Update on Who's the Starter at RG
by cgolden on Oct 3, 2008 10:44 AM EDT
42 comments
According to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, it looks like Darnell Stapleton is the front runner to start at RG on Sunday night. Stapleton got the first shot at it this week during practice, but Trai Essexx did get reps with the first team on Thursday. Tomlin sort of hinted at the prospects of Stapleton getting the starting nob:
"Darnell’s getting more snaps than Trai," Tomlin said. "He’s got more recent history at the position, in terms of practice. Trai’s been concentrating quite a bit at swing tackle. But both guys will work and we haven’t made a final decision. We really don’t have to till Sunday night."
As far as BTSC whipping boy, Wille Colon, getting a shot, Wexell said that it won't happen this week. Colon might only get a chance to move inside if Stapleton can't hold his own this week. With the Steelers on a bye, that would give Colon two weeks to transition. Colon has certainly heard all of the rumors though:
"WHAT?" Colon asked. "What is all this BS? I’ve been in meetings all day. I haven’t heard anything about this." Colon was kidding of course. Wave after wave of reporters had stopped at his locker to ask him about playing guard after Tomlin hinted at the move at his Tuesday press conference.
I'm not sure what the best case scenerio is for the Steelers but I sure wouldn't mind Stapleton grabbing hold of the RG position and never giving it back. He's a young kid who could be a cheap starter for the Steelers for the next several years. Thoughts?
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agreed
I wouldn’t mind Stapleton playing well or Colon moving to guard (mostly because I think that improves us at 2 positions). I dropped my subscription after training camp, so thanks for keeping us filled in.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If stapleton makes a good guard I’m all for it, if he suffers then we need to fix it. Starks is gone at the end of the year, so if we can fill out holes with players who are going to be around long-term that’d be great. If stapleton is a scrub, we can’t let this season fall apart because of it and have to either try essex or move colon/starks. With the season approaching the 1/4 mark though I question when colon will get comfortable playing the new position with the steelers, stapleton and even essex have gotten a lot more snaps there, albeit with the 2nd team.
Colon isn’t the best, but he has looked better this year. If we get him, stapleton, and kemo working together that’s three young guys. I like kemo and stapleton could work out well, with colon being OK. That leaves two spots. We may need to replace Marvel pronto, maybe not. He’s going soon though, and our center is not the long term solution.
Lets say next year we have Marvel, Kemo, Hartings, Stapleton, Colon. IF (big IF) stapleton looks good, that starts to be a pretty solid line in my opinion, at least individually. Communication seems to be an issue. That lets us groom a guard (or a center) and a tackle for a year or two. With Simmons gone, the talent seems manageable on O-line physically. They need to work on things mentally and their coach needs to stop sucking.
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colon and Stapleton
From what I’ve seen, Colon’s been terrible this year. He keeps getting beat to the outside and either gives up a sack, or makes Ben feel the pressure and get nailed by someone else. I still think he could be a decent guard, but I’m off the “Colon is a decent RT” waggon now. I don’t know if Starks could be any better, but I don’t think he could be worse.
Stapleton goes up against John Henderson this week. If he even plays decently, I’ll annoint him the savior of the line. I’m really hoping we don’t have to watch Trai Essex try to take on Henderson. The line’s a mess because the only players worth a damn are all free agents next year. We can’t let Kemo go because of the future, we can’t let Marvel go because of the present, and we probably can’t sign them and McFadden, too. With the salary cap era potentially nearing a close, it will be interesting to see how we craft our new deals, and how much we are willing to spend.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I certainly don’t like Colon enough to stand up for him, I’d like to see what he can do for the rest of the season, especially when he’s not getting blown by the wind from colon’s revolving door.
I don’t suppose you or anyone else is privy to McFadden’s thoughts on sticking around? I know his agent is a bigtime pusher, but I honestly know nothing about the man. Will he attempt to let us keep a solvent line and him, or is he going to go for whoever is paying the most?
Marvel’s probably not going to be cheap, maybe the FO is planning on drafting an OT next year and praying it works out and using trai (who is okay) as a stopgap until he develops? Of course, even if that were to come to pass, we’d then have no backups, which is a slight problem.
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it'll be very interesting
I don’t have any idea how they’ll work it all out. Remember though that Essexx is a UFA after this season too (although I’m sure they’ll have no problem keeping him if they want to).
by cgolden on Oct 3, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
Long term, the priorities are probably signing Kemo and McFadden. I had high hopes for our team next year with a (hopefully) new OC and some rookie OL’s, but if Marvel’s gone, there’s no guarantees for anything. I feel like we’re already down an OT with Colon. This is my dream scenario: sign all three, draft a potential LT really early (even add in a 3rd to trade up) and start him on the right side with Kemo, Colon, Hartwig and Stapleton competing for 3 spots on the inside.
I read a comment by Dale Lolley saying that he though McFadden would be a priority. If he ends up with 7 or 8 ints, though, he could be a pretty expensive commodity all the sudden. On the other hand, I’m hoping that Kemo and Marvel will come cheaper than we’re expecting. Everyone knows how bad our line has been, and that can’t help their value. You’re talking about a mauling guard who has lapses in pass pro and a savvy but not dominating LT with back problems. I hope the FO will at least approach these three over the bye week with some moderate offers and see if one or two won’t bite.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This sounds right to me, although I’m not as down on Colon as you are and think he’d make a great backup / swing man.
Sign Marvel, Kemo, and Colon, draft a RT somewhat early and definitely re-sign McFadden. That’s the perfect offseason for us.
I too am hoping that Stapleton holds down the job for good.
by Cols714 on Oct 3, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any idea how much free cash under the cap space we’ll have to sign all those guys?
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no idea
steelerssalarycap.com has been messed up for forever. You can look at the current cap situation for 2008, which isn’t very useful. It’s been “under construction” for at least 6 months.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sincerely doubt we have the ability to get rid of him next year.
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Restricted Free
He’s a RFE. So if they don’t want him they won’t keep him.
by Chicago Steeler on Oct 3, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s saying we can’t afford to let him go without a replacement.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re playing him over $7 mil and you think they won’t keep him next year? No way, he’s staying until we have someone a definitive step above him, like a rock with long arms.
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smith Et Al
They might get Kemo under contract. He may be competitively priced for the FO. Think Marvel is gone. He is a huge LT with a bad back but has a ring and is a solid player. Someone will give him a 5 year contract. I don’t think the Steelers will as dire as their OL condition will be.
Losing Starks and Smith will free up some money for them to possibly sign a stop gap FA LT to play one year for whichever OT they might get in round 1. I wholeheartedly agree about trading a #3 pick to move up in round 1 and grab an OT. With the compensatory pick they gate for Faneca they will have an extra at the end of round 3 anyway making their #3 semi expendable. Think they should move up in round 2 also for their #4 if a good DL is available. We’re hurting in the trenches and that is where championships are won.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on Oct 4, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my 2 cents
From what I’ve seen and been tracking here and on our other Steeler Nation sites, Stapleton was originally a “swing guy” between OC and OG. Given the FO and current “coaching” staff track record of not shaking things up, even when clearly deserved, it would seem that IF Simmons has a complete recovery, we’ll look to reinsert him in lineup (I cant believe I actually brought myself to typing that) somewhere.
My take on our OL FAs is curiously optimistic. Smith and Kemo are going to be hard pressed to convince teams they can protect their QBs, when they are giving up 3+ sacks a game here. Starks may be the most attractive to outsiders, if only b/c he isnt playing and therefore not directly responsible.
I am pessimistic on B-Mac staying though. He is clearly showing that he is more than ready to be the full time starter at CB. Why it took an injury to Shea, I have no ides, but he’s really been a bright spot (among mnay) on the defenisve side of the ball. I believe he will garner much more $$$ on the open market than we are willing (able) to pay.
As far as draft priorities, we have GOT to get a high quality OL and a DL that will stick. There is no way we can keep drafting 4th round talent and then cut them or stash them on the practice squad for eventual cutting. (a la Steely McBean!)
(btw, thanks for stealing my thoughts BMF, I was reviewing as you were posting!)
Got 5? ... We do! Check the RINGS!!!
by warftr5 on Oct 3, 2008 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bmac
Yeah, it’s crazy how long it took him to start, especially with how well he played for Ike in 2006. In all fairness, Deshea had an outstanding year in 2007. Signing him is definitely a concern, but we’re going to be in big trouble if we don’t. We’ll either be starting a 34 year old Deshea, William Gay, or a rookie we can’t afford to spend a pick on. We may need to bite the bullet on this one.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Time to pay B-Mac
Guys,
Resigning B-Mac should be a priority for this team. You don’t want to start trying to fill your CB needs in free agency. Hey, you’ve got one of the best young CB’s in the league and he’s just starting to show how good he can be. Lock’em up. I think a starting backfield of Troy, Clark, McFadden and Ike is pretty good. Use the draft and free agency to work on the OL. Don’t create another need when you already have the answer in-house.
Too bad the coaching staff and the front office don’t seem to be on the same page when it comes to talent evaluation. I have a tendency to trust Colbert and co. more than I do Tomlin and his counterparts. The Steelers scouts deserve much kudos for its rookie free agent finds, including D. Woods, P. Bailey, G. Russell, D. Stapleton. All will have roles on this squad going forward this year.
Thoughts?
by datruth4life on Oct 3, 2008 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point on the UDFA’s. The FO and scouting department have been great at finding these guys for a long time. Add Harrison and FWP to the list. If only they were as good at finding DL’s in the draft!
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Add Jeff Reed, Greg Warren. Very good Long Snapper and Jeff Reed. (I don’t want to jinx Reed). Management had some misses but…..
by steelcitykid on Oct 3, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i believe
nate washington went undrafted out of tiffin university as well.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Oct 3, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if it comes down to the greenback for the b-mac, who would you be willing to give up to sign him? Marvel, marvel and kemo, etc? I definitely want b-mac on the team, but what cost would be worth it?
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've been saying that bmac should start for three seasons now
with him and ike, we can have two VERY solid starting corners for the next 3-4 seasons. i would definitely let marvel and starks walk. that’s tough bcuz they’re our 2 best tackles (colon sucks), but keeping an old, pricey, and oft-injured marvel smith will not give our oline the boost that it needs.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Oct 3, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If BMac makes it too expensive to sign everyone, I’d probably still stick with him and one fo the OL’s, since he’s the only guy without downside. Marvel’s old, and Kemo isn’t great in pass-pro. He may improve, but it’s a risk. If we kept Marvel, we could draft a tackle and move Colon inside (not that we would ever do that, of course) and start some combo of Colon, Hatwig, Simmons, and Stapleton inside. If we let Marvel go, things stay the same, but our rookie tackle or Essex start on the left.
That sounds better than 2 decent OL’s and an aging secondary.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 3, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds logical to me. Honestly I hope Kemo gets his shit together on pass pro. It will make the decisions tougher, but he really can be a monster in the running game.
by steelguy99 on Oct 3, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we need to give up on the Colon to guard idea. It doesn’t seem like it is ever happening. We’ve been hearing about this for 2 years and he hasn’t really had any practice time at guard.
Now if Stapleton sucks it up….
by Cols714 on Oct 3, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
to do list
Since his knowedge of the game is grounded in the coaching and schematics of defensive play, I’m sure Tomlin knows that signing Bmac is a priority for this football team. Given the policy to not negotiate with players during the season (which appearently is set in stone) signing him to an extension goes on the back burner for now. Like many of you, I love to see it happen now but I’m not holding my breath. Whatever the case may be, retaining Bmac should be right under “protect the quarterback”, and “win NFL championship” on the to do list.
by feworker on Oct 5, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McFadden cost
One place the $$$ for McFadden may come is the $7M going to Starks this year. That coming off of the cap should open up enough space to get something done with McFadden, I would think.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Oct 3, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Ben might have a big night
The Jacksonville Jaguars will be without half their starting secondary against Pittsburgh on Sunday night. Safety Reggie Nelson (knee) and cornerback Drayton Florence (groin) will miss the game, coach Jack Del Rio said Friday. Nelson bruised a knee two weeks ago at Indianapolis when he collided with teammate Brian Williams and sat out last week’s game against Houston.
by cgolden on Oct 3, 2008 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mathis
seems to always find his way to one ben pass per game though. i just hope the oline does their job, AND ben gets rid of the ball quicker.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Oct 3, 2008 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stapleton listed at 285
On Steelers.com they have Stapleton at 285. Someone tell me thats not accurate and hes put on 20 lbs because that seems a little underweight to be taking on 330 lb DL.
by SteelerDomination on Oct 3, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hmm...
I remember reading that he was 285 last year and he came back to camp at 310 so he could have a better shot at starting. I could be wrong, but that’s what I recall.
by Chicago Steeler on Oct 3, 2008 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yah
actually I read he was at 315 in camp so, he’s definitely over 300.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 3, 2008 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
steelers.com
its great, but doesn’t always update roster well. (Pics or weight)
by steelcitykid on Oct 4, 2008 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big ben
I agree that Ben must post good numbers. Hopefully he can get make his reads quick and get rid of the ball. I think we will be just fine. I’ll be watching the game from the Bettis Grill. Oh, and by the way I found a really cool ‘Here We Go Steelers Chant" ringtone. Its a free download at FreeHTC.com Make sure you get it in time for the game. Last week my boss was flippin’ when he heard it.
by NewCastleSteel on Oct 3, 2008 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Marvel...
isn’t the guy he was 3 years ago, but there aren’t many alternatives. Marvel is a C+ NFL tackle but Tony Hills isn’t the answer and the Steelers aren’t likely to get the best tackle in next years draft because they rarely pick higher than the 11th pick.
Our beloved Steelers have some structural weaknesses in their foundation but it will take free agency/good draft to shore it up. Not likely in the near future.
by Steev1705 on Oct 4, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As much as it would screw him over
we could franchise him. I doubt he’d bitch as much as Faneca would have, and this is one case where it’s going to cost us an awful lot to be the good guys.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 4, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that’s true. We’d end up paying him a ton of money for a year to keep him around if we did that, but you just know that we won’t be able to bid competitively for a multi-year contract – someone will pick him up and pay him far more than he is worth.
A home town discount would be nice, but he’ll probably want a payday, and I can’t blame him.
by steelguy99 on Oct 4, 2008 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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