Steelers Shock Their Fanbase By Re-Signing Ryan Clark And Antwaan Randle El
by Michael Bean on Mar 9, 2010 12:05 AM EST
185 comments
First of all, I'll mention that I've been away from my computer for much of the day. I received news of the Steelers free agent signings moments after they were made public, but I have not had time yet to read all of your reactions to the Pittsburgh Steelers free agent acquisitions Monday. Here are my initial thoughts to the signings.
To begin - who saw either of these moves coming?? In Ryan Clark's case, reports out of Miami only hours earlier made it sound like Clark was a shoe-in to land in South Florida. Clark said he thought it was a great fit, and considering what we heard from Clark himself last week in regards to the negotiation process with the Steelers, it sure didn't seem likely that Clark would play another down in the Black 'N Gold.
Well, something must have changed, as the Steelers and Clark ultimately agreed on a 4 year, $17 million dollar contract that will pay Clark $5 million in 2010. The deal makes sense in a lot of ways. Yes, Clark will probably earn a bit more than he's 'worth' in 2010, but the team will not have to worry about finding a free safety that's capable of playing for a championship caliber team next year. Then after 2010, the organization is much less committed financially to the remainder of the deal. For the short term though, the team retains an important piece of what could again be a top flight defense pending the health of stalwarts like Polamalu, Woodley, Harrison and Smith.
As for Randle El....what can you say? Welcome back to the 'Burgh baby! I'm not sure of the financials, but I believe that Randle-El and the organization agreed to a 3-year deal. The former return man and wide receiver for the Steelers will turn 31 this summer prior to the start of the 2010 season. That means his best days may be behind him, but it's not like he's a 34 year old shell of himself. I see Randle El as plenty capable of catching 40-50 balls in the slot in Bruce Arians' offense. You also never know about Hines Ward's ability to stay healthy and effective for a full season. I personally have faith that he'll play at a high level again 2010, but it still might make sense to let both him and Randle El compliment/spell each other throughout the year in hopes of keeping both fresh and healthy for meaningful games come January.
Finally, I will say that I'm usually not one to subscribe too heavily to things like chemistry, momentum and other intangibles, but I will say that I wholeheartedly believe that Randle El will bring some veteran pizazz and swagger to a team that seemed to lack something leadership wise last year. The key though is for Randle El to accept whatever niche makes most sense for him next year. We know that Randle El is, how shall we say it...supremely self-confident. And rightfully so. The dude was a baller quarterback in the Big 10, then made a seamless transition to wide receiver at the NFL level. He's a remarkable athlete and there's not much he can't do on a football field. He'll just have to accept the fact that he won't be asked to do all the things he may feel he's capable of doing. I think he will though with Hines Ward playing alongside him once more.
More on these moves and those made by other teams thus far in the 2010 version of NFL Free Agency soon enough. For now, I'll say I'm excited. With Clark, I'm excited that the team won't have to try a new, unproven solution in 2010 and 2011 - years that I've written I feel are peak years for the Steelers to contend for yet another Super Bowl(s). With Randle El, the move may mean less in terms of filling an immediate need. But I think bringing him back has the potential to reap big dividends in ways that go beyond his mere statistical contributions.
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The Steelers have signed 4 free agents in a short (was Baily a free agent? that would make 5) time period.
I am not use to this!
Calls for a party!
Bailey was on the team last year so I don't think he was a FA
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its a Great Day to be a Mountaineer where ever you may be" Tony Caridi
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Mar 9, 2010 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
he was a FA
An exclusive rights free agent
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Mar 9, 2010 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe we can have a Trick play or two this year
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its a Great Day to be a Mountaineer where ever you may be" Tony Caridi
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
Arians says no gadget plays
unless you can incorporate a TE or 2… or 3
Brian: Face it Peter, you get competitive about everything.
Peter: I am so not competitive. In fact, I am the least non-competitive. So I win.
by SoCalSteelerFan on Mar 9, 2010 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
or 4 even
so I quess this also means no blocking Fullback
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its a Great Day to be a Mountaineer where ever you may be" Tony Caridi
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Mar 9, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
"blocking fullback" is an oxymoron . . .
. . . when placed in the context of a bruce tight-arians offense . . .
the Randle El signing...
spells doom for Spaeth. Randle El can catch better and block just as poorly…….so El’s gonna be our 2nd TE.
i looked at arians entire coaching history . . .
he has never cut a tight end . . . ever! . . . so spaeth, et al are safe . . . in fact, i think speath is negotiating a lifetime contract as i write this . . .
well holmes threw a pass last year
so did Moore. the only difference now is that antwaan can actually throw
if i remember correctly
holmes forced a throw and it turned into a pick
by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Mar 9, 2010 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
That wasn't BA's fault tho
Holmes forced that crap
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
well...
wtf was holmes throwing it in the first place?
its a trick play...
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
ummmm . . . yes it WAS arians' fault!
who else in the history of the nfl would call a play for someone who had yet to throw a pass to throw it CROSS FIELD?? . . . that play should have never been in the playbook . . .
I would bet you a lot of money that they ran it in practice a lot, and that Holmes had indeed thrown it successfully many times. He didn’t just scratch it up on the back of his binder and say, “hey guys, I feel like getting crazy, check this crap out.”
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
He used to be
but now he’s a wide receiver…
(sorry Johnny :P)
"OOH! A piece of candy. OOH! A piece of candy."
-James Woods
Dannnnnnnnnngg
It’s like that huh?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
No
I just dislike that EVERYTHING the offense did wrong has to be BA’s fault.
Ben calls a hot route, Holmes doesn’t adjust his route, and Ben throws a pick. BA’s fault.
Mendenhall runs up the middle on 3rd and 2 and dives, as if diving for the endzone, at the 10 yard line and fumbles. BA’s fault.
Ward catches a pass across the middle late in a tied game in the 4th. Instead of going down, Ward is Ward, fights for extra yards and fumbles. BA’s fault.
Sweed drops the ball. BA’s fault.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Dude you obviously didn't catch the innuendo from Fever
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 10, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
No I got it
I was responding to VIN K
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
bzzzzzzz . . .
not one of your examples relates to my initial point/question: “who else in the history of the nfl would call a play for someone who had yet to throw a pass to throw it CROSS FIELD??” . . . heck . . . brett favre has been vilified for throwing across field in the nfc championship game . . . can ‘tone read defenses; anticipate a breaking defender toward the ball? . . . nope . . . is a realistic likelihood that he would throw a wobbling duck CROSS FIELD? . . . yep . . . your examples merely exemplify boneheaded plays by players . . . they weren’t necessarily poorly conceived plays, as this one was . .
What you do when you're alone is your business
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Does Tebow count as a TE?
Offense may sell tickets, but defense wins championships
by canadianblackandgold on Mar 9, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
he doesn't need any fingers . . .
to count his “coital experiences” . . .
Or, for that matter
his sexual assault accusations…
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
We had one last year
Moore pass to Miller
Only one I recall off the top of my head…or the butt flop reverse, haha
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Randle El has gotten better as a QB since he left.
Last year his QB rating was 152.1, and in Washington Randle-El’s stats:
6/9 153 yards, 2 TD’s, 0 int, 1 sack, 149.3 rating.
Overall:
20/25 281 yards 4TD’s 0 Int, 2 sacks If Ben could put up 2 TD’s for every sack, he’d be the greatest QB ever.
by Phantaskippy on Mar 9, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah he could have 18 TD's in one game.
Actually he’d probably only get sacked about 25 times since they’d be eating clock after the 1st half. But 50 TD’s is noting to sneeze at.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
by SNW on Mar 9, 2010 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
i go to church
and get home to find out its Christmas and the Steelers are getting presents….. now we just need this little situation to clear up
Steelers football is 60 mins.
you go to church on mondays
what religion is that
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its a Great Day to be a Mountaineer where ever you may be" Tony Caridi
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Mar 9, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
lol
I just got a part time job at the church, I was training, thats why I was there. :) I do still go on Sundays. And the religion is Christianity. :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
I was just wondering
its not very often you hear about people going to church on mondays
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its a Great Day to be a Mountaineer where ever you may be" Tony Caridi
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Mar 9, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
I know its all good. I like it, got some cool people there and I work at the basketball court part of the church so it is eventful.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
WHOOO!
I lurved Randle El when he played for us, and I was in the car thinking that he was really a great compliment to Hines just yesterday.
Thank you Coach Tomlin and company for making me forget about Ben for a while with some really great news.
We increased our offensive production by 1,000 yards but our points by only 3 touchdowns?
-Johnny_S
Bungles
Tank
Stupidly like
Clockwork
I agree completely with this statement as well
“With Randle El, the move may mean less in terms of filling an immediate need. But I think bringing him back has the potential to reap big dividends in ways that go beyond his mere statistical contributions.”
Could not have said it better Blitz.
We increased our offensive production by 1,000 yards but our points by only 3 touchdowns?
-Johnny_S
Bungles
Tank
Stupidly like
Clockwork
cheers
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Mar 9, 2010 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I said I would love to have him back when the Skins dropped him. It’s not because I think he is one of the greatest players on our team now, but because he is just a “fan favorite” type. He offers a lot of tools and seems to always have a smile on like Hines. So glad to have him back in B&G.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
well said
I agree. I hadn’t immediately thought of the leadership factor. I posted comments on the (drinkyourmilkshake) post that spotted this news, in which I note how 34yo “dinosaur” free agent Darren Sharper has generated little interest after his team decided not to franchise him at $6 mil., and how a Southern California Polamalu ’10 might pair nicely with him.
Sharper won't be signing anywhere anytime soon.
He had knee surgery two days ago. According to PFT he would not have passed a physical unless he had the knee cleaned out because it was so swollen.
ohhhh
OK. Now this choice of Clark at FS and Allen as backup S (& STs) makes more sense… because if Sharper as an UFA was fetching less than 6 mil per, I would have thought a healthy Sharper would have been worth offering say 5.2 per, but that scenario didn’t exist… and so here we are w/Steelers decided Clark will be worth 4.2 per
Personally I had been thinking about Sharper with Polamalu free all over the place, almost freak.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Crazy Day
Puzzled, but excited by the Randle-El signing. I think you are right Blitz. It’s great to have him back, but I am a bit worried about how he happy he will be to make the transition from the 2nd receiver to 4th receiver.
If any of our three young corners develops, the team stays healthy and our 100 Million dollar man survives his yearly off-season drama without getting an ankle bracelet, we will be a very fun team to watch.
I hope very fun can translate to winning in the 4th quarter this year
Otherwise, its not very fun.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
why sign el?
why would we sign el? he is going to be a 4th reciever, 5th cause you can put heath in front of him. wallace is younger and at this point better and a better fit for the long ball. logan is a better return man on punts as well. so i ask why waste our money on him?
Why not?
Wallace is #3, nothing El can do about that. Randle El is the #4 and way better than the other two options we had (as of now). And he gives us a much better option if either of Ward or Holmes go down over Wallace. No doubt Wallace is a great talent, but I don’t think his route running is crisp enough yet to pull off #1 or #2 duties.
I think this was a great signing, and I bet it was relatively cheap.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
something tells me we got Randle El for a lot less
than just about any other team could have. I would think that playing in the schizo-land universe of Daniel Snyder would make anyone pine for the good ol’ days.
So we get him for the “friend price” (hopefully) and he becomes like an offensive version of Polamalu – stick him on the field and the defense has to pay attention. That’s just another weapon in the arsenal. Or maybe they’re going to beef him up and make him the blocking fullback.
by steely mcballs on Mar 9, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Or maybe they’re going to beef him up and make him the blocking fullback.
Suddenly, my mind is exploding with possibilities. Why do we need a blocking FB, if we never even USE a FB to begin with. Why not switch the position to WR-light with some moderate blocking on runs. And then we could do all kinds of fun gadget plays with him in that position.
I like that idea. A LOT.
We increased our offensive production by 1,000 yards but our points by only 3 touchdowns?
-Johnny_S
Bungles
Tank
Stupidly like
Clockwork
We basically lost no one this offseason. That’s unbelievable considering how many teams lose players. We got Hampton. We got Reed. We got Clark. We got everyone we wanted to keep. Great job by the front office.
by Vtechnwn on Mar 9, 2010 1:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
My First Memory as a Steeler Fan
Was watching Antwaan throw that pass to Hines Ward in SBXL. As a rather casual Canadian fan, it’s interesting to see what “chemistry”, “leadership” and “grit” (and other immeasurable qualities) translate to in terms of wins.
Go Steelers!
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
So you became a Steeler fan
the day the Steelers played in SBXL?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
That's kinda hovering around bandwagon status.
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 9, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Not really
fandom is a matter of quality far more than quantity; it doesn’t matter how long anyone has been a fan as long as they’ve been a loyal fan as long as they’ve been a fan.
Yeah I'd think bandwagoning is hopping from team to team
by moms family immigrated from Jamaica in the late 60s/early 70s to flushing queens, and then Long island, and hopped on the Mets bandwagon, they won the WS in 69 I believe, and the Nets, they won an ABA championship right before moving to Long Island, bandwagon. 45 God awful and disastrous seasons for each later they’re still fans.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
me for instance . . .
i became a fan in 1972 . . . after reading a little paperback book on running backs that year (one of those quick to the press things) . . . anyway, the last running back i read about was franco . . . my friends showed up and wanted me come out and play football . . . they asked me who i was going to be (i was 8 at the time and didn’t know a lot of players) . . . i just said “franco harris” (he was the only player on my mind) . . . my friends asked, “you like the steelers?” . . . i said, “uh . . . yeah” . . . the playoffs started the next week and there was a certain memorable play to win a game and the rest is history . . .
and to think . . .
if i recall correctly . . . had my friends shown up 10 minutes earlier, i would have just finished reading about larry czonka . . . and i would have been a dolphin fan . . . thank goodness my friends waited!!
Yes
I became a fan before SBXL, in the Divisional game. My older brother was cheering for the Colts, so, naturally, I went for the Steelers. Keep in mind I was also 14 years old and had never watched a NFL game before in my life. Since then, I have added a SBXLIII Holmes Jersey and a Steelers Flag to my family.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 9, 2010 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
It’s my Favorite jersey. You can smell the winning.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 9, 2010 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
You saw the
Big Ben toe tackle in the Indy game, but the TD in the Super Bowl is your first memory as a Steeler fan?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
‘Tis. At the time, it didn’t hold the significance that it does now. Like I said, it was my first NFL game. Had I realized the toe tackle’s importance in Pittsburgh lore, it may well have been my first memory as a fan. But, it was, and is, not.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 10, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
fair enough
glad you picked the right team
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Mar 10, 2010 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Randle El
I’m eating crow. I posted earlier about Randle El on the way to the glue factory, that I thought he lost a step, well that is still to be seen. I’m happy about the resigning of Clark. I love Randle El, but I don’t know what kind of impact he will have. I hope he proves me wrong.
Right now I have to dig to find headlines like this, thank the Football Gods for BTSC, et al. All you get on the surface are articles about our asshole quarterback and his questionable decision making.
word
most excited to see randle-el in the return game… much attention being paid to ST so far this offseason… ryan clark back is another bonus… draft flexibility as much as anything else, in my eyes
If we re-sign Foote
I’ll be ecstatic.
ARE brings a lot to the table- most especially as a not-Hines-but-like-Hines guy who can relieve Ward or even replace him as Blitz astutely points out. AND he can/will return kicks or punts, play #4 or #5 WR, emergency QB, throw damn sweet passes and pretty much everything else on offense.
Combine that with the fact that the last time he wore BlacknGold we won a SB and I’m a campy happer.
If we were to bring Larry Foote back(which we definitely should) we have a built-in back-up for Potsie and a proven guy who already knows the defense. I hope this happens too…
Agreed about Foote
I was so down after the Ben news…and these two signings have really brought me outta the funk. If they sign Foote I might cry like Chewie and Count’em at the SB.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Wookies don't cry
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Mar 9, 2010 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Was it just count'em?
I vaguely recall the story
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Yeah, like a little girl .. .. ..
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Mar 9, 2010 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
It was a beautiful TD.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Wookies might not cry
but they howl like crazy…
That's just wrong
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
They are wookies
They don’t get to have an opinion until they are veterans
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Chewie Wookie-Cried when Han Solo was frozen in Carbonite
but I digress…
I heard Foote and Porter may be on their way to Arizona, I hope it’s a rumor. You know Whiz would love to have them on Pgh West. Foote would do better to come back here obviously, he still has a few gallons left in that tank.
If the Steelers sign Foote
I’ll go ahead and break out a Joey Porter jersey and a Bettis jersey and shoot, we need a number three QB right? a Bradshaw jersey too – cause they’re all coming back!
All those fans who saved their Randel El jerseys are feeling good about now.
Surprised?
I’m not sure what’s to be surprised about as far as Clark goes, I’m not sure who thought Will Allen, a career special teamer with zero seasons in which he started, was going to come in and be the Day 1 starter. Clark leveraged Pittsburgh by going to Miami and talking about how much he liked it. Pittsburgh then leveraged him by signing Allen and letting the media run with the idea they expect him to start.
Then lo and behold, Clark and the Steelers want to make a deal. Not much of a shock.
Welcome back, Ryan and El!
Careful now
you are becoming Malor of Cincinnati :)
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
nm
your name threw me
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
I think you may be on to something
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Maybe not shocking to you
but I doubt very many folks follow the game closely enough to understand those facts….
What a post to wake up to
But good to see Clark back, I did not feel comfortable with Mundy starting. Randle El was the real surprise. Maybe this means they are going to try and trade Limas for a draft pick. Now this really leaves it up in the air who they are going to draft #1, although I would love to see Iupati get taken #1.
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Mar 9, 2010 7:12 AM EST reply actions
I agree with Blitz -- these moves are heavy on chemistry and leadership.
It does seem that there was a bit of a leadership void last year. Part of that on defense was Troy and Aaron Smith being out. But these moves tell me that the FO wanted some reliable vets around to help stabilize things. Battle and Allen will certainly do that for the special teams. Clark is a defensive leader already, and his absence would have been hard to fill. And even though we don’t know what kind of a player he still is, Randle-El has always been a good guy to have around. Plus, the kid from Buffalo brings a little more competition to the o-line mix, and competition at this level is never a bad thing. So although these signings may only make a small difference from a talent perspective, I think the real impact will be felt in depth, stability and leadership.
Nice job, Steelers!
Golf is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport.
by cliff harris is still a punk! on Mar 9, 2010 7:49 AM EST reply actions
After all the discussion yesterday,
which was brilliant by the way, on the need to draft a stud safety, it’s good to know the front office is in control. We’ve taken the need out of the draft and can come into this deep draft open to getting whatever future superstar is available at 18. Will Allen was not picked up to replace Ryan Clark but rather to replace Tyrone Carter and to get a proven ST player. And getting Randle El signed on just means that I’m expecting Sweed to be dealt on draft day. The guy has the tools to make it in the NFL, just not with the Steelers. He needs a fresh start in order to get some confidence back. But all in all what a great day for Steelers followers everywhere.
by westviewsteelersfan on Mar 9, 2010 7:52 AM EST reply actions
Agreed, especially about the draft.
So nice not to have to force a pick based on need and instead now be able to sit at 18, go up or go down. Great job by the FO.
Golf is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport.
by cliff harris is still a punk! on Mar 9, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
I still have hope
that Sweed can turn it around in a Steelers Uniform, unless there is something seriously wrong with this illness – as in he couldn’t play for another team – we owe it to ourselves to give this kid another shot. If he can turn this around and just have about 20-30 catches next season, I’d be estatic. We need his length and height and his ability to use speed to get open. That helps in the redzone ie. Eli to Burress….. imagine how good Ben would be with a guy like burress…. well at least his talent.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
I'd love to see him turn it around.
He’s only in his 3rd year and his potential is through the roof. Last offseason I was getting pretty excited with all of the positive reports coming from training camp. Heck, maybe the extra leadership and experience from Randle-El might just get Sweed’s head screwed back on correctly.
It just seems like the moves we’re making in free agency plus the tight lipped “illness” he has points to him being in a different uniform this coming season. (I hope I’m wrong)
by westviewsteelersfan on Mar 9, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Well
we don’t know nearly enough to speculate. All questions will be answered if we see #14 in camp this year, if we do, hopefully he will have gone through his metamorphosis.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
20 bucks
I guess nobody owes me 20 bucks anymore. I was wrong.
Havent had a chance to read much of the posts here, but has anyone said anything about how randle-el affects wallace?
lol
I already fed-exed it…can you send it back?
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Very happy about both signings
Now we just need a left Foote to stand on…haha
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
I can wear my El jersey again!
is it me or do these signings seem to lean us farther to the passing side of life?
by TheCincinnatiConqueror on Mar 9, 2010 9:09 AM EST reply actions
Larry coming back would be cool...i always liked him a lot.
the “squirrel in the road” signing was a big surprise for sure…another one i always liked a lot. Glad that Clark saw the light too. Both sides win i think. I think that Sweed will end up being a good wideout, I just hope it’s for us. GOSTEELERS
The Fat Lady is warming up for Limas. It's this year, or else!
"You never stand so tall as to when you reach down to pick someone up."
How much does it suck to be Willie Parker?
They’re getting the band back together and he’s not invited.
I see you have
read OFOT, lol WP will be back once he realizes he isn’t getting starter money.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Come back Willie, Come back
He’s too injury prone to become a starter but I think he’s a good compliment to ’Shard. I hope he stuffs his ego into his back pocket and comes back to the Steelers.
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."
Tony Montana- Scarface
I like both, is this good bye to Sweed
Clark is a good player, but he is better when Troy is there to do his thing and Clark compliments him.
Randle El, well I did not get to see many Redskin games last season so I do not know if he has lost a step or not. I do like having him drop back for punts instead of the couple of times they dropped back Holmes. I agree that it is a good veteran to fill in for Ward from time to time at the end of a game, or jst to give him a play off here and there. If he is still fast, and we send out Holmes, wallace, and Randle elthat is a fast trio, add ward for 4 WR set..real nice way to spread the DBs
Like signings, would welcome Foote & L. Bodden
I was as shocked as everybody else with whom the Steelers signed yesterday. Does anyone know anything about tackle Johnathon Scott that they signed from the Bills? I like the fact that he started 6 games at left tackle and 2 games at right tackle, but the one caveat of concern was that the Bills line wasn’t very good this past year. However, you got to love 27 years old, 6’6’’, 320 pounds with the ability to play LT.
Foote would be a very good signing for the Steelers if he comes back. Unlike a lot of you on here, I think Farrior is pretty much done. I don’t want him on the field on third downs anymore and I actually think that Keyaron Fox could give him a run for his money this training camp if the position is open. If they do sign Foote, then I can’t see them trading up for Rolando McClain.
The CB position still has me nervous with this team. Bodden is still out there, but I can’t see the Steelers opening up the wallet again to sign him. I really do like Kyle Wilson from Boise State because I think he is one of the few corners in this draft that could start for this team from day one. I think the safety signings means Keenan Lewis will be staying at CB. I have zero faith in William Gay as anything other than a special teams player. How can you start the whole season at CB, have teams repeatedly throw at you the whole season and you don’t even make one interception? PITIFUL! NEXT!
I actually don’t think Randle El will have a problem being a 4th receiver on this team. Don’t forget, he’s made his paper. Washington saw fit to that. So for now, it can be about trying to get another championship or two. Congrats to the front office for putting the heat on Sweed to either produce or be gone. Considering he’s shown nothing, he’s closer to leaving than he is carving out a niche on this squad.
Considering the recent signings, has anyone changed their opinion on what they want the Steelers to do with that no. 18 pick?
I am of two opinions: A. If they don’t resign Foote and Rolando McClain drops to 13 or 14, move up and get him. B. If Iupati or D. Williams are gone at 18, then I’d trade down a few slots and take Wilson in the 1st round and maybe NT Cam Thomas in the second. I could live with Iupati or D. Williams at no. 18, though.
by datruth4life on Mar 9, 2010 10:15 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Truth, I think I'm one of the few on the board who shares your love for Kyle Wilson
I agree that he looks NFL-ready right now. He has good ball awareness and he’s Steeler tough. I think he’d be a good fit and could take over Gay’s starting spot sooner than later. With corner being the weakest single position on the team, it would be an immediate upgrade. So if we moved down a few spots to get him, I’d applaud that.
I also like Iupati a lot and I think he’s another guy who can have an almost immediate impact and can upgrade us at a position where we’re weak. I’d be happy with him at 18.
As for McClain, he strikes me as a guy who, like Timmons, will take a few years to learn the scheme and develop. My only complaint with that is we need help at corner ASAP, so I question whether waiting on McClain is more beneficial than getting immediate help at corner.
Golf is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport.
by cliff harris is still a punk! on Mar 9, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
I don't want K. Wilson in Baltimore ...
But I betcha that is where he will be if we don’t draft him. I also don’t want that Graham kid from Michigan in Baltimore or Cincinnati. He looked like the best player on the field to me in the Senior Bowl.
I don’t agree that McClain isn’t NFL ready and will take a couple of years like Timmons. McClain has played in a 3-4 D the past two year under Nick Saban, one of the best D-coordinators in the business. He has played ILB in the 3-4 where Timmons was a projection to ILB. McClain looks like a difference-maker to me. I think he could be one of those players that help bring an identity to your team for the next decade. To me, the draft certainly got more interesting with the signings made by the team. The Steelers still need to do something about corner though. Wilson would be a pretty good fit opposite Ike Taylor if they can’t bring in anyone more experienced. It’d be nice to have a CB with 4.4 speed on the roster that can catch the ball and make a tackle. I don’t think that we do at the present time.
by datruth4life on Mar 9, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
I don't think McClain was much of a playmaker
That Bama team was stacked with talent, and he just never stood out to me. I know people laud him for his intelligence and stature, but he doesn’t look like the superstar everybody makes him out to be. I think he needs to get quicker so that he can hold up in coverage.
Go watch his highlights on youtube and compare them with Sean Weatherspoon’s highlights. Weatherspoon consistenly looks more impressive, despite having a less talented supporting cast.
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 9, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Spot on!
Not as high on McClain as others either. I could settle for Jamar Cheney in the middle really. If he hadn’t blew out his ACL his Jr. year & had to spend ‘09 just getting back to form, I truly believe he would be talked about much more frequently in draft circles. I think Cheney suffers from the same thing Ben Tate, Montario Hardesty, & Anthony Dixon did in the SEC, the undefeated season & love fest for Saban & ’Bama kept Mark Ingram in the spot light, & I don’t even believe he was the best RB in the SEC! And I really don’t know why folks are talking Spikes down,(McShay, Kiper), all the kid did was consistently stand WAAAAAAAAy out on a team full of top notch athletes. But Weatherspoon is the class of this LB group coming out, no doubt!
"You never stand so tall as to when you reach down to pick someone up."
Yea No play making abilities whatsoever
Year Tackles Solo Assisted Sack Forced Fumbles Interceptions
2009 105 53 52 4 1 2
Yea he did a bunch of nothing but take space on an awesome defense that would have excelled without him, he wasn’t a difference maker whatsoever……
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 10, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
I'll go as far to say
they don’t win the NC without, they won because of their defense, not cause of their offense, and he was the QB of the defense…. and was a coach on the field for Saban… If I need to say more I do not know why.
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 10, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
I almost put K. Wilson
in my mock draft. He fulfilled my criteria – he just wasn’t the BLA at the time…
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Best Looking Available
You are too funny
The only managing Ben does is he manages to WIN games
by chewiesteeler on Mar 9, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
lol that's how I vote for the pro-bowl and othe all-star games
based entirely on looks.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
If they did that in the NBA Scottie Pippen would never have gotten any votes from fans
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
I think that person is his girlfriend or something
In a weak QB class he is the fifth best QB. So much for college success.
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 9, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
special teams signing
When I look at the people we signed beside Clark. They were signed for their special teams skills. Yes all will get a chance to play on offense and defense but only as backups. I think Randle El will replace Logan because he is a better receiver. Will Allen will play special teams and become our cover safety on third and longs. Battle will be a key member of our special teams and will also see some action at WR. He will replace Sean McDonald. I’m hoping we can sign Larry Foote to relieve Farrior on some downs and in case of injury. I’m hopeful we will sign ex Buffalo OT Jonathan Scott who is scheduled to visit the Steelers today. Its obvious the new OL coach thinks he’s worthy. Give him what he needs to succeed. Drafting OL Trent Williams will also make for a fun and competitive training camp for our OL. That too will give the OL coach something to work with. We need an athletic OL we presently do not have on the roster. Trent Williams has shown he can be that guy. Sweed will be just fine. He has more upside than both Randle El and Battle. They were brought in for us to win now. I’m hoping Sweed will be apart of our long term future plans. Logan and McDonald will be replaced not Sweed.
That's how you be great!
What do all these signings have in common?
Take a look at the disparate group that we inked in the past couple days.
Randle El
Ryan Clark
Arnaz Battle
Jonathan Scott
Will Allen
What does this seemingly random group of guys have in common. Well for one someone on our coaching staff knows them very well.
Randle El and Clark are obvious.
Arnaz Battle was a ST in San Francisco where he was coached by Al Everest – the Steelers new special teams coach.
Jonathan Scott was a back-up linemen with Buffalo where he was coached by our new OL coach Sean Kluger.
Will Allen was a DB playing for a young coach Tomlin back in Tampa.
It looks to me like the Steelers staff sat down and brainstormed a bunch of high character guys they could bring from their previous organizations. Not a bad way to approach free agency.
Gotta love when they do that
worked out pretty well when Tomlin brought in Mewelde Moore.
by westviewsteelersfan on Mar 9, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
best way to do it, no doubt
Now go out and spend big bucks on L Bodden and use the draft to add 3-4 big time playas not required to start on Day 1
So we did sign Jonathan Scott!
I totally agree SteelerBuddha! All signings have some history with our coaching staff or organization. I’m very pleased with the progression of FA signings. They all were signed to add depth. veteran leadership and help us win NOW. We have no immediate needs going into the draft which means the Steelers will draft the BAP! I’m loving it!!!!
That's how you be great!
YesSir, apparently it all has to be with mental issues, and leadership I Hope they bring Myron Rolle too
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
The only problem is we still have to deal with BA for another year.
Which means El is going to be underused, or at least completely uncreatively used.
I’m most looking forward to the next offseason when we hopefully get the next great Offensive Coordinator!
BA did what he had to do.
I want to see what BA can do if Sean Kluger can produce an OL that can run block. We give BA a hard time but fail to realized he utilized his talent the best he could. Our best talent is our QB and WRs right now so why not go air more than ground? Its hard to estiblish a running game when your featured running back has to spin at the line of scrimmage and/or push the pile forward for a couple yards gain on his own strength and talent. If it wasn’t for great talent at QB, WR and RB we would have had one of the worse offenses in football. Let’s give Bruce another year or two. Hard to agrue when our offensive skill people had a wonderful year. the lack of points, wins and winning third and short comes from inconsistant and at times poor OL play. OL must improve for BA to run a balance attack.
That's how you be great!
I hope Kluger can produce
If we can sustain long drives with the run then we can keep a rested defense. I think having the defense on the field all game after throwing for a 70 yard TD did more to hurt us than lack of player production.
by westviewsteelersfan on Mar 9, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
It's not a knock on his game style
It’s just how he underused the talents that he had. What was that statistic of total offense vs. points scored . . . something like 1,000 more yards than last year, but only 3 more TDs. BA is as uncreative as they come, and flat out stubborn. He won’t use DD as a weapon in quarterback or a first-round RB in Mendy. He’s got the weapons but he uses them poorly. Look at all of Ben’s sacks: how many of those were the result of going empty set on 3rd and short vs running it?
by sylvansteeler on Mar 9, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
And it is quite evident
that you are Larry Zierlein…
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
lol . . . so THAT'S how my last name is spelled! . . .
. . . thank you!
The sun is out and We are going to the SuperBowl
The stars are aligned
We got Drama: Ben always seems to play better when there is some type of drama going on and he’s got a ton of drama.
Suspense: It looked like Ryan Clark was going to Miami but at the last minute the FO pulled through with a last minute deal
The come back story: Last year was such a disappointment to both the fans and the organization. These guys are going to be playing with a big chip on their shoulder and I can’t wait to see them beat up their opponents (with the exception of Mark Sanchez’s face).
Screw baseball and basketball, I think I’m ready for some football
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."
Tony Montana- Scarface
+100
on sparing Sanchez’s face. That would be a serious waste of talent. Just shake him up a little, guys…
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
One Of The Above
One of the new FAs WRs will not be with the Steelers when camp ends. So between ARE, Battle, Sweed, Logan, Grisham, the annual training camp wonder or low round draft pick … there is room for 2-3 WRs behind Holmes, Ward, and Wallace.
The keys are whether a) Sweed comes back (20% likelihood) and b) Logan stays as primary KR (66% likelihood):
- Assuming Sweed does NOT make it back – if Logan brings it in camp on kick returns (or if Randel El doesn’t have it on KRs anymore) … then ARE is out. Dixon would handle any trick plays ARE would have been asked to do on offense. You keep Battle as #4 and for his ST coverage, Logan for KRs, and Grisham for his height/potential/lower cost. Grisham is #5 or goes to practice squad.
- If Sweed finds his way back (20%), then the top 4 are Ward, Holmes, Wallace and Sweed. – In this situation, you keep one of ARE or Logan for KRs. The loser is out. Battle is likely the 5th WR. Grisham hopefully goes to practice squad.
I’m thinking Logan is our KR next year. ARE is trade bait or gets cut in camp.
Nice
It’s perfect so far just get foote back and move up in the draft for Haden or Thomas
by celtsfan1 on Mar 9, 2010 11:28 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Another take
While I am pleased as punch, I feel compelled, for arguments sake if nothing else, to offer another take on the Randle-El signing, by asking the unpleasant question of wheter or not his signing is really good for us – in this fanpost.
It's called COMPETITION, baby!
Get’em and let what happens between the white lines determine who gets on the field. That’s what Mike Wallace did. If I’m Hines Ward, I’m looking over my shoulder a little bit. Wallace is going to be a difference-maker for this team.
by datruth4life on Mar 9, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
I'm pleased to learn
Jonathan Scott (6-foot-6, 318 pounds) is versatile enough to play left and right tackle. Now we need to draft an OL early and a maybe another OL late in the draft. This will bring on some serious competition.
That's how you be great!
D. Cromartie of Jets has 7 children by 6 different women in 5 states & big paternity suits
Guys, check this out from the Associated Press on CB Antonio Cromartie that the Jets just acquired:
NEW YORK — Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum wouldn’t comment directly Monday about reports the team is helping Antonio Cromartie with his paternity payments, but said they’re working with him to “give him his best chance to be successful.”
The NFL Network first reported Saturday that the Jets were advancing their newly acquired cornerback $500,000 to help clear up paternity issues.
The 25-year-old Cromartie has fathered seven children by six women in five states. He has a court date scheduled for later this month in California.
Cromartie, acquired last week from San Diego, is due to make $1.7 million in the last season of his five-year, $12 million contract. The Jets reportedly made $500,000 of the deal into a bonus, allowing Cromartie to receive it now, instead of when players receive game checks in September.
Do U think that having the first child would have made him stop and think that maybe I need to use protection from here on out? NOPE! He said the hell with it and went bare-back six more times.
This dude is going to be angling for a new contract every year just so that he can pay child support. He has maybe 5 to 7 more years in the NFL tops, and will be paying child support to those Moms until all of those kids turn 18. Maybe he and Ben have been drinking out of the same “I’m just damn stupid” fountain. Thoughts?
it is highly likely that . . .
. . . all of cromartie’s women brought their own condoms with . . . secretly poking holes through the ends of them so cromartie’s “motilities” could escape . . .
Um ewww
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."
Tony Montana- Scarface
Health of Troy and Harrison is in hands of the Head Coach in many ways!
Just Keep them off the special teams and let them play where they are needed most DEFENSE!
by Rays Knockn at Your Door! on Mar 9, 2010 12:50 PM EST reply actions
Awesome! I love it! Totally unexpected too, I am pleasantly surprised!
Antwaan Randle El is going to help, big time!
And I’m glad to see Ryan Clark still with us now
I don’t mean to change the subject here, but, what position is going to be our 1st Round pick now?
With Casey Hampton resigned, it won’t be NT now
Middle Linebacker maybe?
Safety, NT, OL and MLB still open
I believe it will be an OL or NT. One thing about all our recent signings. They are people that will help us win a superbowl the next couple years but not long term. The only possible exception is OL Jonathan Scott. We still need to get a NT to develop under Hamp, interior OL (right G and C) to fight for a starting spot, another young safety to go with Mundy, MLB to replace Farrior in the next couple years and depth. We just put ourselves in the position to take the highest person on our board with our recent signings. Still need depth and young developing players at Safety, NT, OL and MLB.
That's how you be great!
Safety?
With Troy, Clark, Allen & Mundy on the roster, and whispers last year that #4 pick K Lewis might be able to play S, I really doubt that Steelers are looking to draft S now
OG/C, MLB or NT (D Williams) or CB … yeah, I can see that
Well considering rookie defensive players usually don't start for us
I don’t see why it’s that unlikely, Clark likely won’t see most of the years on that contract so they could draft a safety now and just have him learn the system.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
I think we need some help with our Corners.
I’m guessing that’s where the focus is shifting after all these signings.
We increased our offensive production by 1,000 yards but our points by only 3 touchdowns?
-Johnny_S
Bungles
Tank
Stupidly like
Clockwork
Seriously
post-gazette needs to get its act together, is it 4 year 14 mil or 4 year 17 mil?
But, after receiving a contract offer from the Dolphins, Clark phoned Coach Mike Tomlin and told him he didn’t want to be anywhere but with the Steelers. So team president Art Rooney II and negotiator Omar Khan quickly put together a four-year, $14 million contract that Clark agreed to last night and signed today.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10068/1041365-100.stm#ixzz0hhuyZOLF
Steelers football is 60 mins.
If they draft Gerhart
somewhere down the line..I’ll be the first to buy that jersey….:)
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Mar 9, 2010 4:08 PM EST reply actions
And I'll be right behind you in line.
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
because he looks good, mama?
I saw your mock draft earlier;)
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Mar 9, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Well, because he looks good
and because he has lots of studly football-type attributes. I like a man like that…
"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin
by momma rollett on Mar 9, 2010 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
These are not the droids you're looking for
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Whoa!
I’m usually not on the computer much on Sunday/Mondays. What a surprise to discover that we have become FA warriors.
Clark is the best news. We got everything we really wanted (that we were willing to admit publically) from the process.Quality person, quality guy, and stability in a secondary that will seem much more adequate once a healthy Troy returns.
Randle El. Not as much of a surprise in hind sight. He was saying a lot of good things about the Steelers in the Washington media after he was released. Hard to say how much he has lost as a player. Washington utilized him differently than Pittsburgh. My guess is that he may be more productive because he’ll be a lower priority for opposing defenses and the Pittsburgh offense and special teams will use him in a more imaginative fashion. However, as others have already mentioned his greatest value will be in the area of leadership, particularly taking some pressure off of Hines in this regard. He’ll be great for the locker room and probably much more appreciative after a few years of life in Snyderland. Another point; with the uncertainty surrounding Ben it will be nice to have another quarterback around.
I didn’t know Foote was available. Getting him back would be bigger than Randle El in terms of need and leadership. I was actually hoping they might figure out some way to find a place for Joey Porter, and would still think that way if they can’t land Foote. I don’t share the misgivings about Farrior, but the depth at inside linebacker is necessary particularly with the improved running attacks of Cincinnati and Baltimore.
Allen, Battle and Scott all seem to be quality additions with some history with members of the current coaching staff. Adding depth at the OL and secondary areas and improving special teams. Their additions should make the team better in the areas where improvement is most necessary, and at the very least provide valuable insurance as backups.
As someone already posted, it feels like they’re getting the old band back together. I can’t blame Willie Parker for looking for something more promising, but he should really reconsider. He’s unlikely to be anything but a #2 back anywhere he lands. Might as well be #2 where he is appreciated and has a legitimate chance at another championship run.
If he has signed with anyone else yet, might be a good idea to get Charlie Batch under contract again. Just sayin’.
If nothing else happens between now and the draft I would say that defensive line and running back would be the priorities, though BPA certainly would make sense as well.
Things sure have become exciting!
where?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Here's a challenge....
Name a better receiving corps then ours will be this year.
Tone, Hines, Wallace, Heath, and Randle El.
I honestly can’t think of a club with a better all around receiving team then that.
We increased our offensive production by 1,000 yards but our points by only 3 touchdowns?
-Johnny_S
Bungles
Tank
Stupidly like
Clockwork
the vikings can match up with us at least three deep
with visanthe, sidney rice, percy harvin and bernard berrian. greg lewis behind them caught the miracle TD against the 49ers.
drew brees makes the saints seem like they have 7 #1 wideouts in shockey, henderson, robert meachem, marques colston
Don't forget G.B. is loaded ar WR & TE.
Hines Ward-Donald Driver; Santonio Holmes-Greg-Jennings; Mike Wallace-Jordy-Nelson; Antwan Randle El-James Jones; Heath Miller-Jermicheal Finley; Matt Spaeth(OH God!)-Donald Lee.
G.B. has tons of fire power at the receiver positions. A good OL(LT, preferably), & depth at the RB spot, & that could be who we see in the SB. Of course it will be our 7th since we no longer have Neil O’Doughnut!
"You never stand so tall as to when you reach down to pick someone up."
And Battle is a solid player
most folks don’t know this guy, but I live in the Bay Area … if you know anything about the 9ers QB situation over the last 4 years (think Alex Smith/Ken Dorsey/Shaun Hill), you know you can’t judge the quality of their WRs based on the numbers
Good job FO!
now wait the draft, a great CB, a solid OL, a good MLB, and sevenburgh! si señor!
Agressive Free Agency!
Is this unprecedented or what? I think the Brass up front wants that 7th ring before any other franchise even gets a SNIFF at a 6th! Man! I just don’t know what to say! This makes the draft even MORE intense for me, CAN’T WAIT!!!!!
"You never stand so tall as to when you reach down to pick someone up."
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