Steelers Championship Thread (1 Viewer)

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Plenty of good topics to discuss: free agency and the draft

Bettis retirement will put them near the 2006 cap. It sounds like Staley and Hartings may be asked to rework their contracts, in Staley's case perhaps even a pay cut. Maddox will likely be cut, freeing up some money.

Significant free agents include: Randle El, von Oelhoffen, Townsend, Hope, Tuman, Q Morgan, Keisel, Batch. Randle El will likely be too expensive to re-sign and frankly he is a marginal #2 WR. But they'll miss his return/gadget skills. They'll need to re-sign either von Oelhoffen or Keisel at RDE. Keisel seems to be getting better each year, it would be nice to keep him. Townsend is a solid player but McFadden seems more than ready to step in at CB. Hope is decent but certainly not a guy to overpay for. It would be nice to get a safety with more coverage skills with Polamalu near the line of scrimmage so often.

The Steelers appear to have the pieces in place to keep their Super Bowl window open for many years.

 

[kupcho1]

Is there some reason to keep Staley? I mean he looks great on the sidelines - I always like to see what kind of hat he'll be wearing during the game - but that's not reason enough to keep him, is it?

 

[Blick]

Is there some reason to keep Staley? I mean he looks great on the sidelines - I always like to see what kind of hat he'll be wearing during the game - but that's not reason enough to keep him, is it?

Staley has been a very solid back when healthy and will move into the Bettis short yardage role. I don't know why you wouldn't keep him around.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I don't have a problem with Duce other than his health. He's probably not the short yardage back Bettis is but he would be a good #2 to Parker if they don't draft a RB. I'm not sure of his salary for next year but with the signing bonus it might be just as expensive to cut him as to keep/restructure him.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Speaking of Duce, anyone know why he was in uniform for the Super Bowl?

 

[jurb26]

Is there some reason to keep Staley? I mean he looks great on the sidelines - I always like to see what kind of hat he'll be wearing during the game - but that's not reason enough to keep him, is it?

Staley has been a very solid back when healthy and will move into the Bettis short yardage role. I don't know why you wouldn't keep him around.

Unless he restructers, he has to go.I would still like to see Pitt sure up a shaky secondary with some cover guys. Looks like we could have a few solid CBs fall in the 1st round. They need another RB in the mold of Bettis to counter Parker. Parker just does not fit the Steelers scheme well enough to handle the load for a full 16 gmaes. Not only that, but I'm sure they would like to look elseware for the short yardage situations. DE seems to be a spot of need for them as well. Kimo, who knows what will happen with him. Either way age is becoming a concern for them here. The biggest void I would like to see filled is a big play WR. El will likley be gone, and that is a shame. I love his versitility as do the Steelers coaches. Pitt could still use that guy who stretches the field to help open up the passing lanes and running game. Too bad none are available.

 

[Blick]

Speaking of Duce, anyone know why he was in uniform for the Super Bowl?

With Krieder's knee injury, Haynes would have assumed the FB duties.

 

[Blick]

Is there some reason to keep Staley?  I mean he looks great on the sidelines - I always like to see what kind of hat he'll be wearing during the game - but that's not reason enough to keep him, is it?

Staley has been a very solid back when healthy and will move into the Bettis short yardage role. I don't know why you wouldn't keep him around.

Unless he restructers, he has to go.I would still like to see Pitt sure up a shaky secondary with some cover guys. Looks like we could have a few solid CBs fall in the 1st round. They need another RB in the mold of Bettis to counter Parker. Parker just does not fit the Steelers scheme well enough to handle the load for a full 16 gmaes. Not only that, but I'm sure they would like to look elseware for the short yardage situations. DE seems to be a spot of need for them as well. Kimo, who knows what will happen with him. Either way age is becoming a concern for them here. The biggest void I would like to see filled is a big play WR. El will likley be gone, and that is a shame. I love his versitility as do the Steelers coaches. Pitt could still use that guy who stretches the field to help open up the passing lanes and running game. Too bad none are available.

I think their secondary is rounding into form nicely. Ike is turning into the shutdown guy we need. McFadden played very well for a rookie in a position that rookie's tipically don't suceed in. Troy is, well the best Safety in the league. I agree that depth will be an issue if Townsend leaves.LB and D-Line are their biggest needs in my opinion.

 

[kupcho1]

I hear they're going to sign Bill Leavy to a front office position as his reward for Sunday.

:rimshot:

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I hear they're going to sign Bill Leavy to a front office position as his reward for Sunday.

I heard that too !

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I hear they're going to sign Bill Leavy to a front office position as his reward for Sunday.

Perhaps he should have entered the Seahawks huddle with 7 minutes to go to remind Hasselbeck that they were down 11.

 

[SYMPHONY X]

I don't believe they will be able to afford keeping Townsend with the cap situation. There is a big market for starting-caliber DB's in the NFL, and Townsend will most likely be offered too much money elsewhere to consider staying with the Steelers. They have drafted Colcolough and Mcfadden the past 2-years, so hopefully they will be ready to step up.

I could see Kimo sticking around for at least another year. He just seems like a guy that would forgo a bigger paycheck elsewhere for a shot at a second ring before he retires.

Randle-El is a question mark. Him staying or leaving depends on what offers he is seeing on the free-agent scene. It would hurt to lose him, but his production can be replaced fairly easily, minus the trick-play TD tosses of course.

The Steelers have a solid core of players surrounding Big Ben right now, and I believe the focus will be on solidifying the offensive and defensive lines, while trying to land solid #2WR to keep the offense balanced. I could see another "Foote-type" steal at LB in the middle rounds too.

 

[Godsbrother]

The first thing they need to do is figure out is who the backup QB is going to be. I can't imagine keeping Maddox and there shouldn't be a problem re-signing Batch. But if they don't sign Batch they are going to need to sign someone.

Next up is DE. Kimo is getting long in the tooth and is an UFA. I have heard that he wants to stay and will probably come cheap because he doesn't want to leave the Steelers. Keisel is also a UFA and shouldn't be too expensive either. I think they sign both but given the choice they'll go with Keisel.

In their secondary both Townsend (CB) and Hope (S) are unrestricted. Of the two Chris Hope is much more of a priority but they aren't going to bust the bank for a safety. Townsend is good and the Steelers would like to have him back but McFadden appears ready to take over. My guess is that Hope is signed and Townsend is gone via FA.

Antwaan Randel El is likely to get some serious money thrown his way and while it would be great to have him back, they won't match it. Nate Washington might be ready to step in as a #3 WR but realistically he only has 1 career reception. I think the Steelers will either re-sign Quincy Morgan or some other low priced FA and then draft a WR in the top 4 rounds.

It is now for sure that Bettis won't be back. My guess is that Duce will assume the Bettis role if he is willing to take a huge pay cut. If not, the Steelers will get their big RB by trade, FA, or an early draft pick. I think they'll be able to re-sign Verron Haynes to continue his 3rd down RB/emergency FB role.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

I'd like to keep Kimo but I think Kiesel will probaby be the starter next season if the Steelers retain him. Hartings is going to be an interesting situation if they are looking to get some salary back from him. Okobi has been on the team for five years now so he should be ready if he ever will be. Anybody have a good take on what the team thinks of him as a potential starter?

Duce would probably be worth keeping if he will restructure -- his base salary is set to almost quadruple next season:

2004 660000.00

2005 665000.00

2006 2500000.00

2007 2690000.00

2008 2000000.00

As an alternative, someone like Jonathan Wells might be an affordable option, especially if the Texans grab Reggie Bush:

2005 656000.00

I think Chris Hope should be our top signing priority. Tyrone Carter played very well as the season went on, however. I wonder if Logan will be back as he seems to have caught the injury bug. Willie Williams will almost certainly not return. I wouldn't mind locking in Ike Taylor to a long-term deal since he's an RFA. Townsend will probably find an offer somewhere bigger than the Steelers will want to match, but McFadden seems like he might be ready to start.

I doubt we will be able to keep ARE but Cedric Wilson should be solid as a WR2 and maybe Morgan/Washington at WR3. Probably will want to grab a WR in the mid-rounds somewhere either way.

I hope we keep Batch as he seems to be able to play well in an offense built for Roethlisberger. Maddox is probably already packed.

 

[Godsbrother]

I heard a clip of Randel El from the Mike & Mike show where he said that he wants to come back, hopes things can get worked out, but at the same time it is a business and sometimes things don't get worked out.

I think it is almost foregone cocslusion that someone is going to make a better offer than the Steelers. If so I think the Steelers try to sign a veteran free agent WR.

 

[kupcho1]

I heard a clip of Randel El from the Mike & Mike show where he said that he wants to come back, hopes things can get worked out, but at the same time it is a business and sometimes things don't get worked out.

I think it is almost foregone cocslusion that someone is going to make a better offer than the Steelers. If so I think the Steelers try to sign a veteran free agent WR.

Hmmm, maybe another former QB turned receiver. Are you think what I'm thinking?

 

[Banger]

I heard a clip of Randel El from the Mike & Mike show where he said that he wants to come back, hopes things can get worked out, but at the same time it is a business and sometimes things don't get worked out.

I think it is almost foregone cocslusion that someone is going to make a better offer than the Steelers. If so I think the Steelers try to sign a veteran free agent WR.

what's Wilson's status? He seemed to fit the bill fairly well over the 2nd half.

 

[Bloom]

Biggest priorities:

1) re-sign Kimo or Keisel and draft a 3-4 DE than can at least get in the rotation right away, and/or sign an FA to backup whomever we keep.

2) Draft/sign/trade for a power runner - I particularly like De'Arrius Howard and Cedric Humes of the guys in the draft.

3) Draft a big WR to groom - Brandon Marshall, Maurice Stovall, Martin Nance (ben's college teammate), Marques Colston - any of these guy will work. ARE is not coming back, but Wilson can run his routes.

 

[jurb26]

Biggest priorities:

1) re-sign Kimo or Keisel and draft a 3-4 DE than can at least get in the rotation right away, and/or sign an FA to backup whomever we keep.

2) Draft/sign/trade for a power runner - I particularly like De'Arrius Howard and Cedric Humes of the guys in the draft.

3) Draft a big WR to groom - Brandon Marshall, Maurice Stovall, Martin Nance (ben's college teammate), Marques Colston - any of these guy will work. ARE is not coming back, but Wilson can run his routes.

I agree with you bloom. I think we need to worry about the depth and amount of playmakers we have in the secondary though as well. Townsend and Hope will likley be gone IMO. At least 1 of them. We hyave to remember that Cinci is loaded at WR and we can't have them winning the Division again.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm beginning to like the possibility of the Steelers drafting Sinorice Moss at #32 overall and replacing El with him. He would give them the vertical threat they lacked this year. Have him play the X with Ward at Y and Cedrick in the slot where he belongs, and have Washington and "Drops" Morgan for depth.

Staley at this point would be an ignoramus not to restructure to stay with the team. he's a good short yardage back and is more valuable to the Steelers than anyone else. What is he going to command on the open market if they cut him?

Hartings hopefully will defer some $$. I think von Oelhoffen is back, Hope and Townsend walk, and Haynes re-signs. Steelers draft a WR, C or G, a DE, a LB, S and a RB in rounds 1-6 (maybe Moss, Nance, Stovall, or Baskett at WR- Mangold, Gilles or Eslinger at C/G, Rod Wright if he drops, or a later round guy like Jolly from Texas A&M at DE, Carpenter, Hodge or Thomas Howard at LB, and maybe a guy like Cedrick Humes at RB, and a sleeper like Pat Watkins or Greg Blue at S.

 

[Gatorman]

there is a lot of talk about El coming to the dolphins (BTW)

 

[Bloom]

Biggest priorities:

1) re-sign Kimo or Keisel and draft a 3-4 DE than can at least get in the rotation right away, and/or sign an FA to backup whomever we keep.

2) Draft/sign/trade for a power runner - I particularly like De'Arrius Howard and Cedric Humes of the guys in the draft.

3) Draft a big WR to groom - Brandon Marshall, Maurice Stovall, Martin Nance (ben's college teammate), Marques Colston - any of these guy will work. ARE is not coming back, but Wilson can run his routes.

I agree with you bloom. I think we need to worry about the depth and amount of playmakers we have in the secondary though as well. Townsend and Hope will likley be gone IMO. At least 1 of them. We hyave to remember that Cinci is loaded at WR and we can't have them winning the Division again.

Im fine Taylor, McFadden, Colclough as our top 3 CBs. I forget to include free safety. Tyrone Carter also figures in there somewhere.

 

[jurb26]

I'm beginning to like the possibility of the Steelers drafting Sinorice Moss at #32 overall and replacing El with him. He would give them the vertical threat they lacked this year. Have him play the X with Ward at Y and Cedrick in the slot where he belongs, and have Washington and "Drops" Morgan for depth.

Staley at this point would be an ignoramus not to restructure to stay with the team. he's a good short yardage back and is more valuable to the Steelers than anyone else. What is he going to command on the open market if they cut him?

Hartings hopefully will defer some $$. I think von Oelhoffen is back, Hope and Townsend walk, and Haynes re-signs. Steelers draft a WR, C or G, a DE, a LB, S and a RB in rounds 1-6 (maybe Moss, Nance, Stovall, or Baskett at WR- Mangold, Gilles or Eslinger at C/G, Rod Wright if he drops, or a later round guy like Jolly from Texas A&M at DE, Carpenter, Hodge or Thomas Howard at LB, and maybe a guy like Cedrick Humes at RB, and a sleeper like Pat Watkins or Greg Blue at S.

As much as I want Pitt to grab a bigger WR, I really would love to have Moss come to Pitt. With Miller emerging as a fine big target in the middle and Ward as dependable as ever, Moss could really just fly down the field and open things up.

 

[Bloom]

Steelers draft a WR, C or G, a DE, a LB, S and a RB in rounds 1-6 (maybe Moss, Nance, Stovall, or Baskett at WR- Mangold, Gilles or Eslinger at C/G, Rod Wright if he drops, or a later round guy like Jolly from Texas A&M at DE, Carpenter, Hodge or Thomas Howard at LB, and maybe a guy like Cedrick Humes at RB, and a sleeper like Pat Watkins or Greg Blue at S.

Would love to see Mangold in the first.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Steelers draft a WR, C or G, a DE, a LB, S and a RB in rounds 1-6  (maybe Moss, Nance, Stovall, or Baskett at WR- Mangold, Gilles or Eslinger at C/G, Rod Wright if he drops, or a later round guy like Jolly from Texas A&M at DE, Carpenter, Hodge or Thomas Howard at LB, and maybe a guy like Cedrick Humes at RB, and a sleeper like Pat Watkins or Greg Blue at S.

Would love to see Mangold in the first.

You think he'll go that early? I was thinking of him as more of a second-round guy - has his stock risen that much lately?

 

[Stillers Jr.]

I know this is off topic, but have you guys heard that some people think the Seahawks got ripped off in the SB by...**gulp**...bad calls?!?!

HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!

Back on topic....

The Steelers need to shore up both lines, defensive and offensive.

I hope Staley can contribute, I like him as a person and player. I would be happy going into next season with Staley, Parker and Haynes.

Need an OLB for depth....

 

[Bloom]

Steelers draft a WR, C or G, a DE, a LB, S and a RB in rounds 1-6  (maybe Moss, Nance, Stovall, or Baskett at WR- Mangold, Gilles or Eslinger at C/G, Rod Wright if he drops, or a later round guy like Jolly from Texas A&M at DE, Carpenter, Hodge or Thomas Howard at LB, and maybe a guy like Cedrick Humes at RB, and a sleeper like Pat Watkins or Greg Blue at S.

Would love to see Mangold in the first.

You think he'll go that early? I was thinking of him as more of a second-round guy - has his stock risen that much lately?

He was outstanding in the Senior Bowl practices, sometimes stoning Gabe Watson one-on-one in pass rush drills. I think he's the clear #1 center now.

 

[Bloom]

I know this is off topic, but have you guys heard that some people think the Seahawks got ripped off in the SB by...**gulp**...bad calls?!?!

HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!

Back on topic....

The Steelers need to shore up both lines, defensive and offensive.

I hope Staley can contribute, I like him as a person and player. I would be happy going into next season with Staley, Parker and Haynes.

Need an OLB for depth....

I actually think the Oline is fine with Essex, Kemoeatu, and Okobi as backups, but i wouldnt mind seeing Mangold brought in to take the torch from hartings.D-line needs depth bad.

I actually really like james Harrison and didnt notice much of a dropoff when he was in for an injured haggans earlier in the year. I think we are also grooming Andre Frazier. Im more worried about ILB, Kriewaldt and Goo dont do it for me.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I know this is off topic, but have you guys heard that some people think the Seahawks got ripped off in the SB by...**gulp**...bad calls?!?!

HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!!

Back on topic....

The Steelers need to shore up both lines, defensive and offensive.

I hope Staley can contribute, I like him as a person and player. I would be happy going into next season with Staley, Parker and Haynes.

Need an OLB for depth....

I actually think the Oline is fine with Essex, Kemoeatu, and Okobi as backups, but i wouldnt mind seeing Mangold brought in to take the torch from hartings.D-line needs depth bad.

I actually really like james Harrison and didnt notice much of a dropoff when he was in for an injured haggans earlier in the year. I think we are also grooming Andre Frazier. Im more worried about ILB, Kriewaldt and Goo dont do it for me.

Agreed - that's why I threw Abdul Hodge in there. He seems to be a forgotten man and is now being projected to go in rounds 2-3.... I think he's a steal there.

 

[Godsbrother]

I am surprised that you guys think Hope is gone. Safeties typically don't command big money on the open market (unless you are a Troy Polamalu/Ed Reed type) and Carter is OK but I think a definite downgrade from Hope.

I think Hope is back in 2006.

 

[Bad_Mo]

there is a lot of talk about El coming to the dolphins (BTW)

The Phins could use a solid QB.

 

[Fiddles.]

Speaking of Duce, anyone know why he was in uniform for the Super Bowl?

a friend sent a pic today and yes he was in uniformpm me your email address if you want me to send to u

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

here's how I see things:

Cut Staley. Even if he takes a pay cut, he simply cannot be someone you depend on. in 38 games (regular season + post season) for us in 04/05, Staley played in 17 of them. 44%. Even if he takes a dramatic pay cut, he's still taking up a roster spot. Screw that cupcake. Send him packing.

Kimo has already hinted that he doesn't want to go anywhere. If he'll sign something like Bettis did to wrap up his career here, great. If not, lock up Brett Keisel. In fact, lock up Brett Keisel no matter what we do with KVO.

Hartings is really a mystery, isn't he? Steelers fans will remember 2 years ago his knees were so bad he was thinking of retiring. Since then, he's played like a machine. What happened? I'd like to see him back at a reduced salary.

Maddox: Buhbye now.

Charlie Batch is a capable backup. Sign him as such.

Townsend will likely get an offer we don't want to match. With the progress that McFadden made this year, I can't imagine he won't be ready to take over the starting role next year.

Randle El is as good as gone. Sorry to see him go, but dems da breaks. That being said, they need to resign Q Morgan and then go after a Day one WR in the draft.

Tuman can stay or go, depending on his market value. I'm sure Bill Cowher still has Matt Cushing's phone # lying around somewhere if Tuman leaves. Feh.

Sign Chris Hope. And send him to tackling camp this summer.

 

[The Hank]

I heard a clip of Randel El from the Mike & Mike show where he said that he wants to come back, hopes things can get worked out, but at the same time it is a business and sometimes things don't get worked out.

I think it is almost foregone cocslusion that someone is going to make a better offer than the Steelers.  If so I think the Steelers try to sign a veteran free agent WR.

what's Wilson's status? He seemed to fit the bill fairly well over the 2nd half.

As of right now, C.Wilson is the #2 reciever in Pittsburgh, prior to the season he signed a 4-year deal so he is locked up for a considerable amount of time, for 2 mil per year.

 

[The Hank]

Kimo has already hinted that he doesn't want to go anywhere.  If he'll sign something like Bettis did to wrap up his career here, great.  If not, lock up Brett Keisel.  In fact, lock up Brett Keisel no matter what we do with KVO. 

very I am a huge Keisel advocate as he reminds me of a faster Aaron Smith. The guy is built like a machine (6'5" 285) and has made several big plays over the entire regular season and playoff stretch in limited action (most notably vs. Den with 2 sacks and a forced fumble). I would love to see Keisel take over the reigns on DE for he is only 27 years old and has alot of good years ahead of him, but if Kimo comes back too and starts, i'll be happy too. I just dont want to see Keisel on another team.

-- edited to rephrase sentences --

 

[CrossEyed]

If Troy keeps body-surfing, they may need to make sure they sign Hope.

Link

(Do a search for polamalu, it's the first video that comes up.)

 

[jetpack]

As far as I'm concerned, the Steelers will continue to find and groom players to plug n' play into their schemes. I have no worries over ANY player position.

My biggest concern is on the coaching side. Should Whisenhunt move on to take advantage of opportunity, I would be concerned who we would get to take his place. Sure, the Steelers will continue to run first, but I really believe his playcalling was a HUGE part of the Steeler Superbowl run. He called an aggressive game that was creative without falling into the recklessness of Mularkey. I want someone who will continue to temper and compliment Cowher's tendencies and will help Roth to continue to develop into the HOF QB I think we all think he can become.

Any ideas who would take over for Whisenhunt? Grimm? Arians? Whipple? Someone from outside?

 

[Bloom]

As far as I'm concerned, the Steelers will continue to find and groom players to plug n' play into their schemes. I have no worries over ANY player position.

My biggest concern is on the coaching side. Should Whisenhunt move on to take advantage of opportunity, I would be concerned who we would get to take his place. Sure, the Steelers will continue to run first, but I really believe his playcalling was a HUGE part of the Steeler Superbowl run. He called an aggressive game that was creative without falling into the recklessness of Mularkey. I want someone who will continue to temper and compliment Cowher's tendencies and will help Roth to continue to develop into the HOF QB I think we all think he can become.

Any ideas who would take over for Whisenhunt? Grimm? Arians? Whipple? Someone from outside?

arians would be my guess

 

[The Hank]

As far as I'm concerned, the Steelers will continue to find and groom players to plug n' play into their schemes.  I have no worries over ANY player position.

My biggest concern is on the coaching side.  Should Whisenhunt move on to take advantage of opportunity, I would be concerned who we would get to take his place.  Sure, the Steelers will continue to run first, but I really believe his playcalling was a HUGE part of the Steeler Superbowl run.  He called an aggressive game that was creative without falling into the recklessness of Mularkey.  I want someone who will continue to temper and compliment Cowher's tendencies and will help Roth to continue to develop into the HOF QB I think we all think he can become. 

Any ideas who would take over for Whisenhunt?  Grimm?  Arians? Whipple?  Someone from outside?

arians would be my guess

what about hoak? he's been around long enough, im just not sure if he could handle the passing portion of what an offensive coordinator does, but he seems to do wonders with running backs.

 

[jetpack]

As far as I'm concerned, the Steelers will continue to find and groom players to plug n' play into their schemes.  I have no worries over ANY player position.

My biggest concern is on the coaching side.  Should Whisenhunt move on to take advantage of opportunity, I would be concerned who we would get to take his place.  Sure, the Steelers will continue to run first, but I really believe his playcalling was a HUGE part of the Steeler Superbowl run.  He called an aggressive game that was creative without falling into the recklessness of Mularkey.  I want someone who will continue to temper and compliment Cowher's tendencies and will help Roth to continue to develop into the HOF QB I think we all think he can become. 

Any ideas who would take over for Whisenhunt?  Grimm?  Arians? Whipple?  Someone from outside?

arians would be my guess

what about hoak? he's been around long enough, im just not sure if he could handle the passing portion of what an offensive coordinator does, but he seems to do wonders with running backs.

Hoak is my favorite to be sure, but I wouldn't want to see him as our OC. I wouldn't be surprised if Hoak announced his retirement sometime soon. Let me ask this - if we were to go outside of our org to get a new OC (like we did with Gilbride) who would you want to see?

 

[Hersh]

What makes everyone think that Duce Staley can be a goal line back and take over for the Bus? He was a third down back when he was with Philly and has shown me nothing WHEN he was on the field as far as being a move the pile type of back. Smash mouth football is not his style even IF he can stay healthy.

I think they can get a big back in the 3rd to 5th rounds to fill their needs. Cedric Humes from Virginia Tech comes to mind. I read where he looked good in the week of practice at the senior bowl.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Sign Chris Hope. And send him to tackling camp this summer.

GB that. And Taylor to catching camp. (Though in fairness, his hands were much better at the end of the year.)

 

[kevinray]

Mark Whipple is going to get a long look at the OC spot. Right now hes at the top of my list. Russ Grimms technically the assistant head coach but thats figure head. Anyone remember if Grimm was in the running for the OC spot before Whiz took over?

 

[SteelerDestiny]

Speaking of Duce, anyone know why he was in uniform for the Super Bowl?

They activated him to take over the 3rd down back because Kreider was hurt going into the game and they were gonna move Haynes into the starting fullback role with Staley taking over the 3rd down responsibilites.I think Pgh will not draft high enough RB to get someone better than Staley. He does have health issues, but he did just sit a whole year and get healthy, so maybe it will do him some good. Staley is a cross between the Bus and FWP. He's better at breaking tackles and getting outside than FWP. He's also an excellent WR out of the backfield, definately better than FWP or the Bus. He had great stats when in Philly seeing that he was in a RBBC of 3.

If I was Cowher I would start Staley and use him to bash the defense to soften them up and then bring in FWP in the 2nd half and let him run right by everyone.

Also I think Keisel is ready to start as well as McFadden, so I would say let Kimo (sry Kimo, I love u man) and Towensend go. I think we should keep Hope, that boy can lay the wood. I think he was 3rd on the defense in tackles, so he needs to stay.

 

[SteelerDestiny]

I hear they're going to sign Bill Leavy to a front office position as his reward for Sunday.

Still bitter are U?

 

[diesel7982]

As far as I'm concerned, the Steelers will continue to find and groom players to plug n' play into their schemes.  I have no worries over ANY player position.

My biggest concern is on the coaching side.  Should Whisenhunt move on to take advantage of opportunity, I would be concerned who we would get to take his place.  Sure, the Steelers will continue to run first, but I really believe his playcalling was a HUGE part of the Steeler Superbowl run.  He called an aggressive game that was creative without falling into the recklessness of Mularkey.  I want someone who will continue to temper and compliment Cowher's tendencies and will help Roth to continue to develop into the HOF QB I think we all think he can become. 

Any ideas who would take over for Whisenhunt?  Grimm?  Arians? Whipple?  Someone from outside?

arians would be my guess

what about hoak? he's been around long enough, im just not sure if he could handle the passing portion of what an offensive coordinator does, but he seems to do wonders with running backs.

Hoak is my favorite to be sure, but I wouldn't want to see him as our OC. I wouldn't be surprised if Hoak announced his retirement sometime soon. Let me ask this - if we were to go outside of our org to get a new OC (like we did with Gilbride) who would you want to see?

There isnt anyone available who hasnt been hired thus far(presuming Sherman does go to HOU) that would be better than Grimm or Arians.

 

[kupcho1]

Please change the title of this thread to "World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Thread"

TIA

 

[Evilgrin 72]

What makes everyone think that Duce Staley can be a goal line back and take over for the Bus? He was a third down back when he was with Philly and has shown me nothing WHEN he was on the field as far as being a move the pile type of back. Smash mouth football is not his style even IF he can stay healthy.

I think they can get a big back in the 3rd to 5th rounds to fill their needs. Cedric Humes from Virginia Tech comes to mind. I read where he looked good in the week of practice at the senior bowl.

I posted this in another thread discussing Staley's ability to fill Bettis' role :Using Drinen's awesome data dominator, I fleshed out some interesting situational numbers. First, I compared the two running backs since Staley came to the Steelers (2004 and 2005 seasons in their entirety.) Obviously, a comparison in rushing TDs is not fair, as Bettis has been the goal line hammer, but a straight ypc comparison is not fair to Bettis for the same reasons. So, I looked at all carries that WERE NOT inside the opponent's 10 yard line.

Bettis : 299-1215 4.06 ypc 41 first downs (13.7%) 1 TD

Staley : 196-843 4.30 ypc 27 first downs (13.8%) 1 TD

Very similar, but with an edge to Staley. Then, I looked at goal line situations (carries inside the opponent's 5 yd line), using data from 2002-2005 (since Staley has had almost no goal line carries since joining the Steelers) :

Staley 23 carries, 9 TDs - 39.1%

Bettis 67 carries, 34 TDs - 50.7%

Here, Bettis gets the edge, but Staley is not awful and could up that number behind a Steelers line which is far superior in run blocking to the Eagles of 2002-2003. Next, I checked out effectiveness in short yardage situations, all carries from 2002-2005 where the situation was 2 yards or less to go for a first-down :

Staley : 68 carries, 51 first downs (75.0%) - 3.82 ypc

Bettis : 129 carries, 88 first downs (68.2%) - 2.19 ypc

Taking it a step further, and narrowing it down to only 3rd/4th down carries with 2 yards or less to go :

Staley : 18 carries, 14 first downs (77.8%) - 3.67 ypc

Bettis : 68 carries, 50 first downs (73.5%) - 2.68 ypc

Edge to Staley on both counts.

Now, I know we're comparing an aging Bettis to a younger Staley, and am aware of Staley's injuries, but it seems to me that if healthy, he can serve in the same capacity Bettis did this year and be just as effective, if not more so. If they can keep him at a reasonable price, I say they do it and devote the $$ they'd use on a free agent back to re-up Randel-El, Haynes, or Hope

 

[nightshift]

Now, I know we're comparing an aging Bettis to a younger Staley, and am aware of Staley's injuries, but it seems to me that if healthy, he can serve in the same capacity Bettis did this year and be just as effective, if not more so. If they can keep him at a reasonable price, I say they do it and devote the $$ they'd use on a free agent back to re-up Randel-El, Haynes, or Hope

Therein lies the rub,EG. I don't think he can stay healthy & given the dollar amount, Steelers will cut him.They can & should re-sign Haynes, who can be used in goal line situations or better yet, sign a vet for that role. Like A-train, Dayne, Etc. A lot of decent RB talent can be had for the right price.

El will command too much money for the Steelers. He's as good as gone. The good news is we can get his replacement with a 2nd or 3rd round pick from Penn State!

Signing the defensive backfield should be #1 priority, depth for the lines next (draft), Ben's backup next (Josh McCown ), RB (FA) / WR (draft) depth last.

 

[Franknbeans]

Predictions:

Signings

Kimo

Keisel

Haynes

Taylor

Hope

Kriewaldt

Batch

Morgan

Re-structures

Hartings

Staley

Gone

Randle El

Townsend

Tuman

Brooks

I hope I'm wrong about Randle El but some team will pony up major dough for him