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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Steelers Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: Callie on Feb 23^rd, 2005, 12:35pm)

Title: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Feb 23^rd, 2005, 12:35pm

The Steelers didn't tag any franchise player by Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Looks like Burress is going to be an unrestricted free agent.

From the REAL Feed:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_306557.html

The Ravens are supposedly interested in him.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Feb 28^th, 2005, 1:13am

The Bus is comin' back for at least one more run... [smiley=dancin.gif] From "The REAL Feed":

Bettis Agrees to Return to Steelers
AP Sports (27.02.2005 00:13)
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't ready to park the Bus just yet. Jerome Bettis, who weighed retiring after the Steelers lost in the AFC championship game last month, agreed Saturday to another pay cut and will play for at least one more season.

Steelers, Bettis agree to one-year deal
The Sports Network: NFL (26.02.2005 22:37)

I'm psyched. I think the Bus showed he had quite a bit more "left in the tank" after last year. [smiley=yes.gif] As our high school coach used to say, he sure didn't look like he was [smiley=coach.gif] "going in the tank". The Bus, Ahman Green and I all share a b-day. The Bus and I were born on exactly the same day, so the longer he goes on playing, the more I still feel like a young guy. [smiley=whistle.gif] On that note, I think he has at least three more years left in him. ;)

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 2^nd, 2005, 7:23pm

My P-Burg buds say that Bettis told KDKA (the local biggie) that he hasn't really decided if he'll come back next season. 狢 can't find a link anywhere.

Any news, Jeremy ?.?.?

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Mar 8^th, 2005, 9:35pm

Cedrick Wilson signed by the Steelers:

http://secure2.steelers.com/article/51329/

My 9er bud is gonna be VERY unhappy. >:(

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Mar 18^th, 2005, 8:46am

on 03/02/05 at 19:23:03, Callie wrote:

My P-Burg buds say that Bettis told KDKA (the local biggie) that he hasn't really decided if he'll come back next season. I can't find a link anywhere.

Any news, Jeremy ?.?.?

Coming soon (today, tomorrow?), but its more of a gut feel. What you heard is basically what I have heard, but he is not a "Ricky". He restructured, he'll be back.

BTW, Buress signed with NYG.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 27^th, 2005, 1:05pm

Burress's departure seen as a positive for Roethlisberger by this writer. From "The REAL Feed":

Smith: Young guns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?id=2068940&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233)
ESPN: NFL (26.05.2005 18:06)
Burress' departure should benefit Roethlisberger by Michael Smith

The author NEVER mentions Antwaan Randle El, however. He speaks of newly-acquired WR Cedrick Wilson's starting opposite Hines Ward. Is that accurate information, semi-accurate info or downright malpractice on the writer's part? ?.?.? I seem to think it is the latter. I thought Wilson had already proven to be a third-rate wideout with the 49ers while Randle El, on the other hand, is a superstar in the waiting... with his time to arrive on the scene being now now that Burress is gone. Any thoughts on this, fellow Gridironers, men of steel?

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by sameoldsameold on May 31^st, 2005, 3:26pm

Well i am a HUGE fan of Randle-El...i know he will be the #2....look what he did last year the few games burress was out....BLAMO.....no way they dont give him the 2nd WR spot....

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Jul 26^th, 2005, 2:37pm

on 05/27/05 at 13:05:59, StegRock wrote:

The article is a prime example of sensationalism. There might be some truth hidden in it somewhere, but its much better to discard the whole thing than try to figure out where that truth is.

The latest Steelers' report gives my current view on Randle El (undrafted in the CBFL!): http://ffpro.com/teamreports/steelers/steelers-footballinfoframes.htm

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 26^th, 2005, 8:21pm

[smiley=loudnclear.gif]A---GREED, DD, bg! Randle El has a VERY bright NFL and fantasy football future ahead of him. [smiley=yes.gif] His fullest potential has no limits.

As for opening up some more lanes for him... From "The REAL Feed":

Report: Steelers sign top pick Miller (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN3971627.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (26.07.2005 17:07)

The dominoes are beginning to fall...

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 27^th, 2005, 2:03am

Ya know, furthermore, Hines Ward's contract sitch, though I do think it will get worked out sooner than later, BUT ya never know, should add to Randle El's current fantasy value. [smiley=stilldunno.gif]

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 1^st, 2005, 12:01am

Okay... The holdout's officially begun... From "The REAL Feed":

Steelers waiting for Ward's arrival (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3850758?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5)
FOXSports.com :: NFL (31.07.2005 19:50)
Hines Ward became the Pittsburgh Steelers' first major holdout in 12 years Sunday, keeping his promise not to report to training camp without a contract extension that would make him one of the NFL's top-paid wide receivers.

Once Ward missed the 6 p.m. EDT reporting deadline, Steelers director ...

Can the Steelers "ward" this holdout off quickly? [smiley=joker.gif] ... [smiley=nervous.gif]

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Aug 1^st, 2005, 9:10am

Hines Ward wants to be one of the highest paid receivers in the league? He demands this coming off a 4-TD year? I thought he was one of the "good guys"?

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 1^st, 2005, 3:00pm

This is all conjecture and paraphrasing....

Ward wanted a new contract last year. He was told, "come to camp, we'll work on something, and even if we don't get it done now we will during the offseason."

Well it didn't happen.

Now if I was Hines Ward, I would want to be a Steeler for life (duh). I kinda think he wants that too. I would also want the $. So Hines looks at his situation and compares that to the last #1 receiver in Pittsburgh - Yancey Thigpen. Thigpen was promptly shown the door when his contract ran out. The Steelers publicly said it was easier to develop new talent at the position than to (over)pay old talent... and they were probably right in that case. Then he looks at the last "franchise" player to sign a big deal, Jerome Bettis. Bettis signed a relatively low signing bonus deal with relatively high salaries... and restructured his deal every year to remain on the team. That leaves the following options: wait and either get reamed to remain a Steeler or move on, or force the front office to do something this year.

I have a feeling something will get done in secret (so the front office saves face), and then Ward reports and that deal happens out in the public forum.

I really wish I was living in Pittsburgh and could hear the talk show buzz on this one.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 1^st, 2005, 4:02pm

Here is a nice training camp positional summary (via "the Newsstand"):
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_358826.html

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 3^rd, 2005, 1:49am

Steelers player rankings are up:

http://www.ffpro.com/teamreports/steelers/steelers-footballinfoframes.htm

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 6^th, 2005, 12:21pm

Steelers' news rollin' off "The REAL Feed" and hitting "the Gridiron Newsstand"...

First, did you all know that Staley's having knee problems? From "The REAL Feed":

With Staley's knee acting up, Bettis' vacation may be over (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/wires/08/06/2020.ap.fbn.steelers.bettis.0650/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (06.08.2005 02:00)

So, how much does Jerome Bettis's value go up with this news? [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

Next, news about the still-absent Hines Ward litters "the Gridiron Newsstand":

"Ward's absence has growing effect (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_360934.html)"

"The Great Debate: Steelers v. Ward (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05218/549742.stm)"

"No Sign Of Hines Ward At Steelers Camp (http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/nfl082/4792047/detail.html)"

While I hear the point about his stats last year, Hines does deserve to be paid higher than 37th among NFL receivers. He should at least be bumped halfway up from there. :'( That said, that "amounts" we are talking about are a whole nother issue of debate.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 6^th, 2005, 5:25pm

on 08/06/05 at 12:21:31, StegRock wrote:

So, how much does Jerome Bettis's value go up with this news? [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

None. First off its not that serious, yet. Secondly Duce's value has already been knocked because he has an injury history - basically this has already been accounted for. Finally the Bus can not go an entire season as the feature back. Half the season sure, entire no. If anyone's value gets bumped a bit its Haynes's and Parker's.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 6^th, 2005, 5:46pm

on 08/06/05 at 17:25:18, bgsgfan wrote:

If anyone's value gets bumped a bit its Haynes's and Parker's.

[smiley=secret.gif] ... [smiley=slap.gif]

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Aug 6^th, 2005, 8:55pm

Bettis agrees with you guys:

"Bettis, starting his 10th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, expected to take it easy early this season. Let Duce Staley take most of the carries as the No. 1 running back. Stay fresh for the playoffs.

'It would be difficult, at this stage of my career, to start Week 1 and go through Week 16 and still be as effective as I was in Week 1,' Bettis said. 'I wouldn't be able to finish and, in this business, it's not how you start but how you finish.' ''

"So much for planning. Less than a week into training camp, Staley is hurting again, missing a third consecutive day of practice Friday with right knee irritation. Staley needed fluid drained from his right knee after just one full day of practice, a condition that sometimes can require arthroscopic surgery."

http://www.mcall.com/sports/all-steelersaug06,0,7556203.story?coll=all-sports-hed

And as for Parker:

"If Staley somehow can't start the season - and, for now, the Steelers don't seem to be worrying about that - Bettis likely would split time with Willie Parker, a training camp find a year ago."

So - in light of all of this, what about Haynes?

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 7^th, 2005, 2:34pm

It is impossible to judge Haynes's value without looking at Parker also.

Haynes is a very good/great 3rd down back, but I don't see much upside. He can step in for a game or 2, and he will know his assignments. By stepping in, I could easily see him going over 100 yards for a 1-3 game stretch and becoming the fantasy flavor of the week; but then fading after that. He can, however, fit right into the game plan and pound the ball. Ummm, think Reuben Droughns last year to get an idea of his upper limit.

Parker is a different type of back than the other 3 and probably not suited for the Steelers' style - he is not going to wear down the opposing team with bruising runs. He also still probably does not have the understanding that is needed to be a feature back. He is a complete wild-card and in terms of his upside very sexy. He is the fastest player on the offense and had the highest YPC avg of the backs during last year's preseason and regular season. In 1 or 2 years I would love to see this guy get the chance to be "the guy" on any team. I cannot stress enough how much upside he seems to have, and how raw he may be.

Without Bettis and Staley for a long stretch, it would probably be RBBC with the carries gradually shifting from Haynes to Parker as the season progressed. More likely it would be a short stretch, and for that Haynes has the better shot to step in right away without changing game plans or style.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 8^th, 2005, 1:10am

Staley is getting (actually, I am late, he has gotten) an MRI on the troubled right knee (stories via the Newsstand):
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_361154.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05219/550024.stm

Both stories touch on what Haynes and Parker can bring to the table, although both stories center more on Parker than Haynes. Don't let that bias you into thinking Parker has the edge, its just that he is ummmmm sexier (I tried to find a better way to describe his appeal, but it doesn't work - I hope younz understand I am talking about his potential as a football player, not his looks).

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 8^th, 2005, 4:38pm

...And now surgery.....

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05220/550592.stm

Quote:

Monday, August 08, 2005
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers running back Duce Staley will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to determine what, if any, damage there might be. An MRI test yesterday was inconclusive.

Staley has missed practices since Wednesday, when fluid on his knee was drained. He tried to practice Saturday, but Coach Bill Cowher said Staley told him the knee was uncomfortable.

Jerome Bettis assumes the role of number one halfback, as he did when Staley missed most of the last half of the 2004 season with a hamstring injury.

That is the whole "article." Definitely getting to the disturbing point now though.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 11^th, 2005, 4:40pm

Joey Porter had Arthroscopic knee surgery to remove loose cartilage and is expected to be out a month:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05223/552197.stm
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_362523.html

This elevates super-sub James Harrison into the starting lineup. Harrison has been having arguably the best camp of any Steelers player and is the top backup at 3 LB positions. Even without an injury I had a feeling he would push his way into the starting lineup, maybe over Larry Foote or Clark Haggans. James Harrison is a great story in the making:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05223/552202.stm

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Aug 12^th, 2005, 9:19am

on 08/08/05 at 01:10:16, bgsgfan wrote:

Staley is getting (actually, I am late, he has gotten) an MRI on the troubled right knee (stories via the Newsstand):
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_361154.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05219/550024.stm

Both stories touch on what Haynes and Parker can bring to the table, although both stories center more on Parker than Haynes. 痃on't let that bias you into thinking Parker has the edge, its just that he is ummmmm sexier (I tried to find a better way to describe his appeal, but it doesn't work - I hope younz understand I am talking about his potential as a football player, not his looks).

http://media3.steelers.com/MediaContent/34/41/Parker_Willie_43618.jpg vs. http://media3.steelers.com/MediaContent/13/41/Haynes_Verron_43597.jpg

Parker is on the left and Haynes is on the right. I guess Parker has more of a "baby face", if you're into that kind of thing. Haynes has more of a rugged, tough-guy look. It's hard for me to say who is sexier, but if bgsgfan thinks Parker is sexier, that's OK by me.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Aug 12^th, 2005, 11:52pm

I couldn't have made it any easier on you to come up with that. At least you put a little effort into it with the pics.

And although I know you already have a good idea of what I mean, I think "Fast Willie" will make it even clearer on Monday night (and no - he isn't going to be sporting the lingerie).

Super Bowl preview? We can at least cross our fingers that it is.

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Aug 15^th, 2005, 7:44pm

Ward ends holdout. New Contract expected soon:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2134958

It seems that the Steelers would not give him a contract or negotiate until he reported. I have a sneaky suspicion that talks happened while he was away....

This is GREAT news for Steelers fans, and for Hines Ward owners. :D The talks of him staying away for 7 weeks was not encouraging!

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 30^th, 2005, 2:49pm

From "The REAL Feed":

Bettis to miss two weeks with calf injury (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN3976436.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (30.08.2005 11:30)

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 31^st, 2005, 2:54pm

An update on Ward's ongoing contract NON-negotiations from "The REAL Feed":

Tuesday roundup: No progress in Ward negotiations (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2146806&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233)
ESPN: NFL (31.08.2005 06:58)
Steelers' Ward: 'Nothing happening' in contract taks by ESPN.com news servicesPittsburgh Steelers: Hines Ward isn't saying much, but it appears he remains frustrated over his contract status with the Steelers.Sporting a T-shirt with the phrase "Can't Sell Dope Forever" emblazened on it, Ward wa...

The team must be a bit strapped for cash or something because, last year's touchdown numbers aside, Hines is a stand-up, Steeler-type guy worth more than the 37th (or whatever) receiver in the league and well worth the Steelers' keeping happy and ON THE FIELD... in black and yellow.

Also, RB Verron Haynes was asked about above. It's a good question, actually. Going back in time it seemed like he had quite a bit of promise to become their heir apparent at tailback. Here's a little nugget on what his role is (going to be) and how he's taking it from one of the MANY LOCAL sources on "the Gridiron Newsstand":

"Notebook: Haynes accepts role (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_369214.html)"

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by bgsgfan on Sep 5^th, 2005, 11:50pm

[smiley=towelwave.gif] [smiley=towelwave.gif] [smiley=towelwave.gif] [smiley=towelwave.gif] [smiley=towelwave.gif]

Finally:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05248/566044.stm

Quote:

Ward, Steelers agree to 4-year contract extension

Title: Re: Steelers Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Sep 7^th, 2005, 1:17am

In the wake of Ward's re-signing, we have this... From "The REAL Feed":

MORGAN LANDS IN PITTSBURGH (http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/05/09/06/GRIDIRON_USA-Pittsburgh_Steele.html)
Sporting Life: NFL (06.09.2005 22:49)
Quincy Morgan has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So, how do yous think he fits into the scheme of things? [smiley=idontknow.gif]