Kinda hard to picture much better linebackers

[Steelmann]

"Blah, blah, blah" Tomlin apologist says what? Living in delusions must be fun.

What kind of retort is this? Ike brings a great point of ….

Three OL picked (two back to back 1st/2nd the third in the 4th) are very unTomlin like picks? PIT hasn’t picked OL three times in the first 119 picks in over 30 years. That predates Tomlin, Colbert, and Cowher.

To your…..

THREE OLmen taken, two in the 1st two rounds? Tomlin had lost power, and it was about freakin' time.

No one say anything about not advancing past 7th-grade education, please.

I mean seriously…..you got schooled. And you don’t even have the grace or class to say….hey Ike….great point.

I’ll say it….Hey Ike great point,bringing up that absolutely no one has drafted Three OL in the first 119 picks In 30 years.

And I am certainly no CMT apologist.
I’ve said it before….Many,Many of us have been calling for this type of investment on the OL. For many years. The writing was on the wall 2 years before Pouncey retired. And David. But of course we have had many holes to fill.
Since Omar has taken over There’s no doubt in my mind that he takes this forum’s advice

 

[Greg Lloyd]

What kind of retort is this? Ike brings a great point of ….

To your…..



I mean seriously…..you got schooled. And you don’t even have the grace or class to say….hey Ike….great point.

I’ll say it….Hey Ike great point,bringing up that absolutely no one has drafted Three OL in the first 119 picks In 30 years.

And I am certainly no CMT apologist.
I’ve said it before….Many,Many of us have been calling for this type of investment on the OL. For many years. The writing was on the wall 2 years before Pouncey retired. And David. But of course we have had many holes to fill.
Since Omar has taken over There’s no doubt in my mind that he takes this forum’s advice

Oh you left this part out, I wonder why?

The only change I’ve seen is Art2 being more louder,

 

[Drink IRON City]

What kind of retort is this? Ike brings a great point of ….

To your…..



I mean seriously…..you got schooled. And you don’t even have the grace or class to say….hey Ike….great point.

I’ll say it….Hey Ike great point,bringing up that absolutely no one has drafted Three OL in the first 119 picks In 30 years.

And I am certainly no CMT apologist.
I’ve said it before….Many,Many of us have been calling for this type of investment on the OL. For many years. The writing was on the wall 2 years before Pouncey retired. And David. But of course we have had many holes to fill.
Since Omar has taken over There’s no doubt in my mind that he takes this forum’s advice

Things aren't always clean cut and dry. Some posters need to widen their range of sight. (not directed at you Steelmann)

Coach Tomlin may have lost a little control, but I think it is more important to look at it as Omar has taken back his full job, instead of sharing it like Colbert use to do. That authority of JOB function is one of the first things Kahn laid out upon his official start. I read a great interview of his stating that he met with everybody under the GM's position and clarified what the goals were and how to achieve them. He also said that he met with coaching and ownership to establish these directions and in doing so, also established the type of players they needed to accomplish this.

Definitely can see that Kahn has taken possession of his GM job. He is running the show.

Now we need Coach Tomlin to uphold his part of the deal. He needs to utilize the players given. Here in will be the telltale of his true coaching ability.


Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

PS

One can not dismiss the importance of Andy Wiedl in this operation as well. I think he is equally responsible for the turn around. The STEELERS need to find a way to keep him, even if to make him Kahn's equal.


Salute the nation

 

[Steelmann]

How much farther than the game can go? You are seeing it now. 7x7 football in some High School division Classes, because schools and districts are getting sued from injuries. So the 7x7 way promotes skill positions only football, which means less talent growing for lineman in college and more spread offenses starting early. Why do we keep seeing all this “Play Flag Football“ stuff? Promoting it to kids (although it’s a good idea for girls) and it’s now in the unwatchable ProBowl. But there is a grass roots growing with some former coaches and players to get back to physical fundamental football starting at the college level. The problem is NIL is handicapping it.

It’s interesting to see the very future of football happening. Olympics have approved flag football as an official sport as of 2028 In Los Angeles. I’ve read articles saying NFL players and The NFL organizations would like participation . Will we see TJ yelling one Mississippi,two Mississippi….then rush the QB trying to take his flag? Good Lord.

It’s quite obvious that the NFL would love to expand Globally In the future. And are tweaking the rules to promote more offense,as they see it as more entertainment. I believe their all important quest for player safety is also a quest to stay out of the courtroom.

American youth and high school participants continue to shrink. I would venture to say mostly because of the fear of head trauma?Who will feed the nonstop vacuum of college/university teams? It’s an industry. And it’s all about money,money ,money.
As most industry is.

This is not me saying money is a dirty word. Far from it. The NFL as successful as it is can’t just stand still.

97% of NFL players are American Born.
The NBA had 125 international players from 40 countries playing on opening night 2023.
The NHL is a huge mixture of international players. Canadians make up 42%…..Americans 29%.
MLB…..now stands at 30% of players from international countries.

It shall be interesting. The infrastructure of pretty well all of the major sports of the world is fairly global. Obviously soccer is played everywhere. Basketball is played pretty well everywhere. Baseball is in big percentage of the world. Hockey…..North America and Europe. Golf? Pretty well everywhere. And then we have American football. All American and Canadian schools/towns/cities have kids playing football. The rest of the world…..percentage is very small.

They must see this as a huge opportunity. Can you imagine a Mexican born QB leading his team to a SB,with mvp honors. The Jersey sales,Tv viewing/streaming(the future) would be through the roof.

 

[Steelmann]

Oh you left this part out, I wonder why?

What the heck did that have to do with anything I said. I was talking about your drafting OLine comment. And made it quite obvious.

 

[Ike Kelly]

PS

One can not dismiss the importance of Andy Wiedl in this operation as well. I think he is equally responsible for the turn around. The STEELERS need to find a way to keep him, even if to make him Kahn's equal.


Salute the nation

Nail on the head Drink. Andy will be a GM himself somewhere sooner rather than later. It will be sad when he gets his chance too, since he’s from Pittsburgh himself.

 

[Ike Kelly]

It’s interesting to see the very future of football happening. Olympics have approved flag football as an official sport as of 2028 In Los Angeles. I’ve read articles saying NFL players and The NFL organizations would like participation . Will we see TJ yelling one Mississippi,two Mississippi….then rush the QB trying to take his flag? Good Lord.

It’s quite obvious that the NFL would love to expand Globally In the future. And are tweaking the rules to promote more offense,as they see it as more entertainment. I believe their all important quest for player safety is also a quest to stay out of the courtroom.

American youth and high school participants continue to shrink. I would venture to say mostly because of the fear of head trauma?Who will feed the nonstop vacuum of college/university teams? It’s an industry. And it’s all about money,money ,money.
As most industry is.

This is not me saying money is a dirty word. Far from it. The NFL as successful as it is can’t just stand still.

97% of NFL players are American Born.
The NBA had 125 international players from 40 countries playing on opening night 2023.
The NHL is a huge mixture of international players. Canadians make up 42%…..Americans 29%.
MLB…..now stands at 30% of players from international countries.

It shall be interesting. The infrastructure of pretty well all of the major sports of the world is fairly global. Obviously soccer is played everywhere. Basketball is played pretty well everywhere. Baseball is in big percentage of the world. Hockey…..North America and Europe. Golf? Pretty well everywhere. And then we have American football. All American and Canadian schools/towns/cities have kids playing football. The rest of the world…..percentage is very small.

They must see this as a huge opportunity. Can you imagine a Mexican born QB leading his team to a SB,with mvp honors. The Jersey sales,Tv viewing/streaming(the future) would be through the roof.

Can you imagine Owners allowing their million dollar players under contract playing flag football in the Olympics? I don’t. I think all the owners remember or knows about the Robert Edwards incident.

As for player safety, yeah the Commish sure is leading that, by adding games to the schedule that lengthens the season even more. Yep, he’s all for player safety. Why else would he allow starting this year concussion caps now be to be worn in actual games?

Logistically speaking, having actual teams outside of North America is a pipe dream, unless there is enough teams for an International Conference. I don’t see that’s possible or happening for another 25-30 years, nor do I want it.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Can you imagine Owners allowing their million dollar players under contract playing flag football in the Olympics? I don’t. I think all the owners remember or knows about the Robert Edwards incident.

As for player safety, yeah the Commish sure is leading that, by adding games to the schedule that lengthens the season even more. Yep, he’s all for player safety. Why else would he allow starting this year concussion caps now be to be worn in actual games?

Logistically speaking, having actual teams outside of North America is a pipe dream, unless there is enough teams for an International Conference. I don’t see that’s possible or happening for another 25-30 years, nor do I want it.

Those Guardian head gear are a volunteer approval. Any player can chose to wear them voluntarily, in regular season games, as they have been approved by the NFL for that purpose..

The key here is it’s voluntary and not mandatory, currently. Give it a couple seasons and it will become mandatory.

Also note: The extra games are coming more and more, but the roster player number hasn’t increased. If they do add more roster spots, do they increase salary cap proportionately as well……?


Salute the nation

 

[Ike Kelly]

Those Guardian head gear are a volunteer approval. Any player can chose to wear them voluntarily, in regular season games, as they have been approved by the NFL for that purpose..

The key here is it’s voluntary and not mandatory, currently. Give it a couple seasons and it will become mandatory.

Also note: The extra games are coming more and more, but the roster player number hasn’t increased. If they do add more roster spots, do they increase salary cap proportionately as well……?


Salute the nation

Yeah I know they are volunteer Drink, but how does the League address the team logo issue? Thats a brand problem.

The salary cap problem is a not an issue since it only counts for the top 51 contracts in season. I have no clue why the League doesn’t allow 53 players on game day already, Owners are paying them regardless, why have them in sweats on the sideline?

 

[Steelmann]

Can you imagine Owners allowing their million dollar players under contract playing flag football in the Olympics? I don’t. I think all the owners remember or knows about the Robert Edwards incident.

As for player safety, yeah the Commish sure is leading that, by adding games to the schedule that lengthens the season even more. Yep, he’s all for player safety. Why else would he allow starting this year concussion caps now be to be worn in actual games?

Logistically speaking, having actual teams outside of North America is a pipe dream, unless there is enough teams for an International Conference. I don’t see that’s possible or happening for another 25-30 years, nor do I want it.

I’ll be long gone on this earth before teams outside North America ever happens. It takes generations before countries can develop coaching and players to get to the point of serious competition. It has to start at the youth level and it just hasn’t happened anywhere else then North America. When you watch Rugby or Aussie Rules you know those incredible athletes could field a competitive team with proper coaching and time. But there really is no interest at all.

 

[MTC]

Thanks Drink, I appreciate the kudos. Most of us on here are puritan football fans, and love PIT. But there are others with agendas that has nothing to do with being a fan. You’ve been giving most of us rides in your S-10 since Justin was a young poster on this board, so you’ve seen/heard all the gripes.

I know you of all posters on here knew how Coach LeBeau absolutely detested the rule changes. He was even more disgusted about the favoritism that occurred ON the field towards certain players and teams, by officials. He defended every one of his defensive players when warranted.

Interesting factoid brought from that seminar, another individual asked Coach LB why do not Head Coaches preface during their pregame discussion with officials what to look for with players who get away with all the holding or illegal push offs, etc on both sides of the ball. Shockingly, he said Coaches not only prepare weekly reports to the league office of missed calls by officials with game tape documenting it, but a few hours before the actual game, coaches sit with the Head Official and advise which “player” to keep an eye on because their tendencies (Most of the time it’s OL and defensive players who go for knees or heads). So the officials are made aware. The problem is, the League Office wants points scored, because that’s what fans want. You know that is horseshit, and true fans like tight defensive games just as much as 600 yards of offense games. But the commish wants more fireworks and high scores.

How much farther than the game can go? You are seeing it now. 7x7 football in some High School division Classes, because schools and districts are getting sued from injuries. So the 7x7 way promotes skill positions only football, which means less talent growing for lineman in college and more spread offenses starting early. Why do we keep seeing all this “Play Flag Football“ stuff? Promoting it to kids (although it’s a good idea for girls) and it’s now in the unwatchable ProBowl. But there is a grass roots growing with some former coaches and players to get back to physical fundamental football starting at the college level. The problem is NIL is handicapping it.

I think football is going to drastically change as we see a more global push from the league

 

[topseed]

I’m no apologist, I know he has flaws, but he is considered one of the best coaches in the league. Wins games more than just about anyone not named Andy Reid. Yeah, his playoff record is frustrating, but PIT is along with only four or five other coaches, sans the cheater, that routinely gets to the playoffs. There are maybe two or three other HC’s who just as good as Tomlin, but none of them, including Andy has a better winning percentage. But it takes more than a HC to get to the dance.

The Steelers have altogether missed the playoffs just as "routinely" as they've made them over the last six seasons under Tomlin. The true routine? One-and-done. In each and every postseason which they have managed to play over the last seven years. Yeah. That is frustrating.

You and others, especially those in the national media, consider Tomlin to be a top 5 head coach. OK, for what reason? Longevity? His magnificent ongoing record of non-losing regular seasons? What other NFL head coach (besides Marvin Lewis, of course) has been allowed to keep his job for an eighth season without winning a single playoff game in any of the prior seven years? Certainly no one currently coaching -- nobody sticks around that long if they're not winning in the postseason. Has it happened in this century?

Evidently, the NFL stands for "Not For Long" for everybody else except Mike Tomlin.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Yeah I know they are volunteer Drink, but how does the League address the team logo issue? Thats a brand problem.

The salary cap problem is a not an issue since it only counts for the top 51 contracts in season. I have no clue why the League doesn’t allow 53 players on game day already, Owners are paying them regardless, why have them in sweats on the sideline?

Don’t worry Ike, They will make the Guardian with logos for each team. What ever the material used to manufacture the Gaurdian, they will find a way to match the team logo. Just my two cents.

I was looking a more in the future thinking they will get to 19 games and NO pre-season games. That was my concern on making the roster to include 56 or 58 players , on game day.

The Train ing Camp cut down has been lengthened, allowing more time to evaluate players. That will coincide with less pre-season vs more season games.


Salute the nation

 

[Greg Lloyd]

Nail on the head Drink. Andy will be a GM himself somewhere sooner rather than later. It will be sad when he gets his chance too, since he’s from Pittsburgh himself.

Why is that "sad?" Because he's "from Pgh himself?" If he gets a chance to get promoted, that's a good thing. Nothing sad about it.

 

[slashsteel]

Why is that "sad?" Because he's "from Pgh himself?" If he gets a chance to get promoted, that's a good thing. Nothing sad about it.

If they continue drafting well once he leaves that would be good for him but potentially sad for some fans due to the possible drop off upon his departure.

So let’s call it a potentially sad event for the fans.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Why is that "sad?" Because he's "from Pgh himself?" If he gets a chance to get promoted, that's a good thing. Nothing sad about it.

It’s “sad” because PIT is his hometown, he wanted to come here, left Philly doing basically the same role, but now has the title of Asst. GM instead of Player Personnel. Scenario is like Chin being HC of his hometown team. It was his dream job. No doubt it’s real close to Andy’s, as he loves being back home near his family and getting paid more than he was. There will be an owner who gives him the opportunity to run a team and he will deserve it. It’s “sad” from a purely selfish point of view from a fan of the team and city. Why grandstand something so obvious? You still crave attention Coach? Or trying pad your post numbers?

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

If they continue drafting well once he leaves that would be good for him but potentially sad for some fans due to the possible drop off upon his departure.

So let’s call it a potentially sad event for the fans.

wow.. what a kinder gentler slash.

 

[Steelmann]

wow.. what a kinder gentler slash.

Gummy bears.

 

[Ike Kelly]

The Steelers have altogether missed the playoffs just as "routinely" as they've made them over the last six seasons under Tomlin. The true routine? One-and-done. In each and every postseason which they have managed to play over the last seven years. Yeah. That is frustrating.

You and others, especially those in the national media, consider Tomlin to be a top 5 head coach. OK, for what reason? Longevity? His magnificent ongoing record of non-losing regular seasons? What other NFL head coach (besides Marvin Lewis, of course) has been allowed to keep his job for an eighth season without winning a single playoff game in any of the prior seven years? Certainly no one currently coaching -- nobody sticks around that long if they're not winning in the postseason. Has it happened in this century?

Evidently, the NFL stands for "Not For Long" for everybody else except Mike Tomlin.

Well, Longevity is the common denominator for winning organizations. KC, BUF, LAR, SF, BAL and until recently SEA (I don’t count NWE because of Belicheat) follow this rule. Yet only three of those teams have a championship. PHI has one, but fired the coach, his replacement while winning games, was on the bubble in keeping his job last year from Lurie.

I think every fan wants their team to win the Lombardi every year, but with the exception of KC, it’s just not feasible. The same teams that make the playoffs have stable organizations. Injuries, have a huge impact nowadays, and unless you have depth, you fall behind quick. There are also circumstances that occur that disrupts a team‘s motor (the COVID schedule debacle, cost us at least a higher seed in the playoffs), but players play the game, and coaches coach. That 2020 playoff game, you think 5 turnovers would have occurred had they not played the wildcard? Were those 5 T/Os on coaching? Or maybe the players on the field. The following year, KC (rather Mahomes) had our number. Nothing to be ashamed of. Last January Mason Rudolph led offense had us in the game on the road until late in the 4th. Only a great QB for another perennial playoff team (BUF) made plays to close out the game.

Regardless, Art2 has made it known to the coaches and football ops staff, team needs to be better in all areas. Players, scheme, coaches, talent evaluation, team management, etc. Cowher went though this several times, I think the organization can duplicate success even in this different era of the League.

 

[slashsteel]

wow.. what a kinder gentler slash.

I am just full of kindness.

 

[Greg Lloyd]

It’s “sad” because PIT is his hometown, he wanted to come here, left Philly doing basically the same role, but now has the title of Asst. GM instead of Player Personnel. Scenario is like Chin being HC of his hometown team. It was his dream job. No doubt it’s real close to Andy’s, as he loves being back home near his family and getting paid more than he was. There will be an owner who gives him the opportunity to run a team and he will deserve it. It’s “sad” from a purely selfish point of view from a fan of the team and city. Why grandstand something so obvious? You still crave attention Coach? Or trying pad your post numbers?

Yet another accuser who looks nothing but foolish. Gad darn the hoopsties, start the lawnmower and let it ride. LMFAO.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Looks like might throw in Bud Dupree for right price.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

hope not.

 

[Greg Lloyd]

Looks like might throw in Bud Dupree for right price.

The value of doing this move really puzzles me: What is the point of this?

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DuprAl00.htm

He had ONE good year of double-digit sacks (11.5) and one decent year (8). Other than those seasons he averaged about 4.5 sacks per year the other 7 seasons. He's been in the league for 9 years. There is no upside to him. He's not a Jarvis Jones but he's not far off. What is there to gain by signing him?