✦✦✦Official 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (1 Viewer)

[3C's]

Any of you insider types have the latest scuttlebutt on how the starting/most-used LB corps is likely to shake out in terms of who plays where? Or is it all just totally up in the air till they figure out what they've got in Spence?

Not an insider but from what I've read Moats is playing lights out on the outside. He's the backup to Jones/Worild right now. Shazier is playing lights out. Vince Williams is his backup and is playing with a chip on his shoulder. He's making it hard for Spense to get the backup spot. If Shazier were to go down I think they would situationally use Williams and Spense. That's 7 linebackers. If they keep 9 I think Garvin makes it but the 9th is up in the air. Carter has been there but some of the "younger" guys might get the 9th spot. So'oto or HoJo.

 

[3C's]

Any of you insider types have the latest scuttlebutt on how the starting/most-used LB corps is likely to shake out in terms of who plays where? Or is it all just totally up in the air till they figure out what they've got in Spence?

The starting four are pretty much set with Timmons, Shazier, Jones and Worilds. Spence, Willliams and Garvin may be the primary backups. Zumwalt may make it due to his special teams play. Jones may be practice squad fodder.

So disregard any buzz I heard a while back about Shazier possibly moving outside? What I see above is what made the most sense to me. If Shazier's half of what they're making him out to be, ought to be a good corps for a while.

Pretty much 0 chance Shazier ends up outside.

 

[Freelove]

Any of you insider types have the latest scuttlebutt on how the starting/most-used LB corps is likely to shake out in terms of who plays where? Or is it all just totally up in the air till they figure out what they've got in Spence?

The starting four are pretty much set with Timmons, Shazier, Jones and Worilds. Spence, Willliams and Garvin may be the primary backups. Zumwalt may make it due to his special teams play. Jones may be practice squad fodder.

So disregard any buzz I heard a while back about Shazier possibly moving outside? What I see above is what made the most sense to me. If Shazier's half of what they're making him out to be, ought to be a good corps for a while.

Pretty much 0 chance Shazier ends up outside.

Probably just a Tweeter looking for a buzz early in camp. Thx to all.

 

[Bojang0301]

Any of you insider types have the latest scuttlebutt on how the starting/most-used LB corps is likely to shake out in terms of who plays where? Or is it all just totally up in the air till they figure out what they've got in Spence?

The starting four are pretty much set with Timmons, Shazier, Jones and Worilds. Spence, Willliams and Garvin may be the primary backups. Zumwalt may make it due to his special teams play. Jones may be practice squad fodder.

So disregard any buzz I heard a while back about Shazier possibly moving outside? What I see above is what made the most sense to me. If Shazier's half of what they're making him out to be, ought to be a good corps for a while.

Pretty much 0 chance Shazier ends up outside.

Probably just a Tweeter looking for a buzz early in camp. Thx to all.

They've been bouncing a couple guys inside and out... they just want to have depth and veratility at the position given its flaws the past few years.

 

[Godsbrother]

Any of you insider types have the latest scuttlebutt on how the starting/most-used LB corps is likely to shake out in terms of who plays where? Or is it all just totally up in the air till they figure out what they've got in Spence?

The starting four are pretty much set with Timmons, Shazier, Jones and Worilds. Spence, Willliams and Garvin may be the primary backups. Zumwalt may make it due to his special teams play. Jones may be practice squad fodder.

So disregard any buzz I heard a while back about Shazier possibly moving outside? What I see above is what made the most sense to me. If Shazier's half of what they're making him out to be, ought to be a good corps for a while.

Pretty much 0 chance Shazier ends up outside.

Agree with this. I would be shocked if Shazier plays OLB.

 

[Franknbeans]

from a source...

Expect the Steelers to move linebackers around and not have them play their normal spots. Shazier will go from ILB to outside pass rusher, Jarvis Jones will jump from the right side to the left side and as soon as all the youngsters can handle the mixed fronts we will see the magic of the LeBeau package.

Right now, Williams is Timmons backup and Spence filled in for Shazier who was resting his knee

 

[Milkman]

What's the word on how Shazier is playing so far in camp?

 

[3C's]

from a source...

Expect the Steelers to move linebackers around and not have them play their normal spots. Shazier will go from ILB to outside pass rusher, Jarvis Jones will jump from the right side to the left side and as soon as all the youngsters can handle the mixed fronts we will see the magic of the LeBeau package.

Right now, Williams is Timmons backup and Spence filled in for Shazier who was resting his knee

I'd be interested to see if Vince can move outside. He's big and seemingly strong. Can't cover but neither could Harrison.

As for Kirwans comment on moving guys around, that's expected I guess considering sub packages and all that. Shazier will blitz from the inside, sometimes outside. Same with Timmons. And who is on the field will dictate where people line up.

 

[Franknbeans]

from the Pittsburgh Tribune

All of this interchangeability means Shazier and Arthur Moats are playing outside and inside. Jarvis Jones moves inside on some plays. Shamarko Thomas might play in any formation.

 

[Franknbeans]

What's the word on how Shazier is playing so far in camp?

He'll be the first rookie linebacker to start for them since Kendrell Bell so he's been pretty much as advertised.

 

[3C's]

from the Pittsburgh Tribune

All of this interchangeability means Shazier and Arthur Moats are playing outside and inside. Jarvis Jones moves inside on some plays. Shamarko Thomas might play in any formation.

That's interesting in that radio guys (SNR) are thinking Shamarko won't play a lot not due to lack of talent but to who the starters are and trust in Will Allen, and that he's being groomed this year for Troy's spot, i.e. not going in this year as the slot corner.

 

[3C's]

What's the word on how Shazier is playing so far in camp?

He'll be the first rookie linebacker to start for them since Kendrell Bell so he's been pretty much as advertised.

Vince Williams started 10 games last year as a rookie but I know what you mean. Starting the season opener for one and Vince certainly wasn't in their plans for starting duty. Losing Foote and then Kion Wilson not being able to do the job left Williams a big opening. And now he's pissed off that Shazier is there and it's showing.

 

[Franknbeans]

from the Pittsburgh Tribune

All of this interchangeability means Shazier and Arthur Moats are playing outside and inside. Jarvis Jones moves inside on some plays. Shamarko Thomas might play in any formation.

That's interesting in that radio guys (SNR) are thinking Shamarko won't play a lot not due to lack of talent but to who the starters are and trust in Will Allen, and that he's being groomed this year for Troy's spot, i.e. not going in this year as the slot corner.

I have also been reading that Lebeau wants to have 3 safeties on the field for some of the time, at least

 

[Franknbeans]

What's the word on how Shazier is playing so far in camp?

He'll be the first rookie linebacker to start for them since Kendrell Bell so he's been pretty much as advertised.

Vince Williams started 10 games last year as a rookie but I know what you mean. Starting the season opener for one and Vince certainly wasn't in their plans for starting duty. Losing Foote and then Kion Wilson not being able to do the job left Williams a big opening. And now he's pissed off that Shazier is there and it's showing.

The knock on Williams is that he can't cover and doesn't have a lot of speed. He is an excellent run stuffer. He's the new Larry Foote.

 

[3C's]

from the Pittsburgh Tribune

All of this interchangeability means Shazier and Arthur Moats are playing outside and inside. Jarvis Jones moves inside on some plays. Shamarko Thomas might play in any formation.

That's interesting in that radio guys (SNR) are thinking Shamarko won't play a lot not due to lack of talent but to who the starters are and trust in Will Allen, and that he's being groomed this year for Troy's spot, i.e. not going in this year as the slot corner.

I have also been reading that Lebeau wants to have 3 safeties on the field for some of the time, at least

Hard to say. They certainly did that a bit last year with Shamarko since they couldn't keep Williams/Garvin on the field in passing situations and the lack of depth at the corner spot. Once Will Allen was signed Sharmarko played a lot less. I think one thing is certain, unlike last year Troy won't play every defensive snap. They actually have people who can give him a few plays off now.

 

[3C's]

What's the word on how Shazier is playing so far in camp?

He'll be the first rookie linebacker to start for them since Kendrell Bell so he's been pretty much as advertised.

Vince Williams started 10 games last year as a rookie but I know what you mean. Starting the season opener for one and Vince certainly wasn't in their plans for starting duty. Losing Foote and then Kion Wilson not being able to do the job left Williams a big opening. And now he's pissed off that Shazier is there and it's showing.

The knock on Williams is that he can't cover and doesn't have a lot of speed. He is an excellent run stuffer. He's the new Larry Foote.

No doubt. He's been bringing the lumber in camp. The fight the other night with Bell apparently was a doozy.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

from a source...

Expect the Steelers to move linebackers around and not have them play their normal spots. Shazier will go from ILB to outside pass rusher, Jarvis Jones will jump from the right side to the left side and as soon as all the youngsters can handle the mixed fronts we will see the magic of the LeBeau package.

Right now, Williams is Timmons backup and Spence filled in for Shazier who was resting his knee

I read yesterday that they ran a few sets with Timmons lined up outside. I agree - LeBeau is going to move these guys around all over the place. There's so much speed and versatility in that LB corps now that I think he wants to make sure the opposing QB has no idea who's going to be where and where the rush/coverage is coming from.

 

[pghrob]

from a source...

Expect the Steelers to move linebackers around and not have them play their normal spots. Shazier will go from ILB to outside pass rusher, Jarvis Jones will jump from the right side to the left side and as soon as all the youngsters can handle the mixed fronts we will see the magic of the LeBeau package.

Right now, Williams is Timmons backup and Spence filled in for Shazier who was resting his knee

I read yesterday that they ran a few sets with Timmons lined up outside. I agree - LeBeau is going to move these guys around all over the place. There's so much speed and versatility in that LB corps now that I think he wants to make sure the opposing QB has no idea who's going to be where and where the rush/coverage is coming from.

Controlled chaos raining down all over the opposing offenses. I can't wait to see it.

 

[Franknbeans]

from a source...

Expect the Steelers to move linebackers around and not have them play their normal spots. Shazier will go from ILB to outside pass rusher, Jarvis Jones will jump from the right side to the left side and as soon as all the youngsters can handle the mixed fronts we will see the magic of the LeBeau package.

Right now, Williams is Timmons backup and Spence filled in for Shazier who was resting his knee

I read yesterday that they ran a few sets with Timmons lined up outside. I agree - LeBeau is going to move these guys around all over the place. There's so much speed and versatility in that LB corps now that I think he wants to make sure the opposing QB has no idea who's going to be where and where the rush/coverage is coming from.

I think the Steelers D will be an intriguing fantasy pick this year.

 

[3C's]

Very excited about the potential of this D. Should be able to create way more pressure which should turn into considerably more sacks and turnovers.

 

[3C's]

Game time! (almost) Wexell with a nice primer on some new guys to watch. http://pit.scout.com/story/1431659-time-for-the-grand-unveiling?s=68

 

[3C's]

A little underwhelming especially on the offensive side after the starters left. Hard to gauge though since the Giants were on their 2nd game and played starters longer. ST looked good with all those young athletes flying around out there. Didn't get to see Shazier. Wheaton had some nice work. JBrown continued his good work the writers had noted in camp. Bell looked really good in limited action. Bryant looked like a rookie. Shamarko played well.

Tale of 2 writer's perspectives:

Dulac: After the starters departed, Mike Adams played most of the game at left tackle and performed very well, especially in protection -- an area where he has struggled.

Wexell: Not sure who was worse in pass protection, Adams or Guy Whimper. I'll lean to Adams because so much more is expected from him.

All I know is after the starters the Oline was terrible. Adams didn't look good. Whimper CAN NOT play tackle. He might suffice as a back up guard but tackle ain't it.

 

[Zyphros]

I liked what the starting O-line did, creating some nice holes for Bell/Blount. But still looks like there will be an offensive stall when it comes to redzone. Not what I was hoping for when that was a point of emphasis.

 

[3C's]

I liked what the starting O-line did, creating some nice holes for Bell/Blount. But still looks like there will be an offensive stall when it comes to redzone. Not what I was hoping for when that was a point of emphasis.

Really only one series though with the starters so jury is still out.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

What ever came of that Ramon Foster "injury" ? Is he ok?

 

[INRIhab]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

 

[3C's]

What ever came of that Ramon Foster "injury" ? Is he ok?

Eye poke. They're saying he's fine.

The Steelers didn't announce any in-game injuries, but left guard Ramon Foster left in the first quarter after being poked in the eye. According to the team, he could have returned had it been a regular-season game.

 

[3C's]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

If you want to take a flyer on someone, consider Justin Brown.

 

[Freelove]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

If you want to take a flyer on someone, consider Justin Brown.

I'd say if you want to go that route based on likelihood of spike in RZ looks, Miller's the way to go.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

Bell/Miller/Lance Moore will be the top three options in first and goal situation, if I had to guess.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Looks like Blount was in the game once the Steelers were in the Red Zone, and then Bell came back in on 3rd down. Is Dri being listed as a RB or WR for fantasy purposes?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

They need to invest in some helmet straps. At least three times helmets flew off. It's like Chris Hope 2.0

 

[Zyphros]

Is Dri being listed as a RB or WR for fantasy purposes?

RB on Yahoo and ESPN, I would guess it's the same on other sites.

 

[3C's]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

If you want to take a flyer on someone, consider Justin Brown.

I'd say if you want to go that route based on likelihood of spike in RZ looks, Miller's the way to go.

Taking a flyer on someone wouldn't be Heath IMO.

I would think a flyer would be someone less known/more obscure. Who knows, gave up FF some time ago. Not on my give a #### list.

 

[Freelove]

I know Bryant is expected to be a big red zone weapon, but it sounds like most people aren't counting on that for the 2014 season. If that's the case, who will be the focal points of PIT's red zone offense? 2013 red zone looks (as per FBG):

Bell: 64

Brown: 23

Cotchery: 22

Sanders: 16

Miller: 9

I imagine Blount will be involved, but there are still so many targets to go around (albeit based on 2013 performance, which could be a poor indicator of 2014)

Contemplating taking a flier on Bryant assuming he'll be a boom/bust guy based on red zone looks

If you want to take a flyer on someone, consider Justin Brown.

I'd say if you want to go that route based on likelihood of spike in RZ looks, Miller's the way to go.

Taking a flyer on someone wouldn't be Heath IMO.

I would think a flyer would be someone less known/more obscure. Who knows, gave up FF some time ago. Not on my give a #### list.

I'd think taking a flyer would have a lot more to do with his current ADP entombment as TE 22, with Cook and Kelce threatening to bury him even further.

But even though that renders him fantasy irrelevant in most-sized leagues so far, I've got to grant it's not as obscure as Brown. I like his chances a lot better, though. All good, tho.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/499292410317254657

@BobLabriola
Vince Williams taken off the field on a cart. Injury and the severity not yet known.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

https://twitter.com/BobLabriola/status/499292410317254657

@BobLabriola
Vince Williams taken off the field on a cart. Injury and the severity not yet known.

Sounds like a possible concussion. While not great news, it's probably the best news you can hope for if "being carted off" is part of the story.

 

[3C's]

Bit of a logjam at LB. Some pretty good player (maybe Carter) is gonna get walking papers. Good problem to have I suppose.

 

[Wheezer34]

Bit of a logjam at LB. Some pretty good player (maybe Carter) is gonna get walking papers. Good problem to have I suppose.

It would be nice if they could possibly trade some of that LB talent for, lets say, CB, DL, or OL depth.

 

[3C's]

Bit of a logjam at LB. Some pretty good player (maybe Carter) is gonna get walking papers. Good problem to have I suppose.

It would be nice if they could possibly trade some of that LB talent for, lets say, CB, DL, or OL depth.

I know but there's nothing there that would warrant a trade for anyone that would displace what they have. Maybe OL. While none of them are great, their depth in the defensive backfield is good. DL isn't bad either.

Anyone out there a long snapper? Please report to Latrobe ASAP.

 

[Godsbrother]

Where is Mike Schneck when you need him? OF course they could always bring back James Harrison -- he has game experience at LS!

 

[3C's]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

 

[3C's]

On another note, didn't know FWP is playing baseball now in the form of Alex Rios.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/5880/willie-parker

 

[Freelove]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who started in 09? I know Harrison and Woodley had All-Pro seasons. Hard to imagine that this year's squad will fare better than that in terms of accolades/performance from their top performers, or that they'll have much (if any) chance to get any cheap coverage sacks -- which I assume there were at least some of in 09.

I'll tentatively take the under, even though I have high hopes for this squad based on athletic merit.

 

[jurb26]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who leads the team... If you had to guess?

 

[3C's]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who leads the team... If you had to guess?

Worilds. People at camp have been blown away with his moves.

 

[Blick]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who leads the team... If you had to guess?

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who leads the team... If you had to guess?

Worilds just based on position and experience.

 

[3C's]

I've heard this number thrown out there a few times so lets see what the fine people here think.

Worilds+Timmons+Shazier+Jones=35 sacks. Over/Under?

Realize that's more than the entire team had last year. For reference though, the 2009 starting 4 had about 33.

Who started in 09? I know Harrison and Woodley had All-Pro seasons. Hard to imagine that this year's squad will fare better than that in terms of accolades/performance from their top performers, or that they'll have much (if any) chance to get any cheap coverage sacks -- which I assume there were at least some of in 09.

I'll tentatively take the under, even though I have high hopes for this squad based on athletic merit.

Farrior and Timmons were on the inside. Timmons has improved and Shazier adds a different element. Not seeing Jones matching Harrison though or anywhere near.

Their guess was 20 between Worilds and Jones and 15 between Timmons and Shazier. I'm going under for both. I'd be shocked if they got near 30.

 

[pghrob]

Guys like McCullers are keeping me excited about all the new faces on the Steelers defense. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2014/08/16/Steelers-rookie-makes-a-big-impression-all-the-way-around/stories/201408160094

 

[cr8f]

Looking forward to seeing Wheaton play tonight.