camp. I believe he should thank Baron Batch’s ACL
for tearing, because that was probably the only reason he made the squad last year. He has
played well in flashes, last year’s Titans game comes to mind. That won’t be enough with
Rashard Mendenhall out for part of the season, he needs to make an impact from the start.
By all accounts, he is in great shape. I have read nothing to the contrary at least. Hopefully his
potential does not go untapped.

On the defensive side of the ball, we have two fast linebackers who need to assert themselves
into the rotation, if not the starting lineup. When Jason Worlids was drafted in the second round
from Virginia Tech, I was a bit surprised. Sure, he was a fast edge rusher, but that was about it.
He’s another player who has huge upside, but cannot seem to use it. His problem seems to be
staying healthy. He’s also a player, who when on the field, shows he can play. He is currently
on the PUP list with a wrist injury. I know injuries are a part of the game, but it would be nice to
see your team’s second round pick play. I understand he is not going to be a starter with James
Harrison and Lamarr Woodley on the team. He should, at minimum, be a situational pass
rusher, or a player who spells the OLB starters every few series. I believe his injury is opening
the door for second year man, Christopher Carter, to take over those roles. Worlids should hope
he heals quickly to reassert himself.

The third member of the 2010 draft class who needs to break through is linebacker Stevenson
Sylvester. I have high hopes for “Sly”. He looked like he was going to be a future star for the
Steelers base on his special teams efforts. He seemed to regress last year and could not take
advantage of an aging James Farrior or Larry Foote to get on the field on defensive downs.
I was hoping he could claim one of the inside linebacker spots on the starting defense, but it
seems like Foote has taken it and isn’t about to concede it. The season is over a month away, so he still has time to do so. I have read that he is taking snaps at outside linebacker as well.
He might be able to find himself in a “utility man” type role, where he comes off the bench and
sees action as a nickel linebacker, as well as spelling all four positions. He is another example
of Mike Tomlin’s love of position flexibility.

For whatever reason, these members of the 2010 draft class haven’t made that many of the
plays others have made, but here’s hoping it’s their year. I’m not saying I want them all to be starters.
I wouldn’t mind if they don’t start at all this season. What I do want from them is the ability to get
on the field as situational role players that help the team win.