You're a good back Fitzgerald Toussaint

[Steel Peon]

Everyone from Adrian Peterson, to Emmit Smith, to Jerome Bettis, to Franco Harris, to Marshall Faulk, to Terrell Davis, and to even Jim Brown has fumbled the ball at unfortunate times, and those guys were 1st string running backs. Toussaint may not be a 1st stringer, but he gave us a chance where we didn't have any, and I'd say he did a fine job of it, with several clutch plays that without which we're not even having this conversation. Don't be too hard on yourself Fitz, because our backs (so to speak) were already up against the wall, and we're all glad as hell you were here when we needed you.

Edit: Screw that other thread.

[86WARD]

Here, Here!

[Kittyfish]

I'll third that. I'm sure he'll kick himself all off-season but hopefully he'll have a chance to redeem himself. He did pretty well under difficult circumstances.

[Butch]

He played a helluva lot better than I ever expected and there were a lot of other reasons we lost that game. We beat the bungles because of what he did, so I don't hold anything against him. Hope he comes back and redeems himself next year, and we forget this even happened. Keep your head up, learn from the mistake and learn to control the ball better in the off season. Then come back and kick some ass.

I believe!!!

[Shoes]

Agreed, a solid #2 he may give Williams a run for his money in camp if given the chance.

[tube517]

Maybe he comes back in that 2008 Mewelde Moore role so Cool Shades doesn't "overwork" Le'Vangelo.

[st33lersguy]

Is anyone even talking about the fumble if the defense doesn't promptly give up a 65 yard TD march that ran off 6 and a half minutes off the clock and featured a scrub WR no one ever heard of before getting a 1st down conversion on 3rd and 12?

[Edman]

Is anyone even talking about the fumble if the defense doesn't promptly give up a 65 yard TD march that ran off 6 and a half minutes off the clock and featured a scrub WR no one ever heard of before getting a 1st down conversion on 3rd and 12?

They still talk about Jerome's fumble even though the Steelers won the game in Indy. So yes. They would have.

Unfortunately The difference is they talk about it as a near disaster, while this one wound up being a disaster.

Gotta give some credit to the Broncos too. The fumble was the emotional surge the Broncos needed to win, and all the wind went out of our sails. The Broncos made the play to win, we didn't.

[tube517]

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...#axzz3xVpVPx9b

Redman should be cut!

[steelreserve]

I don't think we win the Cincinnati game without him. To be as beat-up as we were, with the defensive issues we've had all year, and pushing the #1 team in the conference to the brink in their own stadium - we were already playing with house money as far as I'm concerned. And Toussaint was a big part of that. It sucks the way the game turned out, but we'll get over it.

[stillers4me]

I said to my husband yesterday (before the fumble), "I think Tomlin has finally found his little RB!" I hope it doesn't stay in his head.

[steelerdude15]

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...#axzz3xVpVPx9b

Redman should be cut!

I saw that. Idiots.

[86WARD]

LOL. Morons.

[TD's & Beer]

I really felt sorry for the guy....couldn't help thinking of Jeremy Hill and his screaming "No, No, No!!! " sidelines Wired FX moment when he realized his fumble would lead to a loss


yeah I watch everything

[zulater]

You people are going a little overboard in trying to prove your compassion. There's a real good chance that Toussaint doesn't make the team next season. He's at best a marginal player with a possible passable upside. But unless he can be a strong contributor on special teams he's probably going to end up on the outside looking in once the final cut is in

Here's something I read on DK's site this morning that supports what I'm saying.

But here’s the harsh reality that I feel has to be injected into this, and I don’t write it to be mean: Toussaint had no business being in this setting because he just isn’t that good.

If he were, he wouldn’t have gone undrafted in 2014 despite starting for a high-profile college program at Michigan, he wouldn’t have been cut by the Ravens after just a month in their camp, he wouldn’t have been released again by the same team after another month in 2015, he wouldn’t have been placed on the practice squad once the Steelers picked him up in September, and wouldn’t have been held off the 53-man until late November.

Our photographer, Jared Wickerham, was shooting from field level and noticed during the game that both Toussaint and Todman were juggling every other handoff. His thought at the time was that they looked nervous and that one or the other was a fumble waiting to happen.

Well, of course they were!

They’re practice-squad running backs!

On one play late in the third quarter, Toussaint was granted a hole through the left side of the line large enough for William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry to have waltzed through for a 33-yard touchdown. If it had been Le’Veon or DeAngelo, as one offensive lineman told me, “automatic six points.” As it was, Toussaint was easily dragged down after just 9 yards when the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan laid a single hand on his hip.

On the first play of the fourth quarter — same drive — Todman was spun around like a dollar-store top for a 5-yard loss when he only needed to keep running to turn the corner.

The Steelers punted on that drive, and their lead remained a paper-thin 13-12.

This is what practice-squad running backs do.

Chances are Touissant will be relegated to the Steelers footnotes of playoff goat infamy along with, DeWayne Washington, Mark Strock and Tim McKyer.

[steel striker]

I though he played pretty well and, give us a chance in that game. Roby punched the ball out it happens and, I'm Fitz will never forget that play.

[Craic]

You people are going a little overboard in trying to prove your compassion. There's a real good chance that Toussaint doesn't make the team next season. He's at best a marginal player with a possible passable upside. But unless he can be a strong contributor on special teams he's probably going to end up on the outside looking in once the final cut is in

Here's something I read on DK's site this morning that supports what I'm saying.

But here’s the harsh reality that I feel has to be injected into this, and I don’t write it to be mean: Toussaint had no business being in this setting because he just isn’t that good.

If he were, he wouldn’t have gone undrafted in 2014 despite starting for a high-profile college program at Michigan, he wouldn’t have been cut by the Ravens after just a month in their camp, he wouldn’t have been released again by the same team after another month in 2015, he wouldn’t have been placed on the practice squad once the Steelers picked him up in September, and wouldn’t have been held off the 53-man until late November.

Our photographer, Jared Wickerham, was shooting from field level and noticed during the game that both Toussaint and Todman were juggling every other handoff. His thought at the time was that they looked nervous and that one or the other was a fumble waiting to happen.

Well, of course they were!

They’re practice-squad running backs!

On one play late in the third quarter, Toussaint was granted a hole through the left side of the line large enough for William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry to have waltzed through for a 33-yard touchdown. If it had been Le’Veon or DeAngelo, as one offensive lineman told me, “automatic six points.” As it was, Toussaint was easily dragged down after just 9 yards when the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan laid a single hand on his hip.

On the first play of the fourth quarter — same drive — Todman was spun around like a dollar-store top for a 5-yard loss when he only needed to keep running to turn the corner.

The Steelers punted on that drive, and their lead remained a paper-thin 13-12.

This is what practice-squad running backs do.

Chances are Touissant will be relegated to the Steelers footnotes of playoff goat infamy along with, DeWayne Washington, Mark Strock and Tim McKyer.

That's a very foolish argument for any Steelers fan to make. He's not good because he wasn't drafted... He's not good because he got cut a few times... I wonder what James Harrison thinks about that.

[Mojouw]

http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/...rald-Toussaint

It's almost like he isn't a starting RB but one who can really help a team as a depth option. Too bad the Steelers are counting on him to start. Oh. Wait.

What are we even arguing about anymore?

[zulater]

That's a very foolish argument for any Steelers fan to make. He's not good because he wasn't drafted... He's not good because he got cut a few times... I wonder what James Harrison thinks about that.

James Harrison didn't go to Michigan. James Harrison was never an early cut. James was cut because he was undisciplined and was believed uncoachable early on. Had a huge chip on his shoulder, the coaches were actually afraid of him. ( well that's easy to understand ) situations aren't even close to relateable.

Also I guess you missed the part where an unnamed Steeler lineman lamented the fact he didn't take advantage of what was blocked.

Oh well proof is in the pudding,let's see if he's on an NFL roster and makes any contribution next year.

[zulater]

http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/...rald-Toussaint

It's almost like he isn't a starting RB but one who can really help a team as a depth option. Too bad the Steelers are counting on him to start. Oh. Wait.

What are we even arguing about anymore?

The title of this thread claims he's "a good back". He's not. Also I'm arguing against his Canonization. This thread almost comes across like the white guilt that causes liberals to go crazy on any racial matters . Just because some people have been harsh about his fumble doesn't change who or what he is. He's a marginal talent who's just as likely not to make next year's opening roster as is. If I were him I would be studying special teams tapes extra hard this offseason. Because in the end that will probably be his best chance to make the roster as the third back. Because there's plenty of rookie free agents that can challenge for that spot.

[tube517]

2015 Frenchy = 2005 Jon Kuhn?????


OR


http://www.steelersuniverse.com/foru...ess-and-glide-)

[Shoes]

As for DK, Big Al was a PS OT last year and didn't play much football before that. Did he expect Fitz to take Williams place this season? Picking up a vet RB last year didn't help the team much as I recall.

[zulater]

As for DK, Big Al was a PS OT last year and didn't play much football before that. Did he expect Fitz to take Williams place this season? Picking up a vet RB last year didn't help the team much as I recall.

He didn't editorialize. He simply reported.

[Craic]

James Harrison didn't go to Michigan. James Harrison was never an early cut. James was cut because he was undisciplined and was believed uncoachable early on. Had a huge chip on his shoulder, the coaches were actually afraid of him. ( well that's easy to understand ) situations aren't even close to relateable.

Also I guess you missed the part where an unnamed Steeler lineman lamented the fact he didn't take advantage of what was blocked.

Oh well proof is in the pudding,let's see if he's on an NFL roster and makes any contribution next year.

Um I think you're memory on Harrison might be a bit off.

1. Harrison went to a smaller school, which means overall, there's even less chance of making the jump.
2. Both of them were undrafted.
3. James was cut Twice from the Steelers practice squad during his first season.
4. He came up to play special teams on the active roster once thereafter. And then was cut again.
5. After being signed by Baltimore in 2003, he was sent to play in NFL Europe, but was cut again a little while later.
6. Resigned to the Steelers in 2004.

Hence - Harrison was cut FOUR TIMES in the first two years of his career. So yes, he was a very early cut, again, being cut THREE times in his rookie year, and a fourth time the following year.

As far as talent is concerned, I'm not sure why you're saying he doesn't have (NFL level) talent. The kid has a fast first step, can explode through the hole, has decent to good hands and can adjust to the ball in the air. Did he always hit the hole properly? Probably not, he's a rookie. That's not a lack of talent, that's a lack of playing time at the NFL level.

So, I do think the kid showed talent and ability to play at the NFL level. To what degree is up to discussion. Maybe he'll always be a backup. Maybe he'll become a third-down specialist. Maybe he'll turn into a journeyman RB. But, he's definitely shown he has an ability to play NFL caliber football. Personally, I'd be happy with him and Todman backing up Bell and D. Williams next year. I think it'd be one of the deepest RB corps in the NFL.

[zulater]

When the season is over and the NFL hold's their annual after season banquet I think the Steelers should send "Frenchy" up to receive their participation trophy! It will help build up his self esteem and confidence! Oh wait, I might be confusing this with my 9 year old niece's slow pitch soft ball league.

Besides James Harrison wouldn't let them take their trophy anyhow.

[Craic]

When the season is over and the NFL hold's their annual after season banquet I think the Steelers should send "Frenchy" up to receive their participation trophy! It will help build up his self esteem and confidence! Oh wait, I might be confusing this with my 9 year old niece's slow pitch soft ball league.

Besides James Harrison wouldn't let them take their trophy anyhow.

I don't have a problem with a participation trophy at 9 years of age. Teenager? That's an entirely different story.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Just because some people have been harsh about his fumble doesn't change who or what he is. He's a marginal talent who's just as likely not to make next year's opening roster as is. If I were him I would be studying special teams tapes extra hard this offseason. Because in the end that will probably be his best chance to make the roster as the third back. Because there's plenty of rookie free agents that can challenge for that spot.

really? you dont get 118 scrimmage yards against one of the league's best defenses by being a marginal talent. and if Roby doesnt make an outstanding, and very sneaky FF (look at how he made that play, very rarely do FF happen in any fashion like that), Toussaint had a strong chance of taking the ball to the house and winning us the game.

and i dont see why you would try to detract from a 3rd string player's (of all people's) abilities by saying special teams is his best chance to make the roster. Last I checked, pretty much every 3rd string player has to earn their keep on special teams. so what? Not a lot of teams can say they have a 3rd string RB with Frenchy's potential. We very well may have the best backfield, best receiving corp, AND best qb in the league next season. Be happy that you're even in a position to talk so much excessive smack against a 3rd string running back

[zulater]

really? you dont get 118 scrimmage yards against one of the league's best defenses by being a marginal talent. and if Roby doesnt make an outstanding, and very sneaky FF (look at how he made that play, very rarely do FF happen in any fashion like that), Toussaint had a strong chance of taking the ball to the house and winning us the game.

and i dont see why you would try to detract from a 3rd string player's (of all people's) abilities by saying special teams is his best chance to make the roster. Last I checked, pretty much every 3rd string player has to earn their keep on special teams. so what? Not a lot of teams can say they have a 3rd string RB with Frenchy's potential. We very well may have the best backfield, best receiving corp, AND best qb in the league next season. Be happy that you're even in a position to talk so much excessive smack against a 3rd string running back

Whatever. I'm done with this topic. Just really not into celebrating a guy who's fumble changed the momentum of our playoff loss. But hey knock yourselves out!

We'll see if he makes the roster next season? I know you guys probably have him moving past DeAngelo on the depth chart. But I think I'll wait until the final cuts are in to cozy up to him.

Later.

[86WARD]

Tomlin likes his guys. No reason to think he would cut Toussaint no matter how bad his camp is...lol.

[Mojouw]

Bottom line is this. Who would you rather have as your 3rd running back - Josh Harris or French Cafe Tickletaint (whatever the hell his name is)?

Do I think the Steelers should add a RB or two this offseason? Yes. Let us not forget that Bell's injury is major. He may not be all the way back at the start of the season - or ever. Williams will be like a 102 in RB years next year. Be awesome to pick up this year's version of David Johnson in the 3rd round. However, that is the pick slotted for the annual "Freakishly gifted WR with question marks that the Steelers plan on turning into a rampaging beast to wreak havoc on overwhelmed secondaries across the league".

Long story short, Le Cafe will be back in training camp and will more than likely have a pretty clear path to the final 53.