Occasional Success In The Defensive Backfield.

[LLT]

Wasn't sure if I was going to put this in the Draft forum or here...but since it deals primarily with our current situation, I'll pose the thought here.


Obviously our secondary is the weakest part of our team....most of us agree to that. But is it possible that the Front Office, after watching this inconsistent defensive back corps have "occasional" success (i.e. Gay and McCain) might fail to see just how much of a NEED we have at the position?

We finished the season ranked #27 in pass defense...that is abysmal. I still believe that we need to draft two CB's and a safety. That being said...I'm praying that we can squeeze every bit of competitive juice out of the current players . I don't need them to be perfect...just good enough.

[thesteelerdealer]

Wasn't sure if I was going to put this in the Draft forum or here...but since it deals primarily with our current situation, I'll pose the thought here.


Obviously our secondary is the weakest part of our team....most of us agree to that. But is it possible that the Front Office, after watching this inconsistent defensive back corps have "occasional" success (i.e. Gay and McCain) might fail to see just how much of a NEED we have at the position?

We finished the season ranked #27 in pass defense...that is abysmal. I still believe that we need to draft two CB's and a safety. That being said...I'm praying that we can squeeze every bit of competitive juice out of the current players . I don't need them to be perfect...just good enough.




Brice & Blake are making the occasional big play. But they're still giving away a ton of pass yardage. Now some of that is also due to our pass rush not being great either. But we do definitely need a good free agent DB signing, and a top draft prospect as well.

[polamalubeast]

27th in yards and 28th in passing rating,by far the worst passing defense in the playoffs


http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&season=2014&seasonType=REG&role=OPP&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-p=1&conference=ALL&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&d-447263-s=PASSING_PASSER_RATING

[Dwinsgames]

Wasn't sure if I was going to put this in the Draft forum or here...but since it deals primarily with our current situation, I'll pose the thought here.


Obviously our secondary is the weakest part of our team....most of us agree to that. But is it possible that the Front Office, after watching this inconsistent defensive back corps have "occasional" success (i.e. Gay and McCain) might fail to see just how much of a NEED we have at the position?

We finished the season ranked #27 in pass defense...that is abysmal. I still believe that we need to draft two CB's and a safety. That being said...I'm praying that we can squeeze every bit of competitive juice out of the current players . I don't need them to be perfect...just good enough.


do I think its possible ? hell yes

This is what we did last off season seen enough of a spark for a few guys and made some off season additions and thought we where good enough and come draft day we didnt pick a DB till round 5 and he was not good enough to even make the practice squad ....

guys did not pan out as hoped and here we sit once again ...

I doubt we draft 3 players in the secondary as it would be to much youth to soon ( or to late depends how you look at it ) but I hope like hell we draft 2 a CB and a FS and I also hope we do both prior to round 5 ...

we need help at OLB , CB, FS in a big way ... the only OLB under contract for 2015 that has any reps starting on this team this year is Jones ( big need )

we have no serious contenders as starting Corners either but some stop gap in Gay , McCain ( who I believe is a FA come the off season ) and is a very good backup ... Allen who may have been playing with injury all year till benched cause he went on IR after not playing at all for weeks ( so was it something from earlier ? or need for a roster spot ?? )

[polamalubeast]

Yes, the Steelers need another TE, but at the same time, if I would be the Steelers, I would pick a player in defense On Every pick in 2015!

[thesteelerdealer]

27th in yards and 28th in passing rating,by far the worst passing defense in the playoffs


http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&season=2014&seasonType=REG&role=OPP&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-p=1&conference=ALL&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&d-447263-s=PASSING_PASSER_RATING





And just in case people think that rating was due more to Ike and Troy, and not the recent play of the secondary the past few weeks....




https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/546031715156639744/bbR3aCfY_normal.jpegMark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib (https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib) · Dec 30 (https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/550063333530152963)

Steelers pass defense has dropped from 16th to 27th in the NFL over the final 5 games of the season

[polamalubeast]

And just in case people think that rating was due more to Ike and Troy, and not the recent play of the secondary the past few weeks....




https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/546031715156639744/bbR3aCfY_normal.jpegMark Kaboly @MarkKaboly_Trib (https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib) · Dec 30 (https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib/status/550063333530152963)

Steelers pass defense has dropped from 16th to 27th in the NFL over the final 5 games of the season


The PPG has dropped in the last four games, but the pass defense has been bad in general

The pass rush was better, especially since two games, but this is probably the last year of Harrison!

The Steelers need a OLB too!

[thesteelerdealer]

The PPG has dropped in the last four games, but the pass defense has been bad in general

The pass rush was better, especially since two games, but this is probably the last year of Harrison!

The Steelers need a OLB too!






I think Harrison's demeanor has helped a lot. But the steelers never had any thought of bringing him back if the injuries wouldn't have happened. Only way I see Harrison returning is if they don't re-sign Worilds, or bring back someone like Lamar Woodley.

[fansince'76]

Anybody think Cortez might turn it around and get his mind right?

[polamalubeast]

I think Harrison's demeanor has helped a lot. But the steelers never had any thought of bringing him back if the injuries wouldn't have happened. Only way I see Harrison returning is if they don't re-sign Worilds, or bring back someone like Lamar Woodley.


Please no

[thesteelerdealer]

Please no



Don't be surprised. The Steelers have a History of doing this.

[polamalubeast]

Woodley is now useless

It would be stupid even at the minimum salary

[Steelman]

Wasn't sure if I was going to put this in the Draft forum or here...but since it deals primarily with our current situation, I'll pose the thought here.


Obviously our secondary is the weakest part of our team....most of us agree to that. But is it possible that the Front Office, after watching this inconsistent defensive back corps have "occasional" success (i.e. Gay and McCain) might fail to see just how much of a NEED we have at the position?

We finished the season ranked #27 in pass defense...that is abysmal. I still believe that we need to draft two CB's and a safety. That being said...I'm praying that we can squeeze every bit of competitive juice out of the current players . I don't need them to be perfect...just good enough.

I'm not sure we've had "success" more than we've become more opportunistic. With players like McCain and Blake, I think that's the best you can hope for. The secondary regressed statistically over the course of the season so I certainly hope the FO isn't fooled by a few splash plays here and there.

I wonder, though, if they're looking at Cortez as a wildcard? Instead of drafting two corners, they only draft one (or none!) and bank on Cortez realizing his potential. Don't get me wrong, I think this team needs a good corner whether by draft or FA.

I know many people don't want another linebacker in the first or second rounds, but unless Worilds changes his asking price, we're gonna be extremely thin at viable pass rushers on the outside. (Not that I really consider Worilds to be a viable pass rusher :chuckle: ) Even with the Shazier pick last year, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a LB in the first two rounds. I just hope it's coupled with either a corner or a safety.

[Dwinsgames]

Anybody think Cortez might turn it around and get his mind right?

he has the tools , he has proven that ... not sure what the deal was in 2014

I find it suspect that he played so poorly , then got benched not seeing the field for several weeks then goes on IR with no real word of what happened to him ...

I have to wonder if he was hurt all along and then they finally said ok this just isnt gonna get better soon enough to help us and placed him on IR ...

I just don't know , but he does possess the physical tools but at this point you can not bank on him so you have to get yourself proper insurance in the form of a high round draft pick , if he turns it around he starts as does the draft pick provided he proves worthy and Gay becomes your Nickle backer / slot cover man

[Texasteel]

I think Cortez can still become the DB we were hoping for, but I hope the Steelers don't bet the farm on it when draft day comes.

[fansince'76]

he has the tools , he has proven that ... not sure what the deal was in 2014

I find it suspect that he played so poorly , then got benched not seeing the field for several weeks then goes on IR with no real word of what happened to him ...

I have to wonder if he was hurt all along and then they finally said ok this just isnt gonna get better soon enough to help us and placed him on IR ...

I just don't know , but he does possess the physical tools but at this point you can not bank on him so you have to get yourself proper insurance in the form of a high round draft pick , if he turns it around he starts as does the draft pick provided he proves worthy and Gay becomes your Nickle backer / slot cover man

Makes sense. All the same, I hope they go for at least one CB early - and another safety.

[thesteelerdealer]

Can't wait to see how my Boy " Doran Grant " does tonight against Alabama. I would like the Steelers to draft him.

[Texasteel]

Makes sense. All the same, I hope they go for at least one CB early - and another safety.

A lot is going to change in the next few months, but right now I can see us going DE, Safety, CB in the first 3 rounds.

[Count Steeler]

he has the tools , he has proven that ... not sure what the deal was in 2014

I find it suspect that he played so poorly , then got benched not seeing the field for several weeks then goes on IR with no real word of what happened to him ...

I have to wonder if he was hurt all along and then they finally said ok this just isnt gonna get better soon enough to help us and placed him on IR ...

I just don't know , but he does possess the physical tools but at this point you can not bank on him so you have to get yourself proper insurance in the form of a high round draft pick , if he turns it around he starts as does the draft pick provided he proves worthy and Gay becomes your Nickle backer / slot cover man

All I heard about Cortez was a thumb issue. He did have a couple of interceptions early on and did play a decent game before the bottom fell out. Don't know if it was the lackluster play of Mitchell and Polamalu that got him all confused. You know, trying to make a play, but seem to be always out of position. He probably didn't stick to his assignments because the safety help wasn't there.

[Shoes]

Yes, the Steelers need another TE, but at the same time, if I would be the Steelers, I would pick a player in defense On Every pick in 2015!

I've been all for a replacement for Miller the last few years, but I don't think it will be this year. Last years draft class seemed well stocked in the TE position and I'm not so sure it is this year. I still have hopes Blanchflower can make a solid backup.

[Mojouw]

I think that the Steelers drafting of DB's in 2015 will entirely hinge on how they view 3 players:

1. Shamarko Thomas - can he be paired well with Mitchell (for the purposes of this scenario I am just going to assume Mitchell is back in 2015)?
2. Allen - can he consistently fulfill the promise of his athletic potential?
3. Shaq Richardson - did a year on the PS allow him to develop into a nickel back or starter?

If the answer (@ least according to the staff) to any 2 of those questions is "Yes"; then I think we will see less DB's taken in the draft.

[thesteelerdealer]

I've been all for a replacement for Miller the last few years, but I don't think it will be this year. Last years draft class seemed well stocked in the TE position and I'm not so sure it is this year. I still have hopes Blanchflower can make a solid backup.




Disagree, We need a TE, if for no other reason then Blocking. Delaware's " Nick Boyle " would fir the bill nicely as a 5th rounder.

[Dwinsgames]

I think that the Steelers drafting of DB's in 2015 will entirely hinge on how they view 3 players:

1. Shamarko Thomas - can he be paired well with Mitchell (for the purposes of this scenario I am just going to assume Mitchell is back in 2015)?
2. Allen - can he consistently fulfill the promise of his athletic potential?
3. Shaq Richardson - did a year on the PS allow him to develop into a nickel back or starter?

If the answer (@ least according to the staff) to any 2 of those questions is "Yes"; then I think we will see less DB's taken in the draft.

I kike Shamarko however he has yet to prove worthy of relying on him to be available and IMO that has hindered his play time and development ...always injured in some form or fashion

ans shaq was cut from the practice squad mid season ( or before ) so that would give me a no to 2 of the 3 right out of the gate

[Texasteel]

I've been all for a replacement for Miller the last few years, but I don't think it will be this year. Last years draft class seemed well stocked in the TE position and I'm not so sure it is this year. I still have hopes Blanchflower can make a solid backup.

I think the TE class could be very solid into the 4th round.

[Shoes]

I think the TE class could be very solid into the 4th round.

Is there someone who could take Millers place, Tex?

[Dwinsgames]

I think the TE class could be very solid into the 4th round.

pretty substantial drop after Kroft IMO . he is the guy I am watching in terms of a TE if we draft one while he is on the board or him fine .... once he is gone not sure I take one at all

[Texasteel]

Is there someone who could take Millers place, Tex?

Two that I like that might go in the late 3rd of 4th rounds are Kroft, and Jeff Heuerman. Kroft is ahead of Heuerman IMO, but Heuerman has improved his blocking this year and may end up the most like Miller. Dwins may disagree with me on this, but I know he likes Kroft.

[thesteelerdealer]

Two that I like that might go in the late 3rd of 4th rounds are Kroft, and Jeff Heuerman. Kroft is ahead of Heuerman IMO, but has improved his blocking this year and may end up the most like Miller. Dwins may disagree with me on this, but I know he likes Kroft.




Heuerman is a good Blocker. Might need a little more strength for the Pro game though. But I like him as well. The Delaware kid Boyle is a Blocking Monster though. Great strength, and even though not a great speedster, has good hands as well.

[Dwinsgames]

Two that I like that might go in the late 3rd of 4th rounds are Kroft, and Jeff Heuerman. Kroft is ahead of Heuerman IMO, but Heuerman has improved his blocking this year and may end up the most like Miller. Dwins may disagree with me on this, but I know he likes Kroft.

nothing wrong with Heuerman actually think he may go ahead of Kroft to a team like NE ( they are pretty close IMO ) in over all talent , Kroft a better blocker with good hands , but in some of these newer style offenses Heuerman may make more sense

[Texasteel]

nothing wrong with Heuerman actually think he may go ahead of Kroft to a team like NE ( they are pretty close IMO ) in over all talent , Kroft a better blocker with good hands , but in some of these newer style offenses Heuerman may make more sense

You may be right. I know that the teams claim that the combines are only a small part of drafting, but I think that is bullshit. Heuerman may test out better than Kroft and move up. Hell they may all end up gone before we get out of the 3rd round.

[thesteelerdealer]

Speaking of the draft and NEEDS....Anyone watching the Alabama/Ohio State game ?.....How sweet would Alabama Punter " JK Scott " be for us ?

[LLT]

They will resign Moats. He has flashed some pretty impressive potential. Give him a year with the system and he will be a player we all appreciate.

[Shoes]

They will resign Moats. He has flashed some pretty impressive potential. Give him a year with the system and he will be a player we all appreciate.

I know you were high on the Moats signing Perry, it was a nice addition and I also think they will resign him. Seems like great young man.

[thesteelerdealer]

They will resign Moats. He has flashed some pretty impressive potential. Give him a year with the system and he will be a player we all appreciate.



Maybe if he is really cheap. But Moats to me is a bad tackler. Takes bad angles and can't wrap up. And is his 4 sacks really all that Impressive for a guy who when he does come after the QB only has one move ? He might be a camp invite, and then will compete with Howard Jones for a roster spot.

[LLT]

I kike Shamarko however he has yet to prove worthy of relying on him to be available and IMO that has hindered his play time and development ...always injured in some form or fashion

ans shaq was cut from the practice squad mid season ( or before ) so that would give me a no to 2 of the 3 right out of the gate

You are touching on something that perhaps bothers me the most. IF we had anyone with potential in the wings...we would have had them on the field by this point. The sad reality is that we have an entire defensive backfield full of stop-gap and wave players.

I think we have a few years left in Heath...I think Jones and Moats will be our starters next year at OLB (if we don't resign Worilds)...I think we have some young talent on the defensive line....ALL these things tell me we HAVE to invest in defensive backs in the draft and free agency before we do anything else.

[LLT]

Maybe if he is really cheap. But Moats to me is a bad tackler. Takes bad angles and can't wrap up. And is his 4 sacks really all that Impressive for a guy who when he does come after the QB only has one move ? He might be a camp invite, and then will compete with Howard Jones for a roster spot.

That's just not accurate. Moats is a very good tackler and in limited duty (while learning the playbook) had 4 sacks, 8 quarterback pressures, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

If Moats wants to be here next year, the FO will be tripping over themselves to give him a contract.

[thesteelerdealer]

That's just not accurate. Moats is a very good tackler and in limited duty (while learning the playbook) had 4 sacks, 8 quarterback pressures, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.

If Moats wants to be here next year, the FO will be tripping over themselves to give him a contract.




And a whole lot of missed tackles as well. But he will be worth seeing if he can outplay Howard Jones, who is as athletic and as fast as they come.

[Psycho Ward 86]

A lot is going to change in the next few months, but right now I can see us going DE, Safety, CB in the first 3 rounds.

in that order?

[Psycho Ward 86]

I've been all for a replacement for Miller the last few years, but I don't think it will be this year. Last years draft class seemed well stocked in the TE position and I'm not so sure it is this year. I still have hopes Blanchflower can make a solid backup.

Rob Blanchflower will be a decent tight end. Only thing that kept him off the roster is his high ankle sprain. We'll have a balanced tight end in Blanchflower for next season and Matt Spaeth as a dominant blocker. Maybe we could get lucky this year and try to get Big Ben a move tight end for the first time ever. Although that would mean 4 tight ends and that seems strange. But every year has areas with surpluses in certain positions.

I'm drooling at the offensive possibilities.

[thesteelerdealer]

Rob Blanchflower will be a decent tight end. Only thing that kept him off the roster is his high ankle sprain. We'll have a balanced tight end in Blanchflower for next season and Matt Spaeth as a dominant blocker. Maybe we could get lucky this year and try to get Big Ben a move tight end for the first time ever. Although that would mean 4 tight ends and that seems strange. But every year has areas with surpluses in certain positions.

I'm drooling at the offensive possibilities.




Blanchflower can't be relied on. He was constantly Injured in college, and immediately got injured here. He is the
" Greg Oden " of NFL TE's.

[steelreserve]

Defensive backs were a huge need for us the last several drafts and we waited until the late-round throwaway picks. I have no reason to believe we've gotten any smarter. I predict our draft will go:

1. Offensive lineman
2. Pass-rushing linebacker
3. Wide receiver
4. Cornerback who doesn't make the team
5. Backup QB
6. Running back
7. Obligatory defensive end who doesn't make the team in odd years (replace with TE in even years)

[thesteelerdealer]

Defensive backs were a huge need for us the last several drafts and we waited until the late-round throwaway picks. I have no reason to believe we've gotten any smarter. I predict our draft will go:

1. Offensive lineman
2. Pass-rushing linebacker
3. Wide receiver
4. Cornerback who doesn't make the team
5. Backup QB
6. Running back
7. Obligatory defensive end who doesn't make the team in odd years (replace with TE in even years)





O-Line and WR in two of the top 3 needs ? Please. It will be CB-CB and CB! If we go OLB/DE who can be turned into a OLB, then that means Worilds won't return. After that we might look at a NT/S/TE/RB/OL/P

[steelreserve]

O-Line and WR in two of the top 3 needs ? Please. It will be CB-CB and CB! If we go OLB/DE who can be turned into a OLB, then that means Worilds won't return. After that we might look at a NT/S/TE/RB/OL/P


It wasn't about needs. It was a joke about how thickheaded our front office has been. Everyone in the world knows that NT has been a critical problem for about the past 5 years and we haven't done shit about it. CB has been a looming issue for just as long, and this is the year the shit finally hit the fan ... so we've stuck to our same doesn't-work tradition of drafting random project guys in the 4th and 5th rounds.

The nose-tackle-by-committee bullshit doesn't work. We got lucky with ONE 4th-round draft pick at CB more than a decade ago, and that guy is now so long of tooth he's on his way to forced retirement. We still do the same old crap.

Anyone with even a two-digit IQ can see that DB and NT are far and away the biggest needs on this team. Sadly, I can see our front office doing exactly what i predicted anyway because "the right player wasn't there" or "we couldn't pass up so-and-so" or whatever horsecrap they always use to justify ignoring fatal weaknesses because Tomlin is all "RAWWWRRRRR! STEELERS FOOTBALL! Linebackers and linemen ONLY!"

[Texasteel]

in that order?

Not particularly in that order. It depends on how the players are falling, and to be honest, I'm not sure I wouldn't be in favor of trading out of the first round.

[Mojouw]

Whoops. I guess I messed up the Shaq Richardson thing. Stupid Wikipedia!

Anyways...I see a CB and a safety brought in and Ike and Troy are encouraged (behind the scenes) to hang 'em up.

I wager that a NT is not picked. But a DE will be. They seem to like the combination of McClendon and McCullers. Big Macs to take over from Big Snack?

[fansince'76]

Anyways...I see a CB and a safety brought in and Ike and Troy are encouraged (behind the scenes) to hang 'em up.

I think Troy is hanging them up after this season anyway. Ike may need to be pushed out, unfortunately.

[thesteelerdealer]

I think Troy is hanging them up after this season anyway. Ike may need to be pushed out, unfortunately.



The thing that totally SUCKS...is that these guys are not exactly Bam Morris or Blount. Troy & Ike are easily two of the most classiest players not only on our team, but in the NFL period. Their Character, their commitment to the communities they live in and all their Charity work just makes them two guys I will personally will miss...as well I am sure most here will as well. And even though I know both have struggled, and that " Father Time " is Undefeated...I would also love to see one, or both of them make a HUGE play for us in these playoffs. Something for us to remember, as well as those two great guys.