Steelers C Hartwig Talks About Nearly Signing With the Chiefs

by Joel Thorman on Nov 20, 2009 5:04 PM CST in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line has been perhaps the biggest disappointment this season. From the running game to the passing game much of the blame is being heaped on the guys up front. For most of us, an offensive line upgrade usually includes the center, right guard and right tackle, in varying order of important.

Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger is one of the tougher players on the team but he has repeatedly been referred to by pundits as a player who could potentially be upgraded via the draft or free agency.

It almost wasn't like that though. Last year, veteran center Justin Hartwig entered free agency and narrowed his list down to two teams: Chiefs and Steelers.

"When I hit the free agent market," Hartwig told 610 Sports today, "it pretty much came down to the Chiefs and the Steelers. The Steelers persuaded me to come to Pittsburgh."

Hartwig is a KU grad so he had local connections.

"It would have been nice to be in my backyard in Kansas City but, obviously, things really worked out for me last year," he said.

Hartwig played all 16 games last season for the Steelers Super Bowl season. Prior to that, he had been on four consecutive losing teams.

He also said he's hoping the Steelers run the ball more against the Chiefs. The Pittsburgh offense has gone 82 rushing attempts, dating back to week six, without a rushing touchdown.

That's currently the longest streak in the NFL....now that the Chiefs finally scored a rushing touchdown last week.

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Comments

Well...

We certainly do have a habit of helping teams break droughts….wherever they may be…

I am predicting 2 rushing touchdowns against us and at least 6 sacks. Maybe some Brodie time too…

Feelin pessimistic today…

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by woodman212 on Nov 20, 2009 5:12 PM CST reply actions

only 2?!

Mendenhall is going to run all over us if he starts. 6 sacks is too much. I think 3 sacks against us and maybe 1 for us. Cassel will stay in for the full game.

by Wrestler189s on Nov 20, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions

Ben is too good at avoiding the rush.

I think he will be upright all day.

Predictions.
1. Tank Tyler will end up surprising everyone and be the anchor of our line.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Nov 20, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

Yea...just 2 in my prediction...

Since they haven’t had one in so long….i went conservative on that matter at least…

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by woodman212 on Nov 20, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions

oh prepare to watch dorsey/jackson/entire DL diving at him while he steps to the side and throws it down field burning mike richardson

by SDChief on Nov 20, 2009 6:23 PM CST reply actions

Travis Daniels has been playing nickel in front of Mike Richardson this week

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Nov 20, 2009 6:28 PM CST up reply actions

Still blows my mind they've given up on Leggett

He missed tackles trying to make plays. All Richardson has ever done is get torched.

by ChiefDJ on Nov 20, 2009 6:36 PM CST reply actions

Leggett was playing safety last week. I thought he did ok.

by bh13 on Nov 20, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions

Honestly those plays against Dallas fell on Mike Brown for not cleaning up after him at all.

by JayrodT on Nov 21, 2009 1:15 AM CST up reply actions

End result equals the same the spot hasn’t been very good now I agree mike brown didn’t help the situation but pretty sure if you can’t make a play on the ball just settle for a sure thing tackle don’t try to make something happen and leave the team hanging. I like mo-legg and hope he can prove he’s worth it

by karkz86 on Nov 21, 2009 3:43 AM CST via mobile up reply actions