Benton’s Talents Wasted by Tomlin

[SteelerSask2]

How Mike Tomlin has improved the play of almost every underachieving player. Replaced him with better talent.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Hopefully, we start seeing more of Black playing NT. He might not be the exact prototype, but much more so than Benton.

They're definitely trying to use Benton the same way they once used Hargrave, but Hargrave was a much better overall DT than Benton has been to this point.

There's a reason why Hargrave made bank as soon as he hit free agency, despite being overshadowed by Heyward and Tuitt during much of his time with the Steelers.

Maybe Benton will realize more of his potential in a different role. Maybe not.

He just might not be that good, as a position change has not exactly done wonders for Broderick Jones.

 

[bermudasteel]

Show me any evidence Najee was jettisoned for his attitude from the mouth of Tomlin, or anyone else in power on this team….

It absolutely matters how he got his yards. His career average yards per carry is 3.9, the league average is 4.3. If he showed a knack for short yardage conversions that would be one thing, but we both know he wasn’t good at that either. Was he durable and carried the ball a lot-yes. You don’t draft a RB in the 1st round to average 3.9 a carry and be durable. You could have gotten someone mid to late round to do that, it happens all the time on other teams.

They didn’t offer him a 2nd contract because he didn’t provide the value. Let me say that again—they didn’t even make him a low ball offer to 1st round draft pick- that’s how little was thought of his performance.

You build the team through the draft, when you don’t even offer your first round pick another contract, it’s a failed pick

New OC and his running style didn't match. Simple.

 

[bermudasteel]

He didn’t fit Canadas offense that he was drafted into either. When your first round RB averages 3.9 yards a carry and you don’t offer him even a low ball 2nd contract it’s a failed pick, unless your drafting standards have been Tomlinized too…

I didn’t call Najee a failure, I called the teams decision to invest a 1st round pick in him a failure

When they extend Warren- an undrafted free agent to a modest extension in the same off season you don’t even make Najee ANY offer-as he walks away-that tells all you need to know about how good a 1st round pick it was

Meh...I somewhat agree but again one RB rarely fumbled and was steady at nearly 4 yards a pop. The other continues to struggle with ball security but could break the big one on any run. What's the safer option in your opinion?

 

[Fiji Mariner]

We've had a bit of that lately too, Jones, Pickens, Dionte, quit mid-play as well, and Tomlin just gave them all a pat on the back, no punishment.

Tomlinship culture
It’s accepted and embraced
People are not brought into a winning culture
It shows on the field
Coach sets the bar, it’s an ez bar to jump

 

[Fiji Mariner]

New OC and his running style didn't match. Simple.

Yes new OC requires a RB with vision to run to the hole and set the blocks…Najee lacks vision

The lack of vision by the RBs in game 1 was evident as well…it’s almost like maybe these guys should play in the preseason if they don’t want games 1-3 to look like preseason.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Not every game was he getting dominated.

We need to look at big picture as we cast criticism. Again, I'm asking - what defensive scheme could you propose against a team that can run out of 3 and 4 WR sets with 5 OL and a 250 pound RB and a QB that runs like a gazelle AFTER playing 2 games (in a 10 day span) against the Superbowl winning Eagles and the Chiefs???

The a Jets did that a lot in Week 1 too. Oh, 85% of the players didn't play together during preseason so it was trial by fire and they lost both a starting FS and DB in the game - and won... oh, lest we forget that Cam didn't decide to "play" until Friday as well.

I don't think it's fair to compare last years ineptitude against the run with one game under their belts. But I also believe that it's going to be very hard to stop the run when teams spread them out with passing formations.

Just Berm's two cents...

Tomlin teaches a passive style.

*** puckered doing everything to stop the dreaded chunk play.

Let the team go on 15-20 play drives and pray for a turnover.

It’s a complete pile of ***** garbage schemes.

In turn the D lacks balls and aggression, being jack astronauts against the run IS the scheme.

How does the saying go??? A skunk never changes his stripes??? And Tomlin’s schemes stink profusely!

Wouldn’t be surprised if the Seachickens keep the streak going and pound 200 yards out on the ground.

 

[Avoid_Lloyd]

Meh...I somewhat agree but again one RB rarely fumbled and was steady at nearly 4 yards a pop. The other continues to struggle with ball security but could break the big one on any run. What's the safer option in your opinion?

The Steelers made their choice and it wasn’t Najee, thus me calling it a failed pick.

For my part I would have seen if Najee wanted to come back on the deal they gave Warren (he might not have) then go try to draft someone with more explosive breakaway speed. I’m worried Warren will never be a feature back and us a better #2 change of pace guy.

 

[Avoid_Lloyd]

New OC and his running style didn't match. Simple.

You strongly implied in an earlier post Najee wasn’t brought back because of his attitude, do you have proof?

 

[bermudasteel]

You strongly implied in an earlier post Najee wasn’t brought back because of his attitude, do you have proof?

His remarks about the organization are allover the internet...

This has been a pleasant debate.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Tomlinship culture
It’s accepted and embraced
People are not brought into a winning culture
It shows on the field
Coach sets the bar, it’s an ez bar to jump

That “bar” is also shown in practice and acceptance of just being “fate” as in Groundhog Day fate…….

There is no BAR to high to jump, thus the low bar.

Troy and others spoke of the lack of discipline amongst the players. Most correlated it to player speak out and brazen hoodlism where as Troy was also referring to actual practice / play / study…… it takes discipline to want to be the best you can be, but when there is lowered standard and discipline of holding that high level the players are like anyone…… do the minimal to get by.

The low bar is easier to jump than the higher one. No one is in line for high bar jump.




Salute the nation




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

The Steelers made their choice and it wasn’t Najee, thus me calling it a failed pick.

For my part I would have seen if Najee wanted to come back on the deal they gave Warren (he might not have) then go try to draft someone with more explosive breakaway speed. I’m worried Warren will never be a feature back and us a better #2 change of pace guy.

I don’t think Warren ever was a featured back. I think his durability / chance to fumble / stature build / all show he is a change up back. He excelled at the change up and that’s not a knock on him but more so realizing his skill set for long term useage.

Najee was a great RB who was taken a round or two to early, that was not his fault but certainly contributed to his down fall.

For some reason the new RB rookie is being jacked around and not being used………. RB is the easiest assimilation position in the NFL, can’t coaching find a way or is the offense so complicated rookies need not apply ???



Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

His remarks about the organization are allover the internet...

This has been a pleasant debate.

I remember his comments, it was about the time for him to establish himself as a leader, but it just wasn’t in the cards. His outspoken came at the wrong time and it was a slight to the team.

I liked Najee for his durability but this offense used him way too much and it was predictable play calls (loaded box). NO passing game / true play action threat / telegraphed play calling / O’Canada put him behind the 8 ball from the get go.

Thanks for all your great post(s) berm, appreciate yaz



Salute the nation

 

[WindyCitySteel]

Yes new OC requires a RB with vision to run to the hole and set the blocks…Najee lacks vision

The lack of vision by the RBs in game 1 was evident as well…it’s almost like maybe these guys should play in the preseason if they don’t want games 1-3 to look like preseason.

Kaleb is perfect for this offense and he’s relegated to returning kicks.

 

[Avoid_Lloyd]

Kaleb is perfect for this offense and he’s relegated to returning kicks.

I half to admit he didn’t look good in the preseason or returning kicks last week, it’s also been documented Kaleb is struggling in pass protection drills, so I get them using Gainwell more right now.

But again-Kaleb was a 3rd round pick and as Drink Iron City said a RB you draft that high should be able to contribute year 1-if he doesn’t it’s another indictment on the drafting and coaching-all controlled by Tomlin

 

[SteelerSask2]

His remarks about the organization are allover the internet...

This has been a pleasant debate.

Yes I agree. To think they didn't pick up that option because his play didn't warrant it is laughable. Especially in the light of game one. And he wasn't a ***** or a problem child. In fact I think he is sn exemplary example of a modern player. He just didn't tow the company Tomlin line. Thus he is gone. Plain and simple.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

I think you missed my point.

Najee was a very good pick, who, at times, voiced his displeasure with the organization as he compared it to the glory days of Bama. Ranging in various topics/complaints which lead to his departure.

He was not jettisoned based on his performance...

Coach Tomlin has gone on the record "volunteers over hostages". This, while not my favorite move, was a prime example of that.

The problem is Johnson is not NFL-ready and Najee was from Day 1.

Care to offer a rebuttal???

1st round pick vs 3rd round pick. Easy.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Yes I agree. To think they didn't pick up that option because his play didn't warrant it is laughable. Especially in the light of game one. And he wasn't a ***** or a problem child. In fact I think he is sn exemplary example of a modern player. He just didn't tow the company Tomlin line. Thus he is gone. Plain and simple.

Najee just didn't fit with what Arthur Smith likes to do with the stretch runs.

His best games with the Steelers were when the Steelers committed to running between the tackles, which is something their linemen seem best suited for as well, but they could never stick to it while Najee was with the team.

For him to rush for the the yards he did behind the lines he did it was fairly impressive.

It also didn't help Najee's case that the Steelers basically forgot he could catch after he caught a ton of balls during his rookie year.

He lacks some vision and speed, but is still talented enough overall to be more consistent and productive in the right situation, which he might have with the Chargers and Harbaugh.

Splitting carries with Hampton isnt the worst thing in the world, either.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

I half to admit he didn’t look good in the preseason or returning kicks last week, it’s also been documented Kaleb is struggling in pass protection drills, so I get them using Gainwell more right now.

But again-Kaleb was a 3rd round pick and as Drink Iron City said a RB you draft that high should be able to contribute year 1-if he doesn’t it’s another indictment on the drafting and coaching-all controlled by Tomlin

Pretty sure with the instability of the OL that
Pass protection issues are reasons 1,2 & 3 that he’s not seeing the field yet…fumbling the return didn’t help his case for that role either.

He’s got a bit of a hill to climb to start contributing from where he currently stands

 

[Chicoman]

Don't ever tell me Nose Tackle is not a position of need in the NFL. **** Teryl Austin & Mike Tomlin (Our true DC since 2015!

 

[NoKap#7]

Read an interesting article by Tommy Jaggi on Steel Curtain how Tomlin is not using Benton correctly by playing him at NT rather than on the outside.
Said Tomlin did the same with Hargraves who didn’t begin to flourish until he left Tomlin and the Steelers.
These guys use their quickness and power to knife into the backfield to make plays and are not suited to play over the middle.
This writer was not very flattering of the defensive genius known as Mike Tomlin.
Also pointed out how he played Dotson out of his natural position on the OL and tried to make a center out of a guard in Kendrick Green.
Pointed out that Broderick Jones development may have been harmed by playing him out of position for two years to appease Dan Moore who wasn’t very good himself.
Gives you something to think about with Tomlin recognizing a players best position.

The Hargraves assessment is dead wrong. Hargraves was every bit as good here as he has been everywhere else. The only reason hes not here now is because they couldn't afford to pay him.

 

[NoKap#7]

Kendrick Green sure as hell was no center but Tomlin put him in front of been for Ben’s last season. The guy never played center and was a guard at Illinois.
Also Broderick Jones who only played LT at Georgia but took him three seasons to get back to his natural position of LT. No telling what damage Tomlin has done to his development.
Tomlin is not an innovator or a visionary where he can try and recreate a player.
Forget past history of 2008 and 2010 but look at today. He’s just a mediocre football coach with a sub par coaching staff that he hired, questionable draft picks and free agents not all but most that he has a big hand in bringing to this team.
He’s living on his very early success from fifteen seasons ago. Should have been gone long ago.
Nothing will change this season as we will be in the same spot come January as we always are.

Do yourself a favor and try and speak on what you know or at least do your fair amount of research. Im from Illinois and in fact Kendrick Green did play center at Illinois in his senior year and you know what? He was actually good. Unfortunately he got a rude awakening once he got to the big leagues. As for trying Broderick at LT that would have meant switching Dan Moore to RT which it seems the fanbase had soured on. They were hoping Okarafor would work out at RT even though he had played LT his last two seasons of college. He didnt.

I guess the biggest mistake with BJ was drafting him in the first place, but since they did draft him and they drafted him in the first rd they were forced to start him somewhere. He actually had a decent rookie season. For some reason he has since fell off. Apparently there is this myth that the tackle position or OL positions in general are fluid. Well apparently for the Steelers thats not the case. Id be curious how common this is around the league. It could just be a damning indictment of Meyers coaching deficiencies. At the very least we need to start placing the blame where it reasonably belongs.

 

[steelhurt]

Do yourself a favor and try and speak on what you know or at least do your fair amount of research. Im from Illinois and in fact Kendrick Green did play center at Illinois in his senior year and you know what? He was actually good. Unfortunately he got a rude awakening once he got to the big leagues. As for trying Broderick at LT that would have meant switching Dan Moore to RT which it seems the fanbase had soured on. They were hoping Okarafor would work out at RT even though he had played LT his last two seasons of college. He didnt.

I guess the biggest mistake with BJ was drafting him in the first place, but since they did draft him and they drafted him in the first rd they were forced to start him somewhere. He actually had a decent rookie season. For some reason he has since fell off. Apparently there is this myth that the tackle position or OL positions in general are fluid. Well apparently for the Steelers thats not the case. Id be curious how common this is around the league. It could just be a damning indictment of Meyers coaching deficiencies. At the very least we need to start placing the blame where it reasonably belongs.

You’re from Illinois so you know ******* everything.
Kendrick Green was a guard at Illinois. He played guard at Illinois not center. Could he have served with spot duty at center, sure but he was a guard.
When he came here to the Texans he said as much saying he never wanted to be a center that his best position was guard.
Do some ******* research. Stop coming here being condescending you moron.

 

[steelhurt]

The Hargraves assessment is dead wrong. Hargraves was every bit as good here as he has been everywhere else. The only reason hes not here now is because they couldn't afford to pay him.

Who the **** are you anyway! He was not used here like he was after he left. He played pretty good here but started to excel after he left here and was put in better position. Playing the outside where he could do more damage in the backfield.
Stfu when you don’t know what you’re talking about.

 

[NoKap#7]

You’re from Illinois so you know ******* everything.
Kendrick Green was a guard at Illinois. He played guard at Illinois not center. Could he have served with spot duty at center, sure but he was a guard.
When he came here to the Texans he said as much saying he never wanted to be a center that his best position was guard.
Do some ******* research. Btw,try electing a decent governor in that state rather than that idiot who never met a donut he didn’t like.

Are you in fn idiot you dumbazz or are you just illiterate?? I said he played center in his senior year at college. Yes guard was his primary position at Illinois prior to his senior year, but he finished his career there at center. You can literally go look at film and it shows him playing at center. Wtf are you even talking about?? He showed signs at being better then average. Clearly the Steelers were hoping for the best when they drafted him. The problem was they screwed up the draft by passing on Creed Humphrey one year and Tyler Linderbaum another. Im sure he didnt want to play center but its not like the Steelers didnt understand it was a risk to draft him to play that position. That's why they drafted him where they did.