LeBeau & Butler

[Shoes]

I would think LeBeau will be retiring at some point. It will be interesting to see what changes Butler brings…if any. I do wonder tho, since most of us think Butler is next in line, is he DC worthy? And do the Steelers take a look at other coaches that might be available when that time comes?

[fansince'76]

I think Butler automatically gets the nod at the DC position when LeBeau finally steps down because he's been patiently waiting for a good while now and he has turned down DC positions with other teams in the meantime (Dolphins in 2010, Colts in 2012).

[Steeltreal]

Lake?

[Dwinsgames]

my understanding is that Butler is the man in waiting not only in the fans minds but organizationally as well and that some promises have been made ...

that being said , I am in no hurry for that day to come to fruition and would be perfectly happy with Lebeau until he no longer can coach

he takes far more than his share of lumps and many times ( most times actually ) undeservedly so ... his scheme is proven , his desire is evident , his knowledge unsurpassed ... his players as of late have just been under talented at some key areas ( not his fault he works with what he has ) and long in the tooth in other areas , again not his fault he can only play the men he has ...

the game has not passed him by in any manner IMO he is still the master

[tube517]

Lake?

I hope we can keep Lake once Butler inherits the DC position. Otherwise, another team (*cough* Arizona *cough*) would snatch him up in a hearbeat.

[MrPgh]

my understanding is that Butler is the man in waiting not only in the fans minds but organizationally as well and that some promises have been made ...

that being said , I am in no hurry for that day to come to fruition and would be perfectly happy with Lebeau until he no longer can coach

he takes far more than his share of lumps and many times ( most times actually ) undeservedly so ... his scheme is proven , his desire is evident , his knowledge unsurpassed ... his players as of late have just been under talented at some key areas ( not his fault he works with what he has ) and long in the tooth in other areas , again not his fault he can only play the men he has ...

the game has not passed him by in any manner IMO he is still the master

We find that out this year. With all the speed up front on this defense, if LeBeau still plays a conservative, "tackle the catch" defense, then the game has indeed passed him by.

[Devilsdancefloor]

i want to see a attacking D the past few years we sit and wait for things good or bad to happen I also hope Big Dan plays a lot his D starts with the NT eating blocks

[MrPgh]

So does anybody still think LeBeau is Teflon after today?

[X-Terminator]

So does anybody still think LeBeau is Teflon after today?

I don't. His reputation is stellar, legendary even. No one will ever be able to discredit everything he has done in his career. But at some point, results have to come before reputation. And the results the past 3+ seasons haven't been very good.

[Shoes]

I don't. His reputation is stellar, legendary even. No one will ever be able to discredit everything he has done in his career. But at some point, results have to come before reputation. And the results the past 3+ seasons haven't been very good.

I agree 100 % Thats the problem with getting old when your calling the shots (and even when your not). Change isn't easy and at 77, Dick isn't going to get better than his past. Anyone who thinks so has been watching too many John Wayne movies.

[MrPgh]

[/B]

I agree 100 % Thats the problem with getting old when your calling the shots (and even when your not). Change isn't easy and at 77, Dick isn't going to get better than his past. Anyone who thinks so has been watching too many John Wayne movies.

And it's up to the organization to grow some balls and be able to tell LeBeau it's time to move on.

[Shoes]

And it's up to the organization to grow some balls and be able to tell LeBeau it's time to move on.

Hopefully they won't have to do that and he bows out after this season. Tomlin needs to do the same with Ike, but asap. This guy is going to cause a lot of grief this season if he remains a starter. You can count on Flacco throwing to Ike's side all Thursday night.

[blackngldblood]

Hopefully they won't have to do that and he bows out after this season. Tomlin needs to do the same with Ike, but asap. This guy is going to cause a lot of grief this season if he remains a starter. You can count on Flacco throwing to Ike's side all Thursday night.

Hell, at this point if I were coach I would put Ike in the slot and move sweet Willie to the starting corner. That dude has shown up for two straight seasons thus far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dwinsgames]

A coach is only as good as the player he has working for him ....

the game has not passed him by ....

Many accused the game of passing Tom Landry by too , they fired him in Dallas for having just 10 wins in his final 2 seasons combined ... funny thing is his replacement Jimmy Johnson only managed 8 over the next two years and is regarded a hero for " turning them around "

[Vis]

I don't. His reputation is stellar, legendary even. No one will ever be able to discredit everything he has done in his career. But at some point, results have to come before reputation. And the results the past 3+ seasons haven't been very good.

Results are balanced against talent. LeBeau isn't the one not drafting CBs

[MrPgh]

A coach is only as good as the player he has working for him ....

the game has not passed him by ....

Many accused the game of passing Tom Landry by too , they fired him in Dallas for having just 10 wins in his final 2 seasons combined ... funny thing is his replacement Jimmy Johnson only managed 8 over the next two years and is regarded a hero for " turning them around "

So certainly you feel the same after Arians was fired, right? No way you'd have a double-standard!


Results are balanced against talent. LeBeau isn't the one not drafting CBs

That doesn't explain why the front 7 looked candy-ass soft too against the run.

And this isn't just about talent, it's about schematics. When you aren't getting consistent pressure on the QB, you can't have the DBs give that much cushioning. Whenever the other teams goes high-tech, LeBeau simply has no answer. It's almost like he's become the Dan Bylsma of the Steelers defense - doesn't adjust, just does what he always does, even if it fails miserably.

No one can take away LeBeau's legacy, but right now his job needs to be on the line. If he can't fix this defense's problems as the season goes along, it's time for him to go.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Results are balanced against talent. LeBeau isn't the one not drafting CBs

That doesn't mean that he doesn't have a say in it, which I'm sure he does.

I remember him saying back around the time of the draft that he was happy with the talent at CB that was already on the team.

[Mojouw]

That doesn't mean that he doesn't have a say in it, which I'm sure he does.

I remember him saying back around the time of the draft that he was happy with the talent at CB that was already on the team.

What is he gonna say? The CB's on this team are terrible do not have the size and speed to play press-man coverage and force me to play soft zones constantly? In fact we are so desperate for DB help that we are taking random fliers on 6th round picks and guys off the waiver wire? C'mon. He has to say that he has confidence in his guys that are in the meeting room. This is the same reason why Ben always talks about how bad-ass his o-line is. He knows they suck, but you can't say that shit.

[katmandu]

my understanding is that Butler is the man in waiting not only in the fans minds but organizationally as well and that some promises have been made ...

that being said , I am in no hurry for that day to come to fruition and would be perfectly happy with Lebeau until he no longer can coach

he takes far more than his share of lumps and many times ( most times actually ) undeservedly so ... his scheme is proven , his desire is evident , his knowledge unsurpassed ... his players as of late have just been under talented at some key areas ( not his fault he works with what he has ) and long in the tooth in other areas , again not his fault he can only play the men he has ...

the game has not passed him by in any manner IMO he is still the masterHERE! HERE!

[SteelerFanInStl]

What is he gonna say? The CB's on this team are terrible do not have the size and speed to play press-man coverage and force me to play soft zones constantly? In fact we are so desperate for DB help that we are taking random fliers on 6th round picks and guys off the waiver wire? C'mon. He has to say that he has confidence in his guys that are in the meeting room. This is the same reason why Ben always talks about how bad-ass his o-line is. He knows they suck, but you can't say that shit.

Saying that he has confidence in his current players is different. The talk was as if there was no reason to bring in other talent, which is B.S.

[Mojouw]

Saying that he has confidence in his current players is different. The talk was as if there was no reason to bring in other talent, which is B.S.

That's the same thing. if you have confidence in the folks you lead, you are not looking to get new folks to lead. It is the GM's job to comment on roster construction and the coaches' jobs to pretend they are happy with whatever crap gets rolled out there. Is Rex Ryan happy with the beer vendors the Jets are currently starting at CB? Was Harbaugh happy with the stiffs the Ravens had on the offensive line and WR last year? Yet when asked, and asked repeatedly, they both express confidence and faith that the team can be highly successful with the present players.

My point is that we will never hear what these coaches actually think. For instance, who really thinks that Munchak is excited to work with a group of players he never had a hand in selecting and maybe have 2 Pro-Bowl caliber lineman amongst the top 9 guys that came to camp?

[SteelerFanInStl]

At least Munchak has 2 Pro-Bowl caliber guys. There's no one close to that level in the CB group and yet we don't even try to improve them.

[Dwinsgames]

At least Munchak has 2 Pro-Bowl caliber guys. There's no one close to that level in the CB group and yet we don't even try to improve them.

we waited till round 6 to get a CB yet Lake was over the top excited about getting him and talked like wow we got such a great player ( did not make the team ) its coach speak coaches always act like the guys they got are difference makers , they cant say our guys suck because those are the guys they are going to war with they have ot instill confidence at every turn to have any chance of getting improved play

[Shoes]

we waited till round 6 to get a CB yet Lake was over the top excited about getting him and talked like wow we got such a great player ( did not make the team ) its coach speak coaches always act like the guys they got are difference makers , they cant say our guys suck because those are the guys they are going to war with they have ot instill confidence at every turn to have any chance of getting improved play

That's what fans are for. :chuckle:

[Dwinsgames]

That's what fans are for. :chuckle:


:rockon:

[MrPgh]

Yeah.... he's done.

[steel9guy]

I'd prefer a move away from the zone defense personally.

[zulater]

We need to bring in outside blood. Our defense is a relic. No longer works in todays' NFL.

[MrPgh]

We need to bring in outside blood. Our defense is a relic. No longer works in todays' NFL.

Agreed. Whatever Butler may have been promised no longer matters. The blood is on his hands too. Time for a fresh perspective.

[salamander]

Unfortunately, the game has passed by Lebeau. The proof is there in plain sight. This scheme just isn't working anymore.

[Lambert_Loonie]

We need to bring in outside blood. Our defense is a relic. No longer works in todays' NFL.

Agreed 110%. I wouldn't even take Butler as the replacement, he'd just be continuing Lebeau's system.

[Shoes]

I'm not sold on Butler, I sure wouldn't give him the job without first throwing the line out. I do think Dick is done.

[Edman]

The Defense may have young players, but Lebeau's scheme is over and done with in the NFL. Lebeau is finished. There was once a time where only Tom Brady could beat it, now any random jackass can beat it and effortlessly. "Tackle the Catch" doesn't fly anymore.

It doesn't matter if it's Bruce Gradkowski, Brian Hoyer, Tyler Thigpen, Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel, or James Schlubenstein, the Lebeau D is going to be torched.

[Lambert_Loonie]

The Defense may have young players, but the scheme is over and done with in the NFL. Lebeau is finished. There was once a time where only Tom Brady could beat it, now any random jackass can beat it.

It doesn't matter if it's Bruce Gradkowski, Brian Hoyer, Tyler Thigpen, Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel, or James Schlubenstein, the Lebeau D is going to be torched.

Hey come on now. That James Schlubenstein's an MVP caliber player. :P

[MrPgh]

"Tackle the catch" "The other team's offense will make a mistake eventually." That's just not how it is in the NFL anymore. This team just doesn't want to move on from the 2008 defense.

[steel9guy]

The Defense may have young players, but Lebeau's scheme is over and done with in the NFL. Lebeau is finished. There was once a time where only Tom Brady could beat it, now any random jackass can beat it and effortlessly. "Tackle the Catch" doesn't fly anymore.

It doesn't matter if it's Bruce Gradkowski, Brian Hoyer, Tyler Thigpen, Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel, or James Schlubenstein, the Lebeau D is going to be torched.

I think with the right players like we had in 08 the defense would be workable. But I do agree the scheme is pretty much faded and done. This team has no business even trying to run this scheme. Cam Thomas? McClendon? Really? These guys are a joke. I'm also sick of hearing we don't need a shutdown corner. I'd rather have a shutdown corner than an outdated Ike Taylor and a penalty prone Cortez Allen. We've ignored the corner position for 10 years. Something needs to happen with this defense and the scheme. Mike Mitchell looks like a bust as well. Linebacker is the best part of this defense and even that is nothing to write home about.

[dislocatedday]

So does the team go to a 4-3 base after this year, with Timmons at MLB and Shazier and Jarvis at the OLB spots? I really do not think Worilds will be back next season.

[dislocatedday]

Mike Mitchell so far is surely not making Steeler Nation forget Ryan Clark. Ryan Clark's best days were well behind him, and it was time for the team to move on, but so far the money they paid for Mitchell is yielding no return on that investment. It's very early, and I would not dismiss anybody after such a short sample of games, but Clark always made his presence known.........Mitchell has not so far (except for the penalties that were called on him (one of which was a bogus call)).

[BigNastyDefense]

I love LeBeau, the guy is a legend.

But you can no longer play the soft zone stuff. You can't play 10 yards off of the receiver anymore.

On one hand, LeBeau can only work with what he has. He doesn't have a true NT, the lynchpin of this defense. Cam Thomas and Steve McClendon aren't commanding double/triple teams. I'm not expecting either player to be Casey Hampton, but geez at least hold your ground! I would like to see them give McCullers a shot, with his size he should at least be able to hold his ground. If not, then it's not like there's any difference in NT play.

Also, to be honest, I wouldn't be against a change from the 3-4 either when LeBeau steps down. Linebacker play has been downhill the past couple of years, and Butler has been here a very long time. Yeah he's been patient, but I can't sit here and say that him taking over at DC would change anything. Look at this defense in a 4-3 next year (going off of next year's potential roster):

Jarvis Jones - Stephon Tuitt - Daniel McCullers - Cam Heyward

Lawrence Timmons - Ryan Shazier - Sean Spence

William Gay - Troy Polamalu - Mike Mitchell - Cortez Allen

That would give the Steelers a better run defense with a four man line, and maybe they could take up some blockers allowing Shazier to run sideline-to-sideline. You'd allow Jones to put his hand in the dirt and just rush the passer, no coverage responsibilities.

[Edman]

Steve McLendon got hurt yesterday.

Maybe it's a blessing in an otherwise terrible night, and we start dressing Big Dan.

Or maybe the coaching staff will continue being dumb and okay Cam Thomas instead.

[Mojouw]

I love LeBeau, the guy is a legend.

But you can no longer play the soft zone stuff. You can't play 10 yards off of the receiver anymore.

On one hand, LeBeau can only work with what he has. He doesn't have a true NT, the lynchpin of this defense. Cam Thomas and Steve McClendon aren't commanding double/triple teams. I'm not expecting either player to be Casey Hampton, but geez at least hold your ground! I would like to see them give McCullers a shot, with his size he should at least be able to hold his ground. If not, then it's not like there's any difference in NT play.

Also, to be honest, I wouldn't be against a change from the 3-4 either when LeBeau steps down. Linebacker play has been downhill the past couple of years, and Butler has been here a very long time. Yeah he's been patient, but I can't sit here and say that him taking over at DC would change anything. Look at this defense in a 4-3 next year (going off of next year's potential roster):

Jarvis Jones - Stephon Tuitt - Daniel McCullers - Cam Heyward

Lawrence Timmons - Ryan Shazier - Sean Spence

William Gay - Troy Polamalu - Mike Mitchell - Cortez Allen

That would give the Steelers a better run defense with a four man line, and maybe they could take up some blockers allowing Shazier to run sideline-to-sideline. You'd allow Jones to put his hand in the dirt and just rush the passer, no coverage responsibilities.

If Jones can't beat NFL tackles standing up, what in the heck makes anyone think he could do it with his hand in the dirt? Something he has never done in college or the pros. He is nowhere near big and strong enough to be 4-3 rush end.

I actually like the LB corps in general, just don't see where the pass rush is going to come from.

[tube517]

I'm not in the fire LeBeau camp but there is one game back in 2011 that makes you think the league's got our defense figured out. It was a MNF game vs the Colts. Manning was out that year. So, Curtis Painter was the QB. LeBeau threw everything at him but he still played competently and kept the Colts competitive. Steelers barely won that game but the defense was blitzing on almost every down, it seemed, and could not make a difference.

[XxKnightxX]

I'm not in the fire LeBeau camp but there is one game back in 2011 that makes you think the league's got our defense figured out. It was a MNF game vs the Colts. Manning was out that year. So, Curtis Painter was the QB. LeBeau threw everything at him but he still played competently and kept the Colts competitive. Steelers barely won that game but the defense was blitzing on almost every down, it seemed, and could not make a difference.

I think it was a Sunday night game. And the reason we actually won that game and avoided a collapse was because of Harrison and Troy.

[Heinz Hitman]

What is he gonna say? The CB's on this team are terrible do not have the size and speed to play press-man coverage and force me to play soft zones constantly? In fact we are so desperate for DB help that we are taking random fliers on 6th round picks and guys off the waiver wire? C'mon. He has to say that he has confidence in his guys that are in the meeting room. This is the same reason why Ben always talks about how bad-ass his o-line is. He knows they suck, but you can't say that shit.

Spot on, Mojouw!

[tube517]

I think it was a Sunday night game. And the reason we actually won that game and avoided a collapse was because of Harrison and Troy.

We barely won, 23-20 against Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins.

[Steelerette]

I don't know why people want to switch to a 4-3. A 3-4 is ideal for going up against today's defenses.

You just need a real NT to make it work.

We also need a system that doesn't take three years to learn. One of the big complaints about Arians was that he was gameplanning for the players he wished he had, instead of the ones he actually had. LeBeau is starting to creep in that direction - though to be fair this is why LeBeau doesn't like youngsters starting. But it's a dumb problem to have - he needs to be adaptable enough to be able to use young players where necessary, and save your advanced schemes for the players wise enough to follow them.

[Dwinsgames]

if you have a scheme that demands D-Linemen to take on the double team and you do not have one active on game day who can do that your screwed before the coin toss ....

[Count Steeler]

if you have a scheme that demands D-Linemen to take on the double team and you do not have one active on game day who can do that your screwed before the coin toss ....

Than why play that scheme? This is what is starting to irritate me about the coaching staff. The players they have drafted don't seem to fit their schemes. So either change the scheme or draft better.

This whole complicated BS about our defense has been way overplayed. When was the last time an OLine was confused with our blitzes? How often does our O Line get blown up with just 3 rushers? I'm sorry, as great as Lebeau is, it is time to change. Make a simple scheme where the current players can excel. If he doesn't have it, then it is time to change. If we don't have the players, then, well, we're screwed.

[Steelerette]

Who knows maybe they're planning on switching to 4-3 once LeBeau is gone and that's why they draft the way they do.

I think that's a mistake and I think that's what makes the Cam Thomas signing ridiculous. If you're insisting on a 3-4, even temporarily, then spare no expense at making your NT the "money" position on Defense. If you can't commit to drafting him, then find someone to pay in free agency, even if it's only a stopgap until the "conversion" is official.

As much as I love Shazier, what we're seeing is why I was so interested in Nix...

To be fair you have to wonder to what extent Ta'amu was our plan and his drunk ass screwed us over. But that doesn't excuse us from needing to figure something out and fast.

[Steelerette]

At this point I'm ready to say, throw McCullers in there and see what happens. Yes we'll endure some pain while he adjusts to the speed of the game. But he still has one of the simpler assignments on the field: "eat up two blockers."

By what we've seen the past six quarters... it can't really get any worse, so might as well see the big man in action. As iron sharpens iron...

[Shoes]

Than why play that scheme? This is what is starting to irritate me about the coaching staff. The players they have drafted don't seem to fit their schemes. So either change the scheme or draft better.

This whole complicated BS about our defense has been way overplayed. When was the last time an OLine was confused with our blitzes? How often does our O Line get blown up with just 3 rushers? I'm sorry, as great as Lebeau is, it is time to change. Make a simple scheme where the current players can excel. If he doesn't have it, then it is time to change. If we don't have the players, then, well, we're screwed.

Amen! I understand that in the draft you have to take the best player, but if that (or those players) don't fit the plan, then change is absolutely necessary.

[Dwinsgames]

Than why play that scheme? This is what is starting to irritate me about the coaching staff. The players they have drafted don't seem to fit their schemes. So either change the scheme or draft better.

This whole complicated BS about our defense has been way overplayed. When was the last time an OLine was confused with our blitzes? How often does our O Line get blown up with just 3 rushers? I'm sorry, as great as Lebeau is, it is time to change. Make a simple scheme where the current players can excel. If he doesn't have it, then it is time to change. If we don't have the players, then, well, we're screwed.


draft aside for a moment ...

the linemen are able to fend off our blitzs because they are not having to help the man beside them ( we are not occupying 2 blocker with any of our front 3 ) making it a 5 on 3 and if we rush 2 they have two free bodies to eat them up ....

back when this scheme worked well we had Big Snack in the middle taking on 2 men and Aaron Smith taking on 2 men on most snaps leaving Keisel in a 1 on 1 role and the linebackers where free to rush the passer with nothing more than a RB or TE in their way ..... it all starts up front

if McCullers can get on the field ( even though he is a rookie and a bit raw and plays high ) he is still a HUGE man .... coaches need to tell him just rush the passer up the gut they will be forced to stop him with 2 bodies ( forget the technique and all that just let him occupy space and man power ) that would IMO go a long way to aiding us in getting pressure

is that a complete fix , no ... but Tuitt could be the second piece of that puzzle but resigning Keisel and bringing in a worthless bum Cam Thomas isnt helping us IMO

Tuitt is not learning much watching people fail so let him get his feet wet and get first hand experience ....

sure growing pains will be felt but at least there is benefit in growing pains , what we are doing now serves little purpose and has no benefit

[Shoes]

draft aside for a moment ...

the linemen are able to fend off our blitzs because they are not having to help the man beside them ( we are not occupying 2 blocker with any of our front 3 ) making it a 5 on 3 and if we rush 2 they have two free bodies to eat them up ....

back when this scheme worked well we had Big Snack in the middle taking on 2 men and Aaron Smith taking on 2 men on most snaps leaving Keisel in a 1 on 1 role and the linebackers where free to rush the passer with nothing more than a RB or TE in their way ..... it all starts up front

if McCullers can get on the field ( even though he is a rookie and a bit raw and plays high ) he is still a HUGE man .... coaches need to tell him just rush the passer up the gut they will be forced to stop him with 2 bodies ( forget the technique and all that just let him occupy space and man power ) that would IMO go a long way to aiding us in getting pressure

is that a complete fix , no ... but Tuitt could be the second piece of that puzzle but resigning Keisel and bringing in a worthless bum Cam Thomas isnt helping us IMO

Tuitt is not learning much watching people fail so let him get his feet wet and get first hand experience ....

sure growing pains will be felt but at least there is benefit in growing pains , what we are doing now serves little purpose and has no benefit

Why not, I'd give it a go. But I wouldn't stop there, Ike and Worilds would be on the bench too. It's pretty bad when DT Haloti Ngata has more picks than our entire defense.

[Mojouw]

draft aside for a moment ...

the linemen are able to fend off our blitzs because they are not having to help the man beside them ( we are not occupying 2 blocker with any of our front 3 ) making it a 5 on 3 and if we rush 2 they have two free bodies to eat them up ....

back when this scheme worked well we had Big Snack in the middle taking on 2 men and Aaron Smith taking on 2 men on most snaps leaving Keisel in a 1 on 1 role and the linebackers where free to rush the passer with nothing more than a RB or TE in their way ..... it all starts up front

if McCullers can get on the field ( even though he is a rookie and a bit raw and plays high ) he is still a HUGE man .... coaches need to tell him just rush the passer up the gut they will be forced to stop him with 2 bodies ( forget the technique and all that just let him occupy space and man power ) that would IMO go a long way to aiding us in getting pressure

is that a complete fix , no ... but Tuitt could be the second piece of that puzzle but resigning Keisel and bringing in a worthless bum Cam Thomas isnt helping us IMO

Tuitt is not learning much watching people fail so let him get his feet wet and get first hand experience ....

sure growing pains will be felt but at least there is benefit in growing pains , what we are doing now serves little purpose and has no benefit

If those changes do not happen, at least in part through limited playing time in the next 2 weeks, then it is a coaching problem. Kiesel is not helping anything at this point. I say at least try a line of McClendon, McCullers, and Heyward. That "protects" the raw rookie with some experience on each side with the added advantage of getting some serious beef up front. Then on passing downs through Tuitt in there and see if he can get a push on the pocket.

But there must be more to this, because if it was really that easy we would all hold coaching jobs somewhere!

[Mojouw]

More examples of things that COULD be already or on there way to a coaching problem. Steelers LB are getting worked in coverage, but the nickle package is MIA.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2014/9/13/6143569/steelers-play-snap-count-baltimore-ravens-week-2-nickel-package

[BigNastyDefense]

If Jones can't beat NFL tackles standing up, what in the heck makes anyone think he could do it with his hand in the dirt? Something he has never done in college or the pros. He is nowhere near big and strong enough to be 4-3 rush end.

I actually like the LB corps in general, just don't see where the pass rush is going to come from.

Leverage. He can get low, and we all know low man wins more often than not. It's worth a shot at the least if we go to the 3-4, otherwise he plays an OLB position instead of Spence. But letting him put his hand in the dirt and just rush the passer lets him simply do what everyone said he did best coming out of college, rush the passer.

[Steelerette]

I don't think going to a 4-3 is wise.

I can deal with growing pains if we use them to, well, grow. After what we've seen the past six quarters, do we really have a lot to lose by getting McCullers, Tuitt, and maybe even Wesley Johnson on the field?

I remain optimistic about the team's future prospects but we sure have a way with transitions, don't we?

[BigNastyDefense]

As I have said in other threads, let Mount McCullers play NT. Cam Thomas is hot, steamy garbage. McCullers might be raw and play a little high right now (not Bell and Blount high you guys), but he's a big guy who when he plants his feet is going to be very hard to move. He should be able to garner two blockers most plays. I doubt he can be any worse than Thomas and McClendon.

[Steelerette]

If you watched McCullers in the preseason, he basically was immovable. I'm sure there will be times that guys will get a move on him but for the most part he'll eat his two blockers and that will be that. It's not dynamic but it's better than having someone only eat one blocker, get pushed backward, or both.

And then, every once in a while, he's just go on fire and disrupt the backfield. It didn't last long. It'd be one of those sort of, "WHO DARES DISTURB MY SLUMBER" moments... a few plays he'd tear it up, and then go back to his immovable self. And during gametime, those moments could be just the big play pushes that we need. Okay, he can't do it all the time. But who we've got now, can't even do it sometimes. Put in Big Dan.