Steelers vs. Falcons: Two to watch for

[stillers4me]

<sup>Traditionally, the third exhibition game provides first-stringers with their most extensive workload of the preseason. Such will be the case Saturday for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and the rest of the "Ones" probably won't call it a night until sometime in the third quarter.
But this is still the preseason, so coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert are still working on the development of the 53-man roster and eight-man practice squad.

"This is a big step for us and, for a lot of people, the clock is ticking in terms of some men making a statement or a move," Tomlin said.

The following are two players Tomlin and Colbert will be watching closely:................

read more @ http://www.timesonline.com/sports/st...b6a65d40d.html</sup>

[86WARD]

Had them both on my list to watch! They both did very well last week in the time they were out there.

[Count Steeler]

Could both make the team. They have been impressive. Warren more so for me.

[SteelerEmpire]

I have a feeling the secondary is gonna do real well this year...

[Iron Steeler]

link????

[86WARD]

I have a feeling the secondary is gonna do real well this year...

Hope your hunch is right!

[SteelerFanInStl]

I've been impressed with Warren so far. Hope he makes the team because we can sure use him.

[Edman]

Really like Donovan Warren also.

Also keeping an eye out on Keenan Lewis. Finally showed up last week.

I hope either of these guys step up. I don't think I can handle another year of Willie Gay.

[GBMelBlount]

"It's an opportunity to show what I can do," said Gilbert, who played college football at Florida, the same SEC powerhouse that produced center Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers' first-round pick last year.

"It was hard coming here, trying to learn the playbook pretty fast and trying to get down my techniques and the footwork they teach at this level. And then I missed a few days in camp."

Gilbert missed a few practices with a mild hamstring pull but the coaches were also disappointed in him because he reported to camp a few pounds overweight. It has been rumored that Gilbert is a distant relative of Starks as they both have sweet and kind dispositions and enjoy the same chardonnays, with pinkies fully extended of course....

I hope they whip Gilbert's fat ass into shape. He already has a reputation of being lazy and unmotivated.

[7willBheaven]

I like when players get thrown into the fire so to speak like Gilbert is...get to see what he can do with it. Warren has been one of the better CBs during the preseason...while he may not become a superstar...i think he can be a solid player. I wouldnt mind them keeping an extra CB and OL and say one less LB and WR or something.

Scott, Kemo, Pouncey, Hills, Colon, Gilbert, Legursky, Foster, Williams and Essex?

Ike, BMac, Lewis, Brown, Butler, Warren...and the last spot between Gay and Allen? If Allen isnt healthy maybe they can just IR him (as he wouldnt have much impact this yr as it is)...and then keep Gay or Macho Harris (if hes playing CB)...who knows.

[Iron Steeler]

Warren supposively was a fallen star. 2nd round potential who just made a poor decision to come out to early out of michigan.... One of those...HUUUGE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDERS KIND OF GUYS... which i love...

Heres a link where they talk about it more

http://www.maizenbrew.com/2010/4/26/...-poor-decision


my question is.... If we keep Warren do we cut Butler?? Because I was hoping butler would finally play like he once dominated teh ACC in a past life

[Iron Steeler]

Ike, BMac, Lewis, Brown, Butler, Warren...and the last spot between Gay and Allen? If Allen isnt healthy maybe they can just IR him (as he wouldnt have much impact this yr as it is)...and then keep Gay or Macho Harris (if hes playing CB)...who knows.

any scenerio where Gay is cut ....i agree with...

[Iron Steeler]

On December 20, 2009, Warren announced his decision to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.^[16] Warren stated that the NFL's Draft Advisory Board advised him that if he entered the draft, he would be selected in the first three rounds.^[17] When Warren signed Drew Rosenhaus as his sports agent, he was projected as a first or second round draft choice.^[18] Warren was considered to be a man-to-man defense specialist who needed to develop his zone defense skills.^[19] Some sources, such as Todd McShay, who felt he was just a cut below the top five cornerbacks in the draft prior to the 2010 NFL Combine, had predicted that Warren could be selected in the second round.^[20] ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. predicted Warren would be drafted in the third or fourth round of the draft, describing him as “a physical corner" who "likes going head to head on an island with the best receivers in the country, he’s never had an issue with that. Anticipation is good. Gambler, though. Gave up some big plays.”^[21] Warren aggravated an ankle injury shortly before the NFL Combine, where he struggled in position drills and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds.^[22] His disappointing performance was cited as damaging his draft stock.^[23]


wikipidea...

[Steeldude]

I have a feeling the secondary is gonna do real well this year...

i don't expect much with mcfadden as a starter. he has not played well. in 2010 he was burned quite often. just as he was in prior years. this is one area where the steelers need someone to step up.

[SteelMember]

i don't expect much with mcfadden as a starter. he has not played well. in 2010 he was burned quite often. just as he was in prior years. this is one area where the steelers need someone to step up.

The fact that he has not played any this year, and missed all but a few hours of camp with injury, he would be getting a spot for merely his experience. I personally wouldn't want him on the roster if he's going to be out for an extended period of the regular season and taking away a spot from a guy that is actually busting his butt actually "playing". I think the clean cut of his cap space may even be considered. Somewhere around 2.5 mil.

[SteelMember]

I hope they whip Gilbert's fat ass into shape. He already has a reputation of being lazy and unmotivated.

I read it actually took a few words from his college team mate and friend, Pouncy to set him straight on how this is his "profession" and to "take it serious".

Funny how some of these guys feel "entitled" to make millions.

[GBMelBlount]

I read it actually took a few words from his college team mate and friend, Pouncy to set him straight on how this is his "profession" and to "take it serious".

Funny how some of these guys feel "entitled" to make millions.

Agreed. There are so many who would give anything to have an opportunity to play pro ball. I just cannot understand the apathy.

[taztroy43]

The fact that he has not played any this year, and missed all but a few hours of camp with injury, he would be getting a spot for merely his experience. I personally wouldn't want him on the roster if he's going to be out for an extended period of the regular season and taking away a spot from a guy that is actually busting his butt actually "playing". I think the clean cut of his cap space may even be considered. Somewhere around 2.5 mil.

I agree with you...McFadden has been injured for a while now and I think its more serious than what they are telling us....Cutting him might kill two birds with one stone if and only IF guys like Lewis and Warren can step up and contribute....Warren has been playing his butt off and I think he has secured his spot up to this point....IMO

[Count Steeler]

This game against Atlanta may seal the fate of Gay and McFadden. Unlikely both will go, but one may go and one may get demoted. Need big games from Lewis and Warren tomorrow night.

[The Duke]

Has anyone seen Julio Jones play? By all accounts he had an excellent offseason and training camp but I haven't seen him yet

He will be a really good test for Lewis

[86WARD]

Has anyone seen Julio Jones play? By all accounts he had an excellent offseason and training camp but I haven't seen him yet

He will be a really good test for Lewis

I haven't and I am looking forward to it...

[Galax Steeler]

Warren supposively was a fallen star. 2nd round potential who just made a poor decision to come out to early out of michigan.... One of those...HUUUGE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDERS KIND OF GUYS... which i love...

Heres a link where they talk about it more

http://www.maizenbrew.com/2010/4/26/...-poor-decision


my question is.... If we keep Warren do we cut Butler?? Because I was hoping butler would finally play like he once dominated teh ACC in a past life

I don't think we cut Butler if Warren has a good night tonight I think we keep them both.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Has anyone seen Julio Jones play? By all accounts he had an excellent offseason and training camp but I haven't seen him yet

He will be a really good test for Lewis

I've seen him play a little bit in the preseason. He looks good. Tonight's game will be a good test for our DBs.

[sactownsteeler]

I'm looking forward to watching Gilbert against a beast of a def end. I know Pouncey pushed to get him and if he can turn out to be what he thought of him our O line problems could be all but done.