Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

[jj28west]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Anyone think Johnson can take McHugh's spot?

I did see him make a nice play getting the angle on a fast Redskin returner and making a solid tackle. Sometimes its those little things that get you noticed.

[AkronSteel]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Anyone think Johnson can take McHugh's spot?

I did see him make a nice play getting the angle on a fast Redskin returner and making a solid tackle. Sometimes its those little things that get you noticed.

I definitely see Johnson taking that spot. He offers the same thing that McHugh does and has outperformed him so far. From what I hear the coaches love this kid and he is a real good in-line blocker and lead blocker. I expect to see D.J. in on the goal line all year.

[Discipline of Steel]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Lots of controversy over Burnett. He has some notable skills but also TWO fumbles on punt returns, one to lose the game, and a total failure at covering a 6'4" receiver on a TD. That will be a tough track record to overcome if he is on the bubble. Possibly he can hide on the practice squad but some team with a lesser roster may just scoop him up as a returner anyway. Unless he makes some more splash plays and cuts the gaffs, he just might be on another roster at the start of the season.

[Oviedo]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

It's well known I am a Burnett supporter and I remain so. I don;t think he is at risk not to make the final 53 but he has made it a harder decision than it needs to be.

My logic is regardless of the punt gaffes he has proven to be a solid gunner and more importantly an CB with big upside. The TD catch he gave up would not have been stopped by any other CB on the team. It was a perfectly thrown jump ball to a 6'4" receiver in the corner of the endzone. He was the only one who could have caught it or it would have been overthrown.

Everyone wants to forget the INT Burnett had just last week and the reports out of camp have consistently had him being a great balllhawk. Not smart to let young CBs like that go. If anything he has played better in the two exhibition games than Keenan Lewis. Not sure what the love is all of the sudden with Ratliff because I haven't sen him do much either against third teamers.

I think Logan won a spot last night but he creates the same problem as the long snapper. One dimensional player who will never get a rush or reception as a RB or WR no matter what you want to call him. That is hard to give up a roster spot for that.

If we don't keep Burnett IMO no way he gets to the PS. he will be on someone elses Final 53.

[plainnasty]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

I think that you need to make a spot for Logan. And if he makes the final roster, there is no reason why he can't contribute as a RB or WR. Logan has said that he compares himself to Darren Sproles. And we all saw plenty of what Sproles could do last year. Mix Logan in some on offense during the preseason and see what he can do.

If David Johnson can block like its being reported, you need to find a spot for him also. Spaeth can't block to save his life and, after catching some TDs his rookie year, he hasn't done much as far as receiving goes either. I don't think that Spaeth is in trouble of being cut, but he has impressed me less than McHugh has.

McDonald should be a lock for the final roster. If a third down pass is being thrown to McDonald, I'll be comfortable knowing that he'll catch the ball.

[Slapstick]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

It's well known I am a Burnett supporter and I remain so. I don;t think he is at risk not to make the final 53 but he has made it a harder decision than it needs to be.

My logic is regardless of the punt gaffes he has proven to be a solid gunner and more importantly an CB with big upside. The TD catch he gave up would not have been stopped by any other CB on the team. It was a perfectly thrown jump ball to a 6'4" receiver in the corner of the endzone. He was the only one who could have caught it or it would have been overthrown.

Everyone wants to forget the INT Burnett had just last week and the reports out of camp have consistently had him being a great balllhawk. Not smart to let young CBs like that go. If anything he has played better in the two exhibition games than Keenan Lewis. Not sure what the love is all of the sudden with Ratliff because I haven't sen him do much either against third teamers.

I think Logan won a spot last night but he creates the same problem as the long snapper. One dimensional player who will never get a rush or reception as a RB or WR no matter what you want to call him. That is hard to give up a roster spot for that.

If we don't keep Burnett IMO no way he gets to the PS. he will be on someone elses Final 53.

I agree that Burnett will most likely be on the 53 man roster, barring some kind of complete meltdown...but, I could see him spending much of the season inactive if he does not earn a returner position...

I understand that you could call Logan a one dimensional player, but he's a one dimensional player who produced more than 200 all-purpose yards...if he's capable of doing that on a consistent basis, then one dimension is more than enough...IF he earns a roster spot and if he and Sepulveda can combine to change field position in the Steelers favor, it will be nothing but good for the Steelers...

[Chadman]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Hmm...the numbers game might play against some of the messege board favourites this year...

QB-
Ben, Batch & Dixon are locks- 3

RB-
Parker, Mendenhall, Moore & Logan (for PR/KR duties) seems good bets. Wonder if Logan is any chance of removing Moore? -4

FB-
Davis...not convinced any more. Johnson might be able to sneak in & perform the blocking duties...Summers only real show? Maybe no ACTUAL fullback makes the roster?

TE-
Miller, Speath &.....Johnson now ahead of McHugh- 3

WR-
Ward, Holmes, Sweed, Wallace & McDonald. Logan can be the extra WR if required.-5

OL-
Starks, Kemoeatu, Hartwig, Essex, Colon, Stapleton, Urbik, Legursky, Foster or Capizzi? Capizzi is more experienced- that might give him the edge. Foster & Shipley to the PS. Sucks- Chadman really likes both & suspects both will go elsewhere. Chadman has little time for Urbik, from training camp, and if he costs the Steelers either of these two good players, and then never makes it himself, Chadman won't be happy.-9

DL-
Hampton, Smith, Keisel, Hood, Hoke, Eason & Harris. Kirschke isn't that locked in for Chadman- old & pricey. Hood could take some of his reps along with Eason with little drop-off, meaning the Steelers can keep Harris.-7

LB's-
Harrison, Farrior, Timmons, Woodley, Fox, Bailey, Woods &....Frazier? Davis? Arnold Harrison? 3 players going for 1 spot. Chadman tips Frazier at this point.-8

DB's-
Taylor, Gay, Polamalu, Clark, Townsend, K Lewis, T Carter...Ratliff for Chadman makes it...so one of R Lewis, Mundy or Bennett makes the roster. Madison & his $1 million + contract are expendable. Chadman wil say Bennett by the barest of margins of R Lewis...with Mundy & Lewis going to PS & Townsend playing FS. In hindsight, keeping Ratliff as the nickle, and moving Townsend back to FS MIGHT be the thing that saves Bennett a roster spot.-9

ST's-
Reed, Sepulveda, Warren- 3

Ok, that leaves 2 spots open for R Lewis, Mundy, Madison, B Davis, A Harrison, Foster, Shipley, C Davis, Summers, McHugh & the rest of the WR's to fight for.

1 fullback likely makes it- let's go with the 'safe' pick & say that Tomlin keeps Carey Davis as experience and ST ability wins out over Summers, who, let's face it, hasn't grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

So, either a DB or an OL for that last spot...Shipley, Foster, Lewis, Madison or Mundy? Chadman will say Roy Lewis here- he was very close last season, can play safety, and ST, is young & cheap & should be ready to contribute.

The OT rotation is thin with only Capizzi a fulltime OT on the bench. but if injury hits the OL, it's a matter of inserting Urbik or Stapleton or Legursky into the RG spot & shifting Essex to OT. In fact- Urbik can 'apparently' play RT, so that helps cover that spot too.

So some board favourites such as Summers, Shipley, Foster & Mundy are very, very likely to be on the bubble this season.

[Oviedo]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Hmm...the numbers game might play against some of the messege board favourites this year...

QB-
Ben, Batch & Dixon are locks- 3

RB-
Parker, Mendenhall, Moore & Logan (for PR/KR duties) seems good bets. Wonder if Logan is any chance of removing Moore? -4

FB-
Davis...not convinced any more. Johnson might be able to sneak in & perform the blocking duties...Summers only real show? Maybe no ACTUAL fullback makes the roster?

TE-
Miller, Speath &.....Johnson now ahead of McHugh- 3

WR-
Ward, Holmes, Sweed, Wallace & McDonald. Logan can be the extra WR if required.-5

OL-
Starks, Kemoeatu, Hartwig, Essex, Colon, Stapleton, Urbik, Legursky, Foster or Capizzi? Capizzi is more experienced- that might give him the edge. Foster & Shipley to the PS. Sucks- Chadman really likes both & suspects both will go elsewhere. Chadman has little time for Urbik, from training camp, and if he costs the Steelers either of these two good players, and then never makes it himself, Chadman won't be happy.-9

DL-
Hampton, Smith, Keisel, Hood, Hoke, Eason & Harris. Kirschke isn't that locked in for Chadman- old & pricey. Hood could take some of his reps along with Eason with little drop-off, meaning the Steelers can keep Harris.-7

LB's-
Harrison, Farrior, Timmons, Woodley, Fox, Bailey, Woods &....Frazier? Davis? Arnold Harrison? 3 players going for 1 spot. Chadman tips Frazier at this point.-8

DB's-
Taylor, Gay, Polamalu, Clark, Townsend, K Lewis, T Carter...Ratliff for Chadman makes it...so one of R Lewis, Mundy or Bennett makes the roster. Madison & his $1 million + contract are expendable. Chadman wil say Bennett by the barest of margins of R Lewis...with Mundy & Lewis going to PS & Townsend playing FS. In hindsight, keeping Ratliff as the nickle, and moving Townsend back to FS MIGHT be the thing that saves Bennett a roster spot.-9

ST's-
Reed, Sepulveda, Warren- 3

Ok, that leaves 2 spots open for R Lewis, Mundy, Madison, B Davis, A Harrison, Foster, Shipley, C Davis, Summers, McHugh & the rest of the WR's to fight for.

1 fullback likely makes it- let's go with the 'safe' pick & say that Tomlin keeps Carey Davis as experience and ST ability wins out over Summers, who, let's face it, hasn't grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

So, either a DB or an OL for that last spot...Shipley, Foster, Lewis, Madison or Mundy? Chadman will say Roy Lewis here- he was very close last season, can play safety, and ST, is young & cheap & should be ready to contribute.

The OT rotation is thin with only Capizzi a fulltime OT on the bench. but if injury hits the OL, it's a matter of inserting Urbik or Stapleton or Legursky into the RG spot & shifting Essex to OT. In fact- Urbik can 'apparently' play RT, so that helps cover that spot too.

So some board favourites such as Summers, Shipley, Foster & Mundy are very, very likely to be on the bubble this season.

Great analysis and I agree except for

So, either a DB or an OL for that last spot...Shipley, Foster, Lewis, Madison or Mundy? Chadman will say Roy Lewis here- he was very close last season, can play safety, and ST, is young & cheap & should be ready to contribute.

No one is going to be knocking down the doors to take Roy Lewis off the PS. No way does Foster clear waivers and make it to the PS. I think Foster has this team made. I think both Foster and Capizzi make it because Hills IMO has looked terrible. Orapko basocally picked him up and threw him into the backfield.

[pfelix73]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Personally, from what I have witnessed so far, that Foster isn't good enough to make the 53. PS, ok, but 53? no way.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

In respect to "new faces" after the game- here are my thoughts...

If the rotation tonight has any indication of how the coaching staff regards the players.

-Ratliff is on the 53, as is Legursky. David Johnson looks like he has the advantage over McHugh. Bruce Davis, doesn't look like he makes it. Also, I don't think Summers even got in the game.

In respect to performance tonight-

I don't think there is anyway the team doesn't keep Logan- which means Burnett may have cost himself a roster spot.

Mundy- didn't see much. (I think we may see DeShae as the primary backup at FS)
Roy Lewis looked to be playing FS, as opposed to CB which he is listed as.

Not really sure why Vincent was in at RB over Redman... maybe it was Redman's "camp cupcake" comment that got him bumped down the totem pole.

couldn't really see a whole lot in respect to the OLine, individually, without re-watching the game.

I would not figure that the order of players tonight was truly reflective of where they stand in the rotation.

For example, just because Legursky started in place of Kemo does not have to mean that he is the #2 LG. It could also mean that he is firmly on the bubble and the staff wants to see what he could do at G against real NFL players instead of tomorrows bag boys.

Same with Vincent. I think that he got in as early as he did to see if he can prove anything against second dtringers instead of third stringers.

That is the luxury of having a team where the battles are for backup spots and not starting positions.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Personally, from what I have witnessed so far, that Foster isn't good enough to make the 53. PS, ok, but 53? no way.

totally disagree.

he has looked very solid in both preseason games and by all acounts has had an excellent camp. throwing away a talented young guard makes no sense.

[Oviedo]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Personally, from what I have witnessed so far, that Foster isn't good enough to make the 53. PS, ok, but 53? no way.

totally disagree.

he has looked very solid in both preseason games and by all acounts has had an excellent camp. throwing away a talented young guard makes no sense.

By all reports he has significantly outplayed Urbik. Additionally while they are focusing on him learning the Guard position he did play Tackle in college and in the future could be a swing guy with a good skill set.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

Personally, from what I have witnessed so far, that Foster isn't good enough to make the 53. PS, ok, but 53? no way.

totally disagree.

he has looked very solid in both preseason games and by all acounts has had an excellent camp. throwing away a talented young guard makes no sense.

By all reports he has significantly outplayed Urbik. Additionally while they are focusing on him learning the Guard position he did play Tackle in college and in the future could be a swing guy with a good skill set.

yup.

helped set an NCAA record on a line that allowed the fewest sacks(4) in a season.

i think the steelers know they found a hidden gem.

[NorthCoast]

Re: Breaking Camp--Predict the new faces this season

It's well known I am a Burnett supporter and I remain so. I don;t think he is at risk not to make the final 53 but he has made it a harder decision than it needs to be.

My logic is regardless of the punt gaffes he has proven to be a solid gunner and more importantly an CB with big upside. The TD catch he gave up would not have been stopped by any other CB on the team. It was a perfectly thrown jump ball to a 6'4" receiver in the corner of the endzone. He was the only one who could have caught it or it would have been overthrown.

Everyone wants to forget the INT Burnett had just last week and the reports out of camp have consistently had him being a great balllhawk. Not smart to let young CBs like that go. If anything he has played better in the two exhibition games than Keenan Lewis. Not sure what the love is all of the sudden with Ratliff because I haven't sen him do much either against third teamers.

I think Logan won a spot last night but he creates the same problem as the long snapper. One dimensional player who will never get a rush or reception as a RB or WR no matter what you want to call him. That is hard to give up a roster spot for that.

If we don't keep Burnett IMO no way he gets to the PS. he will be on someone elses Final 53.

I agree that Burnett will most likely be on the 53 man roster, barring some kind of complete meltdown...but, I could see him spending much of the season inactive if he does not earn a returner position...

I understand that you could call Logan a one dimensional player, but he's a one dimensional player who produced more than 200 all-purpose yards...if he's capable of doing that on a consistent basis, then one dimension is more than enough...IF he earns a roster spot and if he and Sepulveda can combine to change field position in the Steelers favor, it will be nothing but good for the Steelers...

Exactly right. If we can start every offensive drive from near mid-field then the coaching staff would have to be insane not to get Logan on the roster. Now I will temper this enthusiasm because I thought I read or heard that Washington's ST coverage really blew last year (maybe someone has the stats).