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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Steelers Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: bgsgfan on Mar 30th, 2003, 11:57am)
Title: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Mar 30th, 2003, 11:57am
Not really anything exciting going on, and a lot of this covered elsewhere:

1.Kordell Stewart cut and signed by Bears
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030227steele0227p2.asp
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/archive/s_123743.html

2.Wayne Gandy now a Saint
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030303nflnot0303p6.asp

3.Batch re-signed to back up Maddox
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030314steelers2.asp

4.Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson decides to go to Cardinals instead of Pittsburgh
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030313steele0313p3.asp

5.Sign Todd Fordham, a six year veteran offensive tackle from Jaguars
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030318steele0318p4.asp

6. Sign Jay Riemersma
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030320steele0320p3.asp
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/archive/s_124508.html

7. And maybe the biggest news of the offseason so far, the Steelers decide to go with a semi-synthetic field turf similar to what the Broncos use
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030328turfsteel3p3.asp
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/archive/s_126022.html
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 30th, 2003, 12:21pm
Nice, comprehensive, up-to-date post, bg!  And, might I add, looks to be STRAIGHT off "the Gridiron Newsstand"! [smiley=yes.gif] Thanks! [smiley=bow.gif]
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Jun 5th, 2003, 6:25pm
http://espn.go.com/nfl/overview/steelers2002.html

Off-Season Overview
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Jun 13th, 2003, 9:03am

on 06/05/03 at 18:25:22, Keyshawn Johnson 76yards wrote:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/overview/steelers2002.html

Off-Season Overview



That was for last year... use http://espn.go.com/nfl/overview/steelers2003.html for this year.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 13th, 2003, 1:01pm
OH DUUUUDE [smiley=bonghit.gif], A LOT OF THEM ARE LIKE THAT! [smiley=annoyed.gif]
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Jun 13th, 2003, 1:10pm

on 06/13/03 at 13:01:07, StegRock wrote:
OH DUUUUDE [smiley=bonghit.gif], A LOT OF THEM ARE LIKE THAT! [smiley=annoyed.gif]



I noticed that, but this is the Stillers - gotta get next years champs right at least.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 13th, 2003, 1:18pm
In some fairness to KJ, though, some of the "2003's" don't work, like the Colts for example.  Gives a "File Not Found" default page. [smiley=lost.gif] [smiley=whatever.gif]
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Jun 20th, 2003, 1:12pm
Player Spotlight:  Tommy Maddox

I have seen in several places people asking how Tommy's WRs, Ward and Buress, could be so highly regarded this preseason in most rankings while he himself is considered middle of the pack.  There are 3 basic reasons why this is so.

1.  Tommy Maddox will not get anywhere near the rushing stats of Vick, McNabb, or Culpepper.
2.  He had 16 interceptions last year, tying for the worst interception ratio in the league.
3.  Tommy is perceived to be injury prone.

The first 2 points are valid, however drafters need to realize that these expert predictions and cheatsheets are made with a standardized scoring in mind.  For players such as Maddox, you need to be aware of your league's scoring rules.  If the rules are slanted more towards passing stats and/or don't penalize for interceptions, his value rises.

I have to take issue with the 3rd reason primarily due to man sitting behind Maddox.  Charlie Batch is one of the most able backups in the league and can be had in almost any draft with the last pick - or for savy and non-time constrained owners, picked up off the waiver wire.  Personally I do not think Tommy is any more or less injury prone than any other guy and you get the added value of a dirt cheap backup.

Bottom line - pay attention to your league's scoring rules - Maddox could be a value!
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 22nd, 2003, 9:41pm
Well, questions are arising about Bettis's "hold" on the starting job!  Here's how it reads on "The REAL Feed":

Bettis' future with Steelers remains uncertain!

Here is the ESPN article for which the above is the headline:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2003/0722/1584209.html.

And, here is the primary source, on which that ESPN article is predicated, from a local newspaper available on "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_145684.html.

My thoughts...  coach-speak!  Zereoue was basically disappointing last year and doesn't really fit that offense as a featured back, anyway!  In that offensive system, he has "change-of-pace" written all over him.  The job is Bettis's to lose!  Your thoughts?
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Jul 23rd, 2003, 2:24pm
Real quick - Bettis has no value backing up Zereoue while Zereoue may be better suited to a backup role than as a starter (although he can do both).  If Zereoue was to be "the guy", Bettis would be gone.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 6th, 2003, 12:45am
Well, it reads on "The REAL Feed" like this:

Zereoue injures ankle on last play at practice
NFL.com (05.08.2003 20:54)
Amos Zereoue may have sprained his ankle diving for a pass. The running back will have it looked at this week.

Give a further edge to Bettis.  Here are a couple relevant pieces from local news sources available on "the Gridiron Newsstand"; the first one actually specifically discusses the Bettis/Zereoue battle for the starting RB spot:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_148204.html;

http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030806snoter0806p7.asp.

ENJOY! [smiley=lickinmychops.gif]
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 16th, 2003, 9:06pm
Now, here are some yummy ones straight off "the (no-nonsense) Gridiron Newsstand"...

First, Bettis may be in for a BIG comeback season, but it may be his last, at least according to this piece:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/sports/football/17NFL.html.

Mark my words!  Bettis will rebound with a 1,000+-yard, 10+-TD season in '03.

Next, a young rookie diamond in the rough in the Steelers backfield?  Perhaps, according to this article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030815steele0815p2.asp.

Could be a nice future sleeper in the making!  Mark your notebooks!
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Razzak on Aug 20th, 2003, 4:36pm
Bettis was just benched.  So much for a big comeback season.  Zereoue ain't a stud, but with that passing attack he should be fine IMO.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Aug 20th, 2003, 4:44pm
I'm not sure that the benching of Bettis means that he won't have a big season.  Just because Zereoue is in the line-up for the first carry of the game doesn't mean that he will be used for goal-line carries.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/6577133

The link from the Real Feed and the Gridiron Newsstand merely states that one was named a starter, but both will be used extensively.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 20th, 2003, 4:50pm
Yea, the news about Bettis's demotion is ALL OVER "The REAL Feed", fellas.  Here are ALL the relevant to semi-relevant LOCAL reads from "the Gridiron Newsstand":

(Regarding Bettis's demotion and Zereoue's elevation as well as Riemersma's elevation)
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_150893.html;

(Some interesting recent precursory material)
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_150807.html;

(About Bettis's knee)
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030820snoter0820p7.asp.

We will see how it all ends up coming out in the wash soon enough! [smiley=shrug.gif]
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by PrimeTime on Aug 20th, 2003, 9:12pm
I, for one, will believe it when I see it.  I think the Bus will be "parked" against certain teams (namely the Ravens) where a "speed" back may have more success, however, I believe the Bus will roll along with about the same number of carries and yards he had the past few years.

I would not move Amos up or Jerome down based on this news.  He said Amos will start, not get most of the carries.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 31st, 2003, 1:00am
http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/20030831steele0831p2.asp

This is an interesting article that gives evidence of the Steelers becoming more of a West Coast offense.  The most interesting quote asks what will Plax's role be on a dink and dunk style offense...


Quote:
Where does that leave Plaxico Burress? Of the top 49 receivers in the league, Burress was at the top of the list last season with a 17-yard average per catch. He averaged 16.8 yards in four exhibition games, but he caught only six passes. Burress caught 78 passes last season, and his total of 1,325 yards was just 4 short of Ward, who caught 112 passes.

"Now, we're going to take our shots still," Ward said, referring to deep passes. "But we're going to be more of ball control. Take what the defense gives us. ... When you put together a 10, 15 play drive, that demoralizes a defense and they have no clue how to stop you. If we do that and keep our defense fresh and let them get three-and-out and take another series 10, 15 plays, that takes a lot out of a team. That's our whole goal. It's just to show them different formations, be exotic, physical and control the clock and not turn the ball over."


A lot of people speculate that Burress is Maddox's favorite receiver and Ward's stats will go down this year.  This article may give evidence that points to the exact opposite.  My personal opinion is that they are both skilled receivers and the Steelers will take advantage of what the defense gives them.  The key difference will be the yards Ward gets running and occasionally passing the ball.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 31st, 2003, 1:09am
I will say this much, bg,... this does fly in the face of our relevant conversations of late.  Zereoue is a much better fit in a West Coast Offense than Bettis; hence, his being named the starter, and in this case, being named the starter does matter/indicate something more than what we were talking about.  This kind of development really could cost Bettis and makes his FF value go signficantly down in my mind, more like to the level of what others are thinking of him (very unlike what we were saying we thought). :-/ What do you think?
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 31st, 2003, 10:06am
I wasn't very clear in my previous post, but the Steelers are not going to install a full-blown West Coast offense.  What they want to do is concentrate on limiting turnovers and controlling the ball with more of a short passing game.

They aren't talking about supplanting the run with dump-offs, they want Tommy Maddox to make more conservative decisions when he is passing; don't throw into double-coverage, take the dump-off.

What they want to do is control the ball, the game, the clock; while utilizing their weapons in the passing game.

You can look superficially and see the move towards a West Coast offense as bad news for Bettis.  Or you can look at the emphasis on ball control as good news. ???

Bettis has been in roughly half a dozen preseason plays since the move to Zereoue as a starter was announced, and I can't remember ever seeing him play with more hunger.  It was a scary sight.  He is fit.  He is pissed.  And he will play.
Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Chumpzilla on Aug 31st, 2003, 4:05pm
I just read a story that Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter was one of several people shot outside a Devner sports bar early Sunday morning.  He was shot in the  [smiley=moon.gif].  For the related story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1606709


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