Coaching Staff Must Shouler Blame For Jason Worilds Situation

[hawaiiansteel]

Coaching Staff Must Shouler Blame For Jason Worilds Situation

BY DOMINIC DI TOLLA - DEC 24TH, 2013

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"It’s frustrating because you know you probably could have helped. When I was coming up, I was told that no matter what I did — good or bad, no matter how much I improved — I wasn’t going to see the field. That’s kind of discouraging. But you have to take it as an opportunity to better yourself in other ways. That’s what I was able to do."

I am not afraid to say that I threw up in my mouth after I read that particular quote by Jason Worilds. The fact that Pittsburgh’s defensive coaches could outwardly display that type of attitude towards their younger players is nothing short of disgusting. At least to me, relegating a player to the bench simply because of their age, not how well they can actually play and contribute in particular situations, is a horrible way to handle personnel at any level of football.

Of course, forcing young players, regardless of how much they can help the team, rot on the sidelines has been the norm during Dick LeBeau’s most recent tenure as the team’s defensive coordinator (2004-present).

Instead of pushing James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley with the motivated youngster, or even putting Worilds in the lineup during pass rushing situations with the two veterans, the coaching staff felt like it was in their best interests to let the former Hokie collect splinters on the bench during the first three years of his professional career.

Finally handed a chance to start on a regular basis, the 2014 unrestricted free agent has not disappointed this fall. The fourth-year outside linebacker leads the team in sacks (8.0), has been stout against the run at left outside linebacker and has emerged as an integral piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.

Sadly, the Steelers are paying the price for their mismanagement just like they did with Keenan Lewis last spring,. Lewis, who was relegated to special teams and the bench much like Worilds was during his first two seasons, finally blossomed into a solid nickel back in 2011 and a competent number two cornerback last fall.

Unable to see legitimate game experience until veterans he was obviously better than (William Gay and Bryant McFadden) left town, the majority of Lewis’ rookie deal (2009-2012) was wasted on the bench behind far inferior players due to the decision-making of LeBeau and other members of the coaching staff.

Final Thoughts

I am sure that there will be members of Steeler Nation who will piss and moan if Worilds leaves for greener pastures during the upcoming offseason. I however am not one of them.

Guys like Lewis and Worilds deserved better with this franchise, and the blame rests on LeBeau and the coaching staff who were either unable or unwilling to properly evaluate them. If Worilds want to go to a franchise where he will earn more money for his efforts, then I say more power to him to take his skill-set where he sees fit.

I will say that it is certainly nice to see how guys like Worilds had a positive attitude about sitting on the bench for no other reason besides their age and their defensive coordinator’s love affair with players in their thirties. Moreover, I am extremely impressed that Shamarko Thomas has held his tongue this fall with the slow-as-molasses Ryan Clark and Will Allen stuck in front of him on the depth chart.

If the Steelers wish to get better and expedite their current rebuilding process, nonsense of the variety which Worilds described above must end. The best player at each position should and deserves to play, regardless of age or chumminess with the coaching staff.

Wasting much of a promising player’s rookie deal while they are forced to learn an outdated and mildly antiquated defensive system benefits nobody involved, and I hope that Pittsburgh’s brass will realize this sooner as opposed to later. Otherwise, pending unrestricted free agents on the defensive side of the ball will continue to leave town after only a year or two of on-field productivity.

http://nicepickcowher.com/2013/12/24/steelers-selves-blame-jason-worilds-situation/

[Shoe]

This is a stupid article. In his 2nd season, he got a full 7 starts at OLB. In his 3rd season (last year), he entered camp as a front-runner for a starting job, which he promptly lost to... Jake Reed. If you can't distinguish yourself beyond a former Vikings WR, you haven't much to complain about. He wasn't even able to stand out this camp against a rookie (Jarvis)!

Him acting like it was otherwise, doesn't endear him much to me either.

[SS Laser]

This is a stupid article. In his 2nd season, he got a full 7 starts at OLB. In his 3rd season (last year), he entered camp as a front-runner for a starting job, which he promptly lost to... Jake Reed. If you can't distinguish yourself beyond a former Vikings WR, you haven't much to complain about. He wasn't even able to stand out this camp against a rookie (Jarvis)!

Him acting like it was otherwise, doesn't endear him much to me either. Yea some what dumb article. Worilds was a china doll there for awhile. Did the lockout hurt him at all also? It seems the last few years that many young players break out in there contract year. I really think that is a mental thing for them. Also how football smart was he coming in. Did it take him longer to get it? It can take a while for a DE to become a NFL OLB after all. Also does he practice well? He seemed to blow most of his chances not the coaches. But I would have liked to see the 3 OLB package when Harrison was here. But no reason to screw with what works when Harrison and Woodley were very good there for a couple years. It is time for the FO to figure this out soon though. If Worilds does leave and plays well like Lewis that is 2 good players that have walked. Not something I want to keep seeing. That will bring back years of a bad team.

[Sugar]

Like Worilds was going to start over Deebo or Woodley after not getting a training camp in his rookie year. He has distinguished himself by his deeds in ways he was unable to earlier in his career.

[Jooser]

I think the article would've been better suited if it were talking about Heyward....just saying.....

[BradshawsHairdresser]

In his 3rd season (last year), he entered camp as a front-runner for a starting job, which he promptly lost to... Jake Reed. If you can't distinguish yourself beyond a former Vikings WR, you haven't much to complain about.

I must have missed this...what was the story with Reed? What happened? I can't find anything about this on the net.

Reed would have been awfully old, having been drafted back in 1991. Doesn't seem likely at all.

[skyhawk]

Sounds stupid.

He paid his duty behind two solid, top NFL LBs. I don't get all the whining. He's getting his chance now.

I don't think Harrison was whining when he was cut multiple times early in his career and had to work his way into a starting role (dominating on special teams for starters). Sounds alot like sour grapes to me.

[phillyesq]

This is some serious revisionist history. Worilds was oft-injured for his first three years with the team. He had a prime opportunity last year when Harrison missed the beginning of the season, but he wasn't healthy enough to take advantage.

[Shawn]

What is frustrating is the Steelers only found his optimal position by accident.

[Shoe]

I must have missed this...what was the story with Reed? What happened? I can't find anything about this on the net.

Reed would have been awfully old, having been drafted back in 1991. Doesn't seem likely at all.

It was just a reference to the guy we have on our roster, Chris Carter. i.e. Minnesota Viking WR.

Shoddy attempt at humor. ;)

[Oviedo]

Sounds stupid.

He paid his duty behind two solid, top NFL LBs. I don't get all the whining. He's getting his chance now.

I don't think Harrison was whining when he was cut multiple times early in his career and had to work his way into a starting role (dominating on special teams for starters). Sounds alot like sour grapes to me.

No reason he couldn't had gotten more reps to give Woodley and Harrison a break. Both of the "vets" struggled with injuries the past three years. No one is saying that Worilds should had been the starter but he could had been on the field alot more than he was.

The scenario is much like Keenan Lewis. Guy rarely gets significant time on the field until contract year when he performs to a high level and we lose him. Lewis should have been splitting playing time with Gay who is far from an elite player. Like I always say, these young players need to get more meaningful reps so an informed decision can be made before the end of their contract year. In a cap based league you need to get more out of young players sooner so you don't get backed into extending vets who you are comfortable with.

[Shoe]

No reason he couldn't had gotten more reps to give Woodley and Harrison a break. Both of the "vets" struggled with injuries the past three years. No one is saying that Worilds should had been the starter but he could had been on the field alot more than he was.

The scenario is much like Keenan Lewis. Guy rarely gets significant time on the field until contract year when he performs to a high level and we lose him. Lewis should have been splitting playing time with Gay who is far from an elite player. Like I always say, these young players need to get more meaningful reps so an informed decision can be made before the end of their contract year. In a cap based league you need to get more out of young players sooner so you don't get backed into extending vets who you are comfortable with.

He started half the games in '11 (his 2nd year)! He came back in his 3rd year, and was beaten out by the aforementioned Minnesota Viking WR great. And he still got a good share of playing time. And in his 4th year (this year), a rookie beat him out.

They have good information on his, if you ask me:
1) He's got good (not great) ability
2) He's not the most durable player (missing games every year he's been in the league, and something that doesn't typically improve the older you get. BTW, he's out for this week's game.)

Bottom line, there will be a premium for his services. He's young, and he's playing his best in his contract year. No one is going to give him Woodley-money, but he'll get a nice offer from somebody. Though we can ill afford to lose ANY young players, I think this is one where we are going to have to pass.

[RussBII]

He started half the games in '11 (his 2nd year)! He came back in his 3rd year, and was beaten out by the aforementioned Minnesota Viking WR great. And he still got a good share of playing time. And in his 4th year (this year), a rookie beat him out.

They have good information on his, if you ask me:
1) He's got good (not great) ability
2) He's not the most durable player (missing games every year he's been in the league, and something that doesn't typically improve the older you get. BTW, he's out for this week's game.)

Bottom line, there will be a premium for his services. He's young, and he's playing his best in his contract year. No one is going to give him Woodley-money, but he'll get a nice offer from somebody. Though we can ill afford to lose ANY young players, I think this is one where we are going to have to pass.


Here's my question:

How much of Worild's increase in performance is due to Cam Heyward's emergence and even Ziggy's improvement? Or is that just insane thinking?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Here's my question:

How much of Worild's increase in performance is due to Cam Heyward's emergence and even Ziggy's improvement? Or is that just insane thinking?

And how much is due to Worilds being able to settle in on the left side?

[RussBII]

And how much is due to Worilds being able to settle in on the left side?


That's Cam's side, no?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I do believe there's some connection between the emergence of Cam and the improved play of Worilds.

And Worilds is obviously better on the left side. How many of his playing opportunities referred to by the OPs were on the left side?

I share the concerns about lavishing a big contract on him. I'd like to see him kept around for a decent price, but I expect some other team will give him a bigger offer than the Steelers will. Such a shame to lose these players just as they're starting to play really well.

[papillon]

I do believe there's some connection between the emergence of Cam and the improved play of Worilds.

And Worilds is obviously better on the left side. How many of his playing opportunities referred to by the OPs were on the left side?

I share the concerns about lavishing a big contract on him. I'd like to see him kept around for a decent price, but I expect some other team will give him a bigger offer than the Steelers will. Such a shame to lose these players just as they're starting to play really well.

The 2008 and 2009 drafts probably forced the Steelers to spend money that they didn't really expect to spend because of the lack of production from those two draft classes. Now they are struggling with the cap and retaining their good young players. This off season should be rather interesting.

Pappy

[Slapstick]

Please, don't let's pretend that neither Worilds nor Keenan Lewis has opportunities before their 4th year...

Worilds had plenty of reps and starts in years 1-3 to prove himself...

Don't get me started on Lewis...punching out a pane of glass in Denver does little to show me that someone has earned more playing time after a poor performance....Lewis was the front runner for starting CB then, too...

[phillyesq]

Please, don't let's pretend that neither Worilds nor Keenan Lewis has opportunities before their 4th year...

Worilds had plenty of reps and starts in years 1-3 to prove himself...

Don't get me started on Lewis...punching out a pane of glass in Denver does little to show me that someone has earned more playing time after a poor performance....Lewis was the front runner for starting CB then, too...

Exactly. The revisionists completely forget the poor play of Keenan Lewis and the temper tantrum he had in Denver. He had an opportunity that he failed to take advantage of. I'm fine with giving young players an opportunity, but I'd hate to hand them a starting position to see what they have.

[NorthCoast]

This is some serious revisionist history. Worilds was oft-injured for his first three years with the team. He had a prime opportunity last year when Harrison missed the beginning of the season, but he wasn't healthy enough to take advantage.

Not sure where you guys are getting your info. Worilds was listed "doubtful" a total of 7 times in 63 opportunities. He was given early chances, but didn't impress. That's not something you can pin on the coaches.
His biggest problem was beating out all-pro Harrison or Woodley, .. no easy task. Fortunately for Worilds, Woodley has turned into a oft-injured and generally unreliable player and now he can take advantage. The coaches are now giving him another chance.

[Shoe]

Fortunately for Worilds, Woodley has turned into a oft-injured and generally unreliable player and now he can take advantage. The coaches are now giving him another chance.

But the problem is that Worilds has also proved to be oft-injured, all be at a slightly lesser level. That is the dilemma for the Steelers.

[feltdizz]

The real problem is this D takes time to master... everyone points out Keenan Lewis' temper tantrum. Thats one time... one game where he let his emotions get the best of him.

This whole idea of giving a guy a 3% shot to make his mark is a terrible way to assess talent. How many times has a playwr o D came in and made an impact on day 1? Year 1? ... and how many times has a player turned into a beast or a solid contributor by year 3 or 4?

A.Smith,.Keisel Harrison, Peezy, Troy, Ike... all these guys had time to develop, sit, learn, etc. The Casey Hamptons and Kendrick bells are the exception. Moving forward we know longer have that luxury of waiting for these kids to develop. I bet money JJ's third year will be a monster barring injury. However, in a lot of other defenses he would show out much earlier because they would givd him less assignments and turn him loose as a blitzer on every down.

We are turning into a farm team on D like the old Pirates. Not sure how any of you can defend our philosophy in this new NFL. It worked for us before the new CBA but we cant continue down this road or Sylvester and Carter will continue to be our replacements anytime a guy goes down.

[NorthCoast]

The 2008 and 2009 drafts probably forced the Steelers to spend money that they didn't really expect to spend because of the lack of production from those two draft classes. Now they are struggling with the cap and retaining their good young players. This off season should be rather interesting.

Pappy

100% agree Pappy. Those two drafts caused the Steelers to make decisions they probably would not have made otherwise. Players from those drafts should be major contributors right now. When the young talent is not there, the team has no other choice in order to field a competitive team. They were forced to resign vets for longer deals than perhaps was wise.

[Shawn]

The Steelers will have to clear as much aging vet money from the cap as they can if they wish to get younger...retain their young talent. If the Steelers draft a first round DB, I think it's quite possible the Steelers take the lumps and bruises that come with starting a rookie, and cut Ike unless he is willing to take a huge pay cut.

[Dee Dub]

The real problem is this D takes time to master... everyone points out Keenan Lewis' temper tantrum. Thats one time... one game where he let his emotions get the best of him.

This whole idea of giving a guy a 3% shot to make his mark is a terrible way to assess talent. How many times has a playwr o D came in and made an impact on day 1? Year 1? ... and how many times has a player turned into a beast or a solid contributor by year 3 or 4?

A.Smith,.Keisel Harrison, Peezy, Troy, Ike... all these guys had time to develop, sit, learn, etc. The Casey Hamptons and Kendrick bells are the exception. Moving forward we know longer have that luxury of waiting for these kids to develop. I bet money JJ's third year will be a monster barring injury. However, in a lot of other defenses he would show out much earlier because they would givd him less assignments and turn him loose as a blitzer on every down.

We are turning into a farm team on D like the old Pirates. Not sure how any of you can defend our philosophy in this new NFL. It worked for us before the new CBA but we cant continue down this road or Sylvester and Carter will continue to be our replacements anytime a guy goes down.

BS!!! Why is it we see week after week veteran players who have been in this system for a long time make bone headed mistakes? Missed assignments? Blown coverages?

I will give that it is a complex defense, however, it inst so complex that a young player can't come in and contribute. Even veteran's who supposedly have this D mastered make big mistakes weekly.

This defense has always been about one man's philosophy more so than it being too complex. And that man just doesn't like to play young players unless he is forced too. A players skill set and athleticism sometimes can compensate for his lack of experience or knowledge of a certain defense. But not on this team.

Again, this 3-4 zone blitz is not more complex than that of the one Nick Saban has been running in college for years. But that would take away from the mystique that is Mr. LeBeau. :p

[Slapstick]

Yes, unfortunately, it is more complex...

You can't tell me that a guy who can work with college players a maximum of 20 hours per week can make a defense as complex as an NFL D...

Well, you can tell me, but you would be wrong...

[Dee Dub]

Yes, unfortunately, it is more complex...

You can't tell me that a guy who can work with college players a maximum of 20 hours per week can make a defense as complex as an NFL D...

Well, you can tell me, but you would be wrong...

Show me how it is more complex? Dont bother...you can't.

[Slapstick]

Show me how it is more complex? Dont bother...you can't.

Because I don't have access to an Alabama defensive play book and a Steelers defensive play book? So I can make a side by side comparison? You are right...I can't...

But, I'm not the one making an outrageous claim, so I don't think the burden of proof is on me...

Jarvis Jones played in the same 3-4 defense and couldn't master the assignments...why not?

[Dee Dub]

Read this. This is about LeBeau and how he came to use the 3-4 zone blitz and then how Saban and Belichick made it even more complex by introducing pattern-match coverage to it. And Saban has his college players doing this. They change their coverage mid-play based on what the receiver shows them. This is far more difficult/complex to do than to do it pre-snap. Try it some time.


http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8428129/dick-lebeau-evolution-coverage-tactics-zone-blitz (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8428129/dick-lebeau-evolution-coverage-tactics-zone-blitz)

[Dee Dub]

Because I don't have access to an Alabama defensive play book and a Steelers defensive play book? So I can make a side by side comparison? You are right...I can't...

But, I'm not the one making an outrageous claim, so I don't think the burden of proof is on me...

Jarvis Jones played in the same 3-4 defense and couldn't master the assignments...why not?

You dont need their play book. If you know the defense you know that there isnt an infinite amount of things you can do with it. It is why you have only seen a handful of things added to it since it's inception. And I have already proven this over and over and over.

[Slapstick]

I read that article. While it shows some similarities between the two schemes, it does not prove your assertion...it just shows that Saban's D is the part time version of LeBeau's...

[Dee Dub]

I read that article. While it shows some similarities between the two schemes, it does not prove your assertion...it just shows that Saban's D is the part time version of LeBeau's...

So Saban uses a 3-4 zone blitz and then adds corner leverage and pattern-match reads behind it and you say it is a part time version of LeBeau's? And the mystique continues. Hilarious.

Who do you think faces more complex offenses each week? LeBeau or Saban? Saban sees the zone read (spread) option almost every week. Colleges are running and have been running far more of it than the NFL. Think about it.

Read this...


http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2010/08/nick-saban-cover-3-adaptation-ripliz-to.html

[pfelix73]

This dude finally got it right towards the end of his article.. And I quote....."The best player at each position should and deserves to play, regardless of age or chumminess with the coaching staff."

WTF. OK, this is what happens. Harrison and Woodley were simply better than Worilds, so Harrison and Woodley started.. Duh.

[NorthCoast]

BS!!! Why is it we see week after week veteran players who have been in this system for a long time make bone headed mistakes? Missed assignments? Blown coverages?

I will give that it is a complex defense, however, it inst so complex that a young player can't come in and contribute. Even veteran's who supposedly have this D mastered make big mistakes weekly.

This defense has always been about one man's philosophy more so than it being too complex. And that man just doesn't like to play young players unless he is forced too. A players skill set and athleticism sometimes can compensate for his lack of experience or knowledge of a certain defense. But not on this team.

Again, this 3-4 zone blitz is not more complex than that of the one Nick Saban has been running in college for years. But that would take away from the mystique that is Mr. LeBeau. :p


Seems you're the one who just posted elsewhere about getting better players before getting rid of coaches.... which is it?

Beyond that, you do understand that over half the Steelers defense has 5 or less years of experience. Exactly how young do they need to get?

Further, I for one am glad we have a DC that is able to stave off the tide of fans wanting every pick to play his first season. That's the kind of defense Tampa Bay or Oakland likes to put out there.

[Slapstick]

So Saban uses a 3-4 zone blitz and then adds corner leverage and pattern-match reads behind it and you say it is a part time version of LeBeau's? And the mystique continues. Hilarious.

Who do you think faces more complex offenses each week? LeBeau or Saban? Saban sees the zone read (spread) option almost every week. Colleges are running and have been running far more of it than the NFL. Think about it.

Read this...


http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2010/08/nick-saban-cover-3-adaptation-ripliz-to.html

Read it. Again, dude, conceptually it is similar...but, terminology and assignment wise, it can't be as complex...20 hours a week versus however many hours professionals put in...

Cam Heyward played in a complex college defense similar to the Steelers...he took three years to shine...

Jarvis Jones played in Saban's 3-4 and was demoted because he couldn't get his assignments correct...

Can you please explain why? If the complexity is no different, then how? Please, tell me...

[phillyesq]

Not sure where you guys are getting your info. Worilds was listed "doubtful" a total of 7 times in 63 opportunities. He was given early chances, but didn't impress. That's not something you can pin on the coaches.
His biggest problem was beating out all-pro Harrison or Woodley, .. no easy task. Fortunately for Worilds, Woodley has turned into a oft-injured and generally unreliable player and now he can take advantage. The coaches are now giving him another chance.

He came in to camp with a wrist injury last year, leading to him splitting time with Carter.

[phillyesq]

The real problem is this D takes time to master... everyone points out Keenan Lewis' temper tantrum. Thats one time... one game where he let his emotions get the best of him.

This whole idea of giving a guy a 3% shot to make his mark is a terrible way to assess talent. How many times has a playwr o D came in and made an impact on day 1? Year 1? ... and how many times has a player turned into a beast or a solid contributor by year 3 or 4?

A.Smith,.Keisel Harrison, Peezy, Troy, Ike... all these guys had time to develop, sit, learn, etc. The Casey Hamptons and Kendrick bells are the exception. Moving forward we know longer have that luxury of waiting for these kids to develop. I bet money JJ's third year will be a monster barring injury. However, in a lot of other defenses he would show out much earlier because they would givd him less assignments and turn him loose as a blitzer on every down.

We are turning into a farm team on D like the old Pirates. Not sure how any of you can defend our philosophy in this new NFL. It worked for us before the new CBA but we cant continue down this road or Sylvester and Carter will continue to be our replacements anytime a guy goes down.

How many rookies came in and lit up the league this year? Or any year? You get a few Aldon Smith type guys from time to time, but they are the exception. Many players on both sides of the ball take time to adjust to the NFL game - and that is around the league, not just with the Steelers.

Realizing that the pro bowl selection system is somewhat flawed, there are no rookies on the team. None. There are guys like Cameron Jordan and Robert Quinn - third year guys (who did nothing as rookies).

As for Keenan Lewis, he wasn't ready to play in 2011. The job was his to lose, and he lost it. The Steelers went 12-4 that year. When you are playing at that level, you don't sacrifice results to play immature kids who aren't ready.

[hawaiiansteel]

Jarvis Jones played in Saban's 3-4 and was demoted because he couldn't get his assignments correct...


just curious, when did Jarvis Jones play in Saban's 3-4?