When is the right time to focus on player development/evaluation more than winning?

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Never? Only when you're mathematically eliminated from the post-season? Or just realistically eliminated?

Now?

[Oviedo]

Now! This season is lost so set up for success in the future.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

At this point, the Steelers would have to go 5-2 in the next seven games just to get back to .500. Does anyone really see that happening with this team?

I agree with Oviedo.

[steelfin]

Not a chance that happens until we are mathematically eliminated...that is loser mentality.

We will play the players that give us the best chance of winning every week...at least for now.

11-5 here we come...

[steelblood]

Realistically, now.

But, the Steelers will have to consider it after two or three more loses.

[Eich]

I think the official line will be never. But haven't they already been doing this to some extent? Players have been shuffled in and out of the lineup and in various positions in the lineup week to week.

[Steeler Mafia]

If they haven't done it to this point, why would they do this now?

[SidSmythe]

Like!! 5 years ago???

[Oviedo]

Not a chance that happens until we are mathematically eliminated...that is loser mentality.

We will play the players that give us the best chance of winning every week...at least for now.

11-5 here we come...

Really? Great "pep band" mentality but totally unrealistic. This team is not going to magically fix the flaws we have seen through 7 games. That will only happen for the future if we develop the future now and not give time away to players who won't be wearing the uniform in the future.

[Sugar]

Winning is the point of every single NFL regular season game. That doesn't mean that some of these other things can't happen as well to a measure, but the eye is always on winning. Every time.

[7 UP]

Never. Absolutely never. You play to win every game you compete in. If we are 5-10 then you fight your ass off to be 6-10. This is not a development league. The coaches know exactly what they have in every guy on the roster. Playing kids before they are ready does not develop talent. What it does do is enable young players to develop bad habits and confidence issues very early in their careers. If you what to see this type of thing watch the Browns. This play the young guys as soon as the season is in doubt strategy has done wonders for them over the years.

[Sugar]

Never. Absolutely never. You play to win every game you compete in. If we are 5-10 then you fight your ass off to be 6-10. This is not a development league. The coaches know exactly what they have in every guy on the roster. Playing kids before they are ready does not develop talent. What it does do is enable young players to develop bad habits and confidence issues very early in their careers. If you what to see this type of thing watch the Browns. This play the young guys as soon as the season is in doubt strategy has done wonders for them over the years.

This post= $$$

[BURGH86STEEL]

Never. Absolutely never. You play to win every game you compete in. If we are 5-10 then you fight your ass off to be 6-10. This is not a development league. The coaches know exactly what they have in every guy on the roster. Playing kids before they are ready does not develop talent. What it does do is enable young players to develop bad habits and confidence issues very early in their careers. If you what to see this type of thing watch the Browns. This play the young guys as soon as the season is in doubt strategy has done wonders for them over the years.

I agree.

It's plain to see the fans that would give up on their teams if they were coaches or players.

[steelz09]

Never. Absolutely never. You play to win every game you compete in. If we are 5-10 then you fight your ass off to be 6-10. This is not a development league. The coaches know exactly what they have in every guy on the roster. Playing kids before they are ready does not develop talent. What it does do is enable young players to develop bad habits and confidence issues very early in their careers. If you what to see this type of thing watch the Browns. This play the young guys as soon as the season is in doubt strategy has done wonders for them over the years.

I agree except for the comment in bold. I don't think Tomlin has a damn clue on what he has (or doesn't have) with some o these guys on the roster. Some of his decisions seem like he's grasping at straws in hopes that one of them will eventually working out.

Speaking of the Browns and "grasping at straws"....

Grasping-at-Straws.jpg

[flippy]

Never. Absolutely never. You play to win every game you compete in. If we are 5-10 then you fight your ass off to be 6-10. This is not a development league. The coaches know exactly what they have in every guy on the roster. Playing kids before they are ready does not develop talent. What it does do is enable young players to develop bad habits and confidence issues very early in their careers. If you what to see this type of thing watch the Browns. This play the young guys as soon as the season is in doubt strategy has done wonders for them over the years.

There it is. It's always about winning no matter what. Anything less would be a cancer that creeps into the culture. And if the guys on the field aren't getting it done, it's an opportunity for new guys to prove they can contribute in practice and the meeting rooms and being ready when the opportunity arises. And if those guys can't cut it, find guys that can and bring them in to compete.