Ike Taylor's value increases in Pittsburgh

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Ike Taylor's value increases in Pittsburgh

The defenses struggles came more in nickel & dime packages. Our base defense, although the #2 could be upgraded, was not the concern. I feel confident that the sub packages have been upgraded by the selection of Brown & Allen, and possibly the development of Lewis & Butler. How can you not think that any combination of two from above will not be more productive than the combination of Gay & Madison? See what I mean?

Brown and Allen will never see the field except for special teams if LeBeau stays true to form. The lack of a labor agreement and the rookies' inability to get practice time and learn the playbook all but guarantees that.

I continue to hold out hope that Butler can play and I'm pretty certain that Lewis can't.

While there may be some hope for the future, I think 2011 is going to be a very tough year for our secondary. The blueprint on how to attack us is clear. Bad to mediocre teams won't be able to because they lack good QBs but play off caliber teams will probably still be able to pick us apart.

I would or will agree if the lockout stays in place through the Summer. If the lockout is lifted after the review, and the mini camp opens, that point will be moot.

As far as DL staying true to form, seeing time in the sub packages isn't the same as starting. As recent as Burnett, a rookie saw time in the sub package. I have some confidence that Brown will be on the slot as early the 1st game. I have "hope" it will be a difficult decision and Butler/Lewis is the #3 and and the other will be #4. I share the same feeling about Lewis but still have hope they see him as a CB/FS/ST player who will hold a roster spot. He has the physical tools but there is more than just that needed. Allen may be the inactive gamedays unless he really surprises which is possible with his intelligence. He has more upside than Brown because I feel he is better suited on the outside on an every down basis but will have a bigger task out of the gate than Brown will. Of course, where does Gay fit in?

I think the best thing that could happen to the Steelers is the league decides to go with 2010 rules. That would leave a log jamb at CB & the OL. Retaining Taylor could become a little easier if the Rooneys want to "bend" their theory because Taylor would be excluded from the 30% rule and front loading a contract could get a long term deal cap freindly. Colon would be restricted for another year and the Steelers could see how he has recovered and if a long term deal would be a smart decision. Also might get an opportunity to see him at G next to Adams. Back to the CB spot, the Steelers could really weed out that position through camp & preseason and it could quickly become a better group. It appears right now there is an odd man out in the group unless Lewis shows he could be an option at FS but he would have to show he is a better option than Mundy, Allen, Cromartie-Smith, Warren, or any UDFA they bring in. There are some nice UDFA who I'm hoping they consider.

[feltdizz]

Re: Ike Taylor's value increases in Pittsburgh

Thank goodness we only play 3 playoff teams... and an awful Flacco.

[Oviedo]

Re: Ike Taylor's value increases in Pittsburgh

Thank goodness we only play 3 playoff teams... and an awful Flacco.

as long as our defense doesn't revert to 2009 and let "great" QBs like Bruce Gradkowski slice and dice the secondary

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Ike Taylor's value increases in Pittsburgh

No confidence boys???

If they retain Taylor and we see no FA CB vists...I would say the Steelers have confidence in Lewis or Butler being ready to push McFadden. If we do see many visits, then they feel the gap is still great and we better hoping that Brown or Allen are the best thing since Chad Scott day 1. God...Is that the best recent example of a rookie CB we got????