This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.
Nate Washington could be a real sleeper here if Ward's injury causes him to miss significant time.I think he has a chance to catch 60 because of Hines Ward's lingering hamstring issue and the fact that nobody else has really stepped up to seriously challenge him for catches. Santonio Holmes has been battling injuries and when he's been healthy he hasn't impressed.
Definitely possible. But the good news is the Steelers were being overly cautious with Hines and expect him to return to full practice this weekend in preparation for the regular season opener against Miami.Sure. Especially since Hines is likely to miss a few games with that lingering hammy injury.
Oh I think he'll definitely be out there for the opener. I'm just afraid he's going to have this be a lingering problem all year. Every time he tried to come back in TC he had to sit back out. Seems like it could be one of those nagging things that never completely goes away.Back to Cedrick, I was really hoping to snag him late in our draft, but we have far too many Steeler homers. He went earlier than he should have. But I see him being a much bigger part of the offense this year than El was last year.Definitely possible. But the good news is the Steelers were being overly cautious with Hines and expect him to return to full practice this weekend in preparation for the regular season opener against Miami.Sure. Especially since Hines is likely to miss a few games with that lingering hammy injury.
I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.
Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.
I think he has a chance to catch 60 because of Hines Ward's lingering hamstring issue and the fact that nobody else has really stepped up to seriously challenge him for catches. Santonio Holmes has been battling injuries and when he's been healthy he hasn't impressed.
Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.
Hey GB, you think they're going to keep 6 WRs again? Obviously Ward, Wilson and Washington are the top 3. Reid and Holmes are certain to make the 53 man roster. Who's the odd man out, Morey or Morgan?Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.Quincy will probably be the #4 WR going into the season and as a kick returner.
I think they keep all 7.3C said:Hey GB, you think they're going to keep 6 WRs again? Obviously Ward, Wilson and Washington are the top 3. Reid and Holmes are certain to make the 53 man roster. Who's the odd man out, Morey or Morgan?Godsbrother said:CrossEyed said:Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.Bluestaples said:I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?Godsbrother said:I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.Quincy will probably be the #4 WR going into the season and as a kick returner.
I definitely think the Steelers will keep 6 WRs and Morgan is far superior to Morey so he'll get the nod. It helps Morgan's case that he also plays on special teams.Morey could still make the club for just special teams but I think it is a toss-up between him and Chidi Iwuoma for that spot. I don't think they'll keep both. They need to drop 22 players this weekend.3C said:Hey GB, you think they're going to keep 6 WRs again? Obviously Ward, Wilson and Washington are the top 3. Reid and Holmes are certain to make the 53 man roster. Who's the odd man out, Morey or Morgan?Godsbrother said:CrossEyed said:Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.Bluestaples said:I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?Godsbrother said:I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack. 3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.Quincy will probably be the #4 WR going into the season and as a kick returner.
Morey IS a special teamer, I didn't realize that Morgan also plays special teams in addition to WR - that sure seems like it may be a deal breaker for Morey, but... one thing that may be in Morey's favor - wasn't he the special teams captain last year?I definitely think the Steelers will keep 6 WRs and Morgan is far superior to Morey so he'll get the nod. It helps Morgan's case that he also plays on special teams.Morey could still make the club for just special teams but I think it is a toss-up between him and Chidi Iwuoma for that spot. I don't think they'll keep both. They need to drop 22 players this weekend.3C said:Hey GB, you think they're going to keep 6 WRs again? Obviously Ward, Wilson and Washington are the top 3. Reid and Holmes are certain to make the 53 man roster. Who's the odd man out, Morey or Morgan?Godsbrother said:CrossEyed said:Right now I think Quincy is #4 or #5. He provides a lot of value on special teams and thety seem to really like that about him. But I don't see him being any more than the #4 guy behind Ward, Wilson and Washington. And eventually behind Holmes as he gets a better grasp on the pro game.Bluestaples said:I'm curious as to your thoughts on Quincy Morgan... I seem to remember him playing well in spots during last years play-offs? #3 guy? #4 guy? any chance of him being #2 at some point this season? Maybe if ward was out?Godsbrother said:I posted this in another thread:
This might be just a homer call but I like Cedrick Wilson this year for the following reasons:
1) This is his second season with the Steelers. WRs in their first year with a new club often struggle. Wilson really came on in the post season last year and has looked good in the preseason.
2) The Steelers are going to throw more this season. They're still going to run but I see them turning more of the offense over to Ben and I expect them to have more of a balanced attack.
3) Hines Ward. If he stays healthy Ward will draw double coverage. If his hammy injury presists, Wilson becomes the #1 receiver. Either way it should mean more targets. And no more Randel El doesn't hurt either.Quincy will probably be the #4 WR going into the season and as a kick returner.
yesMorey IS a special teamer, I didn't realize that Morgan also plays special teams in addition to WR - that sure seems like it may be a deal breaker for Morey, but... one thing that may be in Morey's favor - wasn't he the special teams captain last year?
Yes, I thought that it was already understood that Morey is mainly a special teams player. You are correct that Morey was the ST captain so that may be a factor in choosing him over Chidi but in the end, the better player will likely get kept. From that standpoint I see Chidi making a lot more plays on ST than Morey.Morey IS a special teamer, I didn't realize that Morgan also plays special teams in addition to WR - that sure seems like it may be a deal breaker for Morey, but... one thing that may be in Morey's favor - wasn't he the special teams captain last year?
By Mike Prisuta
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, August 21, 2006
Nine offensive linemen or 10? Two tight ends or three? Five wide receivers or six? Or seven? And is there a quarterback in training camp worthy of a roster spot as the No. 3 at the position?
Those were some of the critical questions Steelers coaches and personnel people were wrestling with prior to Saturday night's 17-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Two more dress rehearsals remain, Friday night in Philadelphia and Aug. 31 against Carolina.
NFL rosters must be reduced to 65 by 4 p.m. Aug. 29 and to 53 by 4 p.m. Sept. 2.
Although much can change between now and the cut-down dates, it's reasonable to assume 47 of those who will ultimately make the Steelers' final 53 have already been identified.
Here is a look at what the Steelers already know, how the roster might built on a position-by-position basis, and what has yet to be determined:
QUARTERBACK (2 of 2): Ben Roethlisberger is ready to start, and Charlie Batch is established as the backup.
No. 5a pick Omar Jacobs and first-year pro Shane Boyd are probably battling for a spot on the practice squad.
In the preseason opener at Arizona, both played better than they'd practiced. Against Minnesota, however, neither proved roster-worthy.
"We haven't been able to generate much offense with Omar or with Shane," coach Bill Cowher said.
Boyd isn't accurate enough as a passer, and Jacobs continues to struggle running the offense. After the Steelers spent a draft pick on him, Jacobs would have to be beaten out decisively not to earn the practice spot.
RUNNING BACK (4 of 4): Willie Parker starts at halfback and will be complemented by Duce Staley -- despite Staley's sluggish preseason showing -- and Verron Haynes. Haynes is entrenched as the third-down back, as is Dan Kreider at fullback.
There's no need for a No. 5, when the roster spot can be better employed elsewhere.
First-year pro John Kuhn, who plays both positions and leads the Steelers with 45 preseason rushing yards on 10 attempts, is in a fight for a spot on the practice squad with first-year pro Branden Joe and No. 7 pick Cedric Humes.
WIDE RECEIVER (5 of 7): Starters Hines Ward and Cedrick Wilson and reserves Nate Washington, Santonio Holmes and Willie Reid are in.
The immense importance the Steelers place on special teams suggests Quincy Morgan and Sean Morey might be, as well. That would seemingly constitute an overload at the position, but the way the roster is shaping up, Morgan can be employed as an insurance policy at receiver and on special teams and Morey as a special-teams luxury.
TIGHT END (2 of 2): Starter Heath Miller, backup Jerame Tuman and an occasional tackle serving as a third tight end in short-yardage situations are all that's necessary.
No. 5b pick Charles Davis, rookie free agent Jon Dekker and rookie free agent Isaac Smolko haven't blocked well enough to earn a roster spot. One will make the practice squad.
Dekker was first off the bench against the Vikings and was promptly run over by linebacker Ben Leber while serving as a fullback/H-back, as Miller often does.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10 of 10): Etched in stone at this point are starters (from left to right) Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Jeff Hartings, Kendall Simmons and Max Starks, and backups Chukky Okobi, Trai Essex, Chris Kemoeatu, Willie Colon and Marvin Philip.
As long as they stay healthy (and as long as Okobi doesn't suffer a setback in his recovery from neck surgery), it'll be a matter of improving performance rather than identifying backups throughout the rest of the preseason.
"It seemed like there was a lot of pressure with that second group, which was a little bit of a concern, because some of those guys are going to be active on game day," Cowher said after the Vikings game.
One practice-squad spot is probably available; tackle Ulish Booker had one last season.
DEFENSIVE LINE (5 of 6): Starters Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel and established backups Chris Hoke and Travis Kirschke have their spots secured.
Unknown is whether veteran Rodney Bailey can continue to hold off second-year pro Shaun Nua (if there's been a disappointment of camp, he's it) and No. 4b pick Orien Harris (the least competitive player of this year's draft class). Bailey's the best bet; Nua, Harris and rookie free agents Scott Paxson and Lee Vickers are battling for two likely spots on the practice squad.
LINEBACKER (7 of 9): The starting group, Clark Haggans, James Farrior, Larry Foote and Joey Porter, and the top reserves, James Harrison, Clint Kriewaldt and Rian Wallace -- are in place and as good as ever. Wallace looks even better, since he's working outside as well as inside.
The race is on for perhaps two more spots, and it is being contested by Arnold Harrison, Richard Seigler and Andre Frazier, probably in that order.
Frazier, who played in 11 regular-season games and three playoff games in 2005, felt Cowher's wrath during an extended sideline tirade in the Minnesota game.
DEFENSIVE BACK (10 of 10): The only question coming in was whether there would still be room for special-teams demon Chidi Iwuoma. Apparently, there will be. Make it five cornerbacks (starters Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend, and Bryant McFadden, Ricardo Colclough and Iwuoma) and five safeties (Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Tyrone Carter, No. 3a pick Anthony Smith and Mike Logan) in the secondary.
SPECIALISTS (2 of 3): Snapper Greg Warren and kicker Jeff Reed are untouchable.
The punting battle continues between 16-year veteran Chris Gardocki and first-year pro Mike Barr, who has yet to hold for Reed in a preseason game.
The sentiment on the staff is for Gardocki to win the job, because he was so dependable in last season's playoff run.
Yeah, I saw that. Surprised me a little. I thought they'd be happy with Miller and Tuman.Excellent article and I pretty much agree. However the Steelers just signed TE Tim Euhus who will presumably take a roster spot. That could be trouble for Morey or Iwouma.
Tuman hasn't been practicing for a couple weeks now. While he is expected to play next week they need another TE just in case he can't.Yeah, I saw that. Surprised me a little. I thought they'd be happy with Miller and Tuman.Excellent article and I pretty much agree. However the Steelers just signed TE Tim Euhus who will presumably take a roster spot. That could be trouble for Morey or Iwouma.