Soso week health wise I think some masked woman got me me sick from the flight back from Florida.(should have asked to move) And probably will have to go under the knife soon one way or another.
So questions
What is the odds the Steelers put a tag on Bell in the off-season to set up a trade or is that just wishful thinking?
If he showed up to play, Bell would have been tagged. Now, I can't see this organization wanting any part of him from now on.
They've moved on. Though strategically, I'd love for them to Franchise him, fight with the NFLPA for a #2 tag amount and trade him for a 1st and 3rd.
That is ideal. The Transition tag would be a **** you to his agent if applied. It would limit his value on the open market, and he'd be forced to sign a contract with lower yearly yields than the one he turned down for this season.
With a new OC will the Steelers buck their trend of early playoff exit this year?
I am a HUGE fan of Fichtner. This is they type of OC we have always needed with this type of talent. I mentioned this on the podcast today. In the past, our offense was run on talent, and getting the ball to the talented players (Bell and AB drove the offense). Now we have a team concept based on scheme. We go run heavy and controlled passing vs good defenses, or Ds that are poor vs the run. We go wide open vs teams with poor pass defense. Utilizing all of our skill players (and I mean all Switzer, Xavier, Outlaw, Samuels, Ridley, and hopefully Washington) makes it tougher for the NEs of the world to shut down what we do best. Because we now can do anything. I see a deep run this year, as long as Ben is healthy.
Steelers top 5 off-season needs ?
1.CB
2. ILB
3. 3rd WR vet
4. RB depth (Vet or draft)
5. Edge rushing depth (if Ola and Adams don't advance)
Has Bud Dupree done enough to escape bust status? I think so, Was wondering your thought process regardless.
Bud is really benefitting from switching sides. He's also locked into being a steeler next year on the 5th year option. This season is a win. I know in the past, he just couldn't get to the QB, or free in the backfield. He lives in the backfield now. He just has to keep making plays. He's already had a pick 6, last game he had a sack and 2 TFLs. I think we'll see less and less misses behind the LOS as he gets more comfortable with being an impact player, which is his potential