*** 2013 Official Pittsburgh Steelers Off & ON Season Thread *** (2 Viewers)

[3C's]

The team is going no where for the next few years at least. Is trading Ben for some high draft picks out of the question?

Yes, out of the question. If he were several years younger there might be a small chance but he's on the wrong end of 30 already. 32 before the next season and he has a lot miles.

 

[3C's]

A revisit on the "Lamar Woodley is fat and lazy since getting the money" thought process.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/11/lamarr-woodley-continues-career-best-pace-as-pass-rusher/

 

[Godsbrother]

A revisit on the "Lamar Woodley is fat and lazy since getting the money" thought process.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/11/lamarr-woodley-continues-career-best-pace-as-pass-rusher/

That's great for Woodley but unless he can play outside & inside LB, safety, corner and NT the Steelers defense is still going to be awful.

 

[Blick]

The team is going no where for the next few years at least. Is trading Ben for some high draft picks out of the question?

Yes, out of the question. If he were several years younger there might be a small chance but he's on the wrong end of 30 already. 32 before the next season and he has a lot miles.

Out of the question, regardless of age. Ben will remain a top QB for the next 3-5 years. We have to hope the young O-Line can get healthy, stay healthy, and gell. Assuming a high draft pick next year, I can see a new stud tackle being added to the mix.

The defense needs to work. Whiffing on the D-Line draft picks has really hurt this team.

 

[Copeman]

At least Heyward is starting to show something.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So is it time for a switch to the 4-3?

I also read somewhere that the Steelers are playing an inordinate amount of nickle/dime and are barely in their base 3-4 anyway, so it may be a moot point.

 

[Godsbrother]

At least Heyward is starting to show something.

Agreed. Heyward is really coming on. Assuming we get a high pick (should be a safe assumption) and a shutdown corner is available they should go that route. Try to coax another year out of Keisel at DE and use the other top 3 picks on NT, ILB and/or FS. Maybe grab a reasonably priced veteran ILB or FS.

 

[Blick]

At least Heyward is starting to show something.

Agreed. Heyward is really coming on. Assuming we get a high pick (should be a safe assumption) and a shutdown corner is available they should go that route. Try to coax another year out of Keisel at DE and use the other top 3 picks on NT, ILB and/or FS. Maybe grab a reasonably priced veteran ILB or FS.

Do you have any faith in Mike Adams?

 

[Fiddles]

The team is going no where for the next few years at least. Is trading Ben for some high draft picks out of the question?

This is what Sig called for a month ago

 

[Godsbrother]

At least Heyward is starting to show something.

Agreed. Heyward is really coming on. Assuming we get a high pick (should be a safe assumption) and a shutdown corner is available they should go that route. Try to coax another year out of Keisel at DE and use the other top 3 picks on NT, ILB and/or FS. Maybe grab a reasonably priced veteran ILB or FS.

Do you have any faith in Mike Adams?

He played pretty well last season but definitely regressed at the start of this season. I think it is too early to give up on him but I wouldn't be against drafting another OT if he is the best player available.

 

[Godsbrother]

The team is going no where for the next few years at least. Is trading Ben for some high draft picks out of the question?

This is what Sig called for a month ago

I don't like the idea of trading Ben. He is the only thing keeping is in these games. Obviously the offensive line can get better but aside from that the offense is good enough to win. They need to focus on the defense.

 

[Blick]

The team is going no where for the next few years at least. Is trading Ben for some high draft picks out of the question?

This is what Sig called for a month ago

I don't like the idea of trading Ben. He is the only thing keeping is in these games. Obviously the offensive line can get better but aside from that the offense is good enough to win. They need to focus on the defense.

I agree. I don't know how you can trade a proven, Superbowl winning QB unless you have another waiting to step in (ala Rodger) or a top pick for replacement (ala Luck). Elite QBs are very difficult to get. If a bad decision is made at QB, say drafting a bust, it would set the team back a long time.

 

[Franknbeans]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

No.

That will ruin his effectiveness. You will literally have to change everything about his play-style and mental approach. It isnt worth it.

He is always looking to make a play. Its not an off-on switch.

 

[Godsbrother]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

No.

That will ruin his effectiveness. You will literally have to change everything about his play-style and mental approach. It isnt worth it.

He is always looking to make a play. Its not an off-on switch.

Agreed. If Ben threw the ball away every time he felt pressure and no one was open about 8 out of 10 drives would be three-and-outs. And the last thing this team needs is to have the defense on the field more.

 

[Copeman]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

 

[Franknbeans]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

No.

That will ruin his effectiveness. You will literally have to change everything about his play-style and mental approach. It isnt worth it.

He is always looking to make a play. Its not an off-on switch.

Agreed. If Ben threw the ball away every time he felt pressure and no one was open about 8 out of 10 drives would be three-and-outs. And the last thing this team needs is to have the defense on the field more.

so the alternative is to have him take the sack and then try and convert 3rd and 20's? Sorry but that doesn't fly and his effectiveness is very tenuous right now. I am not talking about every time he feels pressure, anyway. I am talking about when he holds the ball for 3.5 and sometimes as long as 6 seconds. No offensive line wil lbe able to protect him for that long and he needs to have a better internal clock to preserve the field position. That will enable the offense to stay on the field longer.

 

[Godsbrother]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

Ben could be a decent pocket passer, I think he proved it in the first half of last season.

The Steelers are going to have to make a decision on whether to extend Ben's contract. If they extend Ben's contract then his cap hit is going to be reduced drastically. Not to the level of a rookie QB but if you draft one with a top 5 pick he is going to be counting hard against the cap within 2 years anyway. And if you draft a clunker, well now you are really screwed.

If they put him on the trading block then they pretty much have to seal the deal cause I don't see how you can attempt to trade the leader of your team and not go through with it. The one team I could certainly see being interested would be the Arizona Cardinals. Based on current standings that would be the #17th overall pick which is not nearly enough. The question is how much more would they be willing to pay.

I don't see too many other teams being interested. Oakland seems to like Pryor and the Skins have RGIII. Maybe the Bears if they are through with Cutler or possibly the Jaguars, Bucs or Vikings? That's about it.

You can turn around a franchise in the NFL pretty quickly so I wouldn't necessarily say the Steelers can't be contenders in Ben's prime years. They need to work on the defense -- if they can get that headed in the right direction they could be closer than you think.

 

[Godsbrother]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

No.

That will ruin his effectiveness. You will literally have to change everything about his play-style and mental approach. It isnt worth it.

He is always looking to make a play. Its not an off-on switch.

Agreed. If Ben threw the ball away every time he felt pressure and no one was open about 8 out of 10 drives would be three-and-outs. And the last thing this team needs is to have the defense on the field more.

so the alternative is to have him take the sack and then try and convert 3rd and 20's? Sorry but that doesn't fly and his effectiveness is very tenuous right now. I am not talking about every time he feels pressure, anyway. I am talking about when he holds the ball for 3.5 and sometimes as long as 6 seconds. No offensive line wil lbe able to protect him for that long and he needs to have a better internal clock to preserve the field position. That will enable the offense to stay on the field longer.

Certainly there are occasions where he should throw the ball away but I don't think it as many as you think. He gets pressure within 3 seconds on at least 75% of his attempts.

And I haven't being seeing the 6 seconds of protection from this offensive line -- when Ben gets more than 4 seconds it is almost always because he has already abandoned the pocket.

ETA: Last week Ben threw for 400 yards and 4 TDs which was pretty effective unless of course your defense gives up 50+ points.

 

[Steeler]

Ben's ability to escape is great to have but he needs to use it more judiciously. Some times it is better to throw it away or hit a chechdown rather than getting sacked.

However, this team has way bigger problems than Ben.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

 

[Godsbrother]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

Jay Cutler is an UFA in 2014.

 

[Plorfu]

Troy's cutting his hair. So, you know, there's that.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/us/troy-polamalu-haircut-for-veterans/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

Jay Cutler is an UFA in 2014.

Meaning?

 

[3C's]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

Jay Cutler is an UFA in 2014.

Meaning?

Assuming he means no way Steelers trade for a guy who will be a UFA soon.

On the flip side: No way Chicago gives up a starting qb and a #1 and #2 as well.

 

[3C's]

In a sad but not unexpected move Spence has been placed on IR. Hopefully another 8 months gets him back to full health.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

someone needs to beat it into Ben's head to stop taking coverage sacks. You'd think after 10 years in the league he'd have learned this by now. While they can't trade him he has easily cost them as many games as he's kept them in.

No.

That will ruin his effectiveness. You will literally have to change everything about his play-style and mental approach. It isnt worth it.

He is always looking to make a play. Its not an off-on switch.

Agreed. If Ben threw the ball away every time he felt pressure and no one was open about 8 out of 10 drives would be three-and-outs. And the last thing this team needs is to have the defense on the field more.

so the alternative is to have him take the sack and then try and convert 3rd and 20's? Sorry but that doesn't fly and his effectiveness is very tenuous right now. I am not talking about every time he feels pressure, anyway. I am talking about when he holds the ball for 3.5 and sometimes as long as 6 seconds. No offensive line wil lbe able to protect him for that long and he needs to have a better internal clock to preserve the field position. That will enable the offense to stay on the field longer.

It does fly. Its directly responsible for seasons that culminated in 3 Super Bowl games and 2 titles.

You cant fix him. You can ruin him. If you cant/wont handle his playstyle, then you might as well get rid of him.

 

[Steeler]

It does fly. Its directly responsible for seasons that culminated in 3 Super Bowl games and 2 titles.

You cant fix him. You can ruin him. If you cant/wont handle his playstyle, then you might as well get rid of him.

It is a big part of Ben's game and I don't think anyone is saying he should never do it again. However, tweaking his game so he is not trying to make every play in every situation would be good. For example, a play in the Cincy game comes to mind... early 3rd quarter, game tied at 10, Steelers facing a 3rd and 20 from their own ~25 yard line... Ben scrambles around and takes a 10 yard sack. Replays show a wide open RB in the flat... I would think a 10 year veteran QB would understand the game circumstances enough to know that checking it down and getting 10 yards (or whatever) and therefore saving 20 yards of field position in a tied ball game would be the prudent play.

I'm cherry picking that play because it stands out in my mind because I thought he made a mistake at the time the play occurred. I know there are tons of plays where Ben's scrambling ability worked out. But again, a tweak to his game wouldn't be bad. It's doesn't have to be all or nothing.

 

[Blick]

It does fly. Its directly responsible for seasons that culminated in 3 Super Bowl games and 2 titles.

You cant fix him. You can ruin him. If you cant/wont handle his playstyle, then you might as well get rid of him.

It is a big part of Ben's game and I don't think anyone is saying he should never do it again. However, tweaking his game so he is not trying to make every play in every situation would be good. For example, a play in the Cincy game comes to mind... early 3rd quarter, game tied at 10, Steelers facing a 3rd and 20 from their own ~25 yard line... Ben scrambles around and takes a 10 yard sack. Replays show a wide open RB in the flat... I would think a 10 year veteran QB would understand the game circumstances enough to know that checking it down and getting 10 yards (or whatever) and therefore saving 20 yards of field position in a tied ball game would be the prudent play.

I'm cherry picking that play because it stands out in my mind because I thought he made a mistake at the time the play occurred. I know there are tons of plays where Ben's scrambling ability worked out. But again, a tweak to his game wouldn't be bad. It's doesn't have to be all or nothing.

With the O-Line as bad as its been over the past bunch of years, I don't think this team would have been nearly as successful with any other QB not name Aaron Rodgers. Hopefully, the line gets better now that Ben is getting older so he doesn't have to scramble so much and take as many hits.

There is certainly some blame to place on Ben, but his play is very far down the list of problems on this team.

 

[Steeler]

There is certainly some blame to place on Ben, but his play is very far down the list of problems on this team.

Agreed. But he shouldn't get a free pass.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

Jay Cutler is an UFA in 2014.

Meaning?

Assuming he means no way Steelers trade for a guy who will be a UFA soon.

On the flip side: No way Chicago gives up a starting qb and a #1 and #2 as well.

I beg to differ on point #1. Would you rather have a year of Cutler and then $10+ million in cap space or a guy like Schaub who's signed for 3 more years at $50+ million? I assume that if you're going to trade Ben at all, it's because you're blowing it all up and starting over - I'd rather have the cap space.

As far as what Chicago would have to give up, who knows? That was just the potential trade I'd heard floated out there.. if they weren't giving up premium draft picks, there's no reason to make the deal from Pittsburgh's perspective.

 

[moondog]

Just read this today -

Under current projections for 2014, seven players — Ben Roethlisberger, LaMarr Woodley, Ike Taylor, Lawrence Timmons, Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller and Antonio Brown — will count $84 million toward the cap.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/dejankovacevic/dejancolumns/5017412-74/colbert-steelers-season#ixzz2jyNEJG7A
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It does fly. Its directly responsible for seasons that culminated in 3 Super Bowl games and 2 titles.

You cant fix him. You can ruin him. If you cant/wont handle his playstyle, then you might as well get rid of him.

It is a big part of Ben's game and I don't think anyone is saying he should never do it again. However, tweaking his game so he is not trying to make every play in every situation would be good. For example, a play in the Cincy game comes to mind... early 3rd quarter, game tied at 10, Steelers facing a 3rd and 20 from their own ~25 yard line... Ben scrambles around and takes a 10 yard sack. Replays show a wide open RB in the flat... I would think a 10 year veteran QB would understand the game circumstances enough to know that checking it down and getting 10 yards (or whatever) and therefore saving 20 yards of field position in a tied ball game would be the prudent play.

I'm cherry picking that play because it stands out in my mind because I thought he made a mistake at the time the play occurred. I know there are tons of plays where Ben's scrambling ability worked out. But again, a tweak to his game wouldn't be bad. It's doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I agree. I don't mind his trying to extend plays at all, and I acknowledge that you're taking the good with the bad with him, but where I get aggravated from time to time is when the play is dead and he takes a sack rather than throwing it away. I've seen him escape the rush, get outside the pocket looking downfield.....looking......looking......looking......sack. It needs to be : looking.....looking.....throw it out of bounds.

 

[Godsbrother]

I wouldn't want to see them trade Ben either, but to play devils advocate:

His cap hit could help sign others. He is not getting any younger. With his play style, he is one hit away from the disabled list at any time. Yeah I know, this can be said of anyone, but as I said, with his style, the odds are greater/riskier. Yes, no proven QB behind him. Well, they need to aquire another QB eventually anyways. Why not try to get something for him while they can? Surely they could. No, not many teams would be willing to take his salary on, but there will ALWAYS be teams that would, ala Oakland and the Redskins. Not saying they would, but they are the types of teams/management, that would. Just using them as an example based on their history to nix anyone worried that other teams might worry about the $. The NFL is changing on the offensive side. Teams who have smart pocket passers are thriving. Does anyone here consider Ben a smart pocket passer type? Yes, his style of play extends plays. But it can be a curse, too, as anyone with half a football brain who watches him can attest to.

All that said, as stated here, I don't wanna see him go. But if by chance he does, I don't think it would be the end of the world. It certainly can't get any worse for the Steelers. His prime is almost gone. And during that time, the Steelers will NOT be contenders anyways.

The problem is, they're going to have to take on an equivalent salary in all likelihood in order to make the trade work under the cap for both sides. I posted in here several weeks ago about a potential Schaub + draft picks for Roethlisberger proposal, but that's not happening. Another one I heard which was semi-intriguing was Chicago sending Cutler, a #1, and a #2 to Pittsburgh for Roethlisberger.

Jay Cutler is an UFA in 2014.

Meaning?

Assuming he means no way Steelers trade for a guy who will be a UFA soon.

On the flip side: No way Chicago gives up a starting qb and a #1 and #2 as well.

I beg to differ on point #1. Would you rather have a year of Cutler and then $10+ million in cap space or a guy like Schaub who's signed for 3 more years at $50+ million? I assume that if you're going to trade Ben at all, it's because you're blowing it all up and starting over - I'd rather have the cap space.

As far as what Chicago would have to give up, who knows? That was just the potential trade I'd heard floated out there.. if they weren't giving up premium draft picks, there's no reason to make the deal from Pittsburgh's perspective.

Was the trade rumor before the 2013 trade deadline ended? It must have been because Cutler will be a free agent in 2014 and Chicago won't be able to include him in a trade.

I don't see the logic in Schaub either. He just makes way too much money and just isn't in Ben's league.

 

[Godsbrother]

It does fly. Its directly responsible for seasons that culminated in 3 Super Bowl games and 2 titles.

You cant fix him. You can ruin him. If you cant/wont handle his playstyle, then you might as well get rid of him.

It is a big part of Ben's game and I don't think anyone is saying he should never do it again. However, tweaking his game so he is not trying to make every play in every situation would be good. For example, a play in the Cincy game comes to mind... early 3rd quarter, game tied at 10, Steelers facing a 3rd and 20 from their own ~25 yard line... Ben scrambles around and takes a 10 yard sack. Replays show a wide open RB in the flat... I would think a 10 year veteran QB would understand the game circumstances enough to know that checking it down and getting 10 yards (or whatever) and therefore saving 20 yards of field position in a tied ball game would be the prudent play.

I'm cherry picking that play because it stands out in my mind because I thought he made a mistake at the time the play occurred. I know there are tons of plays where Ben's scrambling ability worked out. But again, a tweak to his game wouldn't be bad. It's doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I agree. I don't mind his trying to extend plays at all, and I acknowledge that you're taking the good with the bad with him, but where I get aggravated from time to time is when the play is dead and he takes a sack rather than throwing it away. I've seen him escape the rush, get outside the pocket looking downfield.....looking......looking......looking......sack. It needs to be : looking.....looking.....throw it out of bounds.

You are correct. Everyone can stand to improve his game and Ben is not exception. This is one area where he could be better. Still, playing behind crappy lines and having to do much of the work yourself will do that to a guy.

 

[Godsbrother]

Just read this today -

Under current projections for 2014, seven players — Ben Roethlisberger, LaMarr Woodley, Ike Taylor, Lawrence Timmons, Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller and Antonio Brown — will count $84 million toward the cap.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/dejankovacevic/dejancolumns/5017412-74/colbert-steelers-season#ixzz2jyNEJG7A

Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Ben will likely get an extension so his cap will be lessened. Polamalu is gone unless he takes a drastic cut in pay. Heath will also need to extend or take a pay cut. Cutting Ike would result in $5 million of dead money but save over $7 million in cap space.

Not much they can do about Woodley, Timmons & Brown unless they want to extend or -gasp- restructure again.

Levi Brown currently is projected to count $6 million in 2014 but he will be gone and there is no impact on the cap or dead money in releasing him. They can also save significant cap space with minimal dead money by cutting Foote, Spaeth, Ramon Foster, Gradkowski

 

[Plorfu]

Hi guys. So, how are things?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Ben is expected to ask for an offseason trade?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000278796/article/big-ben-likely-to-ask-for-trade-by-pittsburgh-steelers?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

It's nearly impossible to imagine Ben Roethlisberger in anything other than black and gold, but he might not be a Pittsburgh Steeler forever.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Big Ben is "incredibly frustrated" with the direction of the franchise, according to Steelers sources. It's not just coordinator Todd Haley, but the entire offensive coaching staff that has the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback discouraged.

Team sources expect Roethlisberger to ask the Steelers to explore a possible trade in the offseason, Rapoport was told. Pittsburgh fielded trade offers for Big Ben last offseason and the team expects to answer the phone again in 2014.

Still, the Steelers have no intentions of trading Big Ben, per Rapoport, unless they can replace him with another franchise passer.

NFL Media columnist Michael Silver told NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that Roethlisberger's contract is an issue. Scheduled to make $12.1 million next season, his relatively low salary comes with a high cap number, so a restructuring is likely on the horizon if he sticks around.

Silver was told Big Ben ideally wants to finish his career with the Steelers, but if Pittsburgh winds up shopping him, look for the Arizona Cardinals to come calling. Coach Bruce Arians is one of Roethlisberger's best friends, and they worked wonders together in the Steel City.

It would be stunning to see Roethlisberger play anywhere other than Pittsburgh, but stranger things have happened. Just ask Peyton Manning.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Also seen on twitter....

13 words for all fans who think trading Ben is a good idea: Maddox, Kordell, Graham, O'Donnell, Tomczak, Brister, Malone, Miller, Blackledge, Bono, Woodley, Campbell, Stoudt.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I thought this was a joke but its getting some play on the NFL network.

Link to video

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap2000000278794/Roethlisberger-not-happy-in-Pittsburgh

Ben Roethlisberger not happy in Pittsburgh 0

Published: Nov. 10, 2013 at 10:38 a.m. | 0 Views

02:41 – Ian Rapoport and Michael Silver report Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is unhappy with the direction of the franchise and also give an update on Tim Tebow.
========================================

Also starting to get some legs on Twitter

1. Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet2h
2. Another issue for Big Ben: Looming contract situation. 2 years left, small salary, big cap number. Some doubts he can get paid in Pittsburg.

1. https://twitter.com/RapSheet#
2. https://twitter.com/RapSheet#

1. Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet2h
2. Could the actually trade Big Ben? I was told no… unless they could replace him with a franchise QB. In this draft, they could.

1. https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/399557423129985024
2. sources expect Big Ben to ask them to explore trade options after 2013. They fielded offers for him last offseason. Could again

1. https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/399557423129985024
2. I said on #NFLGameDay: Ben Roethlisberger isn’t happy with the current #Steelers situation. And it’s not just Todd Haley among the coaches.
   

===========================

Sigmund Bloom‏@SigmundBloom1h

YES! Key to rebuilding team. RT @RapSheet #Steelers sources expect Big Ben to ask them to explore trade options after 2013

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Art Rooney puts the kibosh on the chatter:

Steelers President Art Rooney II Statement on Ben Roethlisberger Trade RumorsPosted 2 minutes ago

Contrary to erroneous reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not explored trading quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and have no plans to do so.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

How soon is too soon to call Ziggy Hood a bust? I'm not saying I'm saying that yet. But I'm thinking it a little bit.

/Gavel

 

[belljr]

was supposed to go to this game and couldnt, nice win for once

 

[Kenny Powers]

If Buffalo ends up with a higher draft pick than the Steelers because of this game Im gonna be pissed.

 

[pecorino]

ben on talk radio this evening emphatically denied any of this trade talk. he repeatedly said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career. he sounded genuine to me, FWIW.

 

[belljr]

2 games back!

 

[Godsbrother]

Also seen on twitter....

13 words for all fans who think trading Ben is a good idea: Maddox, Kordell, Graham, O'Donnell, Tomczak, Brister, Malone, Miller, Blackledge, Bono, Woodley, Campbell, Stoudt.

Fans wanting to see the Steelers trade away Ben must be having a hard time remembering the QB drought between Bradshaw and Roethlisberger.

Getting high draft picks does not guarantee you're going to get a franchise quarterback. Just look at the Cleveland Browns.

 

[Godsbrother]

If Buffalo ends up with a higher draft pick than the Steelers because of this game Im gonna be pissed.

Not me. I can't root against the Steelers. Even in a losing season my Mondays are a little better coming after a Steelers win.

 

[hammerva]

2 games back!

Stop it. Don't act like Cowboys and Redskins fans.

That win was nice but it doesn't mean anything. If they beat the Lions and go 4-6 then MAYBE you can think about it but even then you are mildly delusional