SB Nation User Blog: SteelerMike

Draft a QB

SteelerMike — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:11:31 -0000

Draft a QB? Sounds crazy. Or does it? I'm concerned about the back up QB position.

If we are to re-sign BLeftwich to a deal for a couple years I think we probably would have one of the best #1, #2 qb situation in the league. But, if we can't sign BL, which I don't think we will (even given his great compliments about team/coach/organization), I'm concerned.

Yes, I know we have CBatch and he is a good back up, but after a whole year away, and with his age, his skills may have diminshed. Hopefully, we can squeeze one more year from him, and then he moves to the sidelines as a coach...he seems well suited for that.

Yes, I know about Dennis Dixon. I know some are high on him and love his athletism but I'm skeptical. I thought we should have used the pick on a OLineman or DLineman. Yes, he is a good athlete but I'm less concerned with trick plays, wildcat etc and more concerned with our back up qb running our offense. The guy looks like the Ravens would break him in half!! Of course, he may prove me wrong, but obviously I'm not real high on the guy.

We know nothing lasts forever. Given the way Ben plays, we know he is going to miss games due to injury. Hopefully, it's nothing serious but you never know. It's always wise to be proactive.

The Patriots are a good example of a "pro-active" team. Last year, heading into the draft, they had a healthy Brady, Matt Cassel (who they thought had all the skills to be a starter...not just a backup...I have family in NE and the rumor was the kid was a keeper)...but who do they take with a 3rd round pick...a qb. Kevin O'Connell, from San Diego St, was Jaws pick as the 'sleeper" qb of the draft. He thought he would be a steal in the 4th/5th round...given few years to develop...may have starting potential. I thought it would be great if we could grab the guy in the later rounds...but Patriots draft him way up in the 3rd...not wanting other teams to scoop the kid up. They are smart, they knew Cassel was in the final year of his contract, and even if they signed him, they could trade him and still have a qb with potential to develop.

The best time to draft a good, young QB is when there is not an immediate need! I would love for us to have a big, strong, raw, back up, with a powerful arm...learning from Ben for a couple of years.

I know we won't draft a qb this year. But, if Dixon doesn't really impress with his passing and give us a good indication he can make all the throws and lead a team, I say we spend a high draft pick (3rd round), on a qb next year? Any thoughts?

The Combine: My Thoughts

SteelerMike — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:34:32 -0000

The combine was originally created as a cost cutting move to save the teams money. Instead of the teams sending hundreds of scouts criss-crossing the whole country looking at prospects, it made much more sense to have a centralized meeting place.

Initially, the combine was mostly for teams to check players out medically. They didn't have all this physical "testing" that goes on today, it was mostly a way to physical examine the prospects and check out old injuries etc.

Now we have a bunch of tests that gives us lots of information but tells very little about what type of football player a guy will be.

1. 40 yard dash: I'm amazed how much stock gets put into someones time. Yes, I know it can indicate how quick a guy is...but...football is not played on a track, with track shoes, and in shorts and a T-shirt. I don't care how fast a guy is in that situation. If I want to find out how fast he is on the football field, I'll turn his game tape on and see if he runs away from people or not.

Hines Ward and A. Boldin (throw in Jerry Rice) are just two current examples of pro bowl players whose stock dropped because they ran "slower" forty times. I would love to see the long list of "faster" WR's drafted before these guys. Again, I don't care what his track time is...you know what I want to know? ...can the guy make a tough catch in the middle of the field, in sloppy field conditions, lose a shoe, and have a defender have the angle on him, and the guy still scores a TD...remember Hines doing that a couple years ago?

Don't GM's, scouts, coaches get it? I know they all say they place much more emphasis on a players production than what they do at the combine...but...just wait...some future pro bowler will run a slow forty and see his stock drop while GM's/scouts will elevate a lesser talent with less production because he ran a tenth (a tenth!!) faster.

2. Bench press. Again useless test. There is never a time during a game, where any player, at any position would ever be in the bench press position and need to perform a bench press manuever. There is an enormous difference between weight room strength and FUNCTIONAL football strength.

I'll give a personal example. I played RB at a small 1-AA program years ago. I was about 180 LB's and could bench about 315-320 LB's, which was pretty good for my size. My roommate and best friend was a D-lineman, 6'2" 250 LB's, big burly guy but could only bench about 300 LB's. Again, we're talking about weight room strength. So, one day were wrestling in the dorm, and rolling around, and I'm thinking I'm going to try and pin him...I'm feeling all good because I can bench 320 LB's...yeah right!... he literally lifts me up in the air off of him, with ONE arm, picks me up off the ground with my feet dangling, my arms flailing, and threw me in the air across the room about 15 feet, like a rag doll, and into our couch (he could have thrown me into the wall or where ever he wanted to, I was completely helpless!!)...we laughed so hard and I NEVER told him I was stronger than him again...that is FUNCTIONAL strength.

The fact is whether a guy can rep 225 LB's15 times or 30 times it's no indication of what kind of functional strength he will have on the football field. None whatsoever. For example, a player may have extremely long arms, which would be an advantage at some positions (OT, CB etc) on the field but is a distinct disadvantage with a weight room manuever like the bench press.

As an aside, the weight training programs for football players has always been a pet peeve of mine. Since my playing days, almost 20 years ago, very little has changed with mainstream strength and conditioning coaches. 90% of them say the same thing, do the same thing and teach the same thing as 20 years ago...bench press, squats, dead lifts, over head presses etc. We know physiologically that is not the optimum workout for a football player...it's not about bigger muscles, (btw, muscles trained this way often become overly tight and more prone to rips/tears), it's about faster twitch muscles, explosive muscles, functionally stronger muscles that transition to the players position. I know Troy P. understands the proper way to train to be a football player (I also read where Troy refuses to drink Gatoraide, he only drinks water to replenish his body...yes he get it...all those 'sports drinks" are all crap...it's a bunch of junk science replacing your lost vitamins and minerals...there all sugar water...it's all about the marketing dollars...so listen to Troy, just drink water and save yourself the money) ...his trainer gets it...I know his off season workout was posted last year...as do maybe 10% of the overall trainers...the rest go along with the crowd because everyones teaching the same crap. And it's why they will continue to use the bench press as the ultimate test of strength...when it actually means very little.

3. Vertical jump. So?

4. Shuttle run. So?

5. Broad jump. So?

6. Positional drills. Can offer some benefit to see players throw catch, throw etc. But what QB won't look good with no pass rush while throwing in shorts? Yes, you can see what "zip" a guy has, but I say just turn the film on!

7. Wonderlic. Can have some relevance but I'd rather have him diagram some plays on the chalk board.

8. Interview

9. Medical exams. I think these last two are the most important information gleamed from the combine. I actually think the interview should be more than 15 minutes. I don't know about you, but before I give a guy millions of dollars, I want to spend at least a day with him, questioning him, finding all about him, what makes him tick, strengths/weaknesses etc. These prospects are so well schooled for the interview, they know what to say, what not to say...if you have a whole day with him they just can't fake it. I know we bring a number of guys each year to Steeler facilities to work them out and spend time with them but I know there is a limit to the amount of players that can visit. Bascially, I want as much time as possible with anyone I'm considering drafting. As a side note, Limas Sweed was talking about how surprised he was the Steelers drafted him....he said he barely talk with any Steeler reps before the draft...I just find it interesting your second round pick you barely interview...maybe if they had interviewed him they would have found out he has an aversion to actually catching the ball!!...just kidding.

I think the combine is mostly for us football fanatics who can't get enough football. In fact, I love the time leading up to the draft and the draft itself, almost as much as I love the season.

There was a player last year whose "stock was falling" and his comment was appropriate, "I don't how that can happen when I haven't picked up a football in two months. I agree.

So while the combine offers us some stuff to fill the "void" with in the off season, I just don't think it's all that important. I think the reason the Steelers historically draft well is because we don't place too much emphasis on the combine 'numbers'. Every year most teams seemed to get enamored with the dog and pony show and forget it's all about what happens on the field. I hope most teams continue to fall into that trap...drafting the players who run the fastest, jump the highest, and circle the cones the quickest...and we'll continue to draft the best football players!

Officiating/Personal fouls...

SteelerMike — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:35:45 -0000

Here is a list of actions (did I miss any?) the NFL has deemed to be flaggrant and excessive. I have been concerned about where the NFL is headed regarding these calls. I only hope that one of these calls doesn't go against us in a playoff game and cost us the game (ie big 3rd down stop late in the game...but noooo...late hit on the QB...questionable call but the ref throws the flag anyway...UGH)

1. Can not hit the QB in the head (even if inadvertly b/c your trying to block a pass)

2. Can not hit the QB below the knees (even if blocked into him)

3. If you are fortunate to hit the QB, without drawing an infraction, you must not land on him unnecessarily.

4. No horse collar tackle. Can someone explain what else a defense player is supposed to try an grab as an offense player is running away from him?

5. No helmet to helmet. I played football from the age of 9 through 4 years in college and let me tell you...in a lot of instances you lead with your head.

6. No launching. What the hell does that me? I mean...I know what it means but come on...so your supposed to tackle flat footed?

7. Can not push someone around the pile after the whistle...no matter if you are in motion before the whistle blows, didn't hear the whistle, or can not stop your momentum.

8. Can not hit someone out of bounds...no matter if the player is just barely OB and you are running full speed and the player steps out of bounds in the last possible second.

I understand what the NFL is trying to do but they are on a very slippery slope. By it's nature the game is a violent collison sport. By all means have rules for flaggrant, personal fouls but as it stands now, most times a player is laid out by a big hit, it draws a flag.

More rules to come? When the NFL said it will review "crack back" hits like Hines had on Cincinniti LB Rivers it's apparent things are only going to get worse. So, now every one on the field is 'defense-less...LB's in pursit of a RB, special teams players chasing the ball?

Steeler football?

SteelerMike — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:42:09 -0000

I'd like to address the topic of our lack of a power running game that most announcers (and some on this board) continue to lament adnauseam.

Let me say up front it IS important that we run the ball...but:

1. I feel our "identity" as an offense in 2008 should be the same it was in our 2006 playoff run and SB win...pass first to get the lead and then run.

2. And speaking of the SB, take away FWP 75 yard TD run and it's a different game. That play swung the momentum big time. If Bettis is in on that play, he probably gains 20 yards instead of a TD and who know we may end up settling for a field goal.

3. It is almost impossible to physically dominant a playoff/SB caliber defense by running it down their throat. In those games, you must pass first to loosen the defense up and then run the ball.

4. Historically, for the years when we had our dominant "power" running game and mediocre passing game (K. Stewart), the dominant defenses (Baltimore, NE etc) would stuff us at the LOS. I have vivid memories of Bettis stuck 3 yards in the backfield, time and time again, in those big playoff games. They would force us to throw and we lost.

5. I also find it ironic, our second to last trip to SB in 1995/6, that our offense was much more pass orientated. I don't know where we ranked in rushing, but I do remember Neil O'Donnel and the 5 receiver sets (Mills, Slash, Hastings, Thigpen?, ?) being the thrust of the offense. Our RB's Eric Peagram and Bam Morris were good but seemed to provide just enough balance to make it work. Even though Bam was big, I don't think we were considered a "power" running team. Again, we semed to "pass" our way to the SB. (btw, I was actually at the game...had a perfect view of the ball flying near Hatings while he never broke off his route!!!...but I digress)

6. Why pass on 3rd and 2? It seems to be the new trend for most teams in the league. 3rd and 2 or 3 yards spread it out and find the open receiver. I know some on the board have voiced a desire to ram it down the other teams throats in such situations. IMO, I don't care how we convert as long as we do.

7. Offensive personnel. From our OLine, to our $100M QB, to our 210lb backs...we are not a Power running team. Thats okay with me. Just because we may not be a "power" running team does not mean that we can't be effective running the ball!!

I happen to think that FWP, MM, GR (and a OLine thats starting to gel) can give us what we need from the running game. Very similar, in my view, the way Eric Peagram and Bam did in 1995/6.

So please, can we stop longing for the days of a power running game and the days of Jerome Bettis. Lets stop talking about acquiring a "power' back like Brandon Jacobs.

I know the 2008 offensive stats are down...but it doesn't matter. Game by game improvements....get a little offensive momentum going...effective running game...controlled passing...take our deep shots...no huddle to provide a spark...limit turnovers...just move the chains baby...

To sum up...I am so tired of all the TV and radio people say the Steelers need to go back to "old Steeler football" of power running and 3 yards and a cloud of dust. It seems to me, and history proves, that we need to be able to throw to win against playoff/SB caliber defenses.

Harrison 2007 MVP?

SteelerMike — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:46:58 -0000

I had forgotten that James Harrison was voted by teammates as 2007 MVP.

I remember being very surprised by this...don't get me wrong, I love Harrison and I think he is an absolute stud...

But, to me, Ben was our MVP, hands down...can you imagine any pther QB throwing 30+ TD's behind our OL?

Was anyone else surprised by this? Does this say anything about Ben's relationship with his teammates ( I always thought it was great)?

Mike

How much $$ to be in Steelers War Room?

SteelerMike — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:35:24 -0000

I was sitting here thinking about how much we all enjoy the draft, debating mock drafts, and putting forth opinions on who we should select, and I thought of an interesting question...

How much would you pay to be in Steelers War Room on draft day 2008?...I mean right there seated next to Tomlin, Colbert and the gang...listening to everything...possible trades, debates over prospects...right there... and also, you get to give your opinion/thoughts on who YOU think the pick should be in each round...

So how much? Come up with a number that you really would be willing to pay...

of course, the day comes complete with copious autographs & pics of you cavorting with all front office and coaching staff, behind the scene tour of Steeler facilities (not sure if "war room" is at Heinz or practice facility...but where ever it is you see it up close) and of course a nice dinner Sunday night to celebrate all our picks with all coaches/staff.

$500 for me, may be more...I think the stories you'd have to tell would be worth that...Of course, I'd have to convince my wife...but after what we paid for SB 40 tickets, $500 seems dirt cheap!

How much guys...the war room awaits...

Romeo Crennel's interesting comments on Big Ben

SteelerMike — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:26:48 -0000

I thought Browns coach Romeo Crennel's had some very interesting comments (from the owners meeting in Fla.) about this past seasons series with the Steelers, a series btw that has seen our Steelers win 9 in a row (6 consecutive losses under Crennel) and an amazing 15 of the last 16 meetings (sorry bereadawg...just the facts man)...

"The second game against Pittsburgh the last two years, we've been ahead in those games with a good chance to win. We just didn't get it done. Their quarterback made plays for them and he won the game for them basically. So, hopefully we can neutralize him a little bit with some of the guys we added to the team and be able to get over the hump."

Of course, "some of the guys...", is a direct reference to the two DT's they signed as free agents.

This is why I believe we must come away with not one but TWO good, young, talented offensive lineman in this draft...we need more talent, more youth, more beef, and more depth. We need to have good young O-lineman ready to step in when injuries hit, when players leave via FA, to push veterans for playing time, and most importantly have very little drop, if any, of the quality of play along O-line when this stuff happens.

Any thoughts guys...do you still think we have the luxury of taking a WR or RB if someone we like is available, or waiting until the 2nd or even 3rd round to take an O-lineman. Again, I think we need two O-lineman ( round 1 and round 3 or 4 maybe)...