What Players are you most excited about to watch in Preseason?

by 2005steelers4life on Jun 17, 2009 5:35 PM EDT Comment 26 comments

Hey guys i just wanted to make a thread about the top 5 players you are excited to watch in Preseason and why? Well Ill go first. Here is the guys im excited to watch.

5. Mike Wallace: Theres no Substitute for speed. Nuff Said.

via photos.al.com

4. Ryan Mundy: After getting hurt early in the pre-season last year we never really got to see what this kid was made of. He has been practicing with the first team and from reports ppl are saying he looks very good.

via www.post-gazette.com

3. Stefan Logan: I have always loved Darren Sproles and have longed to see a player like him on the Steelers. Also from reports he has looked very quick and agile and is very similar to sproles (maybe not the same ability but he is still good) I live in Canada so i watch CFL and while he played with the B.C lions i got to see some of his games and he always reminded me of sproles. Remember that the CFL is a much bigger field and players are smaller but very quick.

via www.nancarrow-webdesk.com

2. Rashard Mendenhall/Limas Sweed: These two picks excited me so much last year but that faded away through the 08 season. Rashard got hurt early but showed some flashes in that Ravens game. He can do everything and im just excited to see him. Limas Sweed was a beast in college and i think he will take over the game. You could mention his catching skills but if you look at his college highlights he never had trouble. I think it was just him being nervous and thinking to much.

via www.post-gazette.com

via 2.bp.blogspot.com

1. Dennis Dixon: Its gotta be this guy b/c of the excitement he brings to the table and the skills he has. His running skill overshadow his throwing skills a lot, i think this can is a very good passing QB and obviously has amazing running ability. In last years preseason he showed very good flashes ( Especially in the Buffalo game in toronto, I was there BTW hehe). Such as his 4 down run, where he ran like 50 yards for a touchdown. He also had a couple a good throws on the last drive of the game. Pumped to see this guy and i hope he wins #2 Qb so we can see him on the field if BB gets hurt.

via cache.daylife.com

Honourable Mentions: Frank The Tank, Rookie Corners, Ziggy

What about you guys??

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Comments

Can't really argue over most of your choices

But let me add few that I think will be just as interesting.

1. Ziggy. It would be nice to have a rising star on the D-line to complement Smith, Hampton and Co.

2. Frank the Tank. If he can fill the role of reliable short yardage back, or even better, the reincarnation of the Bus, then the offense may damn near unstoppable.

3. The rookie corners. We forget sometimes that LeBeau was a former all Pro DB and that Tomlin made his rep in this league as a defensive backfield coach. What are the chances that the choices in this area are gonna be duds? And while we’re at it, might as well add Big Play Willie Gay and Roy Lewis, perhaps the biggest surprise of all.

4. Donovan Wood, Bruce Davis and the struggle to be part of the most terrifying linebacker corps ever.

5a. The battle for punt and kickoff returner, (Wallace, Logan, Bennett, etc.)

5b. The battle for being the next Nate Washington (Sweed, Martin, Wallace, etc.)

5c. The battle of the O-line.

by RickVa on Jun 17, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5c > 2.

If 5c. solves some problems, I could be the short yardage back. (Ok not me I’m 5’ 9 ’-154lbs and 48yrs old (still fast though).) But you get my point.

by SNW on Jun 17, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe, maybe not

that’s what I’ve been thinking, but KC Joyner has been saying that the run blocking from last year actually graded out pretty well. (He was pretty surprised too) Pass protection was horrible though as we all know…

by acrollet on Jun 18, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never believe anything which contradicts what I saw. KC Joyner is wrong.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Jun 19, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good question...

On offense I’m curious about Wallace. That kind of speed is always intriguing. And I just posted about Dixon, so yeah, I’m really hoping there’s something that includes him this year.

On defense, I want to see Timmons in an every-down role. I think he’ll be a beast if he holds up. A bit worried about his durability, though. He reminds me a little of Kendrell Bell. And of course Ziggy Hood. Everybody wants to see what the #1 looks like.

by cliff harris is still a punk! on Jun 17, 2009 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah But from Reports (Jim Wexell) Timmons has bring his bulk up but has kept the same speed

So i think that will help, I really dont think Ziggy will do much this year, so it doesn’t have me that excited,

Here We go Steelers, Here We Go

by 2005steelers4life on Jun 17, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My 5

5. Mike Wallace-Real excited about his potential. Looks like he could be a real play maker.

4. Frank “The Tank” Summers-Bruiser that will probably never add up to the Bus, but will bring us back fond memories while adding his own.

3. Ziggy Hood-Don’t expect to see him starting unless there are injuries, but I’m excited to see him translate to the 3-4 scheme. If he does we could be seeing some great things in the near future.

2. Lawrence Timmons-I think he has great potential and now that he’s starting I’m real excited about what he could bring to an already dynamic defense.

1. Rashard Sweed-Yes they’re one in the same when it comes to rookie struggles, but both could have big break out years this year, and I’ll be right there rootin’ for them all the way.

It's true what they say...Even the NFL's Big Wigs hate the Steelers. On the plus side, I can now tell my future grand kids about Hines Ward and how the NFL made rules because of him. Roger Goodell, you make me sick.

by HighSchoolSteeler on Jun 17, 2009 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my positive and negative five's

5 positive expectations/hopes:

1.I expect to see Patrick Bailey kicking even more serious asses this year and showing at training camp he is talented enough not just to be in SP but to fill in nicely iff one of the starters get injured. The kid is great!
2.I would like to see Chris Kemoeatu stepping up and showing some improvement, I think last year he showed some good things like agression and poise but now he has to become smarter too.
3.Im very concerned with Sepulveda’s performance, hope he is (really!) 100%, cause that SP with a good punter will be something else!!
4.I expect a huge competition for the CB’s 2 , 3rd n 4th spot. that quality depth should almost guarantee us an awesome season in the backfield. We might not miss BMac even though he shall play his best football ever in Arizona…
5.Dennis Dixon of course, it would be really great if he could firm himself as our 2nd QB, because I tell you what, with that oline and Ben’s style, we might depend on him more then we would want to from a " 5th round rookie" and I just dont trust Charlie Batch at all sorry.

5 negative expectations:

1.I also dont think we will see much from Ziggy this year, and that has not much to do with playing time but 3-4 skills and general immaturity..
2.I dont think we will see much of Carey Davis either this pre or regular season and I honestly dont care a bit, on the contrary I think he has no purpose in this roster!
3.I dont think guys like Logan, Baker and Lewis will dress up for the games unless successive injuries happens guys.
4.Some weird feeling tells me Mendenhall will not explode this year yet. It does not mean he will not contribute though but I ‘strangely’ see him fumbling a bit this year, I hope Im wrong but I thought he was way to rigid and close minded running the ball the opportunities he had, he is very fast and that is good of course but he needs way more swing and we know he had fumble problems last year anyway..
5.And finally, Im waiting for a miracle in the O Line case! ’cause thats the only thing I can see right now making it better, the draft was very unfortunate OLine wise and the franchise tag on Starks was a horrendous move, and we still got Colon as our starting RT (what a scary thought!), so, lets wait for a miracle now…

But hey, what do I know? lol

by setherian on Jun 18, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A few to consider for good or bad

Tony Hills – if the offensive line is to show some long term stability, Hills has to show he can handle one of the tackle spots

Bruce Davis – if he can’t play, it’s probably Andre Frazier or Arnold Harrison as the top OLB reserve

William Gay – if the starting D has a weak link, it’s him. He’s had a nice couple of years, but the expectations are WAY higher for him now.

Matt Spaeth – dude, block somebody. Anybody.

David Johnson/Ryan Powdrell – for anyone who thought that FWP’s desire for a legit blocking fullback had some legitimate merit, one of these two longshots would be candidates to fill that role.

by pghnorthside on Jun 18, 2009 1:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Matt Spaeth – dude, block somebody. Anybody.

I think I saw him trying to block Willie Parker a couple times this year. Perhaps we should be more specific with him. :)

by Chicago Steeler on Jun 18, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's too damn tall

He makes for an OK 2nd TE in a set where he can go deep and miller can block.

But his center is way too tall and he cant get down quick enough to lift somebody up. We’ve seen Miller do that lift and pancake block style, and I think Spaeth can too but it takes a lot to crouch that frame.

by Mechem on Jun 18, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spaeth is only an inch taller than Miller

by worldtrip on Jun 22, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not so sure about that

Spaeth is listed at a whopping 6-7 and Heath is 6-5. Two inches in blocking can make a difference.

I’m not trying to nit-pick but to me it seems to be a source of difficulty

by Mechem on Jun 30, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

5 things i'm keeping a close eye on this preseason

5. Bruce Davis I am hoping he can live up to his college days and be a sack specialist we can bring in to spell Deebo and Woodley from time to time.

4.Frank the Tank Hoping he can live up to the BTSC hype and be our answer to our short yardage troubles.

3. Dennis Dixon I’m pulling hard for him to win the #2 spot this summer and i’ll be keeping a close eye on how he does.

2. Rashard Sweed Although they were drafted a year ago, i get the same type of excitment about these guy as i had about Woodley and Timmons before last year. I truly beleive these two will have an impact for the black and gold for the next 5 years and i’ll be watching the preseason and hoping they make me right.

1.The Rookies!! The whole point of preseason, at least for the hardcore fans, is to become your own “scout” and check out who you think will be the future of our franchise! The strength and speed of Ziggy, the second fastest man of the draft Mike Wallace and our new corners (I’m hoping one of these guys can show some hands, it seems like forever since we’ve had a corner with more than 5 Int’s). Oh yeah! Our new 6’5, 325 lbs Guard! Kraig Urbik!

by Freddyd on Jun 18, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t see how Frank the Tank and Ziggy could not be on someone’s list. I think these two, if they have significant impacts and can make it in the NFL, will be around for a very long time in Black and Gold.

I’ll also mention Mendenhall, because who wasn’t excited to see him play last year and we barely got to get a taste. Should be an interesting year in the backfield.

And Wallace, will be interested to see if he has a Washington-like impact or maybe more?

by Johnny_S on Jun 18, 2009 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on Mendenhall

Anytime you spend a No. 1 draft pick on a running back it’s because you think he’s something special and the Steelers had him rated very high. Loved the little bit we saw of him in the regular season. Good hands and can make people miss, runs hard and fast. There’s a reason Tomlin called him Delicious and I think he’s going to blow everyone away with how good he is.

by steeler.lifer on Jun 18, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can say a lot of things about Mendenhall, but good hands?

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Jun 19, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes Rashard has good hands

I can’t remember whether it was against Philly or Baltimore but he made an excellent catch of a low throw by Ben while he was in the flat and a tackler was closing on him. Reached down for the ball, planted and sidestepped the tackler in one smooth motion. Very impressive. Nothing new for him. He made a lot of catches in college, 34 his last season. Arians said this about Mendenhall on Draft day: "I compare Rashard to Edgerrin James, except that Rashard is 10 pounds heavier and a tick faster than Edge was with the Colts … The pass blocking is good with Rashard, and he’s got great hands." Draft day hyperbole aside, Mendenhall is just a very fluid athlete with the ability to adjust to the pass and pluck it even if it’s not a perfect throw.

by steeler.lifer on Jun 19, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In my dreams

he turns out as good as you believe.

by steelerstyle on Jun 20, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I was gonna say Mendy because I think he has a real chance to put something together. Then again his last preseason was, slippery we shall say.

I really want to see Mike Wallace because he could be a very useful multi-threat guy and could fill a couple niche rolls for us.

Of course pre-season doesnt matter a whole lot, and often its a great chance for pittsburgh guys to show their stuff because they get no time after those 4 weeks.

by Mechem on Jun 18, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A. Quintuplious Shipley

I’ll be really curious to see how much playing time he gets in the preseason. I did as Dale Lolley suggested, and watched the Rose Bowl, every offensive snap – he didn’t ever lose a battle… Of course, it’s a different level, but USC ain’t exactly IUP!

Also curious about Mike Reilly (QB) – from an earlier sixpack “is evidently the second coming of Tom Brady according to Chris Mortensen” – probably a miracle if he even makes the practice squad, but you never know…

Of course I’m eager to see how all the other guys people have been mentioning do, but these two intrigue me…

by acrollet on Jun 18, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My 5

5. Limas Sweed

4. Rashard Mendenhall

3. Bruce Davis

2. Lamarr Woodley

1. Lawrence Timmons

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Steeler_ on Jun 19, 2009 2:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My 5.

5. Mendenhall, High hopes for him…always skeptical of running backs though..

4. Sweed, Love tall fast wide receivers …and running backs..boxers..i’m tall so I root for my own kind.

3. Wallace, Hope he pans out and works as a #4 and gets in a bit for speed situations.

2. Lawrence Timmons, Man..I cant wait to see him play…I LOVED kendrell bell..and I think this guy is simular but better…hope so.

1. A.Q Shipley, THE BEST draft pick all draft long…seriously, this guy was voted best center in college football…what were people thinking..he ever put up above average numbers in the combine..I personally hope he gets a real shot at the team..and I think he will become one of the if not the best Lineman on the Steelers.

Should have, could have, but didn't

by SunshineSteeler on Jun 19, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FRANK THE TANK x 5!!!

As excited as I am to see all the new additions in preseason, I’ve been waiting to see Frank The Tank in a Steeler jersey since I saw his youtube footage in March.
I can honestly say I’ve never been so amped to see a Steeler rookie as I am to see The Tank…
The only rookie that even comes close would be Randle El because I watched more than a few of his Indiana games and I knew what kind of gamebreaking talent he had to offer.

by Mr 412 on Jun 19, 2009 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs