The Real Problem on Defense...

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Farrior's play has declined sharply this season. Field general or not, I think it was a huge mistake to sign him to that big, multiyear contract. He's slowing down, and he's getting older. A priority next offseason should be to look for his replacement.

The linebackers are supposed to be the chief playmakers in this defense. The decline of Farrior, along with the disappearance of Woodley in the early part of this season, have hurt this defense badly. Combined with suspect play-calling, it's caused our defense to drop from the best to maybe average or a little above. What a disappointment.

The good news is, we're 4-2, tied for the division lead, the offense is getting better, and there's still plenty of time to make some improvement on defense.

Farrior's extension was for 5 years, but it is not a bear of a contract. It only had a $5 million signing bonus, so it would not be a cap killer if the team felt the need to cut him before it expires. His yearly salary is under $3 million for the duration of the contract.

Keep in mind that he was always solid against the run, but was never elite in pass coverage or pass rushing even in his prime. This season, we are 3rd in the league in total defense, 2nd in the league in rush defense, and 12th in the league in pass defense.

Those stats don't tell the whole story. How does our defense rank in the second half of games? In the fourth quarter of games? If you could find those stats, I bet you'd find much lower rankings.

Farrior was a great addition to the Steelers, but at this stage in his career, he probably ought to be sitting part of the time, especially in some passing situations.

[stlrz d]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Farrior's play has declined sharply this season. Field general or not, I think it was a huge mistake to sign him to that big, multiyear contract. He's slowing down, and he's getting older. A priority next offseason should be to look for his replacement.

The linebackers are supposed to be the chief playmakers in this defense. The decline of Farrior, along with the disappearance of Woodley in the early part of this season, have hurt this defense badly. Combined with suspect play-calling, it's caused our defense to drop from the best to maybe average or a little above. What a disappointment.

The good news is, we're 4-2, tied for the division lead, the offense is getting better, and there's still plenty of time to make some improvement on defense.

Farrior's extension was for 5 years, but it is not a bear of a contract. It only had a $5 million signing bonus, so it would not be a cap killer if the team felt the need to cut him before it expires. His yearly salary is under $3 million for the duration of the contract.

Keep in mind that he was always solid against the run, but was never elite in pass coverage or pass rushing even in his prime. This season, we are 3rd in the league in total defense, 2nd in the league in rush defense, and 12th in the league in pass defense.

Those stats don't tell the whole story. How does our defense rank in the second half of games? In the fourth quarter of games? If you could find those stats, I bet you'd find much lower rankings.

Farrior was a great addition to the Steelers, but at this stage in his career, he probably ought to be sitting part of the time, especially in some passing situations.

You're right...they don't. Part of the story is the play calling in the second half, and particularly in the 4th quarter.

[frankthetank1]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Farrior's play has declined sharply this season. Field general or not, I think it was a huge mistake to sign him to that big, multiyear contract. He's slowing down, and he's getting older. A priority next offseason should be to look for his replacement.

The linebackers are supposed to be the chief playmakers in this defense. The decline of Farrior, along with the disappearance of Woodley in the early part of this season, have hurt this defense badly. Combined with suspect play-calling, it's caused our defense to drop from the best to maybe average or a little above. What a disappointment.

The good news is, we're 4-2, tied for the division lead, the offense is getting better, and there's still plenty of time to make some improvement on defense.

Farrior's extension was for 5 years, but it is not a bear of a contract. It only had a $5 million signing bonus, so it would not be a cap killer if the team felt the need to cut him before it expires. His yearly salary is under $3 million for the duration of the contract.

Keep in mind that he was always solid against the run, but was never elite in pass coverage or pass rushing even in his prime. This season, we are 3rd in the league in total defense, 2nd in the league in rush defense, and 12th in the league in pass defense.

Those stats don't tell the whole story. How does our defense rank in the second half of games? In the fourth quarter of games? If you could find those stats, I bet you'd find much lower rankings.

Farrior was a great addition to the Steelers, but at this stage in his career, he probably ought to be sitting part of the time, especially in some passing situations.

it would make a lot of sense to sit farrior a little bit during games. it will keep him a lot fresher for the entire season. i wouldnt say this if i didnt think fox is a very good player. the addition of fox and moore alone are two amazing moves by the steelers and both players cost nothing.

[grotonsteel]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Farrior's play has declined sharply this season. Field general or not, I think it was a huge mistake to sign him to that big, multiyear contract. He's slowing down, and he's getting older. A priority next offseason should be to look for his replacement.

The linebackers are supposed to be the chief playmakers in this defense. The decline of Farrior, along with the disappearance of Woodley in the early part of this season, have hurt this defense badly. Combined with suspect play-calling, it's caused our defense to drop from the best to maybe average or a little above. What a disappointment.

The good news is, we're 4-2, tied for the division lead, the offense is getting better, and there's still plenty of time to make some improvement on defense.

Farrior's extension was for 5 years, but it is not a bear of a contract. It only had a $5 million signing bonus, so it would not be a cap killer if the team felt the need to cut him before it expires. His yearly salary is under $3 million for the duration of the contract.

Keep in mind that he was always solid against the run, but was never elite in pass coverage or pass rushing even in his prime. This season, we are 3rd in the league in total defense, 2nd in the league in rush defense, and 12th in the league in pass defense.

Those stats don't tell the whole story. How does our defense rank in the second half of games? In the fourth quarter of games? If you could find those stats, I bet you'd find much lower rankings.

Farrior was a great addition to the Steelers, but at this stage in his career, he probably ought to be sitting part of the time, especially in some passing situations.

Donkeys D is exactly opposite. Donkeys are yet to give a point in 4th Q. They are outscoring opp 76-10 in 2nd half of the games. DonKeys keep blitzing till the end.. There is no Prevent D in Donkeyland. They were blitzing Rivers even on last drive. Steelers would have gone to tht stupid prevent D in that situation. Mike Nolan has done a great job there with castoffs.

[Chadman]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

On draft day when pick #32 came up, Chadman wanted either Louis Delmas or the best ILB in the draft- Rey Muauluga. Obviously the Steelers got Ziggy, and don't get Chadman wrong, he'll probably be good, but Muauluga has the ability to be better than 'good'. And as has been stated- the key to a 3-4 is the LB's. Chadman thinks the Steelers missed on a potentially 'special' player in the last draft.

[grotonsteel]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

On draft day when pick #32 came up, Chadman wanted either Louis Delmas or the best ILB in the draft- Rey Muauluga. Obviously the Steelers got Ziggy, and don't get Chadman wrong, he'll probably be good, but Muauluga has the ability to be better than 'good'. And as has been stated- the key to a 3-4 is the LB's. Chadman thinks the Steelers missed on a potentially 'special' player in the last draft.

Do you think economics played a part while drafting Ziggy Hood? I think Steelers passed on Rey Maualuga just because maybe they did not want to invest too much money in LB corp. Steelers will need money to sign Timmons and Woodley.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Maualuga and Hood are both talented players.

I think they drafted Hood because he is a hard-working, dedicated Steeler-type player.

Maualuga, on the other hand, has the reputation for his childish immaturity and a potential attitude problem.

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[stlrz d]

Re: The Real Problem on Defense...

Maualuga and Hood are both talented players.

I think they drafted Hood because he is a hard-working, dedicated Steeler-type player.

Maualuga, on the other hand, has the reputation for his childish immaturity and a potential attitude problem.

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Can he kick the ball?