Fullback Dan Kreider, the Steelers' 2000 rookie of the year, has been invited to training camp by the St. Louis Rams.
One of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, Kreider's season ended with a knee injury against Miami and the Steelers did not re-sign him.
He had shared time with Carey Davis before the injury as the Steelers went with more of an offensive threat at the fullback position.
I still wish the Steelers would sign Kreider. I'm not a big fan of Davis and with the addition of Medenhall, I don't think the "versatility" (the the FO keeps saying Davis brings) is really an issue. I'd prefer to have a true blocking FB in the game. The only person who I think is really happy to see DK go is Ray Lewis...
ReplyDeleteRay Lewis is a has been. He doesn't concern me. And Davis is a better blocker than he's given credit for. Kreider, as much as I like the guy, was starting to break down regularly.
ReplyDeleteDan Kreider did a great job for the Steelers during his time with the team, but the days of the one-dimentional full back are over. In today's NFL versatility means job security.
ReplyDeleteDale,
ReplyDeleteAny updates on contracts? Rookies, veteran extensions, etc.?
Nothing yet, but the release of Davenport and the others does open up two roster spots and cash for those guys to sign. I'm sure they'll start trickling in within the next couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteI think the change in the NFL you will start to see less and less fullbacks. With the 3-wideouts and the offense opening up the fullback postion will be less in demand in the future.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt we've already seen that happening. Many teams don't even carry a fullback and use tight ends as blockers when they get in short-yardage situations.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of tight ends. How has Matt Speath looked so far. I have high hopes for him this year. Also, who seems to have the inside track on the 3rd TE spot, Dekker, Boyd?
ReplyDeleteI see that alot of teams are phasing out the fullback, not sure if that is the smart thing to do though. Versatility is great but is Davis really versatile or just mediocre at everything? The man is a weak blocker and he didn't make a significant run or pass play all season (unless you count the endzone drop agains the Jags).
ReplyDeleteI would rather have a guy who is great at one things than a guy who does a lot of things but nothing great. Jerome Bettis wasn't versatile but he was a pretty good player. Give me Kreider any day, or maybe a younger Kreider.
PS. Spaeth is a terrible blocker too. Hines Ward might be the best blocker left on our team, including the olinemen.
Where does Mwelde Moore fit in to the equation now?
ReplyDeleteMewelde Moore is the third-down back. Great receiver out of the backfield, good on blitz pickup.
ReplyDeleteSpaeth looks good. Looks like he's put on some muscle. I think he's a better blocker than he's given credit for. You're not going to win them all.
I like Carey Davis. He's a fullback. How many "big" plays is he expected to make?
Dekker definitely has the lead in the third tight end stakes. He's added some muscle and can still get down the field. He needs to be able to block, though.
Its true that Davis isn't in position to make alot of plays but if the key to his "versatility" is that he is a threat to run or catch the ball then why do I not remember him ever making a big catch or run?
ReplyDeleteLooking at his stats he converted 3 third downs from 29 touches all year. 1 rushing 2 recieving.
I would take a true power blocking fullback over those number any day.
Can't have a good running game without either a good fullback or a very good passing game. Steelers no longer have a good fullback and passing game is only adequate. And let's not talk about the o-line. Look for rushing numbers to drop dramatically season.
ReplyDeleteThe passing game is only adequate? The QB set a team record with 32 TD passes last season.
ReplyDeleteI agree, our passing game is one of the best in the league, we just need the running game to step up and take some pressure of Ben.
ReplyDeleteWe need more 3rd and short and fewer third and a mile.
Even if Ben has an uncanny knack for converting 3rd and a mile....
ReplyDeleteThanks Dale for the follow up on Moore. My concern is the O-Line right now.
ReplyDeleteAgreed on the passing game, Ben's still not hit his peak yet and likely wont for years. He's one of the best in the game.
New England has a very good passing game. The Steelers have an adequate passing game. Big difference.
ReplyDeleteThe Patriots might have had the best passing attack of all time. Brady set a new TD record as did Moss for a WR.
ReplyDeleteThat isn't very good, that is greatness.
Glad they lost though lol.