Epitaph
by 5020 on Jan 10, 2012 11:50 AM EST
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The 2011 Steelers season is over. A season ended in a crash of flames and smoke into the Rocky Mountains. While hope springs eternal and it was not an impossible dream, this year’s Steeler team lacked the necessary components of Championship mettle to make winning a 7th Lombardi possible. Implausible if not impossible.
During the season one Steeler fan took umbrage over my insight and analysis on the Steelers personal. My words were forwarded along the internet and found their way to him. He responded to my words with accusations that I am a non believer and not a “true Steeler fan for life.” As funny as those words are coming from a fan that has probably never been to Pittsburgh, we just see the Steelers through different perspectives. I see the Steelers through the eyes of an Owner, GM or Head Coach as opposed to a black and gold glasses wearing fan. I love the Steelers but see each year’s personality for what I believe it to be. This personality is usually forged by the 9th or 10th week of the season and usually is what it is.
The 2011 Steelers were a very solid veteran football team. They were capable of beating any given team on any given Sunday. Their QB is a war horse. He is a competitor who will keep the Steelers in every game they play in. Just as he did Sunday in Denver rallying the Steelers from a 20-6 deficit into a 23-23 tie with minutes left in the game. The defense is also a tough veteran bunch who will keep the Steelers in every game every week. But the Steelers of 2011 lacked that Championship mettle and killer instinct reserved for teams like the Steelers of 2008. The red zone inefficiency which ties into the lack of a cohesive game plan killed the 2011 Steelers. This is especially painful when you have an inconsistent kicking game regardless of how many field goals were made in Denver on Sunday. The defense lack of pressure on the QB and lack of turnover production helped take way the ferociousness and aggressiveness of the Steelers defense. Roger Goodell helped take away some too.
The 2011 Steelers were a good football team. But they were not great. This was evident early on as they were pushed around by Baltimore and Houston early. After squeaking by juggernauts like Indy and KC the Steelers were again pushed around by playoff big boys Baltimore and San Francisco. High hopes were not held for any kind of a deep playoff run this year by this analyst. Implausible but not impossible.
Denver heard all the commentary of how they did not deserve to be in this game and played their over achiever tails off. Pittsburgh played to their personality. Red zone inefficiency and an incoherent game plan left the Steelers with a 6-0 lead when it should have been more. A defense that gave Tebow loads of time in the pocket gave up huge pass plays. Ike Taylor the Steelers best DB since Woodson had an epically horrid afternoon. Shades of Mel Blount in an AFC Playoff game in the 70s. One afternoon in the 70s Coach Noll actually benched Blount for his poor play. The Bronco’s surged to a 20-6 lead. Poor play calling and clock management near the end of the half cost the Steelers a shot at a field goal. That and a bumbling snap over Ben’s head that killed the drive. Shades of Chuck Lanza to Bubby Brister in a Denver playoff game? After Ben Roethlisberger, injured and heroic led the Steelers to a 23-23 tie ineptitude again crept into the huddle. With under a minute left and on the cusp of field goal range for our extra point kicker, Ben was sacked and fumbled. Though he recovered the 11 yard loss knocked the Steelers out of range and knocked the game into OT. It was there that the Steelers learned when you let an inferior opponent stay around long enough they will burn you. It didn’t happen in Indy. It didn’t happen in KC or Cleveland. But it happened in Denver. In a playoff game. And it was a fitting end to their good not great season.
The 2012 Steelers need to get younger and quicker. The Steelers are way over the salary cap and need to sign Mike Wallace to an extension. Guys like Hoke, Aaron Smith, Max Starks, James Farrior, Larry Foote, Hines Ward and Bryant McFadden have likely played their last game for the Steelers. Some may remain but most will be gone. It’s time for Tomlin to turn the page on Cowher’s players. 2005 was a long time ago. It’s now 2012. With Ben Roethlisberger at QB the Lombardi window remains open but the Steelers have to get younger and quicker and better.
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Concise and sage evaluation
Its never wrong to judge objectively.
As the seasons return it's always Black n Gold first.
by smithology on Jan 10, 2012 2:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Roger Goodell Is An Ass
The line of 2011
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on Jan 10, 2012 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
+92
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 Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 10, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Asking permission to use the
rg is a mule quote at all appropriate times.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle
by steelerstyle on Jan 18, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Superb
We’ve been elite since 92
No reason to think it will be otherwise.
I remember losing ALOT of players and pondering the end. It seldom comes.
The cycle continues.
by Steelchamps !! on Jan 10, 2012 2:40 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The Rooney's
The FO has kept us competitive year in and year out. In the years we were down we added HOFs like Troy Polamalu & Ben Roethisberger. I’m with you !!. But the pressure is on…FO needs a great draft to keep the cycle moving in the right direction.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
I don’t recall another year when my primary concern was injuries. Who’s going to be healthy enough to play, who was going to be out for how long, which player was going to be where on the O-line, who was going to be center “this week”. Good… not great.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
If we would have advanced to NE it would have been without Mendenhall, Starks, Legursky, Hampton, Keisel or Cortez Allen. Ben, Pouncey, Mewelde & Keenan all available but all gimpy. Ouch.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
The Patriots didn’t deserve the satisfaction of beating a beaten up Steeler team. I also had reservations if Woodley was game-healthy. He was available but clearly not the LaMarr Woodley pre-injury.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
Our guys never ran out of fight.....but in this fight, we simply ran out of guys.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
by Homer J. on Jan 10, 2012 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
this
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 11, 2012 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
Nicely put
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 12, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
admiringly jealous of your eloquence...mostly the former.
Well-said.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 12, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
agree that changes are due
I think Ben has about 4 to 5 years left. Then you’re looking at another gap to the next franchise Qb. There were a lot of dead years between Terry B. and Ben. We are an old team several years overdue for changes at many positions. I think best case is we get one more super bowl shot with ben in 3 or 4 seasons after a few years of retiring and replacing players.
I think Ben has about 4 to 5 years left.
6-7 if he’s healthy
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
And when is he healthy?
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 13, 2012 2:29 AM EST up reply actions
6-7
If they get an actual, professional NFL offensive line.
Actually, if they did that, it might encourage him to try buy even more time extending plays…
Nevermind. Maybe that’s why they haven’t upgraded that unit before now. They don’t want to encourage him.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
You're such a big picture thinker
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 14, 2012 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent POST
Probably one of the better season summaries I’ve read.
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Jan 10, 2012 8:03 PM EST reply actions
Wondering about Wallace's future with the team
The Steelers don’t usually pay top dollar to bring back receivers (especially ones that don’t fight for the ball), and we’re way over the cap for next year.
He’s got the speed, no question there, but is that all?
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Since he’s a RFA, don’t the Steelers get something for him if he leaves? Like, a second round pick or something? If they do, I wouldn’t shed a tear if he left. Brown is better anyways.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
They'd have to give him a qualifying offer
but, yeah, they would definitely do that, probably the highest one, which gets you back a 1st and a 3rd, IIRC.
I think they will try to resign him, but given his lack of impact in really big moments, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they let him walk after next season. I wouldn’t have thought that before this season. The problem is, when was his last truly clutch play? I think it was in 2009, against GB.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 10, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
I think that was the last catch he made with his hands.
since then it’s all in the chest.
I’m perplexed.
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.
Regarding Wallace
I think he is a superior WR who struggled late in the year as teams schemed to stop him which opened things up for A Brown. I also agree with dawgs144 below in that Ben’s busted up ankle and thumb contributed to Wallace subpar second half. Ben simply could not get 17 the ball deep.
I think the Steelers will try to resign Mike Wallace. Interesting article in the Pittsburgh rags this morning I link below.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12012/1202980-66.stm
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Can't we put a 1st and 3rd tender on him?
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 12, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I think the Steelers will try to resign Mike Wallace
They will
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
Great post, 50
Definitely agree about the injuries and age. The injuries to players on their way out are not the ones that concern me though. It’s the lingering injuries to some of our young guys (Pouncey, Woodley, Brown, Allen, Lewis, etc.) Those are the guys that we expect to be the next stars and some of them already can’t stay healthy. Well, Woodley is already a star, and I think it’s too early to call him injury prone, especially given his durability early in his career.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 10, 2012 9:16 PM EST reply actions
This is Woodley’s first serious injury, so there is not way that anyone can call him injury prone. And Brown/Allen/Lewis are all young and can’t be classified as injury prone either. Now, Pouncey is starting to worry me but I think that with a full off-season and training camps/conditioning he will be fine for 2012-2013.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
It’s true that it’s too soon to start calling these guys injury prone, but it is a concern. Lewis and Pouncey in particular. IIRC, Lewis was injured in some very limited play a couple years ago.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 11, 2012 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome!
Love it Andrew! Call you soon man.
Contact me at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com or michaelbean06@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, complaints, etc. Find BTSC on Twitter. Follow BTSC on Facebook for regularly updated content and commentary.
Nailed the uprights dead center with this post
Good but not great, sums it up perfectly.
My favorite line:
on the cusp of field goal range for our extra point kicker
I’m still chuckling over that one.
In 2012, I’m hoping for changes that allow some commitment to the run. Because when you run the ball…
Best of luck to you in the new year 50. Hope to read you more often.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Gerela's Gorilla's
IMO the Steelers desperately need to upgrade their place kicker. We are lucky he did not cost them a game this year. Had Ben completed one more pass in the 4th quarter at Denver Suisham would have had a chance to shank a FG before Tebow’s OT heroics. Had that happened we would be calling for Suisham’s hide.
Also would love a bigger commitment to the run. I agree that you have to pass to win in this league but when you run the ball good things happen. You possess the clock. You wear down your opponent. You impose your will. You set up the play action pass. Etc. That said, I don’t see Mendenhall in the Steelers future. He will not be ready by July/August. He will be a shell of his former self for at least a year or two (see McGehee) and I see the Steelers relying on Redman, Dwyer, Batch & a draft pick in 2012.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Here ya go 50
Sorry to see your analysis of Mendy, but don’t disagree. I hope you are right about Batch being ready, that would be so positive, for such a great kid.
I’m glad you brought up points. I’d like to read what you think about something I’ve been thinking about lately.
We all know the Steelers have been traditionally defensively oriented, and that the league is becoming more offensively friendly. I don’t see Goodell changing the direction that he has the league moving in. Also don’t see anything suggesting that he will be replaced in the near future, either.
This year we had the #1 defense, and the #21 offense. This may be a good time, to start trending our imbalance, in the other direction. My belief in the adage that, “defense wins championships”, is on the wane.
What do you think?
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Didn't mean to offend
I had temporarily forgotten about your “3 to 2” score predictions.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
IMO Defense Still Wins Championships
Offense still gets the glory but defense will always win the championships. Look at the final 4 in the playoff hunt alfresco. BAL & NYG have historically great defenses. SF has had a solid D for several years. NE plays great situational defense and has a HOF QB which makes their weak defense moot.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
a HOF QB which makes their weak defense moot.
That’s what I mean. I should start another post on that subject though, instead of jacking your thread.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Brady Is One In A Million
IMHO he is the exception to “Defense Wins Championships”
All good on the post jack alfresco. No offense and I would want a bicycle for Christmas that I didn’t get as a child. :-)
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Actually
He hasn’t won a SB without a good defense or since they put the offense completely in his hands.
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 Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 21, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
No worries
I swear, I’ll get you a Christmas bicycle next year.
: )
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Play action pass
I never see a convincing fake from Ben …. Just a general hold the ball down and out for a bit.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle
by steelerstyle on Jan 18, 2012 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Epitaphs....
…if he is a man of his word (lol), we have seen the last of mikebb.
For on December 5th, he wrote:
IF the steelers are tebowed- i will officially relinquish them as my team until a new coaching regime comes in.
Sometimes when you lose, you win.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
You have a memory like a Steel Trap
Sometimes that’s a good thing…lol
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
hmmm
I suppose if we get a new OC, that could be loosely considered a new coaching regime.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Arians
Already on the books for 2012
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 13, 2012 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
Denied!
It is just too soon for me to believe that is true.
Coach Dad, sure.
Arians, absolutely not. Call it denial if you want, but I won’t believe it until I have to.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
lol
Understood
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 14, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
Nice analysis and rec'd.
As you said, when you let teams hang around too often by failing to capitalize on your opportunities, you’re tempting fate. We often got away with this during the regular season, but our luck ran out in Denver. If this team needs anything, it needs to learn how to close out opponents when given the opportunity.
Another rec
It’s definitely a changing of the guard type of season coming up.
You’re right about Hoke, Aaron Smith, Max Starks, James Farrior, Larry Foote, Hines Ward and Bryant McFadden all probably being gone. Hampton needs to be replaced at DT or at least we need someone to rotate with him. We’re getting long in the tooth at both safety positions and the new starters aren’t on the team. We still need a starting CB or need one of the young guys to step up. Like all teams, we have a bunch of needs, but the DT, S and ILB spots concern me the most.
As for Mike Wallace, he’ll get a qualifying offer, but if someone wants to give us a 1st and 3rd I think we’d take it.
I see the Steelers seriously considering a NT or ILB 1st and 2nd. As much as they like best athlete available the FO really needs to look for Big Snack & Father Time replacements ASAP.
Looking for big things from Cortez Allen in 2012. He showed me something when he was on the field. I would like for him to step up this off season and become a starting CB on this team in September. Also continuing contributions from Heyward & Gilbert.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Level-head thinking, indeed.
Two big points jumped out at me:
1) Lack of killer instinct – we did not put away all the teams that we should have. If indeed our schedule was…less strenuous than last year, we should have been able to put away more games than we did. I love the BB comebacks, don’t get me wrong, but I sure like them against the top 10 teams, rather than this year’s Indy, KC and the Browns. You could make an argument that the team played down to the competition more along the lines of the 2009 season, although this year they found a way to win those games instead of losing them.
2) No pressure/Turnovers. For a team that generally relies on getting to the QB, which in turns increases the number of opportunities for turnovers, I think we did a poor job. I can’t kill them for this though, fewest yards & pts WITHOUT the pressures and turnovers is pretty amazing. Turnovers tend to ebb and flow and while a team can increase the opportunities by forcing the issue, it’s not something that can be specifically game planned for – coached maybe – but not gameplanned.
I can only hope the injuries are a one-year thing. I know the lack of camp plays a part in a number of the types of injuries, for example I can’t recall so many problem hamstrings. I don’t want to admit that age plays a factor, I love too many of these guys to admit it, but it’s there. On the flip side, I was pretty encouraged with the play of our younger guys. We’re just used to working them in, not throwing so many out there at once and holding our breath. Any chance this counts as a re-building year?
The one player that I’ve been reading about most recently, and not in a good way, is Mike Wallace. I’m pretty surprised that so many readers here are so down on him. He did slow way down in the second half, but I chalked most of that up to the fact that he was getting many more double teams and that BB was hurt. It sure looked to me that Ben was not able to step into his throws and his longer passes were not as strong and/or sailed on him. Are we really ready to walk away so quickly? I sure hope not.
Yes!
It sure looked to me that Ben was not able to step into his throws and his longer passes were not as strong and/or sailed on him
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Yes as in you want Wallace gone, or that part of the problem was BB's not being to toss the rock?
I suppose that as a professional, Wallace should have made a bigger deal of adjusting to the throws once he realized BB wasn’t himself. I just look back at the 49’ers game, and I couldn’t pick out a pattern: too high, too outside, etc., they were all over the place.
Tough to throw without being able to step into it, and I wish I had BB’s arm, but clearly he was trying to figure out how to compensate in his throwing motion for the lack of stepping into the throw. That can’t all be on the WR’s…..
Ben Was Hurt
I know you have to throw the ball in today’s NFL. Without Ben throwing to wins against CIN, INDY & DEN during the XL run there is no XL run. But I still believe you have to run the ball. You possess the ball & clock. You impose your will. And you protect your wounded QB.
BA lives to abandon the FB spread 5 wide on 1st down and chuck it deep. When your QB has a busted thumb and a fractured ankle it makes no sense to throw deep into the frigid November/December winds. Especially when you have Mendenhall, Redman, Moore, Dwyer etc. When you run the ball good things happen….Back to the point dawgs144…Big Ben was surely hurt. He was surely having issues getting the ball to Wallace deep. Not Wallace’s fault that Ben struggled to get him the ball the second half of the season. Wallace was being doubled. Ben was hurt. O line was hurt. Crazy incoherent game planning by the OC. That said, Wallace should have caught the 51 yard wounded duck from Ben at DEN.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Absolutely he should have caught it. No doubt about that one.
I just finished typing another reply about check-down passes, and while some of that may be on Big Ben, it’s REALLY hard to do with they aren’t even on the field! Mendy, Redman, Moore, Batch….they can all catch the ball. Dwyer & Clay not so sure about. We’re so in love with the no back set, to throw the freakin bubble screen…..
How do we not adjust the game plan with a damaged BB? Look at how well we played against the Patriots using the, “take what they give us,” mentality. We know we can do it, and with Ben hobbled, I just don’t get it. Does he give us the best chance to win, even if he’s hurt – yes. However, play within what he is able to do in those cases. I hate the bubble screen, it doesn’t work anymore – but how about instead of a bomb, we have Wallace only run 30 yards out and make a move?
I don’t mind throwing the ball so much, I mind not doing it in wise fashion.
Hell, even in the Denver game, Miller was fantastic in the 1st Q and then disappeared. I don’t know how many targets he had for the game, but I don’t recall that we went back to him after those three catches early on.
I think I’m way off topic by now, but it’s all tied together and can be so very frustrating!!!
Heath also had a great
first quarter in the NE game then disappeared.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle
by steelerstyle on Jan 18, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
not to mention his broken thumb
as I posted in another post, this also had a great deal with Ben not being able to throw the deep ball this year, his passes lacked accuracy past the 35 – 40 yard range. We all dont really know how long it was like this, that is, this year.
Aaron Smith- gone
Max Starks-?
James Farrior- back
Larry Foote- back
Hines Ward-definitely back
Bryant McFadden- definitely gone
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
Gone
A Smith, C Hoke, B McFadden, W Gay, C Kemoeatu, A Battle, D Dixon, M Moore, R Mendenhall, Foote or Farrior and maybe both depending on #1.
Back; Hines Ward if he restructures. They will ask Hampton to restructure (he is due 7 million in 2012) Starks if he structures an affordable deal. Essex if he structures an affordable deal.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12012/1203137-100.stm
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
I seriously doubt they let go of Mendy and both Farrior and Foote
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 13, 2012 2:31 AM EST up reply actions
Gay gone?
Would it not be a good idea to keep him on regardless. He is cheap 700k or so this year if I remember. Unless we can fill all the roster spots with better players he can allways serve as a decent cheap backup.
this
Gay had a great year. He may not be top tier, but he was a solid #2
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 13, 2012 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
much better than being runny or loose.
I agree though. He has been great most of this year. I hope he not only sticks around, but gets even better.
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
I don't
Think we’ll see a db pick this year
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 14, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
We got some good youngins at that position
and Willie Gay isn’t as bad as people make him out to be
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 Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 14, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure I'm in total agreement here.
W. Gay had an improved season. Unless someone signs him to big bucks, I think he’s back. Security blanket if nothing else. I agree with B-Mac being gone, and probably Allen too, so unless we grab another CB that can play fairly soon, I think W Gay is back because he also provides a little extra depth at the safety positions.
Moore I agree is gone. Mendy I think is back, he has another year left (I think, although I didn’t read the link to the article). Unless we grab another RB in R1 or R2 – and we more pressing needs – then Mendy is back.
Much line Hines, Farrior means so much to this team that I think Foote goes before James. Especially if we grab another ILB early on.
agree
With all of this
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 14, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
On Gone
Gay; Gay had a superb season. An NFL team looking to make the playoffs will over pay for him. The Steelers are way over the salary cap and will not match. And they have 3 younger DBs (K Lewis, C Allen, C Brown) ready to play and more DBs on the way in the draft.
Farrior & Foote; The Steelers are way over on the salary cap with 3 highly paid “in their prime” Pro Bowl LBs already. I see the Steelers taking an ILB very high. If that happens one of them will surely be gone. Add in Stevenson & Ivy and both 50 & 51 being cap casualties not out of the question.
Mendenhall; Tore an ACL. His return to form will not be in 2012. He will struggle to get healthy and get back on the field. It takes a while. McGehee is only now rounding back into shape. Mendy will be a big cap hit and IMO Redman is ready to lead the charge in the Arians chuck it deep offense.If Dwyer keeps improving, Batch is healthy & the Steelers take a RB in the draft where does a hobbled dance & spin Mendenhall fit in?
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
On Gone - Part 2
Gay – I think we’re more or less in agreement – if someone calls along with a big offer, we won’t match it and he’ll walk. I’m not sure if he’ll get it, based upon 1 very good year, 1 pretty good year and then some not so good years. I still think he’s playing out of position, and would like to see him more at safety, which is what I seem to recall is his natural position.
Farrior/Foote – here I’m not sure about how the coaches feel about Stevenson & Ivy, and if they’re ready to step in. I’d like to see Stevenson play more so we can find out. 2011 didn’t quite work out too well in that regard – I would have liked to see him step in on passing downs for 51 (50 doesn’t really see the field on too many obvious passing downs) so we could get a better feel. Personally I love him, I just don’t know if the ST play translates into regular down territory, and couldn’t imagine the coaches giving him the keys to the car. Especially with Timmons playing on the outside as often as he had to. High pick at ILB usually doesn’t mean seeing the field in year 1, are we so cap-strapped that we take that risk and have, what – 4 guys, all udner 25 as the ILB corps? If THAT’s not rebuilding, I don’t know what is….
Would they give Mendy an injury settlement and cut him? Personally, I think Redman’s style is much more suited to our line and how we run; not sure if he has all of Rashard’s talent, but he sure looks like the effort is there in a big way. It’s a tough call because you’ll have to work Mendy much less initially in 2012, which isn’t good for his future, but I’m not sure we’re ready to walk away. Any idea what his cap number is for next year? It’s his final year of the rookie deal, so could it be that high?
search kk99 in the archives, and look for his salary cap primer. It has everything about our players cap situations in full detail. His is more accurate than anything you can find.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
While not a draftnik like others on the site I have seen articles stating that there are a couple ILBs in the draft that could start on day 1. If we get that guy, I think F&F are history and Sly & Ivy are back ups.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
I keep reading about the kid from Arizona & Hightower (?) from Alabama.
I know John Stephens is rather enamoured with the Arizona kid. I don’t recall seeing him play, so I’m just reading what has been posted on him.
I like the kid from Alabama quite a bit, and would love to see him drop to us.
Either way, I have a hard time believing that a rookie could step in play from Day 1. Guess we’ll have to see. I’ll probably cry if they cut Farrior, while I agree that his time is coming, he’s been one of my favorites since he was in college and I was thrilled when he came to the Steelers.
farrior gone
cant afford to continue to get beat by TE’s and RBs, got to be embarrassing quite a bit this year.
Well here's a happy little ending to the season
Troy wins his appeal for using the cell phone to let his wife know he can still form complete sentences. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d825f12ef/article/steelers-polamalu-wins-appeal-of-10k-fine-for-using-cell-phone
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
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