High expectations for running game.

With the drafting of David Decastro, my expectations of a
a more dominating running game have not been this great
in a long time.We could have a dynamite offense. If Ben buys in, I can see so much Todd Haley
and company could add to this already explosive offense.Play action,roll outs,
draws, traps. Batch and Rainey could also be used in different ways.
I can't wait to see a much improved offense. And as our most famous defensive player has suggested
is that this defense was not built to be on the field too long, you have time of posession
battle in your favor. I can also see a return to power,physical football. Yea!

 

I also have very high expectations for the running game. Things will be better this year.

 

I think most people have higher expectations for the running game this season. I'm looking forwrd to seeing Pouncey and DeCastro on the line together.

 

It will be interesting to see if watching from the sidelines on the PUP will give Mendenhall extra motivation. There will be a lot of competition at the RB this upcoming season. If Redman posts decent numbers, it may be tricky for Mendenhall to earn any decent playing time. Could this be 34's last season as a Steeler? Like the OP, I too am jacked for a much improved running game. It will only make Ben and our DEF more dangerous.

 

Batch and Rainey could be in competition for the same roster spot.

Wish we could have upgraded the fullback position though....

 

Possibly...but I see them having Mendy on PUP (which could turn into IR...who knows) and then having Redman, Dwyer, Batch and Rainey being the 4 RBs they keep active. If Mendy comes back...they could go a number of ways as to who gets cut...could be one of the RBs could be another position...who knows.

 

What about Clay. He is getting no love.

I am pulling for DJ to be cut and either Will Johnson or the new TE to step in as a blocking back that is at least average as a full back or H-back.

Dwyer or Clay?

and

Batch or Rainey?

Mendenhal plays when he heals.
This is Dwyer's last chance.

 

Adams is good but not quite up there with those two yet

 

Changing OCs is what has me excited about our running game. The rookies are just icing on the cake

 

I really wish Mendy was healthy because I think he'd explode this year under Haley, especially after upgrading the OL.

 

Isn't this Dwyer's third season? He's had minimal playing time, and still managed to rack up one of, if not the, longest runs from scrimmage last season.

I like having the option of Clay, but I don't think he brings anything that Dwyer or Batch haven't shown (at least in practice).

 

Yeah i do too. I've been down on the guy from time to time but I feel (or at least hope) that Haley can help make Mendy the back we all hoped he be. The guy has tremendous potential imo and with an OC that knows how to run the ball and an o line that can actually open up holes for him, I think the skies the limit if he stays healthy.

I'm also looking forward to seeing our passing game now too with this new and hopefully improved o line. With the speed we have at WR and the possibility of Ben actually having time to find an open receiver we could be very dangerous all around on offense this season.

 

i know we have touched on this but if clay or dwyer really wanted to make this roster and get a spot, i'd be working on my lead blocking skills. we know they are good at running. they are decent in pass protection. either can catch out of the backfield, add lead blocking as a FB to your game and you could be a lock ala john L. williams. he could do all of the above. he could also be your featured back for a game or two if needed. he was a threat to get a few carries and catch a few passes during any given game, so they had to account for him. the most important thing though was he could lead block very well. these two have the size and if one of them could become good at it , it would cement them into a position as one of the RB's. it wouldn't hurt them to work with kugler a little.

 

There is no doubt that DeCastro's pick has raised expectations. For me that is in the running and the passing game. If DeCastro can handle his guy by himself it leave Pouncey to help out Foster or whoever the LG is.

I think we could see: Adams/Gilbert/Pouncey/DeCastro/Colon by the end of the year. If we want our best 5 on the field...these are our best 5. That leaves the other guys fighting for backup spots. J. Scott, Essex, Legursky, and Foster is my gut, but who know. You might even resign Starks at some point at the expense of Scott.

 

Agree 100%. I would like to see Mendy behind this new line, but he's definitely starting on the PUP, and I wouldn't be shocked if he goes on IR later in the season.

Redman will start. Dwyer will be the backup. Rainey will be change of pace back and line up in the slot. Batch will be the 3rd down back.

I am a big Clay fan, but he probably won't make the roster this year. Is he still eligible for PS?

Not sure about this being Dwyer's "last chance". He was quite productive when called upon.[/quote:2yqkw3gc]

I was a big fan of Dwyer when we drafted him and really hopes he does whatever he needs to make it on the field regularly.

 

I was a big fan of Dwyer when we drafted him and really hopes he does whatever he needs to make it on the field regularly.[/quote:3hcz4cyz]


Or show enough to get us an extra pick for someone to take him... i'd be happy with either as I believe Redman is the only North/South runner needed...Clay could be Bettis in waiting size wise need to see something more though on him and Dwyer

 

Upgraded??..LOL....Id just like to add one!!!!...Great new OL.....Lets get a true FB on roster...You can still win games with clock management in this league!!

 

Agree 100%. I would like to see Mendy behind this new line, but he's definitely starting on the PUP, and I wouldn't be shocked if he goes on IR later in the season.

Redman will start. Dwyer will be the backup. Rainey will be change of pace back and line up in the slot. Batch will be the 3rd down back.

I am a big Clay fan, but he probably won't make the roster this year. Is he still eligible for PS?

Not sure about this being Dwyer's "last chance". He was quite productive when called upon.[/quote:hdvhghtw]

Red is a North and South one cut runner with some wiggle,he has great feet and excellent vision....He needs guys who know how to block and understands his running style....He will not go down on the first hit,no arm tackle can hold him,he needs exactly what we drafted....He is the guy who can fit a trap/Gap system...

The kid does nothing ,but punish would be tacklers and has done so even before he arrived with us.....Redzone has the tools and unlike BA our new OC Knows how to harness those tools...

In the other thread there is talk about if Red can step up and be the home run threat that Mendehall has been.....Well, the only thing I can say to that is we don't need Redzone to be that,he only needs to punish the D,get the tough yards and keep the chains moving....Our D is built to play small ball...So while some peeps won't like hearing this,that's exactly why I don't care for Wallace so much and the Wallace situation...

The bottom line is we can win playing small ball with the type of Team we have.....We could dominate with the proper use of PA....We could be the best thing anyoe has ever saw or will ever see if we play small ball and excell in PA and score the ball in the Redzone at a high rate...3 things have kept this from happening...

A stong OL.....
A smart Coach...
And a Big Redzone WR...

I think we have all of that fixed,now I expect Domination....It is time to leave no doubt...We have a 4 or 5 year window and we should cash in big time,I don't care about the crap this is the NFL.it's hard to compete,to many guys got hurt, all these types of things.....

We are without a doubt the best in the NFL now it is time to play our way and show people what a true winning TEAM looks like....

No one and I mean no one can beat this Team if they are coached right and they paly right...We are not like the rest and that's why I love this TEAM and get so upset when we don't prove it...

 

I have higher expectations for the whole offense this year. Should take a lot of pressure off the defense. If both units are firing on all cylinders we are going to be scary good this year.