tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post355511762669967270..comments2024-01-01T18:41:14.457-05:00Comments on NFL from the sidelines: Post-Miami thoughtsMoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13612323587459830074noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-29557329775126210112013-12-15T18:50:37.299-05:002013-12-15T18:50:37.299-05:00"I don't have a problem with Tomlin putti..."I don't have a problem with Tomlin putting a guy back deep on a long field goal attempt at the end of the first half. But I don't know if I would have put Troy Polamalu back there... Brown would have given the Steelers the best chance to score there."<br /><br />I don't know, I thought Troy did pretty well, and always has with the ball in his hands. In fact, if we're using retrospect, don't you think Troy would have been a better option than Brown on the final play of the game? Is it really more likely that Brown would have returned that field goal, compared to the likelihood that Troy keeps his foot on the field?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-5826179037603065102013-12-10T17:45:48.618-05:002013-12-10T17:45:48.618-05:00It was a different league in 2001.It was a different league in 2001.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-14540165849772158602013-12-10T16:39:22.698-05:002013-12-10T16:39:22.698-05:00Would have said the same thing about Hampton in 20...Would have said the same thing about Hampton in 2001. A two-down player for a team that had missed the playoffs three straight years.Dale Lolleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13089003781188560287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-31247409425021682472013-12-10T14:12:05.817-05:002013-12-10T14:12:05.817-05:00Louis Nix had 2 sacks in the 2012 season and regul...Louis Nix had 2 sacks in the 2012 season and regularly came of the field on 3rd down a Notre Dame. Not the kind of player we need. Not in the first round.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-34093541121666745302013-12-10T13:21:55.903-05:002013-12-10T13:21:55.903-05:00theismann's situation was unique.
he played i...theismann's situation was unique.<br /><br />he played in the Canadian league for 3 or 4 years before going to the redskins. he returned punts his first year, I think, and then started after a couple more years. the only reason he didn't start sooner was because allen (the coach) loved kilmer. once allen was gone, theismann got the starting job.<br /><br />if you draft jones to be your backup, then to use a 4th round selection is stupid. if you draft him as a long term project and possible future starter, then put him in when you get a chance to get the experience and game time evaluation - that's part of player development - not just practice rep after practice rep.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-57579493955690751112013-12-10T12:31:48.104-05:002013-12-10T12:31:48.104-05:00Joe Theismann was a 4th round draft pick that didn...Joe Theismann was a 4th round draft pick that didn't play for his first 4 seasons - just sayin.philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-16517128304131401142013-12-10T12:28:45.435-05:002013-12-10T12:28:45.435-05:00someday I would love to know who pushed for landry...someday I would love to know who pushed for landry jones in the fourth round in the midst of rebuilding mode. that person deserves a healthy slap on the wrist for being a total idiot. if you aren't going to play him "at all" then the largest waste of a 4th round pick ever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-91459143760465875132013-12-10T12:24:25.027-05:002013-12-10T12:24:25.027-05:00Ike has to go. We need the cap space and it's...Ike has to go. We need the cap space and it's time to start grooming a younger player. Extend Cortez Allen and Willie Gay is already under contract.<br /><br />Clark and Kiesel are gone. <br /><br />Troy will need to take a big salary cut or perhaps be cut. He's had as many bad as good moments this year. I think he's tried to do too much and ended up causing more problems. That missed tackle for a TD in the Dolphins game is a perfect example. He tried to cause a fumble and missed the tackle entirely. Remember when he used to just torpedo guys? I hope they can work something out though. My favorite Steeler ever.<br /><br />Cut Woodley. I know it won't result in much cap savings this year but it will help in the year after this one. We'll need the money to resign Heyward and some young offensive players next offseason.<br /><br />Cut Heath Miller? I know that sounds crazy but he's 32. Say the Steelers rebuild and make the playoffs in 2 years. He'll be 34 by then. It's not worth it to pay him 6 million while we go 8-8 next year.<br /><br />I don't think we have to focus on the offensive line in the draft. Develop the picks you have. The oline has gotten better as the year went on. <br /><br />This draft will be defense heavy because of all the vets we are about to lose. I would target a free safety, OLB (again), CB or tall WR. People seem to like this nix guy but I'd be hesitant to take a run stopping player in the modern NFL.<br />Alex Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-19312845357126521992013-12-10T12:22:29.525-05:002013-12-10T12:22:29.525-05:00Interesting you bring that up about the TE's. ...Interesting you bring that up about the TE's. I don't think there are many whitten/miller types anymore. It seems the higher profile TE's now are mostly receiving threats and don't do anywhere near as much blocking in the run game.<br /><br />considering the steelers may be picking from say 10-17 in the first round, they should have their choice of top flight CB's. I think nix from notre dame will be gone inside the top 10. just too many teams playing the 3-4 now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-78601890283706195112013-12-10T12:17:43.296-05:002013-12-10T12:17:43.296-05:00#1 priority is going to be replacing Ryan Clark. H...#1 priority is going to be replacing Ryan Clark. He's so popular, I think he gets a pass sometimes. But talk about missed tackles, talk about not adapting to the new safety rules, talk about getting burned deep. He was a damn good player, but its time. <br /><br />Also it stands to reason that giving up so many 50+ yard plays in one season might rest on the shoulders of the free safety.<br />philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-10721261468446844672013-12-10T12:11:40.381-05:002013-12-10T12:11:40.381-05:00Is Nix a 3 down player? with the way the passing g...Is Nix a 3 down player? with the way the passing game has evolved, i think it would be very unwise to spend a premium pick on a 2 down player?<br /><br />We desperately need a CB who can make plays.Greg Mercerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08562321900252424683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-80322579020568220022013-12-10T12:04:22.962-05:002013-12-10T12:04:22.962-05:00Listen, we all knew there would come a point where...Listen, we all knew there would come a point where the defense showed it's age. They successfully staved it off the last couple of seasons but the time, she has come. <br /><br />The one thing I notice about other teams who transition a little better is that they throw guys in and let them play. Lebeau's defense is notoriously tough to learn so maybe that is part of the solution, developing some packages where these younger guys can get their feet wet. I don't think the Steelers have the luxury anymore of drafting guys and letting them sit behind starters for a couple of seasons before getting a chance. I hope the current Steelers brain trust recognizes that and tries to find guys who can play ASAP. <br /><br />As for Ben, he'll probably still be playing into his 40's. I really don't have a problem with Haley. Unfortunately, the bigger problem may be Tomlin but let's see just what he's made out of now that the Steelers are clearly in re-building mode. There, I said it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16133889879875352976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-26304149789419170472013-12-10T12:01:09.416-05:002013-12-10T12:01:09.416-05:00I think NT should be the priority for the Steelers...I think NT should be the priority for the Steelers, Louis Nix seems like a great fit and I think he could be used - not as a starter though - right away. After that ILB Should be a very high priority, there are some good ILB's that will fall to the second round due to the amount of great WR, OLB, QB and OL that will be taken early in the draft. <br /><br />So in my opinion it should be:<br />NT<br />ILB<br />FS<br />OG<br /><br />I think they can move on with what they have on the offensive line, if they can stay healthy they'll have great depth next year.Homegrown Misanthropisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09547452030533268657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-610016501897658062013-12-10T12:00:24.864-05:002013-12-10T12:00:24.864-05:00It's a misnomer to think that the Steelers are...It's a misnomer to think that the Steelers are in as much cap trouble this year as they were last. Yes, they are over the cap right now. But it's an easy fix. Levi Brown counts nearly $7 million against their cap for next year. He will be an easy cut. Couple of restructures and extensions, maybe one veteran release, and they're under the cap.<br /><br />As for offering a contract to fourth-year players before the season, Worilds would have been a fool to accept an offer. He had about eight career starts under his belt at that time.<br /><br />I just don't get the people who want Roethlisberger to sit out the last few games. What kind of message does that send to the rest of the guys who are out there playing?<br />Plus, if I'm holding a $100 ticket to those games, I expect to see Roethlisberger out there. I expect to see them trying to win.Dale Lolleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13089003781188560287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-33930758756056110892013-12-10T11:38:38.710-05:002013-12-10T11:38:38.710-05:001-2 years might be all they have for grooming a ne...1-2 years might be all they have for grooming a new QB. I don't want to relive the Kordell Stewart years. If they like someone I hope they take them.<br /><br />I think Ziggy played well, not as good as Heyward obviously but well enough to resign. McLendon suits us more in the same role that Chris Hoke held; backup, occasional starter. Right now CB would be my top priority in round 1 but if there's a NT who can start right away I would be happy with that too. Shutting down the run and freeing up the secondary will make the group look younger all by itself.<br /><br />Also hoping they can find a decent TE. If you look around the league there aren't many in the Heath Miller mold to choose from.Noelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-76876905236692174442013-12-10T11:31:18.066-05:002013-12-10T11:31:18.066-05:00adamg,
then maybe we should put it this way. McCl...adamg,<br />then maybe we should put it this way. McClendon is not the right fit, which imo, means they misjudged his talent. same goes for hood.<br /><br />ike and clark are both getting slower and that makes them less talented and it shows.<br /><br />if #7 plays similar style that he has last several weeks then I see his career extending out a bit more. I wonder if he notices not getting hit/hurt as often. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-64508479983819339622013-12-10T10:27:18.670-05:002013-12-10T10:27:18.670-05:00I think McLendon is talented, but he is not the 2-...I think McLendon is talented, but he is not the 2-gap NT this defense requires. I think he'd be terrific as a 3-4 DE, though. The DL has the talent for a 4-3 as both Hood and McLendon are 4-3 DTs, but since they are unlikely to switch, they need the next Casey Hampton.<br /><br />I think Clark and Ike are as talented as ever, but Father Time catches up with the best of them. Ike can probably start for another year or so. Clark is probably looking at being a back up/sub if he wants to continue playing in Pgh.<br /><br />Woodley is a dilemna for the Steelers. He can still play, but his injury history the past 2-3 years should make them wary. BR is in the same category of when to cut loose, this year or next or keep for awhile.adamgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-73780751164824066352013-12-10T10:18:43.206-05:002013-12-10T10:18:43.206-05:00Rodgers is the exception though. Last season I lo...Rodgers is the exception though. Last season I looked up all the starters and Rodgers was the only one who sat for more than a year. Romo and Rivers sat for like a season or just over a season. First round pick quarterbacks don't carry a clipboard for four years anymore. They either start immediately or pretty soon.<br /><br />The Steelers could always buck the trend but this team needs a handful of starters and plenty of depth so using a first round pick on a player who you don't want to play for at least three years who also won't be playing special teams or coming in for spot duty is a bit of a luxury. <br /><br />I didn't really like them using a fourth on Jones let alone a first on someone else.kylenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-74853096199252109012013-12-10T09:47:39.387-05:002013-12-10T09:47:39.387-05:00I think in pass protection Velasco looked as good ...I think in pass protection Velasco looked as good or at least close to Pouncey but not so much in the run game. Not an expert on the o-line, just my impression. I have been paying close attention to the line and I think we'll be okay on the right side. Not so convinced on the left. I really like Adams. Beachum did a great job filling in but I think Adams is the guy for the long term. Foster - meh.<br /><br />Regarding the draft. I agree with everyone who thinks CB and NT are the way to go but with a rare high draft pick maybe now is the time to think about Ben's heir. Thoughts? I don't know much about this year's QB class but Landry Jones ain't the guy and I would love to see them bring someone in and groom him for the job like Green Bay did with Rodgers.Noelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-4171253680159229552013-12-10T09:20:27.902-05:002013-12-10T09:20:27.902-05:00I agree about haley, there is no reason to fire hi...I agree about haley, there is no reason to fire him. I think him and #7 finally hit their stride as this season has gone on and are now on the same page offensively. while #7 is free to pretty much call his own plays when in the no huddle, by no means does that mean he can call any play he wants. I am sure there is a package available to use that is predetermined during the week.<br /><br />regarding the talent level on the team, I think it is less than people realize. McClendon is less talented than they thought. ike and clark have less talent now than they thought. some could argue that Woodley is not as talented as they thought. that's just on the defense. what about adams, sanders and even pouncey on the offense? <br /><br />think about pouncey for a moment. here they have an "all pro" center that everyone thinks the world of. he goes down, the steelers pick up a former starting center off the scrap heap and he holds down the fort. I would ask those who know more about lineman than me, was there that much of a difference between pouncey and velasco? <br /><br />finally, with three games left to go, why wouldn't you get the younger players as much playing time as possible? if they really are talented but lack experience there really is no greater opportunity than these next three weeks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-80944649177185580262013-12-10T03:05:24.126-05:002013-12-10T03:05:24.126-05:00I don't understand the Haley hate. He's sh...I don't understand the Haley hate. He's shown the flexibility needed to get the most out of the least. Even Arians refused to let BR run his preferred no huddle offense as much as Haley has allowed it. The sign of a good coach is putting his players in the best position to win. The offense has been better the past 6 or 7 games. BR isn't and never has been an elite qb, but he has shown he can be a successful game manager in an offense with some semblence of balance and variety. When the offense is throw pass after long pass ala Arians, BR has shown he plays sandlot football, takes sacks and generally plays dumb football. You want more of that? I don't and I'd bet the Rooneys don't either.<br /><br />As for losing guys like Lewis, remember the team was in the midst of making its final runs with a group of vets who brought the franchise its 5th and 6th SBs. It's a fine line to know when to keep the vets and when to move on. The Steelers erred on the side of keeping vets and not breaking in the young guys soon enough. Now they've hit a rough patch the past couple of years, but the team isn't bereft of talent, just experience.adamgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-62822715893582329672013-12-10T01:41:33.612-05:002013-12-10T01:41:33.612-05:00Steve, for the most part, you're right, the St...Steve, for the most part, you're right, the Steelers have done a good job of keeping players they've wanted and been pretty good judges of when players were through. And I understand that the salary cap restraints prevent a team from keeping all of it's players, hence Wallace left, AB stayed, the correct move was made by the front office. BTW, did Wallace play on Sunday? <br /><br />But I see a trend where the Steelers develop a player, start him in their fourth year and then they leave for free agency. Happened with Lewis this year and has the potential to happen with Woirlds next year. Lewis was stable and would have given the Steelers a decent CB for the future. You're right, 20/20 hindsight, so how do you solve it? Players like Allen, Gilbert, Heyward, C. Brown have 3 years of service at the end of the season. Now is the time to evaluate and make a long term contract rather than waiting until the players leave for free agency. For those players with 1-3 years of service who haven't played much, there are 3 games left this season to give some game tape for future evaluation. Playing for pride or the business as usual mantra get in the way of improving for the future. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-31923961353088151442013-12-10T00:23:05.465-05:002013-12-10T00:23:05.465-05:00Anon,
How many players have the Steelers lost ove...Anon,<br /><br />How many players have the Steelers lost over the years that they really wanted to keep? If they want Worilds to stay, he will. Same with Heyward. And it's 20/20 hindsight at its' finest to say they should've offered him a C2 prior to this season. He'd shown flashes here and there, but not really enough to warrant them giving him a new deal.Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-63110839822188841242013-12-09T22:45:09.450-05:002013-12-09T22:45:09.450-05:00Didn't say they were going to fire Tomlin, the...<br />Didn't say they were going to fire Tomlin, they won't, he still has two years on his contract. As I mentioned earlier, at a minimum, Haley will be the scapegoat. And I agree, give Tomlin those two years to fix the mess, if he can't, then you decide what to do. But hard questions need to be asked and answered because it's not just one thing, but a number of issues and time to start holding people accountable. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287012.post-77460906094048976732013-12-09T22:03:15.491-05:002013-12-09T22:03:15.491-05:00i mostly agree with adamg. there were definitely ...i mostly agree with adamg. there were definitely some positives to take from this season. however, just too many mistakes to overcome. speaking broadly - personnel mistakes at key positions, poor coaching leading into the beginning of the year, lack of focus and preparation by the players - all culminating in an above average team when playing their best and a poor team when at their worst. unfortunately, just to inconsistent for it to be a meaningful season. <br /><br />worilds is a must sign. if they have to overpay, then so be it, and jettison woodley if need be for cap reasons.<br /><br />without knowing about any draftees, CB and NT should be the first two rounds in either order. they need starting caliber players at both positions. i'm thinking ike has one year left.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com