The Steelers are 2 solid draft classes from being in contention

The lack of talent is the major issue especially the O-line and the secondary. Steelers fans don't want to hear it but it's time to rebuild. I listen to sports talk radio at work and all the analysts say the same thing they don't think the team has the talent to get things turned around.

 

On top of solid draft classes, exits by some of our older (and higher paid) players will open up cap room for the Steelers to make a move or two in Free Agency as well. I know "the Steelers never get FA's", but thats cuz we've been a team that is in contention to win with a cap number up against the limit. Losing could change our tune. I completely agree that it is time to rebuild/reload.

While most people here are pi**ed that the Steelers "dynasty" (if you want to call it that) is pretty much at an end, I am actually excited to see how the next one is built. Yeah it sucks to watch a losing team, but you just cant win every year in the NFL, it just isnt set up for long term success like that with the cap and Free Agency. It will however, be pretty cool to see what players are gonna be the next young stars, and which guys we bring in through FA to complement these guys. Yes we are down, for now, but I have faith in the organization that we wont be for long.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this

I am excited to see our new core. To hell with this current one. Its all about the future and how you adapt to the changing times.

Maybe someone in the front office that actually understands that the league is changing to an offensive pass attack, rather than a "golly gee wilikers we gotta run a fat running back up the middle to pick up 2 yards because that's what they did in the 70's" mindset.

 

I agree with all of this... but I'm fearful that the Steelers don't. This was a quote by Colbert before the pre-season...

“We’re not at a crossroads. We’re not in the rebuilding stage. The best way to put it is we need to re-tool,” said Colbert. “We need to keep adding young players into the mix, continue to hope our overall progression out-runs our regression. If we continue to do that, we’ll have our chances to be successful.”


At the time I thought this is just Colbert not wanting to say "yeah, we're going to stink this year, and we're throwing in the towel to build towards a better future." But now I'm starting to fear that he actually believes we're not that far off from a Superbowl roster (which isn't true, despite what some eternal optimists here think).

The fact that they passed up a 3rd round pick for Sanders, re-strucutred Heath's contract just a couple weeks ago, desparation trades for someone like Levi Brown, not getting Wheaton more involved offensively... Shows me they're not willing to just accept we're rebuilding.


These past couple of season we should've been accumulating draft picks (not trading them), playing young guys, dumping old guys' salaries, and STOP restructuring to push our problems into the future.

 

I can see your point. Draft picks will help out our defense for sure. But I have to place the blame on the coaches for the turnover ratio on offense and the lack of on defense. I really wish Tomlin would put his foot down more.

 

Most teams are 2 solid draft classes from contention. The challenging part is having two solid draft classes.

 

I completely disagree with that statement. I think the turnovers are ENTIRELY on the players. The coaches arent committing the turnovers nor are they creating them, this is completely the players fault.

 

To a certain point yes, but what kind of consequences are the coaches issuing to the players for making mistakes? i.e. turnovers after turnovers for 2 plus years now.

These athletes are well paid. If they don't do their job right, shouldn't the coaches do something else to light a fire under them.

 

Whatever it takes to overhaul the offensive and defensive lines, whether it be through FA or the draft, and whether it means we have to trim the fatty contracts of players like Ike/Woodley/Timmons.....that is what it will take before the Steelers are in contention again.

 

Do you even recall the 70's teams? Franco was hardly a fat running back good for only two yards. That team could do everything needed to win - run, pass, play defense, dominate!

 

yep, last time I looked it was still football. block, run, tackle, pass.

 

We havent drafted well at all since Tomlin has became the head coach,,.... this tells me a HC has more to do with the drafting process than one might think..