Gay burned again.

[NorthCoast]

If he stays around he will likely restructure and the Steelers don't usually keep players past their desired level of effectiveness. I also find your comment about him being a non-playmaker comical considering the guy has never been able to catch the football. He's a staple on this team for a reason. As far as your latter statement is concerned should I run down the list of corners that remained effective beyond 34.5 years old? It's not a enormous list but it's still a decent sized one and not one still has or HAD the speed Ike has in his arsenal.

I happen to agree with this. How do you measure a player by the plays that are not made by the opponent because of the player? This is the Ike dilemma. My guess is there were plenty of plays that didn't happen on Ike's side of the field because of his coverage. The proof is that Keenan Lewis had the second most passes defensed last season, meaning they were throwing away from Ike's side.

I wouldn't sign him to a long term, but extending by a couple years would be fine.

[Captain Lemming]

You assume that Lewis would had signed with the Steelers for that amount. I don't know if Lewis would had. It appears that Lewis gave NO a home town discount. It's very possible that Lewis didn't want to remain in Pittsburgh or play for any other team. Several teams courted Lewis. That suggests to me that a bidding war could had taken place if Lewis allowed it.

Here is what Lewis stated,"Those guys were trying to offer more money, but I had it set in my mind the whole time if the Saints offered me I was going to come home. I had to get it done," "I looked at it like I'm home. I'm from Algiers. I went to O.P. Walker. A lot of guys don't really have that opportunity to play for their hometown team. Then when I had the opportunity to sit down with Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis, Rob Ryan and my position coach, (Wesley) McGriff, they really made me feel at home. And that's something I had in Pittsburgh." "When I first walked in there I felt like I was at home. I had opportunities to go to teams that offered me a lot more money. But everybody can't say that they had the opportunity to play in their back yard. Even when I was in Pittsburgh I would go back and watch four or five Saints games just to get acquainted with what they were doing." Lewis' affinity for the Saints almost cost him on draft day. "I almost didn't get drafted because I told all the teams my wish was to play for the Saints," he said. "I let that be known when I was coming out of college at the Senior Bowl."

Sounds to me that Lewis was dead set on playing for the Saints. I hope this puts an end to the discussion.

Wow......that seems to really make the point moot.

[steelz09]

You assume that Lewis would had signed with the Steelers for that amount. I don't know if Lewis would had. It appears that Lewis gave NO a home town discount. It's very possible that Lewis didn't want to remain in Pittsburgh or play for any other team. Several teams courted Lewis. That suggests to me that a bidding war could had taken place if Lewis allowed it.

Here is what Lewis stated,"Those guys were trying to offer more money, but I had it set in my mind the whole time if the Saints offered me I was going to come home. I had to get it done," "I looked at it like I'm home. I'm from Algiers. I went to O.P. Walker. A lot of guys don't really have that opportunity to play for their hometown team. Then when I had the opportunity to sit down with Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis, Rob Ryan and my position coach, (Wesley) McGriff, they really made me feel at home. And that's something I had in Pittsburgh." "When I first walked in there I felt like I was at home. I had opportunities to go to teams that offered me a lot more money. But everybody can't say that they had the opportunity to play in their back yard. Even when I was in Pittsburgh I would go back and watch four or five Saints games just to get acquainted with what they were doing." Lewis' affinity for the Saints almost cost him on draft day. "I almost didn't get drafted because I told all the teams my wish was to play for the Saints," he said. "I let that be known when I was coming out of college at the Senior Bowl."

Sounds to me that Lewis was dead set on playing for the Saints. I hope this puts an end to the discussion.

It says nothing about whether the Steelers offered a contract. I thought Lewis had said that the Steelers didn't even offer him one which is beyond uncomprehendable.

[steelz09]

I happen to agree with this. How do you measure a player by the plays that are not made by the opponent because of the player? This is the Ike dilemma. My guess is there were plenty of plays that didn't happen on Ike's side of the field because of his coverage. The proof is that Keenan Lewis had the second most passes defensed last season, meaning they were throwing away from Ike's side.

I wouldn't sign him to a long term, but extending by a couple years would be fine.

And I remember people bitching and moaning that the reason Lewis is gone is because he didn't make any INTs. Well, if that's the case, Ike is nothing more than a older, higher dollar Lewis because he can't catch a cold and that's been proven throughout his entire career.

[BURGH86STEEL]

It says nothing about whether the Steelers offered a contract. I thought Lewis had said that the Steelers didn't even offer him one which is beyond uncomprehendable.

The Steelers probably talked to Lewis and knew he wanted to go home. It wouldn't had matter what the Steelers offered Lewis. Lewis was dead set on playing for the New Orleans Saints.

[Captain Lemming]

I happen to agree with this. How do you measure a player by the plays that are not made by the opponent because of the player? This is the Ike dilemma. My guess is there were plenty of plays that didn't happen on Ike's side of the field because of his coverage. The proof is that Keenan Lewis had the second most passes defensed last season, meaning they were throwing away from Ike's side.

I wouldn't sign him to a long term, but extending by a couple years would be fine.

Taylor allowed only six receptions over his final seven games before he got hurt.
In 2011 he allowed 28 yards a game during the regular season (yes he got smoked versus Tebow in the playoff)
This despite routinely was being assigned the top receiver no matter where he goes.

Ironically the only time Ike has bad games is when the run game is better than the pass game. This is because he is too quick to play run when he has no respect for a QB.

Taylor IS in his thirties but he is STILL faster and better than Lewis.

[steelz09]

The Steelers probably talked to Lewis and knew he wanted to go home. It wouldn't had matter what the Steelers offered Lewis. Lewis was dead set on playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Ok... so Tomlin & Colbert's next plan of action after losing Lewis..... Let's sign that scrub, William Gay. Yeah! That sounds like a great idea.

[NorthCoast]

And I remember people bitching and moaning that the reason Lewis is gone is because he didn't make any INTs. Well, if that's the case, Ike is nothing more than a older, higher dollar Lewis because he can't catch a cold and that's been proven throughout his entire career.

so apparently Lewis is a $5M CB after one season of good play? Not sure how you make your investment decisions, but I usually like to see a trend before making a big one. One data point is hardly a trend...

[steelz09]

so apparently Lewis is a $5M CB after one season of good play? Not sure how you make your investment decisions, but I usually like to see a trend before making a big one. One data point is hardly a trend...

Your exactly right.... Ike not being able to catch the ball is a trend. Lewis not being able to catch the ball is not yet a trend

[steelz09]

Taylor allowed only six receptions over his final seven games before he got hurt.
In 2011 he allowed 28 yards a game during the regular season (yes he got smoked versus Tebow in the playoff)
This despite routinely was being assigned the top receiver no matter where he goes.

Ironically the only time Ike has bad games is when the run game is better than the pass game. This is because he is too quick to play run when he has no respect for a QB.

Taylor IS in his thirties but he is STILL faster and better than Lewis.

The difference is... Lewis should be entering his prime. Taylor is on the decline of his career. He might have 1 good year left, but "upside" days are over. His "decline" days are on the horizon.

I remember the days when the Steelers FO knew that... especially with linebackers. When LBs hit 30, the Steelers let them walk. Now, the FO is keeping players until their about ready to collect social security. Ok, not quite... but still.

[Captain Lemming]

And I remember people bitching and moaning that the reason Lewis is gone is because he didn't make any INTs. Well, if that's the case, Ike is nothing more than a older, higher dollar Lewis because he can't catch a cold and that's been proven throughout his entire career.

Lewis defensed 23 passes and had ZERO picks. THAT is a bad set of hands.

At least Ike got a pick......when teams arent throwing his way

[Captain Lemming]

The difference is... Lewis should be entering his prime. Taylor is on the decline of his career. He might have 1 good year left, but "upside" days are over. His "decline" days are on the horizon.

I remember the days when the Steelers FO knew that... especially with linebackers. When LBs hit 30, the Steelers let them walk. Now, the FO is keeping players until their about ready to collect social security. Ok, not quite... but still.

True nuff, I get it. But I think the team wanted to start Cortez and Ike anyway. THEN how does it look to pay Lewis, cutting other players to do it?

[steelz09]

Lewis defensed 23 passes and had ZERO picks. THAT is a bad set of hands.

At least Ike got a pick......when teams arent throwing his way

Please.. don't make a case for Ike and INTs. It doesn't work. Make a case for any other part of his game... just not INTs and covering Demaryius Thomas.

[Captain Lemming]

Please.. don't make a case for Ike and INTs. It doesn't work. Make a case for any other part of his game... just not INTs and covering Demaryius Thomas.

Oh I am NOT making a case FOR Taylor and ints.
Lewis get thrown to ALL DAY LONG, gets his mits on the ball at a pace that is IMPOSSIBLE for Ike because they attack Lewis with lesser receivers so much.

Lewis IS EVEN WORSE.....that is the case I'm making.

[steelz09]

Oh I am NOT making a case FOR Taylor and ints.
Lewis get thrown to ALL DAY LONG, gets his mits on the ball at a pace that is IMPOSSIBLE for Ike because they attack Lewis with lesser receivers so much.

Lewis IS EVEN WORSE.....that is the case I'm making.

I'd have to look at every INT they dropped to even compare. Just because the pass in thrown to a certain defender doesn't mean he even has a remote chance at the INT. They might just barely get a finder on the ball but I didn't expect Lewis or Ike to get those INTs.

I would be happy if these jerks would just catch the ones that hit them square in the hands (listen up ROBERT GOLDEN). That's all I ask. Catch the ones that absolutely SHOULD be caught and we'll be ok. The problem is, our guys miss the even the easy ones.