How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

[bostonsteeler]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

I wish one of our C's could be the special teams long snapper. Nothing against Warren but he has no potential to ever be a starter on the oline.

I think James Harrison can long snap in a pinch.

Long is right!
Long and high!

[Slapstick]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

As far as RBs go, I have two thoughts:

1) There is no way that Mewelde Moore is even close to the bubble...I don't know if I misinterpreted a post or what, but he will be on the team.

2) I disagree that Frank Summers has an advantage over Redman because he was drafted...if he had been drafted on the first day or even early in the second, I would agree...but, the only thing that will give any advantage for that last RB spot is production...

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

I wish one of our C's could be the special teams long snapper. Nothing against Warren but he has no potential to ever be a starter on the oline.

It is exceedingly rare that a longsnapper would ever be a potential starter on the o-line. Most NFL long snappers have bodies that are more similar to tight ends or linebackers than o-lineman, which makes sense, because these guys have to get down the field on punt coverage and tackle somebody just like everyone else on the punt coverage units. Teams don't try to block punts or kicks by penetrating up the middle, so there is no point to having your longsnapper be a big beefy guy. They rush from the edges on both punt and field goals if attempting to block it, or they could leap at the line to try to block a line drive kick. Warren, at 6'3" 252 lbs. is the right size for a longsnapper who snap the ball then can get downfield to cover punts. That's his job, and he does it well.

[papillon]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

I wish one of our C's could be the special teams long snapper. Nothing against Warren but he has no potential to ever be a starter on the oline.

It is exceedingly rare that a longsnapper would ever be a potential starter on the o-line. Most NFL long snappers have bodies that are more similar to tight ends or linebackers than o-lineman, which makes sense, because these guys have to get down the field on punt coverage and tackle somebody just like everyone else on the punt coverage units. Teams don't try to block punts or kicks by penetrating up the middle, so there is no point to having your longsnapper be a big beefy guy. They rush from the edges on both punt and field goals if attempting to block it, or they could leap at the line to try to block a line drive kick. Warren, at 6'3" 252 lbs. is the right size for a longsnapper who snap the ball then can get downfield to cover punts. That's his job, and he does it well.

It's a high price to pay (a roster spot) in my opinion for a player that is on the field for 6-10 plays per game. I have no idea how many tackles Greg Warren makes or assists on during a game or season, but, if one of our centers could do this job the Steelers would be able to keep one more of their talented players on the roster.

Any player the Steelers put on the practice squad is going to be gone within hours of being placed there. Maybe, it's worth it, since, it seems all NFL teams have a long snapper, but, I'd like to see the Steelers break new ground in this regard and use someone currently on the team as an every down player.

Why not have a backup TE practice this "art form"? Too late for this year, but, there is always next year.

Pappy

[Slapstick]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

We've all seen the value of a good long snapper...6-10 plays per game or not, the price isn't too high at all...

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

We've all seen the value of a good long snapper...6-10 plays per game or not, the price isn't too high at all...

Exactly. A good snap could lead to a 50 yard punt. A bad snap could lead to a 20 yard loss. That 70 yard change in field position because of one little mishap from a guy that is not a full-time longsnapper (but saves a precious roster spot!) could be disasterous.

A good snap could lead to a made field goal. A bad snap could lead to the kicker not even being able to attempt the kick. How many games in the NFL are decided by a margin of 3 points or less? Plenty. A good steady longsnapper is well worth it. Everyone who witnessed the Giant game last year should realize this.

[pfelix73]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

If Shipley can LS and is good at it, I'm all for moving Shipley into that role. That is yet to be determined though as we have 3 more pre season games to go.

[Ghost]

Re: How many people need to be cut... and who's on the bubble?

Ask the Giants (and fans) if they think a competant long snapper is important? 2005, Junkin missed two that screwed up FG's - one to put them ahead by 8 and the second would have won the game - in the playoffs!

I LOVE never having to worry about the snap back to the punter or for Reed. Automatic is great!!! Well worth the roster spot and his salary is a pittence!