***OFFICIAL*** Steelers 2010 Thread (2 Viewers)

[ThaPenguin]

Will Black Monday find any coaches tossed to the streets?

Who should the Steelers be taking with the 18th overall pick? Trading up or down?

 

[fred_1_15301]

Will Black Monday find any coaches tossed to the streets?Who should the Steelers be taking with the 18th overall pick? Trading up or down?

Special teams coach is definitely gone and wouldn't be surprised if Arians gets the Ax. It sure does suck to have missed the playoffs and still only have the 18th overall pick.

 

[treat88]

I definitely want to see Ligashesky and Ken Anderson fired.

Ligs is obvious.

Anderson...if Ben's favorite OC, Arians has got to stay then someone has to be held accountable for Ben's lack of progression in blitz recognition, ball security, and field awareness. I mean other than Ben himself right?

 

[ThaPenguin]

I think Arians needs to go.

I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

 

[treat88]

I think Arians needs to go.I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

I hate some of the situational playcalling. I definitely hate the poor red zone production out of the running game..That said, it is very tough to get rid of an OC after this year's offensive production.A QB who passed for over 4300 yards and missed one gameA QB that finished a 9-7 season with 100.5 passer ratingA RB that rushed for over 1100 yardsA WR that had over 1200 yardsAnother WR that had over 1100 yardsA TE with 76 receptionsA rookie WR averaging 19.4 yards per catchWith an O-Line that is questionable at best.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

I think Arians needs to go.

I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

I hate some of the situational playcalling. I definitely hate the poor red zone production out of the running game..That said, it is very tough to get rid of an OC after this year's offensive production.

A QB who passed for over 4300 yards and missed one game

A QB that finished a 9-7 season with 100.5 passer rating

A RB that rushed for over 1100 yards

A WR that had over 1200 yards

Another WR that had over 1100 yards

A TE with 76 receptions

A rookie WR averaging 19.4 yards per catch

With an O-Line that is questionable at best.

I agree with this post 110%...

As much as I find myself disliking some play-calling, it's hard to argue with the numbers (and the 2x SBs)...

Could it be a case of awesome athletes excelling in spite of the OC??

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Wishlist for the draft (first 3 rounds)

1. Best OL available

2. D-Line depth

3. A corner to replace Gay

In any order.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Are there any free agents that we could potentially see coming in? I know the Steelers don't play that game, but it's always worth a look.

Can we consider FWP and Casey Hampton as good as gone?

I do agree about Arians and the offensive output. It just gets so frustrating, and after the terrible playcalling happens on a consistent basis, I want someone's head on a platter.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Are there any free agents that we could potentially see coming in? I know the Steelers don't play that game, but it's always worth a look. Can we consider FWP and Casey Hampton as good as gone?I do agree about Arians and the offensive output. It just gets so frustrating, and after the terrible playcalling happens on a consistent basis, I want someone's head on a platter.

Parker is history unless no one else in the league is willing to give him a shot to start. In other words, he's history. Hampton, I believe, will get tagged unless he agrees to a short-term deal. I bet the Steelers will be willing to offer him a 3-year deal, but my guess is he wants one huge contract (probably in the 5 yr range) and I doubt the Steelers will be willing to offer that. Don't be shocked if he's franchised and the Steelers draft a guy like Terrence Cody (if he's around at 18.)

 

[CrossEyed]

With an upgrade at OL and a good OC, this could be one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. They have all the weapons.

The D is a bit worrisome, unless Burnett and Lewis can make big strides going into next year. Of course, if we can get a healthy season out of Aaron Smith and Troy, that could make a pretty big difference as well.

I think the biggest priority going into next year still has to be the secondary though. For all the talk about a bad oline, the offense was not the problem this year.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Is it getting about the time to lock up Troy and Santonio?

And I guess it looks like Sweed is going to back-door his way into one more season. Maybe the light comes on for him in training camp.

So frustrating how great the 2007 draft could have been.

 

[Copeman]

Wish list:

D lineman-current guys are old

CB-for obvious reasons

O lineman-the current unit isn't as bad as people say it is though

RB-if Parker is gone, and Mendenhall gets hurt, who do they plug in?

New Special teams coach

Harder training camp

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is it getting about the time to lock up Troy and Santonio?And I guess it looks like Sweed is going to back-door his way into one more season. Maybe the light comes on for him in training camp.So frustrating how great the 2007 draft could have been.

Troy re-upped a year or two ago, he's signed for the next 3-4 years if memory serves.ETA : He's signed through 2011.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

The playcalling got better the last 3 games, as frustrating as it was at times.

There were screen passes and check downs, which we'd not seen for a long time. Plus, some commitment to running.

Ligashesky is gone. BA is 50/50.

The defense really isn't bad if we get Smith and Polamalu back. Woodley is a beast and Silverback is still Silverback. We're going to need a replacement for Potsie, probably soon.

Still top priority has to be O-line. Then Hampton/DL. Then corner.

Then general depth.

 

[ThaPenguin]

Rumors abound that Miami will be releasing Joey Porter.

Farrior's replacement?

I know, I know...I can dream though.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think Farrior, Clark, and Parker will be gone.

Through the draft for free agency the Steelers need to add S, CB, MLB, NT, DE, C, RB.

I would like to see Taylor Mays in black and gold if he falls to the Steelers in the first. Oderick would be a good option as well. I think he will be a monster 3-4 end.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Arians needs to go.

I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

I hate some of the situational playcalling. I definitely hate the poor red zone production out of the running game..That said, it is very tough to get rid of an OC after this year's offensive production.

A QB who passed for over 4300 yards and missed one game

A QB that finished a 9-7 season with 100.5 passer rating

A RB that rushed for over 1100 yards

A WR that had over 1200 yards

Another WR that had over 1100 yards

A TE with 76 receptions

A rookie WR averaging 19.4 yards per catch

With an O-Line that is questionable at best.

I agree with this post 110%...

As much as I find myself disliking some play-calling, it's hard to argue with the numbers (and the 2x SBs)...

Could it be a case of awesome athletes excelling in spite of the OC??

Arians isn't going anywhere. He and Ben are buddies. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the entire coaching staff is retained.

 

[Godsbrother]

Rumors abound that Miami will be releasing Joey Porter.Farrior's replacement?I know, I know...I can dream though.

Not a chance. Farrior is an inside LB, Porter is an OLB.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Farrior, Clark, and Parker will be gone.Through the draft for free agency the Steelers need to add S, CB, MLB, NT, DE, C, RB.I would like to see Taylor Mays in black and gold if he falls to the Steelers in the first. Oderick would be a good option as well. I think he will be a monster 3-4 end.

Farrior just signed an extension so I think he'll be back. Clark may also be back if he comes cheap. FWP and Tyrone Carter are gone. The real question marks are Hampton & Reed. I am sure the Steelers would like to have them both back but are likely not going to want to pay what they will be able to get in the open market. Signing Santonio to an extension is a must.From what I hear the Rooney's don't have a whole lot of free cash floating around because of the buyout. For that reason I would expect the Steelers to be even more frugal this offseason when it comes to bringing in free agents so don't expect a whole lot of help there. Burnett, Lewis, Mundy and teh class of 2010 better mature fast. Polamalu and Aaron Smith better stay healthy too...

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think Arians needs to go.

I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

I hate some of the situational playcalling. I definitely hate the poor red zone production out of the running game..That said, it is very tough to get rid of an OC after this year's offensive production.

A QB who passed for over 4300 yards and missed one game

A QB that finished a 9-7 season with 100.5 passer rating

A RB that rushed for over 1100 yards

A WR that had over 1200 yards

Another WR that had over 1100 yards

A TE with 76 receptions

A rookie WR averaging 19.4 yards per catch

With an O-Line that is questionable at best.

I agree with this post 110%...

As much as I find myself disliking some play-calling, it's hard to argue with the numbers (and the 2x SBs)...

Could it be a case of awesome athletes excelling in spite of the OC??

Arians isn't going anywhere. He and Ben are buddies. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the entire coaching staff is retained.

DVE said today that Tomlin plans to keep everybody. I do think Ligashesky will go though.I don't understand the complaints with the offensive staff. The team was 7th in total offense. That was not the problem.

 

[CrossEyed]

Arians isn't going anywhere. He and Ben are buddies. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the entire coaching staff is retained.

If Ligashesky is brought back, Tomlin should be fired.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Buffalo just canned their entire coaching squad.

Bobby April back as the ST coach? please?

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think Farrior, Clark, and Parker will be gone.Through the draft for free agency the Steelers need to add S, CB, MLB, NT, DE, C, RB.I would like to see Taylor Mays in black and gold if he falls to the Steelers in the first. Oderick would be a good option as well. I think he will be a monster 3-4 end.

Farrior just signed an extension so I think he'll be back. Clark may also be back if he comes cheap. FWP and Tyrone Carter are gone. The real question marks are Hampton & Reed. I am sure the Steelers would like to have them both back but are likely not going to want to pay what they will be able to get in the open market. Signing Santonio to an extension is a must.From what I hear the Rooney's don't have a whole lot of free cash floating around because of the buyout. For that reason I would expect the Steelers to be even more frugal this offseason when it comes to bringing in free agents so don't expect a whole lot of help there. Burnett, Lewis, Mundy and teh class of 2010 better mature fast. Polamalu and Aaron Smith better stay healthy too...

Farrior makes a lot of money and has slowed down. It is only going to get worse.Clark was exposed this year. Troy has been covering up for his limitations.

 

[Godsbrother]

Farrior makes a lot of money and has slowed down. It is only going to get worse.Clark was exposed this year. Troy has been covering up for his limitations.

Farrior may be slowing down but they have no one ready to take his place and he recently signed a long term deal. He had the look of a guy that was trying to do too much. A big part of Farrior's problems occured after Aaron Smith went down. A lot of people don't give Smith enough credit for what he does in the Steelers defense.Clark is not a great safety by any means but playing with the likes of Gay & Carter will look anyone appear average. He is worth bringing back if he come cheap.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Farrior makes a lot of money and has slowed down. It is only going to get worse.Clark was exposed this year. Troy has been covering up for his limitations.

Farrior may be slowing down but they have no one ready to take his place and he recently signed a long term deal. He had the look of a guy that was trying to do too much. A big part of Farrior's problems occured after Aaron Smith went down. A lot of people don't give Smith enough credit for what he does in the Steelers defense.Clark is not a great safety by any means but playing with the likes of Gay & Carter will look anyone appear average. He is worth bringing back if he come cheap.

I think Fox would be better than Farrior next year and far cheaper.I just can't see Clark being as cheap as what I think he is worth.

 

[bryhamm]

 

[Godsbrother]

Farrior makes a lot of money and has slowed down. It is only going to get worse.Clark was exposed this year. Troy has been covering up for his limitations.

Farrior may be slowing down but they have no one ready to take his place and he recently signed a long term deal. He had the look of a guy that was trying to do too much. A big part of Farrior's problems occured after Aaron Smith went down. A lot of people don't give Smith enough credit for what he does in the Steelers defense.Clark is not a great safety by any means but playing with the likes of Gay & Carter will look anyone appear average. He is worth bringing back if he come cheap.

I think Fox would be better than Farrior next year and far cheaper.I just can't see Clark being as cheap as what I think he is worth.

Another thing to consider is that Farrior makes the defensive calls -- in essence he is the QB of the defense. Certainly that doesn't mean he is irreplaceable but I am not sure if Fox or Timmons are ready to step into that role. I think Farrior is back unless the Steelers really feel he is washed up and want to unload his salary because I believe you can do it without concerns of a cap in 2010 since there is no cap.Obviously Clark did not have a good year but are you really ready to give the job to Ryan Mundy cause he is all you have...

 

[treat88]

Farrior makes a lot of money and has slowed down. It is only going to get worse.Clark was exposed this year. Troy has been covering up for his limitations.

Farrior may be slowing down but they have no one ready to take his place and he recently signed a long term deal. He had the look of a guy that was trying to do too much. A big part of Farrior's problems occured after Aaron Smith went down. A lot of people don't give Smith enough credit for what he does in the Steelers defense.Clark is not a great safety by any means but playing with the likes of Gay & Carter will look anyone appear average. He is worth bringing back if he come cheap.

I think Fox would be better than Farrior next year and far cheaper.I just can't see Clark being as cheap as what I think he is worth.

I like Fox, but you think Rice made Farrior look silly...Fox wouldn't even have been on your TV screen.Even at this point in his career, Farrior is better than 80% of the LB's in this league. He your starting RILB next season. Fox may be ready at some point. Not yet.We have nothing, and I do mean nothing behind Clark. He almost has to be retained if his demands are even in a reasonable range.FS has got to be addressed early and possibly often in this draft.

 

[treat88]

Farrior is.... your starting RILB next season.

Is he getting moved from his standard 3-4 LILB (mlb) position?ftr: Farrior is under contract through 2010, 2011 and 2012. We already paid him 10mill for the first two seasons of his 5 year extension... so his remaining 3 years total is only 8.5 or so (2.87 per year).It is is true that cutting him wont cost too much as his signing bonus was only 5 million (1 per five years) which is a 3 million caphit pill to swallow.But with the way the numbers works... he will almost assuredly be on the team in 2010.

Mentally flipped the field as I was typing that.LILB it is.

 

[ThaPenguin]

QB coach Ken Anderson is retiring.

http://www.steelers.com/article/116731/

 

[Steeler]

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Not a Steeler fan but a Michigan fan. Any chance the Steelers go after Brandon Graham from U of M in the 2nd or 3rd rounds? The similarities to Woodley are uncanny. Tweener at 6'2", 263 pounds, and about 4.7 speed....but an unstoppable motor and a playmaker similar to Woodley. I loved watching Woodley at UM and love watching him in the Pitt D.....and I've similarly loved watching Graham and was hoping he'd get into a 3-4 that will set him up for success like Woodley.

 

[Class Dismissed]

Not a Steeler fan but a Michigan fan. Any chance the Steelers go after Brandon Graham from U of M in the 2nd or 3rd rounds? The similarities to Woodley are uncanny. Tweener at 6'2", 263 pounds, and about 4.7 speed....but an unstoppable motor and a playmaker similar to Woodley. I loved watching Woodley at UM and love watching him in the Pitt D.....and I've similarly loved watching Graham and was hoping he'd get into a 3-4 that will set him up for success like Woodley.

IMO, ILB is a higher need than OLB, so if he goes where you are projecting him, I doubt it.The 1st 3 rounds should be any combination of OT/OG/C/CB/NG/S/ILB

 

[Evilgrin 72]

The playcalling got better the last 3 games, as frustrating as it was at times.

There were screen passes and check downs, which we'd not seen for a long time. Plus, some commitment to running.

Ligashesky is gone. BA is 50/50.

The defense really isn't bad if we get Smith and Polamalu back. Woodley is a beast and Silverback is still Silverback. We're going to need a replacement for Potsie, probably soon.

Still top priority has to be O-line. Then Hampton/DL. Then corner.

Then general depth.

I have a feeling this will depend largely on who's available. At OT, Okung is sure to be gone, but the guy I want is Anthony Davis from Rutgers. He MAY be there at #18, but I doubt it. Most people seem to think Bulaga from Iowa is next. Not sure what to make of him yet. If a stud NT prospect is there, they may need to grab him (Cody, Dan Williams from Tennessee, if they like him) because a stud at that spot is VERY hard to find.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Farrior, Clark, and Parker will be gone.

Through the draft for free agency the Steelers need to add S, CB, MLB, NT, DE, C, RB.

I would like to see Taylor Mays in black and gold if he falls to the Steelers in the first. Oderick would be a good option as well. I think he will be a monster 3-4 end.

That's the kid from Penn St, right? I agree with you, and wouldn't be shocked if they went there in Rd. 1.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, of note when evaluating potential draft picks...

More and more teams switching to the 3-4 means the type of guys the Steelers can usually draft as collegiate DEs and convert to OLBs are going to start dropping off the board earlier than they have in the past. Don't be shocked if they use an earlier round pick this year or next on another OLB, which will seem ludicrous at the time.

 

[Godsbrother]

QB coach Ken Anderson is retiring.

http://www.steelers.com/article/116731/

Bummer. But there is GOOD news:

Steelers Defense: **** LeBeau will return

Steelers Defense - TM - PIT - Jan. 5 - 10:18 am et

Steelers defensive coordinator **** LeBeau informed his players recently that he will be returning for 2010.

LeBeau is going on 73, but doesn't look that old and certainly doesn't coach like it. While his secondary gave out down the stretch, the Steelers still had a top-three run defense and were second in the NFL in sacks. They need youngsters Ziggy Hood, Keenan Lewis, and Lawrence Timmons to step up in 2010. Jan. 5 - 10:18 am et

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

[Steelers4Life]

It was just reported on ESPN Radio 1250 that it looks like the Steelers are going to fire Bruce Arians.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

It was just reported on ESPN Radio 1250 that it looks like the Steelers are going to fire Bruce Arians.

Getting back to Steeler football? Mendenhall the man in 2010?Arians to Chicago since he loves to pass?

 

[Stillers Jr.]

It was just reported on ESPN Radio 1250 that it looks like the Steelers are going to fire Bruce Arians.

Well then...it will be interesting to see if/when this happens whose name come up as a replacement.

 

[beavers]

 

[Godsbrother]

It was just reported on ESPN Radio 1250 that it looks like the Steelers are going to fire Bruce Arians.

Wow! If this is true I am really surprised and not the least bit sad about it...

 

[scrumptrulescent]

PFT reporting.....not exactly rock solid I know.

Report: Bruce Arians will be fired in PittsburghPosted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 5, 2010 2:47 PM ETThe makeover in Pittsburgh is reportedly underway.Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will be let go "in the near future," according to Ken Laird of 1250 ESPN in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have not confirmed the move, and Mike Tomlin didn't mention the change at his end of his season press conference.Arians was criticized for not building a consistent running attack in Pittsburgh, but the passing game was among the league's best. We doubt Arians would have been criticized so much if the Pittsburgh defense didn't give up 101 more points in 2009 than 2008.Steelers quarterback coach Ken Anderson retired earlier in the day.

 

[Copeman]

KDKA now reporting it as well.

 

[Godsbrother]

KDKA now reporting it as well.

Ding dong the witch is dead!

 

[ICLight]

KDKA now reporting it as well.

Ding dong the witch is dead!

Maybe???From Smizik's blog on the Post-Gazette:

ESPN reports Arians might be out

By Bob Smizik | Tuesday, 3:10 p.m.

1250 ESPN is backing down on its original report that Bruce Arians is out and we are pulling back our story.

Now the station is saying Arians might be out down the road, which differs from what it said earlier.

The report appears to be nothing more than speculation.

 

[Godsbrother]

KDKA now reporting it as well.

Ding dong the witch is dead!

Maybe???From Smizik's blog on the Post-Gazette:

ESPN reports Arians might be out

By Bob Smizik | Tuesday, 3:10 p.m.

1250 ESPN is backing down on its original report that Bruce Arians is out and we are pulling back our story.

Now the station is saying Arians might be out down the road, which differs from what it said earlier.

The report appears to be nothing more than speculation.

Ouch. Good luck to Ken Laird remaining a Steelers beat reporter if Arians is retained.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

A few interesting things from Bouchette's chat on the PPG's webpage.

polamalu43: Ed, do you think Ryan Clark will be back next year?

Ed Bouchette: No because I do not think they will offer him a large enough contract before he becomes free and someone else will.

leeinbigd: Ed, if Clark leaves via FA, who takes his spot?

Ed Bouchette: That is a good question and one you need to keep in mind if you want to see this team make major changes. In order to do that, you must have someone in which to make the change, such as your question. If Clark leaves, I have no idea who replaces him. The most logical is Ryan Mundy, a free agent or draft pick. Go through each position and ask the same question.

redmanselect: Who do you see getting the franchise tag if anyone at all?

Ed Bouchette: My guess would be either Casey Hampton or Jeff Reed.

janie: I'll try again ... any chance of Charlie Batch as QB coach?

Ed Bouchette: Sometimes when I do not answer your questions it is not because I do not like the question but because I do not know the answer because I have not looked into it yet. But here goes: I would think not because coaches do not like to hire players right off the roster to join their staff. they usually have too many alliances and they try to avoid that. However, if you could pick a player who I believe could make that transition if he wanted to it would be Charlie Batch.

 

[Steelfan7]

I think Arians needs to go.

I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I saw shotgun and empty backfield on 3rd and short one more time.

I hate some of the situational playcalling. I definitely hate the poor red zone production out of the running game..That said, it is very tough to get rid of an OC after this year's offensive production.

A QB who passed for over 4300 yards and missed one game

A QB that finished a 9-7 season with 100.5 passer rating

A RB that rushed for over 1100 yards

A WR that had over 1200 yards

Another WR that had over 1100 yards

A TE with 76 receptions

A rookie WR averaging 19.4 yards per catch

With an O-Line that is questionable at best.

I agree with this post 110%...

As much as I find myself disliking some play-calling, it's hard to argue with the numbers (and the 2x SBs)...

Could it be a case of awesome athletes excelling in spite of the OC??

Arians isn't going anywhere. He and Ben are buddies. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if the entire coaching staff is retained.

DVE said today that Tomlin plans to keep everybody. I do think Ligashesky will go though.I don't understand the complaints with the offensive staff. The team was 7th in total offense. That was not the problem.

Stats are nice, but points scored is the most important and the Steelers left an awful lot of points on the field that should have been cashed in.

 

[Steel Dillo]

One thing that make me think Arians gets canned is that Tomlin said the team will do what needs to be done to reduce sacks. To me this screams more ball control, run-oriented offense. Long, clock eating drives keep our suddenly struggling defense off the field.

I don't think Arians is willing to consistently call that kind of game.

Time to trade for Mendy if you can.