state of the team............... rb

overview:

the rb position has gone through as much transition as any other on the team.. our starter is entrenched, and we have a very strong back up that's capable of carrying the load if bell is hurt.. after that, there is nothing but question marks.... 3 backs that were here last season are now gone (that's actually a good thing though), and in their place are an undrsized rookie blur on the field, and some untested however intriguing players.. the main spots are set though, so barring injury we are looking rather strong.

individual:

le'veon bell: the unquestioned starter... this kid has all the talent and ability needed to be the next great steeler runner... great feet, good hands, and the ability to lower his shoulder pads and create his own hole if one isn't there..... the sky is the limit

legarrette blount: a battering ram of a rb, and i'm sure the last thing defenses want to see after being pounded by bell....bount proved during his rookie yr. that he could carry the load, so we're looking good if bell gets hurt at all... not the receiver bell is, but will surprise the defense that sleeps..

dri archer: the wildcard here..... he's being moved to wr., by the coaches, but I have a hard time believing that he won't see the backfield a little... with his speed, he's a threat to hit the smallest hole and take it to the house... his size is a concern though, and that will limit the amount of touches he gets, but he'll see enough of the field to make an impact though (especially against defenses that have been worn down by bell and blount).... he'll definitely be on the return team and may become our most versatile weapon.

alvester alexander: rarely do you see someone as well traveled as alexander is in the league.... even more amazing that this is only his 2nd season.... the physical tools are there, but the consistency is not... long shot to make the team.

Miguel maysonet: dominated his small school competition in college, but got a rude awakening on the next level........ not much different from alexander physically.... unfortunately, he also no different from alexander in his consistency and chances to make the team.

tauren poole: my pick for the final rb spot... injury prone, but a much better runner than maysonet and alexander, and at the bottom of the depth chart, won't be asked to do much

will Johnson: one of my favorite players.. effective blocker, strong runner, and very good receiver... underused during his time here, and unfortunately, I don't see that changing with all the weapons on the field already.. there just aren't enough balls to go around.. that may of course work in his favor, as during critical times, he may just go unnoticed enough to change a game.


next up....... te

 

I know next to nothing about Tauren Poole, so interesting to get your assessment of him.

Given the WR competition, I wonder how many RBs we keep - Bell, Blount, Archer and Johnson, then one on the PS... given guys like Alexander can be picked up off any team's PS at the drop of a hat, do we need to keep any more than 4 in the final 53, even if Archer splits time as a WR?

 

I do think alexander has a shot. he runs hard. will be interesting to see them behind our zone blocking this preseason. who's got that quickness and cut back ability? I've said before, I think it's the big 4 bell,blount,archer,willj and alvester alexander makes the P squad again, that's if he's eligible.

 

Man, I wish it was pre-season! I am so excited about the start of another Steelers season I'm not sure I will survive the summer.

 

I know. I thought last year was going to be fun to watch in preseason, but this one should blow that out of the water.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping they at least show up for presason this year.


scruffy

 

Usually, I don't care much about pre-season. I watch it because it's football, however, this year I'm hoping, too, that they come out strong. I think they need to set the tone early...especially for us fans! lol