SB Nation User Blog: schnifin

Steelers resign Essex

schnifin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:05:32 -0000

We just resigned Trai Essex. 2 years $2 million with $500k signing bonus. Not too sexy of a signing but it certainly gives us a little depth since Essex has played both tackle and guard.

hat tip to Ed at the Post-Gazette

Julius Peppers?

schnifin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:14:29 -0000

According to ESPN Peppers wants out of Carolina but will only approve of a trade to 4 teams.

a person close to the player said Wednesday that the impending free agent wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys or three other unnamed teams, two of them in the NFC.

so there's one AFC team on the list if I'm reading that correctly. The AFC team is going to have a leg up in trade talks since the Panthers will want Peppers out of their conference.

They go on to say that

Interested in playing in a 3-4 scheme instead of Carolina's 4-3 defense, Peppers wouldn't say last week if he would hold out of if the Panthers place the franchise tag on him and then don't trade him.

So if we assume that the AFC team is a 3-4 team, and likely a contender, there is a good chance it is either the Steelers, the Pats, or possibly the Ravens. I'm probably stringing too many "maybes" together, but it is an interesting possibility. The Cowboys don't have a first rounder this year so they would be at a big disadvantage in trying to make a trade for Peppers.

For reference, in a similar situation last year, Jared Allen was traded for a 1st and two 3rd round picks.

What would you give for Peppers, if anything, assuming we could sign him to a halfway reasonable contract.

Awesome NFL Films: Live Wire - Super Bowl XLIII

schnifin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:30:36 -0000

This is really cool 20 minute video by NFL Films with lots of on field audio from the game. If you had any doubt why Coach Tomlin is special just watch this clip. Its a good taste for whats to come with the dvd.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e9de21

Best Article Yet About the Super Bowl

schnifin — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:09:14 -0000

Best Article Yet About the Super Bowl

DJ Gallo has a really funny and spot on analysis of the Super Bowl

Steelers Injury Report going into Super Bowl 43

schnifin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:29:14 -0000

As per Dale Lolley via Tomlin's press conference

Injury update:

Here's what Mike Tomlin has to say about injuries Tuesday:

"Hines Ward has a right knee sprain. We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure he gets the medical attention he needs. In his mind, he’s playing. So chances are, he is. It’s not going to be comfortable between now and game day in terms of making that happen. But it’s not about comfort, particularly for Hines. This guy, this morning, was down there aggressively getting after his rehabilitation and putting himself in position to help this football team. We’re definitely not going to count him out. We’re going to save a seat on the bus for 86."

Other injuries are:
Mewelde Moore right ankle sprain.
Darnell Stapleton ankle sprain.
Patrick Bailey hamstring strain.
Justin Hartwig knee
Max Starks knee sprain

The biggest concern of course is Ward. I expect he will be ready to go but I'm sure the Steelers will have an extra wideout active. The logical choice is Martin Nance from the practice squad. Nance, like Mewelde Moore, played for the Vikings when Tomlin was coaching there. However, Nance was also Ben's #1 reciever at Miami University. He was considered a firsty day talent until blowing out his knee in his Senior year. So Ben and he definitely have a comfort level (I even saw them hanging out together a few weeks ago at the Pitt-Miami bball game). The other option would be signing someone. The other logical choice here would be former Steeler Dallas Baker although it seems Baker would have Nance's spot on the practice squad if they felt he was the better option.

And after the past two weeks you have to wonder if either of these guys has a shot to leapfrog Limas Sweed on the depth chart.

Tickets for the game

schnifin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:32:55 -0000

They must have just released some tickets for the game, i pulled a pair in 520 on ticketmaster a minute ago. Just a heads up for any BTSCers out there trying to find tickets

Ben Roethlisberger Injury Updates

schnifin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:05:33 -0000

All we know at the moment is that Ben was taken to the hospital with a concussion. He was speaking and moving his arms and legs as he was taken off the field. Apparently Terry Bradshaw say it was a "slight" concussion for what its worth. Post in here if you find any updates (with link if possible). Let's all hope for the best!

Steelers shutout the Brownies - Postgame Thread

schnifin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:58:28 -0000

That was really a pretty impressive game from the Steelers. Of course, it is overshadowed by Ben Roethlisberger being carted off the field with an apparent concussion. Use this thread to discuss the game and the rest of todays games.

I'm going to post a separate fanpost for updates on Ben's condition, since I'm guessing people will be looking for quick updates on that.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season and a great new year!

Steelers 33 Patriots 10 Postgame Thread

schnifin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:27:03 -0000

Boy that felt good! Use this thread to discuss who is the best defensive player in the NFL. James Harrison? Troy P? How about the way the coaches used Parker, Moore, and Russell? This is a completely different offensive system than what we were running at the beginning of the year.

Let's hear your thoughts Steeler Nation

Steelers vs Patriots 2nd Half Open Thread

schnifin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:01:30 -0000

thread away....