*** 2013 Official Pittsburgh Steelers Off & ON Season Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Lutherman2112]

I heard that the Steelers are going to put Spaeth on the IR-Deignated list later today. I am thinking this is a mistake and that Spaeth should be on the regular IR. It would really suck to have a starter go down in the first week of the season with an injury requiring 8 weeks recovery time and not being able to use the IR-Designated tag.

I don't now the rule--is it possible to move Spaeth from the IRD to the IR later and free up the spot for somebody more important who gets hurt? If not, there's no way I'd risk using up the spot for Spaeth.

According to Ed at PP-G:

...

• Spaeth, who had surgery on his foot to repair a Lisfranc injury, can begin practicing six weeks from now if he's ready. He can come off injured reserve as soon as eight weeks from now. Once he starts practicing, the Steelers will have 21 days to decide whether to add him to their 53-man roster or keep him on injured reserve.

I knew that much. The question is, does putting Spaeth on the IR-return list kill that option for any future injuries? In other words, if someone like Troy gets an injury that will keep him out for 7 or 8 weeks, can they move Spaeth to the IR and put Troy on the IR-return list or are they forced to carry him on the active roster because they already used up the one IR-return option they're allowed?

I haven't a clue. All I have read suggests that a team can only activate one player from IR. Not sure of designation deadlines, or if the IR-return designation can be removed and granted to another player...as in your scenario where Spaeth gets kicked to IR ans Troy gets the IR-return tag.

 

[The Hank]

From what I understand that IR-designation to return can only be used once per season - even in the event the IR-desig player is eventually placed on season ending IR -- will try and find evidence to support this though

 

[infantsam]

Just listened to the Tomlin presser.....koolaid swallowed.

I'd say we have a decent ceiling if injuries are low and the stars align - particularly on D with some rookies already looking good and our newish DE stepping up.

Schedule is imo overall soft and does not require a huge offensive output. We needed that! omfg can we pppleeeeese get a real OL? Ben will retire someday. He's easily an every year playoff level QB and we have squandered him. Do it again and it's on Tomlin.

I don't fear one dimensional teams like the Vikings, Lions - they will either get lucky or we will beat them - it's the balanced teams that get us - Pats, Ravens, Packers.

If we can go .500 against Ravens/Bengals and sweep the Browns we have a decent shot at playoffs and if we get there we may have grown enough to be dangerous.

10-6 as a towel waver. 9-7 as a realist w/ a playoff berth. See you in the 'burg at either the bengals or drowns game in December!

 

[infantsam]

PS

I can't believe the Pirates are actually going to make me change my sig........

 

[timschochet]

Just listened to the Tomlin presser.....koolaid swallowed.

I'd say we have a decent ceiling if injuries are low and the stars align - particularly on D with some rookies already looking good and our newish DE stepping up.

Schedule is imo overall soft and does not require a huge offensive output. We needed that! omfg can we pppleeeeese get a real OL? Ben will retire someday. He's easily an every year playoff level QB and we have squandered him. Do it again and it's on Tomlin.

I don't fear one dimensional teams like the Vikings, Lions - they will either get lucky or we will beat them - it's the balanced teams that get us - Pats, Ravens, Packers.

If we can go .500 against Ravens/Bengals and sweep the Browns we have a decent shot at playoffs and if we get there we may have grown enough to be dangerous.

10-6 as a towel waver. 9-7 as a realist w/ a playoff berth. See you in the 'burg at either the bengals or drowns game in December!

How can anyone predict at this point whether an NFL schedule is difficult or soft? For instance, Matt Waldman is predicting that Cleveland is going to be 10-6 and a playoff team. That makes them a difficult opponent, if true.

 

[infantsam]

Well first off it It says 'imo" and more importantly with the HOPEFULLY IMPLIED caveat that we don't need to score a ton to be in the game. Again IMO that gives us our best chance rather than face SF or SEA or HOU or teams like that. I still say we are good at finding/extolling weakness.

Secondly - I don't know who the f*** Waldman is - but I DO KNOW that we get circled IN BOLD on the schedule by Cleveland, Cincinnati and Baltimore. For years their season has been measured by their success against us. That's a fact high poster guy. I'll relinquish that when it's required.

And aside from last years SB we still have the 'standard' and THEY want it.

Baltimore has come close -twice in fact but I think Ozzie let them down yet again giving all the money to JoeFucco. We shall see. The other 2 OH teams.....GL - I am not afraid.

Right now it's game one.

Tenn is no better off overall than we are -we are at home - and we have Ben. I'll take it.

Don't get lost - I can take/give as good as anyone and LIKE to read the other side. Your comments are always welcome.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Gather round, fellas. We are gonna need each other to get through the next 4 months.

 

[36th Chamber]

In before all the posters that have been in denial since last year.....

 

[3C's]

On the bright side the ST weren't horrible.

 

[hammerva]

Tell me again why we needed to fire Bruce Arians again.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Pouncey done, ACL and MCL. Foote ruptured biceps, assuming that means he is done.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

WE'RE TIED FOR FIRST PLACE IN THE DIVISION!!

 

[JoeSteeler]

Pouncey done, ACL and MCL. Foote ruptured biceps, assuming that means he is done.

WOW

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Since I'm sure everyone else will do enough complaining, I'll point out what I thought looked good:

Steve McClendon -- had several plays where he was in the backfield and beat his man several times.

Jarvis Jones -- BOOM goes the CJ2

Troy -- I don't think we have too many seasons left with him playing at a high level, enjoy it while you can.

 

[3C's]

Pouncey done, ACL and MCL. Foote ruptured biceps, assuming that means he is done.

The season really depended on the OL staying healthy and playing well. Healthy is gone and looking at the tackles I think playing well is gone as well. I suppose Wallace will be the center...that sounds awesome. Foote is kind of the glue for the LB's. Now I guess that means Kion Wilson moves to his spot. Not good.

 

[3C's]

This is why they shouldn't have designated Spaeth so soon.

And Redman...so much better than Dwyer.

 

[ThaPenguin]

WTMF was DeCastro trying to do when he dove into Pouncey?

 

[Kenny Powers]

WTMF was DeCastro trying to do when he dove into Pouncey?

I have no ####ing clue. As if the game wasnt bad enough, he had to start the season throwing a chop block into our Pro Bowl C's knee.

 

[Franknbeans]

this season is over before it started

 

[JoeSteeler]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9650729/maurkice-pouncey-pittsburgh-steelers-torn-acl-mcl-knee

Pouncey hurt at :23

 

[Franknbeans]

WTMF was DeCastro trying to do when he dove into Pouncey?

I have no ####ing clue. As if the game wasnt bad enough, he had to start the season throwing a chop block into our Pro Bowl C's knee.

It's like he's a plant from the Ravens to #### up our offensive line beyond what it already was

 

[Kenny Powers]

I actually think TEN is going to have a decent season if Locker can stay healthy/improve, but you cant slice scoring 0 pts being good by any means. Our D once again looks stout though, held CJ2K in check and I think he's going to have a big year behind a much improved OL. Secondary looked strong despite losing Cortez (hopefully not for long). I think TEN's D will be improved (Zach Brown really impressed me, Pollard is an upgrade for them), but not to the point of what it looked like today. Its easy to make their D look better when we have the worst running game in the league until Bell gets back though, and Im not sure how much better its going at that point. Because of that, Ben is going to get sacked a ton once again and it will be more difficult to pass against teams. I actually think the passing game looked better than the numbers would indicate, but short drives and sacks (and few awful missed throws and drops) are why Ben's numbers weren't better.

 

[3C's]

WTMF was DeCastro trying to do when he dove into Pouncey?

Going low on the guy Pouncey was engaged with...which of course is dirty and illegal. Looks like he might have misjudged or lost his balance maybe causing him to miss the DT and land on Pouncey instead.

 

[3C's]

I actually think TEN is going to have a decent season if Locker can stay healthy/improve, but you cant slice scoring 0 pts being good by any means. Our D once again looks stout though, held CJ2K in check and I think he's going to have a big year behind a much improved OL. Secondary looked strong despite losing Cortez (hopefully not for long). I think TEN's D will be improved (Zach Brown really impressed me, Pollard is an upgrade for them), but not to the point of what it looked like today. Its easy to make their D look better when we have the worst running game in the league until Bell gets back though, and Im not sure how much better its going at that point. Because of that, Ben is going to get sacked a ton once again and it will be more difficult to pass against teams. I actually think the passing game looked better than the numbers would indicate, but short drives and sacks (and few awful missed throws and drops) are why Ben's numbers weren't better.

Dare say Gay was ok?

 

[3C's]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

 

[Kenny Powers]

I actually think TEN is going to have a decent season if Locker can stay healthy/improve, but you cant slice scoring 0 pts being good by any means. Our D once again looks stout though, held CJ2K in check and I think he's going to have a big year behind a much improved OL. Secondary looked strong despite losing Cortez (hopefully not for long). I think TEN's D will be improved (Zach Brown really impressed me, Pollard is an upgrade for them), but not to the point of what it looked like today. Its easy to make their D look better when we have the worst running game in the league until Bell gets back though, and Im not sure how much better its going at that point. Because of that, Ben is going to get sacked a ton once again and it will be more difficult to pass against teams. I actually think the passing game looked better than the numbers would indicate, but short drives and sacks (and few awful missed throws and drops) are why Ben's numbers weren't better.

Dare say Gay was ok?

Yeah, he looked pretty good. Not like Locker is the guy Id expect to expose him though either.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

 

[3C's]

I actually think TEN is going to have a decent season if Locker can stay healthy/improve, but you cant slice scoring 0 pts being good by any means. Our D once again looks stout though, held CJ2K in check and I think he's going to have a big year behind a much improved OL. Secondary looked strong despite losing Cortez (hopefully not for long). I think TEN's D will be improved (Zach Brown really impressed me, Pollard is an upgrade for them), but not to the point of what it looked like today. Its easy to make their D look better when we have the worst running game in the league until Bell gets back though, and Im not sure how much better its going at that point. Because of that, Ben is going to get sacked a ton once again and it will be more difficult to pass against teams. I actually think the passing game looked better than the numbers would indicate, but short drives and sacks (and few awful missed throws and drops) are why Ben's numbers weren't better.

Dare say Gay was ok?

Yeah, he looked pretty good. Not like Locker is the guy Id expect to expose him though either.

worry to me isn't so much Gay playing one of the corner spots but who comes in as nickel if Allen is out. Brown is terrible.

 

[ThaPenguin]

WIll Allen and Mundy both with picks so far

 

[3C's]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

Too green but I certainly like what he's done so far. Foote makes the defensive calls. Not sure that's a role for a rookie. Sure which Spence could have a miraculous healing all of a sudden.

 

[3C's]

So, the guy who makes the OL calls and the guy who makes the D calls...both gone.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

So, the guy who makes the OL calls and the guy who makes the D calls...both gone.

 

[hammerva]

WIll Allen and Mundy both with picks so far

Mundy I wouldn't have mind staying but please don't act like Will Allen was this blue chipper that slipped through the cracks.

 

[Ballstein]

Mike Tomlin is in over his head. I said it.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I actually think TEN is going to have a decent season if Locker can stay healthy/improve, but you cant slice scoring 0 pts being good by any means. Our D once again looks stout though, held CJ2K in check and I think he's going to have a big year behind a much improved OL. Secondary looked strong despite losing Cortez (hopefully not for long). I think TEN's D will be improved (Zach Brown really impressed me, Pollard is an upgrade for them), but not to the point of what it looked like today. Its easy to make their D look better when we have the worst running game in the league until Bell gets back though, and Im not sure how much better its going at that point. Because of that, Ben is going to get sacked a ton once again and it will be more difficult to pass against teams. I actually think the passing game looked better than the numbers would indicate, but short drives and sacks (and few awful missed throws and drops) are why Ben's numbers weren't better.

Dare say Gay was ok?

Yeah, he looked pretty good. Not like Locker is the guy Id expect to expose him though either.

worry to me isn't so much Gay playing one of the corner spots but who comes in as nickel if Allen is out. Brown is terrible.

Yes at this point that also probably worries me more than Gay being on the outside.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

Too green but I certainly like what he's done so far. Foote makes the defensive calls. Not sure that's a role for a rookie. Sure which Spence could have a miraculous healing all of a sudden.

I dont think whoever comes in would take over that, would they? Id expect Timmons to do that.

 

[Boone22]

LSH out with torn ACL according to Rotoworld.

Steelers RB/KR La'Rod Stephens-Howling is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Not only did Pittsburgh lose its home opener to the Titans, the Steelers lost C Maurkice Pouncey, ILB Larry Foote, and Stephens-Howling to year-ending injuries. A somewhat dynamic scatback and Pro Bowl-caliber return specialist, Stephens-Howling's loss will be felt more in real life than fantasy. But it's a big blow. Look for the Steelers to continue to lean on Isaac Redman and Felix Jones in the backfield until Le'Veon Bell (foot) returns. They may consider re-signing Baron Batch or Jonathan Dwyer, though it's also possible the Steelers turned the page on Dwyer for good at final cuts.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter Sep 8 - 9:50 PM

 

[Kenny Powers]

I have a feeling this is going to be the longest season I ever can really recall as a 28yr old Steelers fan.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I have a feeling this is going to be the longest season I ever can really recall as a 28yr old Steelers fan.

Think positive. They'll be in the running for a top 5 pick. I'm 35 and I can't recall that ever happening.

 

[3C's]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

Too green but I certainly like what he's done so far. Foote makes the defensive calls. Not sure that's a role for a rookie. Sure which Spence could have a miraculous healing all of a sudden.

I dont think whoever comes in would take over that, would they? Id expect Timmons to do that.

If they move him to buck I guess. Seems like since they were supposedly grooming him for it Sylvester would be the easy choice.

 

[3C's]

And we thought the cutdown to 53 had all the intriguing moves.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I have a feeling this is going to be the longest season I ever can really recall as a 28yr old Steelers fan.

Think positive. They'll be in the running for a top 5 pick. I'm 35 and I can't recall that ever happening.

Trust me, April will be what Im guessing Im most looking forward to by mid-October. We probably wasted not taking a 3rd for Sanders already.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

Too green but I certainly like what he's done so far. Foote makes the defensive calls. Not sure that's a role for a rookie. Sure which Spence could have a miraculous healing all of a sudden.

I dont think whoever comes in would take over that, would they? Id expect Timmons to do that.

If they move him to buck I guess. Seems like since they were supposedly grooming him for it Sylvester would be the easy choice.

How is Sylvester Sylvesterson the choice when he isnt even on the team?

 

[3C's]

Maybe they'll see the error of their ways and bring Malecki back. :slightsarcasm: Who of the lb's you want back? Sylvester or McFadden?

Vince Williams should definitely be active next week and he's personally my choice, at least for the first 2 downs. Thats as much belief in him as it is lack thereof in the rest of our ILB's.

Too green but I certainly like what he's done so far. Foote makes the defensive calls. Not sure that's a role for a rookie. Sure which Spence could have a miraculous healing all of a sudden.

I dont think whoever comes in would take over that, would they? Id expect Timmons to do that.

If they move him to buck I guess. Seems like since they were supposedly grooming him for it Sylvester would be the easy choice.

How is Sylvester Sylvesterson the choice when he isnt even on the team?

He was second team behind Foote until he got hurt (again). They could sign him but for now it would appear to be Williams.

 

[infantsam]

Well first off it It says 'imo" and more importantly with the HOPEFULLY IMPLIED caveat that we don't need to score a ton to be in the game. Again IMO that gives us our best chance rather than face SF or SEA or HOU or teams like that. I still say we are good at finding/extolling weakness.

Secondly - I don't know who the f*** Waldman is - but I DO KNOW that we get circled IN BOLD on the schedule by Cleveland, Cincinnati and Baltimore. For years their season has been measured by their success against us. That's a fact high poster guy. I'll relinquish that when it's required.

And aside from last years SB we still have the 'standard' and THEY want it.

Baltimore has come close -twice in fact but I think Ozzie let them down yet again giving all the money to JoeFucco. We shall see. The other 2 OH teams.....GL - I am not afraid.

Right now it's game one.

Tenn is no better off overall than we are -we are at home - and we have Ben. I'll take it.

Don't get lost - I can take/give as good as anyone and LIKE to read the other side. Your comments are always welcome.

I got nothing.

Did not see the game thankfully.

Head up - eyes up - move on.

I still think it happens at the line of scrimmage - and our lack of that on both sides have resulted in injuries. I don't think it's a stretch top say that you cannot play football with 300 pound bowling balls disrupting your skill players.

 

[pecorino]

Mike Tomlin is in over his head. I said it.

i am right there with you. this city loves all of his tomlin-isms, though, (as well they should, he talks a great game) and coordinators like todd haley get the heat. it will take at least two more years until tomlin feels much of that heat. he is teflon for now. imo cowher's coattails are running out.

 

[timschochet]

Assuming he stays relatively healthy, how many more years can we expect to have Big Ben? Do we have enough time to put together a championship team around him?

 

[Kenny Powers]

Assuming he stays relatively healthy, how many more years can we expect to have Big Ben? Do we have enough time to put together a championship team around him?

Hard to say. There are quite a few really, really good teams out there. Luckily for us, most of them are in the NFC, but that doesnt change things for the Steelers in the short term.

 

[infantsam]

Assuming he stays relatively healthy, how many more years can we expect to have Big Ben? Do we have enough time to put together a championship team around him?

I used to think so - but now I don't. Sucks for him - should have made better decisions.

But really - the league is changing.

The QB is simply SUCH a specialized position.

Either you have Manning/Brady/Brees -otherwise a group of athletes threaten the 'out of date' pocket passers.

SF's Kaeopernick is the extreme example. Frank Gore is still a much above average RB - and while he won't put up big numbers this year he will do very vital work for Kaeopouieonieoriceoicjk.

In fantasy - either move on or move out.

-k

PS

Seriously - our PB center, 3rd down back and LB captain all in game one? wtf? Did we see another game today where 2 starters and an oft used reserve went down?

 

[36th Chamber]

Assuming he stays relatively healthy, how many more years can we expect to have Big Ben? Do we have enough time to put together a championship team around him?

With our Oline, Haley's play calling and the worst running game in the NFL it's highly unlikely Ben will make it through the year.

Depending on the severity of any injury he incurrs this season the guy's career is sadly coming to an end before our very eyes.

As for your second question the honest answer is NO.

Sorry to all you glass half full guys, just calling it like I see it. We are not only in for a long season but a much longer rebuilding process. Organizational names, "but we are the Steeler's" don't cut it anymore in this NFL.