BTSC Daily Six Pack - Farrior vs. Father Time Edition
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 9:59 AM EDT
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PrintIX- It appears we have a good competition for ILB going into preseason football. The Steelers signed Larry Foote, which gives the Steelers three guys who could start at the position (four if you like Fox at the buck). I am sure the majority of Steelers fans were worried about James Farrior's age, and apparently Mike Tomlin was as well (thanks to SteelerBuddha):
"Any time you have 35-year-old, you better strengthen yourself from a depth and competition standpoint because that's inevitable, that's part of the game. He's been extremely blessed to play as long as he's played it. He continues to play it at a high level in my opinion, but I'm not going to take that for granted as we push into August of 2010."
I am glad that Tomlin is keeping a close eye on Farrior after he had a questionable season. Whatever happens this year, I am so glad we got to have such a great player on our team. Thank you James!
X- Well they finally did it. They changed the overtime rules...in the playoffs. The new rule mandates that if the team that wins the coin toss kicks a field goal the other team's offense gets a shot on offense. Then if the other team also kicks a field goal the normal sudden death rule is imposed. In my opinion, this is much better than the current regular season OT system. It forces the coin flip winner to make a play at the end zone when they get into field goal range. That is football, unlike that play it safe for the field goal stuff we often see in NFL overtime. What do you all think? Also, can someone let Donovan McNabb know about the new OT rule?
XIII- I am going to go on a rant, that I have argued over the last few days. I have been jumping around to all of the Mock Drafts that have been going on around SBN to offer some Steelers insight where I can. It gets under my skin when people have us picking Iupati and they say our OL "sucks" because of the high sack totals. Let me start by saying I like the idea of drafting Iupati, because I believe it will give us a great pull in the running game.
However, I do not agree with people who think that Iupati will magically cure our sack problem. Ben's style of play makes it incredibly difficult on any OL. Often, his extended plays require OLs to try to hold their blocks over the 3-4 second norm. "Well our sack totals were better when we had better OLs like Faneca and Smith." The sack totals for '04 and '05 were 30 and 23 respectively compared to 46 and 50 in '08 and '09. However, comparing these numbers is tragically flawed. Consider that Ben had 563 drop backs in those first two years compared to 975 drop backs in two recent years. Therefore, lets consider the sacks per drop back rate. In '04 it was 9.2%, '05 was 7.9%, '08 was 8.9%, and '09 was 9%. To me, that speaks volumes.
Besides the occasional mental errors, I believe our OL is good and it would be difficult for one OL to magically make them better in regards to sacks. The only thing that could keep Ben off the turf is changing his style of his play. However, that is a different discussion and I probably should have made this its own post. /rant
XIV- I like to spotlight good things players do away from the football field, because it draws them away from that stardom and makes them more realistic to me. There is a great article on Steelers.com, that talks about the Special Bond between James Harrison and a young girl named Kendle Haught, bound to a wheel chair as a result of Muscular Dystrophy. It is a touching story and worth a read.
XL- It is not really that big of a deal, but I figured I would mention it. The Georgia police have rescinded their request for Ben Roethlisberger's DNA. I say it is not a big deal, because it does not imply innocence or guilt. I believe they could not extract any DNA from the girl, so Ben's DNA would be pointless. This simply pushes us further into "he said, she said" uncertainty. Awesome.
XLIII- On that same note, if you did not already know, Ben is scheduled to meet with Goodell (I think possibly today). I assume he is just going to warn Ben that he is tip-toeing a thin line and he should be careful in the future. I do not see how Goodell could possibly suspend Roethlisberger for allegations and no convictions. That would set a bad precedent heading into future "situations" with players.
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great post Johnny!
I could feel the love for Farrior :) He has given us some awesome seasons, even if he is getting up there in age. I think we’ll get another good 2 years at least. and THANK YOU for mentioning Fox!!! I am totally in love with him – on the field :) He and Farrior make a superb team, and I think another year under 51’s wing and Fox will be a formidable force.
I am torn with what the NFL should do with Ben. Of course, there are only allegations and nothing proven at this time, but maybe some discipline will teach him to clean up his act. But, that has been the whole debate surrounding this meeting with Goodell, and all there is to do is wait and see what happens.
"God blessed me with the talent I have." - Deebo
Goodell is thinking Christmas came early.
A chance for him to personally screw the Steelers, under the guise of “keeping the league clean”? Roethlisberger is indefinitely suspended without pay. I’m calling it.
That story about Harrison was great.
And the DNA thing is, in a way, good news for the team. It means its more and more unlikely he will be charged with anything, and that means he will be able to play.
Ben needs to turn into a sort of Jesus figure in Pittsburgh after this though. His reputation is ripped to shreds and I can tell you, no one in Da ‘Burgh likes this at all. It’s like our brother has been accused of this. It’s a stain on the whole family.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
The DNA thing may be neither good nor bad.
In the PG today, Cyril Wecht (older Pittsburghers will remember the former Allegheny County Coroner) points out that DNA isn’t germane to some forms of sexual assault. Remember, they have been calling this “assault,” not “rape.”
"Never mistake motion for action." - Ernest Hemingway
If they had DNA, and it was his, that would be very bad. So therefore no DNA at all is significantly better, and therefore good news, and a lower probability of a charge.
by Phantaskippy on Mar 25, 2010 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure about that. From the accounts I have heard he is not denying that he hooked up with her. So DNA would be there either way.
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 25, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
From a Family of Police.
Grandfather was a Sheriff,3 Uncles, 2 brothers, & 6 Cousins all Policeman. No DNA is a gigantic step towards no criminal charges because getting what’s known as a,“True Bill”, or indictment, to appear in criminal court is likely less than 20%. But the civil mess is something else.
And on the article, how about we drop the sack total BY RUNNING THE FOOTBALL MORE? If Willie leaves,(which is now looking very doubtful), there are a plethora of good young RB’s coming out this year. We need to get back to grinding teams in the ground again, keeping the D fresh where we can,“Release the Hounds!!!!”, when they come on the field. Get back to putting teams in a phone booth & beating them up. THEN, if we need to have 4th quarter heroics, we know without a doubt, Ben is the best since Elway or Montana at it!
I’m also still stuck on drafting DL at 18. Folks overlook how big it was losing A.Smith for the year because Troy was out & is more high profile. (Don’t know why that bold wouldn’t cancel!)
"You never stand so tall as to when you reach down to pick someone up."
New OT rules
I can’t say I agree with the new OT rules. Why should each team get at least 1 possession?
It’s been said that this was brought on by the increase accuracy of Kickers…well isn’t it their job to make these kicks??
by Bleed Black n Gold on Mar 24, 2010 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
yea the rule only applies for field goals
if the team scores a touchdown the game is over. if you kick a field goal the other team gets a chance. if both teams kick a field goal it goes back to sudden death.
by steel.curtain.number2 on Mar 24, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
what about a safety?
2 hypothetical situations…
In a playoff game you win the toss, get a field goal, then kick off to the other team. The ball takes a lucky bounce and your opponent is backed up on their 1. A good defensive play in the backfield and all of a sudden you’re up 5-0 in OT. Do you win? Do you have to take the ensuing kickoff down the field and score another field goal to meet the 2FG/6 point requirement?
or
In a playoff game, you win the toss and get a 3 and out. Punt and the ball lands on the 1. A good defensive play in the backfield and all of a sudden you’re up 2-0 in OT. Do you win this time because the other team had a possession and you scored?
Defensive score...
And the game is over.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 24, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
it's not "first one gets to 6 points win"
and yes to the second question because sudden death began once you didnt score on your first possession
It will be interesting to see if the coinflip win pct. gets bigger or smaller
I suspect that whatever happens people won’t be happy.
I suspect that whatever happens people won’t be happy.
this
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
people are never happy
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 24, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not happy you said that.
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm happy your not happy he said that
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
I'm not happy when anybody says anything at anytime.
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 24, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm just sad :(
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 24, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm happy if no one else is happy
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
that makes me happy
"God blessed me with the talent I have." - Deebo
by steelersgrl on Mar 26, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
o line
Disagree. I think our line is average at best, and I think below average. For every sack you blame on Ben, he avoids at least one. I am all for drafting linemen early. the way Arians calls plays puts a lot of pressure on the o line, so we need better players.
How many of those avoided sacks are on extended plays though? Just look at the difference between 2003 and 2004…Maddox had a sack % of 7 (not great) then Ben steps in with pretty much the same OL and it shoots up to 9.2%. Extended plays put more pressure on the OL, no argument there. Just how often Ben does that vs when he takes sacks is a question no one has the answer to.
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
The argument can go either way as always. Personally, I want Iupati because of his ability to improve the run game and thereby, hopefully, decrease the number of sacks by making it less obvious what the Steelers would do. Either way, the game that stands out most to me is the Cleveland Browns game where on more than a few occasions guys came completely unblocked to lay a shot on Ben. Actually, the times when he scrambles and takes a sack don’t worry me because Ben is a big boy and he more or less gets wrapped to the ground rather than hit. Rather, it is when he takes a shot from a guy completely running around Kemo, or Hartwig misreading the blitz scheme or Essex doing, well, whatever Essex thinks he should be doing, that I become worried about sacks.
Iupati ’10 for Pittsburgh Steelers RG
Troy Pull-a-muscle? :(
Like I said, I think Iupati would be a great addition because his ability to get our running game going. However, I don’t think it will decrease the sack rate at all. We had a great running game when Faneca was here, but the sack rate was still high. That being said, if we are able to run better, I assume we will look to it more and decrease the possibility of sacks with less pass attempts.
The Cleveland game was just a terribly called game. If I remember correctly from my 3rd down article, 5 of the sacks in that game came on third down. All of those 5 included empty back fields on 3rd down and were the result of well called blitzes. That is moronic, especially after you see the first two sacks that could have possibly been prevented with a last resort blocker to assist Ben.
Iupati is definitely the best option at RG for us, and I would be excited if we picked him.
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
just to clarify
i completely agree on Iupati. i’ve had us taking him in my mocks because of the run game not to help our “terrible” Oline
by steel.curtain.number2 on Mar 24, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
A positive story
Good write up J. S. positive write ups have been rare lately. I agree with you that our OL is bad as some seem to think. Also I agree that Ben sometimes seems to ignore the short routes too much and looking too often for the bigger plays gets him sacked sometimes when he shouldn’t be. But there is still room for improvement and a future upgrade.I like Iupati but, I think the junior Pouncey will have more future potential. If the steelers’ did decide to go OL.
There will be many good players for the steelers’ to choose from in the 1st, 2nd, 3d, 4th and 5th rounds. The 1st round alone is enough to give some one a headache trying to figure it out.
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
by steeler junky on Mar 24, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Other news
Did you notice J.S. that Mayock has moved one of our favorite draft prospects to a # 1 ranking. I give you a hint SS/CB.
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
by steeler junky on Mar 24, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Haden?
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
no
Earl Thomas
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
by steeler junky on Mar 24, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought I heard he was dropping
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
NFL Com
Prospect rankings on NFL com. by Mayock new this morning. Sorry earlier post should have FS/CB. Typing and eating same time will do that.
The more I learn -The less I think I know! Just enjoy reading and sharing.
by steeler junky on Mar 24, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Disappointed....
I don’t know what to say about the whole Ben thing… I wish it wasn’t so, but twice? I get the first one… I just wonder how he would he feel if it was his sister or a woman in his family? I know he wants to enjoy his fame, but at one point you have to know when to get the hell home. As my father use to say… “if you are out past Mid-nite you are probbly doing something you shouldn’t be doing.” Most times he was right.
XLV
I wanted to add one more for our upcoming superbowl. I got to go to an event held for the media at Wide World of Sports in Disney yesterday. The venue is in the process of a rebranding so they wanted to invite top media dogs in and they needed to give them some bait so they gave them Santonio and Ike. They put on a cooking demonstration with a Chef and it was pretty cool to watch those two compete behind the cameras. Santonio claimed he was posting videos on his web site on how to cook. Another reason the two were there is because that is where they work out in the off season withTom Shaw. Anyway it was a good chance to get to see another side of the guys and they even had a madden showdown (Ike beat Tone in a barn burner). I asked Ike where Burnett was at since he is from central florida and he said he was working out in Pittsburgh. Needless to say it is good to see our top players giving love to the media and dedicated with their off season workout program.
by TheCommish on Mar 24, 2010 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Darn it
I wish I would’ve known they were in Orlando
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
im going down there on saturday!
and i’ll be working out at the Wide World of Sports too!
id probably pee myself if i saw them
by steel.curtain.number2 on Mar 24, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
they both live in orlando. Ike said he was going back to the burgh on Friday. Chris Johnson is always working out there too.
by TheCommish on Mar 24, 2010 12:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I heard he was in Cleo's last night(Chris)
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Tomlin is class act
with regards to his approach to Farrior’s future. After reading most of Tomlin’s interviews, I always feel like he’d be mind-blowing to just hang out and have a couple beers with.
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
It can happen
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 24, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I was hoping to run into him last week
but he wasn’t at the bar I was at
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
If it was
late last week he wasn’t even in town, at least for part of the time.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 24, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
When he was down here in FL..
I can understand that he was probably a little busy. I’ll give him a pass this time
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
no keg stands for Tomlin?
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Mar 24, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 24, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh you weren't talking about me...
He doesn’t seen like one either
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 24, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I think...
The guys at Benstonium would beg to differ. Sorry Arn, you can’t see because of your work restrictions. I think you’ve seen it anyway.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 24, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
That was apple juice
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Apple juice never did that to me...
If it did, toddlers would be f-ed up, all the time.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 24, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
you never let your apple juice sit out long enough
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
@X I LOVE IT
@XIII good points with those numbers
I'd rather have E. Thomas or Kyle Wilson at CB starting next year than Iupati ...
who could be sitting the bench. Another way to look at is I’d rather get another playmaker for the secondary who can start and then use the other 9 picks in the draft to address the OL, DL and other issues.
Would you say Thomas or Wilson are better players than Iupati? That is the key question.
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Earl Thomas is better a player and a more highly valued postition than Iupati
plus he can play CB which ups his value. Wilson isn’t IMO a better player because of Burnett and Lewis compared to Iupati at RG
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
I am not sure Wilson is a better player period
Iupati looks solid, and seems to have the intangibles factor.
As far as Thomas, he would need to be able to player CB, which at the moment is merely a projection based on being undersized to play S. That doesn’t seem like going from strength to strength but rather lacking one definite position, not great for a first-round pick. In fact, isn’t that why people often argue against taking a 3-4 OLB in the first…?
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
He's best at safety but has ability to play CB
just like Iupati can play RG LG RT and possible LT. Just like Pouncy can play RG C and LG.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
Again, that could be quite true
but the projection of Iupati to RT is speculative, and severely dependent on scheme and the eyes of the beholder. If one of the arguments for Thomas is that we need help next year at CB, and yet this position is a projection for him, it seems to me that the argument does not carry as much as weight as it potentially could.
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
Is everyone sure that Thomas can play corner and excel at it?
Or are we just saying that he can?
Very few safeties have made the transition to corner successfully, so how is everybody sure that he’ll be a top notch corner when he didn’t play the position in college?
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 24, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been thinking the same thing...
But never asked.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 24, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Nobody's sure of anything
This is the draft, remember? We can all speculate until the cows come home (and lord knows I’m guilty of plenty of that myself) but in the end we have no idea who will pan out and who will bust.
Most of us were pretty excited about Limas Sweed, right? And who knew that Brett Keisel would become a solid starter for years after being picked in the seventh?
Now I’m not saying we can’t have our fun with this, but let’s keep things in perspective, here…
Consider it unleashed!
Can we speculate about the cows coming home?
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
as soon as they get tired of roaming?
Next Tuesday?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Love the dissonance by the way
between your comment and your signature
:)
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
E. Thomas would have to play CB for the next couple of years to be Steelers no. 1 pick
And most scouts are split on whether he would be a better safety or CB in the pros. I like the pick of he or Wilson because they are playmakers and can have more direct impact on the game than a guard. The fact that Wilson is also a dynamite returner would fill a lot of holes on this team.
The bottom line is that I do trust our scouting department on whomever they select with the 1st pick and the nine others because of their track record. I just wonder what the HELL they were thinking when they selected Limas Sweed.
by datruth4life on Mar 24, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
They was thinking
heres a guy who has a 1st round grade in the 2nd round…… 6’4 receiver with speed and made some nice plays at texas, he has what we lack, seriously if Sweed catches two balls everyone has a completely different opinion of him…..
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 24, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure he can catch two balls
but we need him to catch footballs
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
lol like you always say
you knew what I was trying to say!
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 24, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm lookin out for a brutha
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
I think he would be better at safety.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
Well said
a better encapsulation than I had made. If we draft Thomas in the first, then it would need to be as a CB, at least if we pick him at 18. Look at Antrel Rolle this year. Granted he was drafted 8th overall, but the Cards were unable to keep him because he was getting paid CB money at S. If we draft Thomas thinking he can play CB, and pay him accordingly, it might prevent us from keeping him long-term.
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
Get the best center possible
I’d still like to see the Steelers go into free agency and pluck Kevin Mawae. But, if they’re not interested in Mawae — which seems to be the case — I think that pretty much commits them to drafting Maurkice Pouncey.
Hartwig is a band-aid player at one of the most critical positions on the field. While Hartwig is a serviceable player, when you add coping with Ben’s style of play to the equation, it’s almost unforgivable to send the OL out there without a top-shelf center.
The Steelers are not committed to picking any player
With the 18th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select Florida QB Tim Tebow. (not a RB!)
by John Stephens on Mar 24, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree on Hartwig
yet they did not substantially commit to him with that long-term extension
Troy Pull-a-muscle? :(
Trade down if U want to select M. Pouncey
You don’t take a center at no. 18 unless he is Marvin Webster & Dermonti Dawson reincarnated. Our CBs are really bad right now and the Steelers have to do something to address.
Yep
and that is why, even though I think Pouncey might be the player I most covet, it probably won’t happen. We would have to trade down in the first, or trade some of our later picks to move up in the second.
It would be nice though… Starks Iupati Pouncey Kemo Colon…
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
i dont think pouncey would be a huge reach at 18
mike mayock has him at 19 on his top 20 and pouncey does have position flexibility if he could be just a fraction of the players mike webster & dermontti dawson were our whole line would be upgraded pass & run blocking. if we drafted iupati at 18 i wouldn’t hate the pick but im still on the kraig urbik bandwagon i think kraig has the tools to be a powerful run blocker besides there’s other ways to upgrade the running game like drafting the leader of the resistance john conner in the 5th or 6th.
in a system that depends upon your failure conformity is the only true act of rebellion
by MAN_OF_STEEL_86 on Mar 24, 2010 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
IUPATI
Should be a stud for our team. will he solve any real O Line problems? get rid of sacks? No for that we need at least two new studs on O Line.
I kind of hope POUNCEY SLIDES INTO THE 2ND ROUND.
Is this a dream? if he can just slip into the TOP of the 2nd I see the Steelers move up to grab him. Hopefully after weve picked Iupati at 18.
but but but what about our secondary mr. high five? screw em. with aaron smith back stiffening up run D and troy P back our secondary WILL get better. plus two CBs that wont be rookies this year. draft a CB or S in the 3rd and use our other 18 picks on whatevers clever.
stillers forums.com may you rest in peace. you rat basterds.
With our sucess rate in the 3rd?!?!
forget it. Troy is oft injured and Clark is 30 Much rather see a safety drafted in the first or second to backup/ take over for Clark in a few years.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
I kind of agree
but I wouldn’t grab two OL guys, they should spread it around.
I would go Pouncey (flexible in OL position, C of the future) and DBs (thomas or wilson)
Bah this getting old thing
I came across some questions about Pouncey’s ability to handle the bigger NT but I cannot for the life of me remember where it was.
I like Iupati or Pouncey personally. The middle of the O-Line was brutal.
O-Line, D-Line, CB/FS are my 3 top concerns but not necessarily in that order. Depth at outside linebacker,RB, QB (I think maybe Charlie should consider the coaching thing) would be next. I think we have depth at ilb and I can’t see drafting anyone for that position or at least not it the first 4-5 rounds.
I may be old but I... oh d*mn, I forgot what I was going to say.
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 25, 2010 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
with OT
I’m glad they didn’t go to college rules. Letting both teams get possessions forever is inane.
Any rules that discourage field goals is fine by me.
Still, I don’t really see winning the coin toss as materially improving chances of winning once you isolate variations of offensive, defensive, special teams strength and home field advantage.
Much to do about something with little impact.
I like the way THIS mock drafts looks from Charles Davis at NFL.com
Of course you do
… he shares your interest in Wilson. Honestly, I would not be a happy chappy in that position. Iupati goes one pick before us, and Haden, Berry, Williams, and McClain are gone. We either would then trade down and target Odrick or Pouncey, or almost be forced to take Wilson or Thomas. That would be an interesting debate: Wilson as a CB or Thomas as a S cum CB…
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
Center and NT
No one the Steelers draft is going to start next season barring injury, so the draft is for depth now and future starters. The greatest need is at center, so Pouncey is the best choice. I’m a Longhorn fan who lives in Austin and while I really like Thomas and he is a playmaker, there’s too much risk in projecting him as a cornerback, there’s depth at safety, the Steelers already have a playmaking cornerback with a year of experience in Joe Burnett, and the drop off to a 3rd round cornerback isn’t very much. Second biggest need is the D line. What I.m really hoping for is that the Steelers draft UT’s Lamarr Houston in the second round. A little taller than Hoke, same weight. Played NT the past year and played DE prior year so he adds flexability. Was the best defensive player on the field every game, exceptionally strong and athletic and really fast for a NT, was double-teamed constantly but made plays all over the field, sideline to sideline, in the backfield, catching runners from behind.
We may have depth at safety right now
but Clark is 30 and missing his gall bladder. How long to you think he will last. If we draft a safety it will be a future starter not one for depth. As for Center: what about Legursky? why couldn’t he be the future? As for Houston I think he is too small for NT. Ziggy is about the same size just 8 pounds lighter at 300. Hampton is 325, Wilfork is 325.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
Clark is missing both his gallbladder and spleen,
but neither of those will have any impact on the length of his career.
Hampton is 325?
Love this inter-change between a reporter Hampton and Father Time Farrior
The subject of size was broached delicately.
“You are listed at 6-foot-1…” the reporter began.
“…and change,” finished Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton. “You’ve got to respect the change.”
“And three-and-a-quarter,” the reporter continued. “Is there change involved there, too?”
A frown flashed across Hampton’s face — although it might well be a product of the reporter’s slightly stressed imagination.
“There might be a little change in there,” Hampton allowed. “I can say that I was 325 [pounds] before. A while back. It wasn’t too long ago.”
James Farrior, Pittsburgh’s fine linebacker, didn’t buy it.
“If you’ve got big pockets,” he said, laughing, “you’ve got room for a lot of change there.”
BTW – the story comes with this picture of 2 guys who may or may not weigh 325
by SteelerBuddha on Mar 25, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LMAO at the Farrior comment. Hilarious
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 25, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Dang
Wilfork looks much bigger…
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 25, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
NT
Houston is obviously lighter than Hampton but is the same size as Hoke, and he is exceptionally strong and fast. The plus is that he can also play DE, adding needed depth there as well. While some 3-4 defenses like fat NTs like Wilfolk and Shaun Rogers, I rather have a 3 down NT who can rush the passer and chase the play.
Interior Line is weakiest.
Looking at what we have on roster. The interior line looks like the area that needs the most attention in the draft. Unless Doug Legursky and Kraig Urbik steps up and takes Justin Hartwig and Trai Essex postion respectively the Steelers will repeat 2009 season. Not only do they need to take their positions. They need to upgrade the positions as well. Bringing in a # 1 or 2 interior linemen will make for some serious competition. We have not one first round talent on the OL period. I would not be upset if the steelers address the OL in the first and second round then allow Coach Kulger to put together the best OL for 2010 and beyond. No one on the OL should feel safe and/or secure. High draft picks will put some fire under some guys. We already brought in one of the new OL coaches favorites in J. Stewart why stop there?
62 Justin Hartwig C 31 6-5 312 9 Kansas (below average at best)
64 Doug Legursky C 23 6-1 315 2 Marshall (need to step up immediately)
79 Trai Essex G 27 6-5 324 6 Northwestern (great backup because of position flexability)
68 Chris Kemoeatu G 27 6-3 344 6 Utah (better at RG, below average pass blocker)
72 Darnell Stapleton G 24 6-3 305 4 Rutgers (average at best)
65 Kraig Urbik G 24 6-5 323 2 Wisconsin (need to step up immediately)
That's how you be great!
Stapleton is gone.
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
Stapleton gone makes matters worse
At least he was one of the OL that showed some promise.
That's how you be great!
I think Stapleton is not tendered
… possibly because he is not healthy enough to contribute at the moment. Just a thought.
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
Foster is listed
as a OT not G although he was drafted as a G.
That's how you be great!
But as a starter at the end of last season
he should certainly be mentioned, no? He’s supposed to not have the lateral quickness you’d need as a tackle anyway, so until I see some evidence that the Steelers want to play him outside, I’m viewing him as a guard regardless of where he’s listed on the roster/depth chart.
OL can be upgraded but...
The Steelers scored points, had leads, and lost most of their games because of a pitiful secondary (including linebackers). Upgrades there are definitely top priority, but they may already be in-house…Pola returning, Timmons replacing Farrior, Will Allen as the dime safety, and Gay/Lewis/Burnett with another year of experience/torch marks. Any DB in round one will be a reach and/or a gamble. Lupati is automatic upgrade and immediate starter making Essex an experienced versatile backup. Pouncey is an upgrade but not sure how quickly he could start, would be a step backward from Hartwig in September. A trade a few spots up and Roland McClain could play in a few packages right away and allow Steelers to cut Farrior before he tanks another season for us.
If LeBeau has a plan to get Farrior off the field with the players the Steelers have, then I wait for Lupati, if not, then go get McClain.
by steelerwheeler on Mar 25, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Essex and Hartwig
both had the worst rankings in the position analysis done by Pro Football Focus.
We need to upgrade at least one of those positions first.
I may be old but I... oh d*mn, I forgot what I was going to say.
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 25, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't forget
the steelers also lost leads late due to lack of a consistant running game. The interior line is the driving force in the running game. I think that’s bigger than the defense getting beat late in games. The defense would not be on the field at the end of games if the offense could substain long heartbreaking end of the game drives. The defense did well enough to rank 5th despite giving up more than usual big plays. The offense however finished next to last (correct me if I’m wrong) in total sacks allowed and the running game has reached lows the past two years. We have youth and potential on Defense. We also have youth and potential in all skilled positions on offense. The OL hasn’t had a 1st or 2nd round draft pick the past several years. Its time to get some good young early round talent along the OL.
That's how you be great!
In addition
The OL is the only position on the field that doesn’t have one of Tomlin’s boys drafted or FA starting and/or having a real impact. Mandenhal RB, Dixon QB, Wallace (WR), Hood (DE), Timmons and Woodley (LB), Gay (CB), and Mundy (S). Not saying these guys are great but they all are making a contributions and young. Either the young OL drafted during Tomlin’s tenure will have to step up or we need to make a big splash for an OL via FA or draft.
That's how you be great!
Thanks for the Deebo story
I’d personally like to see more stories and fan posts like XIV (special bond) . It’s funny that at least 40 players on every NFL team do things like this all the time but the only time we hear about the off-field stuff is when it’s negative ( XL,XLIII)
I’ve seen 150 stories on Ben and pacman and B Marshall and C Henry. This is the first or second positive personal story( Rocky’s story notwithstanding) that I’ve seen in print. It’s about time for one of those maryrose insperational stories to get us out of this Ben funk.
If it were’nt for the Mike Tomlin Show we would’nt have a clue about all the good things these guys do with there personal time.
Keep the positive personal stories comin’
by 1STstate bucco on Mar 24, 2010 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
Actually
there have been a lot of guys in the NFL doing great stuff. It just doesn’t get the press because it isn’t controversial. The news media focuses on the outrageous because it gets eyeballs. It doesn’t have to make sense. It just needs to grab your attention.
Check out the blogs for each one of the NFL teams and I will be surprised if each team doesn’t have at least one story of a player doing some very classy things for people who need help.
I may be old but I... oh d*mn, I forgot what I was going to say.
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 25, 2010 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Noted
They don’t get as covered as much but I will certainly dig for them.
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 25, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
wow
i never knew deebo could smile
in a system that depends upon your failure conformity is the only true act of rebellion
by MAN_OF_STEEL_86 on Mar 25, 2010 4:15 AM EDT reply actions
it seems unnnatural, doesn’t it. Like his face is unused to that particular expression
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
He's like Ted from Scrubs
It hurts to smile.
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 25, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I heard today on ESPN radio
That the majority of coaches were very against the OT changes. Goodell met with them Tuesday, however after sending them golfing (whatever that means), he pulled in the owners and they all voted without the coaches influence.
I’m not digging this new rule, but the NFL wants more offense on the field – it’s better for ratings.
Bad Andy, Good Pizza.
Of Course
Not that It was the best choice, but the new OT adds strategy and therefore another way to second guess the losing coach. Coaches don’t want another black mark on their report card in the make-the-playoffs or fire the coach NFL.
true
We might start seeing some teams kickoff to start OT if their D is dominant and offense is struggling.
Bad Andy, Good Pizza.
by count'em_six on Mar 25, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Some good news for Steelers fans who like LT/G Ed Wang from Virginia Tech
http://pit.scout.com/2/956639.html
Apparently the Steelers were the only team to show up at his pro day with coaches and not just scouts. Plus he said the Steelers have shown the most interest in him thus far.
I like this.
The Steelers need more versatile and athletic OL. Might not be a bad investment in the 4th or 5th round. Get a stud in the 1st and/or 2nd round and a project late in the 4th or so. Ed Wang seems to be a good project player.
That's how you be great!
Are we stockpiling guys with unfortunate names?
Gay? Colon? Wang? And if William were to get destroyed on a blitz by Ed, would the Pittsburgh sportswriters no better than to publish the headline ‘Gay blown up by Wang’.
Sorry, couldn’t help myself…
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
That happens
more often that you think.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 26, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Gay blitzes Colon...
Wang hurt on the play.
by steelerwheeler on Mar 30, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Cool...
I like it.
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preperation."
-Arthur Ashe
by NYSteelersFan4 on Mar 26, 2010 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
A big Wang up front helps a lot
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
You had to go there,
didn’t you?
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by Rebecca Rollett on Mar 28, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
What?
o:)
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Steelers schedule visit with Maryland CB
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Source-Nolan-Carroll-to-visit-Steelers.html
Nolan Carroll, 5’11, 204 lbs., 4.39 40-yard dash at pro day, 17 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench. Can he play? I have no idea.
No
Maryland’s defense was bad last year. He is a prospect at best.
Providing you your Daily Six Pack. If you have something good for a six pack, shoot me an email at john.stephens8@yahoo.com
by John Stephens on Mar 25, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
No projects at this point. We need studs in our secondary.
Both the Ravens and the Bengals have gotten better (supposedly) on offense with their recent additions. We need to focus on upgrading the secondary and our pass rush.
Brandon Ghee is a guy we could target in the 2nd round if we choose to go in a different direction with our 1st rounder.
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 25, 2010 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Carroll only played first 2 games of the season and then was out the rest of the year
Can’t blame the whole year on him. Still don’t know anything about him, though.
by datruth4life on Mar 25, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Most CB's
are projects. That’s why I like what Steelers did last year w/ Lewis and Burnett. One of those guys could pan out, and we didn’t burn #1 pick for any of the “might be Rd 1 quality” guys that ended up going in the 2nd & 3rd round last year.
Wes Bunting's Top 100 draft prospects from the National Football Post
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFPs-Top-100-prospects.html
Just thought another person’s take would be interesting. I actually like reading this guy. He does a decent job of breaking down a prospect’s weaknesses and strengths.
went to the website
and saw he had pouncey at #4 on his top 100. my heart will be crushed if the steelers pass on him especially if its for a different o-lineman. there i think its out of my system now ill shutup about pouncey
in a system that depends upon your failure conformity is the only true act of rebellion
by MAN_OF_STEEL_86 on Mar 25, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
No keep going
we all have our crushes on who we want in this draft. Some Iupati, some Pouncey, Kyle Wilson, McClain etc. Nothing wrong with voicing your opinion and keeping it as such. Just don’t make repeated fanpost about it lol.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 26, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Pat Kirwan had this to say after talking to Kevin Colbert of the Steelers ...
A few nuggets of information after talking to some of the GMs and personnel executives at the meetings:
" Kevin Colbert, director of football operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, told me Ziggy Hood — last year’s first-round draft pick — was ready to make a bigger contribution in his second year with the team. He said receiver Limas Sweed was working at the facility and still is very much a part of the Steelers’ plans. Like many Steelers faithful, Colbert is very happy to have Antwaan Randle El and Larry Foote back with the team. Even after Randle El left in 2006 to join the Redskins, Colbert said, he always was a Steeler.
Really hoping
on the Sweed thing. If we can get this guy going, our offense would be dARN near complete, and yes I wrote dARN like that on purpose. :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 26, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
ARN't you pushing your luck?
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
by chewiesteeler on Mar 26, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Why the wARNing?
To try and then fail, is not unacceptable, but failing to try, is accepting failure.
you didn't say S-Weed
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
well
I stopped using S-Weed a long time ago….
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 30, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
ahhhhh Hash man now
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 30, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
OL
Have not heard much of anything about the progress of Urbik. Seems like a Big 10 all conference lineman you spend a 3rd on would be expected to develop.
Like someone said upthread
I think Urbik will do fine. I saw him at Wisconsin for four years. But starting an OL out of school, unless he’s a beast like the remarkable Joe Thomas, is tough – most still have some growing to do, and the pro playbook is a bit more complicated than most college schemes.
My heros have always been Steelers...
I'm hopeful
Urbik becomes the starting RG. If that’s the case the RG position will be upgraded which we need badly! I’m hopeful the young guys will step it up and take some spots. Even if its a Tony Hill moves Starks to RT and Foster or Urbik moving Kimo to RG. I can also deal with Doug Legursky taking Hartwig’s Center position. I just think the left side of the OL needs to be more athletic with quicker feet than what Starks and Kimo have. I’m not sure if we have a LT or LG on roster that can help upgrade in those areas on the left. If not, we need to be looking to draft them or find them in FA or trade. Defenses are getting faster. You got DL runing 4.6 to 4.8 40 yard dashes. Quicker feet and more athletic LT and LG will make our OL balanced. Bulk on the right for running purpose with smaller more athletic guys on the left that can move with the faster pass rushers of today.
That's how you be great!
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