The
1970's Pittsburgh Steelers
Taken
from the October 3,
1970 Official Pro Programme
Steeler Coach Chuck
Noll's problem is a very basic one. The solution is not.
Last year the Steelers
gave up more points than any other team in the NFL and outscored just
one of the other 15 teams. The 1969 squad was basically a young one,
and the same will hold true this season.
Approximately half
of the 40-man active squad will be comprised of first and second year
players. Between the college draft and a number of trades, Noll feels
that many of the problems have been solved.
1970
OFFENSE
Quarterback
- The accent will be on youth at this critical position, and the inexperience
of the Terrys - both Hanratty and Bradshaw - will take its toll at times
but the future success of the Steelers lies in these two strong-armed
youngsters. Both have unlimited potential, and it is only a matter of
time until one or both click.
Hanratty played
in eight games, five of them as a starter, and led the team in touchdown
passes. Bradshaw's small college background is the only question mark
with the pro's number one choice in the 1970 draft.
Running Backs - this is an area in which Noll feels the Steelers
have definitely improved. The acquisition of Preston Pearson from Baltimore
and John Fuqua from the New York Giants
provides the speed Noll feels has been missing.
Pearson, who was
drafted by the Colts to play defense but turned out to be a great broken
field runner, is durable despite his slight stature and relatively light
198 pounds. Fuqua is quick and powerful and, most important, loves to
block.
Ten-year vet Dick
Hoak, the Steelers' second all-time leading ground gainer, is in the
wings to spell Pearson. Sophomore Warren Bankston's 4.2 average was
the best on the team last season. At 6-4, 225, he has the size to roll
over tacklers.
Receivers
- Along with his young quarterbacks, Noll is going primarily with a
group of rookie receivers.
Only Willie Richardson,
who came to Pittsburgh from Baltimore for Roy Jefferson, is an experienced
man at this spot.
Second round draft
choice, Ron Shanklin, and free agent Hubie Bryant had the edge in the
early going. Pushing this pair were Dave Kalina and Dave Smith, two
Western Pennsylvania products.
A training camp
injury hampered fifth round choice Jon Staggers' progress, but he is
expected to see plenty of action. Staggers and Bryant are on the small
side but fast and quick. Shanklin has blinding speed. Smith, a great
natural athlete, has outstanding potential while Kalina is a Raymond
Berry type receiver with good hands and moves.
At tight end J.
R. Wilburn, a converted wide receiver, gets the call. At 220 he has
enough strength to handle linemen, and his speed is good for the position.
Behind Wilburn are
Bob Adams and rookie Dennis Hughes.
Offensive Line - In recent years the front line was suspect.
However, Noll feels the criticism was not justified and thinks better
personnel in other offensive areas will vindicate the forward wall.
The loss of Larry
Gagner via an injury suffered in an automobile accident was a severe
one. Gagner was a four year regular and had his best year in 1969. Bruce
Van Dyke holds down one guard position, and Sam Davis and Ralph Wenzel
will battle it out for Gagner's post.
Holdovers at tackle
are John Brown and Mike Haggerty. Brown is 25 pounds lighter than last
year, and the added speed should make him more effective. Ironman Ray
Mansfield, one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the league,
is back at center. He has played 98 consecutive league games.
Jon Kolb, Mansfield's
backup last season, is being shifted to tackle and at 250 has unlimited
promise.
1970
DEFENSE
Defensive
Line - This is the Steelers' strongest area. Led by Joe Greene, this
unit was a victim of a poor offense in 1969. Green and Chuck Hinton
form a tough tackle tandem while the flanks are capably handled by Lloyd
Voss and Ben McGee. Reserves Dick Arndt, L. C. Greenwood, and Clarence
Washington could start on many teams.
Linebackers
- Chuck Alien and Henry Davis were picked up in trades both should see
plenty of action. Allen replaces Ray May in the middle, and only his
age (31) and knees are question marks.
Davis
will be moved outside where his speed will be an asset. Andy Russell
mans the other outside linebacking position. He ranks with the tops
in the game. Veteran Jerry Hillebrand is the swing man and can play
all three linebacking posts. Brian Stenger, who played well in a reserve
role last year, and rookie Carl Crennel complete the linebacking corps.
Defensive
Backfield - Charley Beatty, a second-year man and Joe Greene's college
teammate, is the only holdover from 1969. He won a regular safety position
early in training camp as a rookie and looks like a fixture for many
years to come. John Rowser and Lee Calland do not have outstanding size
at the corners but are tough and have the speed to keep pace with the
wide receivers. Ocie Austin is the other safety.
Third draft choice
Mel Blount and second year man Clarence Oliver fill in at corner and
safety respectively. The quality of the defensive backs could surprise
a lot of teams around the league and make a big difference in the club's
record.
Kicking - Veteran Bobby Walden handles the punting. His lifetime average
of 42.3 ranks him high and last season he was third in the NFL. Gene
Mingo does the placekicking for the second straight year. Like the rest
of the Steelers, his performance was not consistent in 1969.
Article,
team information and photos from the Pro Programme,
October 1970.
The
game finished with Cleveland winning 15-7, but the tide was turning
as 1971 saw the Steelers begin to learn how to beat the Browns in Pittsburgh.
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