Pouncey's Worth - You're the GM

[pittpete]

With Pouncey in the lineup the last 2 years how did this O-line grade out?
With Pouncey out this year how did the O-line grade out?
While the O-line looked a lot better the last few games it sucked with or w/o him.
What does that tell you?

[papillon]

With Pouncey in the lineup the last 2 years how did this O-line grade out?
With Pouncey out this year how did the O-line grade out?
While the O-line looked a lot better the last few games it sucked with or w/o him.
What does that tell you?

That has little or no correlation to how good or bad Maurkice Pouncey is as a center in the NFL. There are 5 players that make up an offensive line, 6 if you include a tight end, Mike Webster or Dermontti Dawson weren't making this offensive line good over the past two years and they are both in the HOF and can be argued that they are the #1 and #2 centers of all time.

Unless you're watching game film with the coaches all we really see on TV is a microcosm of what happens on any given play. Pouncey's peers, coaches and opponent coaching staff believe he is a top center in the NFL and based on the woes the Steelers have had over the years with offensive linemen, IMO, it would foolish to not sign Pouncey. Velasco may have held down the fort while Pouncey was out, but we also don't know how much of the playbook was eliminated due athletic limitations of Velasco (maybe, none, but, maybe a lot as well). I don't recall seeing Velasco pulling (which we all know Pouncey can do) and I'm not astute enough of an evaluator to determine if Velasco can get his first block and then get into an LB or safety if necessary. I'm certain that I've seen Pouncey do those things.

Keep Velasco as a backup and/or swing guard, pay Pouncey, DeCastro came along great, Foster played well, the tackles are the issue at this point. Adams may or may not be the solution at LT, Gilbert may or may not be the solution at RT, Beachum held his own, Whimper I'm not sure about.

IMO, it would be a big mistake thinking that Velasco is going to replace Pouncey.

Pappy

[MicroBioSteel]

Sorry Shawn but I really see Pouncey as the next Woodley. Can't stay healthy, more hype than performance, etc. I'd really be worried that once he gets the big money his performance becomes mediocre. Plus he always seems to be hurt and that won't go away as he gets older and takes more wear and tear on that body especially coming off the knee injury.

BTW--I really like your first three picks on your 2014 draft. Need to add a TE!

+1 Pouncey does no good to us hurt. His ankles are all jacked up and now his knee is an issue. I am going to bet that Pouncy will not be back.

[flippy]

I want to know what's up with the desire to play guys out of position

That's the Steelers way. Just consider, RBs generally run better to the right and we start the season with our 2 most physical run blockers on the left side of the line and our best pulling G on the right.

It would make so much sense to have Adams and Foster playing on the right and DD on the left to pull right. Our running game would be explosive. Add Pouncey back into the mix and I think we can be a dominant OLine even with Beachum at LT.

[steelz09]

5 years / 25 million.

[pittpete]

That has little or no correlation to how good or bad Maurkice Pouncey is as a center in the NFL. There are 5 players that make up an offensive line, 6 if you include a tight end, Mike Webster or Dermontti Dawson weren't making this offensive line good over the past two years and they are both in the HOF and can be argued that they are the #1 and #2 centers of all time.

Id have to disagree with ya Pap.
Center IMO is the anchor of any strong O-line.
The title of this thread is Pouncey's worth.
I'm assuming it's his worth to the Steelers, not the rest of the NFL.

[Shoe]

If "I'm the GM", I bite the bullet (hope his injuries don't compound) and I pay the man. I offer him Top 5 money, minus (10%... I want a bit of a hometeam discount. I won't pay top, top dollar.)

Of course, we are taking this situation in a vacuum. I'm put off big-time, by his rapper promoting moments after a playoff loss, and his Free Hernandez picture. Before inking him, I would discreetly feel out the market for him. If I could get anywhere from a 3rd round pick & up, I probably do it. This would save us a lot of money I assume going forward short-term.

[pittpete]

Yes Shoe, savings would be

$4,113,375

[papillon]

Id have to disagree with ya Pap.
Center IMO is the anchor of any strong O-line.
The title of this thread is Pouncey's worth.
I'm assuming it's his worth to the Steelers, not the rest of the NFL.

Pouncey's worth to the Steelers is relatively high as well, now, another team (Miami) may overpay for him and in that case, I'm sure the Rooneys and Colbert will let him walk, it's not their way to get in a bidding war. I think Pouncey makes the line better.

Pappy

[SteelBucks]

Maybe we should get rid of Ben too.

Centers can be easily replaced, it's much different for franchise quarterbacks. It's a double standard...but true.

[birtikidis]

That's the Steelers way. Just consider, RBs generally run better to the right and we start the season with our 2 most physical run blockers on the left side of the line and our best pulling G on the right.

It would make so much sense to have Adams and Foster playing on the right and DD on the left to pull right. Our running game would be explosive. Add Pouncey back into the mix and I think we can be a dominant OLine even with Beachum at LT.

I was actually referring to the fans. lol

[Töm87]

4 million seems ok.
The o line has really improved compared to the beginning of the season. With Pouncey this might even be a Top 12 line nex year.

[Captain Crunch]

He is a slightly above average center and a comes off as a poor human being... His ties to Hernandez and the "Free Hernandez" hats forever turned me off from liking Pouncey. He graded out 12th last year? You still want to pay him top 5 money? Not only will you overpay but will be saddled with a potential bad character guy. I know that doesn't matter to a lot of folks, but I hope it matters to the Rooney's... With that said it will be interesting what they decide to do with him...

Did you see the way Cody Wallace pulled Dwyer for extra yardage for the first down last Sunday? Never saw Pouncey do that... But I have seen him get manhandled on many occasions... Not saying Cody Wallace is the answer, just saying Pouncey is easily replaceable. All hype and no character...

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

For the talk about his agility and athleticism, I think that this is countered by his lack of strength. He can pull and get out in front to the second level, but he also gets trucked way too often. In a division where 38% of your games have you matching up with Haloti Ngata, Phil Taylor, and Geno Atkins, that is not a great shortcoming to have.

[Oviedo]

For the talk about his agility and athleticism, I think that this is countered by his lack of strength. He can pull and get out in front to the second level, but he also gets trucked way too often. In a division where 38% of your games have you matching up with Haloti Ngata, Phil Taylor, and Geno Atkins, that is not a great shortcoming to have.

Right on the mark. He never was a power blocker in college and isn't in the NFL. Doesn't mean he can't be solid but if you want movement in the middle he is likely not the guy. Why do you think we have struggled in short yardage since he took over?