How long will Steelers wait for players to grow into defense?

[WindyCitySteel]

Probably until Ben is retired. I'd rather they hire a coach who can design a system around the talent he has.



Miller: All of these "failures" as Tomlin mentioned... reminds me of the OT game-loser against Tim Tebow and the Broncos. I understand there's a lack of playmakers on this defense and has been for several years, but knowing that and not adjusting your defense to incorporate new players (via free agency) or young players (through the draft) is a sign of the Steelers' superiority complex that has flown in the face of Mr. Rooney's request to develop young players faster and also smacks of "we're smarter than them, we're the Steelers." Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo: I think it has more to do with this defense being complicated and the coaches and front office types not wanting to dip into free agency to replace players with guys who are not familiar with their system. It's why they re-sign guys like William Gay when no one else wants them.

[Steelhere10]

When Dickey retires or John Mitchell get fired, Or the whole staff get fired is when you will see a change.

[Steelhere10]

To many old timers stuck in their ways.

[Oviedo]

We'll continue to let LeBeau stay at the rudder of his sinking defensive ship until it completely goes under and then he abandon ship and retire and leave the next guy nothing except a major rebuilding effort. By then we won't have our franchise QB any longer and a potentially great offense will take a step back

[Slapstick]

So, let's bring in a new guy...and by the time the players learn the new system, our QB will be retired...

[BradshawsHairdresser]

So, let's bring in a new guy...and by the time the players learn the new system, our QB will be retired...

You've just been conditioned to think this because LeBeau's system takes 3 years to learn. There are other defensive systems out there that don't take nearly that long.

[WindyCitySteel]

So, let's bring in a new guy...and by the time the players learn the new system, our QB will be retired...

They're drafting 4-3 players, put them in a 4-3. That way you don't have to unteach them everything they've known since Pop Warner to learn your precious system.

[feltdizz]

So, let's bring in a new guy...and by the time the players learn the new system, our QB will be retired...

most defenses don't take 3 years to learn.

this is the problem with DL defenders. They actually believe it takes that long to learn a scheme. Players need time to catch up to the speed of the NFL and we ask them to unlearn everything they knew since they were 9 while doing it. This is why we keep bringing in old vets instead of young guys.

[Slapstick]

We bring in old guys because we want to win now...despite what you may want to think, it often does take players two or three years to acclimate to the NFL....

We want young players to play, but we don't want to put up with their mistakes...