This TEAM has Character!

We have a ton of 2nd and 3rd stringers, hell, we've got guys that were on practice squads this year and they are working very hard to earn a contract. No drama, no fb live, no twitter trash, just guys trying to earn a living, doing what they have dreamed of. Almost like they have strictly 'incentive based' contracts and it's showing on the field. Personally, I like the 'vibe'. It's the classic STEELER, and Pittsburgh, way of taking care of business.

I remember Ryan Clark telling the suits that if they pay AB millions, he'll be a distraction; so prophetic. It's all about character and pride. More about the name on the helmet, not the name on the jersey. Regardless of where we end up this year, MAJOR PROPS to those men who are battling unknown issues in their lives and are putting it all on the line for the TEAM.

With a QB nicked 'Duck' and a RB nicked 'Snail' - what can possibly go wrong?

 

I can't say character yet. There really isn't anything definable about them other than a seemingly lack of drama. If you're saying they are good character guys, that remains to be seen. Hate to be a wet blanket because I like the feeling behind your post. I'm just still waiting for our identity to solidify.

 

I agree. While every year is different, I believe this year is laying a foundation for a run next year. The key on D will be keeping/replacing Bud, Hargrave, and Eli. The key on O of course starts with how well ben comes back, if the O line can hold out one more year, the development of out wr's (with possible key addition), and the same with our RB's. A lot of if's that every team faces, but the foundation is there. Winning tight games, staying competitive and fighting hard even in close losses, not tanking after an 0-3 start...this is what builds character.

 

Totally agree. If handled right, this team definitely could be laying the foundation for something special.

That makes me question whether Ben is going to, or should be, a part of that. He might be the best option at qb next season, but at this stage in his career, he is a stop gap. We must solidify his replacement. Hard to do when he makes us hold on to the old foundation.

 

I think their having fun also, which is also very important.

 

I've had the same thought about Ben. I do think he's still the best option..likely by a wide margin. For the team to be successful next year...I think he would need to adapt and begin to turn the team over to the new culture. No more...Ben's in the locker room so turn the music down. He can't be the wet blanket being tossed on a team that's gelling. I think these are the type of leadership conversations that would happen in the offseason between he and the high brass. The gist of those meetings would be...we need you to guide...not rule.

 

I thought the Thread title said "characters" and I'm thinking I thought they all left in the off-season.

 

lets face it, the guaranteed money paid to him locks us into him for at least this year, the hit on year 2 would still be significant, but doable. Even is he decides to retire, I doubt the Rooney's would try and get the money back, just bite the bullet and wait it out. As for finding Ben's replacement, no money in AF to find one 9and in reality who is out there), no high draft this year with glaring others needs for that 2nd and possible late 3 (if we get one for Bell), getting any QB in the draft next year is unlikely. That is why I would seek to retain and build this D, try and get some key O pieces, then even an average QB can get some wins. Getting Ben's repalcement is like hitting the lottery, it took how long between bradshaw and Ben?

 

Was 20+ years... I agree. Need to secure other positions and keep building. If that means solidifying folks to keep what they have and run with a game manager so be it. Maybe we have a decent QB on the roster moving forward? Who knows at this point. More tough decisions to make moving forward for sure but you have to keep this D in tact as much as possible. Start the transition of O line's future etc... Tall order but hey here we go Steelers here we go...

 

Unless Ben decides to retire he will be the starting QB next season. Unless the elbow doesn't respond. On the hook with that contract.

 

Which ownership was stupid for giving that contract extension anyway.

 

Great post! I love the direction this team is heading. If the ''O'' can gets something going this team could be dangerous. Steelers have a championship defense right now

 

Im thinking if his elbow doesn’t respond, that’s still “injury”. So he gets to keep the money.

 

I don't know about character, but this team sure is a whole lot more likeable than previous years versions. No AB distractions, no Bell hold outs, no Ben passive - aggressiveness, and except for the whole incident in Cleveland, which wasn't the Steelers' fault, no unnecessary drama.

They're not going anywhere in the playoffs, because they're really not that good, but I'll admit I've enjoyed this season a lot more than last year.

 

Honestly I repeat,

The Steelers have played 11 out of 14 games at home and have a record of 8-6 against really bad teams!

It’s not surprising they’ve won 8 games (because of defensive turnovers) something the defence couldn’t do the past 5 seasons. It’s funny now they perform against sh!t teams when there is no pressure or expectations I’m still not sold... However Watt is a superstar!