Moving Forward: what's solid, what's a priority to address

[Craic]

Best way to get the taste of a loss from our mouths is the hope of next year, and do we ever have a reason to hope.

What's Solid:

1. For the first time in years, I really don't care to see the O line addressed in the draft or free-agency. I think they're coming along nicely and have very high hopes for this line next year.

2. Receivers are a solid groupe. Bryant had some nice catches tonight, and seems to be maturing rather well. Wheaton is a good number 3 receiver. AB is AB.

3. We have a starting RB that shined. I'm also pretty interested in Harris after this game. I noticed him pushing the pile a couple times, making some good choices, and catching out of the backfield. Still, this position will come up again.

4. Unlike most people, I'm fine with our coaches. They understand that we're in a long-distance run, and don't knee-jerk react. That got us the top spot in the AFCN and into the playoffs in the 3rd seed—while we're in a rebuild.

5. D line has grown up this year. Tuitt, McClendon, etc. all got some good work in and look to be a solid line. McCullers or whatever his name is had some good work this year and hopefully will grow as a player.

What's a Priority:

1. I want two new safeties, please.

2. I'm split on DBs. Gay has come along and Blake has a decent future. What we need, however, is a very solid number 1, and not drafted. We need to go free-agency here and get someone that can do it, now.

3. I still want to see a solid number 2 back come in. While I'm really interested in Harris, we have no idea if he has the ability to up his game.

[polamalubeast]

Defense,defense,defense!!!!!

[fansince'76]

Defense,defense,defense!!!!!

This. Hope to hell Shamarko Thomas and Jarvis Jones start showing something next year, because if they don't it will set us back even further on that front.

[Count Steeler]

Best way to get the taste of a loss from our mouths is the hope of next year, and do we ever have a reason to hope.

What's Solid:

1. For the first time in years, I really don't care to see the O line addressed in the draft or free-agency. I think they're coming along nicely and have very high hopes for this line next year.

2. Receivers are a solid groupe. Bryant had some nice catches tonight, and seems to be maturing rather well. Wheaton is a good number 3 receiver. AB is AB.

3. We have a starting RB that shined. I'm also pretty interested in Harris after this game. I noticed him pushing the pile a couple times, making some good choices, and catching out of the backfield. Still, this position will come up again.

4. Unlike most people, I'm fine with our coaches. They understand that we're in a long-distance run, and don't knee-jerk react. That got us the top spot in the AFCN and into the playoffs in the 3rd seed—while we're in a rebuild.

5. D line has grown up this year. Tuitt, McClendon, etc. all got some good work in and look to be a solid line. McCullers or whatever his name is had some good work this year and hopefully will grow as a player.

What's a Priority:

1. I want two new safeties, please.

2. I'm split on DBs. Gay has come along and Blake has a decent future. What we need, however, is a very solid number 1, and not drafted. We need to go free-agency here and get someone that can do it, now.

3. I still want to see a solid number 2 back come in. While I'm really interested in Harris, we have no idea if he has the ability to up his game.

Pretty much where I am at as well. LB position will need to be addressed because of contracts. Jones is unimpressive. Worilds likewise. Harrison was an inspiration and quite remarkable what he was able to do this year. Moats, I hope they return him. Shazier, Spence need more time. Timmons is solid.

Gay is good, but he is getting up there in age, so we have to have at least 2 solid CBs coming in to help. Blake/McCain get be used for depth.

O LIne, sure felt good to have most of the players healthy all year, it made a difference. Foster can be upgraded, as can Gilbert. I'd be willing to give Gilbert/Adams another year to solidify RT. If we have a shot at a decent LT, we could move Beachum into the LG.

And of course, let's please draft a QB prospect in the 4th round, because who is going to hold Landry's clipboard next year?

[Craic]

This. Hope to hell Shamarko Thomas and Jarvis Jones start showing something next year, because if they don't it will set us back even further on that front.

Jones - yeah, notice I didn't even address the linebackers? I have no idea where they stand. Worilds had a decent year, one that's worth keeping him around, but not at an outrageous expense. Timmons is the bright spot and Harrison still has a little gas in the tank, I think. But we've got some big questions there, too. I guess in this coming draft, I'd like to see a number 1 draft pick on either a safety or CB, provided they can come in and contribute. Otherwise, I'd even be willing to trade a draft pick to a team to pick up a CB or safety that can help.

[HollywoodSteel]

Best way to get the taste of a loss from our mouths is the hope of next year, and do we ever have a reason to hope.

What's Solid:

1. For the first time in years, I really don't care to see the O line addressed in the draft or free-agency. I think they're coming along nicely and have very high hopes for this line next year.

2. Receivers are a solid groupe. Bryant had some nice catches tonight, and seems to be maturing rather well. Wheaton is a good number 3 receiver. AB is AB.

3. We have a starting RB that shined. I'm also pretty interested in Harris after this game. I noticed him pushing the pile a couple times, making some good choices, and catching out of the backfield. Still, this position will come up again.

4. Unlike most people, I'm fine with our coaches. They understand that we're in a long-distance run, and don't knee-jerk react. That got us the top spot in the AFCN and into the playoffs in the 3rd seed—while we're in a rebuild.

5. D line has grown up this year. Tuitt, McClendon, etc. all got some good work in and look to be a solid line. McCullers or whatever his name is had some good work this year and hopefully will grow as a player.

What's a Priority:

1. I want two new safeties, please.

2. I'm split on DBs. Gay has come along and Blake has a decent future. What we need, however, is a very solid number 1, and not drafted. We need to go free-agency here and get someone that can do it, now.

3. I still want to see a solid number 2 back come in. While I'm really interested in Harris, we have no idea if he has the ability to up his game.

Can't argue with any of it. Especially the idea of addressing a corner in FA. It's too much to ask that we draft upgrades all around. We have a very good team with a few pieces missing but I don't want to waste our window by trying to develop everyone from scratch. Are there any safeties that might also in available in FA?

As much as I hate Mitchell right now, he does seem to play better without a freelancer like Troy opposite him. Maybe he is a short term answer for one of the slots once Troy retires. Is that possible? It's unlikely that we'll draft a safety that will be starter caliber unless we go safety in the first round.

[Drazo85]

This. Hope to hell Shamarko Thomas and Jarvis Jones start showing something next year, because if they don't it will set us back even further on that front.

Jarvis looked lost tonight and i dont count anymore on him contributing much more than occasional pressure during the season. I have not given up on him yet but i dont expect as much as i used to do. Shamarko is a great special team player. Not many game film on him on defense to determine is he any good playing safety. Next season will be their third year, and if they dont contribute the coaching staff will be running out of excuses.

[dislocatedday]

I agree with all the points Craic made with one main addition.............I'm not sure we have the pass-rushing OLBs that this defensive scheme needs. I don't think they can plan for James Harrison to be the man at LOLB next year, and Worilds may not be back. Jarvis Jones is still a mystery at this point, but my gut instinct based on what I have seen tells me he does not have the strength or leverage to play at a high level at that spot.

A NT is also needed if McCullers is not capable of being a starter at that position......although the little he has played has been promising in my eyes. He was driving Olineman backwards tonight and in previous games.

I think and am hopeful that Shazier really blossoms next year. He has special abilities and is a freakish athlete. Hopefully he stays healthy and works hard in the offseason to become a special player.

[steelerdude15]

1) Troy needs to retire. His career as a player is over. He isn't anywhere near the player he once was. If he decides to come back, cut him. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a great guy and is the greatest safety in Steelers' history, but he's a former shell of himself.

2)Time to address the corner position in the draft. I'm not talking about drafting a corner in the later rounds like this team does year in and year out. I'm talking about a first rounder; someone who is a shutdown corner and can actually catch a ball. The front office and coaching staff needs to stop neglecting this issue. Biggest issue on this team IMO.

3)Find a suitable backup for Le'Veon. We're not going to find someone like Le'Veon, but if we can find a decent backup who can help eat up some carries and score some touchdowns, that would be great.

4)I think we should also let Jason Worilds go. I think he's a good guy, but he hasn't shown enough to get a contract extension. It also doesn't help that there were many times he was asked to drop back in coverage earlier in the season, but I just feel he didn't do enough for the team.

5)Enough of the playing our corners ten yards off the receiver. I hate that thought and they should trash that idea. Play press.

6)Can the front office finally bring in a good punter?

[Count Steeler]

Well that is just irresponsible. What does this say about Thomas and Golden?

[Craic]

Well that is just irresponsible. What does this say about Thomas and Golden?

Wow.

If that's true, fine. I'm willing to give him a training camp position, but definitely not a roster spot yet. He'll have to earn that.

[X-Terminator]

Wow.

If that's true, fine. I'm willing to give him a training camp position, but definitely not a roster spot yet. He'll have to earn that.

At the very least I give him credit for not using it as an excuse this season.

[Steeldude]

Best way to get the taste of a loss from our mouths is the hope of next year, and do we ever have a reason to hope.

What's Solid:

1. For the first time in years, I really don't care to see the O line addressed in the draft or free-agency. I think they're coming along nicely and have very high hopes for this line next year.

2. Receivers are a solid groupe. Bryant had some nice catches tonight, and seems to be maturing rather well. Wheaton is a good number 3 receiver. AB is AB.

3. We have a starting RB that shined. I'm also pretty interested in Harris after this game. I noticed him pushing the pile a couple times, making some good choices, and catching out of the backfield. Still, this position will come up again.

4. Unlike most people, I'm fine with our coaches. They understand that we're in a long-distance run, and don't knee-jerk react. That got us the top spot in the AFCN and into the playoffs in the 3rd seed—while we're in a rebuild.

5. D line has grown up this year. Tuitt, McClendon, etc. all got some good work in and look to be a solid line. McCullers or whatever his name is had some good work this year and hopefully will grow as a player.

What's a Priority:

1. I want two new safeties, please.

2. I'm split on DBs. Gay has come along and Blake has a decent future. What we need, however, is a very solid number 1, and not drafted. We need to go free-agency here and get someone that can do it, now.

3. I still want to see a solid number 2 back come in. While I'm really interested in Harris, we have no idea if he has the ability to up his game.

The tackles still need to be addressed.

OLBs who can actually make plays on their own without the help of the scheme. As of now the Steelers only have Harrison. A player they deemed not worthy. Thankfully injuries made up for the judgement of talent the coaches employ. Think how bad this season would have been if Jones was never injured.

The D-line is not strong at the point of attack. They did a better job with the pass rush this year, but run support was lacking, IMO.

As for the coaches and FO, they need to do a better job of evaluating and acquiring real football talent. Relying on splash plays is Al Davis football. It's starts in the trenches. The Steelers need to impose their will on others.

I am fine with the WRs. Some RB depth would be nice. The TE needs to be addressed. Miller's time is coming to an end.

The CBs and safeties are...well...not so swift. Hopefully Thomas gets some playing time next year. Taylor needs to be released. It's sad that some scrubs taken off the street performed better than what the Steelers drafted and deemed worthy

[steelreserve]

1. We need a real nose tackle.

2. We need at least one better safety and one better CB.

3. We do not need to address the linebacker position; we have done plenty of that in recent years.

4. We do not need to address the offensive line; we have done plenty of that in recent years.


In other words, we have EXACTLY the same needs as we did 12 months ago, which if you ask me is pretty sad and shows some really bullheaded thinking as far as personnel goes.

[KeiselPower99]

Gilbert just signed a extension he isnt going anywhere. I wanna see money spent on defense. Dont have to be flashy just find good guys.

[katmandu]

Harrison still has a little gas in the tank, I think. But we've got some big questions there, too.

I agree. Harrison definitely has gas for another season... BUT, IIRC, he only signed for this season and no more. Plus, he did so rather reluctantly and with much persuasion from some of the old timers.

Several of the old timers will be gone next season and I would be very surprised if Harrison was not one of them.

[steelreserve]

I agree. Harrison definitely has gas for another season... BUT, IIRC, he only signed for this season and no more. Plus, he did so rather reluctantly and with much persuasion from some of the old timers.

Several of the old timers will be gone next season and I would be very surprised if Harrison was not one of them.

Maybe if we have him a bit more than the minimum salary. That guy has made way less money in his career than most players of similar skill, just because of weird timing. He got one big contact and he didn't even get to finish it even though he was the one guy who earned it all the way through.

Still, it seems like it'll be more a question of "want to." I'd love it if he came back though.

[crcsnail]

I agree with most of above but what do u guys think of LB Vince Williams? I know he is no Harrison . But I thought he improved a lot throughout the season. When he was on the field he always seamed to be around the ball , making tackles etc . I liked him a lot and I hope they keep him.

[Bluecoat96]

As much as I hate Mitchell right now, he does seem to play better without a freelancer like Troy opposite him. Maybe he is a short term answer for one of the slots once Troy retires. Is that possible? It's unlikely that we'll draft a safety that will be starter caliber unless we go safety in the first round.

I got an update on my phone that Mitchell revealed he played the entire year with a torn groin. I guess that could explain why he always seemed a step (or 4) behind every play.

[Count Steeler]

I agree with most of above but what do u guys think of LB Vince Williams? I know he is no Harrison . But I thought he improved a lot throughout the season. When he was on the field he always seamed to be around the ball , making tackles etc . I liked him a lot and I hope they keep him.

I would keep Williams. He has improved this year. Maybe Shazier can move to OLB?

[salamander]

Good points from everyone. One thing I definitely want to see is the for the FO to PLEASE stop with the blind loyalty to older players. When your team is playing better with the younger guys, stick with it. Don't ruin the chemistry by being overly loyal to certain players.

[ALLD]

S x 2
CB x 2
OL x 2
DL x 3
LB x 2
RB x 1
TE x 1
Don't expect Harrison, Keisel, Taylor or Polamalu back. Cut Adams, Archer, Landry & Mitchell.

[The Bark]

ILB we're set. If anybody were to move to OLB, I'd rather it be Williams. Moving Shazier there would be a waste of his speed and I honestly think he'd be undersized.

OLB is a concern. Jarvis needs started out decent enough at the beginning of the season, but then got hurt. Then Harrison essentially ate his playing time so it's hard to tell. I still think he needs to get stronger.

Thomas was a very good, hard-hitting safety at SU - watched all his games and thinks he just needs the opportunity to play other than special teams.

I wouldn't mind Harrison back, but I can honestly wave goodbye to Brett, Troy, Ike and Worilds who isn't worth the price. I agree with someone else, that CB needs to be addressed in FA. You're simply not going to draft a starting rookie into LeBeau's system.

In fact, I wouldn't mind if LeBeau retires. I've seen what he can do, is capable of, etc. I want the Butler era to begin before it's over before it started. The basis here is if you're going to acknowledge your defense is your liability at this point, then why continue to make it a work in progress for the next three to four seasons? Cut your losses now with the older players and usher in the new and get the baptism by fire over with, but I do believe if all those veterans were to leave at the same time, LeBeau very well may, too. As much as I love the guy, there's just something fundamentally wrong in today's NFL when it takes a couple of years to groom a player into a position because your defense is supposedly so complicated - yet on the other side of the ball, like with the Ravens, you have an all-pro rookie starting.

Whatever and however, they team needs to find a way to get more consistent pressure on the QB. I'm not sure the secondary has ever been that great of a unit, the d-line and linebackers success at putting pressure on the QB in the past masking the weakness. Now that the d-line and linebackers aren't able to generate that pressure, they've been exposed - though I do believe part of that is simply LeBeau's overly conservative schemes and not dialing up the blitz packages, exotic or otherwise, and I honestly believe that would change with Butler as coach.

- - - Updated - - -

And one other thing: does anybody recall Wheaton running a kickoff back BEYOND the 20 yard line at all this season? I just cringed every time he brought the ball out the last several games because he was costing yards. I think he managed to get to the 20 once last night, but surely we could do better on KO returns.

[GBMelBlount]

We have the number two offense in the NFL.

Other than a TE or offensive lineman in the middle rounds, Defense.

Period.

[Mojouw]

I honestly believe NT is not a need. Between McClendon and McCullers I think they have the position covered. I can't say for sure, but most of the big runs last night looked like they came through Tuitt and Worilds more than up the gut. I think one of the problems in the run game is that Tuitt, due to inexperience, can get caught trying to puss inside and up the field. Then, particularly on zone plays, the runner can get to his "edge". I'm certain I am not phrasing that correctly, but I think that is what I am seeing. Considering that Tuitt played for Notre Damne last season and not an NFL team, I don't really have a problem with that. The raw talent, energy level, etc is clearly there. He just needs to get the mental part locked in - like almost every rookie ever.

All in all, defensive line is not a need. Heyward had 7.5 sacks as a 3-4 end and was a monster in the run game. The Steelers looked high and low, but they have found Aaron Smith 2.0. Tuitt is clearly the answer as a bookend. His arrow is pointing up as they say. Between McClendon's ability to push the pocket from the nose and McCullers ability to be an immovable object (seriously, look at the Ravens run game in the second half in particular, McCullers basically ended anything between the guards) they can call NT good.

ILB is more than fine. They are 4 deep. OLB - glaring problem. Jones is a bust and may be better served as a 4-3 OLB in a Derrick Brooks kinda role, but has shown nothing as a 3-4 edge rusher. Worilds will want and get too much money. Harrison has something left, but playing him stops the development of anyone else - whoever that may be.

The secondary is a dumpster fire. Allen needs a psychological intervention, Mitchell needs a camp to prove his groin sucked and not him, Taylor and Polamalu need to hang them up, Mcain and Blake, are not starters, but depth and package guys. Gay is solid, but coming off a career year that may not be repeatable.

Offense is fine outside of back-up RB. However, it looks like a combo of Harris and Tate COULD be developed into the answer. Also decent vet running backs basically grow on trees.

So DBs and edge rushers and another receiving TE. Basically outside of OT. The same off-season wish list I have every year!

[dislocatedday]

We have the number two offense in the NFL.

Other than a TE or offensive lineman in the middle rounds, Defense.

Period.

+1 ........this is the strategy I think they should take into the draft. I think the Steelers can get an adequate backup RB in free agency for not much money. I don't think they should draft one at all.

[Dwinsgames]

At the very least I give him credit for not using it as an excuse this season.

This , and lord knows he has had plenty of opportunity to do so as he has been called out as often as anyone ...

I still want to address the pos through the draft

[Craic]

This , and lord knows he has had plenty of opportunity to do so as he has been called out as often as anyone ...

I still want to address the pos through the draft

Yes and no. I'd prefer to address it and the CB position through FA/trade. I think we have enough of a young core together on both sides of the ball that I'd love to see jump right in and compete from day one, rather than taking half a season for rookies their footing.

On the other hands, I'd also like to see us draft at CB and Safety for the future. Maybe bring in a couple guys in FA that have 2 or 3 good years left, then draft and let them come up under these guys.

[Dwinsgames]

Yes and no. I'd prefer to address it and the CB position through FA/trade. I think we have enough of a young core together on both sides of the ball that I'd love to see jump right in and compete from day one, rather than taking half a season for rookies their footing.

On the other hands, I'd also like to see us draft at CB and Safety for the future. Maybe bring in a couple guys in FA that have 2 or 3 good years left, then draft and let them come up under these guys.

I could live with that provided we got guys who could actually play and play well and not just start them ahead of the rookies because they are rookies ... best man takes the snaps learn while on fire if need be

[steelerdude15]

I know people think Mike Mitchell is awful and he did have a bad year, but I'm not giving up on him yet. Sure, there are things he needs to improve on like wrapping up when he makes a tackle, taking better angles to get to a runner, and stop making bone head hits, but I want to see him completely healthy and another off-season under his belt before I cast him off.