thin at running back??
by ec on Sep 23, 2010 10:34 AM EDT
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I'm concerned that the Steelers are thin at RB behind Mendy. He's been knocked out before, so shouldn't the team get more depth now? At the risk of offending the Redman cult, shouldn't Pittsburgh be making inquiries on the status and potential availability of Brandon Jacobs? What about getting Willie back now that he sees he was over-confident in expecting a starting role elsewhere. Isn't he available and an upgrade over Moore? What other RBs with wheels left are available and represent an instant upgrade over the current stable of back-ups?
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I would say we're thin with proven depth...
Moore is the only proven back up we have, and he is on the decline, from the little bit we’ve seen so far.
Isaac Redman is still a question mark for the most part, although he has looked good in the chances he’s gotten.
Jon Dwyer is kicking around, and he looked good against the tale end of team’s rosters in preseason. He’s got potential, just don’t know how much really yet.
I don’t think either of the three RB’s available (or rumored to be available) Willie Parker, Larry Johnson or Brandon Jacobs bring anything to the table for us right now. Jacobs plays with far less intensity than he did in the past (regardless of how angry he looked when he threw his helmet, the guy tip toes a little too much behind the line of scrimmage). Johnson didn’t look any better in his limited touches in Washington really, and personally, I don’t care for the woman beater myself.
I would like Willie back, but I’m not sure he brings anything to the table either, really. Speed maybe, but his hands aren’t great (never were) and he couldn’t find a running lane at all two seasons ago. Of all of them, Willie… maybe over the other two, but I’m not sure we need anyone else (right now).
I have not yet begun to procrastinate.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Sep 23, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions
I am not sure the proven depth is proven
The old Moore is proven, but the recent Moore is not.
Redman and Dwyer are not proven.
I agree the potential free agents, Parker, Johnson and Jacobs, may not be an upgrade in terms of how they’ve played.
I don’t know what the solution is, which is why I’m worried about it.
Hopefully, BB as the passer opens up lanes and all the runners look better as a result…
I had a dream
last night that Redman broke a 45 yarder for a TD. It was weird because it was like a semi-pro game, but Tomlin was the coach and we (yes I said we) were playing on what looked like a highschool field. Another weird thing was that while I had dream knowlege that it was in fact Redman, everyone was calling him Warlord….weird dream. Either way, he broke 2 early tackles and ran for a 45 yarder. So no, there is your undeniable proof that we don’t need more running backs. (This is a true story, I had the dream last night)
i think if it were in tampa
you wouldve recognized the pirate ship. so you must have been in pittsburgh against baltimore! if redman breaks a 45 yard TD against the ravens you’re officially a witch
by steel.curtain.number2 on Sep 23, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
i love crazy dreams
but if i see the steelers lining up at the bucs 45 yard line with redman in the back field, i will be remembering this dream and hoping you are a seer of some sort. go warlord!
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
No way is Willie an upgrade over Moore.
Remember the “run Willie until the wheels fall off” quote from a couple of years ago? I think it’s safe to say that the wheels fell off. All his talk about finding a starting job somewhere came after the Steelers didn’t offer him a contract of any kind. Then he wasn’t good enough to make it on a team with aging backs that no one else wanted. Unfortunately for Willie the market for speed backs that have lost a step and can’t catch the ball is pretty much nonexistent.
I appreciate what Willie did for us. I was always pulling for him to do well and I wish him the best, but it is time to move on.
no FWP!
No way do we bring back Parker. I think having one washed up ex-Redskin/ ex-Steeler returning in Randle El is too much.
Both were great back in the day, but neither has anything to offer this year. I’m hoping ARE is replaced by game 5. No separation, runs routes too short for first downs, no return capabilities, and even questionable hands at times. Why did we re-sign him again?
No Willie please!
I loved him when he was a steeler but there is nothing he can do for us now. We do need a speed back who can hit homeruns but I think we are stuck waiting for the draft or free agency
by TrueSteelerForLife on Sep 23, 2010 10:56 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I'd like to see Redman spelling Mendy more.
I think Mendy is going to wear down quickly with all the hits he’s taking, so I think we should spell him early. Redman has shown he’s capable of getting some tough yards, which is all we’re going to see for now. Moore is pretty useless. I still have some hopes for Dwyer, but I don’t know what sort of shape he’s in. I like that we have two potentially tough runners behind Mendy. Moore is looking useless. I’m not sure what he brings to the table. I’d like to see him phased out.
charity standing orders
btw
I do think we’re thin at RB. Everything seems fine right now, but if Mendy misses a game or two, we’re going to feel it.
charity standing orders
We still have Moore and Redman
And once Ben comes back, we’ll become a passing Offense again.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
"No one on this team is Troy Polamalu. When God made him, he touched him a couple of extra times." -Safety Ryan Clark-
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Agree
I think that we need to “dump” Mwelde – he’s not contributing at all. Redman just needs more snaps. Dwyer needs to get a chance to run with the first unit in games where a silly mistake will not change the outcome and cause us to lose (safe situations). He needs a little more confidence – I think that the skill is there. Wouldn’t mind seeing Willie again. I think that he still has the speed to break for long runs. I would take him over Mwelde. Brandon Jacobs does not run like a 260/270 pounder – we don’t need him. Also maybe we should give Frank Summers a chance to “run” the ball instead of being a blocker. He looks “lost” when he is supposed to be blocking. I also think that once Ben is back, we will have no need for ARE also. Mwelde and ARE are taking up slots that we can give to younger promising players.
+33
i forget who wrote it in a comment the other day, but someone said, “Redman is not a joke to me,” and this totally made me laugh. but it’s true. as much as we’ve made him a bit of a farce with our “chuck norris” bit, the truth is that many of us (myself chief among them) believe he can be a very big positive factor in our running attack, but we have to use him as more than just a short yardage back and once in ahwile when spindenhall has run the ball 13 consecutive times and needs to breath on the sidelines. give the guy a chance. he runs north and south…he hasn’t shown a propensity for fumbling….he breaks tackles…he’s got some of the best balance i’ve seen on a ball carrier, and he wants to prove himself to the world. give him teh damn ball! that’s not a joke.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Sep 24, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
patience
I like what they are doing with Redman. Giving him short yardage carries, and sprinkling in some relief carries, while giving most of the relief carries to Moore. This gives Isaac valuable experience, while not beating him up too much. Hopefully he’ll still be healthy in November and beyond. I’d be giving Moore more carries for these first four games too.
"Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." - samliam
totally agree
Put the Redman hype to rest. Replace it with real success or failure, which only comes with more playing time. Moore is not the runner he used to be. On the other hand, I think he is getting the playing time he is because he represents the most reliable safety valve: he blocks better and more consistently (arguably) than the other runners, and he catches passes to serve as the dump-off guy on a busted play for a pressured QB. When BB is back, we might see less of him.
Success?
Redman is 4/5 on 3rd and 1, how’s that for success? And he has a 3.4 ypc in those situations. That is impressive.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 24, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I really don't get posts like these
Brandon Jacobs is unhappy on the bench in New York. Do you think he’s going to be happy riding the pine in Pittsburgh? Or do you think the Steelers are going to bench their 1,000 yard rusher and 1st Round Draft Choice in favor of Jacobs?
As for Willie, his entire game was built on speed. As soon as he lost half a step, he was done. I think Moore blocks and receives better than Willie now and if we need a full-time runner, I think Redman is better than an old, broken-down Parker. Not to mention that Dwyer turned it on the preseason and showed flashes of being a steal.
just a provocation...
…to start a much-needed conversation around the depth of the Steelers’ running game. Given that ownership wants to see it improve, that the lack of passing makes it critical, that the injury rate in the NFL goes up every year, that the Steelers are surprisingly 2-0 without BB, the lack of depth is a big story. Whether outside help is the answer is a good way to get at the controversy. Didn’t mean to confuse or upset you.
Jacobs?
http://www.bigblueview.com/2010/9/20/1699575/report-brandon-jacobs-will-ask-for
I don’t think we want the guy, his attitude or his salary. Not sure he brings a lot to the table either…
Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"
Not sure he brings a lot to the table either?
Oh, I’d say about 280 pounds and a lousy attitude.
Sounds like something that interests you, my friend?
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
Bengals need to collect him
They have a void at starting helmet chucker
by barnerburner on Sep 24, 2010 5:08 AM EDT up reply actions
lol
loved it.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Sep 24, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
The biggest question is
wouldn’t any of these be an improvement over our current depth? To me right now, as a backup, Redman>Jacobs for the sole reason that Redman understands that he is a north south runner and Jacobs forgets that at times. With Moore vs Willy, Moore can catch balls out of the backfield and Willy never could. Also, what is the status of Willy’s speed? I think there is a better than average chance that he has lost a step, we already seeing in his twilight days with the Steelers.
And how is Larry Johnson even in this conversation? The guy is nowhere near the premier back he was in KC.
by NYCSteelersFan on Sep 23, 2010 12:13 PM EDT reply actions
this is exactly why
when LaDainian Tomlinson was released I thought the Steelers should have tried to take a shot on him…. hes basically like Moore except better in every way, faster, better hands, better running….uhg
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 23, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah
I was a doubter at the time, but he’s had two good games (one against the Ravens) so far. Usually the wheels fall off a guy that’s had as many touches as him, but he was a pretty exceptional RB in his prime, so many he’s still an exception.
charity standing orders
no doubt LT could bring alot to the table if he was in black n gold, pound it with Mendy and Redman and throw screens and dump off passes to LT for 20 yrd gains, it would defiantly made our QBs job easier instead of running for their life till someone gets open, just use LT as a safety valve, and more often than not you would get positive yards out of it
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 23, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
We don’t have the o-line that would be any good for LT. The Jets’ exceptional O-line carried them through the playoffs last season and make LT look good. Our line can’t do that right now and would make LT look like Mewelde.
like i said we could just throw screens and dump passes off to him and it wouldnt be a problem
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 24, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
We don’t do screens well.
Philly seemed like they could throw screens all day to Westbrook, and all of them would go for a first down. But for us, they go nowhere, even though we hardly ever use them.
I was at Latrobe for the second week of training camp, and don’t remember seeing one screen. I think it’s safe to say, they are a low priority for the first four games.
"Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." - samliam
I still think the Chargers were stupid for letting LT go
He’s not washed up and he’s playing well.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
"No one on this team is Troy Polamalu. When God made him, he touched him a couple of extra times." -Safety Ryan Clark-
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
I think being cut was the spark L.T. needed to play so well. Last year he and Sproles were total non-factors in the running game, L.T. was getting nothing done when he was in there. It wasn’t working out anymore in San Diego for either side and sometimes you just need to make a change
Never underestimate the power of a good fullback either.
His numbers dropped after Lorenzo Neal was replaced with Jacob Hester, and now behind Tony Richardson, well, he’ll do a little better with that alone.
I have not yet begun to procrastinate.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Sep 23, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
makes me wonder what Mendy could do behind a real FB……
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 23, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
A Good Fullback
I’ll mention Owen Schmidt again. He is a “bull” at fullback.
how much?
What did LT get for making the move? Was it a number the Steelers could have afforded? Who would the team have lost had it happened?
im not sure about hom much, i dont think it wasnt to excessive, and probably would have replaced Moore
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 24, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Trade for Jacobs!
So I can yoink his helmet when he throws it into the stands. They ain’t getting that one back.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
Yeahhhh but
As big of an fwp fan as I am. And believe me o consider myself his first fan, he’s not the answer. He lost a step and got hesitant after injury which doesn’t work in this league.
Jacobs is an ass hat.
Waltzing mewelde lost a step too but can catch and block.
Wait for the draft. We shouldn’t have a problem. Give almighty redman more carries and less to memo.
by Mechem on Sep 23, 2010 7:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah
I think most of us liked FWP. He really was a blessing when he was here. But like you, I think his helpfulness to this team as a player, is over. If someone gets injured and we need to pickup a RB, I’d think it would be Summers from our practice squad.
"Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." - samliam
OK so let Dwyer and Redman split time if we have an injury to Mendy.
Would that really be the end of the world? I think if Dwyer gets the blocking, he can be almost as effective as Mendy. He was great in college ball.
Why do posters write fanposts and not comment on them?
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Sep 23, 2010 10:07 PM EDT reply actions
I have no idea
Johnny and I had a similar convo over YIM earlier today about this very subject.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 23, 2010 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
because they are fanshots in fanpost clothing
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
when i write a fanpost
i’m all over that thing with comments. sometimes i worry that i’m saying too much. i don’t get the “write and flight” technique, but whatever.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Sep 24, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
didn't mean to abandon anyone...
…the discussion seemed to be going just fine without any help. I didn’t realize I was supposed to reply, and was too busy with work to do so. Sorry.
no prob at all
it’s just when i write one, i can’t stop checking to see how the convo is going and i really can’t resist adding my two cents. different strokes and all that.
peace.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Sep 24, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 24, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
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