The ***OFFICIAL*** 2018 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (2 Viewers)

[fred_1_15301]

Nice win for the Steelers against a good offense but horrendous defense.    This division is could come down to the wire and this coming week's game against the Bengals is huge.   Win it and the Steelers are right in the thick of it.  Lose it and they may be done.

Decent game by the defense but I think some of that was due to Ryan playing a pretty bad game.  Steelers got pressure on him but I felt like he missed a lot of open throws.  Not sure how good the Bengals backup tight end is but hopefully that benefits the Steelers.  While it’s too early to talk about must win games, damn this upcoming game sure feels like one.  They’re not done if they lose.  If they lose and their defense gets shredded apart, I have no problems convincing myself they’re done.  They have to win these AFC games.

 

[Godsbrother]

Decent game by the defense but I think some of that was due to Ryan playing a pretty bad game.  Steelers got pressure on him but I felt like he missed a lot of open throws.  Not sure how good the Bengals backup tight end is but hopefully that benefits the Steelers.  While it’s too early to talk about must win games, damn this upcoming game sure feels like one.  They’re not done if they lose.  If they lose and their defense gets shredded apart, I have no problems convincing myself they’re done.  They have to win these AFC games.

Some of Ryan's errant throws were due to pressure.  He was also a victim of a drop or two.  Overall though I can't argue with 6 sacks and a FF for a TD.  Pretty solid effort and something to build on. 

If the Steelers win next week they would be 1/2 game behind Cincinnati and both the Browns and Ravens have tough match ups (Chargers and Titans) so potentially in sole position of 2nd place.

If the Steelers lose to the Bengals they would fall behind 2.5 games, be winless in their division AND the conference.   It is as close to a must-win game as there can be in week 6.

 

[steelers1080]

Playoffs, here we come!!

Jk, not overreacting to 1 good game against a team decimated by injury. We looked good and I'll take it. Hopefully we can keep things rolling against Cincy next week. We need to keep pounding the running game, but Ridley is not a good enough backup. Whenever Conner came out to rest, Ridley would often miss openings and opportunities, maybe get Samuels involved. 

Hopefully Bell is back after the bye and can hit the ground running, I love the idea of having Conner, Bell, AB, Juju, and Vance on the field at the same time. I think Washington needs more time. 

 

[Buttonhook]

Playoffs, here we come!!

Jk, not overreacting to 1 good game against a team decimated by injury. We looked good and I'll take it. Hopefully we can keep things rolling against Cincy next week. We need to keep pounding the running game, but Ridley is not a good enough backup. Whenever Conner came out to rest, Ridley would often miss openings and opportunities, maybe get Samuels involved. 

Hopefully Bell is back after the bye and can hit the ground running, I love the idea of having Conner, Bell, AB, Juju, and Vance on the field at the same time. I think Washington needs more time. 

Fixed.  Screw Bell.  I'm convinced he'll get traded. 

Bell will not get this current team to a SB, but better defensive talent will and that's where Bell's $$ should go.

 

[Godsbrother]

Fixed.  Screw Bell.  I'm convinced he'll get traded. 

Bell will not get this current team to a SB, but better defensive talent will and that's where Bell's $$ should go.

If Bell reports Week 7 I could see a trade with the Eagles.  If Steelers can unload the distraction for a 3rd round 2019 pick and the Eagles can substantially upgrade the RB position for another Super Bowl run it would make sense for both teams.

 

[steelers1080]

I think Bell ends the year a Steeler and gets the transition tag next year. 

 

[steelers1080]

Eagles clear cap room after putting Ajayi on IR, but rumor is that it's for McCoy, not Bell. 

 

[steelers1080]

So, the Bengals. Burfict is back, and they're playing scrappy. The Bengals have been losing a lot this season, but find ways to win. That's the sign of a playoff contender IMO. Our best bet is a strong start on the road. We need to get out to a 1 or 2 TD lead, so they feel like they need to rely on Dalton's arm, and we can hopefully apply enough pressure to keep him off balance. After a couple hard hits, he'll begin to flinch and start becoming even less accurate than normal.

I think that Conner and Juju will be the key to this game. Focus will be on AB after a great game last week, and Juju should be able to find soft areas in the middle of the field. We also need to maintain the running game, even if it starts off poorly or we're down. Clock management will be our friend in this one. 

 

[steelers1080]

TJ Watt got fined over $20,000 for his "hit" on Matt Ryan. You know, the one where he hardly even touched him and rolled away asap and Ryan flopped. This is ****in bull****, the NFL is getting even more ridiculous. I usually don't care about fines, but this is just preposterous. I hate the NFL so much and hope that it changes when they get a new Commish. Who knows how long before that happens though. 

 

[Godsbrother]

TJ Watt got fined over $20,000 for his "hit" on Matt Ryan. You know, the one where he hardly even touched him and rolled away asap and Ryan flopped. This is ****in bull****, the NFL is getting even more ridiculous. I usually don't care about fines, but this is just preposterous. I hate the NFL so much and hope that it changes when they get a new Commish. Who knows how long before that happens though. 

I understand they want to protect the QBs and I was okay with penalty because the official may not have gotten a good enough angle to see Watt doing his best to avoid Ryan.   However I cannot see how the leageu can say that Watt "forcibly hitting in the knee area".   It is ludicrous.

Here is the "hit" for anyone taht might have missed it

 

[Godsbrother]

So, the Bengals. Burfict is back, and they're playing scrappy. The Bengals have been losing a lot this season, but find ways to win. That's the sign of a playoff contender IMO. Our best bet is a strong start on the road. We need to get out to a 1 or 2 TD lead, so they feel like they need to rely on Dalton's arm, and we can hopefully apply enough pressure to keep him off balance. After a couple hard hits, he'll begin to flinch and start becoming even less accurate than normal.

I think that Conner and Juju will be the key to this game. Focus will be on AB after a great game last week, and Juju should be able to find soft areas in the middle of the field. We also need to maintain the running game, even if it starts off poorly or we're down. Clock management will be our friend in this one. 

I agree about getting off to a fast start on offense or at the very least don't fall behind.  They need to get that running game going and keep the Bengals offense on the sideline.  Ben needs to be sharp like he was in the 2nd half. 

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Bell ends the year a Steeler and gets the transition tag next year. 

I read one article suggesting that Bell might sign his tender and report this afternoon or tomorrow to qualify for another paycheck without having to do anything.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I read one article suggesting that Bell might sign his tender and report this afternoon or tomorrow to qualify for another paycheck without having to do anything.

Two.  Week.  Roster.  Exemption.

The Steelers would be insane to pay him for this game and the bye week with that option still out there.

 

[Godsbrother]

Two.  Week.  Roster.  Exemption.

The Steelers would be insane to pay him for this game and the bye week with that option still out there.

Agreed but the Steelers can do that whenever he reports.  The point is that whenever he does report he is better off signing on a Friday afternoon or Saturday so he can avoid practice and a game.

 

[brewer]

If there is any lingering hope of a trade, I hope he signs as soon as possible.

 

[moondog]

Agreed but the Steelers can do that whenever he reports.  The point is that whenever he does report he is better off signing on a Friday afternoon or Saturday so he can avoid practice and a game.

Two.  Week.  Roster.  Exemption.

The Steelers would be insane to pay him for this game and the bye week with that option still out there.

The CBA requires the team and player to reach an agreement on how the roster exemption will be handled before the tag can be signed.

From the CBA ...

Article 20, Section 4 of the NFL collective bargaining agreement states ..

Section 4. Roster Exemption:
(a) Certain Players Not Under Contract. After the final roster reduction a
Club must agree in writing with an unsigned player who is either an Unrestricted Free
Agent, Transition Player, or Franchise Player, prior to signing a Player Contract with
such player, on what compensation, if any, the player will be paid if he is placed in a
roster exempt status.
 

 

[Steelers4Life]

The CBA requires the team and player to reach an agreement on how the roster exemption will be handled before the tag can be signed.

From the CBA ...

Article 20, Section 4 of the NFL collective bargaining agreement states ..

Section 4. Roster Exemption:
(a) Certain Players Not Under Contract. After the final roster reduction a
Club must agree in writing with an unsigned player who is either an Unrestricted Free
Agent, Transition Player, or Franchise Player, prior to signing a Player Contract with
such player, on what compensation, if any, the player will be paid if he is placed in a
roster exempt status.
 

Yep.  And if I'm the Steelers, I tell Bell that if he signs during or before the bye week, or on a Friday so that he can't play that week, they'll use the unpaid roster exemption on him. If that doesn't work for him, he can sit out until week 11 before signing and THEN the Steelers can STILL use the two week roster exemption on him.  

Bell's other option is to not sign the tender, which he'd never do.

 

[Bayhawks]

Yep.  And if I'm the Steelers, I tell Bell that if he signs during or before the bye week, or on a Friday so that he can't play that week, they'll use the unpaid roster exemption on him. If that doesn't work for him, he can sit out until week 11 before signing and THEN the Steelers can STILL use the two week roster exemption on him.  

Bell's other option is to not sign the tender, which he'd never do.

Not sure that’s a viable option, IF the Steelers are holding out any hope of trading Bell.  

Bell doesnt have to be off the roster exempt list to have those two games count towards having his 2018 toll.

From nfloperations.com:

“Nov. 13 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to sign their unsigned Franchise and Transition Players, including Franchise Players who were eligible to receive offer sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in the NFL in 2018.”

If Bell wants to sign, and the Steelers choose to force him to accept the 2 weeks unpaid, he can simply wait till after the trade deadline, and sign in time to have the season count (even if the 1st 2 weeks are unpaid), and the Steelers lose the ability to trade him.

I don’t think there are any real viable trades out there, but if the Steelers want to have that option, they can’t really try to avoid paying those 2 weeks.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Not sure that’s a viable option, IF the Steelers are holding out any hope of trading Bell.  

Bell doesnt have to be off the roster exempt list to have those two games count towards having his 2018 toll.

From nfloperations.com:

“Nov. 13 Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to sign their unsigned Franchise and Transition Players, including Franchise Players who were eligible to receive offer sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in the NFL in 2018.”

If Bell wants to sign, and the Steelers choose to force him to accept the 2 weeks unpaid, he can simply wait till after the trade deadline, and sign in time to have the season count (even if the 1st 2 weeks are unpaid), and the Steelers lose the ability to trade him.

I don’t think there are any real viable trades out there, but if the Steelers want to have that option, they can’t really try to avoid paying those 2 weeks.

Thats exactly what I'd do. They arent going to trade him for anything meaningful. No way they should let him report just to collect a bye week paycheck.  If he doesn't like it, let him sit out until week 11 and then still use the 2 week exemption on him... He'd end up missing out on 12 or 13 paychecks at that point and the Steelers have that money for 2019. Hes going to hit free agency regardless.

 

[Bayhawks]

Thats exactly what I'd do. They arent going to trade him for anything meaningful. No way they should let him report just to collect a bye week paycheck.  If he doesn't like it, let him sit out until week 11 and then still use the 2 week exemption on him... He'd end up missing out on 12 or 13 paychecks at that point and the Steelers have that money for 2019. Hes going to hit free agency regardless.

You’d have the team give up the chance of getting something in exchange, just so you could keep him from getting 2 more weeks of pay?

 

[Steelers4Life]

You’d have the team give up the chance of getting something in exchange, just so you could keep him from getting 2 more weeks of pay?

Yes. I don't believe for a second that they'll get anything that's worth trading him for when the rest of the league has seen that he's not interested in risking his body this year until he gets a long term contract next offseason with a massive fully guaranteed amount. He can report, and he can play, but there's nothing that can be trusted about the effort he'll put in or the amount of use he'll be willing to absorb when he's "only" making $850K per game and much less for the playoffs. Considering how limited the market would be for him for what amounts to half a season anyways, I think the chance of trading him went away the second he waited past the July deadline to make the Steelers aware that he would sit out this long. 

I think the Steelers should make the business decision themselves to save as much of the money that Bell would collect to use towards the team in 2019. Save the additional $1.7M to put towards the defense next year.

If the Steelers don't use the exemption, the ONLY reason should be that they can deal him for something ridiculous this year. Otherwise, no way should they pay him a penny more than they need to.

 

[Bayhawks]

Yes. I don't believe for a second that they'll get anything that's worth trading him for when the rest of the league has seen that he's not interested in risking his body this year until he gets a long term contract next offseason with a massive fully guaranteed amount. He can report, and he can play, but there's nothing that can be trusted about the effort he'll put in or the amount of use he'll be willing to absorb when he's "only" making $850K per game and much less for the playoffs. Considering how limited the market would be for him for what amounts to half a season anyways, I think the chance of trading him went away the second he waited past the July deadline to make the Steelers aware that he would sit out this long. 

I think the Steelers should make the business decision themselves to save as much of the money that Bell would collect to use towards the team in 2019. Save the additional $1.7M to put towards the defense next year.

If the Steelers don't use the exemption, the ONLY reason should be that they can deal him for something ridiculous this year. Otherwise, no way should they pay him a penny more than they need to.

But you’re suggesting they take a course of action that will prevent them from being able to deal him for something ridiculous; how do you expect them to accomplish both?

 

[Steelers4Life]

But you’re suggesting they take a course of action that will prevent them from being able to deal him for something ridiculous; how do you expect them to accomplish both?

I don't expect them to trade him. If someone was going to offer something great for him, they would have already done it when it was made known the Steelers would trade him. No team is contending, running back needy, and stupid enough to give up something substantial for a guy with Bell's attitude towards this season as things stand.

If someone inquires and offers something crazy and they'd be able to trade him and it's an option to do it, reinstate him within those two weeks to the roster and trade him. Otherwise, screw him, let him wait two more weeks no matter when he reports, especially if he's just reporting to get a paycheck during the bye week. If Bell doesn't like it and doesn't want to report in week 7 because of it, let him sit another 4 weeks and still use the additional 2 weeks... now Bell would have made the business decision to walk away from 12 weeks of $850M paychecks. In the end, he can't be trusted this year anyways.

 

[Godsbrother]

I don't expect them to trade him. If someone was going to offer something great for him, they would have already done it when it was made known the Steelers would trade him. No team is contending, running back needy, and stupid enough to give up something substantial for a guy with Bell's attitude towards this season as things stand.

If someone inquires and offers something crazy and they'd be able to trade him and it's an option to do it, reinstate him within those two weeks to the roster and trade him. Otherwise, screw him, let him wait two more weeks no matter when he reports, especially if he's just reporting to get a paycheck during the bye week. If Bell doesn't like it and doesn't want to report in week 7 because of it, let him sit another 4 weeks and still use the additional 2 weeks... now Bell would have made the business decision to walk away from 12 weeks of $850M paychecks. In the end, he can't be trusted this year anyways.

I agree in principle but we really don’t know what might be going on behind the scenes.  

 

[dbc925]

No team is contending, running back needy,   

There are a couple of teams who fit this.

and stupid enough to give up something substantial for a guy with Bell's attitude towards this season as things stand.

Oh, that too.  

Never mind...

 

[Bayhawks]

I don't expect them to trade him. If someone was going to offer something great for him, they would have already done it when it was made known the Steelers would trade him. No team is contending, running back needy, and stupid enough to give up something substantial for a guy with Bell's attitude towards this season as things stand.

If someone inquires and offers something crazy and they'd be able to trade him and it's an option to do it, reinstate him within those two weeks to the roster and trade him. Otherwise, screw him, let him wait two more weeks no matter when he reports, especially if he's just reporting to get a paycheck during the bye week. If Bell doesn't like it and doesn't want to report in week 7 because of it, let him sit another 4 weeks and still use the additional 2 weeks... now Bell would have made the business decision to walk away from 12 weeks of $850M paychecks. In the end, he can't be trusted this year anyways.

Its odd for someone who has said you don’t dislike Bell & believe the Steelers just are doing what makes sense for them to be so adamant about doing something to “screw him” (your words) which would be a stupid decision for the team.

 

[apalmer]

But you’re suggesting they take a course of action that will prevent them from being able to deal him for something ridiculous; how do you expect them to accomplish both?

They have to know by now whether a trade is possible.  If they haven't had productive talks with another team by now, interest isn't going to suddenly appear (absent some catastrophic injury to another RB in the next week). If they have something lined up, they agree to pay immediately.  If there isn't a deal in the works, insist on the roster exemption.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Its odd for someone who has said you don’t dislike Bell & believe the Steelers just are doing what makes sense for them to be so adamant about doing something to “screw him” (your words) which would be a stupid decision for the team.

I don't dislike Bell. Never have.  And I do think the Steelers should make the right decision for the team, not for him.

And given my (and most people's) thoughts on their ability to trade or trust him, the two week roster exemption is simply the right move for the Steelers. It wouldn't be a stupid move at all. When I said screw him, I didnt mean that the Steelers should make a poor decision just to screw him over. I mean that if the Steelers best decision screws him out of another $1.7M, I don't care. If he wanted paid this year, he couldve reported.

If by some miracle, some team offers something crazy during those two weeks, reinstate and trade him. If not, he can wait and get ready forbhisblast games as a Steeler.

It's just business to Bell, so it should be to the Steelers too.

 

[Steeler]

Is this the Bell thread??? Can you take the arguing for arguing sake back to that thread please?

 

[Steelers4Life]

Is this the Bell thread??? Can you take the arguing for arguing sake back to that thread please?

Sorry man, thought this also is a big issue about the Steelers, when Bell reports, and how the Steelers handle it. 

 

[jiffy]

I understand they want to protect the QBs and I was okay with penalty because the official may not have gotten a good enough angle to see Watt doing his best to avoid Ryan.   However I cannot see how the leageu can say that Watt "forcibly hitting in the knee area".   It is ludicrous.

Here is the "hit" for anyone taht might have missed it

It is because he ended up down near the knees.

 

[Bayhawks]

Is this the Bell thread??? Can you take the arguing for arguing sake back to that thread please?

Isn’t this a Steelers issue?  How they will handle Bell’s reporting, trading him, etc?

 

[Bayhawks]

I don't dislike Bell. Never have.  And I do think the Steelers should make the right decision for the team, not for him.

And given my (and most people's) thoughts on their ability to trade or trust him, the two week roster exemption is simply the right move for the Steelers. It wouldn't be a stupid move at all. When I said screw him, I didnt mean that the Steelers should make a poor decision just to screw him over. I mean that if the Steelers best decision screws him out of another $1.7M, I don't care. If he wanted paid this year, he couldve reported.

If by some miracle, some team offers something crazy during those two weeks, reinstate and trade him. If not, he can wait and get ready forbhisblast games as a Steeler.

It's just business to Bell, so it should be to the Steelers too.

You’re operating under the belief that saving $1.7M is a smart decision.  Is it, really, though, if it costs them a draft pick in 2019?  

If they lose Bell next off-season, they should get a 3rd round comp pick in the 2020 draft, right?

Thats one less year of Bens prime where that pick could help.  If they trade h8m this year, it’s reasonable to assume it will be for a 2019 pick.  

Youre also assuming that they know now if a deal will be made, but that might also be a bad assumption.  Jimmy G was traded at the deadline last year, and AFAIK, no one was reporting it as a possibility earlier.  It’s not 8mpossible that a team might decide at the deadline that trading for a rental player like Bell is a good idea.

Youre also assuming that Bells approach to this situation is going to be some kind of “Scarlett letter” that will dissuade other teams from pursuing him.  IMO, that’s a bad assumption.  Didn’t stop Chi from trading for Mack; didn’t stop Seattle from trading for Brown last year; I don’t think it’ll be the reason a team doesn’t pursue Bell. 

Maybe right before the deadline, the Texans decide they have a shot at the AFC South, but they can’t do it with Miller & Foreman’ Achilles injury is, well, an Achilles injury.  They have ample cap room this year, plenty of space to try to get a deal w/Bell done in 2019, and gave all (AFAIK) their 2019 picks to trade.  A 2019 3rd is better than a 2020 comp; a 2019 4th might be relatively equal to a 2020 comp.  That’s a realistic possibility..

Matbe right at the deadline, the Colts have won a couple & think they have a shot. The6 have plenty of 2018 cap room to make the trade, 2019 cap room to try to get a long-term deal done, no one great at RB, and all their picks (+ an extra 2nd in 2019).

Thats 2 viable trades that could pop up at the deadline.  But if, as you suggest, Pitt decides to screw Bell, they could screw themselves out of those possibilities.  Its reasonable to assume that if Pitt says, “we’re gonna make you go 2 weeks without pay,” Bell will just wait till 10/30 to sign (@4:01).  Pitt saving some money could cost them draft capital.  Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but it’s all but guaranteed that if Pitt tries to screw Bell, they’ll lose any chance of being able to trade him.

 

[Bayhawks]

It is because he ended up down near the knees.

Still shouldn’t have been a flag, IMO.  Definitely shouldn’t have been a fine.  That’s ridiculous;  maybe the game officials missed it, but reviewing it should have demonstrated that it wasn’t deliberate.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

If the Steelers use the 2 week roster exemption, does that mean that Bell wouldn't report until 2 weeks later?  If that's the case, then Bell wouldn't be in game shape for an even longer period of time.  If you're trying to make the playoffs and contend, the best option is to get Bell back as soon as possible.

I understand there is some butt-hurt Steeler fans in here who want the team to screw over Bell as much as possible, but I think the best option for the team is to get him back in the lineup asap.

 

[Bayhawks]

If the Steelers use the 2 week roster exemption, does that mean that Bell wouldn't report until 2 weeks later?  If that's the case, then Bell wouldn't be in game shape for an even longer period of time.  If you're trying to make the playoffs and contend, the best option is to get Bell back as soon as possible.

I understand there is some butt-hurt Steeler fans in here who want the team to screw over Bell as much as possible, but I think the best option for the team is to get him back in the lineup asap.

The way I understand it is that he is in the roster, but they’re allowed to have one extra player.  He can practice; not sure about playing.  Can’t imagine him agreeing to practice and/or play if the Steelers want to not pay him/pay him less.  Last year, I believe the Steelers were given a roster exemption the first week after Bell signed, so they were able to have 54 men on the roster, but he played in week one (I think they had to cut someone to allow him to play) & as far as I know, they didn’t reduce his pay.

 

[Steeler]

Isn’t this a Steelers issue?  How they will handle Bell’s reporting, trading him, etc?

You seem more interested in arguing than discussing the situation.  It gets tiresome after a while.  

 

[Steelers4Life]

If the Steelers use the 2 week roster exemption, does that mean that Bell wouldn't report until 2 weeks later?  If that's the case, then Bell wouldn't be in game shape for an even longer period of time.  If you're trying to make the playoffs and contend, the best option is to get Bell back as soon as possible.

I understand there is some butt-hurt Steeler fans in here who want the team to screw over Bell as much as possible, but I think the best option for the team is to get him back in the lineup asap.

Nah, not butt-hurt at all. Few Steelers fans really are. Bell made his decision and I don't fault him at all for it. He values himself however he wants to, but that's for another thread.

My interest is more in how the Steelers handle it, and the Steelers would be utterly stupid to pay Bell for a bye week if he's only reporting to collect a paycheck for not playing. However Bell responds to that, he's free to, but there's a reason why most Steelers fans feel that way. WIll he sit out another 4 to 6 weeks and sacrifice another $4M or $5M?  That'd be his decision. 

Getting Bell back on the field isn't that important to me at least, because I don't trust the effort he'll put in or the usage he'll even be comfortable with. Is he going to pull himself out when he's a little tired? Is he going to fake an injury? Is he going to run out of bounds or put in less effort in trying to fight for yards to prevent the chance for injury? That's not someone who's going to be the difference between winning and losing a championship when the defense is the biggest problem on the team.

 

[Bayhawks]

You seem more interested in arguing than discussing the situation.  It gets tiresome after a while.  

You’re wrong; but you’re able to ignore my discussion if you feel it’s just arguing.

 

[Bayhawks]

Nah, not butt-hurt at all. Few Steelers fans really are. Bell made his decision and I don't fault him at all for it. He values himself however he wants to, but that's for another thread.

My interest is more in how the Steelers handle it, and the Steelers would be utterly stupid to pay Bell for a bye week if he's only reporting to collect a paycheck for not playing. However Bell responds to that, he's free to, but there's a reason why most Steelers fans feel that way. WIll he sit out another 4 to 6 weeks and sacrifice another $4M or $5M?  That'd be his decision. 

Getting Bell back on the field isn't that important to me at least, because I don't trust the effort he'll put in or the usage he'll even be comfortable with. Is he going to pull himself out when he's a little tired? Is he going to fake an injury? Is he going to run out of bounds or put in less effort in trying to fight for yards to prevent the chance for injury? That's not someone who's going to be the difference between winning and losing a championship when the defense is the biggest problem on the team.

Those things are, IMO, possible (especially now that it appears the relationship between the two sides is damaged pretty badly).  If that’s true, though, wouldn’t it make more sense to enhance the possibility of a trade, rather than diminishing it?  If those things ARE a concern, they’ll or a concern whether he signs on 10/30 @4:01, or whether he signs 5 minutes from now.  But if Pitt allows him to sign during the bye, they increase the possibility of a trade happening.  It costs them $1.7M they could save, but they could make that up in the value of draft capital they might recoup.

 

[jiffy]

Still shouldn’t have been a flag, IMO.  Definitely shouldn’t have been a fine.  That’s ridiculous;  maybe the game officials missed it, but reviewing it should have demonstrated that it wasn’t deliberate.

I don't think it should have been a flag either.  It is possible that the official was looking away at something else and then looked back right when he was going/falling towards the knees.

 

[Bayhawks]

I don't think it should have been a flag either.  It is possible that the official was looking away at something else and then looked back right when he was going/falling towards the knees.

Right; worth the emphasis on player (QB) safety, I can understand the flag as the ref missing what actually happened.  The fine, after reviewing the video, is just stupid.

 

[Godsbrother]

Those things are, IMO, possible (especially now that it appears the relationship between the two sides is damaged pretty badly).  If that’s true, though, wouldn’t it make more sense to enhance the possibility of a trade, rather than diminishing it?  If those things ARE a concern, they’ll or a concern whether he signs on 10/30 @4:01, or whether he signs 5 minutes from now.  But if Pitt allows him to sign during the bye, they increase the possibility of a trade happening.  It costs them $1.7M they could save, but they could make that up in the value of draft capital they might recoup.

I think the Steelers probably already have a sense if there is any legitimate trade possibility and have already made up their mind what they are going to do depending on when Bell finally reports.

Assuming Bell reports before the deadline the trade will likely occur very quickly or not at all.

 

[Bayhawks]

I think the Steelers probably already have a sense if there is any legitimate trade possibility and have already made up their mind what they are going to do depending on when Bell finally reports.

Assuming Bell reports before the deadline the trade will likely occur very quickly or not at all.

I get tha take, but not sure how accurate it is.  From what I’ve read, the Jimmy G trade wasn’t a long t8me brewing; it developed very quickly.  If the Steelers tr6 to force Bell to go 2 weeks without pay, he could stop any of those last minute trades from being possible; b6 waiting until 4:01 on 10/30 to sign.  That’s a risk Pitt would take if the6 made that decision.

 

[Franknbeans]

Shazier used to be the lynch pin of this defense. Now it's Haden and he gets injured often.

 

[steeler6]

Am I the only one who thought Ju Ju could have been called for an illegal block on the Brown TD. 

 

[Godsbrother]

Yuge win. I don’t think this is the Steelers year but winning this game keeps them alive

 

[fred_1_15301]

Yuge win. I don’t think this is the Steelers year but winning this game keeps them alive

I didn't expect a win.  The team is still seriously flawed but at least they're still in the thick of things.  

 

[steeler6]

yes

Just watched the replay again and saw it was Hunter. That couldn't of went either way but I'll take it. 

 

[hammerva]

Watching Big Ben interview where he was jokingly thanking Conner for his service to the team now that Bell is coming back was cute but hopefully isn't based on some facts.  He has proven that he could be a dependable starter on this team.  At the very least he needs to be our DeAngelo Williams change of pace running back.