We can't have pro bowl players at every position

Reading the threads on here about what the Steelers need always seem to ignore salary cap issues. Dreams like obtaining a shut down corner, a replacement Troy-like safety, Bettis-like running back, a trio of speedy and tall receivers, bruising and speedy O-line, just isn't possible. With huge money tied up in only a few positions, the Steelers, like many teams, are going to have major deficiencies. I know TTF has the actual figures - we have money ted up in a QB, a receiver, and a couple of defensive players. That leaves little left over for the rest of the positions. And when those highly paid players get hurt or underperform, things are going to be bad. Couple that with draft choices that don't develop into superstars quickly, or get hurt, and you have an 0-2 start. I think you have to pick where you want to invest heavily, and then play the rest with below average players.

We just need our highly paid stars to perform.

What position needs the most significant upgrade if you can only have one, and everything else would remain the same?

 

I've said I think the salary cap is a huge problem as well. We flat out don't have the money to throw around. I will say though that we technically COULD have pro-bowlers all around if we could draft good enough to get guys who are ready to contribute from day one and use them a lot before they ask for the big contract. As far as keeping pro bowlers all around that's not going to happen unless you have guys that want to win constantly as opposed to just cash out.

 

Funny you brougt this up as I was just thinking about this yesterday.

Fact is there is not one Pro Bowl calibre player on this team as the roster stands today.

Sure Heath may come back and shine after returning from Knee injury. Polamalu may make it again on his reputation but you look up and down this roster and there is not one stand out player for a team that usually has between 4 and 7 that are shoe ins for the Pro Bowl.

 

you are absolutely correct. Ben might make it back to the pro bowl but i doubt it. Timmons might have a stellar year. But that's about it.

 

You make a good point - we are paying some folks as if they are pro bowl caliber, but they are not performing that way. Too bad contracts are not performance-based.

 

U can go by pro bowl players. I would take timmons of ray lewis the past two years but ray made it on reputation. Same with kesiel. I think he is one of the best de in football but because he is in a 3-4 he dont make it. Pro bowl is popularity contest. Do we need to upgrade some positions? Absolutely but just because we are not loaded with pro bowlers isnt the way to judge imo

 

I agree. Pro bowl status is probably not exactly what I meant, but I couldn't think of a good designation - how about "difference maker"? "Worth their money"? "Stud at their position"? "Top 5 at their position"?

 

exactly what i was thinking. i know they cant have a pro bowler at every position, but it would be nice to have atleast a couple on the team.

 

Isn't there a difference in "all-pro" vice pro bowler?

 

Yes, Pro Bowlers are voted by players, coaches and I think now fans too. All Pros are determined by the media, like AP or Sporting News. The biggest difference is that there are separate AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams, but there is only one All Pro team consisting of players w/o regard to conference. So there are about twice as many Pro Bowlers as All Pros.

 

I disagree Troy is the best player on this team. He has already made some sensational tackles this year and his break on the pass to the outlet reciever was typical Troy. He is the only Probowl palyer I see this far though.