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Re: Jerricho Cotchery to visit Steelers
No thanks. Any contract we would sign him to would virtually lock down the number 3 spot. I'm excited to see Manny Sanders in that role this year, and even Antonio Brown looks more than viable. Both of these guys have more explosion and speed to get separation from the off coverage they'll see out of the slot.
Despite the rash of injuries to the group, I really like the depth and skill set of our current WR corps. We have veteran savvy, sure hands, precise route-running, elite speed, short-area explosion, and if Sweed comes around, we've got the tall down-field target. Collectively, they compliment each other nicely and separately they provide multiple ways you can comfortably attack a defense.
Cotchery brings nothing we don't already have aside from added experience and sure hands. We get that twice over already with Ward and Miller in the line-up together on any given play. Take out Sanders and you lose the explosion off the line and out of cuts (not to mention some pretty sure hands). Take Sweed out in 4-receiver sets and you lose a huge mismatch on a nickel or dime corner.
Although I agree that it would be nice to foil Ozzie's Plan C (or whatever he was on) at WR, I've gotta say no to Cotchery.
Time to let the young 'uns shine instead of relying on more expensive vets.
Of course. We get it. Veterans are terrible. The rookies and second year players would all be better. If only we could get Joe Burnett to break his commitment to bagging groceries, he'd be an all pro.
If the Steelers had to play a game today, the starting WRs would be Wallace and Brown. Behind them, we'd have Battle and, well, nobody.
Sweed cannot be counted on. Until he gets on the field, the same holds true for Sanders. I like the potential of Brown, but early in camp, reports were that Ben had to tell him where to line up.
In the slot, as much as you need explosion, you need somebody who understands coverage and hot routes and is able to act as a security blanket. Cotchery can help the team in that regard and also work with the younger receivers who, when healthy, will still get reps.
I think you were targeting Ovi with that crack about the vets, but since you're still taking the opposite stance as I am, I thought I'd jump back in. 
None of the injuries in the WR corps appear to be serious, so I don't think you can trot out the starting line-up right now as an argument. If we were simply talking about brining in a body to compete for a roster spot, I think the competition would be a good thing. The reality however, would see Cotchery commanding too much of a salary and/or guaranteed money for him to be anything less than the number 3 guy. That to me is Sanders. If Sander's foot problems or other injuries force him out, then Antonio Brown is still there.
We're still trying to restructure deals to get our core players under long-term contracts and get below the salary cap this year. Why would we be chasing down mid-level free agents at a position where we have very little need for starter quality or depth? There is a market for this guy's services and that alone will probably drive his price beyond our limited reach. Throw in the opportunity for playing time, and it's hard to see how we could outbid any other teams for his services.
Move along Jerricho...move along.
Originally posted by phillyesq
Originally posted by Oviedo
Originally posted by Flasteel
Originally posted by RuthlessBurgher
I like this possibility. Although I like our WR corps when healthy, the fact remains that they are not. Jerricho would be an ideal #3 who could also handle starting duties if called upon. And he's a solid locker room guy to boot. And keeping him from the Ravens would be an extra added bonus.
Despite the rash of injuries to the group, I really like the depth and skill set of our current WR corps. We have veteran savvy, sure hands, precise route-running, elite speed, short-area explosion, and if Sweed comes around, we've got the tall down-field target. Collectively, they compliment each other nicely and separately they provide multiple ways you can comfortably attack a defense.
Cotchery brings nothing we don't already have aside from added experience and sure hands. We get that twice over already with Ward and Miller in the line-up together on any given play. Take out Sanders and you lose the explosion off the line and out of cuts (not to mention some pretty sure hands). Take Sweed out in 4-receiver sets and you lose a huge mismatch on a nickel or dime corner.
Although I agree that it would be nice to foil Ozzie's Plan C (or whatever he was on) at WR, I've gotta say no to Cotchery.
Time to let the young 'uns shine instead of relying on more expensive vets.If the Steelers had to play a game today, the starting WRs would be Wallace and Brown. Behind them, we'd have Battle and, well, nobody.
Sweed cannot be counted on. Until he gets on the field, the same holds true for Sanders. I like the potential of Brown, but early in camp, reports were that Ben had to tell him where to line up.
In the slot, as much as you need explosion, you need somebody who understands coverage and hot routes and is able to act as a security blanket. Cotchery can help the team in that regard and also work with the younger receivers who, when healthy, will still get reps.
None of the injuries in the WR corps appear to be serious, so I don't think you can trot out the starting line-up right now as an argument. If we were simply talking about brining in a body to compete for a roster spot, I think the competition would be a good thing. The reality however, would see Cotchery commanding too much of a salary and/or guaranteed money for him to be anything less than the number 3 guy. That to me is Sanders. If Sander's foot problems or other injuries force him out, then Antonio Brown is still there.
We're still trying to restructure deals to get our core players under long-term contracts and get below the salary cap this year. Why would we be chasing down mid-level free agents at a position where we have very little need for starter quality or depth? There is a market for this guy's services and that alone will probably drive his price beyond our limited reach. Throw in the opportunity for playing time, and it's hard to see how we could outbid any other teams for his services.
Move along Jerricho...move along.
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