Tomlin knows what the Steelers need

Rex J Steelman wrote:

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Hey, Bob. How's everything? I agree with Bill and with Year of Mendenhall (good name, BTW--it IS his year), for the most part. I think Mundy is someone they're really interested in, and Carter, as good as he is, might just be the odd man out.

we shall see rex. I thought he might be on the short list too but who else will back up clark? Are you saying they will stick a rookie or untested 2nd year guy in at FS if clark goes down? I'm thinking not this season.

If you all forget...Parker has been using the entire offseason to not only improve his durability, but his speed as well. All indications say that he'll be MORE effective than he was in '05-'06. That's just a loyal Steelers fan talking. Mendenhall hasn't proven anything to us except that he has durability issues. And you're all ready to pack Parker on a train to oakland for a first round pick. I hope you're kidding.

LZ

A good read for today. http://pit.scout.com/2/876728.html

Another good piece about the rookie class. I guess lewis has been the spring practices standout among the rooks. http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/07/04/s...

LZ-Steel wrote:

If you all forget...Parker has been using the entire offseason to not only improve his durability, but his speed as well. All indications say that he'll be MORE effective than he was in '05-'06. That's just a loyal Steelers fan talking. Mendenhall hasn't proven anything to us except that he has durability issues. And you're all ready to pack Parker on a train to oakland for a first round pick. I hope you're kidding.
LZ

I'd love to see parker back up to speed. When looking at the whole season he seems to have lost a step since SB XL. I know he put up the stats but we had way too many zero yard gains the past 3 years. I think most of the blame is not his though, as I've posted before it's the way they use him. IMO he's not a grind it out every down back. I'd like to see him more as a change of pace guy and have someone 20 or 30 pounds heavier pounding the rock.

LZ-Steel wrote:

If you all forget...Parker has been using the entire offseason to not only improve his durability, but his speed as well. All indications say that he'll be MORE effective than he was in '05-'06. That's just a loyal Steelers fan talking. Mendenhall hasn't proven anything to us except that he has durability issues. And you're all ready to pack Parker on a train to oakland for a first round pick. I hope you're kidding.
LZ

Hey, LZ. Sorry to be so slow to respond to your post about Parker working on his receiving--I was out of town. I'm totally glad to hear it. It's overdue, but better late than never. I don't think I ever argued for trading him, but I do think they won't renew his contract, and that in order to make a decision about that, they'll be highly interested in seeing what Mendenhall can do. My prediction is that he can do a lot, but you're right, he hasn't proved anything yet. I would add, though, that Parker clearly has durability issues himself--another reason I think Mendy gets some serious carries this season.

Good read on the line, sacks etc.

http://pit.scout.com/2/878178.html

Bob Roberts wrote:

Good read on the line, sacks etc.
http://pit.scout.com/2/878178.html

Excellent article--it told me a lot I didn't know. For instance, I had no idea that virtually every postseason sack was allowed by Darnell Stapleton. Makes the argument that Urbik will supplant him this season that much stronger.

Rex J Steelman wrote:

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Excellent article--it told me a lot I didn't know. For instance, I had no idea that virtually every postseason sack was allowed by Darnell Stapleton. Makes the argument that Urbik will supplant him this season that much stronger.

I think that we have to remember that our running game was pretty patchwork last season. this season will be WAY different. Better running game = less sacks. We have exactly 3 weeks until training camp!!

LET'S GO BLACK AND GOLD!! LET'S GO SIXBURGH!!!!

great interviews of some rookies indexed here

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/7/1...

of course I liked the Tank interview the best.

Bob Roberts wrote:

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I think that we have to remember that our running game was pretty patchwork last season. this season will be WAY different. Better running game = less sacks. We have exactly 3 weeks until training camp!!
LET'S GO BLACK AND GOLD!! LET'S GO SIXBURGH!!!!

As long as you-know-who is willing to call some running plays.

Rex J Steelman wrote:

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As long as you-know-who is willing to call some running plays.

parker off tackle right, parker off tackle left, pass play Ben gets sacked...you mean that guy?

Bob Roberts wrote:

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parker off tackle right, parker off tackle left, pass play Ben gets sacked...you mean that guy?

OK, I could amend that to say "as long as you-know-who calls some running plays that have an ounce of imagination." Maybe with a healthy Mendenhall we'll finally see the Pony Express backfield they promised.

Rex J Steelman wrote:

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OK, I could amend that to say "as long as you-know-who calls some running plays that have an ounce of imagination." Maybe with a healthy Mendenhall we'll finally see the Pony Express backfield they promised.

Hey, I got an idea. If the pony express turns into run-run 3rd and 13, like a lot of last year- how bout we ride those studs named Ben, Santonio, Hines and Heath to another superbowl party!

Jopa-n wrote:

<quoted text>Hey, I got an idea. If the pony express turns into run-run 3rd and 13, like a lot of last year- how bout we ride those studs named Ben, Santonio, Hines and Heath to another superbowl party!

We never tried it last year. Not once. Why the resistance to establishing a running game? Nobody is discrediting the amazing things the passing game accomplished, but that passing game is going to be even more effective if we have a legitimate run threat, right?

Hey guys, it's been awhile since I've posted here. In the interim, I've started writing a blog on blogspot.com . The url is www.stillersblog.blogspot.com . It's still a baby yet, so I'm looking for feedback and ideas. Please visit if you get a chance, and leave some feedback.

GO STEELERS.

Rex J Steelman wrote:

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We never tried it last year. Not once. Why the resistance to establishing a running game? Nobody is discrediting the amazing things the passing game accomplished, but that passing game is going to be even more effective if we have a legitimate run threat, right?

No resistance at all. Last years running attack was poor, for a number of reasons. If things change for the good, the running game churns out consistant chunks of yardage- especially on 1st down despite teams keying on the run- I'm all for running the ball to death.
Last year, Parker running on first down, due to poor blocking combined with defensive run blitzes put the offense in a big whole all season. Great defense and late game passing heroics saved the day way to often.
Why the resistance to having the passing game open up the running game, as it did last year? The passing attack could be prolific with the cast on hand. I'm just saying please don't keep running, like against the Ravens, when it becomes obvious your running into a brick wall. If the line starts blowing people off the ball, if Willie gets the room he had in years past to explode into the secondary- great. If he doesn't, use the extemely talented QB and his rec.s to open up the defense. Balance would be best, but the offense needs to consistantly move the ball better this year. The defense had a lot of pressure keeping it close until they turned Ben loose in the 4th qtr of quite a few games.

Bill, I`m beginning to think I am no more than one big sucker. The stunt the Pirates pulled last night against the Phillies might be the last straw. What`s the answer for pickin winning teams? Obviously I need help!!

we are officially at one month until the first preseason game!

Bob Roberts wrote:

we are officially at one month until the first preseason game!

FINALlY!!!! I'll never get used to these offseasons following a championship year. I guess I should be thankful for the quandry that so many would love to have just once.