Good Things Going Into Training Camp

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

"Number 6, Sanders & Brown look to ease departure of Holmes."

Nobody can replace Holmes as of now. Wallace has the best shot but we won't know anything until the season unfolds. Going into camp, Sanders & Brown look like they will shake off the stereo type of "small school WRs" and show they belong. Both will have position value as well as returner value. Might have to carry 6 WRs. Even with the loss of Holmes, I think the position is stronger top to bottom. Being equal or stronger at the top depends on Wallace.

"Number 5, Pouncey makes his stand."

The addition of Pouncey comes right on time. It appear the C postion and the whole right side will be a new, young group who will need to grow together. Next generation starts in camp. I think Pouncey ends up starting...But where? If they don't want to give the reigns to a rookie at C...RG. Legursky's charge has already started. Hartwig is fighting for the starting position. Before Colon injury, I would have said roster spot. But now, I believe even if Hartwig ends up behind Legursky at C, He might survive another year. Game 1 starters will be Starks, Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. Hartwig & Essex active with Urbik & J Scott in street clothes. C Scott will be released and put on PS.

I hope you are right on both accounts. I think Sanders is the real deal and I hope that we get significant contribution from both him and Brown in the return game.

As far as your Game 1 prediction for the OL, I would feel better about Starks-Kemo-Legursky-Pouncey-Adams (or another FA) than , Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. I'd be ecstatic if Foster could prove he could handle RT because that would be the right step towards a great OL in 2011 or 12 of Starks-Kemo-Pouncey-Urbik-Foster.

Someone we are all ignoring who may still have a say in this is Tony Hills. Perhaps with Kugler's coaching and possibly some schematic adjustments he can live up to his potential. The guy's resume out of Texas was just too good for him to have fallen off the face of the earth, but it does happen in the NFL.

There are many Urbik haters (I'm a fan), but I am excited to see what he could do. He looks like a different person in camp and he could be the wild card. If he lives up to his billing, he could push at RG. I think Pouncey will perform the best at C against the "vanilla" defenses in pre-season. I just don't know if the coaches are ready to give the C spot to him. I do believe Legursky will out perfom Hartwig and the coaches will be confident Legursky can run the OL.

As to Hills, he has good feet and a quick step with a good punch. But he is average at best in the run game because he isn't a bender. That doesn't sit well for a RT and he needs to play both sides. He looks liked he added some bulk so we will see in the preseason. Just watch what Orakpo did to him in the preseason. Hills was quick enough to set up and get in front of him...But Orakpo made him look like a TE when he sent Hills 3 yards backwards on impact. on running plays Hills lost ground. He is athletic enough to play LT but he is weak at the point of attack. You would expect this to be the year where he grew enough to make the impression.

[Oviedo]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

"Number 6, Sanders & Brown look to ease departure of Holmes."

Nobody can replace Holmes as of now. Wallace has the best shot but we won't know anything until the season unfolds. Going into camp, Sanders & Brown look like they will shake off the stereo type of "small school WRs" and show they belong. Both will have position value as well as returner value. Might have to carry 6 WRs. Even with the loss of Holmes, I think the position is stronger top to bottom. Being equal or stronger at the top depends on Wallace.

"Number 5, Pouncey makes his stand."

The addition of Pouncey comes right on time. It appear the C postion and the whole right side will be a new, young group who will need to grow together. Next generation starts in camp. I think Pouncey ends up starting...But where? If they don't want to give the reigns to a rookie at C...RG. Legursky's charge has already started. Hartwig is fighting for the starting position. Before Colon injury, I would have said roster spot. But now, I believe even if Hartwig ends up behind Legursky at C, He might survive another year. Game 1 starters will be Starks, Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. Hartwig & Essex active with Urbik & J Scott in street clothes. C Scott will be released and put on PS.

I hope you are right on both accounts. I think Sanders is the real deal and I hope that we get significant contribution from both him and Brown in the return game.

As far as your Game 1 prediction for the OL, I would feel better about Starks-Kemo-Legursky-Pouncey-Adams (or another FA) than , Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. I'd be ecstatic if Foster could prove he could handle RT because that would be the right step towards a great OL in 2011 or 12 of Starks-Kemo-Pouncey-Urbik-Foster.

Someone we are all ignoring who may still have a say in this is Tony Hills. Perhaps with Kugler's coaching and possibly some schematic adjustments he can live up to his potential. The guy's resume out of Texas was just too good for him to have fallen off the face of the earth, but it does happen in the NFL.

There are many Urbik haters (I'm a fan), but I am excited to see what he could do. He looks like a different person in camp and he could be the wild card. If he lives up to his billing, he could push at RG. I think Pouncey will perform the best at C against the "vanilla" defenses in pre-season. I just don't know if the coaches are ready to give the C spot to him. I do believe Legursky will out perfom Hartwig and the coaches will be confident Legursky can run the OL.

As to Hills, he has good feet and a quick step with a good punch. But he is average at best in the run game because he isn't a bender. That doesn't sit well for a RT and he needs to play both sides. He looks liked he added some bulk so we will see in the preseason. Just watch what Orakpo did to him in the preseason. Hills was quick enough to set up and get in front of him...But Orakpo made him look like a TE when he sent Hills 3 yards backwards on impact. on running plays Hills lost ground. He is athletic enough to play LT but he is weak at the point of attack. You would expect this to be the year where he grew enough to make the impression.[/quote:3sc3ooap]

I'm also an Urbik fan and I think he will prove to be a better Guard longterm than anyone we have on the roster.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

"Number 4, Free Agents and trades solidify team."

Foote, El, & Allen are glue. Very nice FA pick-ups. Was ok with Battle before draft but now looks to be a "shoulder shrug". J Scott will push Hills and best Longhorn will win.

*It would not surprise me to see Foote starting. If Farrior continues his decline, it very well could happen. Foote would take Farrior's spot along side Timmons. If Farrior can recover, we might see a rotation of Timmons on passing down while Timmons spells both in base. This gives the Steelers the luxury of SB year ILB rotation. Just like OLB, very strong position. I'm excited to see what DL comes up with for his LBs.

*EL is back to his most productive spot at #3. His skill set creates match-up problems from #3. Never thought he was a great #2 but he should have a productive year. However, his game will be pushed by Sanders & Brown so it should make this group very competitive.

*Allen > Carter

Why does everyone still want to take a playmaker like Timmons off the field for a player like Foote. I don't care what down it is, Timmons needs to be on the field. Our run defense did not suffer at all last year. Our pass defense was atrocious so why would anyone take the best coverage LB we have and the #3 sack producer off the field for a player who just plugs a gap and gets in the way.

I will never understand the on going criticisms of Timmons. Totally unfounded and not supported by facts.

I'm a Timmons fan. But our run defense did suffer last year. I put alot of that on Farrior's decline & Smith being hurt. I actually think the ILB should be Foote & Timmons with Farrior spelling them in base. Timmons is a playmaker but he makes plays in space. So if I have 3 starting ILBs, the "in space" guy is my rotation guy and my nickel & dime backer. He doesn't get the honor of starting, but if you take notice, on a winning team he gets the most defensive plays. Timmons & Foote could be the starters from day 1 if Farrior plays like he did last year.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

[quote=Oviedo]

"Number 6, Sanders & Brown look to ease departure of Holmes."

Nobody can replace Holmes as of now. Wallace has the best shot but we won't know anything until the season unfolds. Going into camp, Sanders & Brown look like they will shake off the stereo type of "small school WRs" and show they belong. Both will have position value as well as returner value. Might have to carry 6 WRs. Even with the loss of Holmes, I think the position is stronger top to bottom. Being equal or stronger at the top depends on Wallace.

"Number 5, Pouncey makes his stand."

The addition of Pouncey comes right on time. It appear the C postion and the whole right side will be a new, young group who will need to grow together. Next generation starts in camp. I think Pouncey ends up starting...But where? If they don't want to give the reigns to a rookie at C...RG. Legursky's charge has already started. Hartwig is fighting for the starting position. Before Colon injury, I would have said roster spot. But now, I believe even if Hartwig ends up behind Legursky at C, He might survive another year. Game 1 starters will be Starks, Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. Hartwig & Essex active with Urbik & J Scott in street clothes. C Scott will be released and put on PS.

I hope you are right on both accounts. I think Sanders is the real deal and I hope that we get significant contribution from both him and Brown in the return game.

As far as your Game 1 prediction for the OL, I would feel better about Starks-Kemo-Legursky-Pouncey-Adams (or another FA) than , Kemo, Legursky, Pouncey, & Foster. I'd be ecstatic if Foster could prove he could handle RT because that would be the right step towards a great OL in 2011 or 12 of Starks-Kemo-Pouncey-Urbik-Foster.

Someone we are all ignoring who may still have a say in this is Tony Hills. Perhaps with Kugler's coaching and possibly some schematic adjustments he can live up to his potential. The guy's resume out of Texas was just too good for him to have fallen off the face of the earth, but it does happen in the NFL.

There are many Urbik haters (I'm a fan), but I am excited to see what he could do. He looks like a different person in camp and he could be the wild card. If he lives up to his billing, he could push at RG. I think Pouncey will perform the best at C against the "vanilla" defenses in pre-season. I just don't know if the coaches are ready to give the C spot to him. I do believe Legursky will out perfom Hartwig and the coaches will be confident Legursky can run the OL.

As to Hills, he has good feet and a quick step with a good punch. But he is average at best in the run game because he isn't a bender. That doesn't sit well for a RT and he needs to play both sides. He looks liked he added some bulk so we will see in the preseason. Just watch what Orakpo did to him in the preseason. Hills was quick enough to set up and get in front of him...But Orakpo made him look like a TE when he sent Hills 3 yards backwards on impact. on running plays Hills lost ground. He is athletic enough to play LT but he is weak at the point of attack. You would expect this to be the year where he grew enough to make the impression.

I'm also an Urbik fan and I think he will prove to be a better Guard longterm than anyone we have on the roster.[/quote:3ddufgev]
You and I believe the same.

[cruzer8]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

Timmons should only come off the field if he needs a break.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

"Number 2, A healthy Smith & Polamalu makes the defense top tier."

Say what you want, Troy being injured was huge and easy to notice for the light fan. Having him back improves the defense as a whole. But having a healthy Smith is even a bigger impact. His injury couldn't be seen on TV to the light fan, but believe me, the rewind button was worn off in the coaches meetings. Both returns will be felt. On the field, in the lockeroom, in the opposing team's offensive meetings, and on the scoreboard.


"Number 1, Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have a criminal trial."

Regardless of how you feel about Ben or the events details...Ben will be playing for the Steelers this year sometime after game 4. As long as #7 is on the field...Don't count us out!

[Oviedo]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

Timmons should only come off the field if he needs a break.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

Timmons should only come off the field if he needs a break.

I disagree. I think he should also come off the field when we are on offense. :P

[Oviedo]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

Timmons should only come off the field if he needs a break.

I disagree. I think he should also come off the field when we are on offense. :P

He would be intriguing in the role as an H-back. Probably catches the ball significantly better than david Johnson.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Good Things Going Into Training Camp

Timmons should only come off the field if he needs a break.

Timmons is an every down LB. So hopefully Foote & Timmons end up starting and Farrior is the guy who rotates in. Unless Farrior had an undisclosed injury, there is only one explaination for his play. He is in regression and it only goes downhill from here.