Steelers backfield to be blown up? (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/steelers-backfield-could-blown-182414400--nfl.html

The Steelers last offseason parted ways with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, now the head coach of the Cardinals, and replaced him with Todd Haley at least in part because they wanted to get back to running the football.Yet, under Haley, the Steelers finished 26th overall in rushing offense, three spots lower than the worst rushing season in five years under Arians.According to GM Kevin Colbert, Haley never had a chance to successfully reestablish the ground game in 2012."Where we were in the running game last year was indicative of the talent at the position. ... That group of players didn't produce the way we anticipated they would,” Colbert told the local media last week.That might not bode well for the futures of Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman in Pittsburgh, we hear. Mendenhall is an unrestricted free agent, coming off an injury-riddled season which netted his worst output since 2008. Dwyer and Redman, meanwhile, are both restricted free agents.With rookie Chris Rainey being released after an arrest for domestice violence last week — and Colbert indicating he doesn’t have a future in black and gold — the Steelers could have an entirely different look and feel in the backfield in 2013. Even if any or all of the backs currently on the roster return, the departure of Rainey and likely exit of WR Mike Wallace creates a need for speed out of the backfield. The hope is that whomever is called upon will do a better job meeting the expectations of Colbert and the rest of the Steelers’ brass than was the case in 2012.

I wonder where Mendenhall will be next year?

 

[JohnnyU]

Or Dwyer too. Maybe they get rid of all of them and start over.

 

[msommer]

I have to do thiseAngelo Williams in PIT?

 

[massraider]

I have to do thiseAngelo Williams in PIT?

Nah, say Jonathan Stewart. It'll make people more excited.

 

[msommer]

I have to do thiseAngelo Williams in PIT?

Nah, say Jonathan Stewart. It'll make people more excited.

But a lot less likely...

 

[djmich]

Ivory to Pitt would get me excited.

 

[bigern1000]

Ivory to Pitt would get me excited.

Heck, Ivory out of NO would just do the trick...

 

[Return of the Sheep]

I'd like to see Steven Jackson for a yr or two.

 

[coolnerd]

Ivory to Pitt would get me excited.

Heck, Ivory out of NO would just do the trick...

Ivory out of the hot tube might actually help somebody

 

[Chazzhawk]

Ivory to Pitt would get me excited.

Heck, Ivory out of NO would just do the trick...

Ivory out of the hot tube might actually help somebody

How well does Ivory catch the ball out of the backfield and pick up the blitz? I have a feeling that the Steelers will be looking for a guy to help protect Ben and catch the ball.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

When's the last time a RFA went anywhere? Doubt Ivory does either.I don't think guys like Jackson/Bush are going to be on their radar. Either too costly or too much mileage. I expect they'll bring in a relatively uninspiring, but "has talent if he's healthy/straight/motivated" type retread to share duties with Redman(why, I don't know, but they'll keep one of their two plodders. I expect it's Ike.)if they can't re-sign Mendenhall stupid cheap(doubt that happens). I think they'll roll that way before they'd expend a premium pick on a runner, at least for '13. No idea what names I'd throw out that fit Haley's scheme best, but there are a chunk of those types in the UFA pool this year, mostly guys who are of the "talented, but oft-injured" variety. Kevin Smith, Goodson, Felix Jones et al.Since they jettisoned Rainey, I fully expect an attempt to infuse some new blood at the position with a mid-rounder again regardless of what they do free agent wise.Not saying I agree with this method, just that it's what I think they will do. They probably should just totally overhaul the position, IMO, since I'm not much of a fan of either Dwyer or Redman as a lead back, Baron Batch is a ST level guy, and Mendenhall is almost certainly gone. To do that though they'd need to burn a high pick on a runner....and this isn't a good year for Pittsburgh to do that unless the draft just broke horribly for them. Other areas need to be addressed more, unfortunately, so they're probably going the band-aid route for now. I just hope they steer clear of guys like Shonn Greene and Hillis. No more plodders, please.

 

[Please See Mine]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/steelers-backfield-could-blown-182414400--nfl.htmlThe Steelers last offseason parted ways with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, now the head coach of the Cardinals, and replaced him with Todd Haley at least in part because they wanted to get back to running the football.Yet, under Haley, the Steelers finished 26th overall in rushing offense, three spots lower than the worst rushing season in five years under Arians.

Still don't understand the switch from Arians. Offense was good, it had gotten more current, Ben loved him.I feel like the Steelers/Tomlin want to be be more conservative and always in these 16-13 games with 2 minutes left and it's just not the way to win anymore.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Still don't understand the switch from Arians. Offense was good, it had gotten more current, Ben loved him.I feel like the Steelers/Tomlin want to be be more conservative and always in these 16-13 games with 2 minutes left and it's just not the way to win anymore.

Arians' offense had a bunch of talent at WR/TE, a talented RB(when Mendenhall was 100%) and and elite QB....and was fairly middling almost every season he coached their O in regard to PPG(9th, 17th, 12th, 12th, 21st). First year was pretty good, and his offenses tapered off after that. Even during the more productive years his offenses had big trouble scoring TDs in the red zone. Almost alarming how many points they'd leave on the field in the RZ some of those seasons. And over time their running game became disturbingly predictable. That's ultimately a big part of what got him ousted. Steelers' brass felt that with the talent that they had on O, particularly at QB, that they should be scoring more points. Not saying Haley did any better in that regard, or that I thought he was a great hire or anything, but that's pretty much the line the Steelers FO was toeing for removing Arians. Yeah, the ownership made the quip about wanting to "run better"(which many took to mean "run more"), which Haley's offense clearly didn't do(although most of his runners did get slammed with injuries, FWIW), but I still think the PPG angle was the bigger deal in getting Arians replaced. The Pittsburgh FO thought his O should have scored more points so they made the switch.

 

[Riversco]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/steelers-backfield-could-blown-182414400--nfl.html

The Steelers last offseason parted ways with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, now the head coach of the Cardinals, and replaced him with Todd Haley at least in part because they wanted to get back to running the football.

Yet, under Haley, the Steelers finished 26th overall in rushing offense, three spots lower than the worst rushing season in five years under Arians.

Still don't understand the switch from Arians. Offense was good, it had gotten more current, Ben loved him.I feel like the Steelers/Tomlin want to be be more conservative and always in these 16-13 games with 2 minutes left and it's just not the way to win anymore.

They have been saying this about the running game since the 1980s. Yet here we are, and the Seahawks, Redskins, and Vikings all made the playoffs as running teams, and the Niners are in the Super Bowl as a running team.You can definitely win in the playoffs being a tough, physical team that runs the ball. Nothing has changed.

In the 1980s, they used to look at Marino and that Dolpins passing attack and say that's the future of the NFL and forget the run. Didn't work out that way.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Steelers backfield to be blown up?

Good.

 

[MAC_32]

Lacy?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Lacy?

He'd probably be a nice enough fit, but would likely require too high of a pick to acquire. He isn't worth the 17, and they have greater needs to address with that anyway.

 

[MAC_32]

Lacy?

He'd probably be a nice enough fit, but would likely require too high of a pick to acquire. He isn't worth the 17, and they have greater needs to address with that anyway.

Reasonable to believe he could fall to the second, perfect fit if he does

 

[ebcpastor2004]

Beannie Wells done in AZ? Would Haley try to get him brought in?

 

[zamboni]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

 

[MAC_32]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

Because he is not good?

 

[Godsbrother]

When's the last time a RFA went anywhere? Doubt Ivory does either.I don't think guys like Jackson/Bush are going to be on their radar. Either too costly or too much mileage. I expect they'll bring in a relatively uninspiring, but "has talent if he's healthy/straight/motivated" type retread to share duties with Redman(why, I don't know, but they'll keep one of their two plodders. I expect it's Ike.)if they can't re-sign Mendenhall stupid cheap(doubt that happens). I think they'll roll that way before they'd expend a premium pick on a runner, at least for '13. No idea what names I'd throw out that fit Haley's scheme best, but there are a chunk of those types in the UFA pool this year, mostly guys who are of the "talented, but oft-injured" variety. Kevin Smith, Goodson, Felix Jones et al.Since they jettisoned Rainey, I fully expect an attempt to infuse some new blood at the position with a mid-rounder again regardless of what they do free agent wise.Not saying I agree with this method, just that it's what I think they will do. They probably should just totally overhaul the position, IMO, since I'm not much of a fan of either Dwyer or Redman as a lead back, Baron Batch is a ST level guy, and Mendenhall is almost certainly gone. To do that though they'd need to burn a high pick on a runner....and this isn't a good year for Pittsburgh to do that unless the draft just broke horribly for them. Other areas need to be addressed more, unfortunately, so they're probably going the band-aid route for now. I just hope they steer clear of guys like Shonn Greene and Hillis. No more plodders, please.

The Saints are in bad shape in regards to the cap. Not sure how much of a tender they can afford to spend on Ivory, although I still doubt the Steelers sign him.Agree with Jackson and Bush. While either would be welcome they are going to cost way too much and as you say they have lots of miles on them.The Mendenhall situation is interesting. The Steelers are definitely going to let him test FA and I think Mendy will learn pretty quick he's only going to get backup money. Pittsburgh is about the only place he might start, but it would still be for backup money so he will likely be facing a decision to get a change of scenery or potentially start.My guess is the Steelers will burn one of their top 3 picks on a RB -AND- sign a veteran such as LeGarrette Blount, Justin Forsett or bring back Mendenhall.

 

[zamboni]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

Because he is not good?

Looked pretty good his first few years. Losing your job to Doug Martin is no embarrassment, and Schiano never liked him.Maybe Blount caught lightning in a bottle out of the gate, but wouldn't cost much for the Steelers to find out.

 

[finito]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

Because he is not good?

Looked pretty good his first few years. Losing your job to Doug Martin is no embarrassment, and Schiano never liked him.Maybe Blount caught lightning in a bottle out of the gate, but wouldn't cost much for the Steelers to find out.

I think Blount is a decent RB, but I'm not quite sure he fits what the Steelers like in a RB. He's big but not particularly physical and seems to have a hard time getting the tough yards. I'd certainly be intrigued if they picked him up, but isn't Blount a RFA? Does that mean he'll be back in Tampa? Rare that RFAs leave their team.

 

[zamboni]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

Because he is not good?

Looked pretty good his first few years. Losing your job to Doug Martin is no embarrassment, and Schiano never liked him.Maybe Blount caught lightning in a bottle out of the gate, but wouldn't cost much for the Steelers to find out.

I think Blount is a decent RB, but I'm not quite sure he fits what the Steelers like in a RB. He's big but not particularly physical and seems to have a hard time getting the tough yards. I'd certainly be intrigued if they picked him up, but isn't Blount a RFA? Does that mean he'll be back in Tampa? Rare that RFAs leave their team.

The Bucs may not tender him though, and he was undrafted out of college. Unless I am mistaken, if he's not tendered he becomes an UFA.

 

[MAC_32]

Blount seems like he could be a fit there.

Because he is not good?

Looked pretty good his first few years. Losing your job to Doug Martin is no embarrassment, and Schiano never liked him.Maybe Blount caught lightning in a bottle out of the gate, but wouldn't cost much for the Steelers to find out.

Hard and tough running in a straight line is a replaceable skill and a good fit as a change of pace pounder. All he really is though.

 

[Tau837]

Still don't understand the switch from Arians. Offense was good, it had gotten more current, Ben loved him.I feel like the Steelers/Tomlin want to be be more conservative and always in these 16-13 games with 2 minutes left and it's just not the way to win anymore.

Arians' offense had a bunch of talent at WR/TE, a talented RB(when Mendenhall was 100%) and and elite QB....and was fairly middling almost every season he coached their O in regard to PPG(9th, 17th, 12th, 12th, 21st). First year was pretty good, and his offenses tapered off after that. Even during the more productive years his offenses had big trouble scoring TDs in the red zone. Almost alarming how many points they'd leave on the field in the RZ some of those seasons. And over time their running game became disturbingly predictable. That's ultimately a big part of what got him ousted. Steelers' brass felt that with the talent that they had on O, particularly at QB, that they should be scoring more points. Not saying Haley did any better in that regard, or that I thought he was a great hire or anything, but that's pretty much the line the Steelers FO was toeing for removing Arians. Yeah, the ownership made the quip about wanting to "run better"(which many took to mean "run more"), which Haley's offense clearly didn't do(although most of his runners did get slammed with injuries, FWIW), but I still think the PPG angle was the bigger deal in getting Arians replaced. The Pittsburgh FO thought his O should have scored more points so they made the switch.

I'm not disputing that this was the FO rationale, but, while they may have had good skill position players, how many of Arians' years did they have even an average offensive line? I don't follow the Steelers closely, but to me that has seemed like a problem for them for a while now. I wouldn't think that's on Arians.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

Ben Tate would look nice in black and yellow.

 

[Blick]

Ben Tate would look nice in black and yellow.

I think he may be a product of the system rather than top talent. Justin Forsett also looked good there.I'd be suprised if Mendenhall is not resigned.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I thought Dwyer actually looked decent when he was given a real shot.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Ben Tate would look nice in black and yellow.

I think he may be a product of the system rather than top talent. Justin Forsett also looked good there.

He may be, but Tate's restricted and Foster is coming off, like, an 1,110 touch season. He probably isn't going anywhere.

I'd be suprised if Mendenhall is not resigned.

Bouchette reported in the PG today that Mendenhall isn't going to be brought back. He also stated that the Steelers won't be going into the year with Redman/Dwyers as the main runner. So, that only leaves the draft, trading or the FA route if they're serious about that. Still not sure exactly who they think is available as a FA that'd be a legit upgrade, and any runner who would be is going to cost their first or second. Perhaps they are, indeed, eyeballing a trade? Should be interesting to watch unfold if nothing else.

 

[FF Ninja]

I thought Dwyer actually looked decent when he was given a real shot.

Agreed. But I can understand them saying they will not be going into the season with him as their starter. Homeboy obviously needs some serious motivation to get in shape. As a Dwyer owner, I suspect he needs all the motivation possible to have a chance of showing up in shape for camp. If he drops the gut and shows a real dedication to his trade he will win the starting job next year (if given a fair competition). However, I question his work ethic and somehow doubt there is any motivation great enough to get him to put down the fork. Would love for him to prove me wrong. Realistically expecting him to be nothing more than an injury flyer next year.

 

[domvin]

Saw the Ben Tate thought above, maybe Houston has soured on him some,......he's been nicked up a lot recently. Yet, recouping a pick for a player before Free agency may be enough to warrant it?If I am Pittsburgh, I am finding out what Bryce Brown's price tag is. Even if it's a third rounder,I am making that deal.Heck, not just Pittsburgh....any rb needy team. Cincy, Detroit, etc....The fumbling issues can be corrected, and his price tag will only goup.Maybe......maybe, a new regime is OK relying on Mccoy, Polk, and dealing Brown?

 

[Stewy]

Ben Tate would look nice in black and yellow.

Tate was in Kubiak's doghouse all year.I'd be shocked if he wasn't moved.

 

[GregR]

Steelers backfield to be blown up?

Good.

Preferably with TNT?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Except for younger franchise changing RBs, there isn't really big pay days for FA backs. If Steven Jackson can be had for a reasonable number, he is the guy the Steelers should target. Sjax, one of Redman/Dwyer, Batch, and a rookie could be a nice backfield. Otherwise, maybe Blount, although I think the Steelers are looking to go knucklehead free this season.The cap and the needs of the team make it tough.I don't think there is a chance in hell that Mendenhall is a Steeler next year.

 

[treat88]

Yeah, that Mendenhall bridge is burnt from both ends.Thing is the 2012 Steelers didn't have an OLman or a RB that could threaten the edge. They were only able to run/block A gap to A gap. D's simply crashed the middle on running downs and took those gaps away. Injuries and lack of RB talent left them without an answer.I don't think it takes a premium pick/FA to solve the problem, just a RB with enough burst to get off tackle and enough size to run inside so they don't telegraph play design based off personnel.Getting DeCastro back and, hopefully shedding Willie Colon, should improve the OL's athleticism enough to block the outside runs and screen game more effectively.As it stands, Barron Batch is the only Steeler RB currently under contract...so the situation is, rightfully, already essentially blown up.

 

[Henry Ford]

When's the last time a RFA went anywhere? Doubt Ivory does either.

I think the last one was two years ago, and it was a Saints backup running back. Mike Bell.Saints have four other backs locked up in contracts next year - Thomas gets 2.4 mil, Sproles gets 2.9 mil, Ingram gets over a million, and Cadet is around 1/2 million. I don't think the Saints are going to pay $1.3 million to Ivory next year. He's almost certainly changing teams.

 

[Godsbrother]

When's the last time a RFA went anywhere? Doubt Ivory does either.

I think the last one was two years ago, and it was a Saints backup running back. Mike Bell.Saints have four other backs locked up in contracts next year - Thomas gets 2.4 mil, Sproles gets 2.9 mil, Ingram gets over a million, and Cadet is around 1/2 million. I don't think the Saints are going to pay $1.3 million to Ivory next year. He's almost certainly changing teams.

Also the Saints are $15 million over the cap. I am not sure if that means they can't retain Ivory but it be a factor

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think the last one was two years ago, and it was a Saints backup running back. Mike Bell.

I forgot about Bell. Anyone remember what he was tendered, by chance? Too busy to look up right now.

Also the Saints are $15 million over the cap. I am not sure if that means they can't retain Ivory but it be a factor

The Saints can re-structure contracts like every other team though. I don't think what their cap situation is on January 22nd necessarily makes any difference about what they'll ultimately do with Ivory.As a Steelers fan, I'd be fine with them acquiring him....as long as they're acquiring a new hot tub for the trainer's room along with him. Chances are he will need it.

 

[jonboltz]

It obviously wouldn't be the only move they'd need, but Danny Woodhead as a COP back would really compliment the type of traditional big backs that PGH runs with.

 

[Inspiration]

I think the last one was two years ago, and it was a Saints backup running back. Mike Bell.

I forgot about Bell. Anyone remember what he was tendered, by chance? Too busy to look up right now.

He received the lowest tender. Bell was a UDFA, so no draft picks were required as compensation.LinkLink

 

[Coeur de Lion]

It obviously wouldn't be the only move they'd need, but Danny Woodhead as a COP back would really compliment the type of traditional big backs that PGH runs with.

Resign Redman and maybe Dwyer on the cheap and add a 3rd down type in FA or the middle rounds. Reggie Bush will be too expensive, but Woodhead or Felix Jones might not be and could play a Jamaal Charles - lite role in Haley's offense.Continuing to invest in the line and replacing Wallace are both bigger priorities on offense than RB IMO.

 

[jkvudores]

What about a trade for Dion Lewis. Would prob come cheap. Comp to the bigger back in Dwyer

 

[DropKick]

I have to do thiseAngelo Williams in PIT?

Nah, say Jonathan Stewart. It'll make people more excited.

Oh Boy! Oh Boy!

 

[Franknbeans]

Ben Tate would look nice in black and yellow.

I think he may be a product of the system rather than top talent. Justin Forsett also looked good there.I'd be suprised if Mendenhall is not resigned.

I wouldn't. Mendenhall sealed his fate when he missed their game late in the season.

 

[Brown]

The organization and fans both hate Mendenhall alike. He sealed his fate with his tweets last off-season. Don't expect the Steelers to go after any 'name' RBs free agents. Not their style. They'll pick some under-sized but talented guy in 2nd or 3rd rounds.

 

[Biabreakable]

Rashard Mendenhall's time in Pittsburgh is likely over.The Steelers running back will be unrestricted when the free agency period begins and he didn't exactly give the organization incentive to keep him around. He missed the first four weeks as he recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, then was unproductive when healthy. So unproductive that he lost his job to Jonathan Dwyer.Things bottomed out when Mendenhall was suspended for skipping the Week 14 game against the San Diego Chargers after he was told not to dress.Mendenhall finished 2012 with 182 yards on 51 carries and no touchdowns."The season Rashard was not what we would have hope for," Steelers president Art Rooney II told Steelers Digest writer Bob Labriola. "Obviously, we knew he was coming back from an injury so there were some unknowns there. So, without getting into the real specifics with Rashard, it's fair to say that we are going to need a better performance out of the running back position if we're going to be successful."Whether it's Rashard or Jonathan or Isaac (Redman) or somebody else, we have to be better at that position, as well as others, but certainly at that position. In this offseason that's something we've got to look at and decide how we get better and who we get better with."That's not a ringing endorsement for Mendenhall's return. There weren't many expectations for Dwyer and Redman, but Mendenhall was a first-round pick with an 1,100-yard and 1,200-yard season on the resume.The organization doesn't take missing the playoffs lightly and the run game ranked 26th in the NFL. There will be changes and Mendenhall looks to be one of them.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000130969/article/art-rooney-expected-more-from-rashard-mendenhall

 

[Kree]

I do find it humorous that on one hand they complain about the lack of production, and on the other hand they highlight the fact that he only had 51 carries on the year.

 

[Blick]

I do find it humorous that on one hand they complain about the lack of production, and on the other hand they highlight the fact that he only had 51 carries on the year.

I don't think I'll ever understand his lack of use. He was only used to give others a breather and never allowed to get into the flow of things. Mendenhall has/had (who knows) the big play ability the other backs don't. It takes a bunch of carries to hit the "big" one.