irish eyes
Footballguy
This is what the team has turned into. This is what you get when strive for mediocrity and want to be a buddy to your players.
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2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (13 Viewers)
- Thread starter Godsbrother
- Start date
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I think he wasn’t in a good position to block there without getting a flag.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Regardless of what they do with the coaching staff this offseason, they need to have a really bad year next season. You can’t win in this league without a QB and they have some of the worst talent at that position in the league. It won’t matter who is coaching if they’re rolling out any of these 3 guys next year.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Don't be surprised if Tomlin runs to another team already built with a QB in place after next season. He knows who he is when it comes to building a team from the ground up.
irish eyes
Footballguy
Doubtful, he will stay where he is with no worries of getting canned. Would love if he left though.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Part of me doubts he wants to stay and be exposed more, but then again it's easy money with no stress, so maybe you're right.
I'm 50/50 on what he does, but I do think it will be his choice.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The Steelers were up by 13 and driving for a potential third score when Trubisky through the pick. Wasn’t the best pass but Pickens timed his jump badly and allowed the defender to pick it off.
There was no way Pickens should have allowed that. The guy has all the talent in the world but is soft. That was the turning point of the game.
The defense was atrocious from that point on but they were playing middle linebackers and safeties that should be watching football on their couches.
I do think it is time for Tomlin and the Steelers to get a divorce. At this point I can’t imagine a scenario signing him to an extension so rather than having a lame duck they either need to trade or fire him.
Assuming they can’t work out a trade I could see a situation where they come to an agreement where he resigns rather than having to fire him.
Given the health and psyche of this team I can’t see any more wins with the possible exception of the finale against Baltimore if they are rester their starters but really the Steelers I saw yesterday would have struggled against a college team.
There was no way Pickens should have allowed that. The guy has all the talent in the world but is soft. That was the turning point of the game.
The defense was atrocious from that point on but they were playing middle linebackers and safeties that should be watching football on their couches.
I do think it is time for Tomlin and the Steelers to get a divorce. At this point I can’t imagine a scenario signing him to an extension so rather than having a lame duck they either need to trade or fire him.
Assuming they can’t work out a trade I could see a situation where they come to an agreement where he resigns rather than having to fire him.
Given the health and psyche of this team I can’t see any more wins with the possible exception of the finale against Baltimore if they are rester their starters but really the Steelers I saw yesterday would have struggled against a college team.
Steelers homer and fan here.
I hope they lose out so there’s a chance of real change and a house cleaning of the coaching staff.
I also wish they would trade TJ, Minkah, Pickens, Dionte, and others.
You can turn things around quickly in the NFL and while a house clearing doesn’t guarantee success it does accelerate the process and the chance of success. Hovering around .500 every year and “being in the playoff hunt” shouldn’t be seen as the barometer of success the current staff and ownership accepts.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Didn’t they trade away their first? If we are trading Watt, I would hope they get a first in return.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Linky to article about coach trades
Coach trades are rare there are only 8 times it happened (including the compensation to the Colts for Shula)
Interesting in that on average the teams acquiring the coach have made out pretty good. But it seems that trading a coach about to be fired isn't much of a thing.
I am guessing a meaningless extension is more likely - I call it meaningless in the sense that teams usually don't like having a lame duck coach which means the extra year on these deal essentially is like a severance package more than a guarantee the guy stays.
-QG
Coach trades are rare there are only 8 times it happened (including the compensation to the Colts for Shula)
Interesting in that on average the teams acquiring the coach have made out pretty good. But it seems that trading a coach about to be fired isn't much of a thing.
I am guessing a meaningless extension is more likely - I call it meaningless in the sense that teams usually don't like having a lame duck coach which means the extra year on these deal essentially is like a severance package more than a guarantee the guy stays.
-QG
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Carolina owner isn't going to go after Tomlin unless he doesn't like him and wants to fire him in a short period of time. Tepper is a dumpster fire type of owner. Tepper has owned the team for 5.5 years. I think I read somewhere that prior to Tepper owning the team the Panthers made the playoffs 4 out of 5 years. Last 5 years they haven't sniffed the playoffs. I also don't think the Rooney's would put Tomlin in a bad landing spot such as Carolina.
JohnnyU
Footballguy
No one is giving a high draft pick for Tomlin. I haven't read too far back, so ignore if that isn't the premise here.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
So, how many draft picks do we have this year?
Holes all over, but I think that Center, ILB, and QB are priorities, as are all secondary positions. Not sure where we are in cap space. Really think that KP picked has set us back 4-5 years. Maybe they do end up trading Watt and Fitz unless some vets can fill holes and we actually spend, because otherwise we are wasting them and they will be past their primes when we catch up.
Holes all over, but I think that Center, ILB, and QB are priorities, as are all secondary positions. Not sure where we are in cap space. Really think that KP picked has set us back 4-5 years. Maybe they do end up trading Watt and Fitz unless some vets can fill holes and we actually spend, because otherwise we are wasting them and they will be past their primes when we catch up.
steelers1080
Footballguy
1, 2, 3, 4, 4 (Rams), 6, 7
steelers1080
Footballguy
I think the doom and gloom is overblown. Our offense has sucked all season, but there have been times where our defense actually looked great. I think the folks saying we should blow up the team and start a 4-5 year rebuild process are wrong. Also, I've finally come around that it might be time to move on from Tomlin, as what's best for him and for the Steelers. I'm still not convinced Art II will do it, but I'd be ok with it.
Here's why things can turn around:
If the Steelers hire Sullivan/Faulkner to be OC, retain Teryl Austin, and make 0 changes at coaching, then yeah, we're f***ed (at least in the short term).
Here's why things can turn around:
- Our coaches suck. Hear me out. We have had multiple players leave the Steelers recently that were left for dead, and they almost immediately became much better on their new teams (Dotson, Green, Spillane, Witherspoon). We have the talent, we just need the coaching staff that can maximize that talent.
- We already got rid of 1 terrible coordinator, we just need to get rid of the other. Teryl Austin has been getting bailed out by amazing players, but I am convinced he's still a terrible DC (he was terrible at his previous stops too). If we are able to hire 2 decent coordinators from outside the team, and replace the assistants, there's a chance we can see an immediate improvement on both sides of the ball, even before accounting for personnel changes.
- We have talented players! On offense we have decent RBs, TEs, and WRs (though lack of effort and incorrect routes hurt), and we have 3 decent O-linemen. Better coaching can hopefully resonate with our divas and get them back on track. Tomlin was somehow able to corral AB for years but is having problems with Pickens. On D we have a great front 5 of Watt, Heyward, Benton, Ogunjobi, and Highsmith. Minkah and Porter are excellent in the secondary, and Cole Holcomb was playing well before his injury. Elandon Roberts is decent in the run game, but not great in coverage. I also have high hopes for Nick Herbig as a great 3rd option at OLB. And based on the buzz out of camp there's hope at CB 2 if Trice can come back healthy; I wouldn't rely on this, but nice to have in our back pocket.
- We have holes that are fixable, and a great GM to fix them! Center and OT, probably add a WR in case we trade one of ours. ILB, CB, S, and DT (to eventually replace Heyward). If we can get a stud ILB to pair with Holcomb (hopefully recovered fully), then that solves a lot that ails us in the run game and middle of the field coverage. Still bummed we didn't trade for Roquan.
- There's moves to be made to save cap space & possibly gain picks:
- Cut Mitch - Save $3 mil
- Trade Diontae (hopefully for a 3rd?) - Save $10 mil
- Cut A-Rob (Sorry A-rob) - Save $10 mil
- Cut Chuks - Save $8.8 mil
- Extend James Daniels - Current Cap Hit $11 mil, could reduce by ~$5 mil easily
- Cut Mason Cole - Save $5 mil
- Extend Cam Heyward 2 years - Reduce Cap Hit by ~$10 mil (if they cut Cam we'd save $16 mil, but that would be sad)
- If they are blowing up the roster fully, cut or trade Larry O - Save $6 mil (do not recommend)
- Restructure TJ - Move $6 mil (Could be restructured, traded, or extended; I'd leave this contract alone)
- If they do the recommended moves: Save $51.8 mil
- Projected salary Cap in 2024 is $240 mil, if we save $51.8 we'd be at ~$199 mil
- The Steelers don't currently have any players we NEED to re-sign. We already have 41 signed, though I do list a few cuts.
- Free Agents! I trust Omar to find us some help in areas where the draft might be thin.
- The Draft! I think Omar and Andy knocked it out of the park last year and I trust them to do the same this year. If we take a QB, I have faith they'll be good. If they pass on QB to get other pieces, then that must be what's best. The QB piece will obviously be the most difficult to figure out, but I'm going to give Omar more than 1 offseason to try and get the Steelers back to greatness.
If the Steelers hire Sullivan/Faulkner to be OC, retain Teryl Austin, and make 0 changes at coaching, then yeah, we're f***ed (at least in the short term).
steelers1080
Footballguy
Also, looks like we'll probably get a top 10 pick unless something surprising happens. Lots of the teams around us have games against NE/Carolina/Bears/AZ/etc.
It would be typical Steelers to somehow win 2 more games, even though we are not good.
It would be typical Steelers to somehow win 2 more games, even though we are not good.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
That's some good work on that post @steelers1080 and much appreciated.
I'm glad you pointed out something many miss when it comes to coaching. Those players left and are now playing at a much higher level, and that's reflection on the Steeler coaching staff, plain and simple. Most of those things you listed I can get on board with, but if coaching remains the same, I'll approach next season yet again with no enthusiasm nor any expectation as a fan.
I'm glad you pointed out something many miss when it comes to coaching. Those players left and are now playing at a much higher level, and that's reflection on the Steeler coaching staff, plain and simple. Most of those things you listed I can get on board with, but if coaching remains the same, I'll approach next season yet again with no enthusiasm nor any expectation as a fan.
I like where you're going with this and yes, the coaches suck. If Tomlin is made out to be a lame duck coach next year, then in theory, then it will be hard to get a quality OC/DC for 2024. Cam Heyward will be 35 years old next season. Yes, it will be emotional if he gets cut. But nothing should be off the table. Mitch T needs to go as well as Mason. They need to draft a QB and bring someone in. Keeping in mind that KP is brittle.
As much as I like George Pickens skillset. Taking plays off are affecting the score board. Personally, I think overall there's a lack of accountability and holding players to a higher standard that is not occurring. Let's say Tomlin is kept and keeps Sullivan/Faulkner as the OC. I hope they revamp the playbook big time, or it will be more of the same. Coaching staff needs revamped from top to bottom.
I'd find a way to trade Najee. Find a TE who can actually block. Unless that guy next year is Darnell. Pat F is great in the passing game. Not so much in the run game as a blocker.
As much as I like George Pickens skillset. Taking plays off are affecting the score board. Personally, I think overall there's a lack of accountability and holding players to a higher standard that is not occurring. Let's say Tomlin is kept and keeps Sullivan/Faulkner as the OC. I hope they revamp the playbook big time, or it will be more of the same. Coaching staff needs revamped from top to bottom.
I'd find a way to trade Najee. Find a TE who can actually block. Unless that guy next year is Darnell. Pat F is great in the passing game. Not so much in the run game as a blocker.
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
Waaaaaaaaaaaay too early walk the mock draft. Since 9 QB went before pick 23, making this an eat your veggies draft. Rebuild the trenches, ILB and nab Wiggins because the secondary needs talent. Most likely, the Steelers picks will move up the board by EOS. I don't think the Steelers will go QB round 1. Need to sort out coaching situation and develop a plan.
| Pick | Player | Pos | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:23 | Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson |
| 2:23 | Patrick Paul | OT | Houston |
| 3:23 | Zach Frazier | IOL | West Virginia |
| 4:14 | Junior Colson | LB | Michigan |
| 4:23 | Smael Mondon Jr. | LB | Georgia |
| 6:23 | DeWayne Carter | DL | Duke |
| 7:23 | Da'Quan Felton | WR | Virginia Tech |
I think Tomlin would draw back a very high pick, more then Sean Payton that's for sure. But I don't really understand how these coach trades work in today's environment. BB and Tomlin are to established to just get traded without their consent, they just have to many options. Payton was retired so different circumstances, but if you can't get Tomlin or BB on board with being traded and starting their new jobs short a premium pick it just won't work it.
I don't think Tomlin in a lame duck status is going to work for anyone either so it's IMO going to be an extension or he's gone and I lean the latter.
I don't think Tomlin in a lame duck status is going to work for anyone either so it's IMO going to be an extension or he's gone and I lean the latter.
H8fulHuck
Footballguy
Several good points. Muuuuth tends to be a liability as a blocker. Fortunately, Washington is a Monster!
Coaching comment appears to be SPOT ON: Remember Eric Bieniemy came to town last offseason and left without joining the Steelers? Word was the organization wanted him to "assist" not replace Canada. Smart move to run for the hills on his part. Current coaching staff/coordination is the primary reason the Steelers have sucked over the past several years.
You're depressing me the Steeler's had a chance at EB but decided to try to sell him on assisting the worst ever OC. Yes, talk about a slap in the face. Brian Flores I'm sure he'd have stayed if he was offered the DC job. These 2 men as coordinators could have been successful. When I pass on. I'll ask the big guy would killed JFK and if EB and BF how big of difference would they have made if the Steelers had them as the coordinators. Right now, the way the Steeler's are situated. Tomlin will be in the last year of his contract in 2024. That and the fact that KP regressed big time doesn't make the offensive coordinator position appealing other than the fact it's one of 32 OC jobs in the NFL and pays good money.
If you get bored in bing via chatgpt. Type in a players full name as well 2023 stats. For Kenny Pickett copilot thinks he's a rising star sure he has nowhere but to go up after a dismal season. But here's the stats they speak for themself.
Kenny Pickett 2023 stas
In the 2023 NFL season, Kenny Pickett, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has put up the following stats per game:
Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make an impact on the field!
If you get bored in bing via chatgpt. Type in a players full name as well 2023 stats. For Kenny Pickett copilot thinks he's a rising star sure he has nowhere but to go up after a dismal season. But here's the stats they speak for themself.
Kenny Pickett 2023 stas
In the 2023 NFL season, Kenny Pickett, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has put up the following stats per game:
- Passing Yards: 2,070 yards (27th in the league)
- Touchdowns: 6 (34th in the league)
- Interceptions: 4 (Tied-64th in the league)
- Quarterback Rating (QBR): 37.7 (25th in the league)
Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make an impact on the field!
steelers1080
Footballguy
A lot of people want Tomlin fired, who do you want hired to replace him?
I've seen Ben Johnson floated, who else?
I've seen Ben Johnson floated, who else?
Wingnut
Footballguy
Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended For The Rest Of The Season For Hit On Colts WR
Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended For The Rest Of The Season For Hit On Colts WR
The NFL apparently isn’t playing around anymore with player safety… Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee has been fined this season for hits he’s made on opposing players, and after the shot he had on Colts WR Michael Pittman Sunday, the league has laid down the hammer, suspending him for the...
dailysnark.com
Wingnut
Footballguy
Here's the press release on Kazee
Wow, did not even think he should have been ejected.Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended For The Rest Of The Season For Hit On Colts WR
Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended For The Rest Of The Season For Hit On Colts WR
The NFL apparently isn’t playing around anymore with player safety… Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee has been fined this season for hits he’s made on opposing players, and after the shot he had on Colts WR Michael Pittman Sunday, the league has laid down the hammer, suspending him for the...
JohnnyU
Footballguy
"multiple prior violations of rules designed to protect the health and safety of players". Is this guy just stupid or he tries to mam players?
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Harsh sentence for Kazee but deserved. He could have really seriously injured Pittman there. I love big hits but that one was out of line.
Honestly, I didn't think the hit was intentional and I as well thought he shouldn't have been ejected. Wasn't aware of multiple violations. If anything, the QB and WR should be held accountable here as well. The league has gone too soft on WR. Now I'm not saying WR should be hit at will. Pickens should to wake him up 
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Kazee is a reckless fool who was also suspended for substance abuse last season.
Cut him if you have any integrity left.
Cut him if you have any integrity left.
steelers1080
Footballguy
It was his 5th or 6th offense this year.
The main issue with the Pittman hit is that he lowered his head, his facemask was facing the ground when he hit him. Even if he leads with his shoulder, you have to keep your head up; it's literally the Shazier rule.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Bobby Slowik from the Shanny tree is another.
What he's done with CJ cannot be ignored.
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daveR
Footballguy
That was a good season for that collection of talent. Fire your GM instead!
belljr
Footballguy
Yeah if Pittman doesn't dive this is a non starter...... I didn't think it was intentionally dirty but it is what it isHonestly, I didn't think the hit was intentional and I as well thought he shouldn't have been ejected. Wasn't aware of multiple violations. If anything, the QB and WR should be held accountable here as well. The league has gone too soft on WR. Now I'm not saying WR should be hit at will. Pickens should to wake him up
belljr
Footballguy
He just started last year lol
steelers1080
Footballguy
Honestly, I was hoping so hard at the end of last season that our OC/DC this year would be Slowik and Flores. I'd be ok with giving Slowik a shot (assuming he gels with Omar). Could be a risk if we/he wanted to be OC & HC. I'm in the camp that HC should be HC and not call plays. He can definitely help with development and offensive design though.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I would welcome a Reid/Shanny type HC who's imprint would be all over the offense no matter who the OC is calling plays. We need someone desperately who can help develop and groom a young QB. Nobody on this current staff is qualified to do that, or to run an up to date type offense. Again, Ben is not here to pull 3 or 4 wins out a season anymore, so more efficient coaching is now required more than ever on many levels.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
It got old years ago. People are finally noticing because the talent to cover up his shortcomings as a coach isn't there anymore.
McBokonon
Footballguy
Unless someone drops to them in the draft that they have actually evaluated to potentially be a franchise QB (as opposed to the owner forcing the local college kid on them), then I want them taking BPA in the draft and trying to sign some veteran QB who may not be awesome but isn’t incompetent. I have no idea what Baker’s situation is but he fits the profile.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
the Steelers have to solidify that offensive line before they worry about QB.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I definitely do not want either Fields or Mayfield. That will continue to set them back. Neither of those guys are winning this team a Super Bowl. We need to find one in the draft but it likely won't be this upcoming draft. As Godsbrother said, let's first solidify that line and put the new QB in a position to succeed. This does not have to be a 4-5 year rebuild but it will be at least 2 years.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Yep. My feeling is they stick with Pickett next season and spend the draft capital and salary cap to field a competent offensive line. Fire Tomlin and get an offensive minded headcoach to bring in an entirely new coaching staff. If Pickett somehow blossoms then great, pick up his 5th year option. If he sucks then the team will likely have a high draft pick in 2025 to hopefully draft a potential franchise quarterback.
This is the approach they should have taken in 2022.
This is the approach they should have taken in 2022.
steelers1080
Footballguy
In an ideal world, they do both, but I think a better QB would do fine behind our line as long as we upgrade center. There were times this year where Kenny had the league average amount of time in the pocket.
Getting a QB in the 1st, Center in the 2nd, and OT help in FA could help a lot of woes, but does leave our D exposed. I think Dan Moore acting as backup tackle would make me feel a lot better.
Also, what if we get a couple new coaches and Dan Moore suddenly improves, like Dotson in LA. That's best case scenario. Immediate improvement of assets we already have.
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