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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Craic]

After doing a bit more looking, I'm starting to think that maybe we do need to address the NT position. I'm not sure I'm comfortable going another year with the anchor of our run defense being as weak as it is. McCullers has a lot of upside and I watched him manhandle centers like nobody's business, but does that mean he can take the big step? Don't know.

And, we do have young guys at Safety. It's time to see what they can do. Afterall, as others have said, our pass defense actually looked decent in the latter part of the season.

[Dwinsgames]

After doing a bit more looking, I'm starting to think that maybe we do need to address the NT position. I'm not sure I'm comfortable going another year with the anchor of our run defense being as weak as it is. McCullers has a lot of upside and I watched him manhandle centers like nobody's business, but does that mean he can take the big step? Don't know.

And, we do have young guys at Safety. It's time to see what they can do. Afterall, as others have said, our pass defense actually looked decent in the latter part of the season.

Shamarko first has to figure out how to be available before we can ever consider relying on him to be a player of true value

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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?

[The Pittsburgh Kid]

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?

As mentioned in point 6 above. The world population is over7 BILLION, There are only 32 punters in the NFL. Certainly we can find a better option living on this planet than Brad Wing.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Dwinsgames]

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.

1) Daniel McCullers with a year under his belt and a full training camp /off season

2) agreed 100%

3) who you going to line up to rush the passer cause we only have 1 returning OLB who took snaps in 2014

4) so we continue to watch The Human Turnstile Gilbert get Ben killed ?

[steelreserve]

1) Daniel McCullers with a year under his belt and a full training camp /off season

2) agreed 100%

3) who you going to line up to rush the passer cause we only have 1 returning OLB who took snaps in 2014

4) so we continue to watch The Human Turnstile Gilbert get Ben killed ?

To your points:

1. McCullers is a solid "maybe," nothing else. Would be great if he turned out to be what we need, but NT has been SUCH a problem that I don't feel like waiting around for "maybe" is the answer.

3. Jones plus Moats or whoever can be the pass rushers. Shazier outside with Spence inside if we really can't find anyone. The problem is not the linebackers, it's the D-Line play. Put Lawrence Taylor and the Incredible Hulk rushing the passer behind our DL of the past few years, and they'll have a sub-par season. Put a couple even halfway decent LBs in there next to a good line and they'll look great. We spend all our premium picks on linebackers, without having the other parts in place to make them successful, then we wonder why they're not living up to their potential. It's like spending $5,000 on your car for rims and a sound system, and you still don't have an engine. It's not talent at the linebacker position that's our problem.

4. Yup, exactly that. We can't be perfect everywhere, and we have much more urgent needs than offensive line. The line was at least adequate for once, and it's a case where "good enough" will have to do. Gilbert and Beachum weren't what was losing us games; that was Troy, Mitchell, Ike, Cam Thomas, and Worilds. Fortunately we have a chance to replace most or all of that shit parade over the next few months, so I'd rather have good options in place than waste a high pick on an offensive tackle to replace a guy who, let's face it, isn't going anywhere. The most important thing we can do for the tackle position is whatever it takes to keep Munchak.

[Mojouw]

To your points:

1. McCullers is a solid "maybe," nothing else. Would be great if he turned out to be what we need, but NT has been SUCH a problem that I don't feel like waiting around for "maybe" is the answer.

3. Jones plus Moats or whoever can be the pass rushers. Shazier outside with Spence inside if we really can't find anyone. The problem is not the linebackers, it's the D-Line play. Put Lawrence Taylor and the Incredible Hulk rushing the passer behind our DL of the past few years, and they'll have a sub-par season. Put a couple even halfway decent LBs in there next to a good line and they'll look great. We spend all our premium picks on linebackers, without having the other parts in place to make them successful, then we wonder why they're not living up to their potential. It's like spending $5,000 on your car for rims and a sound system, and you still don't have an engine. It's not talent at the linebacker position that's our problem.

4. Yup, exactly that. We can't be perfect everywhere, and we have much more urgent needs than offensive line. The line was at least adequate for once, and it's a case where "good enough" will have to do. Gilbert and Beachum weren't what was losing us games; that was Troy, Mitchell, Ike, Cam Thomas, and Worilds. Fortunately we have a chance to replace most or all of that shit parade over the next few months, so I'd rather have good options in place than waste a high pick on an offensive tackle to replace a guy who, let's face it, isn't going anywhere. The most important thing we can do for the tackle position is whatever it takes to keep Munchak.

A rookie NT has only ever suceeded in this defense once - Casey Hampton. Unless the second coming of the "Big Snack" is available in the first round, it is not a pick that will help at all in 2015. McClendon played much better than he is given credit for in 2014. McCullers looks like an immovable object in the making. To my unpracticed eye, his play in much of the Wildcard game was outstanding. So for the NT spot to be better next season the options are to devote a round 1 pick to an "elite" DT prospect, or bank on the continued improvement of the McClendon/McCullers duo. In terms of resources, the cost-benefit favors standing pat at the nose.

There are two fundamental problems with the defense, lack of pass rush and atrocious safety play. At least one of those needs addressed in the draft. A pass rushing combination of Jones and Moats would likely be more anemic than the feeble pass rush the Steelers mustered this year. I can't think of a decent 3-4 defense w/out at least one credible outside pass rush threat. Oh. Wait. Yes I can. The 2014 Steelers. And it was awful. Shazier at 230 or so would look even worse on the edge than Worilds does.

The Steelers need to bring in 2-3 OLB'ers this off-season and anyone who is over 5'6" and claims to be able to cover NFL WRs.

[Steelman]

anyone who is over 5'6" and claims to be able to cover NFL WRs.

[steelreserve]

A rookie NT has only ever suceeded in this defense once - Casey Hampton. Unless the second coming of the "Big Snack" is available in the first round, it is not a pick that will help at all in 2015. McClendon played much better than he is given credit for in 2014. McCullers looks like an immovable object in the making. To my unpracticed eye, his play in much of the Wildcard game was outstanding. So for the NT spot to be better next season the options are to devote a round 1 pick to an "elite" DT prospect, or bank on the continued improvement of the McClendon/McCullers duo. In terms of resources, the cost-benefit favors standing pat at the nose.

There are two fundamental problems with the defense, lack of pass rush and atrocious safety play. At least one of those needs addressed in the draft. A pass rushing combination of Jones and Moats would likely be more anemic than the feeble pass rush the Steelers mustered this year. I can't think of a decent 3-4 defense w/out at least one credible outside pass rush threat. Oh. Wait. Yes I can. The 2014 Steelers. And it was awful. Shazier at 230 or so would look even worse on the edge than Worilds does.

The Steelers need to bring in 2-3 OLB'ers this off-season and anyone who is over 5'6" and claims to be able to cover NFL WRs.

Yes, that's it. Keep drafting linebackers. You do realize that's how we got into this mess on defense in the first place, right?

Ignore the nose tackle because it doesn't pencil out in the immediate short-term the same season. Guess what, it's never going to pencil out the way you apparently want it to. So the choice is to keep putting it off, and then next season you're in the same exact position, only it will take ANOTHER year to get results. We've done this before also. It's why the defense doesn't work. I hope McCullers is the guy who changes things, I really do, but it's still a question mark. He's got a long way to go before he does what Casey Hampton did. And yes, judging by the before/after that's unfolded right in front of us for the past several years, it IS most certainly worth the Round 1 pick for an "elite" DT prospect. I don't know what more evidence we need.

The whole point of this is that a good NT, coupled with what Tuitt is shaping up to be, will make our LBs into a credible pass rush. Jones and Moats have looked uninspiring because they get little help from the line; it's all 1-on-1 blocking; the tackles are generally free to block our pass rushers straight up and there are no mismatches. You have linemen drawing double-teams or collapsing the pocket, and guys like Clark Haggans come up with 8 or 10 sacks. Our overall sack totals and ability to get pressure went off a cliff whether we were with a healthy Harrison and Woodley, without a healthy Harrison and Woodley, with Jones and Worilds or without Jones and Worilds - really no matter who we've put out there. The one common theme is that Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton were replaced with a collection of guys who didn't do shit, and everyone else behind them was worse off for it, which will continue to be the case as long as we keep putting the cart before the horse with all the damn linebacker picks.

We used to be known for "developing linebackers" and coming up with great pass rushers in the middle rounds - well, no, it wasn't just coincidence that those guys turned out to be good; they had Pro Bowl caliber linemen in front of them making their jobs easier. The reason we have to spend first-round picks now, and they still don't work out, is not the old worn-out bullshit: "Well, other teams play a 3-4 now, so there's a premium on the kind of players we want." Horsecrap. What happened is we ignored the key ingredient to making the pass rushers successful for over a decade, whiffed on a couple picks by trying to make up for lost time and forcing it, and here we are. It is not something I am eager to continue for another year voluntarily.

[Dwinsgames]

To your points:

1. McCullers is a solid "maybe," nothing else. Would be great if he turned out to be what we need, but NT has been SUCH a problem that I don't feel like waiting around for "maybe" is the answer.

3. Jones plus Moats or whoever can be the pass rushers. Shazier outside with Spence inside if we really can't find anyone. The problem is not the linebackers, it's the D-Line play. Put Lawrence Taylor and the Incredible Hulk rushing the passer behind our DL of the past few years, and they'll have a sub-par season. Put a couple even halfway decent LBs in there next to a good line and they'll look great. We spend all our premium picks on linebackers, without having the other parts in place to make them successful, then we wonder why they're not living up to their potential. It's like spending $5,000 on your car for rims and a sound system, and you still don't have an engine. It's not talent at the linebacker position that's our problem.

4. Yup, exactly that. We can't be perfect everywhere, and we have much more urgent needs than offensive line. The line was at least adequate for once, and it's a case where "good enough" will have to do. Gilbert and Beachum weren't what was losing us games; that was Troy, Mitchell, Ike, Cam Thomas, and Worilds. Fortunately we have a chance to replace most or all of that shit parade over the next few months, so I'd rather have good options in place than waste a high pick on an offensive tackle to replace a guy who, let's face it, isn't going anywhere. The most important thing we can do for the tackle position is whatever it takes to keep Munchak.

the problem with all this is ...

1) you are assuming spending another pick at NT will in fact be the answer when I see it as just as possible being a lateral move , a rookie in this def is difficult , IMO McCullers looked about as good as you could expect for any rookie ...

2) Jones is the only guy currently on the roster that is currently under contract in 2015 Moats may or may not sign , but Jones is still a question mark and as much as I like Moats did not see enough of him to put all my chips to the middle of the table on him being any better than what we had with Worilds this year ... and in ther 3-4 you must have a dominant pass rush from your OLB duo just as much as you need a solid NT to handle 2 men and still push the pocket a bit and cause some amount of disruption ... 1 without the other puts you no place better than where we stand today for me ...

so no we do not know for sure if McCullers is the guy , but we do know we have a big whole at OLB and we also have a big question mark at S and CB...

[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.

[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.