Interesting claim that a number 2 WR will be added.

[Greg Lloyd]

Says the coward who can’t get his cooch cold outside and too scared to take on a bet.

K you dilapidated d!ckhead.

Still dodging the wager, so noted hypocrite.

 

[slashsteel]

Still dodging the wager, so noted hypocrite.

K cooch

 

[Ike Kelly]

I honestly think a top 10 TE must be at least good at blocking, Muth isn't there yet I think. Regarding his receiver/route/hands skills I do think he has the talent already to be top 10. Just improve blocking and stay healthy

Oh I agree big time Muth’s blocking wasn’t anything but mediocre since he came into the league. DK Spor beat writer whose been to every OTA practice and both Mini-camp practices this week, had indicated previously Muth (and Washington) has elevated their effort and technique, in shorts off course, with the new offense having a heavy two TE set. Could have sworn before the draft there was a video on Twitter Muth working out with a TE coach concentrating on blocking angles in the set, and use of hands. So at least he’s willing to improve that skill set. We really haven’t had an all around TE since Heath, and Muth has the best chance to get close to that bar.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Oh I agree big time Muth’s blocking wasn’t anything but mediocre since he came into the league. DK Spor beat writer whose been to every OTA practice and both Mini-camp practices this week, had indicated previously Muth (and Washington) has elevated their effort and technique, in shorts off course, with the new offense having a heavy two TE set. Could have sworn before the draft there was a video on Twitter Muth working out with a TE coach concentrating on blocking angles in the set, and use of hands. So at least he’s willing to improve that skill set. We really haven’t had an all around TE since Heath, and Muth has the best chance to get close to that bar.

you realize how really good Miller was.

 

[Shane Falco]

Oh I agree big time Muth’s blocking wasn’t anything but mediocre since he came into the league. DK Spor beat writer whose been to every OTA practice and both Mini-camp practices this week, had indicated previously Muth (and Washington) has elevated their effort and technique, in shorts off course, with the new offense having a heavy two TE set. Could have sworn before the draft there was a video on Twitter Muth working out with a TE coach concentrating on blocking angles in the set, and use of hands. So at least he’s willing to improve that skill set. We really haven’t had an all around TE since Heath, and Muth has the best chance to get close to that bar.

I thought Jesse James was finally coming into his own before they let him walk. Not that he was Heath, but the guy played his *** odd every down and his catching and route running was getting better and better. Oh he caught that ball

 

[BLITZ]

I thought Jesse James was finally coming into his own before they let him walk. Not that he was Heath, but the guy played his *** odd every down and his catching and route running was getting better and better. Oh he caught that ball

And he was used properly

 

[madinsomniac]

you realize how really good Miller was.

If there was a "hall of criminally underused and appreciated players" Heath would have been a unanimous selection. Had he predominately played in an Earhardt system, he would have been a perennial all pro... but he mostly was in Arians system and in an era where non blocking oversized wrs dominated the TE position

 

[Shane Falco]

If there was a "hall of criminally underused and appreciated players" Heath would have been a unanimous selection. Had he predominately played in an Earhardt system, he would have been a perennial all pro... but he mostly was in Arians system and in an era where non blocking oversized wrs dominated the TE position

So what you’re saying is…he wasn’t used properly

 

[Confluence]

Wrong again, Tim Tam, wrong again. You look like an imbecile every time you make that claim. Total imbecile. You want to make a wager? Let's bet $10 grand if I am the poster "Coach" or not. Are you in? Step right up, let's wager.

Why don't you just ask Coolie to confirm or deny your former handle?

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Why don't you just ask Coolie to confirm or deny your former handle?

to be fair, coolie doesnt posess this kind of tech ability. For that we would need to approach the man behind the curtain himself... aka, TTK, Justin.

 

[bigben]

Hardly. Far from it actually. Coach Lloyd indicated Muth has “under-performed“ in his career. Having a QB that read the defense expertly and deviated from the OC play calls frequently in the red zone was all the difference for Muth as a rookie. Even in that joke of an offense.

His sophomore season he improved in every category except TDs, a byproduct of a predictable offense and being the security blanket for two new QBs, one a rookie. Last year, he was on track to equal or exceed his prior year’s results, but injuries sidelined him for a 1/3rd of the games. So, no. Muth has not under-performed in three years. In fact, he’s shown he could be dynamic weapon with the right offense and QB throwing him the ball. He will be a huge part of Smith’s offense, so this year will be his litmus test.


I agree with the top 10 talent prognostication. But, wholeheartedly disagree with not living up to the hype. The kid had 60+ catches his first two years, a 1st down machine (30+ each year), and almost 100 targets and 800 yards in year two - WITH a ridiculous offensive scheme and sub par QB play (other than Pickett’s occasional good play). Injuries robbed him on his third year, of which will need to be closely looked at. But he has shown he can be a dynamic player within a competent offensive schene.


Nope. Washington showed he could catch passes, but Kirby Smart used him inside the 40 yard line to create mismatches for Bowers, who could well be a dominant player in the NFL. (Berm and any other SEC team fan will attest to that). Double teaming Bowers opened up another receiver, either it being WR, RB or TE. Covering the huge catch radius of Washington, opened up windows for Bowers. Washington’s blocking in college was adept for his size, not for his technique which was very raw.


As stated above, Smart used him predominantly in 12 personnel formation within the 40 yard line. To create receiver mismatches and allow points or first downs, usually with Bowers being the recipient.

As for “some” saying he should have more weight added to play OT, who did? No one in the Steelers camp said so. You don’t change a 3rd round prospect to another position unless he showed promise at that position to begin with. Washington‘s blocking was more or less again size related than technique. He has a ways to go to become a very solid blocking TE. He has to be in another atmosphere weight wise to even being competitive as a OL. His best attributes are his hands and size. He needs a lot of work on his route tree, and blocking situational awareness. He does have tremendous upside though.


Again, as you intimated the sub - par QB play and pathetic offense scheme, Heyward was an afterthought in the offense like Cal Austin was. However, when he had opportunities as the 3rd TE, or H-back, on the field he made the catches (8 of 23 for first downs). As for penalties, looks like he had 6 penalties (5 accepted) on (403/247) 650 total snaps last year. Two which were on ST. Something to improve on, but infinitesimal on impact.


Gheez, what’s the average rushing attempts for H-back’s nowadays? I’m not postulating Connor is an All-Pro difference maker. Only that for a 6th round flyer, when given opportunities he makes plays - 23 catches on 38 targets in 2023 as a the third TE.


Wrong. Patterson was brought in to be the KR1 due to the new Kickoff rules, first. The fact that he played in Smiths offense as a RB and has experience as a starting WR was secondary. Pruitt and Miller were brought in on one year vet minimum deals so as to provide transition assistance to current players on Smith’s offense. There is no assurances that they will make the final 53, although it wouldn’t surprise me if they did or were signed to the PS.

It is your basic business as usual transactions when installing a new coordinator’s offense to an already loaded skill position group.

I agree with most of you're points on Muth, I do have higher hopes for him on a better offense, with improved QB play. Even a shot ben was a great deal more TE friendly than Kenny. I got jaded with all the years of Heath Miller. Muth will never be that guy, but I expect him to be much improved this season. he'll have to be with the holes at WR.

I never said Washington should be a transition to OL, although he may have been an upgrade over Dan Moore. lol I had higher hopes for him and was disappointed in his lack of production last season. Looking back I should have seen it coming as he never was used as a weapon in the passing game, under normal circumstances especially with a guy like Bowers available. I thought you meant pass catching weapon in the redzone. which he wasn't.

Heyward is expendable, a waste of a roster spot outside of special teams and his 2023 stats illustrate that. he showed some flashes in 2022, wonder what happened?

Bringing in a 32 year old gadget player to return kicks is an interesting strategy, hope it works.

It is your basic business as usual transactions when installing a new coordinator’s offense to an already loaded skill position group.

I like you're optimism but outside QB which skill position group has improved this offseason?
The line has improved on paper, same with QB and coordinator, but if anything the skill positions are no stronger, just more upside for improvement.
We are weaker if anything, Daijun could be a hidden gem, the Rookie WR could be a great player?
To call them loaded at the skill positions Is a gross over estimation.
Solid with potential and alot of question marks is more like it. We don't have any stars on this offense but I say Warren and Pickens may have the potential to be.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Apparently Aiyuk is available.

https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/sports/brandon-aiyuk-claims-49ers-dont-want-me-back-as-drama-festers/

 

[Greg Lloyd]

I agree with most of you're points on Muth, I do have higher hopes for him on a better offense, with improved QB play. Even a shot ben was a great deal more TE friendly than Kenny. I got jaded with all the years of Heath Miller. Muth will never be that guy, but I expect him to be much improved this season. he'll have to be with the holes at WR.

I never said Washington should be a transition to OL, although he may have been an upgrade over Dan Moore. lol I had higher hopes for him and was disappointed in his lack of production last season. Looking back I should have seen it coming as he never was used as a weapon in the passing game, under normal circumstances especially with a guy like Bowers available. I thought you meant pass catching weapon in the redzone. which he wasn't.

Heyward is expendable, a waste of a roster spot outside of special teams and his 2023 stats illustrate that. he showed some flashes in 2022, wonder what happened?

Bringing in a 32 year old gadget player to return kicks is an interesting strategy, hope it works.

It is your basic business as usual transactions when installing a new coordinator’s offense to an already loaded skill position group.

I like you're optimism but outside QB which skill position group has improved this offseason?
The line has improved on paper, same with QB and coordinator, but if anything the skill positions are no stronger, just more upside for improvement.
We are weaker if anything, Daijun could be a hidden gem, the Rookie WR could be a great player?
To call them loaded at the skill positions Is a gross over estimation.
Solid with potential and alot of question marks is more like it. We don't have any stars on this offense but I say Warren and Pickens may have the potential to be.

All true. We definitely haven't improved on skill positions. And we were hardly high on them to begin with. We may have an improvement on coordination, which was beyond in the dark ages. And the same head coach, who thought it was wise to bring back a legendarily bad OC back after 2 years of futility is still here. That's hardly good news.


To test your theory on the "Little Meatball Heyward," ask yourself what teams' rosters he would be on if not for Pgh? How about none. (He's the only TE who is under 6' in the NFL, I wonder if there's a reason for that?) Tomlin thinks he has found the "magic formula" of having brothers on the same roster. How's that been working out for him? OK, never mind.

 

[BLITZ]

All true. We definitely haven't improved on skill positions. And we were hardly high on them to begin with. We may have an improvement on coordination, which was beyond in the dark ages. And the same head coach, who thought it was wise to bring back a legendarily bad OC back after 2 years of futility is still here. That's hardly good news.


To test your theory on the "Little Meatball Heyward," ask yourself what teams' rosters he would be on if not for Pgh? How about none. (He's the only TE who is under 6' in the NFL, I wonder if there's a reason for that?) Tomlin thinks he has found the "magic formula" of having brothers on the same roster. How's that been working out for him? OK, never mind.

ZING!!!!!

 

[madinsomniac]

All true. We definitely haven't improved on skill positions. And we were hardly high on them to begin with. We may have an improvement on coordination, which was beyond in the dark ages. And the same head coach, who thought it was wise to bring back a legendarily bad OC back after 2 years of futility is still here. That's hardly good news.


To test your theory on the "Little Meatball Heyward," ask yourself what teams' rosters he would be on if not for Pgh? How about none. (He's the only TE who is under 6' in the NFL, I wonder if there's a reason for that?) Tomlin thinks he has found the "magic formula" of having brothers on the same roster. How's that been working out for him? OK, never mind.

Hed be an H back or fullback on several rosters... we just use them interchangeably

 

[ZonaBurgh]

Apparently Aiyuk is available.

https://nypost.com/2024/06/17/sports/brandon-aiyuk-claims-49ers-dont-want-me-back-as-drama-festers/

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Greg Lloyd]

Hed be an H back or fullback on several rosters... we just use them interchangeably

Even at that position, I don't see him on an NFL active roster.

 

[madinsomniac]

Even at that position, I don't see him on an NFL active roster.

He was on all the draft lists as a late round pick.. someone would have taken him. He played RB/FB/TE in college... and he is a playmaker when given the chance...

 

[SteelerFan448]

When looking at Pickett's trajectory, for me it was to build a good OL/running game around the young QB and then get him a stud receiver. They have the running backs and invested in the offensive line, so the top receiver was the next step. I think it worked out pretty well for Allen/Diggs, Hurts/Brown, Tua/Hill. The problem is the Steelers no longer have the young QB (unless Fields can figure it out), so do they continue to pursue adding a top receiver? They have one of the weakest groups in the NFL, so adding talent should be a priority, it's just the type of talent based on who is available.

As far as Aiyuk goes, it still doesn't make sense for the 49ers to trade him. He's on a team contending for a title and he's really good. It's just the type of guy you keep, even for a year, to win with opposed to giving him away and reducing your chances.

 

[Greg Lloyd]

He was on all the draft lists as a late round pick.. someone would have taken him. He played RB/FB/TE in college... and he is a playmaker when given the chance...

35 rec and 1 TD in 2 years. The #s don't really support your claim.

 

[madinsomniac]

35 rec and 1 TD in 2 years. The #s don't really support your claim.

In the matt Canada offense, 42% of his touches went for first downs...

 

[Greg Lloyd]

In the matt Canada offense, 42% of his touches went for first downs...

And without looking, I can guess that of those 1st downs, virtually none resulted in a TD drive. I'm just guessing here.

 

[Ike Kelly]

I agree with most of you're points on Muth, I do have higher hopes for him on a better offense, with improved QB play. Even a shot ben was a great deal more TE friendly than Kenny. I got jaded with all the years of Heath Miller. Muth will never be that guy, but I expect him to be much improved this season. he'll have to be with the holes at WR.

I never said Washington should be a transition to OL, although he may have been an upgrade over Dan Moore. lol I had higher hopes for him and was disappointed in his lack of production last season. Looking back I should have seen it coming as he never was used as a weapon in the passing game, under normal circumstances especially with a guy like Bowers available. I thought you meant pass catching weapon in the redzone. which he wasn't.

Heyward is expendable, a waste of a roster spot outside of special teams and his 2023 stats illustrate that. he showed some flashes in 2022, wonder what happened?

Bringing in a 32 year old gadget player to return kicks is an interesting strategy, hope it works.

It is your basic business as usual transactions when installing a new coordinator’s offense to an already loaded skill position group.

I like you're optimism but outside QB which skill position group has improved this offseason?
The line has improved on paper, same with QB and coordinator, but if anything the skill positions are no stronger, just more upside for improvement.
We are weaker if anything, Daijun could be a hidden gem, the Rookie WR could be a great player?
To call them loaded at the skill positions Is a gross over estimation.
Solid with potential and alot of question marks is more like it. We don't have any stars on this offense but I say Warren and Pickens may have the potential to be.

Heath had the benefit of playing with a HOF QB his entire career. Trying to compare Muth with three years (one with said HOF QB) under his belt is an exercise in futility. He’s now playing in a real pro style offense, with a competent OC and play caller. The fact that the offense Smith‘s is installing appears to be is heavy with 12 personnel and uses lots of play action is tantamount to seeing more opportunities for TE’s in the route tree. Good news for Muth and the other TEs in the room.

In your post you noted ”some said” Washington should move to OL, I was referring to that statement in asking who said that? There has been no one on the Steelers coaching staff or the local beat media which has suggested it. The national reporters have no clue, unless they are in the lockeroom after every practice. I pay no attention to them.

Its your opinion, and that’s completely fine, but to say Washington would be a better OT (a position he never played in college) than Dan Moore who has started every game he‘s been in (49) would be IDK, incredulous? Sure Moore has been average, and not position flexible, but in a league where there are not enough starting LT to begin with, to say Washington would be better is pretty ambitious in opining. Thats Coach Lloyd territory there.

If you have read the new KO rules, it’s showing to be the wild Wild West in its first year of implementation. All kinds of experimentation will be done by ST coaches. Danny Smith was on the implementation committee once the new rules passed. The fact that’s it’s now an actual play in the game will allow scoring on STs we haven't seen since Devin Hester. Patterson has had that type of impact before the 25 yard rule was put in. I’d take my chances with a multiple All-Pro KR anytime.

You have Pickens, if he keeps his head on straight and has matured will have a breakout season, with these two QBs. I seriously would have thought Omar would have brought in some one by now and it could still happen before the regular season. One writer, noted if SF deals one of those two WRs to another team (say WAS) it could allow PIT to trade for the WR who will be replaced, ie. McLaurin or Jamar Dotson. I can see Omar doing that. You have the rookie Wilson who looks promising out of OTAs and Mini-camp, and CA3 has shown to have polished his route running immensely to go with his speed during the same period. Muth is top 10 TE, Washington has gotten stronger and will be the other TE in 2 sets in this offense with an experienced QB like Wilson. Najee/Warren are a top 5 position dual in the league. Patterson can play either RB or WR and knows the offense. Just like Pruitt, Miller and Jefferson who will help get players one the same page playbook wise. There is room for another playmaker at WR, who may already be on the roster. There just needs to needs to be some gelling of all the new pieces on offense. It’s a lot of moving parts, but the fact we have an actual OC who knows whats he’s doing and has something to prove has me more glass half full than Coach’s pig vomit opinion of fail, fail, fail.

 

[Ike Kelly]

All true. We definitely haven't improved on skill positions. And we were hardly high on them to begin with. We may have an improvement on coordination, which was beyond in the dark ages. And the same head coach, who thought it was wise to bring back a legendarily bad OC back after 2 years of futility is still here. That's hardly good news.


To test your theory on the "Little Meatball Heyward," ask yourself what teams' rosters he would be on if not for Pgh? How about none. (He's the only TE who is under 6' in the NFL, I wonder if there's a reason for that?) Tomlin thinks he has found the "magic formula" of having brothers on the same roster. How's that been working out for him? OK, never mind.

Well we all know YOUR magic formula….genius.

Hed be an H back or fullback on several rosters... we just use them interchangeably

Even at that position, I don't see him on an NFL active roster.

Well he is on an active roster right now, so you are blind even with your formula.

He was on all the draft lists as a late round pick.. someone would have taken him. He played RB/FB/TE in college... and he is a playmaker when given the chance...

35 rec and 1 TD in 2 years. The #s don't really support your claim.

You don’t even look at the numbers correctly.

in two years, Heyward had 51 pass targets, 38 receptions at 9.0 avg gain. Of those 38 receptions, 14 resulted in 1st downs.

In the matt Canada offense, 42% of his touches went for first downs...

And without looking, I can guess that of those 1st downs, virtually none resulted in a TD drive. I'm just guessing here.

Let’s sum up, you have your own formula for success, but no experience; you are blind and can’t read statistics correctly and finally, most importantly you guess frequently,

Yep, you are a genius…..of narcissistic tendencies.

 

[bigben]

Heath had the benefit of playing with a HOF QB his entire career. Trying to compare Muth with three years (one with said HOF QB) under his belt is an exercise in futility. He’s now playing in a real pro style offense, with a competent OC and play caller. The fact that the offense Smith‘s is installing appears to be is heavy with 12 personnel and uses lots of play action is tantamount to seeing more opportunities for TE’s in the route tree. Good news for Muth and the other TEs in the room.

In your post you noted ”some said” Washington should move to OL, I was referring to that statement in asking who said that? There has been no one on the Steelers coaching staff or the local beat media which has suggested it. The national reporters have no clue, unless they are in the lockeroom after every practice. I pay no attention to them.

Its your opinion, and that’s completely fine, but to say Washington would be a better OT (a position he never played in college) than Dan Moore who has started every game he‘s been in (49) would be IDK, incredulous? Sure Moore has been average, and not position flexible, but in a league where there are not enough starting LT to begin with, to say Washington would be better is pretty ambitious in opining. Thats Coach Lloyd territory there.

If you have read the new KO rules, it’s showing to be the wild Wild West in its first year of implementation. All kinds of experimentation will be done by ST coaches. Danny Smith was on the implementation committee once the new rules passed. The fact that’s it’s now an actual play in the game will allow scoring on STs we haven't seen since Devin Hester. Patterson has had that type of impact before the 25 yard rule was put in. I’d take my chances with a multiple All-Pro KR anytime.

You have Pickens, if he keeps his head on straight and has matured will have a breakout season, with these two QBs. I seriously would have thought Omar would have brought in some one by now and it could still happen before the regular season. One writer, noted if SF deals one of those two WRs to another team (say WAS) it could allow PIT to trade for the WR who will be replaced, ie. McLaurin or Jamar Dotson. I can see Omar doing that. You have the rookie Wilson who looks promising out of OTAs and Mini-camp, and CA3 has shown to have polished his route running immensely to go with his speed during the same period. Muth is top 10 TE, Washington has gotten stronger and will be the other TE in 2 sets in this offense with an experienced QB like Wilson. Najee/Warren are a top 5 position dual in the league. Patterson can play either RB or WR and knows the offense. Just like Pruitt, Miller and Jefferson who will help get players one the same page playbook wise. There is room for another playmaker at WR, who may already be on the roster. There just needs to needs to be some gelling of all the new pieces on offense. It’s a lot of moving parts, but the fact we have an actual OC who knows whats he’s doing and has something to prove has me more glass half full than Coach’s pig vomit opinion of fail, fail, fail.

I would love a Terry Mclaurin, Take him over anyone else out there value wise. If Terry was on SF he would be better than Aiyuk IMO. Terry has had trash at QB just like George and still looked solid. I"m with you on Austin, we need some speed on the field.
I was being sarcastic with the Dan Moore/Washington thing, Neither guy will ever be good O lineman.
Patterson was good in his day but I would rather have a burner than a 32 year old question mark.
I think The OC and the O-line will transform this offense, would love to see what he could come up with for fields in the run option QB like a Lamar Jackson. Seems like running is Fields best attribute like a poor mans Lamar Jackson. So far anyway.