Here We Go Steelers!

Kevin Colbert is Director of Football operations for our Pittsburgh Steelers. He recently sat down and chatted with Bob Labriola for an exclusive interview on the 2009 season.

Bob first threw out the question of how Kevin regarded the 2009 season. He highlighted the milestones of Ben Roethlisberger and his first 4,000+ passing yards (Franchise record), mixed with the two 1,000 yard receivers and 1,000 yard rusher in same season. Then he tempered that with the 9 and 7 record. Labriola also pointed out how the boys rebounded from a 5 game losing streak with a 3 game winning streak.

Thankfully however Kevin Colbert echoed my feelings exactly. “This was a 9 and 7 season” he said. He also said that the Steelers consider playing for the Super Bowl their goal and thus 2009 was in essence a failure as a whole. “The stats are nice, but not enough” he explained.

I agree, do you?

He was also quick to take the blame for the roster. He explained that at the end of the day he put together a 9 and 7 team and that is not good enough. I applaud you Mr Colbert for standing up in a way that most Directors or GM’s would not.

When asked if it was a matter of underperforming or just not being good enough he gave a fair answer. He explained there are many variables involved. He reminded Bob that players at times regress or play hurt. He said age is a factor as well as the chemistry of the squad.

Clearly, to me, he was taking the high road as he is not going to single anyone out. But I got the feeling that they are not going to accept mediocrity. My only problem with this answer is you did not address the obvious flaws from 2008.

What do you think?

Labriola then asked Colbert if there were any regrets. Any could haves, should haves, and would haves?

Colbert spelled out that through the season they review each and every player during and after every game. They ultimately compile this information to determine who will stay and who will go. He said naturally you wonder what if we drafted this guy or signed that guy. But he also basically said you sleep in the bed you make.

Colbert emphatically claims that the final call is a unanimous choice. He said he and Mike Tomlin sit at the head of the table and sift through a mountain of data before they agree on what to do. He again reiterated there are mitigating circumstances that are unpredictable.

My concern is, are they seeing what is obvious? I am sure they are convinced they are addressing the issues.

Of course it is easy to say they didn’t after the fact, so it will be interesting what they do next. Especially when you consider the same issues are still there.

Bob asked if age was a factor with the number of 30+ yr olds on the team?

Colbert said considering the Super Bowl victory it did not concern them.

That also answers the questions I have offered above. Winning the Super Bowl probably influenced not making too many changes. Which, while I don’t agree, I totally understand.

The offensive line for example was a big problem but they did win the Super Bowl with that line. So the question becomes just how bad of a problem can it be?

I must be more cold hearted than they are. Because I think you won despite glaring weaknesses that could have been fixed.

Kevin did clarify that you cannot become complacent. Of course he meant that looking back and forward  so it will be interesting to see what this means going into 2010.

The Interview video took a crap on me at that point so we will have to digest this for now!

IN OTHER NEWS:

Sean Kugler takes over O-LINE! He is credited for some success in Buffalo with the dysfunctional Bills. They did have a solid running game starting 2 OL rookies!

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