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View Full Version : William Gay is still a Steeler



stillers4me
07-31-2011, 11:27 AM
Steelers Digest has learned that CB William Gay has agreed to terms on a new contract. He was an unrestricted free agent
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Psycho Ward 86
07-31-2011, 11:28 AM
it better be a 10 year contract or id have to kill myself

polamalubeast
07-31-2011, 11:30 AM
Steelers Digest has learned that CB William Gay has agreed to terms on a new contract. He was an unrestricted free agent
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steeldevil
07-31-2011, 11:34 AM
Hopefully Lewis or Butler can take the nickelback spot form him and slide him the the #4. Then I would actually like having him back. He is a good blitzer, but thats about it.

stillers4me
07-31-2011, 11:45 AM
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I can hear heads exploding, I love it!!! #steelers (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/#!/search?q=%23steelers)

stillers4me
07-31-2011, 11:45 AM
http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1469252414/image_normal.jpgTHEChrisMack (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/#!/THEChrisMack)Chris Mack



Before everybody roasts Willie Gay to bits, remember how solid he is as nickel. As long as he's not on outside, he's OK.

KeiselPower99
07-31-2011, 11:51 AM
Insert expletives here. Come on Lewis Butler Brown Allen. Hell even McFadden. Someone has to be a better corner then Gay.

Texasteel
07-31-2011, 11:52 AM
http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1469252414/image_normal.jpgTHEChrisMack (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/#%21/THEChrisMack)Chris Mack



Before everybody roasts Willie Gay to bits, remember how solid he is as nickel. As long as he's not on outside, he's OK.

I was not as down on Gay as some. I thought he did a good job as as nickle back. Its when we tried to turn him into a starter that he got killed. We've seen a lot more out of him than we have Lewis.

The Duke
07-31-2011, 11:55 AM
Good

But someone still has to step up. We have already seen what Gay can do, and while good enough, he's not much better than a nickel corner

Lewis and Butler is one battle that will heat up in the coming weeks. Question is if they can challenge Gay

7willBheaven
07-31-2011, 12:18 PM
While I do not hate him as much as some...I dont like him either, haha. Yes he is better at the nickel than a starter...but he got his butt handed to him in the SB by GBs like 4th WR? I'd really like one of the younger guys to beat him out for that spot.

Also this makes it interesting...as based on the number of CBs kept last year versus the ones we have now (Ike, Bmac, Gay, Lewis, Butler, Brown, Allen....i'm not counting any of the other CBs as they have slim chances as it is)...1 of them might not make the team...and that would be a shame (unless its Gay). I'd hate to risk putting Butler or Allen on the PS...they'd get scooped up for someone needing a little depth (or that wants a small project in Allen).

Should be interesting...

steelerfan
07-31-2011, 12:21 PM
Steelers had NO CHOICE but to re-sign William. Cause if they didn't, that would be considered being...
" ANTI-GAY :thumbdown: And in this current NFL, being that will get you a Goodell fine :huh:

The Duke
07-31-2011, 12:24 PM
While I do not hate him as much as some...I dont like him either, haha. Yes he is better at the nickel than a starter...but he got his butt handed to him in the SB by GBs like 4th WR? I'd really like one of the younger guys to beat him out for that spot.

Also this makes it interesting...as based on the number of CBs kept last year versus the ones we have now (Ike, Bmac, Gay, Lewis, Butler, Brown, Allen....i'm not counting any of the other CBs as they have slim chances as it is)...1 of them might not make the team...and that would be a shame (unless its Gay). I'd hate to risk putting Butler or Allen on the PS...they'd get scooped up for someone needing a little depth (or that wants a small project in Allen).

Should be interesting...

Well, Nelson basically became their #2 in that playoff run, and will be even if they resign James Jones

I agree that one might be gone from that group. Except if one shows a lot of talent at safety. Lewis and Allen both have the frame. Brown I've heard can play it

so is there no chance Madison's back?? Off to the desert!

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 01:07 PM
Good. I've been a supporter of him for the longest time. Good against the run and a solid tackler, as long as AP isn't barreling down on him.

We've put Gay in some really difficult matchups in the past, such as leaving him one-on-one with T.O, so the criticism isn't fair.

Not all our CBs are going to be All-Stars. But Gay is solid.

By the way, we're now at our 90 roster man limit.

steeldevil
07-31-2011, 01:31 PM
Good. I've been a supporter of him for the longest time. Good against the run and a solid tackler, as long as AP isn't barreling down on him.

We've put Gay in some really difficult matchups in the past, such as leaving him one-on-one with T.O, so the criticism isn't fair.

Not all our CBs are going to be All-Stars. But Gay is solid.

By the way, we're now at our 90 roster man limit.

So does that mean bye-bye Hoke?

stillers4me
07-31-2011, 01:37 PM
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Hard to expect a rookie CB to contribute early in LeBeau scheme with no OTA or minis. Steelers know this & choose experience that know syst

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 01:41 PM
So does that mean bye-bye Hoke?

I'm sure that if we really wanted to bring someone in, we'd just release a camp body. I don't want to assume that just because the roster is full, we're not going to make any more moves.

86WARD
07-31-2011, 01:41 PM
meh...

JayC
07-31-2011, 01:53 PM
dammit

El-Gonzo Jackson
07-31-2011, 02:18 PM
I dont think either he or McFadden is a long term answer here, but now the both have contracts as well as Lewis, Brown, Allen, Butler. Facepalm indeed.

SteelerEmpire
07-31-2011, 02:21 PM
You gotta be kiddin me ?

BigNastyDefense
07-31-2011, 02:57 PM
Shit.....I was kinda hoping we'd let him walk. He has never really impressed me.

steelersfanman92
07-31-2011, 03:24 PM
Damn, Willie is such a joke he does not deserve a roster spot

86WARD
07-31-2011, 03:50 PM
He's not that bad. He's actually very good as a nickel back. He's just not starter material...but then neither is McFadden...

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 03:53 PM
He's not that bad. He's actually very good as a nickel back. He's just not starter material...but then neither is McFadden...

McFadden is a fine starter. We have Ike, we don't need a great cover man. McFadden's ability to play the run and solid tackling is more than enough for this defense.

Nadroj 20
07-31-2011, 03:54 PM
I don't mind having him around, I don't want his role to become bigger then we need it to though. Hopefully some young guys can step up.

86WARD
07-31-2011, 04:22 PM
McFadden is a fine starter. We have Ike, we don't need a great cover man. McFadden's ability to play the run and solid tackling is more than enough for this defense.

McFadden is far from a fine starter. Body, yes. Starter, not really. He is better suited for the nickel...and last year proved that. He needs to step up his game to be a true #2.

86WARD
07-31-2011, 04:23 PM
I don't mind having him around, I don't want his role to become bigger then we need it to though. Hopefully some young guys can step up.

^^this...

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 04:50 PM
McFadden is far from a fine starter. Body, yes. Starter, not really. He is better suited for the nickel...and last year proved that. He needs to step up his game to be a true #2.

Our LCB needs to be strong against the run. As does all of the team, including the secondary. McFadden is excellent against the run and a solid tackler. A lot of the receptions he gives up are a product of him playing off zone coverage. That falls on the coaching staff, not the player.

ALLD
07-31-2011, 05:09 PM
The real question is how much did Billy have to pay the Steelers so they would let him remain on the team?

Craic
07-31-2011, 05:14 PM
Everyone is judging him by the year before, then cherry-picking specific things out of last year's games. But all-in-all, as a Nickel CB, he was probably the best one we had out there for that position, and tied with Troy P. with the most passes defended of the team at eleven. Add to that his two sacks, forced fumble, and 34 tackles at what is effectively a part time position, and I'll say you have a players with DANG GOOD production.

BTW, McFadden, Taylor, and Timmons all had ten passes defended for a team total of 91 out of 593 attempts.

It would be foolish to let him go. He's not a number two CB. We know that. But he sure as anything is the best number 3 we have, and one of the best in the league there. Take a look at a stat that is specifically CB focused for the AFL.

Passes defended.
New England has 1 player with more PD, with an almost equal 611 attempts against them.
Jets have 1 player above and one equal in PD, with 531 attempts against them.
Miami has 1 player above him in PD at 502 attempts.
Bills have 1 player above and 1 equal with 473 attempts against.
Ravens have 2 above him, with 596 attempts against them.
Cleveland has 1 above him, with 507 attempts.
Bungles have 1 equal, with 514 attempts against.
Colts have none, with 535 attempts against them.
Jags have none, with 503 attempts against them.
Texans have 1, with 547 attempts against them.
Titans have 1 more (12) and 1 equal with 625 attempts against them.
Chiefs have 3 above him (!) with 581 attempts against them.
San Diego has 1 above and 1 equal, with 488 attempts against.
Raiders have 1 above with 470 attempts against.
Broncos have 2 above with 580 attempts against.

With that said, Pittsburgh was average (17 out of 32 teams) in completion percentage. Even more telling, they were 2nd in yards per pass attempt.

All of that means that yes, Pittsburgh was thrown on a lot, but they were average in defending against the pass. Furthermore, the average passes against them were short, and tackled early. That is often times the number 3 receiver or the TE. Both of which often gets the nickel CB in coverage when Pittsburgh goes to a nickel formation.

The stats tell me that there are very few players of Willy Gay's caliber playing at the number three position on a team. We are lucky to keep him. The DOWNSIDE, is that he is a specialist and will probably never be able to fill the number 2 slot. Either way, if were looking to upgrade at CB, it won't be done by letting Gay go.

Psycho Ward 86
07-31-2011, 05:22 PM
^Good points. As much as we all hate Gay, he's gotta stay (the stupid rhymes continue :)). And fyi, the Chiefs led the league in passes defensed.

86WARD
07-31-2011, 05:23 PM
Good post preacher.

The Duke
07-31-2011, 05:25 PM
Preacher, excellent analysis, really couldn't put it any better

Gay is fine. He didn't have his best day in all aspects of the game in the super bowl, but frankly no one on the team did.

I just hope he is never put covering a tight end like Gronkowski ever again. That was the most painful beating of a player I've ever seen

86WARD
07-31-2011, 05:38 PM
Our LCB needs to be strong against the run. As does all of the team, including the secondary. McFadden is excellent against the run and a solid tackler. A lot of the receptions he gives up are a product of him playing off zone coverage. That falls on the coaching staff, not the player.

In the past McFadden has been solid. Last season and down the stretch he was not. Not in any aspect of his game actually. We've all seen him play well and he played well at the beginning of last season, and I like the guy, he was just not good all around at the end of last season.

The Duke
07-31-2011, 05:45 PM
In the past McFadden has been solid. Last season and down the stretch he was not. Not in any aspect of his game actually. We've all seen him play well and he played well at the beginning of last season, and I like the guy, he was just not good all around at the end of last season.

Not making excuses for him, but that hip injury really killed his mobility last season. If we had someone who could take him spot Im sure the coaches would have shut him down for a while, but that's the problem, we didn't, and Gay is not an outside corner

BMac's health is one of the main reasons I hope Lewis/Butler step up. They won't play over him or Gay, not a chance, but we need them cause injuries will happen

and going by that, I hope we get a better backup for Troy too

Craic
07-31-2011, 05:50 PM
Preacher, excellent analysis, really couldn't put it any better

Gay is fine. He didn't have his best day in all aspects of the game in the super bowl, but frankly no one on the team did.

I just hope he is never put covering a tight end like Gronkowski ever again. That was the most painful beating of a player I've ever seen

That GAME was one of the most painful beatings I've seen. :rolleyes: (eyeroll at the team, not you Duke). Ouch.

But you're right. I don't see why they can't take Timmons and stick him like glue on TE's like that. He's great in coverage and big enough to deal with TE's.

HometownGal
07-31-2011, 05:51 PM
Everyone is judging him by the year before, then cherry-picking specific things out of last year's games. But all-in-all, as a Nickel CB, he was probably the best one we had out there for that position, and tied with Troy P. with the most passes defended of the team at eleven. Add to that his two sacks, forced fumble, and 34 tackles at what is effectively a part time position, and I'll say you have a players with DANG GOOD production.

BTW, McFadden, Taylor, and Timmons all had ten passes defended for a team total of 91 out of 593 attempts.

It would be foolish to let him go. He's not a number two CB. We know that. But he sure as anything is the best number 3 we have, and one of the best in the league there. Take a look at a stat that is specifically CB focused for the AFL.

Passes defended.
New England has 1 player with more PD, with an almost equal 611 attempts against them.
Jets have 1 player above and one equal in PD, with 531 attempts against them.
Miami has 1 player above him in PD at 502 attempts.
Bills have 1 player above and 1 equal with 473 attempts against.
Ravens have 2 above him, with 596 attempts against them.
Cleveland has 1 above him, with 507 attempts.
Bungles have 1 equal, with 514 attempts against.
Colts have none, with 535 attempts against them.
Jags have none, with 503 attempts against them.
Texans have 1, with 547 attempts against them.
Titans have 1 more (12) and 1 equal with 625 attempts against them.
Chiefs have 3 above him (!) with 581 attempts against them.
San Diego has 1 above and 1 equal, with 488 attempts against.
Raiders have 1 above with 470 attempts against.
Broncos have 2 above with 580 attempts against.

With that said, Pittsburgh was average (17 out of 32 teams) in completion percentage. Even more telling, they were 2nd in yards per pass attempt.

All of that means that yes, Pittsburgh was thrown on a lot, but they were average in defending against the pass. Furthermore, the average passes against them were short, and tackled early. That is often times the number 3 receiver or the TE. Both of which often gets the nickel CB in coverage when Pittsburgh goes to a nickel formation.

The stats tell me that there are very few players of Willy Gay's caliber playing at the number three position on a team. We are lucky to keep him. The DOWNSIDE, is that he is a specialist and will probably never be able to fill the number 2 slot. Either way, if were looking to upgrade at CB, it won't be done by letting Gay go.

A WOW of a post Father and I'm in total agreement. :applaudit: :drink: Kind of getting scary on how much we agree lately aint it? :heh: ;)

Craic
07-31-2011, 07:37 PM
A WOW of a post Father and I'm in total agreement. :applaudit: :drink: Kind of getting scary on how much we agree lately aint it? :heh: ;)

:bananalama: Well thank you dear lady!

Been a while since we've talked... hope all is well with you too.

venom
07-31-2011, 08:06 PM
CHAMPIONSHIP !

tube517
07-31-2011, 08:07 PM
Not making excuses for him, but that hip injury really killed his mobility last season. If we had someone who could take him spot Im sure the coaches would have shut him down for a while, but that's the problem, we didn't, and Gay is not an outside corner

BMac's health is one of the main reasons I hope Lewis/Butler step up. They won't play over him or Gay, not a chance, but we need them cause injuries will happen

and going by that, I hope we get a better backup for Troy too

Agreed. BMac, when healthy, is actually solid. He's played hurt in 2009 (at Pittsburgh west) and 2010. That is what scares me is if he is playing hurt. I'm hoping the young guys can step up.

steelpride12
07-31-2011, 08:11 PM
I'm sorry, but this move is better than a rookie stepping up as the #2 guy on the outside against some of the best WR out there. Gay was decent in the Nickle, the only problem I have is there are going to be situation where he is moved to the outside and if only a few plays a game I still will be worried.

86WARD
07-31-2011, 08:28 PM
I'm sorry, but this move is better than a rookie stepping up as the #2 guy on the outside against some of the best WR out there. Gay was decent in the Nickle, the only problem I have is there are going to be situation where he is moved to the outside and if only a few plays a game I still will be worried.

That remains to be seen...lol.

Edman
07-31-2011, 09:33 PM
Willie is not even a good Nickel corner. We all remember such highlights like his inability to cover Rob Gronkowski. A Tight End.

Sorry, Gay sucks and I don't like the signing.

7willBheaven
07-31-2011, 09:39 PM
1 yr deal for him

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11212/1164298-66.stm

SteelCityMan786
07-31-2011, 10:04 PM
He's not that bad. He's actually very good as a nickel back. He's just not starter material...but then neither is McFadden...

I'd rather watch McFadden who I see as a better match up issue for Offenses then Gay who can't defend against anything not named the nickel. ( refer to Ron Gronkowski in the game against New England last year for why I feel this way)

Craic
07-31-2011, 10:50 PM
Willie is not even a good Nickel corner. We all remember such highlights like his inability to cover Rob Gronkowski. A Tight End.

Sorry, Gay sucks and I don't like the signing.
And how many 3rd CB's has Heath made a fool of? Or any number of TE's made fools of CB's?

Sorry, but that was a Coaching error on Lebeau's part, not on Gay. Why you would continually line up a 5-10 190 CB to defend against a 6' 6'' 265 pound TE is COMPLETELY beyond me, especially when you're playing a short field coming into the endzone.

Like I said, people are cherry picking certain plays to say that Gay sucks, without looking at his body of work as a whole, OR for that matter, what else was happening in the game. Remember, Dick Lebeau got his arse handed to him that game by the Pats*.

Psycho Ward 86
07-31-2011, 11:01 PM
Willie is not even a good Nickel corner. We all remember such highlights like his inability to cover Rob Gronkowski. A Tight End.

Sorry, Gay sucks and I don't like the signing.

i hate gay too lol but are you inferring that cornerbacks should be able to cover tight ends? Including athletic ones?

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 11:10 PM
And how many 3rd CB's has Heath made a fool of? Or any number of TE's made fools of CB's?

Sorry, but that was a Coaching error on Lebeau's part, not on Gay. Why you would continually line up a 5-10 190 CB to defend against a 6' 6'' 265 pound TE is COMPLETELY beyond me, especially when you're playing a short field coming into the endzone.

Like I said, people are cherry picking certain plays to say that Gay sucks, without looking at his body of work as a whole, OR for that matter, what else was happening in the game. Remember, Dick Lebeau got his arse handed to him that game by the Pats*.

Dead on yet again Preacher.

For those who remember the play, there was late motion by Gronk to Gay's side. The Z receiver ran a streak and Clark had to take him over the top. Gay, playing to the inside hip assuming he'd have help over the top on any streak, a corner that small isn't going to be able to stop every throw, didn't have help and got beat on a well-placed pass by Brady. Gay had no shot at it.

It was just a beautifully thrown pass by Brady and a well-executed play by the Pats.

But of course, the easy answer is to blame Gay.

Chidi29
07-31-2011, 11:19 PM
That GAME was one of the most painful beatings I've seen. :rolleyes: (eyeroll at the team, not you Duke). Ouch.

But you're right. I don't see why they can't take Timmons and stick him like glue on TE's like that. He's great in coverage and big enough to deal with TE's.

On that play the team had 21 personnel in. I'm assuming Timmons had to pick up one of the RBs.

Picture of the formation.

http://i56.tinypic.com/futcwg.jpg

steelerdude15
07-31-2011, 11:34 PM
He thrived in nickel last year and that's where he needs to stay, unless he can step up to become a starter.

Craic
08-01-2011, 01:27 AM
On that play the team had 21 personnel in. I'm assuming Timmons had to pick up one of the RBs.

Picture of the formation.

http://i56.tinypic.com/futcwg.jpg

For that play, you're probably right. I'm just talking in general. Timmons is a very good LB in coverage. I'd think he'd have a lot better chance against the big TE's.

Steeldude
08-01-2011, 01:31 AM
he is good depth.

it would be nice to find a good starter across from taylor. oh well, you can't have everything

Chidi29
08-01-2011, 06:11 PM
For that play, you're probably right. I'm just talking in general. Timmons is a very good LB in coverage. I'd think he'd have a lot better chance against the big TE's.

You're right and I agree. Gay on Gronk is a total mismatch.

TMC
08-02-2011, 09:45 AM
Preacher, here is where we will simply have to disagree. The problem with Gay is not when he is facing offenses like the Browns, Ravens, Bucs, and others that do not go deep with good speedy WRs or pass catching TEs, the problem is when you face good QBs and OCs that know how to create mismatches.

If you go back to the Saints game, put in the 2nd half, the opening drive, the Saints began to target McFadden and Gay. They would line up and get Gay and McFadden on the same side and worked that side down the field. When the Steelers ran cover-3 and McFadden was dropping, they put Gay in the position of deciding between inside or outside and went to the open man. Truthfully, both were open because it froze him between them. On the goal line, when lined up directly across from the WR, he misses the jam and allows a free release, putting Polamalu in a bad position where he grabs the WR or it is an easy TD.

Against the Bengals, they brought out Ochocinco, Owens, and Shipley. For the most part, Gay covered Shipley. The Bengals get near the red zone, they break the huddle and put Ochocinco and Owens on one side, Shipley on the other. Do you put Gay on the boundary and then have them run at him? I don't. So, McFadden is on Shipley, forcing Gay to match up with Owens or Ocho. Owens just abuses him. The worst part, Owens give a little move and has him beaten by 5 yards. He was wide open. The 3 WR sets kept Gay on the field and it also forced some man coverage on the outside because you have to keep someone over him inside.

Then came the New England game. After the New England game, LeBeau tweeked the defense. But, in addition to that, the Steelers really did not run into another team that was able to spread them and create the mismatches. The Bengals were the only team that appeared to have all the weapons and by the time they faced them again, they were folding. Then came the Packers in the playoffs with enough weapons to give the best pass defenses trouble. They just cut the Steelers secondary up.

I think Gay is very average as a nickel back. If a team can create a mismatch with him, they can exploit it over and over. He is a short zone corner only that needs help over the top at all times. It is what it is. I have no issue with his re-signing because of this abbreviated off season. I just do not think you can bring your young guys up to speed fast enough, so, in Gay we trust.

suitanim
08-02-2011, 10:02 AM
My main issue with Gay is his inconsistency. He'd make a Troy-like play on 2nd down, then get smoked like a clueless rookie on 3rd.

Mach1
08-02-2011, 10:20 AM
Gay's new team photo. :chuckle:

http://www.coldtoast.com/images/toastSliceWhiteBkgd.jpg

SteelGhost
08-02-2011, 05:19 PM
My main issue with Gay is his inconsistency. He'd make a Troy-like play on 2nd down, then get smoked like a clueless rookie on 3rd.

My feelings exactly suit.

El-Gonzo Jackson
08-02-2011, 05:37 PM
Willie is not even a good Nickel corner. We all remember such highlights like his inability to cover Rob Gronkowski. A Tight End.

Sorry, Gay sucks and I don't like the signing.

I'm with you. I had him as a young version of Townsend. A guy that is a good nickle corner, but he is really an average to mediocre nickle corner. The lack of a decent #2, #3 and #4 CB on the roster was apparent in the SB.

1 year contract though, he could be supplanted by any number of guys on the roster by next season. I hope Brown, Lewis, Butler all prove to be better options a year from now.

El-Gonzo Jackson
08-02-2011, 05:38 PM
Gay's new team photo. :chuckle:

http://www.coldtoast.com/images/toastSliceWhiteBkgd.jpg
Nice pic of Tim McKyer!! he has aged well.