Ben to IR, out for season

[slashsteel]

Duck Dodgers in the 25th and a half century!

"Bi-di-bi-di-bi-di! O.K. Duck, let's go!

 

[Tibs]

I'd be done with the Steelers if they signed Kaepernick. I wouldn't be able to accept that. Just couldn't. The thing is, I can see Rooney entertaining the idea so he can pat himself on the back for the same reason Tomlin continues to be the coach. He's so woke.

It boils down to football skills. That's it. Politics shouldn't be a part of it. If Kaepernick's better than any other FA QB out there, is healthy and ready to go, I'd welcome him with open arms. The fact he's been blackballed by NFL owners is pathetic and un-American. Having said that, I have no idea what his skillset is nowadays, or if he even wants to play. Just saying, judge a player by his skills on the field, not his political leanings. There is still such a thing as freedom of speech in this country, last time I checked.

 

[Steeler Pride]

Mason just said the first he knew of pain in Ben's elbow was after the NE game. Not caused by injury so was never put on injury report

1. Whether the injury is caused by a hit in the game or not is irrelevant.
2. Our players are ******* STUPID for admitting that Ben was hurt last week, someone needs to tell them to shut up
3. If the NFL cracks down on the Steelers for manipulating the injury report we could easily lose a draft pick because of it.
4. Loose lips sink ships.

 

[mdk2]

If this is the end, it was a hell of a career with much of its potential wasted (for a variety of reasons, Ben himself included).

Best and most talented QB this franchise ever had. Two Super Bowls is still two Super Bowls, no matter how long ago at this point and how many we "could have" or "should have" won.

Time to tank it for a top-10 pick and see what we have in Mason Rudolf. I scouted Rudolf back when I did that sort of thing and I really liked his tape. I liked the draft pick and I'm glad he beat out chump change Josh Dobbs (thank God Tombert got that right and didn't trade Rudolf a week ago).

I do agree with previous posters that this buys Tomlin another season here. Not sure how long the leash will be if we officially enter the Tomlin/Rudolf era. The chinks were in the Art 2 - Tomlin relationship already (based on the contract extension he got). I think Art 2 will continue to give Tomlin 1-year extensions at this point, started after this season. And Art 2 will give Tombert a year with a high draft choice and their QB decisions to see what happens in 2020. They have 14 games for Tombert to evaluate Rudolf starting now.

Personally, Roethlisberger, if he decides NOT to retire, would actually be worse for this franchise in the long run. His window with Tombert is officially closed (it has been in my mind for 5 seasons). Hopefully this organization and Roethlisberger don't drag this out into Franco Harris territory.

Just my 2 cents.

Ben just had one of his best seasons last year lol.. this isn’t a Franco Harris situation. Ben can still play and will still be good next season if healthy. There’s no doubt.


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[mdk2]

1. Whether the injury is caused by a hit in the game or not is irrelevant.
2. Our players are ******* STUPID for admitting that Ben was hurt last week, someone needs to tell them to shut up
3. If the NFL cracks down on the Steelers for manipulating the injury report we could easily lose a draft pick because of it.
4. Loose lips sink ships.

Do you expect anything less, they follow suit from the head coach.. all talk.


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[tapeANaspirin2it]

If this is the end, it was a hell of a career with much of its potential wasted (for a variety of reasons, Ben himself included).

Best and most talented QB this franchise ever had. Two Super Bowls is still two Super Bowls, no matter how long ago at this point and how many we "could have" or "should have" won.

Time to tank it for a top-10 pick and see what we have in Mason Rudolf. I scouted Rudolf back when I did that sort of thing and I really liked his tape. I liked the draft pick and I'm glad he beat out chump change Josh Dobbs (thank God Tombert got that right and didn't trade Rudolf a week ago).

I do agree with previous posters that this buys Tomlin another season here. Not sure how long the leash will be if we officially enter the Tomlin/Rudolf era. The chinks were in the Art 2 - Tomlin relationship already (based on the contract extension he got). I think Art 2 will continue to give Tomlin 1-year extensions at this point, started after this season. And Art 2 will give Tombert a year with a high draft choice and their QB decisions to see what happens in 2020. They have 14 games for Tombert to evaluate Rudolf starting now.

Personally, Roethlisberger, if he decides NOT to retire, would actually be worse for this franchise in the long run. His window with Tombert is officially closed (it has been in my mind for 5 seasons). Hopefully this organization and Roethlisberger don't drag this out into Franco Harris territory.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree that Ben missing this season could be a huge positive for the steelers future. They now get to see Rudolph for nearly a full season. Not a rookie season either. The steelers should be able to see if Rudolph is their future starter or if he’s a quality backup.

If Rudolph has a great year and shows he’s your next franchise QB, then Ben has some great trade value if he can come back. There will be a team next year that thinks they are just a QB away for the Super Bowl and that team could jump all over Ben.

My candidate would be Minnesota or Tennessee. If Cousins doesn’t deliver this year, the they could cut bait and look for a proven bet to put them over the top. Same with Tennessee. They have the core of a really good team. Corey Davis is good and I think AJ Brown will be great. A QB could put them over the top next year.

If Rudolph has a so-so year, then that lets the steelers know to draft another QB for the future and go with Ben again.

This also will put a spotlight on coaching. Without the stars Ben, Bell, and AB, it will take smart coaching to get this team over 8-8.

I do do think this gives Tomlin a free pass this year but maybe not Fichtner and Butler

 

[t-man]

After 1 QTR next week, I’m guessing your excitement will not be there but enjoy.


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They had a first round grade on the guy, and so far he's give us no reason to think they were wrong. I'll be excited till the last game of the season, because I like football, and I get to see the Steelers every damn week. I made it though fuckig Brister, Mallone, Stout, Kordy, and the like, I think I can stand a season with this guy.

Joe

 

[bermudasteel]

I see it the other way around. His free pass was Ben!

Steeler fans are not used to rooting for a mediocre or bad team.

Coaches mistakes are often masked when they win. When the lose their mistakes are magnified.

It might take a year to hit a boil but for the first time in forever the Steelers might let Tomlin go before the contract expires.

I recommend Steven Belichick in 2020. As I said before I don’t care if his father is Darth Vader.


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You should be BANNED FOREVER for suggesting this chyt.

 

[Superman]

While it's not common for a team to replace a HOFer with another HOFer, or even replace a HOFer with an above-average QB immediately, it shouldn't be overlooked that it has happened. Green Bay did it with Favre and Rogers. The 49ers did it with Montana and Young. In no way am I saying that Rudolph will be a HOFer after playing a half of football, but at least we're not trotting out Landry Jones or Josh Dobbs. We'll - at least - be competitive, barring stupid coaching moves. Or lack thereof (let's go ahead and IR Mongrief).

Rudolph isn't a slouch, and I don't believe this will be the next version of Bradshaw - Stoudt. either.

Like many prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft, Rudolph grew up in a football family. His father, Brett, played at North Carolina in the 1980s. His brother, Logan, is a top 200 recruit that committed to play outside linebacker for Clemson starting in 2017. That background and support helped him excel in high school, where he was a finalist for South Carolina's Mr. Football Award as a senior (4,377 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, eight interceptions). It was expected that Rudolph would take a redshirt in 2014, but the Cowboys' starter fell to injury late in the year. He played in three games, starting two, led the team to a comeback win over rival Oklahoma. Rudolph was OSU's MVP in 2015, starting 12 games (missing most of that year's Bedlam due to injury), completing 62.3 percent of his passes for 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In his junior campaign, Rudolph stood tall in the pocket and earned honorable mention all-conference honors, distributing the ball to either sideline, as well as down the field, for 4,091 yards (ranking eighth in the FBS) on a 63.4 completion rate with 28 touchdowns -- but throwing just four interceptions in the process. While Rudolph is a pocket passer, he also had six rushing touchdowns in 2016. Rudolph finished his career by winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Sammy Baugh Awards while earning second-team All-Big 12 recognition. He led the FBS with 377 passing yards per game (4,904 total), completing 65 percent of his passes, finishing among the nation's leader with 37 touchdowns while throwing just nine interceptions.

 

[coupon]

WHAT IS it that you get out of posting this? Aggrevate people? I don't understand your negative hard core **** you posts...

He’s a bitter old man

 

[Tibs]

Rudolph finished his career by winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Sammy Baugh Awards while earning second-team All-Big 12 recognition. He led the FBS with 377 passing yards per game (4,904 total), completing 65 percent of his passes, finishing among the nation's leader with 37 touchdowns while throwing just nine interceptions.

Yup, couple of things come to mind. Not only did the Steelers have a first round grade on him, they then moved up to pick him where they did in the third. Evidently, the whole organization was high on this kid and they went after him in the draft. And secondly, it was interesting to see the veteran players rally around Rudolph yesterday, including DeCastro, talking about how much heart he has. I think we should all keep an open mind about what kind of player he can end up being. And that starts this Sunday vs. the 49ers.

 

[Steelmann]

Uhhh, no. The 2004 Steelers had a great offensive line. Marvel Smith, Max Starks, Jeff Hartings, Alan Faneca, and Kendall Simmons/Keydrick Vincent. That line abused defensive fronts. Recall the back-to-back games against the Patriots and Eagles, both undefeated at the time, where the Steelers rammed the ball down their throat so hard it came out their ***.

At the end of the Eagles game, they were in a goal line defense and the Steelers were chewing up 6, 7, 8 yards per run. Ben was sacked 30 times in 14 games. The line problems you are recalling arose in 2007-2010.

Oops you were right,he was not running around right from the start......in 2006 he had 46 sacks,then 47,46,50.
By the way,Smith,Starks,Harding,Faneca,Simmons were also there when they gave up 46,47.

In 2004 the OLine gave up 36. 2005-32. In total.

 

[Coryea]

Oops you were right,he was not running around right from the start......in 2006 he had 46 sacks,then 47,46,50.
By the way,Smith,Starks,Harding,Faneca,Simmons were also there when they gave up 46,47.

In 2004 the OLine gave up 36. 2005-32. In total.

We also ran the **** out of the ball, no need to throw a ton, but alot of those games were pretty close, so even though we didn't throw a ton, they were big throws when we did, like the TD to Ward in the Hurricane in Miami to seal that game away in the 4th.

 

[Steelmann]

We also ran the **** out of the ball, no need to throw a ton, but alot of those games were pretty close, so even though we didn't throw a ton, they were big throws when we did, like the TD to Ward in the Hurricane in Miami to seal that game away in the 4th.

Geeez,good memory. I barely recall that Miami game,but now that you mention it,that was something else!

By the way 2017 24 total sacks allowed. 2016 21 total sacks allowed.

 

[Stryker]

I like Rudolph and I'm excited to see how he leads this team. I love how pumped he gets on TDs. Guy can do well.

Now what happens if the Steelers make the playoffs with Rudolph? You Tomlin haters going to backpedal on the guy? Incredible, we just may have lost our franchise QB and half of this board uses it to go after Tomlin. Complete banality...

On to the numbers. If Ben retires, he will cost $25M against the cap. The steelers can take it all at once, or $12.5M over the next 2 seasons.

 

[Steeler Pride]

Now what happens if the Steelers make the playoffs with Rudolph? You Tomlin haters going to backpedal on the guy? Incredible, we just may have lost our franchise QB and half of this board uses it to go after Tomlin. Complete banality....

I didn't realize that Rudolph was going to fix the atrocious defense. Second, if you think this team is making the playoffs this year you need to adjust your black and gold glasses.

 

[bermudasteel]

So question. If you know then what you know now. Do you still trade Dobbs?


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Trade back for Dobbs - yes, we have no depth at QB now.

Sorry, Rudolph is no Ben. It took 20 years to find Ben after Bradshaw. You don’t find that next great QB this quick. Besides, this team doesn’t have that defense or the coaching.. no comparison at all.


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Montana to Young; Favre to Rodgers; Manning to Luck...

Speaking of injuries, anyone know what's up with James Conner?

Ask Spike...

While it's not common for a team to replace a HOFer with another HOFer, or even replace a HOFer with an above-average QB immediately, it shouldn't be overlooked that it has happened. Green Bay did it with Favre and Rogers. The 49ers did it with Montana and Young. In no way am I saying that Rudolph will be a HOFer after playing a half of football, but at least we're not trotting out Landry Jones or Josh Dobbs. We'll - at least - be competitive, barring stupid coaching moves. Or lack thereof (let's go ahead and IR Mongrief).

Rudolph isn't a slouch, and I don't believe this will be the next version of Bradshaw - Stoudt. either.

Appreciate that Supe!

I've had time to let the news marinate and I agree - we can also 'look at it this way'---Rudy and Washington pair like Ben and the old 84. What better time to get both guys on the field and build your offense around their 'known' talent???

Call me crazy but once the two guys show what they can do on Sunday's---the offense will open back up. Juju will still be #1 and DJ #3. It sucks that JC got hurt but JaySam is no slouch and Benny showed his burst and speed on one carry. TE is lingering problem (depth-wise) but my beer has too many tears in it.

Time to refresh and see what we got...

 

[Steeltime]

We also ran the **** out of the ball, no need to throw a ton, but alot of those games were pretty close, so even though we didn't throw a ton, they were big throws when we did, like the TD to Ward in the Hurricane in Miami to seal that game away in the 4th.

If the Steelers have a physical, angry presence, and run the ball like their children's lives are at stake, they will be a much, much better team:

• Can convert 3rd and short.
• Can comfortably go for it on 4th and 1/2.
• Will force opponents to honor run game.
• Will punish teams for trying to double Juju.
• Will trigger play-action, leading to ...
• Very good red zone production.
• Will help passing game by forcing single coverage on the #2 WR and TE.
• Meaning that with just three in the pattern - Juju, Washington, McDonald - Rudolph will have 2 guys in single coverage and his best receiver with more room to find a seam.
• Gives the team an angry, physical identity.
• Rudolph is important, but not deadly crucial. He can go play-action 1st down and get 15 and 20 yard strikes.
• But if Rudolph is struggling, ehh. Can still run the ball, control the clock, keep the thing close.
• Add to that the fact that both Conner (health permitting) and Samuels out of the backfield are darn good receivers.
• So defenses now are forced to respect the run, mind gaps before storming the backfield, with Washington, McDonald and a RB single-covered, Juju more room to operate.
• Conclusion: Run the @#$%ing ball.
• Oh, and defense ... kill somebody.

 

[Coryea]

They need to start by quit going with no back sets so much. Conner is very good catching out of the backfield, he's not great at lining up like a WR. At least give the D the thought of a run, hell NE caught on, they started sending one more than we could block when we did that and then just sat on our WR's because they knew it was going have to be a quick throw or Ben was going to get sacked.

 

[Steelr4evr]

I like Rudolph and I'm excited to see how he leads this team. I love how pumped he gets on TDs. Guy can do well.

Now what happens if the Steelers make the playoffs with Rudolph? You Tomlin haters going to backpedal on the guy? Incredible, we just may have lost our franchise QB and half of this board uses it to go after Tomlin. Complete banality...

On to the numbers. If Ben retires, he will cost $25M against the cap. The steelers can take it all at once, or $12.5M over the next 2 seasons.

I'll use the last 8 + years. It's like the movie Groundhog Day. Same stuff new year. It hasn't a damn thing to do with hating anything when all you want is the team to persevere. It's all about winning in the playoffs. Point blank.

 

[steelhurt]

I like Rudolph and I'm excited to see how he leads this team. I love how pumped he gets on TDs. Guy can do well.

Now what happens if the Steelers make the playoffs with Rudolph? You Tomlin haters going to backpedal on the guy? Incredible, we just may have lost our franchise QB and half of this board uses it to go after Tomlin. Complete banality...

On to the numbers. If Ben retires, he will cost $25M against the cap. The steelers can take it all at once, or $12.5M over the next 2 seasons.

A) Forget about the playoffs this year. I hope Mason does great and will be pulling hard for him.
B) Tomlin has completely wrecked havoc on this team for years now and its not improving.

 

[VaSteelerFan]

The fact he's been blackballed by NFL owners is pathetic and un-American. There is still such a thing as freedom of speech in this country, last time I checked.

He was benched before he went on his campaign.

... and I didn't say he should be arrested for his speech. Not wanting him on my team has absolutely zero to do with freedom of speach.

 

[Hines57]

I like Rudolph and I'm excited to see how he leads this team. I love how pumped he gets on TDs. Guy can do well.

Now what happens if the Steelers make the playoffs with Rudolph? You Tomlin haters going to backpedal on the guy? Incredible, we just may have lost our franchise QB and half of this board uses it to go after Tomlin. Complete banality...

On to the numbers. If Ben retires, he will cost $25M against the cap. The steelers can take it all at once, or $12.5M over the next 2 seasons.

That's really the worst case scenario for the franchise. Do you sit this guy to play Ben or do you cut or trade Ben?

 

[antdrewjosh]

As a Tomlin supporter I hate that this has happened but at the same time I'm interested to see how he responds to this as a coach. For years now all I've heard is he a product of Big Ben and would suck if he didnt have him. Well that time has come. If he is able to get this team back on track and get into the playoffs I would hope that would quell some of his detractors. Will it i doubt it but we will see what he is made of now. Again blessing to Big Ben hopefully this isnt the end and he get the opportunity to go out on his own terms..absolutely the bet QB I had the privilege to root for.

 

[Steeler Pride]

He was benched before he went on his campaign.

... and I didn't say he should be arrested for his speech. Not wanting him on my team has absolutely zero to do with freedom of speach.

In addition, freedom of speech does not mean freedom of repercussions or consequences.