Team needs to use the bye on a legitimate backup RB

[obxsteeler]

I don't play Madden or fantasy football or any of that grown up teenage crap. I coach football. And I know running back is the most physical position and you need more than one. Ask yourself one question. Williams gets hurt. Are they going with Toddman and Pead. Last year when Bell was hurt did they go with the same type of players? You get one bye to bring in an experienced back and get him coached up for two weeks. Now I would cut Jacoby Jones to free a roster spot. Move Wheaton to that position and tell him to take a knee most times. Then you could keep the two developmental guys if you want and bring in a guy like Thomas you might actually use and would certainly be calling if Williams gets hurt. But that is just me.

The Steelers, Pats, and probably 10 other NFL teams would love to have a quality RB as backup or even a starter. Do you really think they haven't looked at all the names mentioned here and a hell of a lot more? We may all be smarter but we sure don't have the resources they do.

 

[SteelChip]

Regardless of who the backup is, why would you not get him as many touches as you can with a big lead over cleveland at home? Especially with Williams showing nothing on the day and dealing with a mild injury all week.

Good question bb, I'm still tyin' to figure out what's wrong with Todman ? Evidently he can run, he can catch and he can return kicks, so why isn't he in there gettin' some reps ?

Jordan Todman (5-feet 10-inches, 198-pounds) is a 4-year veteran out of Connecticut, and was a 6th round draft choice by the San Diego Chargers in 2011. Todman has primarily played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and most recently the Panthers before signing with the Steelers Sunday. Todman is a versatile running back who can run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and also has NFL experience returning kickoffs.

Todman very well might have won his current job with the Steelers in his performance against the team last Thursday at Heinz Field when he ran for 70-yards on just 5 carries, one of them being a 49-yard touchdown. Todman will likely be competing for time in the backfield with Dri Archer as the backup to DeAngelo Williams during Le'Veon Bell's two-game absence.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I really hope some of you are right. I hope Williams plays the whole season and is strong through the regular season and hopefully playoffs. My experience is that it will blow up in Tomlin's face. As it did last year when he scrambled for a back. See Dri Archer and Jarvis Jones here when wondering if Tomlin is so much smarter than the average fan.

 

[ark steel]

I really hope some of you are right. I hope Williams plays the whole season and is strong through the regular season and hopefully playoffs. My experience is that it will blow up in Tomlin's face. As it did last year when he scrambled for a back. See Dri Archer and Jarvis Jones here when wondering if Tomlin is so much smarter than the average fan.

I look at overall results rather than a couple of specific items. It is clear, to me, that the Steelers know how to run a franchise, overall. With one notable exception, I believe they make the right decisions in the aggregate. If I feel like the FO isn't making the right decisions, I just quit watching, which I did.

How many quality RB's (actual quality rather than fan-perceived quality) do you really think are sitting out there on their couches? There may be one or two amongst the several who might turn in a good game or two, but, in general, if they were really worth anything someone would have them on their team.

Not only that, but the one or two that might actually be worth something are, likely, to not want to come in a sit on a bench for a lower pay if they think they can get on one of these teams that need a #1RB and get a lot more $$. Takes two to tango.

The 49'ers released Pierre Thomas after 1 game to sign Travaris "Who the **** is This" Cadet who has a total of 57 touches in his NFL career which started in 2012.

 

[Hines57]

Ride or die its Williams job now. I'm sure we will see a few more reps go to the backup but its all about winning week to week now.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I look at overall results rather than a couple of specific items. It is clear, to me, that the Steelers know how to run a franchise, overall. With one notable exception, I believe they make the right decisions in the aggregate. If I feel like the FO isn't making the right decisions, I just quit watching, which I did.

How many quality RB's (actual quality rather than fan-perceived quality) do you really think are sitting out there on their couches? There may be one or two amongst the several who might turn in a good game or two, but, in general, if they were really worth anything someone would have them on their team.

Not only that, but the one or two that might actually be worth something are, likely, to not want to come in a sit on a bench for a lower pay if they think they can get on one of these teams that need a #1RB and get a lot more $$. Takes two to tango.

The 49'ers released Pierre Thomas after 1 game to sign Travaris "Who the **** is This" Cadet who has a total of 57 touches in his NFL career which started in 2012.

It's exactly like Archer. If he isn't playing it says everything. If you are unwilling to put him in on the Sunday situation what does that tell you? Someone please answer that question.

 

[ark steel]

I don't know what this has to do with Archer. I guess people still can't let it go?

Nor is Archer completely analogous if you are talking about a guy who spent less time on a roster this year than Archer. Up until what, 3 weeks ago, Archer was on a team getting practice. Thomas played a game with the *'s early, I think, 1 game with the 49ers and cut for a nobody. So, not the same. As if that matters.

Reportedly, Archer is, at least getting PS offers, but wants to be on a roster.

Thomas is getting workouts but getting cut by the 49ers when they are hurting at RB is curious. The *'s can use anyone and be successful because they cheat. He could probably, turn in some good numbers there.

 

[ianv2012]

It's exactly like Archer. If he isn't playing it says everything. If you are unwilling to put him in on the Sunday situation what does that tell you? Someone please answer that question.

Well why didn't the Steelers give Blount carries last year against Tenn. when the game was clearly in hand and Bell had already carried the load the whole game, was it because they didn't trust him? See I don't think it has anything to do with "trust", more like you go with your guy when your trying to milk the clock, and Todman did come in the game for a few snaps. Regardless, Williams was starting to churn out yards in the 4th after basically pass blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield most of the game as we pretty much ran no huddle because the run game wasn't doing much until late. So Williams really hadn't carried the ball all that much until later in the game. While your concerns based on last year are valid, I just don't see the same situation nor any reason to assume that it MUST BE that they don't trust him. We shall see.....

 

[SteelerSask2]

They felt desperate after a poor start, and decided to run their stud exclusively. But that player is in his mid/ early 20's and even that was somewhat ill advised. If you give a back enough carries, it creates a better chance for him to get injured simply by opportunity. By the nature of the position, virtually every carry is pretty big physical contact. Blount felt he was lied to or at least mislead about his roll ( I agree) so he quit on the team (which I don't agree with). If they had belief in the current backs, they would run them. Show me the other teams that are running one back exclusively. Even the Vikings who have the very definition of a work horse all purpose back have backups with about 45 carries between them.

 

[bermudasteel]

I don't play Madden or fantasy football or any of that grown up teenage crap. I coach football. And I know running back is the most physical position and you need more than one. Ask yourself one question. Williams gets hurt. Are they going with Toddman and Pead. Last year when Bell was hurt did they go with the same type of players? You get one bye to bring in an experienced back and get him coached up for two weeks. Now I would cut Jacoby Jones to free a roster spot. Move Wheaton to that position and tell him to take a knee most times. Then you could keep the two developmental guys if you want and bring in a guy like Thomas you might actually use and would certainly be calling if Williams gets hurt. But that is just me.

Sask - there isn't anyone out there better than the guys we have on our roster. Pray for no more injuries and we'll be fine.

 

[swal75]

Ride or die its Williams job now. I'm sure we will see a few more reps go to the backup but its all about winning week to week now.

I love DeAngelo and he's a great player, but at his age "ride or die" with him is going to mean "die" most likely.

Still would like to see us kick the tires on Robert Turbin next week.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

they seem to like Todman and they were high on Pead when he was in the draft. They will give them first crack to prove themselves.

Looking at practice squads, here's a few guys that could be worth a look if Pead doesn't work out.

Terrance West - had some success with Browns
George Atkinson - Notre Dame, similar body to Bell. good kick returner in college
John Crockett - North Dakota St, also similar body to Bell, played in pistol offense so he is good in pass game
Mike James - Miami, has 4.5 speed at 225 lbs
Malcolm Brown - Texas, 5'11 224, power back with decent athleticism

 

[obxsteeler]

Maybe we should just admit there is nobody out there who on paper looks better than what we have.

 

[xjx]

Today is too small.

 

[TDX27]

I'm hoping after the bye, either Todman or Pead start to get 10 touches per game. I think that is reasonable and something that will be very beneficial heading into the playoffs.