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***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2009 Thread (1 Viewer)

Just heard an interview with Polamalu. He confirmed what Tomlin said 3-6 weeks, MCL injury, no surgery needed. Dodged a bullet there.

 
Drunken Cowboy said:
This has been largely ignored.
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It's largely been ignored because the Steelers had 5 or 6 guys blocking 4 guys most of the second half. That had BETTER be a win for any OL in the NFL or they need to pull up the stakes. The Titans only blitzed when the Steelers went to the empty backfield, it seemed.It IS hard to say/believe, but the Steelers clearly look like a passing team to me, whether they want to admit it or not. I guess I really don't mind it that much, in theory, since their best offensive player is easily the QB. The "problem" I see with a team being built thus is that when it comes time when you HAVE to run it....they are boned. The Pats don't feature one guy exclusively, but when they need to run it, they can still run it. The Colts, whom Arians has often said his offense is patterned after, have a similar setup to the Pats. Not that they use 18,000 running backs, but in that while they are a passing offense, when they have needed a yard via the running game in the "Manning Era" they could usually feel they have a better than 50% shot at getting that yard(or it sure seems that way. I didn't look up anything to confirm/deny that).Apparently, I can't say that about the Steelers anymore and it makes me want to projectile vomit.I concur that there is no reason for them to NOT start passing to set up the run. Not because I think the OL are even "adequate" pass blockers, but because I think that regardless of what level of pass blockers they are, they're worse at run blocking as long as they continue using the current scheme. If they begin to pass to set up the run, eventually the success Ben should have(and I feel confident that he'd have success) in the short passing game SHOULD open up some space for delays/draw/misdirections/counters/etc. If they can have even a modicum of success running it at that point, that should then open up the play-action stuff....and Ben is DEADLY when the play-action is clicking. I don't see a good reason why they don't at least try it, but I also don't expect it will happen. It would probably take an act of Congress to get Coach Mike to utilize Mewelde Moore extensively over a healthy Willie Parker, but the way things stand at present it would probably better serve the team. Who knows? He basically did it game one, since they were forced to. Perhaps he would.
 
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Godsbrother said:
5-ish Finkle said:
Frenchy Fuqua said:
Just heard an interview with Polamalu. He confirmed what Tomlin said 3-6 weeks, MCL injury, no surgery needed. Dodged a bullet there.
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That, at least, is VERY welcome news. :thumbup:
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Nice :X My guess is he returns after the bye, week 9 against the Broncos.
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Depending on how the season is going, I can see this being the case. Although if it is closer to a 3 week injury they might have a hard time keeping Troy off the field for 6 games.
 
The media and rival fans who were talking about how pedestrian the Steelers looked on Thursday might be having second thoughts now:

The other AFC playoff teams from last season in Week 1:

Titans lost

Dolphins lost

Chargers losing to Raiders in 4th quarter

Colts beat Jaguars by 2

Ravens were tied with the Chiefs until nearly the 2-minute warning

And of course, the favored Patriots needed a minor miracle to beat the Bills by 1

Things look a little different now, don't you think?

A lot of very good teams have some significant work to do. It's not just the Steelers.

 
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I used to have a link to one of Pittsburgh media outlets that carried the Tomlin press conferences live online, but can't seem to find it now.

Anyone got a link?

 
News from Tomlins PC today:

Obviously Troy P is out this week. His injury will not require surgery and he is basically week-to-week.

Tomlin said they are hopeful LB L. Timmons will return to practice this week.

He thought Wallace looked good but said he'll continue to split time with Sweed until one establishes himself as a clear #3.

Carter will start but Mundy will see time as well, especially in the dime.

Not much else more to report...

 
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what do you guys think about them bringin redman up from the practice squad if the current roster isnt getting it done in short yardage?

 
Fiddles said:
what do you guys think about them bringin redman up from the practice squad if the current roster isnt getting it done in short yardage?
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Personally I think the biggest problems are the o-line and play calling and that Redman isn't going to fare any better than the RBs you already have.
 
Fiddles said:
bettis has alot to say about polamalu, rbs, and oline http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writ...tops/index.html
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The running back I like least on that team is Frank Summers, the rookie fullback. He doesn't seem to understand what's going on. He's missing plenty of blocks, and that's affecting everything. That definitely has to be addressed off the field this week.This is spot on to me. He looked terrible IMO. Maybe Davis was not great but they need Summers to produce

 
Godsbrother said:
Fiddles said:
what do you guys think about them bringin redman up from the practice squad if the current roster isnt getting it done in short yardage?
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Personally I think the biggest problems are the o-line and play calling and that Redman isn't going to fare any better than the RBs you already have.
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With all due respect to the brother of God, if the short yardage problems continue (i.e., for another 2-3weeks) I think they should be taking a look at anyone and everyone who could do it better. Heck, let Hampton due a Frig. Perry impersonation but they have to do something. While I agree that the problem essentially is with the O-line, that problem won't end anytime soon. By talent and/or technique it seems this line is built for pass blocking as the priority, sacrificing the run. (I know, I know they give up high sack totals, but this is at least partly due to the time Ben holds the ball). What is needed is a RB who doesn't depend so exclusively on blocking (i.e., breaks the first tackle, makes his own holes). Redman couldn't play special teams and I don't know how well he blocks, but he can break tackles. Late last year they became jazzed with Russell's "talent". It seemed to work (even in the superbowl) and I would be surprised if they didn't go to Redman soon for spot duty if the problem continues.
 
PhD said:
Godsbrother said:
Fiddles said:
what do you guys think about them bringin redman up from the practice squad if the current roster isnt getting it done in short yardage?
Click to expand...
Personally I think the biggest problems are the o-line and play calling and that Redman isn't going to fare any better than the RBs you already have.
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With all due respect to the brother of God, if the short yardage problems continue (i.e., for another 2-3weeks) I think they should be taking a look at anyone and everyone who could do it better. Heck, let Hampton due a Frig. Perry impersonation but they have to do something. While I agree that the problem essentially is with the O-line, that problem won't end anytime soon. By talent and/or technique it seems this line is built for pass blocking as the priority, sacrificing the run. (I know, I know they give up high sack totals, but this is at least partly due to the time Ben holds the ball). What is needed is a RB who doesn't depend so exclusively on blocking (i.e., breaks the first tackle, makes his own holes). Redman couldn't play special teams and I don't know how well he blocks, but he can break tackles. Late last year they became jazzed with Russell's "talent". It seemed to work (even in the superbowl) and I would be surprised if they didn't go to Redman soon for spot duty if the problem continues.
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This makes sense.I hear many coaching staffs extol the value of special teams, and with good reason.However, I think there is a certain value in being able to convert 3rd/4th and 1 situations, too.
 
PhD said:
What is needed is a RB who doesn't depend so exclusively on blocking (i.e., breaks the first tackle, makes his own holes). Redman couldn't play special teams and I don't know how well he blocks, but he can break tackles. Late last year they became jazzed with Russell's "talent". It seemed to work (even in the superbowl) and I would be surprised if they didn't go to Redman soon for spot duty if the problem continues.
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I don't care how good you are at breaking tackles you can't be getting hit in the backfield and expect much success. From what I saw the penetration the Titans were getting was ridiculous. I believe they are rebroadcasting the game tonight on NFL network so I want to watch it again to verify what I saw from my seat.In any case I like Redman but I really don't think he would have done any better than Parker/Mendenhall/Moorem especially when you are basing that on a good day in a training camp scrimmage and a couple of nice 2nd half runs in preseason games. Running against the 1st string Titan defense on the 1st game of the season in primetime is just a little more intense.
 
Godsbrother said:
PhD said:
What is needed is a RB who doesn't depend so exclusively on blocking (i.e., breaks the first tackle, makes his own holes). Redman couldn't play special teams and I don't know how well he blocks, but he can break tackles. Late last year they became jazzed with Russell's "talent". It seemed to work (even in the superbowl) and I would be surprised if they didn't go to Redman soon for spot duty if the problem continues.
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I don't care how good you are at breaking tackles you can't be getting hit in the backfield and expect much success. From what I saw the penetration the Titans were getting was ridiculous. I believe they are rebroadcasting the game tonight on NFL network so I want to watch it again to verify what I saw from my seat.In any case I like Redman but I really don't think he would have done any better than Parker/Mendenhall/Moorem especially when you are basing that on a good day in a training camp scrimmage and a couple of nice 2nd half runs in preseason games. Running against the 1st string Titan defense on the 1st game of the season in primetime is just a little more intense.
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You will only shake your head in disbelief at the ineptitude of the run blocking. It was abysmal. My hope is that the Titans front 7 played a bigger part in that, but given past experience, I don't know that I believe that the Titans were the biggest factor.Given what I saw from my couch, I now wish I would have taken Big Ben in the Subscriber's Contest. He's going to put up very good stats if the Steelers are going to make a playoff appearance.
 
There is an evil, evil part of me that wants the offense to collapse just so I don't have to watch the ineptitude of Bruce Ariens "scheme" anymore.

 
Idiot Boxer said:
Gosh. I wish someone would have warned us about the danger of ignoring tho o-line over the last two years.
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The pass blocking was actually pretty good.2 of the 4 sacks were on Ben. Live by the sword and die by the sword with #7.OL deserves their share of the blame, but Willie and Mendenhall did them no favors missing several holes. TE's were bad too.There are several layers to this team's running woes, from Arians to the OL/TE, to the backs. Blaming the OL is far too simple.This is 100% a passing team and the question now is not whether the running game will be "good". It won't. The question is will the running game be "good enough" to repeat.
 
treat88 said:
The pass blocking was actually pretty good.
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The pass blocking wasn't anything special either, really. The Titans hardly ever sent a blitz unless the Steelers went Empty Backfield. And Ben corn-holed them for it. I mentioned on here somewhere in another thread that I think the Titans provided an excellent example of what NOT to do if you want to keep the Steelers from beating you this year: If you want to win vs. Pittsburgh, the last thing you want to do is let Roethlisberger stand back there all day and complete pass after pass. He has too many targets that are able to get open now(inlcuding deep with Holmes and Wallace) particularly when you keep in mind how good both Ward and Miller are at finding the dead spots in zones. You're going to have to blitz him, and with alacrity, or he's going to move the team, run game or no run game.But, I don't feel confident this OL is going to buy him 3-5 seconds to make a play, like they were last Thursday, against a more aggressive blitzing defense. If other teams keep trying the same tactic as the Titans, Ben is going to have a HUGE year if this running game persists as-is. There is enough talent in this passing game for them to beat a lot of teams.....if they can manage to not get Roeth killed. I fear once teams actually start sending more blitzes everyone is going to be forced to remember, in a very disappointing way, that Willie Colon and Max Starks are our starting tackles and any idea of the pass blocking looking "pretty good" is going to go flying out the window.All that said, I'm going to embrace the notion that this should be/is a passing offense now, regardless of how good/bad the pass blocking may be. Ben is easily the best player on the offense and he's shown he can make plays even when pressured heavily. Why not let him be even more of the focus? You're paying him to be The Man. Go ahead and let him be it. It's not like they're taking carries away from the 1992 version of the Steelers' running game here. I'd at least like to see them try something to get a more consistent rhythm on offense while they try and figure out this running game other than "1st down, run -- 2nd down, run -- 3rd down, pass and hope Ben can bail you out of the 13 yard hole the running game has made" method they're using now.
psst. hey guys....we're the defending SB champs. We just beat a tough team in week 1. It's not all bad.
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And that was great....this offseason. I want them to win another one THIS year. It's not all bad, but it can get better.
 
I forgot to mention the '08 draft class has looked like the worst one this decade. I'm glad they went back to drafting blue collar, less flashy, more substance players this year.

 
Evilgrin 72 said:
Godsbrother said:
Frenchy Fuqua said:
I predict by mid-season we see some wildcat on 3rd and short with Dennis Dixon.
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Gawd I hope not.
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It couldn't possibly be worse than lining up and running into the middle of the line. I'd prefer using our 3rd and mid/3rd and long spread/bunch formations there, but I'd welcome a look at a wildcat formation as opposed to a handoff to Parker off tackle for a loss of one.
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Agreed, I'd go 5 wide in the gun before handing it off at this point.
 
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5-ish Finkle said:
Drunken Cowboy said:
This has been largely ignored.
Click to expand...
It's largely been ignored because the Steelers had 5 or 6 guys blocking 4 guys most of the second half. That had BETTER be a win for any OL in the NFL or they need to pull up the stakes. The Titans only blitzed when the Steelers went to the empty backfield, it seemed.It IS hard to say/believe, but the Steelers clearly look like a passing team to me, whether they want to admit it or not. I guess I really don't mind it that much, in theory, since their best offensive player is easily the QB. The "problem" I see with a team being built thus is that when it comes time when you HAVE to run it....they are boned.

The Pats don't feature one guy exclusively, but when they need to run it, they can still run it. The Colts, whom Arians has often said his offense is patterned after, have a similar setup to the Pats. Not that they use 18,000 running backs, but in that while they are a passing offense, when they have needed a yard via the running game in the "Manning Era" they could usually feel they have a better than 50% shot at getting that yard(or it sure seems that way. I didn't look up anything to confirm/deny that).

Apparently, I can't say that about the Steelers anymore and it makes me want to projectile vomit.

I concur that there is no reason for them to NOT start passing to set up the run. Not because I think the OL are even "adequate" pass blockers, but because I think that regardless of what level of pass blockers they are, they're worse at run blocking as long as they continue using the current scheme.

If they begin to pass to set up the run, eventually the success Ben should have(and I feel confident that he'd have success) in the short passing game SHOULD open up some space for delays/draw/misdirections/counters/etc. If they can have even a modicum of success running it at that point, that should then open up the play-action stuff....and Ben is DEADLY when the play-action is clicking.

I don't see a good reason why they don't at least try it, but I also don't expect it will happen. It would probably take an act of Congress to get Coach Mike to utilize Mewelde Moore extensively over a healthy Willie Parker, but the way things stand at present it would probably better serve the team. Who knows? He basically did it game one, since they were forced to. Perhaps he would.
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Offensive line kudosLet's hear it for the Steelers' offensive line!

While the debate continues about who and what prevented the Steelers from producing much on the ground in their opener, there is little debate about another important aspect of the line play -- its pass protection.

The coaching staff came away from grading the videotape of that game with one consensus about the pass protection -- it was superb.

"I thought it was solid," coach Mike Tomlin declared yesterday.

"We got hit a couple times in some blitz-game things and some no-huddle things, but, all in all, I thought, from a matchup standpoint, they did a nice job up front."

Ben Roethlisberger was sacked four times, and, if that becomes an average, he would break either a Steelers record with 64 sacks over the course of a 16-game season or some part of his body before he can get that far. But there is other evidence that the pass protection held up well, and at least one sack of minus-19 yards should be discounted because Roethlisberger held on far too long and ran far backward before the Titans got to him.

Here are some numbers the coaches discerned from the video: The combined quarterback hurries/pressures from that game came to 13 for the Titans on 47 pass attempts by Roethlisberger (43 passes plus four sacks). That compares with the Steelers' hurries/pressures of 19 on 36 attempts by Kerry Collins (35 passes plus one sack).

The Chicago Bears are not particularly good at getting to the quarterback. They ranked 29th in the league in sacks per pass play last season when they had only 28 sacks. That compares with the Steelers' 51. And now they've lost linebacker Brian Urlacher.

They did ring up four in their 21-15 opening loss at Green Bay, and Tomlin yesterday made them sound like the 1985 version of the Bears.

"They will pursue the ball relentlessly. They will rush Ben relentlessly. They'll chase. They'll do the things that you can't coach, the detail things."

Tomlin on running game ...

In so many words, Tomlin acknowledged that his running game did not work in the opener. And he will put more emphasis on it in practice this week.

"We've got to get better in that area as a football team. For one reason and one reason only, that increases our chances of winning. That's what we're about, putting ourselves in position to win. We acknowledge that if we continue along those lines from a run-game standpoint that doesn't help us in that regard, so that's why we're focusing on it."

Tomlin said that in his experience defenses key on the run more in the early part of the season to stop it.

"I believe, particularly in September football, people make a commitment to stopping the run, and it's easier to make the commitment in September when everybody feels good and you've got all the horses in the stable.

"I think over the course of the long haul, you see who's good at it week in and week out. It's usually tough sledding early in the football season. That's been my experience. That was my intent when I was a defensive play-caller, that, in order to be a good defense, it starts there -- making people one dimensional, making people struggle if they're committed to running the football."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09259/99825...m#ixzz0RHnZTbIh

 
Drunken Cowboy said:
5-ish Finkle said:
Drunken Cowboy said:
This has been largely ignored.
Click to expand...
It's largely been ignored because the Steelers had 5 or 6 guys blocking 4 guys most of the second half. That had BETTER be a win for any OL in the NFL or they need to pull up the stakes. The Titans only blitzed when the Steelers went to the empty backfield, it seemed.It IS hard to say/believe, but the Steelers clearly look like a passing team to me, whether they want to admit it or not. I guess I really don't mind it that much, in theory, since their best offensive player is easily the QB. The "problem" I see with a team being built thus is that when it comes time when you HAVE to run it....they are boned.

The Pats don't feature one guy exclusively, but when they need to run it, they can still run it. The Colts, whom Arians has often said his offense is patterned after, have a similar setup to the Pats. Not that they use 18,000 running backs, but in that while they are a passing offense, when they have needed a yard via the running game in the "Manning Era" they could usually feel they have a better than 50% shot at getting that yard(or it sure seems that way. I didn't look up anything to confirm/deny that).

Apparently, I can't say that about the Steelers anymore and it makes me want to projectile vomit.

I concur that there is no reason for them to NOT start passing to set up the run. Not because I think the OL are even "adequate" pass blockers, but because I think that regardless of what level of pass blockers they are, they're worse at run blocking as long as they continue using the current scheme.

If they begin to pass to set up the run, eventually the success Ben should have(and I feel confident that he'd have success) in the short passing game SHOULD open up some space for delays/draw/misdirections/counters/etc. If they can have even a modicum of success running it at that point, that should then open up the play-action stuff....and Ben is DEADLY when the play-action is clicking.

I don't see a good reason why they don't at least try it, but I also don't expect it will happen. It would probably take an act of Congress to get Coach Mike to utilize Mewelde Moore extensively over a healthy Willie Parker, but the way things stand at present it would probably better serve the team. Who knows? He basically did it game one, since they were forced to. Perhaps he would.
Click to expand...
Offensive line kudosLet's hear it for the Steelers' offensive line!

While the debate continues about who and what prevented the Steelers from producing much on the ground in their opener, there is little debate about another important aspect of the line play -- its pass protection.

The coaching staff came away from grading the videotape of that game with one consensus about the pass protection -- it was superb.

"I thought it was solid," coach Mike Tomlin declared yesterday.

"We got hit a couple times in some blitz-game things and some no-huddle things, but, all in all, I thought, from a matchup standpoint, they did a nice job up front."

Ben Roethlisberger was sacked four times, and, if that becomes an average, he would break either a Steelers record with 64 sacks over the course of a 16-game season or some part of his body before he can get that far. But there is other evidence that the pass protection held up well, and at least one sack of minus-19 yards should be discounted because Roethlisberger held on far too long and ran far backward before the Titans got to him.

Here are some numbers the coaches discerned from the video: The combined quarterback hurries/pressures from that game came to 13 for the Titans on 47 pass attempts by Roethlisberger (43 passes plus four sacks). That compares with the Steelers' hurries/pressures of 19 on 36 attempts by Kerry Collins (35 passes plus one sack).

The Chicago Bears are not particularly good at getting to the quarterback. They ranked 29th in the league in sacks per pass play last season when they had only 28 sacks. That compares with the Steelers' 51. And now they've lost linebacker Brian Urlacher.

They did ring up four in their 21-15 opening loss at Green Bay, and Tomlin yesterday made them sound like the 1985 version of the Bears.

"They will pursue the ball relentlessly. They will rush Ben relentlessly. They'll chase. They'll do the things that you can't coach, the detail things."

Tomlin on running game ...

In so many words, Tomlin acknowledged that his running game did not work in the opener. And he will put more emphasis on it in practice this week.

"We've got to get better in that area as a football team. For one reason and one reason only, that increases our chances of winning. That's what we're about, putting ourselves in position to win. We acknowledge that if we continue along those lines from a run-game standpoint that doesn't help us in that regard, so that's why we're focusing on it."

Tomlin said that in his experience defenses key on the run more in the early part of the season to stop it.

"I believe, particularly in September football, people make a commitment to stopping the run, and it's easier to make the commitment in September when everybody feels good and you've got all the horses in the stable.

"I think over the course of the long haul, you see who's good at it week in and week out. It's usually tough sledding early in the football season. That's been my experience. That was my intent when I was a defensive play-caller, that, in order to be a good defense, it starts there -- making people one dimensional, making people struggle if they're committed to running the football."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09259/99825...m#ixzz0RHnZTbIh
Click to expand...
I heard one of the offensive linemen talking on ESPN radio this week, they said the 4-3 was a little harder to block for them due to most teams they play are 3-4 teams, plus the Titans are not slouches. I pray the run blocking gets better, but Parker has to be better too, he looked terrible last week.
 
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Evilgrin 72 said:
Godsbrother said:
Frenchy Fuqua said:
I predict by mid-season we see some wildcat on 3rd and short with Dennis Dixon.
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Gawd I hope not.
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It couldn't possibly be worse than lining up and running into the middle of the line. I'd prefer using our 3rd and mid/3rd and long spread/bunch formations there, but I'd welcome a look at a wildcat formation as opposed to a handoff to Parker off tackle for a loss of one.
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After finally getting a chance to see the TV broadcast I am shocked to say that while the o-line did a horrible job run blocking in general, there were a couple oppoortunites for good yardage that were missed by the RBs, particularly Parker. I am chalking some of that up to rust.I think the running game will be much better this week (of course how could it get much worse than last week?)
 
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Godsbrother said:
Evilgrin 72 said:
Godsbrother said:
Frenchy Fuqua said:
I predict by mid-season we see some wildcat on 3rd and short with Dennis Dixon.
Click to expand...
Gawd I hope not.
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It couldn't possibly be worse than lining up and running into the middle of the line. I'd prefer using our 3rd and mid/3rd and long spread/bunch formations there, but I'd welcome a look at a wildcat formation as opposed to a handoff to Parker off tackle for a loss of one.
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After finally getting a chance to see the TV broadcast I am shocked to say that while the o-line did a horrible job run blocking in general, there were a couple oppoortunites for good yardage that were missed by the RBs, particularly Parker. I am chalking some of that up to rust.I think the running game will be much better this week (of course how could it get much worse than last week?)
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What I have seen out of the Bears lately, they will attack the line of scrimmage and sell out to stop the run (much like Tomlin alluded to). I think Parker/Mendy/Moore don't have much success running this week either. They won't look as bad as last week, but not much better while I think the passing game does as good or better. Start your Pitt passing game players, and as teams recognize that this is not your father's smashmouth Steelers and start loading up to stop the pass, the running lanes will open up.
 
Heard a rumor that the Steelers are interested in TJ Duckett again. Seems a bit absurd since Duckett is out of football and is likely out of shape and/or washed up. If they were that interested in him they could have had him in camp all summer to see if he had anything left. Also the Steelers would need to cut someone to make room for him and I don't see any likely candidates.

Still it is inetresting so I thought I would pass it along...

 
Duckett is intriguing to me only because they desperately need someone who can push the pile and get a yard or two in short yardage/goal line situations. This is a problem that simply isn't going away. If Duckett is ineffective in that role, then we KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it's simply the blocking/play calling that's an issue.

The problem, as GB points out, is : who do you cut? Steelers simply do not have dead wood on the roster.

 
Evilgrin 72 said:
Duckett is intriguing to me only because they desperately need someone who can push the pile and get a yard or two in short yardage/goal line situations. This is a problem that simply isn't going away. If Duckett is ineffective in that role, then we KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it's simply the blocking/play calling that's an issue.The problem, as GB points out, is : who do you cut? Steelers simply do not have dead wood on the roster.
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I think we already know that every facet of the running game is subpar.Arians, OL, TE, and Parker/Mendenhall.Throw in the fact that Ben needs to check out of a running play when he sees the box stacked but often times doesn't recognize the situation.Until we have two new guards, which at least in Kemo's case isn't happening soon, a RB with the vision to hit the hole, and a more creative playcaller nothing will change.I take that back, against the 3-4 defenses they face this running game will look much better even though the same deficiencies are in place.It is nice to complain at 1-0 vs. 0-1.
 
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Agreed, Treat, but Duckett wouldn't necessarily have to be in good shape to take the ball 3-4 times a game and get a yard or two each time. A power back who can make very little out of nothing could go a long way to mask the deficiencies you speak of.

Again, though, I don't know if there's a player I'd cut to put him on the roster on a trial basis.

 
In Bettis' last year, he was in horrible shape, but was still a very good short yardage guy. I wouldn't complain one iota if they sign Duckett. He would improve the short yardage game. How can he not? He is a proven commodity in the short yardage area, whereas the other Steeler RB's are not. Even when the line blocks decent, I have seen the Steeler RB's stumble to try to pick up any positive yardage. As far as who to cut, I am sure they can find someone. That would be the least of my worries.

ETA: One of only a couple glaring weaknesses for the Steelers is the RB position, primarily short yardage. I would gladly have them try to correct it by bringing in a proven short yardage guy and cutting someone who is a backup/plays a few downs/per game.

 
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Copeman said:
In Bettis' last year, he was in horrible shape, but was still a very good short yardage guy. I wouldn't complain one iota if they sign Duckett. He would improve the short yardage game. How can he not? He is a proven commodity in the short yardage area, whereas the other Steeler RB's are not. Even when the line blocks decent, I have seen the Steeler RB's stumble to try to pick up any positive yardage. As far as who to cut, I am sure they can find someone. That would be the least of my worries.
Click to expand...
Ok. Who do you cut to add a 5th RB?I can't find a single name I'd be willing to let go to sign Duckett.
 
treat88 said:
Copeman said:
In Bettis' last year, he was in horrible shape, but was still a very good short yardage guy. I wouldn't complain one iota if they sign Duckett. He would improve the short yardage game. How can he not? He is a proven commodity in the short yardage area, whereas the other Steeler RB's are not. Even when the line blocks decent, I have seen the Steeler RB's stumble to try to pick up any positive yardage. As far as who to cut, I am sure they can find someone. That would be the least of my worries.
Click to expand...
Ok. Who do you cut to add a 5th RB?I can't find a single name I'd be willing to let go to sign Duckett.
Click to expand...
See my edit.
 
treat88 said:
Copeman said:
In Bettis' last year, he was in horrible shape, but was still a very good short yardage guy. I wouldn't complain one iota if they sign Duckett. He would improve the short yardage game. How can he not? He is a proven commodity in the short yardage area, whereas the other Steeler RB's are not. Even when the line blocks decent, I have seen the Steeler RB's stumble to try to pick up any positive yardage. As far as who to cut, I am sure they can find someone. That would be the least of my worries.
Click to expand...
Ok. Who do you cut to add a 5th RB?I can't find a single name I'd be willing to let go to sign Duckett.
Click to expand...
Me either, and therein lies the rub. Last week, I might have said Mundy, but with the Polamalu injury, there's no way.
 
Copeman said:
treat88 said:
Copeman said:
In Bettis' last year, he was in horrible shape, but was still a very good short yardage guy. I wouldn't complain one iota if they sign Duckett. He would improve the short yardage game. How can he not? He is a proven commodity in the short yardage area, whereas the other Steeler RB's are not. Even when the line blocks decent, I have seen the Steeler RB's stumble to try to pick up any positive yardage. As far as who to cut, I am sure they can find someone. That would be the least of my worries.
Click to expand...
Ok. Who do you cut to add a 5th RB?I can't find a single name I'd be willing to let go to sign Duckett.
Click to expand...
See my edit.
Click to expand...
Give us a name !!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:
 
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