do steelers make a move at ILB?

we are paper thin with a short week. does kelsey get a call up? do we look outside? moats?

 

Maybe they make Harrison active and swing Dupree inside?

 

I think it would be Moats who would move inside, not Dupree. If I remember correctly, he played some inside before he came to the Steelers.

I assume even in the dreamiest of best cases, Shazier is still probably going to be out a while. I hadn't heard about Matakevich's injury, but either way, they need some help inside.

 

What's the status of Matakevich? Who are the other ILBs besides Fort and Williams on the roster or practice squad?

 

Most likely Moats slides inside, he's no stranger there and that versatility could be a reason he's still here.

Cajun

 

Move Moats inside and activate James vs Ravens...perfect timing!!

 

For this week's game:
Probably only for depth, Moats will be getting reps.
Williams, Fort, Matakevich will be good for 3-4- 4-3.
Nickel will have one of them and an OLB. While playing Quarter / Dime this shouldn't be an issue.
No problem here...

Even some SS can play LB in Nickel / Dime packages

That said, moving forward: if we see they activelly go after a FA today or tomorrow, it would be bad news regarding Shazier's availability for the rest of the way. Matakevich and Fort are no starters in this leage (at least, yet).

 

Sean Spence is out there. Familiar with the system, played here before.

 

Yeah, but is he in game shape? I highly doubt it.

 

He was released on October 3rd 2017 by the Colts. I still think he would be OK.

I say bring him in for physical. If you like what you see sign him, if not promote a guy up from the practice squad.

 

Supposedly when we signed Moats he had the versatility to play both olb and ilb. If that's the case then the question is can they get him ready to start at ilb on a short week? Even if they can get him ready he isn't a replacement for Shazier. He just doesn't have the speed or athleticism of Shazier.

 

Keith Kelsey was a strong player at Louisville, he lead them in tackles. Obviously this isn’t college however, he’s been on the practice squad and has been learning. He did a great job on ST in preseason. Either way, we can’t replace 5-0

 

I would honestly consider moving Watt inside and letting him play like Urlacher in the Tampa 2. I’ve honestly thought about that before this. Tall with good range and good hands could really help shut down the middle of the field.

 

Why is it that we have Gay playing LB in our Dime packages..
I was very surprise that with Shazier going down and I think Matakevich went down too that Harrison didn't get any PT.. Was he again a healthy scratch?

 

With two of the biggest games of the season coming up a slow rookie udfa isn't the answer.

 

Because Gay knows the system and isn’t afraid of the dirty work. Also he still blitzes well and it puts a corner on the TE.

 

What is the status on Matakevich? He left and looked pretty injured last I saw.

I think James has to be activated. The fact we haven't seen him pretty much all season is odd. Are they just saving what little he has left for the playoffs?

I know it's kinda crazy at this point of the season, but would moving to a 4-3 be viable, at least in some situations? I know it's a 3-4 D, and all the schemes are geared towards it but some adjustments need to be made. If not, 50's spot will likely be a rotating committee, especially early on.

It may be just hopeful thinking, but I don't think Shazier's season is done. People on the thread last night were doom and gloom but watching it, it looked exactly like something that happened to me in college and left me without movement in my legs for several hours and weakness for several days. Took about 2 weeks before I had full strength. I wouldn't be shocked to see Shazier back in the lineup in the 1st play-off game, especially if we get a 1st round bye.

 

If we can't get Harrison on the field maybe we should look at one of the following????

Sean Spence
Erik Walden
Gerald Hodges
Elvis Dumervill

 

I think that for precaution we should sit him until the playoffs... Yes it will hurt not having him for the Rats and the Pats but I rather have him for the playoffs then have him get hurt in one of those games..

 

We don’t have the players to play a 4-3 defense.

 

Sometimes that’s all you have.

 

He's on the 49er roster... would we really want an ex raven playing in this upcoming game?? BTW... his middle name is "Kool"... how cool is that?

 

The list of linebackers who can match the speed and athleticism of Shazier is extremely short. Hell, I'm not sure if any linebackers in the NFL can match his speed.

 

Exactly.......Moats runs like both his shoes are tied together,he's terrible. Slide Watt inside and unleash The Silverback .....das it!

 

we signed sean spence.

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/12/report-steelers-sign-lb-sean-spence/