Ryan Clark's replacement

by Steelfrog on Oct 28, 2009 2:18 AM EDT Comment 7 comments

If free safety Ryan Clark cannot play in Denver for health reasons, many have speculated that either Ty Carter or Ryan Mundy should start in his place. Since both are more strong safety types, however, I wouldn't rule out Deshea Townsend. Personnaly, I think the position would fit him best, he doesn't seem have the speed to be a corner anymore and his game savvy and tackling would fit the position to a tee. I'm also pretty sure he's got more range than the other two. What say you, Steeler Nation?

Poll

Who would you rather see replace Ryan Clark?

Tyrone Carter

27 votes

Ryan Mundy

64 votes

Deshea Townsend

67 votes

Keiwan Ratliff

8 votes

166 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Any ideas...

On whom we might draft as a backup and eventual replacement? I know it’s completely the wrong season for that kind of question. Of course, I pose the question because I think I have an answer. I like Danny McCray of LSU. I think he has a lot of ability. It is said that he sucks in man, but that can be improved, if it comes to that. I think that his perceived “suckiness” will cause him to fly under the radar, and that he will become a bargain for some team.

By the way, doesn’t Clark play a lot of zone-style coverage? That type of assignment doesn’t require a candidate who was a hotshot man-coverage safety in college. Plus Ryan Clark came through the same program, undrafted, and turned out wonderfully.

Lastly, I voted for Mundy, just because he played his senior season 16 miles from my house. He was a godsend to WVU, and saved their bacon in their BCS Bowl that year. I’m a homer, but I also think that he will be a late bloomer and prove to be an able performer in time. At least a very reliable backup to Polamalu, though, in the present case, free safety is really not his bag.

by Concomitandt on Oct 28, 2009 5:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

sign vs develop

Although it’s great to develop players through the draft and the Steelers are one of the best at doing that, safety is a position that can be filled easily through free agency. Ryan Clark is a prime example. The Steelers, though they are free agent scavengers, have been successful at picking up a few gems. I look to them replacing Clark via free agency if Mundy doesn’t pan out.

by qwikdoc on Oct 28, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone notice Mundy in the last game?

I’ve been eager to see something from Mundy, but in the last game I only noticed him running with Woodley (or was it Fox?) on the return for a TD. I’m curious if someone with a DVR or better eyes noticed him much. I know in years past the Steelers have used a third safety instead of a corner in certain looks. Hopefully he’ll step up in Denver.

by phxsteeler on Oct 28, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He will certainly be missed, here are a few of his hits

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert

by LongTimeSteelersFan on Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carter/Townsend

We don’t know if Lewis or even Mundy can fill the role. We do know that Carter or townsend won’t play much better LeBeau himself. Let’s face it, Polu is great, Ike has his moments, Gay is getting better and might be serviceable or better by season’s end. Ratliff/Carter/Townsend haven’t even been close to making a play all season. It’s time to put them out to pasture and get Mundy/Lewis/Burnett ready for the postseason. Hell, use the extra roster spot for a kickoff specialist…KO coverage problem solved.

by steelerwheeler on Oct 28, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks guys

Looks like a pretty close race between Mundy and Townsend. I had a feeling Ratliff wasn’t very popular!

by Steelfrog on Oct 29, 2009 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Deshea

For obvious reasons, I’m more concerned about how a safety performs in pass protection rather than run support.

I’ve got nothing against Mundy. He’s probably the better athlete at this point. I just feel more comfortable with a guy who can diagnose the play rather than react to it. Brady and Anthony Smith taught us what happens when a Safety bites on a play-action pass. I can see Mundy making that sort of mistake. Meanwhile, Deshea is able to recognize plays and take advantage of them… like he did against Dallas last year.

by Varmint on Oct 30, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs