Bryant McFadden Starting PIT CB vs. NO (1 Viewer)

[The Hank]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06312/736757-66.stm



This move I think has been delayed for quite some time now. Ever since McFadden came on late last season I have been an advocate for Bryant starting over the incumbent Townshend. Deshea has been beaten weekly by opposing teams and in my opinion is better suited as a nickel or dime CB. Ike Taylor got smoked last game by Javon Walker, but for the most part, has contained many elite WRs very well this season (CJ, Moss, etc..) All in all, I hope that McFadden does well starting sunday, but im just afraid that the roll that Brees is on with Colston, Horn, and Henderson.. it could be a long day for the steelers pass D... What are your guys thoughts?

**EDIT -- to add personal insight**

 

[gkza]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06312/736757-66.stm



This move I think has been delayed for quite some time now. Ever since McFadden came on late last season I have been an advocate for Bryant starting over the incumbent Townshend. Deshea has been beaten weekly by opposing teams and in my opinion is better suited as a nickel or dime CB. Ike Taylor got smoked last game by Javon Walker, but for the most part, has contained many elite WRs very well this season (CJ, Moss, etc..) All in all, I hope that McFadden does well starting sunday, but im just afraid that the roll that Brees is on with Colston, Horn, and Henderson.. it could be a long day for the steelers pass D... What are your guys thoughts?

**EDIT -- to add personal insight**

He should have been starting all year. He had a HUGE pick in the playoffs, that helped them get to the SB. The guy was so dominate in college no QB dared to throw to his side of the field. Bad decision by Cowher

 

[Steelers4Life]

Ike has a problem catching interceptions, but he's done a nice job against the #1 WRs on most of the teams the Steelers have faced. I don't like this move. While I agree that McFadden should be starting, I think he's replacing the wrong corner.

 

[Borat]

Ike Taylor got smoked last game by Javon Walker, but for the most part, has contained many elite WRs very well this season (CJ, Moss, etc..)

Has anyone else besides Taylor been able to contain these two beasts this season?

 

[The Hank]

Ike has a problem catching interceptions, but he's done a nice job against the #1 WRs on most of the teams the Steelers have faced. I don't like this move. While I agree that McFadden should be starting, I think he's replacing the wrong corner.

agreed.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2655127

 

[Hairy Snowman]

IMHO the defense really isnt the problem - Its been put under alot of strain this year.

The problem is offensive ball control and Pittsburgs inability to keep the ball away from their opponents.

IMO Ben has killed this team coming off his injuries with all the turnovers. IMO After they saw Batch play, they should have gone with Batch and brought Ben back much later in the year (ala Holmgren). Keeping Ben in seems almost somewhat desperate in hindsight, as though they didn't have faith in the other option.

just my 2 cents - I think all 3 corners have skills and are keepers. Just a tough roll for the Steelers.

Snowman

PS - They could also use a big back on the roster - Stephen Davis might have been the perfect fit...........................

oh well, woulda, coulda, shoulda........................

 

[jetpack]

Ike has a problem catching interceptions, but he's done a nice job against the #1 WRs on most of the teams the Steelers have faced. I don't like this move. While I agree that McFadden should be starting, I think he's replacing the wrong corner.

agreed.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2655127

Let's face it. DeShea Townsend is what he is - db spackle. He isn't going to get any better than he is, so benching him doesn't really accomplish anything long term for the team. If you bench Taylor (who just made bank), you at least have the chance of motivating him for the future.

 

[Godsbrother]

IMHO the defense really isnt the problem - Its been put under alot of strain this year.The problem is offensive ball control and Pittsburgs inability to keep the ball away from their opponents. IMO Ben has killed this team coming off his injuries with all the turnovers. IMO After they saw Batch play, they should have gone with Batch and brought Ben back much later in the year (ala Holmgren). Keeping Ben in seems almost somewhat desperate in hindsight, as though they didn't have faith in the other option.just my 2 cents - I think all 3 corners have skills and are keepers. Just a tough roll for the Steelers. SnowmanPS - They could also use a big back on the roster - Stephen Davis might have been the perfect fit...........................oh well, woulda, coulda, shoulda........................

The defense was a BIG problem last week. Every time the Steelers had momentum the defense allowed a big play. While it is true that 14 points were set up by special teams mishaps (fumble on one and penalty on another) that doesn't mean the defense has to give up a TD every time they have a short field. This has been a recurring theme for the Steelers defense this season.And the defense also allowed a 63 yard TD drive to start the game and gave up three plays later that were 50 yards or greater. The 72 yard TD run by Javon Walker to start the 3rd quarter was particularly devasting since the Steelers had narrowed the score to 14-10 and looked to have momentum going into halftime.Ben's interceptions verses Cincinnati and Oakland were obviously huge factors in those games but he & Batch threw 5 TDs, 0 ints verses Atlanta and Ben's three interceptions last week did not result in any Denver points (all came inside DENVER's 15 yard line).Don't get me wrong, the defense has played well at times this season (MIA, JAX, OAK) but overall they've been a disppointment. As for the CB situation, I agree with the sentiment that McFadden should be starting for Townsend and not Ike Taylor but I can see why the decision was made. Ike Taylor was a factor (or should I say a non-factor) in nearly all of Denver's big plays last week.

 

[CrossEyed]

I'm guessing this is a temporary move designed to send a message. I'd be surprised if Ike wasn't starting again next week.

 

[SteelerMurf]

I'm guessing this is a temporary move designed to send a message. I'd be surprised if Ike wasn't starting again next week.

Townshend is the guy to be benched, in fact, McFadden should have been starting for him all along.I think this is for disciplinary reasons for him to start for Ike. Ike has been great for 2 seasons and had one horrible game. If you are gonna bench a Steeler for 1 bad game here ya go:BenStarks HartingsSimmons (already benched a couple times)Porter (does he even play anymore)TownshendTroy P. after the Jags game that he played with one armCedrick WilsonThat is why I think this is for personal, not performance reasons.

 

[AcousticNut]

Local sports talk guy, Stan Savran, was saying on his show tonight that Cower said not to believe everything that you're seeing in practice. Stan seemed to think that Ike would be starting this weekend and that he was just displaced in practice to send a message.

 

[Franknbeans]

-- Ike Taylor Not Benched? --

Fri Nov 10, 2006 --from FFMastermind.com

The Post Gazette reports Steelers HC Coach Bill Cowher cautioned against "reading too many things" into the status of CB Ike Taylor, who appears to have lost his starting job to Bryant McFadden after a poor performance against the Denver Broncos. Taylor, who was beaten for a pair of touchdown passes and catches of 38 and 61 yards by Denver's WR Javon Walker, said he was told he might not start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field. When asked about Taylor yesterday, Cowher said, "At this point, no concrete decision has been made." He said he might not decide which player will start at cornerback until pre-game warmups. "Like with any player, when you go through periods of coming off a tough game or a tough series of games, you have to work through it, fight through it," Cowher said. "I'm going to make decisions that I feel give us the best chance of winning and do that on a week-to-week basis."

 

[Godsbrother]

The Denver game aside, Taylor has been pretty good the past season and a half. Good enough that the Steelers signed him to a long term contract. Townsend is the CB McFadden should be starting over.

Not that it will matter much this week. I expect the Steelers to be in lots of dime/nickle packages against the Saints so all three will be get a lot of playing time.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ike has a problem catching interceptions, but he's done a nice job against the #1 WRs on most of the teams the Steelers have faced. I don't like this move. While I agree that McFadden should be starting, I think he's replacing the wrong corner.

Taylor is their best cover corner. You'll still see plenty of Ike - I think Cowher's trying to send him a message after that performance last weekend that even though he has a big new contract, he's not going to be handed anything.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I guess I should have read past post #2 before I said what 5 other people have already said.

 

[Godsbrother]

The really scarey thing for Steelers fans is that Cowher is talking about putting Holmes back in to return punts.

Holmes likely to return puntsFriday, November 10, 2006By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDespite two more fumbles on special teams last week, rookie wide receiver Santonio Holmes might be back as a punt-returner against the Saints, Cowher said.Holmes fumbled a kickoff that led to the Broncos' second touchdown, then also fumbled while returning a punt. That fumble was recovered by McFadden. Holmes, who has five fumbles on his past 16 touches on kick returns, was yanked from the return units after the second fumble."I'm leaning toward Santonio getting back out there," Cowher said.Cowher indicated he will probably not use Holmes on kick returns.

 

[The Hank]

The really scarey thing for Steelers fans is that Cowher is talking about putting Holmes back in to return punts.

Holmes likely to return puntsFriday, November 10, 2006By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDespite two more fumbles on special teams last week, rookie wide receiver Santonio Holmes might be back as a punt-returner against the Saints, Cowher said.Holmes fumbled a kickoff that led to the Broncos' second touchdown, then also fumbled while returning a punt. That fumble was recovered by McFadden. Holmes, who has five fumbles on his past 16 touches on kick returns, was yanked from the return units after the second fumble."I'm leaning toward Santonio getting back out there," Cowher said.Cowher indicated he will probably not use Holmes on kick returns.

I'd rather put a hobbled Willie Reid back there than healthy Santonio, hell, I'd rather have Max Starks down there if he could catch and hold on to a ball.

 

[Godsbrother]

The really scarey thing for Steelers fans is that Cowher is talking about putting Holmes back in to return punts.

Holmes likely to return puntsFriday, November 10, 2006By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDespite two more fumbles on special teams last week, rookie wide receiver Santonio Holmes might be back as a punt-returner against the Saints, Cowher said.Holmes fumbled a kickoff that led to the Broncos' second touchdown, then also fumbled while returning a punt. That fumble was recovered by McFadden. Holmes, who has five fumbles on his past 16 touches on kick returns, was yanked from the return units after the second fumble."I'm leaning toward Santonio getting back out there," Cowher said.Cowher indicated he will probably not use Holmes on kick returns.

I'd rather put a hobbled Willie Reid back there than healthy Santonio, hell, I'd rather have Max Starks down there if he could catch and hold on to a ball.

Max would tough to bring down once he got rolling ...

 

[NOONAN]

The really scarey thing for Steelers fans is that Cowher is talking about putting Holmes back in to return punts.

Holmes likely to return puntsFriday, November 10, 2006By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDespite two more fumbles on special teams last week, rookie wide receiver Santonio Holmes might be back as a punt-returner against the Saints, Cowher said.Holmes fumbled a kickoff that led to the Broncos' second touchdown, then also fumbled while returning a punt. That fumble was recovered by McFadden. Holmes, who has five fumbles on his past 16 touches on kick returns, was yanked from the return units after the second fumble."I'm leaning toward Santonio getting back out there," Cowher said.Cowher indicated he will probably not use Holmes on kick returns.

I'd rather put a hobbled Willie Reid back there than healthy Santonio, hell, I'd rather have Max Starks down there if he could catch and hold on to a ball.

Since this is Ike's thread, will he get more KR duty this week like last week? If so, can you say T, McGee???

 

[The Hank]

The really scarey thing for Steelers fans is that Cowher is talking about putting Holmes back in to return punts.

Holmes likely to return puntsFriday, November 10, 2006By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDespite two more fumbles on special teams last week, rookie wide receiver Santonio Holmes might be back as a punt-returner against the Saints, Cowher said.Holmes fumbled a kickoff that led to the Broncos' second touchdown, then also fumbled while returning a punt. That fumble was recovered by McFadden. Holmes, who has five fumbles on his past 16 touches on kick returns, was yanked from the return units after the second fumble."I'm leaning toward Santonio getting back out there," Cowher said.Cowher indicated he will probably not use Holmes on kick returns.

I'd rather put a hobbled Willie Reid back there than healthy Santonio, hell, I'd rather have Max Starks down there if he could catch and hold on to a ball.

Since this is Ike's thread, will he get more KR duty this week like last week? If so, can you say T, McGee???

To be honest Noonan, I think that it will be a mixture of Najeh, then either Ike, Cedrick, or Santonio like last week. Im guessing Santonio starts out again, and if he falters early, Cowher will not hesitate to put Ike in for KR and Cedrick for PR.

 

[NOONAN]

Since this is Ike's thread, will he get more KR duty this week like last week? If so, can you say T, McGee???

To be honest Noonan, I think that it will be a mixture of Najeh, then either Ike, Cedrick, or Santonio like last week. Im guessing Santonio starts out again, and if he falters early, Cowher will not hesitate to put Ike in for KR and Cedrick for PR.

Looking at last week's play-by-play, Ike got the last two returns after DP got the first and Holmes' fumble on his two attempts. Was DP back with him as the lead blocker/#2 option in the second half??? TIA

 

[The Hank]

Since this is Ike's thread, will he get more KR duty this week like last week? If so, can you say T, McGee???

To be honest Noonan, I think that it will be a mixture of Najeh, then either Ike, Cedrick, or Santonio like last week. Im guessing Santonio starts out again, and if he falters early, Cowher will not hesitate to put Ike in for KR and Cedrick for PR.

Looking at last week's play-by-play, Ike got the last two returns after DP got the first and Holmes' fumble on his two attempts. Was DP back with him as the lead blocker/#2 option in the second half??? TIA

I was at the game and Davenport and Santonio were there at the start, after the fumbles happened, it was then Davenport and Ike, with Cedrick Wilson handling the PR duties which i thought was silly because he had a costly fumble at the 6 yd line!

 

[The Jacket]

Get ready to see Colston and Horn's mugshot on the "Start'em" portion of Start'em/Sit'em.

 

[NOONAN]

Since this is Ike's thread, will he get more KR duty this week like last week? If so, can you say T, McGee???

To be honest Noonan, I think that it will be a mixture of Najeh, then either Ike, Cedrick, or Santonio like last week. Im guessing Santonio starts out again, and if he falters early, Cowher will not hesitate to put Ike in for KR and Cedrick for PR.

Looking at last week's play-by-play, Ike got the last two returns after DP got the first and Holmes' fumble on his two attempts. Was DP back with him as the lead blocker/#2 option in the second half??? TIA

I was at the game and Davenport and Santonio were there at the start, after the fumbles happened, it was then Davenport and Ike, with Cedrick Wilson handling the PR duties which i thought was silly because he had a costly fumble at the 6 yd line!

Cool. Thanks for the info, Hank!!! I'm diggin' for a little DB gold!!! This league gives return yards, obviously. Ike vs. NO passing + Ret Yds = Deal.

This is part of what makes FBG great!!!

 

[The Hank]

Get ready to see Colston and Horn's mugshot on the "Start'em" portion of Start'em/Sit'em.

As a Steeler fan, Im frightened to see what could happen if Brees goes AWOL like he has the past couple weeks, with Javon Walker torching the Steelers last week, im afraid to see what Colston could do to them on his own torrid pace. Not to mention Devery Henderson stepping up and Joe Horn possibly coming back...

 

[hellz_fireflies]

This thread belongs in the IDP forum..would help alot there..plus get better replies.

This forum has enough problem getting log jam with regular threads..just to say.

MOD's move to IDP forum please.

 

[Godsbrother]

I heard this morning that Santonio is likely to go back to returning punts but that Ike Taylor would be with Najeh Davneport on kickoffs.