I believe you and I are in agreement. I disagreed with the comment that developing players was fantasy football.
Steelers have grown too soft
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This may sound a bit "out there" but I find it a simplified illustration of what's been happening to our team...
Cowher was a diesel mechanic and built us a fine diesel with diesel-like parts that ran in a diesel-like way. Not too many flashy abilities BUT could 'pull the load' in a consistent and dependable manner.
Along comes MT, an assistant at Pep Boys, although a good one whose body of work included working mostly with gasoline driven autos and working in his friends garage on the weekends building a street racer. He comes in and the diesel is working just fine BUT as parts need replacement, he keeps adding on things he knows from his work on gas-driven frames. The old-diesel keeps plugging along until it has more gas parts than diesel parts and while it can 'get up and go' in short bursts, it simply isn't as dependable to 'pull the load' anymore.
It bears no reflection on guys like LeBeau who was here when he had the right parts to work with...parts that fit the diesel mold. Butler was the heir-apparent to DL mainly because of the historic successes of his LB corps. He no longer looks like an heir-apparent now that his LBs are one of the main weak-spots both physically and mentally on this defense.
Lake has seemingly done a lot with the very little he has been given to work with. Porter is an emotional leader but he cannot make soup from dishwater. Same goes for Mitchell.
On offense, we can all see the 'difference' of importance of skill preferences between 'the Bruce' and Haley. Bruce wanted weapons on the outside and didn't much care for anything else. Haley wants his 'project' scat-back and doesn't seem to care if he has one of the weakest WR groupings in the league (outside of Brown, who, a few years ago was considered a #2 at best). Now we have added a HOF OL coach to 'teach' the pigs to sing!
Who has been buying the parts for this diesel since he got here? What, if any, experience did he have in doing so? Cowher had a 'true GM/Head Coach' relationship working with Donahoe for 8 years BEFORE he was allowed more say in the drafting room. No such 'internship' was required of MT when he arrived here. He and his limited experience were 'on the clock' starting day 1.
There is no need (or justification) for holding other 'Proven Commodities/Coaches' accountable for what has transpired as they ALL had successes working outside of this particular arrangement, IMO.
Nothing against the man, he just isn't a 'diesel' guy. One thing is for certain, many of our assistant coaches AND coordinator(s) are diesel-certified so either we "switch to gas" (4-3 defense with new coaches familiar w the scheme) or we go back to diesel with someone ELSE buying the parts.
Cowher was a diesel mechanic and built us a fine diesel with diesel-like parts that ran in a diesel-like way. Not too many flashy abilities BUT could 'pull the load' in a consistent and dependable manner.
Along comes MT, an assistant at Pep Boys, although a good one whose body of work included working mostly with gasoline driven autos and working in his friends garage on the weekends building a street racer. He comes in and the diesel is working just fine BUT as parts need replacement, he keeps adding on things he knows from his work on gas-driven frames. The old-diesel keeps plugging along until it has more gas parts than diesel parts and while it can 'get up and go' in short bursts, it simply isn't as dependable to 'pull the load' anymore.
It bears no reflection on guys like LeBeau who was here when he had the right parts to work with...parts that fit the diesel mold. Butler was the heir-apparent to DL mainly because of the historic successes of his LB corps. He no longer looks like an heir-apparent now that his LBs are one of the main weak-spots both physically and mentally on this defense.
Lake has seemingly done a lot with the very little he has been given to work with. Porter is an emotional leader but he cannot make soup from dishwater. Same goes for Mitchell.
On offense, we can all see the 'difference' of importance of skill preferences between 'the Bruce' and Haley. Bruce wanted weapons on the outside and didn't much care for anything else. Haley wants his 'project' scat-back and doesn't seem to care if he has one of the weakest WR groupings in the league (outside of Brown, who, a few years ago was considered a #2 at best). Now we have added a HOF OL coach to 'teach' the pigs to sing!
Who has been buying the parts for this diesel since he got here? What, if any, experience did he have in doing so? Cowher had a 'true GM/Head Coach' relationship working with Donahoe for 8 years BEFORE he was allowed more say in the drafting room. No such 'internship' was required of MT when he arrived here. He and his limited experience were 'on the clock' starting day 1.
There is no need (or justification) for holding other 'Proven Commodities/Coaches' accountable for what has transpired as they ALL had successes working outside of this particular arrangement, IMO.
Nothing against the man, he just isn't a 'diesel' guy. One thing is for certain, many of our assistant coaches AND coordinator(s) are diesel-certified so either we "switch to gas" (4-3 defense with new coaches familiar w the scheme) or we go back to diesel with someone ELSE buying the parts.
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I am still amazed at how Tomlin and the front office thought that McLendon, an undrafted free agent, has the talent to anchor the defensive line. I mean every other team in the NFL passed on this guy for a reason. He is never double teamed and even with his added weight, I watch the opposing center or guard push this guy right out of the way. That **** never happened with Casey or Joel. I like some of the draft picks that have been made but when Casey started showing signs of decline, NT should have been a draft priority in the top three rounds. Not the later picks or UDFA's that wash out.
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I don't have much of a problem with McClendon as others as I don't see him getting pushed back and HE actually was having a good game against the Ravens. He had more tackles than Casey had in his best season. The thing is, they are different in style. McClendon is a pusher who moves well laterally while being blocked. Sometimes he's on the play-side and sometimes he's not. Casey was a true 2-gap defender. He was immoveable in the middle and because he offered no propensity for favoring a gap, he often had to be blocked by 2 offensive players (one for each gap). This enabled the LBs to run 'clean' to the gaps on either side of him.
The problem now is our LBs are shooting gaps 'believing' they can get to the runner BEFORE he cuts back into an open lane created by the movement and penetration. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't AND it really gets ugly when it is just a play-fake to that side.
Thomas is our weakest link on the DL as he is just a lesser version of McClendon, IMO. Tuitt should be better once he gets acclimated. This will also help Worilds too. Though at 10mil, he shouldn't need it.
Against the run, we would be better off with Tuitt on the left with Heyward and Diesel rotating on the right to keep them fresh. Heyward is a much better right-side player. Also, IMO, we would do better with Vince Williams at Timmons spot. He knows the defense now and is a better run-stopper in the mold of Foote. Less athletic but strong at the point. Problem is, it leaves us open to more short passes with him in the line-up too. Vince might be the ONLY true "buck" LB on our team as Timmons, Shazier and Spence are all more suited to the 'mack' position. All 3 are better 'in space' than they are at playing downhill and shedding blocks.
On offense, we have what we have BUT I would like to see our FB/TE Johnson on the field much more instead of the slot receiver (Justin Brown, who cannot gain separation or Moore, who cannot gain separation nor block). We COULD line Johnson up in the backfield OR off Gilbert's side as a blocking/receiving TE. He could chip to help Gilbert then get downfield or into the flats for screens/outlets/downfield blocking AND be more effective than our slot-guys, IMO. We still have the ability to run/play-action with him in there and the draw-play could be awesome with him and Heath drawing 2 LBs or a LB/S in coverage.
None of us much like our QB getting pummelled but a more efficient running/short-passing game could greatly improve his chances.
The problem now is our LBs are shooting gaps 'believing' they can get to the runner BEFORE he cuts back into an open lane created by the movement and penetration. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't AND it really gets ugly when it is just a play-fake to that side.
Thomas is our weakest link on the DL as he is just a lesser version of McClendon, IMO. Tuitt should be better once he gets acclimated. This will also help Worilds too. Though at 10mil, he shouldn't need it.
Against the run, we would be better off with Tuitt on the left with Heyward and Diesel rotating on the right to keep them fresh. Heyward is a much better right-side player. Also, IMO, we would do better with Vince Williams at Timmons spot. He knows the defense now and is a better run-stopper in the mold of Foote. Less athletic but strong at the point. Problem is, it leaves us open to more short passes with him in the line-up too. Vince might be the ONLY true "buck" LB on our team as Timmons, Shazier and Spence are all more suited to the 'mack' position. All 3 are better 'in space' than they are at playing downhill and shedding blocks.
On offense, we have what we have BUT I would like to see our FB/TE Johnson on the field much more instead of the slot receiver (Justin Brown, who cannot gain separation or Moore, who cannot gain separation nor block). We COULD line Johnson up in the backfield OR off Gilbert's side as a blocking/receiving TE. He could chip to help Gilbert then get downfield or into the flats for screens/outlets/downfield blocking AND be more effective than our slot-guys, IMO. We still have the ability to run/play-action with him in there and the draw-play could be awesome with him and Heath drawing 2 LBs or a LB/S in coverage.
None of us much like our QB getting pummelled but a more efficient running/short-passing game could greatly improve his chances.
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Worilds and Jones are both being single blocked. It isn't the DE's fault when they can't disengage from the TE or OL. The bothersome issue is that both are being blocked a lot by TEs. Pita and the other rat TE handled both one on one. Worilds looks absolutely horrible vs. the rats. He couldn't hold the point and was getting stoned by a TE often.
The LBs are doing exactly what you said. They are jumping lanes (sometimes the same lane) and are getting fooled on cut backs and play fakes. Right now Shazier's inexperience is showing. Add that to Timmons sloppy play and it's a mess. As you said, and as I mentioned in another thread, Vince is the only buck LB. Timmons, Spence, and Shazier are all mack ILBs.
On offense has no identity. They are a collection of players running a collection of plays. I miss Whiz as OC. His power running, play action, and trick play offense is perfect for Ben.
The LBs are doing exactly what you said. They are jumping lanes (sometimes the same lane) and are getting fooled on cut backs and play fakes. Right now Shazier's inexperience is showing. Add that to Timmons sloppy play and it's a mess. As you said, and as I mentioned in another thread, Vince is the only buck LB. Timmons, Spence, and Shazier are all mack ILBs.
On offense has no identity. They are a collection of players running a collection of plays. I miss Whiz as OC. His power running, play action, and trick play offense is perfect for Ben.
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Nice post!
Add to this the 1998 pick of Alan Faneca (one of the best OL in the past 20 years) and the 1999 pick of Javon Kearse (Cowher wanted him BUT Donahoe over-ruled with Troy Edwards WHICH ended his tenure w Bill after the season) Imagine if Bill had gotten what he wanted!
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True, but to be fair we must bring up the Andrews vs. Roethlisberger pick and be happy that Rooney stepped in.
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I wish Rooney would have stepped in the past 7 years.
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Due to Rooney's book, this misinterpretation has been spread around so much that it has become gospel BUT Cowher actually wanted a RB and stated as much to the trib. He also admitted that he liked Rivers because he thought he was most ready to play immediately. He never expected Ben to slide (in his own words) and was simply having a discussion in the draft room regarding Ben and Andrews (who they had projected at that spot on their board)...Rooney ENDED the discussion. Cowher has never come out and said he was going to take Ben regardless because he had too much respect for the old man. He wanted Ben but was just doing his due diligence, IMO.
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Good points.
someone said McClendon had more tackles than hampton ever had, that's because hampton was doing his job of taking up two blockers.
They should change the locks on the draft room doors this year and make sure Tomlin doesn't get a key.
They should change the locks on the draft room doors this year and make sure Tomlin doesn't get a key.
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I said it..and it's true BECAUSE McClendon is not the same kinda player Casey was...Casey was special. As far as I know (not gonna look it up), NO defensive lineman has ever led their team in tackles in college like Casey did. The other reason actually favors McClendon...the zone stretch runs. Casey started getting pissed that the offensive guards would shoot for his knees on these plays and HE lost his effectiveness because of it. Casey didn't move well laterally. Hell, he barely moved at all. He was a stump. Zone blocking and the stretch plays ended his career. McClendon is much better at moving while engaged BUT like our LBs, he is susceptible to the cut-back lanes created by the movement. He will sometimes guess right (or be lucky) and sometimes not.
The real problem started with a lack of containment and pressure from our edges. When we didn't get pressure from the outside the solution was to get it from the inside. McClendon, Keisel and Heyward are ALL up-field pressure guys (which makes them weaker against zone blocking when trying to stop the run). Add to this the increase of 'interior' blitzes coming from the ILBs (or in our case, a hybrid S) and the run game is open for the big play. We have added more speed to the interior of our LB corps to what end? So, they can blitz Tom Brady up the middle (which is his achilles heel) BUT we cannot stop the run or play-action pass anymore!
I believe we need to part ways with Worilds after this season and go after Justin Houston for the same money we are paying Jason.
McClendon and Thomas are simply terrible. Further, Woodley and Harrison would set the edge and force the RB back to the inside, where Farrior and the DE were waiting.
Now, Worilds is pushed out of the way by a TE, and is a non-factor. The OT can then stuff the inside LB'er, and the RB can simply wait for a nice cutback lane.
Jones and Worilds are going to remain as the OLB'ers. However, the Steelers have to do something to improve the DL play. Kiesel in passing situations, Heyward full-time, Tuitt on 1st and 2nd and to give Heyward a breather. So do something with the NT ... Big Dan can hold the point and overpower the C, forcing a double team.
I hope.
Otherwise, I fear seeing a lot more cutbacks by RB's into wide open lanes ... particularly where the 1st two games were against complete unknowns at RB.
Now, Worilds is pushed out of the way by a TE, and is a non-factor. The OT can then stuff the inside LB'er, and the RB can simply wait for a nice cutback lane.
Jones and Worilds are going to remain as the OLB'ers. However, the Steelers have to do something to improve the DL play. Kiesel in passing situations, Heyward full-time, Tuitt on 1st and 2nd and to give Heyward a breather. So do something with the NT ... Big Dan can hold the point and overpower the C, forcing a double team.
I hope.
Otherwise, I fear seeing a lot more cutbacks by RB's into wide open lanes ... particularly where the 1st two games were against complete unknowns at RB.
Didn't matter what kind of run it was, Hampton would play on the other side of the LOS and tat screws up all kinds of run. Age is what ended Hampton's career, you still need your NT to occupy guys so they don't get to our LB's, not only is that not happening, but it's only taking one guy to shove our NT 2 yards off the LOS.
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True^^ They bring all these guys into the 'box' so they can manufacture pressure but all it does is eliminate our 2nd line of defense (the LBs) who the system is designed to make most of the tackles!
I get what they are trying to do but with our 2nd tier defenders (who are supposed to be getting the bulk of the tackles) are blitzing/shooting gaps, it equates to running a 'goal-line' defense on every play. If someone cuts back of breaks through only Mitchell is left to bring them down. (Clark averaged 90 tackles/season while he was here while Mitchell has never approached those numbers with 66 being his highest)
I hate to say this but Shamarko would be a better SS only because of the way they try to use Troy as a LB. Hopefully mitchell just needs to get acclimated but one run I can point to is where he came up and broke down 7 yards from the ball carrier who proceeded to out-run him to the outside...and it wasn't close. Anybody knows you cannot 'break down' that far from a runner and expect to re-direct, turn and bring down a runner at full speed. Clark was getting up there BUT like Foote, he knew his angles and containment. I hope mitchell learns it soon too.
I get what they are trying to do but with our 2nd tier defenders (who are supposed to be getting the bulk of the tackles) are blitzing/shooting gaps, it equates to running a 'goal-line' defense on every play. If someone cuts back of breaks through only Mitchell is left to bring them down. (Clark averaged 90 tackles/season while he was here while Mitchell has never approached those numbers with 66 being his highest)
I hate to say this but Shamarko would be a better SS only because of the way they try to use Troy as a LB. Hopefully mitchell just needs to get acclimated but one run I can point to is where he came up and broke down 7 yards from the ball carrier who proceeded to out-run him to the outside...and it wasn't close. Anybody knows you cannot 'break down' that far from a runner and expect to re-direct, turn and bring down a runner at full speed. Clark was getting up there BUT like Foote, he knew his angles and containment. I hope mitchell learns it soon too.
I'm not putting all the blame on our NT's, Worilds is horrible at containment, anytime the run goes away from him, he over commits and leaves a huge space for a cut-back, and our ILB's can't get off a block, and they don't break down well in space to make a tackle, if they are unblocked, they fly through so fast, the RB makes one move and they fly by.
But it all starts with the NT, if he occupies 2 guys then thats one less guy to pick off one of our LB's, if the NT can get a push, it eliminates not only the Center from getting out to block, but the backside guard if he is pulling around, and it puts the centers *** right in the lap of the RB to eliminated the cutback, but our NT's are doing neither.
But it all starts with the NT, if he occupies 2 guys then thats one less guy to pick off one of our LB's, if the NT can get a push, it eliminates not only the Center from getting out to block, but the backside guard if he is pulling around, and it puts the centers *** right in the lap of the RB to eliminated the cutback, but our NT's are doing neither.
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Playing Madden and getting actual sacks/QB pressure and push from the offensive line in the running game is so much more fun than real life
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I think a couple of things can be fixed on defense, like holding the point to stop the counters and play-actions but if freaking worilds doesn't improve he should get benched for moats, let him rot there if he doesn't want to work hard, lets see if he gets the big paycheck he wants while sitting there
Justin Ellis over Dri Archer would have us in a much better position, we would of cruised to a easy win after dominating the browns in the 1st half, that comeback would of never happened. Last weak with a plug like Ellis a bull like him would of eaten the middle to allow LT and Shazier to get cleaner looks.
Waiting till the 5th round to draft a CB was stupid and each of the past 3 years Colbert looks he is on the same track as donahoe each draft getting worse, he used to be great but now mediocre at best.
Lebeau is way to predictable and too stubborn to change he is only running the 2-4-5 as his nickel, no 1-5-5 or 3-2-6 or any S blitzes.
I want to see Shamarko on the firld on the box or put Troy at LB in the nickel and Thomas as the deep S.
He needs reps to be ready to take over for troy.
Hopefully with Moore debuting we can run a successful 3 wide 1 TE 1 RB sets where we on the strong side bunch Brown Wheaton and Brown have Miller next to Gilbert pinch and then up the seam. Run Wheaton on a deep out and have Brown run a long underneath route and Moore a simple slant or comeback route.
Waiting till the 5th round to draft a CB was stupid and each of the past 3 years Colbert looks he is on the same track as donahoe each draft getting worse, he used to be great but now mediocre at best.
Lebeau is way to predictable and too stubborn to change he is only running the 2-4-5 as his nickel, no 1-5-5 or 3-2-6 or any S blitzes.
I want to see Shamarko on the firld on the box or put Troy at LB in the nickel and Thomas as the deep S.
He needs reps to be ready to take over for troy.
Hopefully with Moore debuting we can run a successful 3 wide 1 TE 1 RB sets where we on the strong side bunch Brown Wheaton and Brown have Miller next to Gilbert pinch and then up the seam. Run Wheaton on a deep out and have Brown run a long underneath route and Moore a simple slant or comeback route.
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