Can somebody explain this to me? (mike Mitchell)

[feltdizz]

I'm actually willing to give Mitchell some time. Why? Because Carolina fans loved the guy...and hated to see him go. He has limited time to gel with other players, to learn this D, etc. I don't like how he has played thus far but I think he will be a good one for us.

Like I just said above...

The pass rush is REAL in Carolina. QB's were often hit, sacked or rushed on a ton of throws. Unless we turn into blitzburgh prepare for a little ugly in his cover game.

[K Train]

Carolinas defense has been good for a whole 1 season....quick turn arounds are possible. Shazier and Tuitt should help that

[papillon]

Yes, let's have Shamarko play FS. That's brilliant. A guy that isn't much bigger than Ray Rice. I like Thomas a lot but he is not a FS. He's a SS. If anything, I would use him on subpackages as another CB.

Ed Reed is only 5' 11" and weighs 200 pounds, he's the best FS ever to play, I don't think size has as much to do with it as the skill set for the position.

Pappy

[K Train]

Ed Reed is only 5' 11" and weighs 200 pounds, he's the best FS ever to play, I don't think size has as much to do with it as the skill set for the position.

Pappy

Thats a fine size for a FS

The problem with Shamarko is hes 5-9 and doesnt have much range to him..hes very fast and built like a tank, and while he CAN cover, its far from his strongest attribute

[papillon]

There's a depth chart and Mitchell was brought in specifically to be the starter based on very good play last season. He tweaked his groin a little bit early on but lets give him a chance. He started 14 games last year with 4 ints and 2 forced fumbles. Golden started none (either of his 2 seasons) and was beat out of starting time by Will Allen.

People love the pine riders.

Well, when the team is looking for a spark or someone to make a play you start grasping at straws. The defense looked so abysmal last Thursday that you start to think anyone must be better than what they're putting on the field. Could the Eagles have done any more on offense? (Which means could the Steelers have been any worse?)

Pappy

[Shawn]

Like I just said above...

The pass rush is REAL in Carolina. QB's were often hit, sacked or rushed on a ton of throws. Unless we turn into blitzburgh prepare for a little ugly in his cover game.

So what you are saying is that it isn't as much a Mitchell problem as it is a pass rush problem. With that I would agree.

[Ghost]

Fine then start Wil Allen. Your missing the point. Mitchell hasn't done a thing.

I'm not missing the point at all. Golden has been with the Steelers for 2 full seasons and never started a game. Clearly they didn't see him as an answer going into season 3. Mitchell was a very productive starter for a successful D last season. They gave him starter's money to start.

As I mentioned before, he tweaked his groin so they've been cautious and he's missed some time. He's also learning a new system and working with a new safety partner. Takes a little bit of time to learn patterns and build trust. So far in their respective careers; Mitchell is the better athlete and player. It's not that close. If for some reason he shows himself to be a complete failure after some real games then it becomes time to talk about alternatives. Until then he's the starter and should be the starter.