Why is Ebron starting?

[SteelMember]

I think that's just them trying to run a different option from the personnel grouping.
They want him out there for the threat, but when the play is called for someone else, he has to at least make an effort.

The play you reference, he basically motioned too far from the end of the line, and Chase just made an inside move.
That motion is basically trying to move defensive players away from the other [run] side.

He is probably more inclined to take that motion and release as a short, outside target most other times.

[Mojouw]

I think that's just them trying to run a different option from the personnel grouping.
They want him out there for the threat, but when the play is called for someone else, he has to at least make an effort.

The play you reference, he basically motioned too far from the end of the line, and Chase just made an inside move.
That motion is basically trying to move defensive players away from the other [run] side.

He is probably more inclined to take that motion and release as a short, outside target most other times.

OK. Still kinda seems like the Steelers are consistently asking Ebron to do things he just isn't any good at (we can debate all day on whether he should or shouldn't be good at them) and I don't watch enough of other teams but say the NYG. Do they ask Engram to block in similar ways? Or do they get around Engram's blocking woes in other ways? What about the Raiders with a guy like Waller? Is he really an awesome blocker?

Again just kinda thinking out loud...

[Hawkman]

OK. Still kinda seems like the Steelers are consistently asking Ebron to do things he just isn't any good at (we can debate all day on whether he should or shouldn't be good at them) and I don't watch enough of other teams but say the NYG. Do they ask Engram to block in similar ways? Or do they get around Engram's blocking woes in other ways? What about the Raiders with a guy like Waller? Is he really an awesome blocker?

Again just kinda thinking out loud...

I think most people here want a Heath replacement, and that is really hard to come by. Great in line blocking, good hands, hard to get on the ground, (until the last couple of seasons), always available, and high IQ. Gronk has most of those, but even he has had big stretches of injuries which left him unavailable.

[Mojouw]

I think most people here want a Heath replacement, and that is really hard to come by. Great in line blocking, good hands, hard to get on the ground, (until the last couple of seasons), always available, and high IQ. Gronk has most of those, but even he has had big stretches of injuries which left him unavailable.

Sure. That makes sense. But they are very unlikely to get that guy again. I just think that the coaching staff's insistence that Ebron block in line is just dumb at this point. He can't do it. Full stop. No amount of coaching, drills, encouragement, whatever is going to fix it. He does and always will be horrible at it. So why put a guy in a position to fail?

[hawaiiansteeler]

Start 'Em

Eric Ebron at Bills (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Ebron has been peppered with targets in recent weeks, seeing a combined 29 over his last three games. That trend should continue against the Bills in what could be a shootout at Orchard Park. Buffalo has been generous to tight ends, allowing seven touchdowns and an average of nearly 16 fantasy points per game to the position. With Ben Roethlisberger throwing the football a ton, Ebron should be seen as a top-10 option this week.

https://www.si.com/fantasy/2020/12/0...-14-tight-ends

[HollywoodSteel]

Sure. That makes sense. But they are very unlikely to get that guy again. I just think that the coaching staff's insistence that Ebron block in line is just dumb at this point. He can't do it. Full stop. No amount of coaching, drills, encouragement, whatever is going to fix it. He does and always will be horrible at it. So why put a guy in a position to fail?

I definitely agree that sometimes the element of surprise (by keeping the same grouping) needs to be sacrificed when someone is just incompetent at something. Just like you won’t keep a bad blocking RB in to protect Ben in crucial passing situations.

I totally accept that on net Ebron is the superior TE to McDonald. But I still think they should mix it up sometimes because at least McDonald brings some versatility. Pass to him a few times so you can leave him in on as a blocking TE in certain situations. There’s a reason why TE is a different position than wr. A TE who absolutely can not block is just a wr lined up in a different place, except you wouldn’t leave a wr in to run block against an OLB or DE.

[Mojouw]

I definitely agree that sometimes the element of surprise (by keeping the same grouping) needs to be sacrificed when someone is just incompetent at something. Just like you won’t keep a bad blocking RB in to protect Ben in crucial passing situations.

I totally accept that on net Ebron is the superior TE to McDonald. But I still think they should mix it up sometimes because at least McDonald brings some versatility. Pass to him a few times so you can leave him in on as a blocking TE in certain situations. There’s a reason why TE is a different position than wr. A TE who absolutely can not block is just a wr lined up in a different place, except you wouldn’t leave a wr in to run block against an OLB or DE.

Yeah, I totally agree. They are being oddly stubborn about their TE usage. I rarely bash away at the coaching staff...but unless I am missing something...this is just a 12 week experiment in stupid.

Ebron has repeatedly demonstrated that he is not an effective blocker. He often fails to get a body on his assignment, stay engaged, or (and this one is really fun) pick the right guy to block. Like he seems to try real hard. But so did Jesse James and he was crap as a blocker too.

All that being said against Ebron...who is the coaching genius who decides to have him assigned to root out the star DE on short yardage plays? That is just dumb and has got to stop.

[Hawkman]

Sure. That makes sense. But they are very unlikely to get that guy again. I just think that the coaching staff's insistence that Ebron block in line is just dumb at this point. He can't do it. Full stop. No amount of coaching, drills, encouragement, whatever is going to fix it. He does and always will be horrible at it. So why put a guy in a position to fail?

No argument here, but what’s the solution with what we have to work with? The Hawkins thing isn’t working, maybe with a little more practice......

[teegre]

"Potential" is a fancy french word that means you havent done anything yet---Bill Parcells

I think after 7 NFL seasons of being a pass catching TE, if you still are dropping a fair amount of passes, then the potential to become a more reliable catcher of the football is minimal. Sure he is the best TE right now, but still saying that the Steelers need to look at upgrading next season. When your best TE has a history of dropping the football and cant block well, then its not great.

Yep... he’s the one-eyed man in the land of the blind.

As far as potential goes, Ebron has actually had a 13 TD season... which is better than most TEs can say. (Tony Gonzalez never had that many in a season, and Gronk only had one season with 13+ TDs.) Furthermore, an average season for Ebron is better than McDonald’s best season.

But, Yes, as Shoes will attest to: the Steelers have needed an upgrade at TE for about five years. Ebron is better than McDonald, but he’s not consistent, he’s not a blocker, and he’s not the answer.

[Mojouw]

No argument here, but what’s the solution with what we have to work with? The Hawkins thing isn’t working, maybe with a little more practice......

No idea. But different playcalls I guess. I'm not clever enough to describe it but have Ebron block in space like a WR. He can kinda do that. Now who blocks his spot in line? That's the part I'm too out my depth to guess at.

[teegre]

No idea. But different playcalls I guess. I'm not clever enough to describe it but have Ebron block in space like a WR. He can kinda do that. Now who blocks his spot in line? That's the part I'm too out my depth to guess at.

If he goes out for a pass, someone has to cover him. A LB cannot keep up; so it puts an extra DB on the firld (which in & of itself would help the run game).

[teegre]

at 32.

[Shoes]

Draft this guy. He had season ending surgery on his shoulder in November to be ready for the draft season.

Pat Freiermuth is the total package at the tight end position

In addition to being one of the most feared red-zone threats in college football, Pat Freiermuth brings an arsenal of traits to the table that will have front offices salivating during NFL Draft season.
Freiermuth has plus size and a good frame, which he utilizes to box out defenders for the football. He is strong at the catch point and consistently demonstrates the ability to make tough catches in traffic. He has tremendous hands, only accumulating five drops in his collegiate career. Tackling Freiermuth in the open field is not an easy task, as he rarely goes down on initial contact and showcases the desire to run defenders over.
Freiermuth offers tremendous versatility, highlighted by his ability to line up in the slot or play more of an in-line tight end role. Unlike the other top tight end prospects in the 2021 class, he is a willing and capable blocker. Freiermuth, the ultimate competitor, isn’t afraid to mix it up with defensive linemen and pave lanes in the running game.
Freiermuth checks all the boxes with his size, strong mitts, leadership, athleticism, and massive touchdown production. He might not possess the freaky athleticism that Florida’s Kyle Pitts owns, but Freiermuth is a far more complete player.


https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-pat-freiermuth-penn-state-te-similar-to-hunter-henry

[teegre]

Shoes, I’m going to trust your ability to pick TEs.

I haven’t seen much of him. Would any Penn St. fans want to chime in?

From what I’m reading, pick 96 () seems right.

[teegre]

After reading some more, Freiermuth being mocked around 30-40. Soooo... at 32.

[Shoes]

After reading some more, Freiermuth being mocked around 30-40. Soooo... at 32.

I'm hoping Pitts goes before Freiermuth and somehow he will end up a Steeler.

[tube517]

Maybe he will "drop" to us like Heath did.

[teegre]

I'm hoping Pitts goes before Freiermuth and somehow he will end up a Steeler.

Most mocks I’m seeing have Pitts going to the Cowboys (somewhere in the 4-8 range) to go along with that bevy of receivers.

(fingers crossed)

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe he will "drop" to us like Heath did.

Top 15 player who drops due to injury concerns...

[Shoes]

Maybe he will "drop" to us like Heath did.

I'd be fine with that.

[teegre]

Pitts is the clear-cut, top prospect. After that, the debate surrounds Freiermuth and Brevin Jordan*.

*Miami has produced so many TEs: Bubba Franks, Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, David Njoku, Chris Herndon...

[86WARD]

Pitts is the clear-cut, top prospect. After that, the debate surrounds Freiermuth and Brevin Jordan*.

*Miami has produced so many TEs: Bubba Franks, Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, David Njoku, Chris Herndon...

I watched Freiermuth every week up until the injury. The guy is pretty good. Very athletic, good blocker. If he is there at 32, I’d take him in a second. May get Ben excited for a couple more years or offer up a good dependable outlet to a young QB.

[DesertSteel]

Notre Dame has a good one, Michael Mayer, but he's just a freshman.

[Shoes]

Notre Dame has a good one, Michael Mayer, but he's just a freshman.

the R1 TE the Steelers will draft hasn't been born yet.

[Born2Steel]

Check out Tony Poljan of Virginia. TE with a very similar path as Heath. But this guy is 6'7".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or1vBE4Qd3k

[pczach]

Here's a great link with a draft evaluation and lots of info about Freiermuth, TE Penn State

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/p...-profile-2021/

[pczach]

Shoes, I’m going to trust your ability to pick TEs.

I haven’t seen much of him. Would any Penn St. fans want to chime in?

From what I’m reading, pick 96 () seems right.

I have watched this kid's entire career. He's a player.

The video posted by Shoes displays much of his physical talent. He's not a "freak" athlete that is going to run a 4.4 at 260 lbs. What you are getting is a player that is polished. He's an excellent route runner with great hands and a terrific feel for the game. He understands how to get open, and he knows how to use the gifts that God gave him. He's a guy that can make contested catches, and he's athletic enough to track the ball well and contort his body to make difficult catches. To me, he projects as a complete TE at the NFL level. He is advanced in his route running and runs advanced route trees. He is a natural pass catcher that is a hands-catcher. He makes catches through significant contact and runs hard after the catch.

He has had terrible quarterback play this season. His stats don't tell the tale of his skill. They have leaned on Freiermuth to be a primary target of the offense for a few seasons now. I think fans would be very happy if the Steelers were lucky enough to get him.

He's not a dominant in-line blocker, but he is physical enough to get things done while he also shows good effort and is a coachable kid. He has the build and the desire to get much better with NFL coaching. I think he will thrive in the NFL.

[teegre]

Matt Miller stated that he wants Pat Freiermuth to be a Steeler. Something to the effect of: “Freiermuth just seems like a Steeler...”

[Drazo85]

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers...nalties-drops/

Послато са Mi A1 помоћу Тапатока

[teegre]

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers...nalties-drops/

Послато са Mi A1 помоћу Тапатока

Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts was catching uncatchable passes in triple coverage. Holy smokes!!!... that kid is going to be a superstar.

[Shoes]

Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts was catching uncatchable passes in triple coverage. Holy smokes!!!... that kid is going to be a superstar.

hopefully one of these guys are on the steelers radar