Verron Haynes is the man? (1 Viewer)

[pinequick]

Did a search on "Staley" and "Haynes" and turned up nothing.

From the Blogger:

"According to one NFL general manager, the Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly been shopping running back Duce Staley in potential trades. Speculation is that the Steelers might release Staley if they are unable to make a deal."

NFL.com article

Should we be jumping on Haynes if we can right now, or is someone else in the mix to take Bettis' role in this offense? (I'm in a TD-heavy league, so a Bettis-type would be a good fit for me).

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Did a search on "Staley" and "Haynes" and turned up nothing.

From the Blogger:

"According to one NFL general manager, the Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly been shopping running back Duce Staley in potential trades. Speculation is that the Steelers might release Staley if they are unable to make a deal."

NFL.com article

Should we be jumping on Haynes if we can right now, or is someone else in the mix to take Bettis' role in this offense? (I'm in a TD-heavy league, so a Bettis-type would be a good fit for me).

Nothing is official yet but I think Haynes presents great late round value. He appears most likely to be the Steelers goalline and 3rd down back.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I have been grabbing Haynes in every league...that NFL.com article doesnt surprise me. I could see Haynes being Bettis + some.....I have Haynes getting over 100 carries this season.

BTW I know our blogger had an article on Staley on mondaya si was teh one who posted it.

 

[The Jerk]

I'm on the Haynes bandwagon, too. I think he adds GL duties to his 3rd down status sooner rather than later.

However... Tuesday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Duce Staley managed only 12 yards rushing on five carries against the Vikings, but Cowher said the veteran runner has "been good" and that blocks were missed on two of his carries.

"I thought the last couple weeks he's picked it up in practice. I thought the other day in the game, he didn't do many bad things. He really didn't have much of a chance. We missed a couple of blocks on a couple of his runs.

"I'm encouraged by watching him, particularly this past week. I think he's taken it up a notch, so I'm encouraged."

This could be a vote of confidence or it could be posturing to the media or other teams. Whatever. I think Staley's performance (or lack thereof) will eventually push him aside. I don't think he can play anymore.

 

[pinequick]

I saw something last week about Parker getting a chance at the goalline stuff. Do you guys put any stock in that? (I don't. . .)

 

[The Jerk]

I saw something last week about Parker getting a chance at the goalline stuff. Do you guys put any stock in that? (I don't. . .)

It's been talked about as a possibility in the Pittsburgh media. I don't see it as very likely. Strategically, Parker could bring the threat of busting a play to the pylon, but I think there's a 10-15% chance that he gets even part of the goal line duties. Of course, I didn't think he'd be starting past the midpoint of last year either.

 

[Da Guru]

Parker has more power than Haynes, plus Haynes ia a fumbler.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Many happy returns for Staley and Eagles? By Adam SchefterSpecial to NFL.com Adam Schefter's "Around the League" reports and commentaries can be seen regularly on NFL Total Access. (Aug. 22, 2006) -- The last two weeks of the preseason are when games are played and, more importantly, rosters are refined. There are always surprise cuts, unexpected trades and intriguing moves that allow teams to make their final transactions before the season kicks off. This summer, one of the biggest could come out of Pittsburgh -- and wind up in Philadelphia. In seven seasons with the Eagles, Duce Staley amassed 4,807 yards. One NFL general manager said the Pittsburgh Steelers have been shopping running back Duce Staley, trying to see if any team would be willing to trade for him before the team would have to release him. It makes sense. Pittsburgh's backfield is chock full with Willie Parker entrenched as a starter, Verron Haynes as his backup, and running backs John Kuhn, Brandon Jones and Cedric Humes also vying for roster spots. Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley. Yet if Staley is sent packing from Pittsburgh either through a trade or a release, one possible landing spot would seem to be the Philadelphia Eagles who, to date, have not had any trade conversations with the Steelers. Should Staley be released, and it is within the realm of possibility, the Eagles could be on the list of teams interested in his services. In recent seasons, the Eagles have made a habit out of bringing back longtime contributors and fan favorites. They did it with defensive end Hugh Douglas and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter and Shawn Barber. Now they could wind up doing the same with Staley, who built his name and reputation in Philadelphia. The move would generate big cheers from Eagles fans and, even more significant, from its players. The Eagles are in the market for a big back and, earlier this week, visited with free agent Stephen Davis. No deal was reached there, but it doesn't mean the Eagles won't be looking for another bigger back that could help the team. The most logical fit would be Staley, who could wind up cut loose in Pittsburgh in the next two weeks. Then, once again, Duce could be on the loose. In Philadelphia.

 

[menobrown]

Haynes is one of those handcuff players you draft who will spend more time on the injury report than the starter. Much like Ladell Betts.

 

[The Shizzle]

Cedric Humes down?

 

[mbuehner]

Staley has looked lousy in preseason, he just doesnt have the jump that he used to. Haynes is a good value play. I think Parker will get more goalline work than he did last year (1 carry inside the 5), especially carries on the 4 and 5 yardline that they might stretch to the outside. I dont think Haynes will be the powerback, it isnt really his strength. If Humes can grab the job it will be his for the taking.

 

[Godsbrother]

I said this in another thread but I don't see Duce going anywhere.

First off, the Steelers do NOT have great depth at RB. If Parker or Haynes goes down and Staley is gone they have no one. Cedrick Humes was a 6th round pick and hasn't shown much except that his hands are made of stone.

Other than Humes they have a guy named John Kuhn from Shippensburg that is sort of a tweener RB/FB/TE and another guy with the last name of Joe. And let's not forget that Haynes has had his share of injuries himself.

I agree that Staley didn't look all that good against Minnesota but the guy had only 5 carries. I have seen plenty of games where the Bus got off to a slow start only to come on strong in the 2nd half. I am just not willing to write off Staley after 12 carries in the first two preseason games, especially considering the lack of depth at the position.

Now the coaches see Staley in practice every day and if they feel he has lost it in then they would know better than me. But if they trade or release him they better hope that Parker and Haynes remain healthy because if one them goes down, the Steelers are in BIG trouble.

 

[Bob Henry]

Haynes is very capable on third downs and short-yardage. Like Mbuehner just said, Staley is looking slow footed and just doesn't seem to have the same ability he had a few years back. Let's face it, Duce was never a speedy guy to begin with, but he always made good use of his feet, balance and hands to be a productive player.

With Humes on the roster now, would it really be a surprise for Haynes to take over the "Bettis role" with Humes in the third slot? Probably not.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I said this in another thread but I don't see Duce going anywhere.First off, the Steelers do NOT have great depth at RB. If Parker or Haynes goes down and Staley is gone they have no one. Cedrick Humes was a 6th round pick and hasn't shown much except that his hands are made of stone.Other than Humes they have a guy named John Kuhn from Shippensburg that is sort of a tweener RB/FB/TE and another guy with the last name of Joe. And let's not forget that Haynes has had his share of injuries himself.I agree that Staley didn't look all that good against Minnesota but the guy had only 5 carries. I have seen plenty of games where the Bus got off to a slow start only to come on strong in the 2nd half. I am just not willing to write off Staley after 12 carries in the first two preseason games, especially considering the lack of depth at the position.Now the coaches see Staley in practice every day and if they feel he has lost it in then they would know better than me. But if they trade or release him they better hope that Parker and Haynes remain healthy because if one them goes down, the Steelers are in BIG trouble.

Couldn't agree more. The only way I can see them trading Staley is if the Steelers truly believe he's got absolutely nothing left, and I don't see them making that judgement based on the preseason. They don't have depth after him, and I'm not even sure Humes is going to make the roster.

 

[nygiants56]

Haynes is one of those handcuff players you draft who will spend more time on the injury report than the starter. Much like Ladell Betts.

classic! great one..Betts is a world class bust..

 

[Godsbrother]

Haynes is very capable on third downs and short-yardage. Like Mbuehner just said, Staley is looking slow footed and just doesn't seem to have the same ability he had a few years back. Let's face it, Duce was never a speedy guy to begin with, but he always made good use of his feet, balance and hands to be a productive player.With Humes on the roster now, would it really be a surprise for Haynes to take over the "Bettis role" with Humes in the third slot? Probably not.

Haynes is not anything like the Bus. He is quicker and has good hands but doesn't have anywhere near the power of the Bus. Haynes is the perfect 3rd down back. The problem with Haynes is thathe has had problems staying healthy himself.And I was really turned off by Humes last week. Two perfect throws right into his hands dropped. He did have a nice 9 yard run but his other 4 carries in the preseason have amounted to 6 total yards. Humes may turn out to be a good back but he hasn't really shown it yet.

 

[nightshift]

Get ready to see the new goal line package of Humes & Kuhn. Very nasty!

Haynes will be the change of pace, give Willie a breather, & 3rd down guy.

Staley will be gone...

 

[wannabee]

I have read several articles that Humes probably will not make the team, and he will be a practice squad player. Are you saying that Humes will make the team (and be short yardage) with Staley cut?

It should be interesting to see how it plays out with the conflicting info coming out of camp. Here is what I referred to above:

Humes not likely to make team

Published Mon Aug 21 9:20:00 a.m. ET 2006

(Rotoworld) Steelers rookie RB Cedric Humes appears unlikely to make the team's 53-man roster.

Impact: He's probably fighting for a spot on the practice squad, but any visions of the burly Humes taking over short-yardage duties will have to wait a season, assuming Humes makes the practice squad.

Steelers | Team looking to move Staley?

Published Tue Aug 22 5:48:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports one NFL general manager said the Pittsburgh Steelers have been shopping RB Duce Staley, trying to see if any team would be willing to trade for him before the team would have to release him. Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley.

 

[nightshift]

I have read several articles that Humes probably will not make the team, and he will be a practice squad player. Are you saying that Humes will make the team (and be short yardage) with Staley cut?

It should be interesting to see how it plays out with the conflicting info coming out of camp. Here is what I referred to above:

Humes not likely to make team

Published Mon Aug 21 9:20:00 a.m. ET 2006

(Rotoworld) Steelers rookie RB Cedric Humes appears unlikely to make the team's 53-man roster.

Impact: He's probably fighting for a spot on the practice squad, but any visions of the burly Humes taking over short-yardage duties will have to wait a season, assuming Humes makes the practice squad.

Steelers | Team looking to move Staley?

Published Tue Aug 22 5:48:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports one NFL general manager said the Pittsburgh Steelers have been shopping RB Duce Staley, trying to see if any team would be willing to trade for him before the team would have to release him. Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley.

I think Humes makes the roster; so does Kuhn (FB). Staley's departure opens that door.IF Staley stays (doubtful), Humes will be put on the practice squad.

 

[Righetti]

the guy I was most afraid of as a FWP owner is actually TJ Duckett who the Steelers seem to have been courting for the last few years.. I thought that Duckett would have been the perfect guy to take on the Bettis role... Now I believe that FWP will at least have an opportunity to win the goal-line job... whether he wins it is another discussion

 

[velho]

I said this in another thread but I don't see Duce going anywhere.

First off, the Steelers do NOT have great depth at RB. If Parker or Haynes goes down and Staley is gone they have no one. Cedrick Humes was a 6th round pick and hasn't shown much except that his hands are made of stone.

Other than Humes they have a guy named John Kuhn from Shippensburg that is sort of a tweener RB/FB/TE and another guy with the last name of Joe. And let's not forget that Haynes has had his share of injuries himself.

I agree that Staley didn't look all that good against Minnesota but the guy had only 5 carries. I have seen plenty of games where the Bus got off to a slow start only to come on strong in the 2nd half. I am just not willing to write off Staley after 12 carries in the first two preseason games, especially considering the lack of depth at the position.

Now the coaches see Staley in practice every day and if they feel he has lost it in then they would know better than me. But if they trade or release him they better hope that Parker and Haynes remain healthy because if one them goes down, the Steelers are in BIG trouble.

One thing to keep in mind is that backup RBs (especially a RB3), usually needs to be on special teams. Is Staley willing and capable of being on special teams?As for salary, Staley's contract calls for $1.5M this year, $2.69M next and $1M in 2008.

 

[kevinray]

If they get rid of Staley that means that they must love Josh Kuhn. Reports haven't been steller about Humes, he still runs to high, and the team is well aware that Haynes will probably be injured again this year. Both Haynes and Kuhn can play special teams and fullback, but I see this team with 3 rostered backs and one or two on the practice squad.

 

[mbuehner]

Wish we had somebody at Steelers camp!

 

[CrossEyed]

I saw something last week about Parker getting a chance at the goalline stuff. Do you guys put any stock in that? (I don't. . .)

It's been talked about as a possibility in the Pittsburgh media. I don't see it as very likely. Strategically, Parker could bring the threat of busting a play to the pylon, but I think there's a 10-15% chance that he gets even part of the goal line duties. Of course, I didn't think he'd be starting past the midpoint of last year either.

FWP put on 10 pounds in the offseason. And despite what many people seem to think, he wasn't exactly a little guy to begin with. I think the Steelers probably won't have an exclusive goal line guy like they used Bettis last year. I think if it's first and goal you'll see Parker. If it's third and goal you'll see Haynes.

 

[Bob Henry]

Haynes is very capable on third downs and short-yardage. Like Mbuehner just said, Staley is looking slow footed and just doesn't seem to have the same ability he had a few years back. Let's face it, Duce was never a speedy guy to begin with, but he always made good use of his feet, balance and hands to be a productive player.With Humes on the roster now, would it really be a surprise for Haynes to take over the "Bettis role" with Humes in the third slot? Probably not.

Haynes is not anything like the Bus. He is quicker and has good hands but doesn't have anywhere near the power of the Bus. Haynes is the perfect 3rd down back. The problem with Haynes is thathe has had problems staying healthy himself.And I was really turned off by Humes last week. Two perfect throws right into his hands dropped. He did have a nice 9 yard run but his other 4 carries in the preseason have amounted to 6 total yards. Humes may turn out to be a good back but he hasn't really shown it yet.

Agreed on all your points. If I inferred that Haynes = Bus, that was not my intention.. but as far as Bettis' role last year.. I think Haynes can fulfill that well + the third down stuff. Your point on his health is well taken. Indeed, that's been somewhat of a problem for him.I didn't catch Humes drops, but that's great info to share. thanks.

 

[mbuehner]

Just to reiterate an imporatant FWP point- Parker had exactly 1 touch inside the 5 yardline last season. There were 27 rushing attempts and 8 passes, so 35 attempts inside the 5 resulting in 18 TDs, and Parker saw only 1 attempt.

That is a huge amount of TDs up for grabs. I definately think the Steelers will be passing in the red zone more, but regardless FWP is starting from essentially zero, any slice of that pie is just plain gravy to his stats. If he picked up even a quarter of those looks it could mean a swing of 4 or 5 tds. That is some serious upside on the table that is not built into Parkers value to date.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Despite his great speed, I was not overly impressed with FWP last year. He showed no vision or moves that it takes to be a productive, consistent RB and had alot of opportunities. My only defense is that he is very young, and perhaps will improve running vision, technique with experience. Many games last season, Bettis bailed the Steelers out with consistent running (getting 3-4+ yds per carry) and salvaged several victories when FWP was only getting 1-2 ypc and wasn't breaking many "big ones". I think the lack of consistent yardage at running back was why the coaching staff opted to open up the passing in the playoffs and Superbowl. If you can't do it very well against regular season opponents, you aren't going to be productive at it against playoff caliber teams. I still think FWP will more than likely start out as the primary back (60+% of carries) but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Duce or Haynes replaces him at some point in the season as #1 back in the Burg. Just my opinions.

 

[Trey]

Update:

(KFFL) Joe Starkey, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker stands a good chance of remaining in games in short-yardage situations, as the team has not found a replacement for retired RB Jerome Bettis in that role.

 

[Godsbrother]

One thing to keep in mind is that backup RBs (especially a RB3), usually needs to be on special teams. Is Staley willing and capable of being on special teams?

As for salary, Staley's contract calls for $1.5M this year, $2.69M next and $1M in 2008.

Neither Bettis nor Staley played special teams last season although Haynes did (and the ST suffered the 2 games he didn't). I am pretty sure that Staley would play special teams if asked to but I doubt that he will be. Staley's contract is very cap-friendly so I don't think that will be an issue either. Duce's future with the Steelers lies solely in whether the coaching staff thinks he can still be effective and whether or not they think they have better options at RB.

Most people saying that Duce will be released are basing that on 12 pre-season carries which I don't think is enough to say whether he is washed up or not. But I do know that if you cut him you better be darn sure that he is done because the alternatives (Humes and Kuhn) don't appear anything to write home about.

 

[Armando]

Despite his great speed, I was not overly impressed with FWP last year. He showed no vision or moves that it takes to be a productive, consistent RB and had alot of opportunities. My only defense is that he is very young, and perhaps will improve running vision, technique with experience. Many games last season, Bettis bailed the Steelers out with consistent running (getting 3-4+ yds per carry) and salvaged several victories when FWP was only getting 1-2 ypc and wasn't breaking many "big ones". I think the lack of consistent yardage at running back was why the coaching staff opted to open up the passing in the playoffs and Superbowl. If you can't do it very well against regular season opponents, you aren't going to be productive at it against playoff caliber teams. I still think FWP will more than likely start out as the primary back (60+% of carries) but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Duce or Haynes replaces him at some point in the season as #1 back in the Burg. Just my opinions.

 

[Righetti]

Update:(KFFL) Joe Starkey, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker stands a good chance of remaining in games in short-yardage situations, as the team has not found a replacement for retired RB Jerome Bettis in that role.

best news of the day

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Update:(KFFL) Joe Starkey, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker stands a good chance of remaining in games in short-yardage situations, as the team has not found a replacement for retired RB Jerome Bettis in that role.

best news of the day

I just dont see how. Neither Haynes nor Parker were used in these siutations IIRC during either of the preseason games. In the only series they were together, Haynes got the call on 3rd down and converted. When Parker was out, Haynes was used more on short yardage situations than Staley. I wish Cowher would have given us fantasy junkies a little more out of Parker this preseason to evaluate.

 

[Godsbrother]

Update:(KFFL) Joe Starkey, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker stands a good chance of remaining in games in short-yardage situations, as the team has not found a replacement for retired RB Jerome Bettis in that role.

best news of the day

I just dont see how. Neither Haynes nor Parker were used in these siutations IIRC during either of the preseason games. In the only series they were together, Haynes got the call on 3rd down and converted. When Parker was out, Haynes was used more on short yardage situations than Staley. I wish Cowher would have given us fantasy junkies a little more out of Parker this preseason to evaluate.

It is pure speculation by the author as to who is going to get the goal line carries. Since the matter is still unresolved, it could be Parker, Haynes or Staley. I don't think it will be Humes but there are 2 more preseason games so anything could happen.

 

[nightshift]

Update:

(KFFL) Joe Starkey, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker stands a good chance of remaining in games in short-yardage situations, as the team has not found a replacement for retired RB Jerome Bettis in that role.

best news of the day

I just dont see how. Neither Haynes nor Parker were used in these siutations IIRC during either of the preseason games. In the only series they were together, Haynes got the call on 3rd down and converted. When Parker was out, Haynes was used more on short yardage situations than Staley. I wish Cowher would have given us fantasy junkies a little more out of Parker this preseason to evaluate.

HELL NO!Leave FWP right where he is - to repeat the title, we will need him healthy.

 

[chris1969]

Probably a better question to the Steeler fans is who they think would do the best job on the goal-line for the Steelers. That is usually who winds up with the job in the long run. I Hope it's Haynes or Parker since I have them handcuffed.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Probably a better question to the Steeler fans is who they think would do the best job on the goal-line for the Steelers. That is usually who winds up with the job in the long run. I Hope it's Haynes or Parker since I have them handcuffed.

IMHO, I think that if anyone is annointed the goal line back it will be Haynes. It just doesn't seem as though Cowher is comfortable with Duce right now. I believe it was Duce's job to lose this preseason (despite Cowher saying it was an open competition) and I do believe that Duce in fact lost it.

 

[wannabee]

Probably a better question to the Steeler fans is who they think would do the best job on the goal-line for the Steelers. That is usually who winds up with the job in the long run. I Hope it's Haynes or Parker since I have them handcuffed.

IMHO, I think that if anyone is annointed the goal line back it will be Haynes. It just doesn't seem as though Cowher is comfortable with Duce right now. I believe it was Duce's job to lose this preseason (despite Cowher saying it was an open competition) and I do believe that Duce in fact lost it.

I would think the blurb below agrees with nightshift above:Steelers | Team was trying to land Duckett

Published Wed Aug 23 9:50:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports as late as Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Pittsburgh Steelers were trying to acquire RB T.J. Duckett. They were offering a fourth-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for Duckett. Pittsburgh felt Duckett could be a back who would help the Steelers replace RB Jerome Bettis. Atlanta thought it could get more back than what the Steelers were offering and, in the end, the Falcons turned out to be right.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Probably a better question to the Steeler fans is who they think would do the best job on the goal-line for the Steelers. That is usually who winds up with the job in the long run. I Hope it's Haynes or Parker since I have them handcuffed.

IMHO, I think that if anyone is annointed the goal line back it will be Haynes. It just doesn't seem as though Cowher is comfortable with Duce right now. I believe it was Duce's job to lose this preseason (despite Cowher saying it was an open competition) and I do believe that Duce in fact lost it.

I would think the blurb below agrees with nightshift above:Steelers | Team was trying to land Duckett

Published Wed Aug 23 9:50:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports as late as Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Pittsburgh Steelers were trying to acquire RB T.J. Duckett. They were offering a fourth-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for Duckett. Pittsburgh felt Duckett could be a back who would help the Steelers replace RB Jerome Bettis. Atlanta thought it could get more back than what the Steelers were offering and, in the end, the Falcons turned out to be right.

Yeah, I just saw this, too.