SB Nation User Blog: betelgeuse

Greg Lloyd tribute

betelgeuse — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:55:10 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqWleTm1_Ns

Greg Lloyd tribute

Deebo plows through a Cowboy

betelgeuse — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:20:17 -0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYzdHjH_9-Q&feature=related

Deebo plows through a Cowboy

Bills shopping 5yr WR/Return man Roscoe Parrish

betelgeuse — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:59:50 -0000

He's fast and a considered a great threat whenever he gets the ball. Unfortunately, according to fans at SBN Buffalo Rumblings, he has poor hands and poor route running skills. That doesn't mean he wouldn't make a decent #4, but we could pick up a mid-rounder for that if we choose to aim so low.

Oh well. Here's what Bills fans say:

#11 Roscoe Parrish
   5'9", 171 pounds
   Age: 27 in July 2009
   Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA in 2012); owed $3.05 million in base salaries, $1.5 million in signing bonuses and $1.5 million in roster bonuses
- No one denies that Parrish can be electrifying with the ball in his hands. What can be questioned, however, is whether or not Parrish - a gadget player and elite punt returner and little more - is too luxury for a team like the Bills. Considering the amount of money he's due to be paid and the amount of playing time that's no longer open to him, don't be shocked if the team looks to trade him. As many of you have astutely pointed out, keep an eye on Kansas City as a possible landing spot.

--Brian Galliford

If anyone goes

ide get rid of Reed, hes been a career underachiever who has been givin more than enough oppertunities. Parrish has so much more value, not only as a punt returner, but as a receiver, we just need to get him the ball more. Hes a threat to take it to the house everytime he touches the ball. With Evans and Owens now on the outside things are really going to open up underneath for Parrish. Who do you think defenses game plan for more, Parrish or Reed??

by Baggz on Mar 8, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

considering reed catches the ball while roscoe doesn’t, reed.

Roscoe is fast, no one is doubting that. But he doesn’t have good hands and he can’t run a pass route. He’s not a good 3rd receiver. Reed is. Reed is a good route runner, has decent hands, and is fairly adept at YAC (he is, after all a former running back) despite not having great speed.

doesn't buy posluzny.

by JPH on Mar 8, 2009

NO WAY!

the reason Reed is an “underachiever” is that he’s a slot receiver forced to play #2. And Reed showed infinatly more value than Parrish in the passing game last year. Parrish may be a great punt returner, but in the passing game his hand as VERY suspect, as well is his ability to get open. Parrish showed promiss as a receiver, but that never devellopped, even when he had the chance to show what he could do before he had his injury last year. If we trade anyone, it’s Parrish.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 9, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply

Effect of Cutler trade on Steelers 1st pick

betelgeuse — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:35:01 -0000

Bears were popularly forecasted to select a WR or OT in the 1st round. Denver, on the other hand, is favored to select DT and LB. Some mocks suggest more pick trading.

Chances are improving that Mack and/or Britton will be available in the 1st.

Failing those two or a suprise, I really hope we can trade down from the 1st round. I'm really optimistic about several mid-late second round picks that happen to be in our area of need: Loadholt, Wood and Luigs, Robiske and D. Williams, Hood. . . .

Mock drafts tend to indicate that the best value we'll see in the 1st round is at CB. I'm not interested in overpaying for a CB we won't hold onto. According to analysis on Steeler Insider, a zone CB that we're looking for could be found in the 3rd or 4th round. One who visited the Steelers last week, Burnett, is a great kick returner.

Dammit! No extra 3rd R. pick

betelgeuse — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:07:17 -0000

Just read on Post Gazette that we will not get that 3rd round compensatory pick, we'll get it in the 5th round instead. Pick #169. That's in the middle of the 5th. I'm sure you all agree that's really disappointing.

So now we have to get serious on our later picks. So then, does this mean we draft a tight end in the 3rd or 4th round? On the bright side, Gay was a 5th rounder, right? Here's hoping we use that pick on a good 'un!

WR Galloway goes with Pats

betelgeuse — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:37:04 -0000

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

"Choosing the sales pitch from Bill Belichick over that of Mike Tomlin, free-agent wide receiver Joey Galloway has agreed to a one-year contract with the New England Patriots.

Galloway

Financial details of the deal, confirmed by sources close to the player, were not yet available.

Despite being 37 years old and coming off an injury-shortened 2008 season, Galloway was seen by the Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers as still having the ability to stretch a secondary deep. Both franchises recruited Galloway on the premise that they will be Super Bowl contenders in 2009 and that he will play a key role in the offense as the No. 3 wide receiver"

Well, there goes Carr and Galloway. I'm not too concerned, but I think this is putting extra strain on our draft day. I think Galloway would have been a nice add for a couple years. My bet is he'll do well this year for the Pats at vet minimum, and get a better paycheck the following year.

The Cs after Mack

betelgeuse — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:43:21 -0000

Okay, we should take C Mack if we can, right? But lets see who we could get in round 2 at center since we like to go with the Best Player Available, and who would squawk over a windfall WR, CB, DE, DT or LB? (I suggest LB because we haven't signed Harrison yet, but that's another story.)

Here's some honorable mentions at Center that would enable us to go elsewhere with our #1 pick. I'm not listing the stats for Mack or Unger because they would be long gone before our second pick. Wood is interesting. He sounds like a good pick, but he might not last until #64. Trading up in the 2nd, or down in the first may be key.... But I digress -- on with the stats:

(All info Copyright NFLDraftScout.com)

Eric Wood, C
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 310
College: Louisville
Conference: Big East

Overview

Recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection in 2008 and 2007, second team in 2006 and Freshman All-American in 2005 redshirt season, Wood started 49 games for the Cardinals and is the epitome of durability and consistency. While other centers have earned more media recognition, NFL scouts consider Wood one of the best interior linemen available and a potential first-day pick. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Taller than most centers, but not too upright in pass protection and can still cut block. Works hard on every play, and goes through the whistle. Gets off the ball quickly and gets into the numbers of his man. Can drive back smaller tackles and sustain. Leader of the line and makes the calls. Permanent team captain in 2008. Solid anchor, using his arms and feet to keep tackles on the line. Will pancake smaller tackles when he gets the inside shoulder. Uses his hands and feet to position blockers, creating holes inside. Picks up late blitzers up the middle. Reliable snap to the quarterback.

Negatives: Not as nimble as some teams may want their pivot man. Can adequately combo to the middle linebacker and get in front of screens at the college level, but may have issues handling NFL speed in the open field. Only adequate in getting his pads low to drive block, and could improve there.

Jonathan Luigs, C
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 301
College: Arkansas
Conference: SEC

Overview

Luigs was an integral part of the Razorbacks' vaunted running game the past few seasons, and returned to school despite a coaching change after he won the 2007 Rimington Award as the nation's top center. Although his senior season was somewhat disappointing from a team perspective, Luigs managed second-team All-SEC honors despite a slew of talented pivot men in the conference and was again a finalist for the Rimington (won by Penn State's A.Q. Shipley). In a very deep center class, Luigs is still considered by many to be the top prospect. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Prototype size for the position. Rare athleticism. Good burst off the snap and can block on the move. Quickly moves his feet to get the appropriate angle on his man. Gets to the second level quickly as a run and pass blocker. Good initial quickness as a pass blocker. Settles well and plays with good balance. Equally effective snapping in the shotgun or traditional quarterback exchange. Cerebral player who makes the line calls and adjusts well to unexpected blitzes and defensive alignments.

Negatives: Relies on quickness and technique rather than pure strength to generate movement at the point of attack, and can be stalemated by bigger, stronger defenders. Can be tossed aside after initial hit. Struggles to remain engaged with defenders when blocking at the second level, and will miss targets altogether. Leans forward too far at times to reach his man, keeping Luigs off balance.

Antoine Caldwell, OG
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 309
College: Alabama
Conference: SEC

Overview

Defines the word "stalwart" with his steady, durable play in the middle of the Tide's offensive line. In fact, the only games he has missed over the past four seasons came during a four-game suspension for being part of a textbook scandal at Alabama in 2007. An immediate standout, Caldwell earned Freshman All-American honors playing guard, SEC accolades as a sophomore and junior at center and closed out his career by earning consensus All-American praise as a senior. Caldwell lacks the footwork to fit in every NFL offense, but his size, physicality and aggression make him an intriguing fit for a drive blocking scheme. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Good height and plays with a wider base than his weight may signal. Excellent burst after the snap, getting up into his man very quickly to create a gap or pass protect. Strong enough to put tackles on the ground, but quick enough to get to the outside shoulder of either guard to help protect the quarterback. Strong, active hands to engage the defender and can drive defenders off the ball. Smart player who makes line calls. Adept at the shotgun snap. Durable. Four-year starter.

Negatives: Could be more aware and help the quarterback as plays break down. Lacks elite lateral quickness to get down the line or get to linebackers in combo or zone blocks. Lumbers a bit when trying to get downfield to block.

A.Q. Shipley, C (projected round 4)
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 304
College: Penn State
Conference: Big 10

Overview

After playing on both lines as a redshirt freshman, recording two sacks in limited playing time at defensive tackle, Shipley manned the pivot for the Nittany Lions for every game the past three years. He earned the 2008 Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center after garnering first-team All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons. His leadership off the field and toughness on the field makes him the type of character player NFL teams look for. Had an arm span of 29 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Positives: Stout, tough and physical at the point, plays like the former nose guard he is. Strong anchor in pass protection, and does not get bull-rushed as he uses his wide base to maintain leverage. Battles everyone and anyone on the field, playing through the whistle. Good enough feet to combo (in either direction) then get to the linebacker or safety and angle him while engaged. Adept at shotgun. Gets hands up quickly after the snap. Gets off his man to pick up late blitzers using his feet and hands. Only adequate moving laterally on pulls, but is still able to wall off linebackers inside. Team leader. Makes accurate line adjustments.

Negatives: Lacks height, bulk and arm length. Projects to center only, probably in a zone-blocking system. Short arms prevent him from maintaining contact with tackles on the move, which lets his man shed or get past him. Initial punch is only adequate. Does not consistently sustain his blocks, especially against stronger tackles.

And back to Betelgeuse....

Shipley is not as good as the others it seems, but with our 2 3rd round picks, we can have our pick of the mid rounders. Hey HighSchoolSteeler, who do you like in the 3rd?

Draft prospect: DE Tyson Jackson of LSU

betelgeuse — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:16:34 -0000

Alright. I lifted the info below from the ESPN site. It's a draft prospect we may have to argue about. DE Tyson Jackson is about 6'4" and 290 depending on who to believe. One site suggested he could work as nose guard because he's a great run-stopper/ poor pass rusher. A mock draft I read had us taking him at #32 for a back-up for LE Aaron Smith; and in the draft, C Alex Mack would go sooner. I think a guy like this would be great on passing downs to spell Hampton. Apparantly this guy has the wingspan to knock down passes. That's something we don't get much of. Go on...wet your beak. Overall Football Traits
Production	2	Redshirted in 2004. Played in 12 of 13 games in 2005 as a reserve. Took over as a fulltime starter in 2006 (Sophomore), finishing with 37 total tackles, 10 TFL and 8.5 sacks in 13 games. He started all 14 games as a junior in 2007, finishing with 36 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 PBUs and 15 QBHs.
Height-Weight-Speed	3	Excellent all-around size. Is tall and well-proportioned. Speed is adequate for such a massive DE prospect but below average for the position
Durability	1	Has played in 40 games during his three seasons (2005-'07), including 27 consecutive starts heading into his senior year (2008
Character	2	Needs to show a more consistent motor on the field. However, he does not have any off-the-field incidents to our knowledge and he is considered by the coaches to be one of the core leaders on LSU's football team

Defensive End specific Traits
Agility/Quickness	3	Moves well for his size and plays very much under control. However, he's not a typical highly-regarded DE prospect with explosive burst. He lacks ideal quick-twitch athlete and loses too much in transition when changing directions
Strength/Toughness	2	He flashes a mean streak but would like to see him play with more consistent effort. Otherwise, his game is built around size, strength and power. There are not many DE's coming out of college with his phone booth skills
Instincts	2	Displays good overall awareness and recognition skills. Finds the ball quickly and also plays with discipline. Gets his arms up as a pass rusher and bats down more throws than most DE's
Pass Rusher	3	Can win some battles with power moves. Shows the ability to drive OT's back into the QB. Has some strong upper-body moves to get an OT off-balance, but lacks closing burst to consistently take advantage. Will never be a threat to turn the corner with pure speed off the edge in the NFL. Will always be a better run-plugger than pass rusher
Run Stopper	1	Is an outstanding run defender. Big-bodied DE with a wide base, long arms and big hands. Can stack and shed. Powerful hitter with adequate wrap-up skills in space, especially for such a big D-lineman

Trait Scale
1 = Exceptional	2 = Above average	3 = Average	4 = Below average	5 = Marginal

Hot dog!

betelgeuse — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:43:56 -0000

Here we are in the superbowl, and not a single rookie made a lick of difference all season. Mendenhall, Sweed, Bruce whatshisname, Hills, Mundy, etc...

We are that solid. Sure we had a couple free agency pickups, but there is no question the Steelers are setting themselves up for victory on Sunday and victory on future Superbowl Sundays to come.

Provided we don't lose Ben for a season, we could still lose on Sunday and still feel secure in our chances for next year WITHOUT fretting the draft. Sure we could improve on the O-line, but attention elsewhere has already got us to the Superbowl Yee-Haa!

A question about Cowher

betelgeuse — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:45:48 -0000

If Cowher quit the Steelers during the emergence of a its first real quarterback era since the 70s, I doubt if he'll go to the Eagles, who will no doubt rehire McNabb. He'd fit the Browns so well, but gee, I'd hate to see him cry over losing to us. Someone mentioned the Chiefs. I have to say that fits perfectly. The Chiefs are an old-school team that hasn't won respect in a long while but has always been tough ... until lately.

I'd love to see the Chiefs return to power with or without Gonzalez. They need so much, they should probably trade him.

Incidently, if anyone knows how I can get a hold of a video of the Chiefs first superbowl win, it was III or IV, I'm interested. My grandpa knew coach Hank Stram from way back and I'd love to get the video of that superbowl. Any ideas?