end of season grades and next yrs. outlook (defense)

SteelerGlenn · Jan 4, 2014

TerribleTowelFlying said: ↑

I guess because of the repetition.
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I guess I'm going to have to search my posts and see? If I was doing that, my bad. I try and not do that stuff, I mostly cheer on all Steeler players.

Lizard72 · Jan 4, 2014

I don't get the McClendon issue. The guy had decent stats and everyone throws out the runs up the middle, but they ignore the fact that if he's not commanding a double team the ILB's have no room to make the play.

Rush2seven · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

As promised, here are my defensive grades... and also as promised, I won't be nearly as lenient on some as I was on some of the offensive player..
Here goes .....

De:

Cam heyward -- A+.......one of the few starters that will get a high mark here. Heyward has the makings of a true star. We struck gold on this one, which begs the question, what were the coaches thinking when he started the season as a back up.. look for him to be named in the same breath as jj watt when the subject of best 3-4 linemen come up
Heyward B+ he showed flashes early on and was really good the last 6-8 games of the season.

Ziggy hood -- C-......one of my whipping boys during last offseason, and he did nothing to prove me wrong.... lackluster play led to heyward's promotion and his benching, and there is where he would've stayed if not for keisel getting hurt... benching seemed to light a fire under him as his play did improve. I still believe he's better off as a 4-3 end... look for him to be tendered (2nd rd.), as I do believe he'll get offers... he'll get another chance as heyward's bookend, but I'm pretty sure he either produces or he's gone and replaced on the 2015 draft.
Ziggy C, He was solid, but just average. Not everyone has to be a superstar, but we need to be better than average.

Al woods -- A.....another one who's produced beyond expectations.. unfortunately, I don't think he's cut out for full time play, but as a back up putting in spot duty at end or nt, he is excellent. ..... look for him to resign at a modest rate and play the same role next yr.
Woods C+ Played well when called upon, but another average guy at this point.

Brett keisel -- B+.....one of the few that leaves it all on the field every down. A true steeler in every sense... while I would like to see him back at least one more yr., I'm pretty sure he doesn't get resigned, and if that's the case, then I will definitely celebrate his contributions and what he brought to us
Brett C+, He played well and showed some flashes, but with the injury he never seemed to get going. When healthy he can play much better.

Nt:

Steve mcclendon -- D.. ... I'm not sure about everyone else here, but I feel like I got rick rolled here..... as casey hampton's back up, he was completely unblockable and had the look of a monster at the position. .. I sang his praises all last season and throughout the offseason, but when he got his shot to be the man, his play was sorely lacking... now he wasn't terrible, but the dominance I expected just wasn't there, and it effected how the inside lber's effectiveness in return.... what I am glad to see though, is mcclendon acknowledge his lack of production.. that much still leaves me hopeful that he can return to form, so that is what I shall look for next season
McLendon C-, Guy just didn't live up to the hype on this message board. Maybe he will improve next season with a full year as a starter under his belt?

Hebron fanfupo -- inc..... I believe he has what it takes.... just as I believe, we draft someone that makes him expendable.

Olb:

Jason worilds -- A-...... stepped up big time when finally getting his shot. Unfortunately this is not a good thing. We cannot afford to pay him and keep woodley's salary.... furthermore, pass rushers are at such a high premium, It wouldn't surprise me to see someone throw rediculous money at him... something has to give here ... if we keep him, then woodley gets traded. Otherwise he's gone to apply his skills in another uniform.
Worilds B+, Guy had a breakout year, might be a little too late though. Don't know if the Steelers will be able to keep him.

Lamar woodley -- D+..... started ou the season looking like his old self, but then came the injuries again.... as stated with worilds, I don't believe we can keep both... I really think we can get a good draft pick or 2 if we trade woodley. . He's too valuable to just release and get nothing in return, but I'm positive that we only keep one
Agree with this one.

Jarvis jones -- D+......clearly was not ready... simply not strong enough to outfight nfl ot's, but also clearly has the skills and instincts to continue to improve... look for him to get stronger in the offseason... this kid can play, andwill be one of our playmakers next yr.
Jarvis C+, Played better than a lot give him credit for considering he's a rookie OLB in DL's system. When was the last time a rookie OLB started this much? guy's going to be a force by midseason in 2014.

Ilb:

Lawrence timmons -- C-...... yes, I'm being a little rough here.. as I stated earlier, mcclendon's play clearly effected timmons in a negative way... some games he was an absolute beast, and some games he looked ordinary. .. took some bad angles and had some games where he missed assignments.... still one of our best defenders, but this was a down yr.... look for a rebound yr. Next season
Timmons B, Guy was solid all season.
Vince williams -- C.....again, I'm probably being a bit hard considering mcclendon's performance, and seeing as how he was pressed into action because of foote's injury.... lack of experience showed, but what also showed was his natural skills.. had some pretty big games... look for hime to make foote expendable... this will be one of the better pairings in the league...
Williams C seems about right.
Kion wilson -- C...... definitely showed his inexperience, but also showed enough to lead me believe that we are set with this crew as a unit...look for him to be one of our primary back ups
Wilson gets a D

Stevenson sylvester -- C-.....had some moments, but I strongly believe his time's up.. expect him to be unemployed next yr.
Another D

Sean spence. -- A..... gets an A just for getting to the point where can even practice with the team. . After his injury, I wasn't sure he would eveb be able to walk straight, let alone put on pads.... I'm sincerely pulling for this kid

Cb:

Ike taylor -- D+......his play took a nose dive this yr....some qb's avoided him simply on reputation, but it was clear that he was not the same player that he's been... can't afford to pay top dollar for him again, and truth be told, he isn't worth top dollar anymore... that said, he's still one of our better options, and we're not pressing a high draft pick into service right away... look for a 1 yr. Contract in the area of 2-3 mil... if he takes it, then we have time... if not, then thanks for your contributions
Ike C, Had some bad game, but some good ones too.

Willie gay -- C+.....I was pleasantly surprised by his play.. he seems to strive in this defense, however, he is what he is, and that just isn't good enough to remain a starter... I see willie as more of a dime, but we just haven't been in the position to put him there.... his position next yr. Depends solely on what we do with taylor.. if taylor resigns, than expect willie to be the nickle back, otherwise, he'll be starting again, and I don't see that as a really good thing
Gay B-, Guy played above most people's expectations.
Curtis brown -- c-...... still good on special teams, but still not good enough to see the field as a cb..... I strongly believe that this was his last shot....look for him to get his walking papers next yr., as we bring in a new draftee
D-, He's underperformed

Fs:

Ryan clarke -- D+..... got old quick.. clearly on the decline and his play was painful to watch..... ...look for him to be released next yr.
Clark C-, He was just average this year.
Robert golden -- D......another who's play fell off this yr.... I fully expect to see a high rd. Pick come into the fold... I do believe that golden has a future with us, however, that said... it's not everyday that you see your s get trucked by a qb
Golden, Blah

Ss:

Trou polamalu -- B.....nice to see him not only play a full season, but to also make positive contributions again... still has a lot left in the tank. Recorded career highs in forced fumbles and was exciting all season....the glass half empty portion is that he no longer is a real factor in pass defense at least from the ss position. ..still has ball skills though, despite the lack of coverage skills.... I would like to see him move to fs next yr., where I think his vision would be an asset.... in any case, expect him to be back for one last season
Troy A-, Troy had an awesome season after being injured last season. Guy is a pro and a fan favorite. Need him back next season.

Shemarko thomas -- B......really showed why we drafted him in the first place..... look for him to get a highly increased role next yr., and possibly start if troy moves to fs
Thomas C- had an average season, looks like a guy that can become a good solid player for us in the future..
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I tend to agree with these grades a little more...knocking down some of the A grades and raising up J Jones (this was his rookie year, he outperformed many other 1st round defensive draft picks on this team, comparatively)

TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

He does get double-teamed. I'm not sure where people get that from. Maybe not every down he plays, but how many NT's in the league do?

SteelerGlenn · Jan 4, 2014

TerribleTowelFlying said: ↑

He does get double-teamed. I'm not sure where people get that from. Maybe not every down he plays, but how many NT's in the league do?
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You're watching Star Wars too?

TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

You're watching Star Wars too?
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I don't get it.

SteelerGlenn · Jan 4, 2014

TerribleTowelFlying said: ↑

I don't get it.
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"Maybe not every down he plays"? Reminded me of Yoda. I've been watching the Star Wars marathon on Spike today.

TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

"Maybe not every down he plays"? Reminded me of Yoda. I've been watching the Star Wars marathon on Spike today.
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Ahh, gotcha. I think it would have had to been 'every down he plays, maybe not.'

Myronwemissyinz · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

"Maybe not every down he plays"? Reminded me of Yoda. I've been watching the Star Wars marathon on Spike today.
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TerribleTowelFlying said: ↑

Ahh, gotcha. I think it would have had to been 'every down he plays, maybe not.'
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I dont get it either way. But I may be the only 53 year old who has never watched any Star Wars movies.
Does that make me weird? My wife thinks so. That among other things.

lersgofor7 · Jan 4, 2014

TerribleTowelFlying said: ↑

Ahh, gotcha. I think it would have had to been 'every down he plays, maybe not.'
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Plays every down he does... double teamed he is

SteelerGlenn · Jan 4, 2014

Myronwemissyinz said: ↑

I dont get it either way. But I may be the only 53 year old who has never watched any Star Wars movies.
Does that make me weird? My wife thinks so. That among other things.
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He didn't do anything weird, just the way it was worded reminded me if Yoda!

Myronwemissyinz · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

He didn't do anything weird, just the way it was worded reminded me if Yoda!
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Not saying he did. Asking if I was.

darcrav · Jan 4, 2014

Myronwemissyinz said: ↑

Not saying he did. Asking if I was.
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yes

Myronwemissyinz · Jan 4, 2014

darcrav said: ↑

yes
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SteelerGlenn · Jan 4, 2014

lersgofor7 said: ↑

Plays every down he does... double teamed he is
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Underperformed he has? Just kidding TTF

TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

Myronwemissyinz said: ↑

I dont get it either way. But I may be the only 53 year old who has never watched any Star Wars movies.
Does that make me weird? My wife thinks so. That among other things.
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Perhaps.

TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

lersgofor7 said: ↑

Plays every down he does... double teamed he is
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TerribleTowelFlying · Jan 4, 2014

SteelerGlenn said: ↑

Underperformed he has? Just kidding TTF
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end of season grades and next yrs. outlook (defense)

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