Ben’s return
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Uhuh that was a quick recant, that lying son of a *****. I hope a porcupine ***** him sideways.
Sideways porcupine?!? Now THAT would take years to recover from. Mentally anyway.
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must cut the following chickello's useless *** let hargrave go big dan. restructure candidates Tuitt Williams ben if back.
you can easily in this free agency class find a traditional 34 NG that you can sign say 3 mill or even 2.5 a year, only way it makes sence to keep Hargrave at 5-6 million is if you switch to 4-3 and move cam to NG with Hargrave as your 3t and tuitt your le and Dupree and watt going back and forth between re and LB, example de Dupree dt Heyward dt Hargrave de Tuitt olb watt MLB bush olb Barron.
Or you let Hargrave go and replace him with a Hampton' type space-eater aka fridge some guys that will be cheap A shawn Robinson Det has been surrounded by lousy players you put cam and Tuitt next to him and bush Barron will have room to hit those hole rapidly.
others guys Justin Ellis, Danny Shelton Andrew Billings here is a perfect guy, would love to snag 3 guys from the Bengals, AJ, Eifert, and Billings.
Cap wise i dont see it affordable to keep Hargrave and Dupree
you can easily in this free agency class find a traditional 34 NG that you can sign say 3 mill or even 2.5 a year, only way it makes sence to keep Hargrave at 5-6 million is if you switch to 4-3 and move cam to NG with Hargrave as your 3t and tuitt your le and Dupree and watt going back and forth between re and LB, example de Dupree dt Heyward dt Hargrave de Tuitt olb watt MLB bush olb Barron.
Or you let Hargrave go and replace him with a Hampton' type space-eater aka fridge some guys that will be cheap A shawn Robinson Det has been surrounded by lousy players you put cam and Tuitt next to him and bush Barron will have room to hit those hole rapidly.
others guys Justin Ellis, Danny Shelton Andrew Billings here is a perfect guy, would love to snag 3 guys from the Bengals, AJ, Eifert, and Billings.
Cap wise i dont see it affordable to keep Hargrave and Dupree
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He is a ******* tool like all the others. He doesn’t know ****. I’ve seen BB more involved this season when he isn’t playing than any other. He also has to see “his defense is playing lights out”. He also has to know with him at the helm we win a **** more game and the division.
I’ll add this too. He’s seemingly been on the fence for years. I’ve gathered it bc he knew our defense was trash and the drama he was dealing with. I’d also say, I don’t think he want to go out like this. He is solid for at least one more.
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Mort is dying of stage IV throat cancer, I bet he doesn't weight 80 lbs, damn dude, go home and relax, take a vacation
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The Steelers offense has lots of problems, even if Ben comes back close to 100%
QB: Neither Duck or Rudolph is the answer. Both can play well in spurts but, after a few games worth of film, defenses know how to play them. Ben, if he comes back close to 90% has maybe 1-2 more seasons left in him.
Draft / Off season. If Ben retires, boom, we get 33 million in cap space. I don't think he will retire, but that depends on his elbow, and he hasn't thrown since the surgery. One player that intrigues me in the draft that won’t be picked early is Anthony Gordon. He's got a live arm, great stats, good overall athleticism. Only one year of production, but over 5,000 yard passing and 45 td's in the Pac 12. Since he did it for just one year in the Pack 12, his combine and pro day will mean a lot. If he’s smart, Gordon goes to the senior bowl. Round three comp pick, or round 4 ( Dolphins ) could be used on a quarterback. I’d be okay with a shot on an upside player like this. I do not see the value for QB in the middle of round two, as the top 5-6 players will be off the board by then.
RBs':
Ugh. Conner can't seem to stay healthy, and this was a problem dating back to his rookie year when he was seldom used. The Steelers can not rely on him, and he’s still fumble prone. A true #1 back that stays healthy is needed to make the offense go.
Snell does not impress me. He can hold on the to the ball, and plow ahead for 2-4 yards, but I see nothing exciting as a receiver or runner.
Samuels isn't a feature back, but he's not bad a 3rd down receiving back.
I remain intrigued with Whyte. He is very quick and fast, however, he goes down easily. A fine kickoff return man as well.
One can only hope Nix comes back, we need his blocking abilities as a full back.
Offseason / Draft. This area is a clear need. The best news is running back is a spot where rookies can be inserted into the lineup and do well. Right now, I like Clemson's Travis Etienne. A true speed back, ( 4.3 ) with some cutting ability, he has averaged over 8 yards a carry vs solid competition in the past two seasons. Etienne bounces off tacklers on the second and third level and has good hands to catch the ball. I see a first-round talent here, but for some reason, draft sites don't place him this high. Jon Taylor would also be a fine catch in round two. Kenyan Drake could be an interesting free agent option.
WR's:
We have just one-speed guy, and he was a late roster addition ( Cain ). Ju-ju has had a horrible season and has been the opposite of clutch. If Ju-Ju plays like he did in 2018, we'll be fine. If. Johnson has been a mixed bag as a rookie. He is quick and can get open. He also has terrible ball security and has fumbled 5 times. Thinly built, I think Johnson will be injury-prone in the NFL and could lack toughness. I like him in the slot for next season. Washington has had his share of big plays, but I'm not sure how good his route tree is. This unit is hard to judge as they were stuck with mediocre to bad QB play.
Draft / Offseason: With lots of needs, I think the Steelers will bank on Ju-Ju playing better in 2020 and avoid spending a day two pick on WR. Cain has an intriguing mix of size and speed, but until this unit shows a defense beat corners deep, our running game will have a tough time.
TE's:
Vannett looks like a solid #2 TE, worth the trade. However he's not a difference-maker vs. the run or pass, and he's a free agent. McDonald, when healthy, could be a difference-maker vs. the run or pass, but he's always battling injuries. If the Steelers cut McDonald, they would save 5.6 million on the cap. In theory, they could cut McDonald sign a veteran with a better track record for staying healthy. I do not think this is a good tight end draft class at the top, but there are some solid players in the mid-rounds.
Draft / Offseason. At this point, I can do without McDonald. I say trade him if possible, otherwise cut him. Re-sign Vannett for market value, and angle for a veteran TE in free agency such as Henry Hunter, Darren Fells Or Austin Hooper. Perhaps one of these three would be willing to sign a deal for 5 million a year? I think spending mid to late-round pick on a tight End makes sense.
OL:
Pouncey has been very sub par. He isn't featured as much pulling, and that was the best part of his game. Has this part of his game diminished? This season he has had way to many bad snaps, penalties, a suspension, and injuries. He's too easily overpowered by a Big DT, which can quickly hurt any running game, and his cap number is 11 million next year. He's not worth that. If cut the Steelers save $5,000,000. I'd love to trade him if there were any takers. In past years when he was out for a while, a journeyman filled in with little drop off.
Foster. Thanks for the memories and or being a very consistent player. Now he's old and even slower. The Steelers will save 4 million on the cap if they cut him. Seems like a no brainer.
Villanueva had a down year, but isn’t old and can rebound. Feiler is a solid right tackle. Chucks looks all right, and a tad under powered.
DeCastro remains among the best in the business.
Finney is a solid back up at center. He’s also a free agent.
Draft / Offseason. The OL has not played well as a unit. We’ve got some age issues, and some very expensive players underperforming at Guard and Center. Cutting Pouncey and Foster would save 9 million on the cap, which would be enough to bring in a younger quality free agent, and re-sign Finney. I think the Steelers will pick at least one interior offensive lineman in the draft. You could argue Center could be the pick in round 2 if the right player is there. I see too many other needs with Finney being an adequate replacement at Center or guard to pick a day two-player here.
Colbert has been the true MVP of the Steelers in 2019, and he’s a free agent too, which sucks. I say get out the ax Kevin, rid the team of expensive and injured players. Get some speed in this very pedestrian offense and bring in players that are younger and more durable than what we have.
Cut
McDonald 5.6 Million
Pouncey 5 million
Foster 4 Million
And Chickilo 5 million if cut
Now we have a tad over 19.6 Million in cap space to reload. This is enough to re-sign Finney, and bring in two pretty good NFL free agents for 5-6 million a year. Another TE, and a Guard. Then use the draft to pick a RB early then a QB.
Coach's very early mock draft
1 ) Safety Fitzpatrick. A+ trade. Fitz reminds me a bit of Ed Reed
2 ) RB Etienne
3 ) Projected comp pick ( pick 97-101 ) QB Gordon
4)( Pick 115 ) OG Jarvis
5 ) DT/NT Jones
6 ) TE Bryant
7 ) Edge / OLB Hill
QB: Neither Duck or Rudolph is the answer. Both can play well in spurts but, after a few games worth of film, defenses know how to play them. Ben, if he comes back close to 90% has maybe 1-2 more seasons left in him.
Draft / Off season. If Ben retires, boom, we get 33 million in cap space. I don't think he will retire, but that depends on his elbow, and he hasn't thrown since the surgery. One player that intrigues me in the draft that won’t be picked early is Anthony Gordon. He's got a live arm, great stats, good overall athleticism. Only one year of production, but over 5,000 yard passing and 45 td's in the Pac 12. Since he did it for just one year in the Pack 12, his combine and pro day will mean a lot. If he’s smart, Gordon goes to the senior bowl. Round three comp pick, or round 4 ( Dolphins ) could be used on a quarterback. I’d be okay with a shot on an upside player like this. I do not see the value for QB in the middle of round two, as the top 5-6 players will be off the board by then.
RBs':
Ugh. Conner can't seem to stay healthy, and this was a problem dating back to his rookie year when he was seldom used. The Steelers can not rely on him, and he’s still fumble prone. A true #1 back that stays healthy is needed to make the offense go.
Snell does not impress me. He can hold on the to the ball, and plow ahead for 2-4 yards, but I see nothing exciting as a receiver or runner.
Samuels isn't a feature back, but he's not bad a 3rd down receiving back.
I remain intrigued with Whyte. He is very quick and fast, however, he goes down easily. A fine kickoff return man as well.
One can only hope Nix comes back, we need his blocking abilities as a full back.
Offseason / Draft. This area is a clear need. The best news is running back is a spot where rookies can be inserted into the lineup and do well. Right now, I like Clemson's Travis Etienne. A true speed back, ( 4.3 ) with some cutting ability, he has averaged over 8 yards a carry vs solid competition in the past two seasons. Etienne bounces off tacklers on the second and third level and has good hands to catch the ball. I see a first-round talent here, but for some reason, draft sites don't place him this high. Jon Taylor would also be a fine catch in round two. Kenyan Drake could be an interesting free agent option.
WR's:
We have just one-speed guy, and he was a late roster addition ( Cain ). Ju-ju has had a horrible season and has been the opposite of clutch. If Ju-Ju plays like he did in 2018, we'll be fine. If. Johnson has been a mixed bag as a rookie. He is quick and can get open. He also has terrible ball security and has fumbled 5 times. Thinly built, I think Johnson will be injury-prone in the NFL and could lack toughness. I like him in the slot for next season. Washington has had his share of big plays, but I'm not sure how good his route tree is. This unit is hard to judge as they were stuck with mediocre to bad QB play.
Draft / Offseason: With lots of needs, I think the Steelers will bank on Ju-Ju playing better in 2020 and avoid spending a day two pick on WR. Cain has an intriguing mix of size and speed, but until this unit shows a defense beat corners deep, our running game will have a tough time.
TE's:
Vannett looks like a solid #2 TE, worth the trade. However he's not a difference-maker vs. the run or pass, and he's a free agent. McDonald, when healthy, could be a difference-maker vs. the run or pass, but he's always battling injuries. If the Steelers cut McDonald, they would save 5.6 million on the cap. In theory, they could cut McDonald sign a veteran with a better track record for staying healthy. I do not think this is a good tight end draft class at the top, but there are some solid players in the mid-rounds.
Draft / Offseason. At this point, I can do without McDonald. I say trade him if possible, otherwise cut him. Re-sign Vannett for market value, and angle for a veteran TE in free agency such as Henry Hunter, Darren Fells Or Austin Hooper. Perhaps one of these three would be willing to sign a deal for 5 million a year? I think spending mid to late-round pick on a tight End makes sense.
OL:
Pouncey has been very sub par. He isn't featured as much pulling, and that was the best part of his game. Has this part of his game diminished? This season he has had way to many bad snaps, penalties, a suspension, and injuries. He's too easily overpowered by a Big DT, which can quickly hurt any running game, and his cap number is 11 million next year. He's not worth that. If cut the Steelers save $5,000,000. I'd love to trade him if there were any takers. In past years when he was out for a while, a journeyman filled in with little drop off.
Foster. Thanks for the memories and or being a very consistent player. Now he's old and even slower. The Steelers will save 4 million on the cap if they cut him. Seems like a no brainer.
Villanueva had a down year, but isn’t old and can rebound. Feiler is a solid right tackle. Chucks looks all right, and a tad under powered.
DeCastro remains among the best in the business.
Finney is a solid back up at center. He’s also a free agent.
Draft / Offseason. The OL has not played well as a unit. We’ve got some age issues, and some very expensive players underperforming at Guard and Center. Cutting Pouncey and Foster would save 9 million on the cap, which would be enough to bring in a younger quality free agent, and re-sign Finney. I think the Steelers will pick at least one interior offensive lineman in the draft. You could argue Center could be the pick in round 2 if the right player is there. I see too many other needs with Finney being an adequate replacement at Center or guard to pick a day two-player here.
Colbert has been the true MVP of the Steelers in 2019, and he’s a free agent too, which sucks. I say get out the ax Kevin, rid the team of expensive and injured players. Get some speed in this very pedestrian offense and bring in players that are younger and more durable than what we have.
Cut
McDonald 5.6 Million
Pouncey 5 million
Foster 4 Million
And Chickilo 5 million if cut
Now we have a tad over 19.6 Million in cap space to reload. This is enough to re-sign Finney, and bring in two pretty good NFL free agents for 5-6 million a year. Another TE, and a Guard. Then use the draft to pick a RB early then a QB.
Coach's very early mock draft
1 ) Safety Fitzpatrick. A+ trade. Fitz reminds me a bit of Ed Reed
2 ) RB Etienne
3 ) Projected comp pick ( pick 97-101 ) QB Gordon
4)( Pick 115 ) OG Jarvis
5 ) DT/NT Jones
6 ) TE Bryant
7 ) Edge / OLB Hill
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Me too. I have been cautiously optimistic about his return. This was a pretty significant injury. You don’t just rub some dirt on it and return to form. My biggest fear is that he’ll come back and try to be the “old Ben,” but be a shadow of his former self. That could be painful to watch (aka Troy, Hines, or Ike at the end of their careers).
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When Spike is the voice of reasoning you know **** went down the crapper
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Ron Cook said Roethlisberger told him he's ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation FWIW.
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Running back and wide receiver are interesting. When healthy, Conner is fine. The problem is he hasn't stayed healthy. I LOVE Etienne and he'd be the perfect complement to a guy like Conner. The wide receivers are beginning to take shape. A healthy trio of JuJu, Washington, and Johnson next year is a solid looking group. The two young guys were thrown to the fire this year with erratic QB play and they started to step up. I'd like to see some more consistency and fewer drops, but the potential is there. I mentioned his name in another thread as a potential deep threat and that's Robert Foster. He didn't have a role with the Bills this year and if they don't retain him, he'd be a no risk option.
Offensive line is a huge need. If a guy like Etienne isn't there in the second round, I am all about drafting a right tackle. Feiler is a nice story, just isn't good enough to be a starter. We need a more balanced approach on offense and that means some guys on the line who can push the pile. I get cutting Foster and if you sign Finney, that isn't a bad move. If that isn't the case, I'd look to LG in the third round. Keep the offensive line strong. A strong offensive line will make average running backs look good and give the QBs enough time to make plays.
Offensive line is a huge need. If a guy like Etienne isn't there in the second round, I am all about drafting a right tackle. Feiler is a nice story, just isn't good enough to be a starter. We need a more balanced approach on offense and that means some guys on the line who can push the pile. I get cutting Foster and if you sign Finney, that isn't a bad move. If that isn't the case, I'd look to LG in the third round. Keep the offensive line strong. A strong offensive line will make average running backs look good and give the QBs enough time to make plays.
I wasn't suggesting the porcupine should stick it in his mouth. (Best wishes sent for a full recovery)
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Another QB in the third. So if Ben goes down again you have Rudy the unknown and a rookie. Brilliant.
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I don't think either Rudy or Duck is the long term answer. Do you? The guy I like could be a player on the rise who started but one year in college. Since we have no first round pick this year, and won't be any worse than 8-8 next year, we won't be in position to take any of the top 4-5 QB's in any draft class for this year or next year.
Hence I think the gamble is worth it. . If he has a good senior bowl he can go in round two. Check Anthony Gordon for for yourself you'll see him throw short, medium and long, plus run. His accuracy is good, and he's the type that hit his man in stride, allowing for RAC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgaEwfsQ2tc
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/anthony-gordon-2.html
I prefer a vet brought in. Save the draft for a RB/WR/TE.
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Some draft sites have Etienne as the 14th overall best player ahead of Taylor. Some have him higher than that. Not sure what draft sites you're viewing. Fact is that none of the top WRs, RBS, or OL are going to be there close end of the 2nd round. If the Steelers make the playoffs it will be even lower.
I didn't care for the Vannett trade for this very reason. Now if he leaves you just rented him and don't have a 5th to trade if you wanted to move up. If he stays you now have to pay him for his 2nd contract and he isn't that good of a TE. So either way you still need a TE.
I didn't care for the Vannett trade for this very reason. Now if he leaves you just rented him and don't have a 5th to trade if you wanted to move up. If he stays you now have to pay him for his 2nd contract and he isn't that good of a TE. So either way you still need a TE.
As far as Gordon he is in a stat inflated air raid offense. A one year wonder. Just for those two questionmarks I am dropping him to 4-6 round range.
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I think our TEs are held back by QB play. I am curious what Van would look like with Ben under center.
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Could be but he may not stay or they may not want him to stay. He was a rental. He couldn't look any worse. Ben makes most of the players around him better.