2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (3 Viewers)

[nittanylion]

 A star? Not sure about that

Of course, you're probably right. I'm very much enamored with the idea of Coaches unlocking 'gadget guys', of which Samuels is definitely one.

Years ago, I had the privilege of forming a friendship with a minor NFL Coach. Over the time we hung out, while he was in the area, I had some interesting conversations with some other Players and Coaches. During Cowher's tenure, there may have been an offensive playbook that featured a series of wishbone plays, featuring Burress as a single-wing wideout, with various iterations of Kordell, Ward and Randle-El under center, with the other 2 joining Bettis in the backfield. I can't even begin to imagine how fun that might have been to watch, and what a nightmare it might have been to defend. If that's true, I'm inclined to believe that Cowher might have found better use for Samuels than what we've seen thus far.

 

[apalmer]

Of course, you're probably right. I'm very much enamored with the idea of Coaches unlocking 'gadget guys', of which Samuels is definitely one.

Years ago, I had the privilege of forming a friendship with a minor NFL Coach. Over the time we hung out, while he was in the area, I had some interesting conversations with some other Players and Coaches. During Cowher's tenure, there may have been an offensive playbook that featured a series of wishbone plays, featuring Burress as a single-wing wideout, with various iterations of Kordell, Ward and Randle-El under center, with the other 2 joining Bettis in the backfield. I can't even begin to imagine how fun that might have been to watch, and what a nightmare it might have been to defend. If that's true, I'm inclined to believe that Cowher might have found better use for Samuels than what we've seen thus far.

How many of those "possible" plays did they run in games?  There may also be a whole book of plays for Samuels that haven't made it into any games.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Of course, you're probably right. I'm very much enamored with the idea of Coaches unlocking 'gadget guys', of which Samuels is definitely one.

Years ago, I had the privilege of forming a friendship with a minor NFL Coach. Over the time we hung out, while he was in the area, I had some interesting conversations with some other Players and Coaches. During Cowher's tenure, there may have been an offensive playbook that featured a series of wishbone plays, featuring Burress as a single-wing wideout, with various iterations of Kordell, Ward and Randle-El under center, with the other 2 joining Bettis in the backfield. I can't even begin to imagine how fun that might have been to watch, and what a nightmare it might have been to defend. If that's true, I'm inclined to believe that Cowher might have found better use for Samuels than what we've seen thus far.

Word on the street is that Samuels is just not that good -- hands are no better than the other RBs.  Just was used in that way in college and it worked out for him.

 

[McBokonon]

Steelers are going to obtain Joe Schobert. My source is a tweet from his wife where she used the word “yinz.”

 

[McBokonon]

Steelers are going to obtain Joe Schobert. My source is a tweet from his wife where she used the word “yinz.”

Confirmation from Pelissero. Coolang tweeting it, too

 

[JoeSteeler]

Here’s what new Steelers LB Joe Schobert is due on his current deal:

2021: $7M (guaranteed)

2022: $8.75M

2023: $10.25M

2024: $10.75M

He has $500K per year due via roster/workout bonuses as well. Would make sense if Jacksonville agreed to pay some of his salary this year.

 

[travdogg]

I know he isn't facing starters, or playing with starters to be fair, but I've been a little impressed by Dwayne Haskins these 1st 2 preseason games. He was always supposed to be a project, and wouldn't be the first guy to flame out as a 1st rounder, only to make a comeback with another team.

I've never felt Mason Rudolph was as bad as people made him out to be(that 2019 offense was rough all over the place) but Haskins could certainly push for the #2 job. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Gilbert gone then. 
 

Spillane, Buddy Johnson, and Marcus Allen as backups. 
 

Still need some depth at safety. Killibrew looks good, but need something better than Norwood. Maulet isnt it or the slot-cb. 

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Here’s what new Steelers LB Joe Schobert is due on his current deal:

2021: $7M (guaranteed)

2022: $8.75M

2023: $10.25M

2024: $10.75M

He has $500K per year due via roster/workout bonuses as well. Would make sense if Jacksonville agreed to pay some of his salary this year.

He was pretty bad last year. I am not sure it makes sense. 

 

[Godsbrother]

I know he isn't facing starters, or playing with starters to be fair, but I've been a little impressed by Dwayne Haskins these 1st 2 preseason games. He was always supposed to be a project, and wouldn't be the first guy to flame out as a 1st rounder, only to make a comeback with another team.

I've never felt Mason Rudolph was as bad as people made him out to be(that 2019 offense was rough all over the place) but Haskins could certainly push for the #2 job. 

I'm not a Rudolph hater but I think Haskins gives you a lot more options.  I would much rather have Haskins backing up Ben and having him available as an occasional gadget play guy.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Kendrick Green got blown up in the first quarter. 

 

[Godsbrother]

He was pretty bad last year. I am not sure it makes sense. 

We will have to see how this plays out and what the Steelers gave up but on paper I like it

 

[Godsbrother]

Kendrick Green got blown up in the first quarter. 

Yes he did.  That OL is going to be a work in progress I'm afraid.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

He was pretty bad last year. I am not sure it makes sense. 

We will have to see how this plays out and what the Steelers gave up but on paper I like it

Joe 'The-Show' is fantastic in coverage and a play-maker and makes a ton of tackles but does whiff a high percentage of tackles.  

Browns fans loved him and he's going to be great in coverage and he'll get turnovers but he will miss 'some' tackles.  Great guy.

Kendrick Green got blown up in the first quarter. 

Yes he did.  That OL is going to be a work in progress I'm afraid.

How the O-Line looked is the most important information that can be shared from preseason games since its still being sorted out.  Good info.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Joe 'The-Show' is fantastic in coverage and a play-maker and makes a ton of tackles but does whiff a high percentage of tackles.  

Browns fans loved him and he's going to be great in coverage and he'll get turnovers but he will miss 'some' tackles.  Great guy.

How the O-Line looked is the most important information that can be shared from preseason games since its still being sorted out.  Good info.

Note that the projected starting O-Line is yet to play together. 

 

[JoeSteeler]

Haven’t seen anything official but reported 6th or 7th round pick for Schobert.

 

[Godsbrother]

Haven’t seen anything official but reported 6th or 7th round pick for Schobert.

Great trade if Schobert works out.

 

[Jayded]

For us IDP guys, does Schobert make Spillane now droppable or do you feel like he'll still see enough reps to justify holding onto him? He already felt like a possible fringe guy to me and this feels like it could be the nail in his IDP coffin if he's no longer starting.

 

[JoeSteeler]

For us IDP guys, does Schobert make Spillane now droppable or do you feel like he'll still see enough reps to justify holding onto him? He already felt like a possible fringe guy to me and this feels like it could be the nail in his IDP coffin if he's no longer starting.

I play IDP too. He is a drop in all but the deepest of leagues. Either him or Ulysses Gilbert will most likely  be waived. I think Spillane stays and backs up Bush/Schobert and. plays on special teams.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Official the 2022 6th rounder. 
 

So Steelers won’t have their 4th (Loudermilk); 5th (Williamson); or their 6th next year. 
 

But should get a 3rd (Dupree) and 5th (Feiler) in compensatory picks. 

 

[Gold Fox]

I'm not a Rudolph hater but I think Haskins gives you a lot more options.  I would much rather have Haskins backing up Ben and having him available as an occasional gadget play guy.

Haskins is a very good change-of-pace QB for the Steelers, and his mobility better suits the weaknesses in the O-Line.  Haskins should be the backup.  

 

[infantsam]

Official the 2022 6th rounder. 
 

So Steelers won’t have their 4th (Loudermilk); 5th (Williamson); or their 6th next year. 
 

But should get a 3rd (Dupree) and 5th (Feiler) in compensatory picks. 

So 1,2,3,5 and some cap room assuming Ben is gone or playing for much less.  Some goes to TJ

That seems like good management?

Trai and Melvin might bust but Schobert looks prime and should be a major upgrade to Spillane and really help in the middle of the field.
 

 

[Godsbrother]

Official the 2022 6th rounder. 
 

So Steelers won’t have their 4th (Loudermilk); 5th (Williamson); or their 6th next year. 
 

But should get a 3rd (Dupree) and 5th (Feiler) in compensatory picks. 

Yeah I’m fine with the moves.   I would like to see an extension for Watt or Fitz before the season starts

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

New Steelers ILB Joe Schobert says the plan is for him to play dimebacker and mack backer, also wear the green dot and call plays for the defense.

 

[JoeSteeler]

So apparently Jaguars will pay $3.65 million of Joe Schobert’s 2021 salary

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So is Bush moving positions or being demoted?

 

[steelers1080]

So is Bush moving positions or being demoted?

My assumption was have him focus on making plays and not coordinating the Def, especially since returning from Injury. Also, only a 6th and ~$1 million cap hit, not a bad trade. And if he doesn't work out I think his dead cap is done, so the Steelers can trade or cut him with 0 penalty. I like the trade. 

Hoping that this doesn't mean much for Bush and is more about Spillane, Buddy, Ulysses, etc. 

 

[Godsbrother]

So apparently Jaguars will pay $3.65 million of Joe Schobert’s 2021 salary

My assumption was have him focus on making plays and not coordinating the Def, especially since returning from Injury. Also, only a 6th and ~$1 million cap hit, not a bad trade. And if he doesn't work out I think his dead cap is done, so the Steelers can trade or cut him with 0 penalty. I like the trade. 

I am a little worried, this trade is sounding too good to be true.   Are we sure the guy has not gone blind or has both legs?

 

[nittanylion]

I heard from folks who are local to the Jags that Meyer and Schobert were butting heads in camp, and Meyer basically just got rid of him, to show the Team that no one was exempt from accountability. According to them, Meyer was adamant that every player was to be treated equally, no status for stars, vets, etc. and Schobert wasn't down with that approach. Not that he was being a diva or anything, just wasn't on board, and was making waves. I can neither confirm nor deny this, just relating what local folks who follow the Team closely related to me.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Steelers converted $7.925M of DL Stephon Tuitt’s 2021 base salary into a signing bonus, creating $6.34M in 2021 cap space.

Clearing cap space for Watt extension?

 

[steelers1080]

Clearing cap space for Watt extension?

Could be, but they could structure his contract to actually reduce his cap hit this year since he's making $10 million this year (if they wanted to). Same with Haden, with his cap hit this year they could probably reduce his 2021 hit if he was extended. 

It could be an extension for Minkah. He is signed to the 5th year option, but if he is extended it would definitely increase the hit above his $2.7 mil cap hit. 

Or, it could be another trade?

Or, they don't want to put all the Watt money into the future. 

 

[JoeSteeler]

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I heard from folks who are local to the Jags that Meyer and Schobert were butting heads in camp, and Meyer basically just got rid of him, to show the Team that no one was exempt from accountability. According to them, Meyer was adamant that every player was to be treated equally, no status for stars, vets, etc. and Schobert wasn't down with that approach. Not that he was being a diva or anything, just wasn't on board, and was making waves. I can neither confirm nor deny this, just relating what local folks who follow the Team closely related to me.

Meyer seems to be treating professional men, like college students. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Per Schobert, right now the contract is a no-brainer one-year deal since nothing is guaranteed after this year.  Super cheap in terms of late picks and Jacksonville picking up millions of this year's contract.

Apparently Urben Myer is an idiot as he goes against the NFL grain with a big 'thumper' LBer instead of a cover LB.

Steelers played lowest nickel defense last year after Devin Bush went down.

Those suspecting this means the end of Bush?  Eh?  I dunno, maybe his injury history is troubling but Spillane is gonzo.  At least Joe pushes him to the side. 

Rumor is Tomlin has liked Joe's game for a long time so its a cheap one-year contract with a 'potential' big long-term payoff.  

I'd bet on Joe so long as he keeps healthy because he's going to be perfect in the roll he will be cast in. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Per Schobert, right now the contract is a no-brainer one-year deal since nothing is guaranteed after this year.  Super cheap in terms of late picks and Jacksonville picking up millions of this year's contract.

Apparently Urben Myer is an idiot as he goes against the NFL grain with a big 'thumper' LBer instead of a cover LB.

Steelers played lowest nickel defense last year after Devin Bush went down.

Those suspecting this means the end of Bush?  Eh?  I dunno, maybe his injury history is troubling but Spillane is gonzo.  At least Joe pushes him to the side. 

Rumor is Tomlin has liked Joe's game for a long time so its a cheap one-year contract with a 'potential' big long-term payoff.  

I'd bet on Joe so long as he keeps healthy because he's going to be perfect in the roll he will be cast in. 

I mean, if this works out, the Steelers are set at their 4 LBs for a while into the future.  Extend Fitzpatrick as well, and that is a nice core.

 

[infantsam]

Good summer for the Steelers

D-  The front seven looks ready and will need to create havoc to protect the secondary.  We'll give up long 3rd downs again which makes me throw things.

O- If the line can gel a bit we can score points.  We'll need to against the better O's.

If we stay healthy and a couple of the acquisitions hit we could be pretty good.

Hoping this thread picks back up again but maybe the times they are a changin.

IMO it took 2 plays to know Haskins will eventually beat out Mason.

The WR screen - ball was out and there much quicker.

And the scramble to the left and missed throw.  The throw sucked - but the pocket prescence as the rush developed, the strong shoulder dip and ball tuck to not allow a stray hand to slap it out and a good quick move to the left.  Would have been great to finish with the throw to the wide open receiver but it was not a hard throw - I would assume he just whiffed it.

And we still have a few $$ left to grab another salary cap casualty possibly.  Too bad good corners are never that.

 

[steelers1080]

Jamal Adams just signed with the Seahawks, wonder if this sets the money for a Minkah extension.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Claypool went down in practice today and had to be helped off the field. Reports say he did not suffer a significant injury.  

 

[steelers1080]

Teven Jenkins having back surgery and might miss the entire year. He was definitely someone I was hoping the Steelers would target, so it seems like we may have dodged a bullet. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Good summer for the Steelers

D-  The front seven looks ready and will need to create havoc to protect the secondary.  We'll give up long 3rd downs again which makes me throw things.

O- If the line can gel a bit we can score points.  We'll need to against the better O's.

If we stay healthy and a couple of the acquisitions hit we could be pretty good.

Hoping this thread picks back up again but maybe the times they are a changin.

IMO it took 2 plays to know Haskins will eventually beat out Mason.

The WR screen - ball was out and there much quicker.

And the scramble to the left and missed throw.  The throw sucked - but the pocket prescence as the rush developed, the strong shoulder dip and ball tuck to not allow a stray hand to slap it out and a good quick move to the left.  Would have been great to finish with the throw to the wide open receiver but it was not a hard throw - I would assume he just whiffed it.

And we still have a few $$ left to grab another salary cap casualty possibly.  Too bad good corners are never that.

According to Steelersdepot analysis, there is about $5MM in usable cap space (not allocated for in-season needs).  Some might get eaten up by a Fitz extension (his cap hit would assuredly go u in 2021) and perhaps Watt (depends).   So maybe there is enough there to sign a backup safety or slot-cb still.  

 

[JoeSteeler]

According to Steelersdepot analysis, there is about $5MM in usable cap space (not allocated for in-season needs).  Some might get eaten up by a Fitz extension (his cap hit would assuredly go u in 2021) and perhaps Watt (depends).   So maybe there is enough there to sign a backup safety or slot-cb still.  

On the podcast yesterday they were speculating on a backup safety or OLine

Not many CB’s out there that I could see. Maybe one gets cut at some point?

 

[steelers1080]

On the podcast yesterday they were speculating on a backup safety or OLine

Not many CB’s out there that I could see. Maybe one gets cut at some point?

Speculation has been that there could be a number of surprise cuts at the deadline this year because of teams being strapped for cap space. 

 

[steelers1080]

According to Steelersdepot analysis, there is about $5MM in usable cap space (not allocated for in-season needs).  Some might get eaten up by a Fitz extension (his cap hit would assuredly go u in 2021) and perhaps Watt (depends).   So maybe there is enough there to sign a backup safety or slot-cb still.  

The moves the Steelers made to make room and the Jamal Adams signing might not be a coincidence. I wouldn't be shocked if both Minkah and TJ were extended shortly. 

Adams' contract is 4 years $70 mil, with Minkah having 1 more year super cheap, I wonder if the Steelers can do a 4-5 year extension to make the full contract 5-6 years and bring his yearly cost down in comparison to Adams. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I really hope we keep Mark Gilbert (practice squad).  I think he has potential.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Brooke Pryor@bepryor

Rashaad Coward has taken all of the first team reps at left guard. Asked about Kevin Dotson playing with the twos instead of ones, Mike Tomlin was pretty firm.

"He has done nothing to earn first-team reps. What are we talking about? He's a second year guy who hasn't worked."

Those were extremely harsh words especially from Mike Tomlin.  

Out of character so I have to believe its some sort of motivational ploy.

Motivational ploy as expected he was injured, hadn't practiced but he's back starting again.

2021Stock Watch - G Kevin Dotson Up

 

[irish eyes]

I was skeptical of a rb in the first round, but harris looks pretty damn good. And Freiermuth should already be in front of Ebron the drop king on the depth chart. Looking like another great pick.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Rudolph is trying hard to lose the backup job 

 

[geneyus]

Rudolph is trying hard to lose the backup job 

Why do you say that? Didn’t see the game but stats looked ok. 

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Why do you say that? Didn’t see the game but stats looked ok. 

This was right after he threw a pass to a Detroit LB. If he hadn't been in the way, 2 other Lions were well positioned to pick it off.

 

[Godsbrother]

This was right after he threw a pass to a Detroit LB. If he hadn't been in the way, 2 other Lions were well positioned to pick it off.

Yeah that was bad but aside from that he didn’t look awful.

On the other hand he sure hasn’t shown that he deserves the backup job over Haskins.  I’m sure it’s a foregone conclusion but I just don’t see much upside in Rudolph.  
 

He seems to be another Landry Jones, maybe a hair better