Nine signed to offseason roster

[phillyesq]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Interesting that T-Rex Shipley is not on that list.

I'm shocked that the second coming of Mike Webster wasn't added to the roster. But hey, at least we resigned future HOF running back Ike Redmond.

[Pittsburgh]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I thought it was odd that Reed's leg finally showed up in the last game in Miami with a touchback that went 6-7 yards deep in the endzone, and another kick that was 2-3 yards deep in the endzone that their return guy brought out (but I think our coverage team tackled him around the 18 yard line in that instance).

Maybe he was sober?

[Jigawatts]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I don't think that Jeff Reed is the only person in the world who can or will kick well at
Heinz Field. That, coupled with his off field activities, kind of hints that he's outta here.

I really don't know where he'd end up though because Pittsburgh and the surrounding
areas seem to have the most amount of Sheetz stations.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I thought it was odd that Reed's leg finally showed up in the last game in Miami with a touchback that went 6-7 yards deep in the endzone, and another kick that was 2-3 yards deep in the endzone that their return guy brought out (but I think our coverage team tackled him around the 18 yard line in that instance).

Maybe he was sober?

If there is one place in the country to help get you sober, it's South Beach.

[LordVile]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Did he have very strong winds behind him on the kickoffs in the Bills game, or am I completely wrong on that?

That I do not recall. I just recall seeing something from Czech that I hardly ever see from Jeff Reed, a kickoff going past the 25 yard line.

I thought it was odd that Reed's leg finally showed up in the last game in Miami with a touchback that went 6-7 yards deep in the endzone, and another kick that was 2-3 yards deep in the endzone that their return guy brought out (but I think our coverage team tackled him around the 18 yard line in that instance).

Yeah, that was weird to finally see the power that was lacking, finally in the last game.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I don't think that Jeff Reed is the only person in the world who can or will kick well at
Heinz Field. That, coupled with his off field activities, kind of hints that he's outta here.

I really don't know where he'd end up though because Pittsburgh and the surrounding
areas seem to have the most amount of Sheetz stations.

After the Green Bay and Baltimore games in December, I stopped at Sheetz on the way home from Pittsburgh to gas up and for a bathroom break. On both occassions, the towel dispenser in the rest room was empty. Seriously. You can't make stuff like this up.

[Pittsburgh]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I don't think that Jeff Reed is the only person in the world who can or will kick well at
Heinz Field. That, coupled with his off field activities, kind of hints that he's outta here.

I really don't know where he'd end up though because Pittsburgh and the surrounding
areas seem to have the most amount of Sheetz stations.

Between hitting on girls who are twenty years younger than him or having to get escorted out of the Igloo club because he refuses to leave after the game is over, I can tell you he will be sorely missed at Mellon Arena. You can bet on that.

That Jeff, such a class act.

[Jigawatts]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I don't think that Jeff Reed is the only person in the world who can or will kick well at
Heinz Field. That, coupled with his off field activities, kind of hints that he's outta here.

I really don't know where he'd end up though because Pittsburgh and the surrounding
areas seem to have the most amount of Sheetz stations.

After the Green Bay and Baltimore games in December, I stopped at Sheetz on the way home from Pittsburgh to gas up and for a bathroom break. On both occassions, the towel dispenser in the rest room was empty. Seriously. You can't make stuff like this up.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I don't think that Jeff Reed is the only person in the world who can or will kick well at
Heinz Field. That, coupled with his off field activities, kind of hints that he's outta here.

I really don't know where he'd end up though because Pittsburgh and the surrounding
areas seem to have the most amount of Sheetz stations.

Between hitting on girls who are twenty years younger than him or having to get escorted out of the Igloo club because he refuses to leave after the game is over, I can tell you he will be sorely missed at Mellon Arena. You can bet on that.

That Jeff, such a class act.

Well, if Jeff Reed is hitting on 10 year old girls, then his problems run deeper than any of us thought!

[SteelAbility]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I reallly want better kickoffs next season. FGs are really important, but I think I'd take a guy who missed 3-5 more than Reed would if that guy could get a lot of touchbacks and make life easier for our coverage teams. I think the points lost on the FGs would at least be a wash if we can eliminate most of the kickoff return TDs (was it 5 this season?)

You know if you get a guy who can routinely boot it out of the EZ, then a huge chunk of your KR STs practice just went away, allowing those players to practice other things. Just sayin.' There's a TON of value in having a guy who can consistently boot it out of the EZ.

[Jigawatts]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

I reallly want better kickoffs next season. FGs are really important, but I think I'd take a guy who missed 3-5 more than Reed would if that guy could get a lot of touchbacks and make life easier for our coverage teams. I think the points lost on the FGs would at least be a wash if we can eliminate most of the kickoff return TDs (was it 5 this season?)

You know if you get a guy who can routinely boot it out of the EZ, then a huge chunk of your KR STs practice just went away, allowing those players to practice other things. Just sayin.' There's a TON of value in having a guy who can consistently boot it out of the EZ.

The way the Steelers cover, I'd be happy with someone who can boot it out of bounds.

Hopefully that will change this year with a new special teams coach.

[Pittsburgh]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Well, if Jeff Reed is hitting on 10 year old girls, then his problems run deeper than any of us thought!

Well, he's not on the Chris Henry age level when it comes to girls, but he's not far off.

Oh, was that too soon? Maybe? Yes?

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Interesting that T-Rex Shipley is not on that list. Hopefully that means that they are satisfied with the progress of Legursky and Urbik and the rehab of Stapleton.

Trae Williams was an interesting late season pickup to be a CB prospect, and we should get the same Frank the Tank vs. Redzone Redman showdown in camp this year. With Reed an UFA, having Czech as insurance gives the team a bit of leverage in negotiations.

I noticed Shipley wasn't on there too. Here's an article on it.

[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2010/january/08/shipleys-future-may-not-be-with-steelers.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... elers.html[/url]

Shipley's future may not be with Steelers
By: Mike BiresBeaver County Times
Friday January 8, 2010 12:00 AM

PITTSBURGH — A.Q. Shipley’s rookie year with the Steelers was a positive experience. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be back next season.

On Thursday, the Steelers signed seven of their eight practice squad players to their off-season roster. The only practice squad player not signed was Shipley, a center.

“An offer is on the table, but my agent and I are trying to figure out what’s best for me,” said Shipley.

In other words, Shipley wants to play.

On game days next year, the former Moon Area and Penn State standout wants to be in uniform as a member of a 53-man active roster. There are no guarantees that will happen in Pittsburgh. That’s why Shipley and his agent Eric Metz are exploring other options.

For the time being, he is not under contract with the Steelers.

Shipley came to the Steelers as the first of their two seventh-round picks in the 2009 Draft. But with Justin Hartwig entrenched as the starter at center, Shipley was among those released in the final cut on Sept. 5. He was then signed to the practice squad and remained there all season.

The Steelers kept nine offensive linemen, including first-year pro Doug Legursky and rookies Kraig Urbik and Ramon Foster.

As one of three third-round draft picks, Urbik wasn’t going to be cut. Legursky and Foster, both undrafted out of college, had the edge over Shipley because they were able to play two positions. Foster wound up starting four games at left guard due to injuries to Chris Kemoeatu.

But even as a practice squad player, Shipley learned a lot about the pro game.

“It was great,” he said. “Obviously, I was a little disappointed at first about being on the practice squad. I wanted to play. I felt I was good enough to play. I thought I played well enough in the preseason. But it just didn’t work out.

“Still, from a first-year perspective, I think things went pretty well. I was able to go against (nose tackle) Casey Hampton, a Pro Bowler, every day in practice. I was able to practice against some good linebackers. I was able to get some more reps at guard and learn the system a little bit more. I put on about 10-to-15 pounds. So, yeah, it was a great experience.”

Playing on the practice squad did cost Shipley some cash. Had he made the active roster, he would have been paid $310,000, the NFL minimum for a first-year player. Practice squad players make around $88,400.

Shipley was able to keep his $42,000 signing bonus.

“I’m going to take a little time off and rest,” Shipley said. “I’ve been training since I got off the plane from the Rose Bowl last year. I really haven’t had any time off. So I need a break. Maybe I’ll take a vacation here and there.

“Then when I come back and start training again, it’ll be full go.”

[Tomlinator]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Interesting that T-Rex Shipley is not on that list. Hopefully that means that they are satisfied with the progress of Legursky and Urbik and the rehab of Stapleton.

Trae Williams was an interesting late season pickup to be a CB prospect, and we should get the same Frank the Tank vs. Redzone Redman showdown in camp this year. With Reed an UFA, having Czech as insurance gives the team a bit of leverage in negotiations.

I noticed Shipley wasn't on there too. Here's an article on it.

[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2010/january/08/shipleys-future-may-not-be-with-steelers.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... elers.html[/url]

Shipley's future may not be with Steelers
By: Mike BiresBeaver County Times
Friday January 8, 2010 12:00 AM

PITTSBURGH — A.Q. Shipley’s rookie year with the Steelers was a positive experience. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be back next season.

On Thursday, the Steelers signed seven of their eight practice squad players to their off-season roster. The only practice squad player not signed was Shipley, a center.

“An offer is on the table, but my agent and I are trying to figure out what’s best for me,” said Shipley.

In other words, Shipley wants to play.

On game days next year, the former Moon Area and Penn State standout wants to be in uniform as a member of a 53-man active roster. There are no guarantees that will happen in Pittsburgh. That’s why Shipley and his agent Eric Metz are exploring other options.

For the time being, he is not under contract with the Steelers.

Shipley came to the Steelers as the first of their two seventh-round picks in the 2009 Draft. But with Justin Hartwig entrenched as the starter at center, Shipley was among those released in the final cut on Sept. 5. He was then signed to the practice squad and remained there all season.

The Steelers kept nine offensive linemen, including first-year pro Doug Legursky and rookies Kraig Urbik and Ramon Foster.

As one of three third-round draft picks, Urbik wasn’t going to be cut. Legursky and Foster, both undrafted out of college, had the edge over Shipley because they were able to play two positions. Foster wound up starting four games at left guard due to injuries to Chris Kemoeatu.

But even as a practice squad player, Shipley learned a lot about the pro game.

“It was great,” he said. “Obviously, I was a little disappointed at first about being on the practice squad. I wanted to play. I felt I was good enough to play. I thought I played well enough in the preseason. But it just didn’t work out.

“Still, from a first-year perspective, I think things went pretty well. I was able to go against (nose tackle) Casey Hampton, a Pro Bowler, every day in practice. I was able to practice against some good linebackers. I was able to get some more reps at guard and learn the system a little bit more. I put on about 10-to-15 pounds. So, yeah, it was a great experience.”

Playing on the practice squad did cost Shipley some cash. Had he made the active roster, he would have been paid $310,000, the NFL minimum for a first-year player. Practice squad players make around $88,400.

Shipley was able to keep his $42,000 signing bonus.

“I’m going to take a little time off and rest,” Shipley said. “I’ve been training since I got off the plane from the Rose Bowl last year. I really haven’t had any time off. So I need a break. Maybe I’ll take a vacation here and there.

“Then when I come back and start training again, it’ll be full go.”

I understand where he's coming form, i'd like to be on a 53 man roster too. But something about this strikes me wrong. Sounds to me like he wants to be handed a roster spot.

Maybe he needs to think about fighting his way on the team and showing the coaches what he's got. He's only a 7th rounder, and was almost undrafted. He needs to put in the work like Foster and Legursky.

[phillyesq]

Re: Nine signed to offseason roster

Interesting that T-Rex Shipley is not on that list. Hopefully that means that they are satisfied with the progress of Legursky and Urbik and the rehab of Stapleton.

Trae Williams was an interesting late season pickup to be a CB prospect, and we should get the same Frank the Tank vs. Redzone Redman showdown in camp this year. With Reed an UFA, having Czech as insurance gives the team a bit of leverage in negotiations.

I noticed Shipley wasn't on there too. Here's an article on it.

[url="http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2010/january/08/shipleys-future-may-not-be-with-steelers.html"]http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sport ... elers.html[/url]

Shipley's future may not be with Steelers
By: Mike BiresBeaver County Times
Friday January 8, 2010 12:00 AM

PITTSBURGH — A.Q. Shipley’s rookie year with the Steelers was a positive experience. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be back next season.

On Thursday, the Steelers signed seven of their eight practice squad players to their off-season roster. The only practice squad player not signed was Shipley, a center.

“An offer is on the table, but my agent and I are trying to figure out what’s best for me,” said Shipley.

In other words, Shipley wants to play.

On game days next year, the former Moon Area and Penn State standout wants to be in uniform as a member of a 53-man active roster. There are no guarantees that will happen in Pittsburgh. That’s why Shipley and his agent Eric Metz are exploring other options.

For the time being, he is not under contract with the Steelers.

Shipley came to the Steelers as the first of their two seventh-round picks in the 2009 Draft. But with Justin Hartwig entrenched as the starter at center, Shipley was among those released in the final cut on Sept. 5. He was then signed to the practice squad and remained there all season.

The Steelers kept nine offensive linemen, including first-year pro Doug Legursky and rookies Kraig Urbik and Ramon Foster.

As one of three third-round draft picks, Urbik wasn’t going to be cut. Legursky and Foster, both undrafted out of college, had the edge over Shipley because they were able to play two positions. Foster wound up starting four games at left guard due to injuries to Chris Kemoeatu.

But even as a practice squad player, Shipley learned a lot about the pro game.

“It was great,” he said. “Obviously, I was a little disappointed at first about being on the practice squad. I wanted to play. I felt I was good enough to play. I thought I played well enough in the preseason. But it just didn’t work out.

“Still, from a first-year perspective, I think things went pretty well. I was able to go against (nose tackle) Casey Hampton, a Pro Bowler, every day in practice. I was able to practice against some good linebackers. I was able to get some more reps at guard and learn the system a little bit more. I put on about 10-to-15 pounds. So, yeah, it was a great experience.”

Playing on the practice squad did cost Shipley some cash. Had he made the active roster, he would have been paid $310,000, the NFL minimum for a first-year player. Practice squad players make around $88,400.

Shipley was able to keep his $42,000 signing bonus.

“I’m going to take a little time off and rest,” Shipley said. “I’ve been training since I got off the plane from the Rose Bowl last year. I really haven’t had any time off. So I need a break. Maybe I’ll take a vacation here and there.

“Then when I come back and start training again, it’ll be full go.”

I understand where he's coming form, i'd like to be on a 53 man roster too. But something about this strikes me wrong. Sounds to me like he wants to be handed a roster spot.

Maybe he needs to think about fighting his way on the team and showing the coaches what he's got. He's only a 7th rounder, and was almost undrafted. He needs to put in the work like Foster and Legursky.

I didn't take it that way at all. I think that he feels that there might not be a spot for him with Hartwig, Legursky and the return of Stapelton next year, so he's looking for a team with more of a need at center.