As Usual, No Respect
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EDIT: And Dick Lebeau is the man BUT he's not the reason these players are good, they'd be good on other teams. I'd also love a explanation for the "wrought iron term". Frankly Gipper you don't know enough about the roster to even make this comment. The players that are now gone have been replaced with talent just as good at this stage or better. Aaron Smith is gone because he had lost it, Farrior the same. It's what the Steelers do, make the tough decisions and continue to improve. I'll be shocked if the defense isn't inside the top 10 this coming season, absolutely shocked.
I don't know....or care about your roster. I do know that it was stated all over ESPN that Pittsburgh had the highest average age in the league when it came to defensive starters. That 7 of them were over 30. (maybe these included Smith and Farrior, I don't know).
I am only going by what I heard.
You are free to list the Steelers defensive depth chart, giving ages of the starters if you want to clear up this "misunderstanding". It is not one of my creation.
I seriously don't see what difference it makes from a age stand point if they're still producing on the field. The only positions on our team where there isn't a clear cut heir apparent for each position is at FS/SS. The other positions have been back loaded with youth through the draft.
Harrison, Taylor, Clark, Polamalu, Keisel and Hampton are all over 30.
Harrison - Worilds was drafted to play behind him and or Woodley in case of injury. Timmons can also be bumped outside also.
Taylor - Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen broke the typical Steeler standard by contributing as rookies in our difficult secondary scheme/playbook. Keenan Lewis also stepped up. I expect Brown to start opposite Taylor this season or at the very least back up Keenan Lewis.
Clark - back up problem
Polamalu - back up problem
Keisel - Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward
Hampton - Alameda Ta'amu (draft day steal, he looks ready to go right now)
It's not like these starters don't have players waiting in the wings. It's what the Steelers do and they do it well, that aging defense still finished well inside the top 10 last season and I'd consider last season a down year.
Homotron said:
I seriously don't see what difference it makes from a age stand point if they're still producing on the field. The only positions on our team where there isn't a clear cut heir apparent for each position is at FS/SS. The other positions have been back loaded with youth through the draft.
Harrison, Taylor, Clark, Polamalu, Keisel and Hampton are all over 30.
Harrison - Worilds was drafted to play behind him and or Woodley in case of injury. Timmons can also be bumped outside also.
Taylor - Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen broke the typical Steeler standard by contributing as rookies in our difficult secondary scheme/playbook. Keenan Lewis also stepped up. I expect Brown to start opposite Taylor this season or at the very least back up Keenan Lewis.
Clark - back up problem
Polamalu - back up problem
Keisel - Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward
Hampton - Alameda Ta'amu (draft day steal, he looks ready to go right now)
It's not like these starters don't have players waiting in the wings. It's what the Steelers do and they do it well, that aging defense still finished well inside the top 10 last season and I'd consider last season a down year.
I haven't even ventured into the question of backups. God knows how good they would be if forced into the starting lineup....and I am talking about Browns/Steelers/Ravens/Bengals.
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Here are the starting defensive lineups and ages for both the Ravens and Bengals:
RAVENS:
LDE Pernell McPhee 23
NT Terrence Cody 23
RDT Haloti Ngata 28
LOLB Paul Kruger 26
LILB Ray Lewis 37
RILB Jameel McClain 26
ROLB Courtney Upshaw 21 replacing Suggs
LCB Lardarius Webb 26
SS Bernard Pollard 27
FS Ed Reed 33
RCB Jimmy Smith 23
BENGALS:
LDE Robert Geathers 28
NT Domata Peko 27
RDT Geno Atkins 24
RDE Michael Johnson 25
SLB Manny Lawson 27
MLB Rey Maualuga 25
WLB Thomas Howard 28
LCB Nate Clements 32
SS Taylor Mays 24
FS Reggie Nelson 28
RCB Leon Hall 27.
Only Lewis and Reed are over 30 on the Ravens D. Of course, those two are potential Hall of Famers and are still seen as the heart and soul of the Ravens defense...expecially with Suggs gone.
Only Clements is over 30 on the Bengals.
So, if age is a factor, then I think Endymion is right to be concerned about where in the pecking order of AFCN defenses the Steelers may stand.
So you didn't read anything that I said? I guess Harrison is a bum and the same goes for Polamalu. You mention Reed and Lewis but ignore Harrison and Polamalu AND you completely ignored what I said above. No point in continuing this discussion if that is going to be the case.
Homotron said:
So you didn't read anything that I said? I guess Harrison is a bum and the same goes for Polamalu. You mention Reed and Lewis but ignore Harrison and Polamalu AND you completely ignored what I said above. No point in continuing this discussion if that is going to be the case.
You CLEARLY didn't read what I said.....let me quote myself:
"Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may".
Do you bother to even read my posts before you rip them? This was in the post when I listed their ages Open you eyes.
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Sheard, Rubin and Taylor are I believe as good as the players you have. At least, I like their future better.
None of our LBs would. (that is an obvious weak spot on the Browns D, and a strength for the Steelers)
Haden and TJ Ward would...if Ward were slotted at FS, not SS. (but he is a SS)
I perceive Ike Taylor and Sheldon Brown to be a wash. Both are fairly old and warn.
Ike Taylor is MUCH better than xxxxing Sheldon Brown. I also don't like Sheard or Rubin anymore than anything on our roster currently. Taylor is the exception and i mentioned him above. I also wouldn't start Ward over Ryan Clark especially considering his on field relationship and understanding with Troy.
Homotron said:
Ike Taylor is MUCH better than xxxxing Sheldon Brown. I also don't like Sheard or Rubin anymore than anything on our roster currently. Taylor is the exception and i mentioned him above. I also wouldn't start Ward over Ryan Clark especially considering his on field relationship and understanding with Troy.
Is Taylor much better? I don't know. I know that we Browns fans are anxious to replace Brown...but, that said, I have heard nothing but complaints about how Taylor is contantly turned into burnt toast.
Sheard and Rubin have far more future upside than what you have on your roster currently.
And though there may be something to be said about "chemistry" TJ Ward at this point is again, the player with the far better upside than Clark.
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Homotron said:
I seriously don't see what difference it makes from a age stand point if they're still producing on the field. The only positions on our team where there isn't a clear cut heir apparent for each position is at FS/SS. The other positions have been back loaded with youth through the draft.
Harrison, Taylor, Clark, Polamalu, Keisel and Hampton are all over 30.
Harrison - Worilds was drafted to play behind him and or Woodley in case of injury. Timmons can also be bumped outside also.
Taylor - Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen broke the typical Steeler standard by contributing as rookies in our difficult secondary scheme/playbook. Keenan Lewis also stepped up. I expect Brown to start opposite Taylor this season or at the very least back up Keenan Lewis.
Clark - back up problem
Polamalu - back up problem
Keisel - Ziggy Hood and Cam Heyward
Hampton - Alameda Ta'amu (draft day steal, he looks ready to go right now)
It's not like these starters don't have players waiting in the wings. It's what the Steelers do and they do it well, that aging defense still finished well inside the top 10 last season and I'd consider last season a down year.
I haven't even ventured into the question of backups. God knows how good they would be if forced into the starting lineup....and I am talking about Browns/Steelers/Ravens/Bengals.
I haven't even ventured into the question of backups. God knows how good they would be if forced into the starting lineup....and I am talking about Browns/Steelers/Ravens/Bengals.
You really don't follow your division. Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown have already performed and at a high enough level to enter the line up as rookies. A feat unheard of in our defense. Ziggy Hood has already started and Cam Heyward played in spot starts, both in case you've forgotten are first round picks waiting for their opportunity. Worilds has also already started in the event of an injury to Harrison and Woodely. It's not like these guys are bums that were thrown on the roster to hold a spot for an eventual replacement. They were drafted to start, not to experiment.
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Homotron said:
So you didn't read anything that I said? I guess Harrison is a bum and the same goes for Polamalu. You mention Reed and Lewis but ignore Harrison and Polamalu AND you completely ignored what I said above. No point in continuing this discussion if that is going to be the case.
You CLEARLY didn't read what I said.....let me quote myself:
"Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may".
Do you bother to even read my posts before you rip them? This was in the post when I listed their ages Open you eyes.
You CLEARLY didn't read what I said.....let me quote myself:
"Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may".
Do you bother to even read my posts before you rip them? This was in the post when I listed their ages Open you eyes.
I missed your experience break down post as you tend to throw a bunch of posts out rather than simply replying to one already posted. Lost in translation. Keisel will be a starter and is wildly underrated. Heyward will be competing with Hood unless they move Hood in to the nose if Casey isn't ready and Alameda doesn't pick things up in a hurry. No the age of the defense is not a worry because there were players drafted in the top of each draft to replace those players. If I'm worried about anything it's our safeties because if either gets injure I'm not confident in the back ups.
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Homotron said:
Ike Taylor is MUCH better than xxxxing Sheldon Brown. I also don't like Sheard or Rubin anymore than anything on our roster currently. Taylor is the exception and i mentioned him above. I also wouldn't start Ward over Ryan Clark especially considering his on field relationship and understanding with Troy.
Is Taylor much better? I don't know. I know that we Browns fans are anxious to replace Brown...but, that said, I have heard nothing but complaints about how Taylor is contantly turned into burnt toast.
Sheard and Rubin have far more future upside than what you have on your roster currently.
And though there may be something to be said about "chemistry" TJ Ward at this point is again, the player with the far better upside than Clark.
Is Taylor much better? I don't know. I know that we Browns fans are anxious to replace Brown...but, that said, I have heard nothing but complaints about how Taylor is contantly turned into burnt toast.
Sheard and Rubin have far more future upside than what you have on your roster currently.
And though there may be something to be said about "chemistry" TJ Ward at this point is again, the player with the far better upside than Clark.
Ike Taylor was a pro-bowl snuff this past season. He's not "constantly turned in to burnt toast" Where the hell are you reading this sh.it?
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
I haven't even ventured into the question of backups. God knows how good they would be if forced into the starting lineup....and I am talking about Browns/Steelers/Ravens/Bengals.
You really don't follow your division. Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown have already performed and at a high enough level to enter the line up as rookies. A feat unheard of in our defense. Ziggy Hood has already started and Cam Heyward played in spot starts, both in case you've forgotten are first round picks waiting for their opportunity. Worilds has also already started in the event of an injury to Harrison and Woodely. It's not like these guys are bums that were thrown on the roster to hold a spot for an eventual replacement. They were drafted to start, not to experiment.
Homotron said:
You really don't follow your division. Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown have already performed and at a high enough level to enter the line up as rookies. A feat unheard of in our defense. Ziggy Hood has already started and Cam Heyward played in spot starts, both in case you've forgotten are first round picks waiting for their opportunity. Worilds has also already started in the event of an injury to Harrison and Woodely. It's not like these guys are bums that were thrown on the roster to hold a spot for an eventual replacement. They were drafted to start, not to experiment.
Everybody's backups play some. Everybody was drafted to start. If they are all so great, then they would be displacing all those old guys right now.
Don't ballyhoo unproven products to me.
It is a foolish as me saying that The Sausage King and Bill Winn and our other rookie defensive players are all that and a bag of chips. Or that Buster Skine and Eric Hagg are the Cat's Meow.
All of that may be true by the way.
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You CLEARLY didn't read what I said.....let me quote myself:
"Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may".
Do you bother to even read my posts before you rip them? This was in the post when I listed their ages Open you eyes.
I missed your experience break down post as you tend to throw a bunch of posts out rather than simply replying to one already posted. Lost in translation. Keisel will be a starter and is wildly underrated. Heyward will be competing with Hood unless they move Hood in to the nose if Casey isn't ready and Alameda doesn't pick things up in a hurry. No the age of the defense is not a worry because there were players drafted in the top of each draft to replace those players. If I'm worried about anything it's our safeties because if either gets injure I'm not confident in the back ups.
Homotron said:
I missed your experience break down post as you tend to throw a bunch of posts out rather than simply replying to one already posted. Lost in translation. Keisel will be a starter and is wildly underrated. Heyward will be competing with Hood unless they move Hood in to the nose if Casey isn't ready and Alameda doesn't pick things up in a hurry. No the age of the defense is not a worry because there were players drafted in the top of each draft to replace those players. If I'm worried about anything it's our safeties because if either gets injure I'm not confident in the back ups.
OK, don't worry. Others are apparently doing it for you...including Endymion and any number of other commentators I have heard. And if, as Endymion says, the Steelers defense ends up being the worst in the division, don't worry then. Just lose.
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Is Taylor much better? I don't know. I know that we Browns fans are anxious to replace Brown...but, that said, I have heard nothing but complaints about how Taylor is contantly turned into burnt toast.
Sheard and Rubin have far more future upside than what you have on your roster currently.
And though there may be something to be said about "chemistry" TJ Ward at this point is again, the player with the far better upside than Clark.
Ike Taylor was a pro-bowl snuff this past season. He's not "constantly turned in to burnt toast" Where the hell are you reading this sh.it?
Homotron said:
Ike Taylor was a pro-bowl snuff this past season. He's not "constantly turned in to burnt toast" Where the hell are you reading this sh.it?
TV, radio, on here, in the ether.. Rest assured, Joe Haden would have made the Pro Bowl at CB last year before Ike Taylor did.
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Homotron said:
You really don't follow your division. Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown have already performed and at a high enough level to enter the line up as rookies. A feat unheard of in our defense. Ziggy Hood has already started and Cam Heyward played in spot starts, both in case you've forgotten are first round picks waiting for their opportunity. Worilds has also already started in the event of an injury to Harrison and Woodely. It's not like these guys are bums that were thrown on the roster to hold a spot for an eventual replacement. They were drafted to start, not to experiment.
Everybody's backups play some. Everybody was drafted to start. If they are all so great, then they would be displacing all those old guys right now.
Don't ballyhoo unproven products to me.
It is a foolish as me saying that The Sausage King and Bill Winn and our other rookie defensive players are all that and a bag of chips. Or that Buster Skine and Eric Hagg are the Cat's Meow.
All of that may be true by the way.
Everybody's backups play some. Everybody was drafted to start. If they are all so great, then they would be displacing all those old guys right now.
Don't ballyhoo unproven products to me.
It is a foolish as me saying that The Sausage King and Bill Winn and our other rookie defensive players are all that and a bag of chips. Or that Buster Skine and Eric Hagg are the Cat's Meow.
All of that may be true by the way.
Come on now gipper. It's because the veteran players in place are still playing at the top of of their game and in some instances top 5 for their respective positions. (Harrison/Woodley) It's not rocket science. You should just try admitting that the Steelers are a very good team that continually drafts well. Their ability to hit in the draft has allowed them to stock up at key positions. You'll see a lot of those guys step in when they veterans are either ready to move on or at a point where they have to move on. (See Aaron Smith and Farrior)
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Homotron said:
I missed your experience break down post as you tend to throw a bunch of posts out rather than simply replying to one already posted. Lost in translation. Keisel will be a starter and is wildly underrated. Heyward will be competing with Hood unless they move Hood in to the nose if Casey isn't ready and Alameda doesn't pick things up in a hurry. No the age of the defense is not a worry because there were players drafted in the top of each draft to replace those players. If I'm worried about anything it's our safeties because if either gets injure I'm not confident in the back ups.
OK, don't worry. Others are apparently doing it for you...including Endymion and any number of other commentators I have heard. And if, as Endymion says, the Steelers defense ends up being the worst in the division, don't worry then. Just lose.
OK, don't worry. Others are apparently doing it for you...including Endymion and any number of other commentators I have heard. And if, as Endymion says, the Steelers defense ends up being the worst in the division, don't worry then. Just lose.
Unfortunately for you if this is the case our offense is also shaping up to be damn good so it won't even matter. As I said above I'll be shocked if the defense isn't in the top 10. However it's possible the entire AFC North will be in the top 10 defensively.
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Everybody's backups play some. Everybody was drafted to start. If they are all so great, then they would be displacing all those old guys right now.
Don't ballyhoo unproven products to me.
It is a foolish as me saying that The Sausage King and Bill Winn and our other rookie defensive players are all that and a bag of chips. Or that Buster Skine and Eric Hagg are the Cat's Meow.
All of that may be true by the way.
Come on now gipper. It's because the veteran players in place are still playing at the top of of their game and in some instances top 5 for their respective positions. (Harrison/Woodley) It's not rocket science. You should just try admitting that the Steelers are a very good team that continually drafts well. Their ability to hit in the draft has allowed them to stock up at key positions. You'll see a lot of those guys step in when they veterans are either ready to move on or at a point where they have to move on. (See Aaron Smith and Farrior)
Homotron said:
Come on now gipper. It's because the veteran players in place are still playing at the top of of their game and in some instances top 5 for their respective positions. (Harrison/Woodley) It's not rocket science. You should just try admitting that the Steelers are a very good team that continually drafts well.
Their ability to hit in the draft has allowed them to stock up at key positions. You'll see a lot of those guys step in when they veterans are either ready to move on or at a point where they have to move on. (See Aaron Smith and Farrior)
I have said all that: in the past the Steelers have drafted well to allow them to replenish players that fit well in Dick LeBeau's system.
But, unlike you, I believe the jury is still out on recent aquisitions. It is no guarantee that those who have been drafted to replace the likes of Smith and Farrior will be adequate...or that they will fit into whatever system they are asked to play.
You take it for granted that they will, just because it has happened in the past.
What if they don't? Its not like everyone the Steelers have drafted at all times has panned out.
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OK, don't worry. Others are apparently doing it for you...including Endymion and any number of other commentators I have heard. And if, as Endymion says, the Steelers defense ends up being the worst in the division, don't worry then. Just lose.
Unfortunately for you if this is the case our offense is also shaping up to be damn good so it won't even matter. As I said above I'll be shocked if the defense isn't in the top 10. However it's possible the entire AFC North will be in the top 10 defensively.
Homotron said:
Unfortunately for you if this is the case our offense is also shaping up to be damn good so it won't even matter. As I said above I'll be shocked if the defense isn't in the top 10. However it's possible the entire AFC North will be in the top 10 defensively.
They were last year.
And since you are being so smug, tell us this: which AFCN defense will have the biggest dropoff from last year.
And how do you figure your offense is shaping up to be so much better than last year? A couple of offensive line choices?
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Homotron said:
Unfortunately for you if this is the case our offense is also shaping up to be damn good so it won't even matter. As I said above I'll be shocked if the defense isn't in the top 10. However it's possible the entire AFC North will be in the top 10 defensively.
They were last year.
And since you are being so smug, tell us this: which AFCN defense will have the biggest dropoff from last year.
And how do you figure your offense is shaping up to be so much better than last year? A couple of offensive line choices?
They were last year.
And since you are being so smug, tell us this: which AFCN defense will have the biggest dropoff from last year.
And how do you figure your offense is shaping up to be so much better than last year? A couple of offensive line choices?
I don't think you're going to see a defensive drop off from any of the teams in the North. As far as the offense is concerned the team is healthy which is the biggest thing, outside of Mendenhall and then the draft. DeCastro starts immediately and I'd wager that Adams will play right tackle or left tackle, plus the addition of Todd Haley. Bruce Arians held back our offense no matter what Ben has to say on the matter and it's precisely the reason he's gone. We had 2 1000 yard receivers last season and a patch work offensive line because of injuries. Our offensive line is going to be vastly improved and Todd Haley should make a enormous difference.
Chris Rainey is also going to surprise.
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Right, there is nothing wrong with the City of Pittsburgh.
But, a lot of Steeler fans are myopic.
They have no clue how lucky they are.
The City of Pittsburgh is no different than any of the other Great Lakes area cities: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee (exclude Chicago because of its size).
The only difference is that they have had a fairly successful football team (and hockey) where the others have not.
But most of them don't understand that. They ignore the fact that the Steelers could just as easily have had the same fate as the Pirates (save the fact that the Steelers have been well owned and managed...that is the only difference...and revenue sharing and a salary cap helps).
Few of them acknowledge that by saying "we simply have a better front office and coaching". No, most say "we are better". No, you are not. You just had more luck.
(I am not directing this specifically to you Homotron...I am talking about the more generic Steeler fans)
And they're not on the lake...
And they're not on the lake...
And we can buy a 6-pack of bud at a gas station.
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And they're not on the lake...
And we can buy a 6-pack of bud at a gas station.
And we can buy a 6-pack of bud at a gas station.
Also this. I've never understood Pennsylvania's liquor laws.
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Also this. I've never understood Pennsylvania's liquor laws.
Yea it's a strange law but there are a bunch of loop holes. Giant Eagle out this way has beer but that's the extent of it and they have it because they set up little cafes in their stores. You essentially have to sell food to be able to sell beer. We have a lot of great little six pack shops that have sprung up and a few in particular that carry a ton of stuff but in each instance they have a restaurant attached to permit it. We have the State stores and honestly I'm used to it. I spent a lot of time in Ohio for college and then living outside Columbus two years and very rarely went to the gas station to pick up beer. However I'm also a bit of a beer snob and most gas stations don't carry the better micro brews.
As far as ESPN is concerned it's been a joke for a while. I read it for the blatant news but very rarely give a sh.it on what they have to say about anything, at least with Football. They've simply been engrained on society.
AKA SNATCH98 or Rorbotron. The boards glorious admins decided to get cute and change my name to "homotron" Classy group of people. (Lost a bet with Columbus king and got banned for a month) -
Nevermind. As usual I have to gather the facts.
Steelers official website lists its defensive starters. I did not see ages, but it did give "years of experience":
NT Casey Hampton 12 years
LDE Ziggy Hood 4 years
RDE Bret Keisel 11 years
LOLB Woodley 6 years
LILB Sylvester Stevenson 3 years
RILB Lawrence 6 years
ROLB James Harrison 9 years
FS Ryan Clark 11 years
SS Troy Polamalu 10 years
RCB Ike Taylor 10 years
LCB Anthony Madison 6 years
Even without Smith and Farrior there appear to be 6 starters over 30.
Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may. And just as obvious, it is entirely possible that some of these will replaced as first team on the depth chart by younger players (you mentioned Cameron Heyward)
Just don't say that age isn't a potential issue.
Nevermind. As usual I have to gather the facts.
Steelers official website lists its defensive starters. I did not see ages, but it did give "years of experience":
NT Casey Hampton 12 years
LDE Ziggy Hood 4 years
RDE Bret Keisel 11 years
LOLB Woodley 6 years
LILB Sylvester Stevenson 3 years
RILB Lawrence 6 years
ROLB James Harrison 9 years
FS Ryan Clark 11 years
SS Troy Polamalu 10 years
RCB Ike Taylor 10 years
LCB Anthony Madison 6 years
Even without Smith and Farrior there appear to be 6 starters over 30.
Obviously many players can certainly play well well into their 30s, and certainly several of these may. And just as obvious, it is entirely possible that some of these will replaced as first team on the depth chart by younger players (you mentioned Cameron Heyward)
Just don't say that age isn't a potential issue.
Wow, that's old. Real old for NFL standards.
Not sure why they are drafting a guard in the first round with alll those greybeards on defense.
Last year I correctly predicted the Steelers making the playoffs because I knew they had one year left in them. This year I will correctly predict they will land in fourth place because they will. The other teams are younger and have been drafting better for three or four years now. They drop to the bottom this year and it may take a few years to get back up this time.
Zombo
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They were last year.
And since you are being so smug, tell us this: which AFCN defense will have the biggest dropoff from last year.
And how do you figure your offense is shaping up to be so much better than last year? A couple of offensive line choices?
I don't think you're going to see a defensive drop off from any of the teams in the North. As far as the offense is concerned the team is healthy which is the biggest thing, outside of Mendenhall and then the draft. DeCastro starts immediately and I'd wager that Adams will play right tackle or left tackle, plus the addition of Todd Haley. Bruce Arians held back our offense no matter what Ben has to say on the matter and it's precisely the reason he's gone. We had 2 1000 yard receivers last season and a patch work offensive line because of injuries. Our offensive line is going to be vastly improved and Todd Haley should make a enormous difference.
Chris Rainey is also going to surprise.
Homotron said:
I don't think you're going to see a defensive drop off from any of the teams in the North. As far as the offense is concerned the team is healthy which is the biggest thing, outside of Mendenhall and then the draft. DeCastro starts immediately and I'd wager that Adams will play right tackle or left tackle, plus the addition of Todd Haley. Bruce Arians held back our offense no matter what Ben has to say on the matter and it's precisely the reason he's gone. We had 2 1000 yard receivers last season and a patch work offensive line because of injuries. Our offensive line is going to be vastly improved and Todd Haley should make a enormous difference.
Chris Rainey is also going to surprise.
My general perception is that Haley is an upgrade from Arians. I personally don't see why KC let him go in favor of RAC.
And Rainey was a guy some of us around here had our eye on if the Browns didn't take TR. He is a speedster, so yes, he could be a contributor.
But, I think you are wrong. Somebodies defense in this division is going to take a plunge. (Not necessarily from Top 10 to Bottom 10, but from Top ten to middle). The Steelers are as good a candidate as any to do that.
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The Steelers have offensive talent, lots of offensive talent, especially through the air. They could have the 3rd best offense in the league in 2012 (behind NE and GB). As stated many times the Steelers are long in the tooth on defense. How they pulled out the #1 overall rating last year is astounding, but it's mostly based on total yards allowed. The Steelers sucked in the sack/pressure department last year, and they can't hope to skate by with such low totals again this year. Their back-ups/second teamers showed occassional flashes last year, but there's no evidence that they have what it takes to cure their sack/pressure problems.
As for coaches let go, I think they let the wrong one go. It was the defense that let the team down during the Baltimore rematch. That game cost the Steelers the #1 seed, some much needed rest and really the team's only hope for a Super Bowl run. (Or if you want you can thank the Browns for injuring Ben, but he held the damned ball way freaking too long on that play). Further, it was the defense that lost the Denver play-off game last year. Tebow torched us through the air all game and LeBeau left Ike "I can't cover a pee-wee league player today" Taylor all alone on an island. Really?
Arians had his selection of head-scratching play-calls that followed him from his days in Cleveland. His reluctance to let Ben use the no-huddle was at times perplexing. However, Arians opened up the offense. He didn't force that boring ground-n-pound game Cowher so loved. He utilized his players skills about 85% of the time, and the other 15% he tried to use his genius were, well, not overly effective. He was fired, plain and simply, because the owner wanted to see the ball run more often. The owner wants to see an offense like those led by Jerome Bettis and Franco Harris. The Steelers don't have that type of Running Back, they can't play that type of game. Mendenhall isn't a smash-mouth runner and he won't even be available for most/all of the season. Todd Haley appears to be a really good selection for Offensive Coordinator, time will tell if he is better than Arians was.
The Browns biggest problem in 2011 was run defense. They really haven't addressed their defense that much this off-season. I suppose they are hoping Rucker/Parker can challenge for a starting role, but neither has a track record that says it will/should happen. The Browns have youth and speed on defense, plus they are one year into their new system. They should be better and if they can shore up that run defense I would expect it to catapult them probably into the top 5 defense overall. Plus, they got Richardson and he alone will make their entire defense better, because he'll burn time off the clock. Rainey is a far cry from Richardson. Isaac Redman hasn't shown he can carry the load. The Steelers can't grind the ball 50 yards with Redman and hope to win, cause at the end of the year he kept fumbling the ball.
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