BTSC Steelers Daily Six Pack - Transitioning Into the Off Season Edition
by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2011 8:47 AM EST
in BTSC Steelers Six Packs
Email
PrintIX- The Steelers have begun to beef up their roster for the off season. A couple of the names are familiar like Tyler Gresham and Eugene Bright. The others are all new names to me. The Steelers have not confirmed this, but a source has confirmed that the paper work was turned into the NFL.
X- Troy Polamalu did not really make any splash plays int he playoffs like we expected he would. Well, this guy has a theory on what happened. He believes that Troy was playing a lot of help over the top due to the injury to Bryant McFadden. McFadden's need for help kept him from roaming the field and out of the box. That sounds about right to me.
XIII- It is no surprise at all, but the NFL labor meetings were canceled this week. From what I have heard, the players and their coaches are about a billion dollars off in their argument. The more I hear about this, the less likely I think there will be a 2011 NFL season. When baseball was on strike a few years back did not the government step in? Could something similar happen to football?
XIV- One of the big stories this off season will be what the Steelers decide to do with Aaron Smith. Steelers Lounge gives a nice break down of the situation. I think if the Steelers cut Smith they would be severely hurting their depth at DE. Nick Eason and Steve McLendon are nice stop gaps, but I would not feel comfortable with either starting a significant amount of time if Ziggy Hood or Brett Keisel went down.
XL- Emmanuel Sanders underwent surgery on the broken foot he suffered in the Super Bowl. When I heard it was broken I was shocked. You have to admire Sanders desire to play that he tried to play on the broken foot. This kid is a Steeler.
XLIII- I have always had a fascination with keeping up with former Steelers players that were personal favorites of mine. Long-time Steeler Deshea Townsend, an underrated DB for most of his career, was one of those guys. Townsend decided to retire last year after a short stint with the Indianapolis Colts that came after the Steelers released him. Now, Deshea has been hired to help coach the Arizona Cardinals defensive backs, which is a great honor. Side note: it still cracks me up that Ken Whisenhunt cannot seem to get away from signing people with ties to the Steelers organization.
76 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
missing
With the signings, I saw no mention of Frank Summers. Is this the end of the road for “the Tank”?
Troy and labour
I’d already figured as much about Troy. Just like when he is absent, his restrictive assignment when covering for someone else leaves Dick Lebeau’s scheme much more predictable and beatable, especially when spreading it. This is worrisome mid-to-long term, as we move into Troy’s twilight years.
As for the US government stepping in, don’t forget that they stepped in because they had the power to lift baseball’s antitrust exemption, which would then expose it to lawsuits, both civil and government. In football’s case, there is no such exemption (witness Al Davis’ unsuccessful lawsuits in the 80’s and 90’s, which were antitrust-based). So, unless Congress would wish to push DOJ antitrust or the FTC into going after the NFL, the most likely antitrust outcome would be the civil lawsuit coming after the union de-certifies its negotiating units. And they don’t need Congress to do this. Either way, it’s bad news for a quick political solution.
""I can never make up my mind if I'm happy being a flute player, or if I wish I were Eric Clapton." Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)
by Flying Polamalus on Feb 11, 2011 9:19 AM EST reply actions
Wisenhunt
surely you would think that at some point he would realize he needs his own identity and stop living off our scraps. how can he expect to ever be better than us if he keeps signing players and coaches from us? if imitation is the finest form of flattery, then the rooneys should have some hardcore blushing going on between the packers and cardinals
That would be a more valid criticism
if the Steelers weren’t so good. When you have the best defense in the NFL, you have to expect people to poach your coaches. If we were the Lions and he was signing people from us, that would be different. And when someone moves up (as Ray Horton did) or starts coaching after being a player (like DeShea Townsend) they have the opportunity to put their own twist on a successful model. And remember that Dallas wanted Horton as well, apparently. I see what you’re saying, but I think that Whisenhunt is betting on people he knows, rather than taking a risk with people he doesn’t.
"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin
by Rebecca Rollett on Feb 11, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
More accurately
He looks to players and coaches he has worked with before, ..which happens to be the steelers….. he knows what they are about, good sense of their abilities and style, he is familiar with them and can guess how they would fit.
I think you see people hire and make personnel decisions in the same way. The idea that he just raids the steelers is myopic
But you keep pulling out your "refs-threw-the-game" card if that’s what you need for catharsis. You can use that card after every loss. It is a lifetime pass. Get it laminated. -Maryrose
Really hope that I'm wrong but ...
I’m not sure that A. Smith can come back and be the player that we all know and love. HIs recurring issues with muscle and tendon tears isn’t a good sign. If there’s no season, or perhaps an abbreviated season in 2011, this would seem to make Smith’s return even less likely. The Snack might not come back either, so I think our 2011 draft should focus mainly on DL and OL players. We do need help in the secondary, but we might get some help via the free agent market.
Yes, and while we are at it Gibson was lost this past season.
Where is Joe Burnett?
New Jersey York Giants.
I have not yet begun to procrastinate.
by NYSteelersFan4 on Feb 11, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Troy+ Mc FAdden = No benefit
Wow, so the scheme was to help BMac over top and defuse your greates asset in the game? I dont buy it. He seemed to be slower than he had been in the earlier part of the year. Was he injured and then they decided to play him over the top? That would make sense to me. The fact that they had no other sub for Gay or BMac is awful. …Perhaps they could have aske Townsend back.:) Smith will come back adn they will rotate these guys.
Pray Woodley comes back, as well as Colon.
Every year is different and hope that they address the oline, dline and CB in the draft. but I have to say I am happy to see horton leave- they did not seam to coach up the younger playrers…or was the talent pool that bad?
How would him playing over the top hide an injury against a passing team? That doesn’t make sense.
by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Reactionary Lemmings
crazy
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
Because if you play over the top deep..
you don’t need to execute a rocker-step quite as often as if you played down and in run support, etc. The rocker-step is a BITCH if you have an achilles/ankle issue. Deep cover two safety play involves a lot more lateral movement.
It wouldn’t totally hide an injury, but just put him in a better position to provide SOME sort of contribution. I guess they may have figured a “center field Troy” is better than no Troy at all.
But what do any of us know? My decade + of coaching DB’s/head coaching in Ohio equals not so much when compared to the Steeler staff. Not so much at all.
by HandsofSweed on Feb 11, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
How would him playing over the top hide an injury against a passing team? That doesn’t make sense.
by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
My opinion...
I honestly think that Troy in the first couple of playoff games was still injured. That is a serious injury when you talk about the Achilles tendon, he looked at lot less explosive in a three postseason games but he was probably like 85-90% in Super Bowl but Green Bay scheme kept him from doing what he does, I think it was a goal to play Troy in coverage in hopes he could read and react the problem is Green Bay didn’t throw near him a lot. The one time they did he guessed to try to make a needed play and guessed wrong.
The new signees
Four of the players mentioned in the article were on the Steelers’ practice squad: WR Tyler Grisham, OLB Chris Ellis, TE Eugene Bright and OT Kyle Jolly. The remaining two, OLB Chris McCoy (7th round pick by Dolphins in 2010) and PK Swayze Waters (UDFA in 2009-stops with Lions and Raiders), are new.
http://www.goblueraiders.com/player.cfm/name/chris-mccoy/id/3398
http://uabsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/waters_swayze00.html
The article states that this takes the Steelers’ offseason roster to 80, but I can’t find a roster listing online that has incorporated the offseason signings like these. Ergo, I have no idea if Frank Summers is on that roster.
by Dave Of The Hill People on Feb 11, 2011 2:00 PM EST reply actions
All I want this off season...
Is for the roster to remain relatively stable, and for us to sign a CB out of FA and then draft 1 for development in the 1st or 2nd round.
I heard Jonathan Joseph might be up? If this is true, the Steelers need to start aggressively going after him. Or like I keep saying, at least reach out to Asomugha and explain the situation. We need someone to come in and be great now. He wants to win a championship and be a big part of his team doing so. The best place, HANDS DOWN, he could go would be to us. But he would obviously need to take a pay cut, or at least be paid less then he would anywhere else.
As for Troy, I think his achilles and the points you mentioned combined to make him pretty ineffective. If he had been a little closer he would have had an interception on one play I remember.
I said in another thread that the offense seemed a bit shackled and unprepared for Sanders being out. I think our game plan involved him heavily, and when he went out that left their defense able to roam the field a little more and limit Heath.
I still don’t think the season is going to be locked out. There’s 3 weeks left. There is A LOT of money at stake. Both sides are playing chicken with the other, but I’ll bet the owners swerve right before the deadline. Then again, who the hell am I? I know a lot less then more pessimistic people, so we’ll probably end up watching college football next year and cursing the greed of millionaires.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
Good Idea but...
Jonathan Joseph would be a good edition but we all no the Steelers don’t go after top talent in Free Agency. With that in mind look at the lesser know "cheaper guys like
Eric Wright if Cleveland doesn’t sign him, Josh Wilson or Chris Carr if not resigned by Baltimore
Chris Houston from Lions or Drew Coleman from Jets.
the Bigger names which would be nice but the Steelers won’t go after
Champ Bailey CB Broncos- still an elite corner maybe he’ll take a discount for winning team ( I can only hope)
Nnamdi Asomugha CB Raiders- no way he’ll ask for an absurd amount of money but it would be nice
Carlos Rodgers CB Redskins- this guy is still a solid starter in the league
Antonio Cromartie CB Jets- guys a good CB gets beat by quicker guys but it would be an upgrade over BMac
Since I live in AZ I also have been toying with trading for Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie he is elite in talent but young and need technique work but our veteran and coach LeBeau would be great for him. I don’t think AZ would trade but everything is an option.
So that would make Jonathan Joseph..
a “New Edition?”
Clark already hits like Bobby Brown.
by HandsofSweed on Feb 11, 2011 8:06 PM EST up reply actions
Bailey isn't tough.
And his attitude is diva-esque, and he is not mentally conditioned. I’v eseen him on the sidelines in games after he gets beat. I was at the AFCCG in Denver when Ward made him look elderly for that TD…his mug was splashed up on the screen, on the sideline, making excuses.
More than anything, I just don;t like him. He isn’t a Steeler. He doesn’t have what it takes. I’m not saying all our DB’s do, but they are here, and we’re working with what we have. Bringing someone in, a veteran, that’s different. Bailey is a name, just a ghost of who he was in my opinion. Nnamdi, on the other hand….I could see him in B&G. But it just won’t happen.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
Nnamdi Asomugah
If I had not been watching this interview( Humanitarian award nominee). I would of swore that it was Troy P. Soft spoken, articulate and compassionate. Then there is his on field ability which speaks for it’s self.
He will cost more than we usually spend in Free Agency as a whole, let alone one player. And still may not be able to afford him. I will still hope that this man who has endured being in Oakland wil not just look at the pay day(who can blame him for that) but want to play for a team that has a chance every year to play for the Lombardi.
If “We are a team” is the true identity of the current Steelers then maybe Ben and others will restructure contracts in order to add one more piece to the puzzle. A piece that I believe would bring # Seven and many more.
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
by Pittsblitz56 on Feb 12, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
I Disagree With You About Bailey
But I will take either of them. I think we would stand a better chance of getting Bailey from a money point of view and maturity to help our young receivers. Also he was at Georgia a couple of years with Hines. I am sure that if there was attitude problem it could be worked out. Besides he would be playing with a far superior defense than the one at Denver and I think that would handle any attitude adjustment if needed. We have a lot of team first veterans on our team – he would fit in with them.
Carlos Rodgers is "another" good choice
He hits hard like our D is famous for. He also wants to cover the other team’s best receiver. I live in the D.C. area (cant stand the Skins – love my Steelers) and read this statement by Rodgers. I’d rather have Champ, but if he is not available, Rodgers would be more affordable and a good acquisition.
A good cover corner would be ideal, but
we also need to keep in mind that they also have to be physical. Our corners provide run support at times and if we get a good cover corner that is afraid of contact, that is not going to help the scheme.
Things can always be worse....
Do you think Swayze Waters was named after The Swayze?
That is the coolest name I’ve ever heard in 2011.
He and Isaac Redman could combine awesome for a remake of 48 Hours.
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
I m going to shock everyone with this....
After first signing Ike and Woodley. I know that most of you will think I am nuts or just dreaming – but, I would love to see Hines court his old teammate Champ Bailey to come to the Steelers and play alongside Ike, Troy and Ryan Clark to make this the top level defensive backfield in the League. Champ has stated that he is only going to sign for a team that has a possibility of going to the SB. Maybe (and a BIG maybe) he might want to join us and help make this Defense be the best of all time. The rest of the elements are already in place (would also like to see a top quality NG be drafted to understudy under Casey). Maybe Champ will be that VERY rare breed who will play for a little less – just to be a part of history. Next year we should be 2 deep with top notch talent on Offense and Defense. With our starting Tackles back next year, the addition of a rejuvenated Flozell and the emergence of Jonathon Scott, Greg Legursky and Ramon Foster, Ben will be well protected. In the draft, I would love for us to go for an OL in the first round, Defensive NG in the second and either a CB, DE or S in the third. The best DB’s will be gone in the second round. So, go ahead and give me your criticism – skeptics. I’ll still dream.
+1
Guys like champ are EXACTLY the FA we need to sign. Top level players ready to sacrifice a little bit to come and win a championship. We ARE that team.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
I'm with you guys -
I think we have a better chance for a top-notch secondary next year from a free agent signing than from a draft pick. That said, will one of the top guys take a Super Bowl discount? Because we can’t guarantee them one, of course, although I’d like to think that, everything being equal, we’ll have a heck of a chance next year.
"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin
by Rebecca Rollett on Feb 11, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Imagine what LeBeau with a free wheeling shut down corner like Aso....
Or one like Champ Bailey, who can get up on a man and bump him the whole way down the field. You have to think guys like that look at us and begin to dream about being the one they call. There is ONE glaring weakness in our defense that hasn’t been fixed yet, and these super star level players play that exact position. They see it. We all do. If I was any of these of guys, I would play for a million a year to be the guy to come in and completely seal up an already almost unstoppable juggernaut. It’s like a dream come true for us as fans, and them as players.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
Greg Legursky...Doug Legursky's brother?
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
Exactly
Plus look at the Packers, a team that had many veterans who have been pro bowlers and solid players for long periods of time who finally got a championship. Dont think that guys like Champ Bailey didnt notice other guys of their era such as Donald Driver, Charles Woodson and Chad Clifton finally getting a ring.
Champ Bailey would be an excellent number 2 corner, but if we signed him, someone would have to go. Do we cut Mcfadden or Gay? Do we give up on Lewis?
I would be shocked if we even pursued Champ Bailey, let alone sign him, but its nice to dream. Its ever nicer to dream about Asomugha
A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 11, 2011 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't be shocked.
I would mad if they didn’t talk to these guys. I know they don’t like to spend, but COME ON. There are a couple of really great players that will be available, that play the position we are weakest at. The front office would be STUPID to not reach out to some of these guys. If I can see how wonderful of a scenario this is for the team, I know the guys paid millions to find good things for the team do as well.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
Just so long as they
don’t release Greg’s brother, Doug Legursky. He’s a solid depth player.
by HandsofSweed on Feb 11, 2011 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
I pretty sure that he is a keeper. He served us well this year in MANY different capacities.
He’ll only get better with more experience.
It would kill me to see Aaron Smith in a different uniform
I hope he retires rather than having us have to cut him and “force” retirement. I would love to try get Worthington back, as well as Gibson. I am still disappointed we kept Lewis over Burnett, I cant blame the coaches, but if Burnett becomes a decent contributor in big blue, I wouldnt be happy.
As for Arizona, you really gotta think that Coach Whiz is a players coach. All these former Steelers players (mainly defensive) are more than happy to go over and play for him. I think this is why he had so much success early on, the Cardinals really bought into his system and they played their lights out for him. Ignore the past year, Whiz will have the Cardinals back on top of the NFC West next year, mark it down.
Congrats to Townsend too. Always a very smart player and he played far above his weight and “physicality”. He will make a great secondary coach, something I really wish we couldve got him for, as we need some serious production from our cornerbacks
A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
I don't think that will happen.
By them saving that roster spot for him and losing a promising young future DE (Antonio Gibson), shows our respect for him. But as you know, football is a business. I must admit though, the Rooneys usually don’t drop players like Smith. He will probably have to take a pay cut though. I do hope that we can get Gibson back. He is with the Niners now.
Thaddeus Gibson -
but good point – I think that Smith could offer a lot for another year if he were rotated with Ziggy and maybe even a youngster for a few snaps. He in turn would be a private coach for them.
"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin
by Rebecca Rollett on Feb 12, 2011 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
I Am Shocked And Pleased
I’m really glad that others feel the same as I do about Champ or someone of his calibre being picked up through FA. We can afford to let Gay go. He really disappointed this past season. The Coaches know who the other DB’s are who disappointed us this past season. Acquiring someone like Champ would give our younger DB’s like Butler and Lewis more time to integrate into the system and to learn from one of the best in the game. It also takes some of the pressure off of Troy to have to try to be Mr Everything on Defense. I am sure that with other cuts and contract reconstruction Management would find a way to acquire Champ at a good price. To me it would be a perfect fit for Champ and almost assure him of a SB ring. We are going to be VERY deep at just about all positions on Offense and Defense in 2011. By all means we should keep Doug Legursky. He proved his worth many times – especially in the SB. We need to put a leash on Kemo because he can be too aggresive at times. What are the thoughts on this FA kid from Woodlands Hills that the Steelers signed. Can’t remember his name. He is 6’8" 241 lbs from WVA Univ. Also I read where Hines Ward said that he would welcome the signing of Plaxico Burress. Comments please.
Why would we sign Burress?
Our receiving corps is deep enough as is. I don’t see where he would fit in at with Brown and Sanders playing so well.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
I was just citing a statement made by Hines Ward
I guess it’s because he is that tall receiver that Ben has talked about. Also we could get him cheap. I am more than happy with the (young) receivers that we have. And, maybe (just maybe) this is the year that Limas Swede has his coming out party. All in all I think it will be a very good year for us. If we could sign Champ, it will be a GREAT year. Can’t wait for the Draft to see who we get. Last year was EXCELLENT.
We could possibly get him cheap because he's definitely not worth signing.
Head case, “me First,” problem child, diva, delinquent, old, out of football too long, bullet in his leg, all of the above. Just not worth it.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
You are probably correct.
Personally I think we have a good crop of young receivers. Ben will have a lot of targets to throw to.
We just signed
a really tall one – the kid from WVA.
"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin
by Rebecca Rollett on Feb 12, 2011 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
6' 8" is really tall
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." Martin Luther King Jr.
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Feb 12, 2011 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
Wes Lyons
He’s from Woodland Hills. He needs to bulk up a little. He knows how to hit. I saw a film clip of him. Just hope he can catch. Pull his name up and make your own decision. I like what I saw.
I watched him play at WVU
he is 245, I don’t think he can really bulk up anymore. He will make you yell at the TV when he drops the occasional easy catch.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." Martin Luther King Jr.
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Feb 13, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
50 Sense
- There will be no Tank on the roster. BA has no use for a FB. The Steelers need to add some young Gs and LBs to the roster as well in case they do not draft any because they move up and have less picks.
- Very interesting theory on Polamalu and personally…I buy it. I know 43 hurt his Achilles scoring that TD against the Bengals but B Mac was really banged & bruised during the playoff run. Gay, Lewis & Madison were not up to the challenge of starting so B Mac (while mediocre) could not sit as he was the 2nd best corner of the 53.
- I’ve been saying this since last off season and as much as I don’t like saying it…There will be a Lockout/Strike in 2011. We’re going to be sitting on this big fat ugly L for a long time.
- A Smith cut? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. Sorry. But with Eason & Hoke FAs I can’t see them cutting their starting DE with no depth. Hood will play but interspersed with Smith saving Aaron’s brittle body.
- I said it before and I’ll say it again. Sanders and Brown are the two best rookie WRs the Steelers drafted in tandem since Swann/Stallworth. These two will continue to get better and I think the consistent and popular ARE may lose his roster spot.
- Whiz is going after known talent that share a common philosophy on how to win. Of course you hire people you know and have worked with before who were impressive. I find it way more interesting when the Steelers bring in a guys like Kugler & Scott (Bills) Colbert, Hartings & McHugh (Lions) from less than successful franchises and they work out as well as they have.
- The Steelers will sign Woodley & Ike. The Steelers will not spend $$$ on a big name FA DB like those named above. The Steelers will let Eason, Hoke, Colon (someone will over pay him & they won without him), Spaeth, Moore, Essex, Gay & Fox move on. Several could be back for the right $$$. The Steelers will be looking to move up and get a CB in the draft but will as always draft BPA if no DB is worth the pick. The Steelers may take a K in the draft at some point unless they really like this kid they just signed.
- Great job on the 6 pack as usual JS!!
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Agree with you on most of your opinions.
But. It would not make sense for us to waste picks to move up to try to get a CB. The best ones will be gone in the first 20 picks. We are almost definitely going to go after one of those top notch OL with our first pick. Hopefully we can get Mike Pouncey who is rated the top C/G in the draft. It will be a BIG coup if we can pull this off. I like going FA to get an established CB. It gives us a chance of saving our picks for other needs such as a young DE or a quality NG. Would be nice if we could get Gibson and Worthington back as FA’s. If we can get Champ (at an affordable price) we should definitely go for it. He has a few good years left. And his experience would be invaluable to our young CB’s such as Crezdon Butler and Keenan Lewis. Also it would take a lot of heat off of Troy. If not Champ, then someone like Joseph. I know it is not our policy to go after top FA’s ,but – a good cover CB is the glaring weakness of our Defense. Because of it other teams burn us with the short passes because we play scared of getting beat long. With that top notch CB we could have possibly the best Defense EVER (IMO). We are just that good. I DO like your thinking though.
Whiz should die
I liked him here but he’s nothing but a poacher poser wannabe winner who hasn’t done crap. I hate em and he stanks
And on CBs
We have ONE good cover cb in Ike. But you need a second and third to be at least adequate. We don’t have that.
Trading Up & Down
I was thinking about moving up and another possibility is moving down and stockpiling 2nd and 3rd or 4th round picks. They could get some pretty good athletes with the couple high picks for our #31. They could get a DB & RG at value with 2 picks in the 2nd just not Pouncey. Maybe sign Colon at a reasonable number due to injury? That would set up the OL.
I don’t think the Steelers will get a DB in FA. The Steelers typically sign their own. Look for them to ink Ike & try real hard to get Woodley. They have to get a DB in the draft as Gay is FA, Lewis & Butler haven’t turned the corner and B Mac is aging.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Safety too
Troy misses a few games every season.
Ryan Clark is simply fantastic against the run. But against the pass, although never out of position, he keeps getting burned, time after time.
I was excited when we drafted Ryan Mundy. However I’m concerned that he can’t seem to get on the field, on obvious passing downs.
"The only way to stop Jim Brown was to give him a movie contract." -- Spider Lockhart
Wouldn't hurt to have capable backup there
Actually it would be very good idea.
OL
Personally I was thinking move up with a team like KC (who we have swapped first round picks with before) for a third; fourth, and garbage pick in 2012 (and I actually like garbage picks) makes more impact because I do not believe the value picks for OL will be there in round number two. I think the KC pick will yield OG (LG) Mike Pouncey. Assuming I am correct that they will not bring back Essex and will cut Starks and Kemoeatu (prior to the reinstatement of cap penalties with the new necessary salary cap to open up cap space and retain OT Colon who is suitable for a move to OG) and sign an OT in free agency in the class of Jarred Gaither or Jordan Black I think the ideal line in Pittsburgh (due to the shifting and style Kugler practices) is one of two nine man offensive lines:
Starters in Bold
Option #1:
LT Gaither
LT J. Scott
LG Mi. Pouncey
LG Foster
C Ma. Pouncey
C Legursky
RG Colon
RT Adams
RT Hills
OL C. Scott (first alternate)
Option #2:
LT Adams
LT J. Scott
LG Mi. Pouncey
LG Foster
C Ma. Pouncey
C Legursky
RG Colon
RT Black
RT Hills
OL C. Scott (first alternate)
Make no mistake about it either line is quality and not just a quick fix but a long term solution since Tony Hills should be able to start at RT in 2012 if another high draft pick does not go to the OL. For that reason Colon needs to be retained at any cost, he should be valued like it. I would not at all be surprised to see him receive a four year deal worth as much as $23M and the motto there is “if Starks can get paid so can Willie” as he is a better lineman.
Last OL note: my favorite OT prospect is Canadian Matthew O’Donnell but he will be staying north and being a top ten draft pick instead of a late day two player (current format) or worse early day three.
Newest signing, Wes Lyons, WR WVU 6' 8" 245
Tall, decent speed, former basketball player so knows how to use his body, has better hands than Sweed but will still make you yell at the TV because he drops the occasional easy catch.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." Martin Luther King Jr.
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
Thanks for the info.
It will be interesting to see what he does in camp.
assuming there is a camp of course
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." Martin Luther King Jr.
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Feb 12, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
I am crossing my finger
I am already going through withdrawals for watching football (lol).
My thoughtages
Sanders played two downs before walking off. Hard balls. Not a cutler
Resign smith at no more than half his price and make him a reserve. He can’t handle a full season and it’s time to let the others shine. I’d personally rotate him to split time with keisel and let hood play full time.
I’d like colon to come bak. Hopefully at a bargain.
And woodley is expendable IMO. Doesn’t seal the edge well on runs. Doesn’t shed blocks. Bull rush is his only move. He can pick up a loose ball well too. But our lb system supports anybody and worilds can work it.
Ike is a must resign before anybody else. Then draft a cb early in the draft
Agree on everything else but Woodley
Woodley has not even had his best year yet. Let’s keep this unit together. Worilds can sub for Woodley and Harrison when needed. This set of LB’s that we have are the BEST in the NFL. " If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it". Sly is there to backup Farrior. We just need Champ to cover along with Ike. Then we will be the best . Management needs to deviate from their norm (of FA signings) – just this one time.
Management looks at the next four years
not just the one next year. Champ i not part of any 4 year plan. That is all
by steelerstyle on Feb 13, 2011 5:36 AM EST up reply actions
Champ
Could serve us well for a few years and by that time we could integrate Crezdon Butler and other promising CB’s into the lineup. By having these young CB’s available, Champ could go all out and get the rests when needed. Same could be done at safety for Troy and at NG with Casey. It is important that these young players could understudy All Pro starters. Ziggy did that at DE with Aaron Smith and look at how much he improved. We don’t have to let our great Defense get old all at once. The list could go on and on. Worilds with James Harrison and Sylvester with Farrior. I think it is very good logic. We did this on many occasions this past season and it wasn’t even noticed that the starters were out of the game. It also lets us keep our draft picks and not have to try to trade up.
2011 Free Agency
Is it just me or does it make zero sense to release Aaron Smith like the article insinuates? Ziggy Hood has cracked the top three, nobody can argue that but with Smith less durable than at the start of his career it would make a lot of sense to keep him (under contract and healthy) to play him about half the plays in every game rotating between both ends and the middle, including as the extra down lineman the few times each game four are used. It makes sense because even if season rosters expand to 54 or 55 players from 53 the need for a kickoff specialist (which should become common in the league) and likelihood that the team will carry a ninth LB or eleventh DB for depth means the magic number is six for the defensive line. Hood, Hampton, Keisel, and Smith are a solid front four that could allow the organization to part ways with both remaining veterans Chris Hoke and Nick Eason as the money saved can be put into the OL (J. Gaither, BAL) or defensive backfield (E. Wright, CLE). The team already has Sunny Harris, Doug Worthington, Steve McClendon, and the ability to add a late round rookie or two (including undrafted players to compete for the last two spots which would give us adequate depth and the ability to draft two rookies early in 2012 to complete the renaissance of the defensive line when Smith retires.
Champ...I think not! lol (bad word play since we didn't win and Bailey)
Champ Bailey makes a good fit for a lot of teams but the Steelers are not one of them. First of all it does not fit the Steelers “organizational blueprint” that has been in place for as long as I have been a fan in the early 1990’s. Can anyone name the last player the Steelers signed that was at Bailey’s level of superstar? Sure they have drafted and traded for stars that they retained but it is not the Steelers way to sign high price free agents that have maxed out on potential. The free agents that the organization seeks normally fly under the radar and are a value in terms of dollars spent vs. untapped potential. For that reason I would bank on the team exploring a DB like Eric Wright who will be 26 years old when next season starts and plays a very physical brand of football that is required to be a Steelers CB. If that is not enough explain, please, how you would expect the team to retain both current starting corners? Taylor would likely accept a two year deal similar to the one McFadden signed with ARZ in 09 with a $5M annual salary. To retain McFadden would likely take in the neighborhood of 3 years $12M. Bailey will sign for around the combined salary of those two. Others would argue that Bailey will play FS soon, which is not at all a need in Pittsburgh where Ryan Clark (a great example of an Eric Wright style player back in 06) is the starter for as long as he can play at the level he does in deep center field. He turned into a better safety than Chris Hope and Eric Wright could be better than anyone imagines in a few years. Townsend made a living playing inside at Nickel for years prior to starting outside (not ideal outside) at age 00 so I have no doubt that in 2013 at age 28 Wright can play outside. A side note: I like LT Gaither but if he stays in Baltimore (to play RT) I think the Steelers could sign Jordan Black even though he is six years older as a stop gap since it seems impossible for the Steelers to retain both Starks and Adams if a hard salary cap is in place. I would be interested to hear thoughts there also. Remember any players cut this year (2010 season; before March 3, 2011) do not count against the cap if they have bonus money due since you can not have a cap penalty with no cap. I also want top five lists of players you all expect to be cut or non tendered, mine follows and is completely money related:
1. LT Starks/RT Adams
2. RB Moore
3. RG Essex/LG Kemoeatu
4. CB Gay
5. NT Hoke AND DE Eason
Error in Champ...I think not!
age for Townsend starting is at 00 when it should be 29 (one year older than Eric Wright would be in 2013)
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
"Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history."
Art Rooney Jr.
"Level-headed thinking." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Related FanPosts on Behind the Steel Curtain
Related FanShots on Behind the Steel Curtain
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
