Time to look for Smith's replacement?

[SteelTorch]

First off, no, I am NOT suggesting we get rid of him now. That would be ludicrous.

However, reports indicate that he is likely gone for the season. This will now be three out of four seasons in which he's going to out for multiple games. Add that to the fact that he's getting up there in the years, and you have a difficult situation.

I think it's time to admit we can't rely on him to be the keystone of our defensive front anymore. Best-case scenario would be to gain a stud in the draft next year, and groom him to fill the role until Smith finally does leave.

Problem is, that is easier said than done, and Smith is not an easy player to replace. Unless this is why they drafted Ziggy Hood... :P

[Starlifter]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

I love Aaron Smith and he's a huge part of the success of our defense. Tragically though, it no longer appears we can count on Aaron for more than a handful of games a season. Torn tricep? has anyone even heard of that injury in the NFL before? there's something wacky going in with the way he goes down lately. A healthy Aaron Smith can't easily be replaced. unfortunately, we haven't had that the last 3 years. It's time to seriously consider moving on.

[flippy]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

Can we trade for someone?

[SteelerNation1]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

Can we trade for someone?

Unfortunately the deadline has come and gone

[AkronSteel]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

The Steelers will promote McClendon from the PS and probably sign either someone to the PS or to the active roster to add more depth!! I wouldn't be surprised to see Kirschke back on the roster sometime this week!!

[Oviedo]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

Ziggy Hood was drafted to be Aaron Smith's eventual replacement. His learning curve has now been accelerated. Eventually is now.

[AkronSteel]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

McClendon has played both IIRC! He played a ton of DE in the preseason but he can swing inside too! He can be our Trai Essex of the DL!

[Oviedo]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

McClendon has played both IIRC! He played a ton of DE in the preseason but he can swing inside too! He can be our Trai Essex of the DL!

Hope so!!!!!!!!

[papillon]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

The Steelers will work with what they have to replace Smith, Woodley and Adams. I'm sure that Colbert has been thinking about the end of Smith's career and this may be it, at least, as the starter. He may become the ultimate backup for a year or two. It certainly appears that he can't keep his arms healthy, biceps and now a triceps tear.

Unfortunately, Ziggy isn't 100%, so, he and Eason are going to have to fill in for Aaron by committee.

Lets hope that Adams' ankle isn't really bad and he's able to return to the lineup in a game or two, maybe three. In the mean time Jonathan Scott will probably get the start.

It appears that Lebeau is going to get a preview of what the Steelers have in Worilds a little sooner than he expected.

The Steelers will not panic and do anything foolish. The Steelers always take any decision they make with the future in mind and that includes potentially sacrificing a Super Bowl run not to jeopardize the future.

Don't panic, lets see it play out over the next few weeks.

Pappy

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

McClendon has played both IIRC! He played a ton of DE in the preseason but he can swing inside too! He can be our Trai Essex of the DL!

Hope so!!!!!!!!

I think he should aspire to me more than a Trai Essex.

[steelblood]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

McClendon has played both IIRC! He played a ton of DE in the preseason but he can swing inside too! He can be our Trai Essex of the DL!

Hope so!!!!!!!!

McClendon is 6'4, I believe. He has the height to play DE. I really enjoy his effort when he plays in a rotation. I really hope they bring him up instead of Woods.

[SteelTorch]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

You have Al Woods and Steve McLendon on the PS. THis could be Doug Worthington's or Sunny Harris' ticket back onto the PS.

Not sure McLendon fills the need because he has been an "inside" DL guy.

McClendon has played both IIRC! He played a ton of DE in the preseason but he can swing inside too! He can be our Trai Essex of the DL!

I'm not sure a PS member is the one we should be looking to...unless you're talking just for a temporary fix.

[Tomlinator]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

I think we all knew this day was coming sooner or later anyway.

Unfortunately, sooner just became now.

I hope Ziggy is 100% soon. Stick him in there, rotate Eason-McClendon-etc, and go to work.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Time to look for Smith's replacement?

I think most threw out the names we will see on the 53 if Smith goes to IR. I not sure AL Woods is ready for the 53 (hope he is) and also not sure if McClendon can play the 5 technique as a starter. Worthington seems like the most logical choice to fill the PS spot if someone moves up. On the outside, Sonny Harris seems like the most logical choice. I hope we don't here the name Scott Paxson enter the conversation either.

There's Jarron Gilbert sitting on the PS for the Jets? Surprised nobody said that yet.