Second Annual 'Adopt-A-Steelers-Player' on BehindtheSteelCurtain

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 3:28 AM EDT Comment 76 comments

Ok guys and gals, we're getting closer and closer to Opening Day 2008 in the NFL. Last year, it took us until Week 16 against the Rams to implement our own 'Adopt-A-Steeler' idea. This year, let's have things rolling by Week 1.

So, even though we're not quite sure who will occupy the last slots in the 53-man roster when it's trimmed this coming Saturday, I think we should 'adopt' our players right now. If you select Tyrone Carter and he's cut, that'd be too bad. Depending on the participation levels (last year, we didn't 'adopt' every last player, there just werent the same number of readers), you may want to hold off on selecting some of the fringe guys. That said, if there's a youngster you think highly of - say Darnell Stapleton or Roy Lewis - that you think will make the team and have an unexpected impact, by all means 'adopt' him. It will make you look that much more smart.

Pelican_medium

So, what does 'adopting' a Steelers player entail? No, no diapers, and no endless beurocratic hurdles to clear. You simply select a player in the comments section of this thread. Quick note: PLEASE check the comments section to see who's been selected, so that we avoid any confusion. At the end of the day, or after a couple of days, I will post a complete list with readers and their assigned adopted player.

What's the point of this you may be asking? Well, for one, it's fun for us all to take ownership in the site. We all have good insights, observations, opinions. Why not give us all a chance to share them with the group in an organized way?

But, perhaps more importantly, this will allow us to get a better feel for how each player is doing each week. Unless you have the time to re-watch the games two or three times, it's impossible to keep your eye on how Kendall Simmons looks when Big Ben is set to throw a deep bomb to Santonio Holmes. And even if your eye is on Simmons, it's then missing what Justin Hartwig is doing.

So, each week, I will ask us all to report on our 'adopted' players. In addition to providing the basics, my hope is that you really try to hone in on your guy as much as possible. Now I don't expect you to compromise your football viewing experience with a pen and paper and a dilligent eye on your guy the entire game, but if possible, try to give us something that we couldn't find out in the box score, or something that wouldn't neecssarily be picked up by a fan casually watching the game. For those of you with DVR or TiVo, utilize it. Rewind and fast forward to see how your 'adopted' player is doing. If you don't have DVR, it may be wise/helpful to jot a few things down as you enjoy the games. Again, this won't/shouldn't intrude on your enjoyment of the games, but if you'd like to participate, please only do so if you can commit to doing it the whole season.

There's a Steeler player who needs a new home and some TLC. Make your selections in the comment thread.

UPDATE: Couple quick things. First, this is going to be fun. Be a part of it. Secondly, be sure to pick just one player for the time being. If very few of y'all are interested, than those that are can take more than one. But, for now, let's leave it to one per person at least for a day or so. Finally, as much as I love the politeness of you guys when you say things like, 'If nobody objects, I'll take ____.' If you want a particular player and he's not yet been snagged, 'adopt' him and don't think twice about it. Again, I appreciate the demonstrative desire amongst us to not step on each other's toes. I really do. But if you want someone, snag him. The only way we should feel bad about selecting a player is if we know deep down that we're not really going to follow through and follow said player throughout the year. Of course we all might miss a few games, but you know what I'm saying. If you are committed, don't feel bad or think twice!

UPDATE #3 - 8:00 EST August 29th

The following players have been taken:

Big Ben
Santonio Holmes
Mewelde Moore
Hines Ward
Willie Colon
Marvel Smith
Heath Miller
Willie Colon
Nate Washington
Limas Sweed
Rashard Mendenhall
James Farrior
Big Snack Hampton
Aaron Smith
Lawrence Timmons
Troy Polamalu
Ike Taylor
Chris K
LaMarr Woodley
Trai Essex
James Harrison - liveindc has him, there was some confusion on that one
Ryan Clarke
Dennis Dixon
Greg Warren
Fast Willie Parker
Chris Hoke
Gary Russell
Matth Spaeth
Sean Mahan
Larry Foote
Daniel Sepulveda - I expect detailed accounts of his stationary bike rides, cheer leading, and how a backwards cap looks on him

I think that's it for now. That leaves plenty of guys left, so jump on in and snag another. We'll do another update later in the day, so if there's lots left by the morning, we'll get into thinking about selecting the rest. So far so good. Keep it coming!

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Comments

Hines Ward

Mary Rose’s favorite

by maryrose on Aug 28, 2008 7:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice

Early bird gets the worm.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of early bird...

Have you folks noticed that our fearless leader is a machine. He posted this around midnight his time (west), just responded at 4:15 a.m. and then worked on another project and posted around 5:30. The man is robotic.

by maryrose on Aug 28, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea he's an animal

I normally get to work in the morning and talk to him before he crashes for the ~~night~~ early morning. Our fearless leader lives by his own clock. LOL

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn yall

I was hoping that you wouldnt tell my dark secrets. Hehe.

But anyway, I’m on vacation. This lifestyles out of control. So unsustainable. But fun! For now :/

Back to the real world soon enough.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Smith

Great Idea. I have been reading this post for about 6 months now and this inspired me to join. Thanks. I look forward to posting updates and reading others insights.

by warftr5 on Aug 28, 2008 7:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

awesome!

Glad you’re on board. You picked very vital player too. He does lots of little things to make an impact. I look forward to readind what you’re seeing from him.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Kemo (alternate or additional if no one else claims him)

I dont want to be greedy, but I re-read your embedded post from last season and it seemed like you wanted to target the lesser publicized guys as well. If no one else wants Chris K, I’m intrigued to follow his progress this season.

by warftr5 on Aug 28, 2008 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

cool

Let’s see what kind of reception this idea gets first. Last year, I knew that we wouldn’t fill all 53 slots. This year, it may be possible. Let’s definitely give people until the end of the day before we start taking multiple players. If you don’t mind warf;

SO. Chris K is NOT taken. He is still avaiable, for now.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris K BABY!

I’m sorry warftr5 but a huge lineman with an anger “problem” is to good for me to pass up! If there are no objections, I want to be the one to breakdown this road grader. Kemo may be our only option on the line that will bust his man in the mouth EVERY play……and I LIKE IT!!

I wasn't hired for my disposition!

by Burgernazi on Aug 28, 2008 8:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No Problem

It’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one in the Steeler Nation that appreciates the finer points of MOUTH SMASHING! BTW if you want some additional background, check out Craig Wolfley’s column on SCI. He breaks down the O-line play at Minn.

by warftr5 on Aug 28, 2008 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mendenhall

i’ll take the rookie….since I am a rookie to BTSC. By the way I love the site I’ve been on for about a month now and you guys do some really cool stuff. Thanks for being around!!

by black&goldtilldead&cold on Aug 28, 2008 8:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

cool cool

Good seleciton! An important selection though. We’ll all have our eyes on him obviously, but hopefully you’ll notice some of the littler stuff, like blocking, how he’s protecting the ball, etc.

Thanks for the kind words as well. Good to have you around and in on this.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Co-loan

I expect Slow Willie to either improve and impress, or to keep on being a revolving door. Either way I’ll be watching. Make mine Slow Willie Colon!

by BluegrassSteeler on Aug 28, 2008 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He's all yours

I had him last year and I’ve got a little better feeling about him than most so I’m hoping he’s able to turn the corner this year (or at least stop opposing ends from turning the corner).

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lawrence Timmons

Love what Timmons does out there – will keep you posted Blitzburgh!!

by herewegosteelers on Aug 28, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

polamalu :)

I’m looking forward to seeing if he makes the difference between a great and a superlative D this year…

by acrollet on Aug 28, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice

Another crucial players as well to report on.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Santonio!

Yes! He’s going to blow up this season!

RalphieReport.com - University of Colorado Athletics

by WoodrowWilson on Aug 28, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Potsie

I’ll take Farrior new sparkling new contract and all. I had him last year so it’ll be fun to continue the tradition. Thanks for setting this up again blitz.

by Chicago Steeler on Aug 28, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Woodley

I’ll take Lamarr Woodley. I may not be able to see every game, but I think we have enough national games that I should be able to see most.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 28, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweed

I’m new to this and he’s new to the Team. We both should do good this year!

by Taxman on Aug 28, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

welcome to BTSC

I’m sure we’ll all be waiting to see your reports on this promising rook.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Rongrastname

That is, if it doesn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.

Wait a second, I don’t give a shit.

Since we are all pretty much caught up on Big Ben trials, tribulations, struggles, successes and motorcycles, I will focus on the lighter side of Ben.

Lets start with this:

http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2008/07/maybe-i-could-be-the-new-rooney.html

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Aug 28, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I will also focus

…on his accuracy outside the pocket. I think that is his #1 skill, even bigger than shedding sacks, because of what it buys us. Ditching a sack to make a 3 yard cut upfield is clearly much less valuable than ditching a sack to toss a 35 yard bomb to a galloping San Antonio Holmes.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Aug 28, 2008 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That story on KissingSuzyKolber was crass, but real funny. :)

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 28, 2008 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It helps if you know that the guy who writes those pieces is a huge Steelers fan. He means it all in fun, not spite.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Aug 28, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

It seemed to have more of that feel of someone picking on their family.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 28, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trai Essex

I’ll see if can raise this baby over the course of the year. Last year during the runup to our loss v. Jax Trai got some bad press. However, from my foxhole Trai laid out a solid performance.

by tenthmtnman on Aug 28, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

solid -- he's all yours

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big Snack

I didn’t look through the comments — did anyone take the Hampburger yet? If not, I’ll definitely keep an eye on him.

by zacharai on Aug 28, 2008 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hampton is all yours

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

silverback...

* till next time wave those towels proud

by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Aug 28, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

James Harrison

Was awesome to watch last year, and with a healthy D-line in front of him, should be freed up to terrorize opposing offenses this year!!!

by il_steeler_fan on Aug 28, 2008 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Harrison

I’m not sure if you were ‘adopting’ him or if you were just commenting but he was picked by LiveinDC.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Raisning the Clark(e) bar

Curious to see how a healthy spleen and healthy (fingers crossed) Troy work for our man who is in charge of Steelers Safety.

by SteelerBuddha on Aug 28, 2008 11:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

critical yet underappreciated part of the defense -- good pick & he's all yours

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heath Miller

If no one objects. I’m a noob here, but I have been really impressed with Miller and his weekly performance.

by KY Steeler on Aug 28, 2008 12:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hell

things are going so fast, I was mulling between Troy and Heath when you posted.

by steelerark on Aug 28, 2008 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

since Hines ‘the scum’ Ward was taken (envision me with my fist shaking and shouting “damn you maryrose!”) and San Antonio is too, I’ll go with the lil missus’ favorite, Cowboy Troy. She loves Pola and calls him Fraggle due to his hair. So I’ll take him.

by steelerark on Aug 28, 2008 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

I see i missed someone already got him

by steelerark on Aug 28, 2008 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I guess

that I will go with good ole Nate.

by steelerark on Aug 28, 2008 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

third time's the charm

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ike Taylor

I’ll go with Ike, It looks like he finally bought some “stick em”, he’s been practicing w/ Tone, so maybe this year he’ll snag 10 ints.

by steelelmira on Aug 28, 2008 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mewelde Moore

I guess I should have refreshed one more time b4 the Harrison pick……I ‘ll take a guy who could be extremely valuable as Ben’s check down and on ST’s. Double M!!!

by il_steeler_fan on Aug 28, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yours

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dennis Dixon

Hello Im new to this
well I’ll tske the DD cuz his from Oregon!!

by yeominator on Aug 28, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

someone should pick one of the coaches

I wonder if thats possible

by yeominator on Aug 28, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NVM

by yeominator on Aug 28, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn all

you east coasters to hell. i’ll take Marvel Smith though. Blitz, every week you should have everyone e-mail you like one or two paragraphs on their guy, then you select three “star” performers and three “bad” performers each week to post on the site all in one article, like a scouting review of who played well and who played bad in the game. if everyone puts up a fanpost every week about their guy, or is just putting it in the post-game comments, it’ll be crazy to digest.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Aug 28, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that's a good idea

We’ll have to see what Blitz thinks when he returns from napping (like you really need it Blitz :-). The couple times we did it last year I think he opened one thread for everyone to comment on their ‘adopted’ players, but your idea is solid too. Some organization is always a good idea.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sepulve...Damn!

by tkired on Aug 28, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

on the bright side, your analysis will be really easy.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Aug 28, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FARRIOR 51

I am new to this as well …. and farrior is our home town guy!!!!

by steelersfreak on Aug 28, 2008 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

oops farrior already taken

just noticed “potsie” was spoken for. i will get back to you soon…

by steelersfreak on Aug 28, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Someone tossed this idea out there so I'm going to take it

I’ll take Bruce Arians

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Aug 28, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Greg Warren

And if things go well I’ll never have to post.

When he was kept over Mike Schneck to save a few bucks I was skeptical but he’s done well. I can still see the look on his face as a rookie when he snapped it into Sean Morey (IIRC) and I thought … man that poor kid looks like he just blew his shot.

I don’t think anyone else wants the long snapper and I live out of state and Time Warner Cable won’t give me the NFL network so I only see the national games. I figure if things go wrong with snaps for punts FGs or extra points I’ll be able to track down a vid of it somewhere and comment.

Or ask for the gory details here.

Otherwise my guy gets a thumbs up.

by 86HOF on Aug 28, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice

Good choice. I expect some comparisons on the trajectory of his snaps, whether the punter ever got the ball with the laces out, etc. Jk, like you said, if we never notice Warren, that’d be a good thing.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 28, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...that's what I get for being polite! FWP - see it works out fine.

I saw this thread this morning in the UK with ZERO posts, and I thought to myself….well, let’s leave it for the folks who’ve been there before myself and I’ll pick from the rest of the team. Besides, thinks I, it’s kinda cheating to get a six hour head start on everybody….doh!

Still there are some meaty bones left on the table……not slim pickings at all…

Unless I’m wrong, Willie Parker is still up for grabs right?

I’ll adopt him and we’ll see how he deals with the return from injury, with sharing the load with potentially viable runners, how does he do on goal line (does he do goal line?), blocking going ok, and how is the line working for FWP. I’ll even attempt to find stats for the stat-minded.

Also, did the picking the coaches thing go through? I might be after a Lebeau pick if that’s going ahead…

I am actually just about seven days from moving back to the states for good (as far as I know), and will be taking full advantage of a local Sunday Ticket capability. Hopefully I will be able to get back on the web with the season opener, but it shouldn’t be long at any rate.

by SCSteeler on Aug 28, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yup, you're right

Polite of you to leave FWP on the table, but I was actually thinking about that too earlier. He’s most certainly still available. And now, he’s all yours. GOod pick and thanks for the consideration of others. Though, your contributions the past couple of months have been great.

As for the reports on Parker. Here’s a guy that I would like to see some little things about. What types of situations are we running him in? Is he pouting out there when taken to the sidelines for Mendy? How many of his carries are on 1st down, 2nd, etc. I think we might really use FWP differently this year.

by Blitzburgh on Aug 29, 2008 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take Gary Russell

With all that talent at HB, he will get competitive or die.

by betelgeuse on Aug 28, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Suggestion...

Perhaps for the third anniversary, something could be done where people who live near the ‘Burgh (and thus get preseason games on TV) could adopt draft picks for the preseason? I read reporters telling me that Sweed’s been dropping passes in camp and in game, but there’s more of a personal connection when it’s guys and gals on the board, talking about that or watching Hills being pushed around.

So far as taking other positions, I already have the fat bastard, so I might as well take Hokie and Paxson, should he manage to make the team (highly doubtful).

Tonight’s pre-season game really highlighted what the different nose tackles were good at. A preview: Casey looks, and moves, like a constipated hippo.

by zacharai on Aug 29, 2008 12:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

which do you want

Hokie? Paxson? Might I suggest you take Hoke for now, then pick up Paxson this weekend if he makes the team and is not yet selected?

by Blitzburgh on Aug 29, 2008 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nose tackles

Sorry if I wasn’t clear — since I’m already watching the middle of the d-line for Hampton, I’ll also keep an eye on Hoke when he’s in. The Steelers almost never put in more than one nose tackle at a time.

by zacharai on Aug 29, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

btw

Good suggestions about the preseason. Hey, baby steps. Last year it was week 16. This year it’s week 4 of the preseason :)

by Blitzburgh on Aug 29, 2008 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would adopt Billy Lasko if he was going to make the team, but I don’t think the staff is looking for another Kreider. I like Humpal, but I think he might have some medical issues that will keep him off the team. I call either of those guys if they make the team, but I have a couple backups who I know will be on the team.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Aug 29, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Assuming those 2 don’t make the team, I call Matt Spaeth. My bane of the draft last year, he’s starting to win me over. That audibled seam route he ran against Buffalo was a thing of beauty.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Aug 29, 2008 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs