Deangelo Williams

[feltdizz]

...any negative outcome is always Tomlin's fault. Good outcomes are everybody else's efforts.

I could see if Parker pulled a hammy or his Achilles ripped without being touched but getting tackled on turf?

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Some injuries--like the one Bell suffered--could happen if a player was on the field for only one play. There are other injures that may be the result of overuse (or a player may be more susceptible to them because of overuse). I can't blame Tomlin for Parker's broken leg. Not criticizing him for how he's handled DeAngelo so far, but I do think it would be wise to try to spell him some during the remaining games. If this team does make the playoffs, I'd think they'd want a healthy DeAngelo, not one who's limping into the postseason, or worse. We saw last season how hard it is to try to win in the playoffs without a good RB.

Of course, it's harder to pull out your feature back when games are close. I understand it can be a dilemma.

[NorthCoast]

Of course, it's harder to pull out your feature back when games are close. I understand it can be a dilemma.

this...

hasn't helped the Steelers have slim to no leads. can you imagine the uproar if Tomlin pulled DW to give a breather and the Steelers end up losing a game? Second-guessers would have a feeding frenzy.

[feltdizz]

Some injuries--like the one Bell suffered--could happen if a player was on the field for only one play. There are other injures that may be the result of overuse (or a player may be more susceptible to them because of overuse). I can't blame Tomlin for Parker's broken leg. Not criticizing him for how he's handled DeAngelo so far, but I do think it would be wise to try to spell him some during the remaining games. If this team does make the playoffs, I'd think they'd want a healthy DeAngelo, not one who's limping into the postseason, or worse. We saw last season how hard it is to try to win in the playoffs without a good RB.

Of course, it's harder to pull out your feature back when games are close. I understand it can be a dilemma.

yeah, it's not like DW was burning clock...

we needed every yard to win that game.

[WindyCitySteel]

yeah, it's not like DW was burning clock...

we needed every yard to win that game.

Martavis Bryant played 41 of 85 snaps so guys like Nix can run wheel routes and Hubbard can run pass patterns. Maybe we wouldn't have needed every DW yard had we blitzed that bad secondary the entire game.

[Shoe]

Ugh, I really hope this is just precautionary.

While I 100% do not question the use of Williams against the Raiders, when possible, I think the Steelers need to spell him a bit moving forward. If you can give Todman something in the area of 5-7 touches per game, I think that could help keep Williams fresh.

I agree completely. Especially if we want Williams to be an asset come playoff-time. I'm not saying save him for the playoffs, but I think he needs to be managed. Ideally, I think if you run him hard one week (i.e. 20+ carries), de-emphasize the run the following week. As an older guy myself, I'll co-sign on the fact that you just can't dial it up all the time, every week. What you can still do, is dial it up when the time calls... if you're body is fresh enough. I consider this the reason why Favre failed as an older guy who could still ball, why Manning has failed so often toward the end, and why I think Brady will also falter toward the end... old guys need a pitch-count... you cannot trot an old guy out there just like he was 29 years old.

[Oviedo]

Martavis Bryant played 41 of 85 snaps so guys like Nix can run wheel routes and Hubbard can run pass patterns. Maybe we wouldn't have needed every DW yard had we blitzed that bad secondary the entire game.

Maybe Bryant has to show more and he isn't. Perhaps it is on him and not the coaches.

[Shawn]

Not all that surprising that his feet are swollen with around 30 touches at age 32.

I predict he'll be ready for the Browns game. I agree with the OP, need to get Todman a few more touches per game.

I have foot pain and swelling just watching him run that many times.

[Shawn]

Anyone else want a round 2-3 RB this year?

[RuthlessBurgher]

Anyone else want a round 2-3 RB this year?

Would you consider the big Conner kid from Pitt in the middle rounds if he comes out? You might be able to get his lower than previously thought following the ACL injury. Or would you prefer someone more in the Bell mold who gives you a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield as well as a runner?

[Oviedo]

Anyone else want a round 2-3 RB this year?

I'll buy a 3-4 round RB. I worry about Bell being injury prone. Guy is great but this is two years in a row on the same knee.

[Oviedo]

Would you consider the big Conner kid from Pitt in the middle rounds if he comes out? You might be able to get his lower than previously thought following the ACL injury. Or would you prefer someone more in the Bell mold who gives you a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield as well as a runner?

Would love Connor in Round 4.

The Steelers will probably have more insight into the kid and how he is rehabbing than any other team.

[feltdizz]

I agree completely. Especially if we want Williams to be an asset come playoff-time. I'm not saying save him for the playoffs, but I think he needs to be managed. Ideally, I think if you run him hard one week (i.e. 20+ carries), de-emphasize the run the following week. As an older guy myself, I'll co-sign on the fact that you just can't dial it up all the time, every week. What you can still do, is dial it up when the time calls... if you're body is fresh enough. I consider this the reason why Favre failed as an older guy who could still ball, why Manning has failed so often toward the end, and why I think Brady will also falter toward the end... old guys need a pitch-count... you cannot trot an old guy out there just like he was 29 years old.

Favre failed because he threw hail mary's in overtime games at the end of his career. Like he just gave up... That pass vs Philly was a headscratcher.

Manning failed late because he couldn't beat Brady

Brady shows no signs of faltering. ZERO

[feltdizz]

Would you consider the big Conner kid from Pitt in the middle rounds if he comes out? You might be able to get his lower than previously thought following the ACL injury. Or would you prefer someone more in the Bell mold who gives you a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield as well as a runner?

I would consider it but his style looks like it's injury prone at the next level. He runs through people.

[RobinCole]

Oh geezus, now Bell is injury prone. It was just a matter of time before that nonsense got trotted out.

I keep telling you. All position players in the NFL are injury prone. Take a look at the injury reports each week and the lists of players on IR. It's happening to every team. Guys are even retiring in their 20s because they know the game is dangerous and don't want to risk it, even for millions of dollars. What more evidence do you want?