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[Wellington]

I don't think (hope) anyone is attached to the post count. With start of training camp, a new thread seems like a good idea.

We don't have a choice.

 

[Hitokage]

We don't have a choice.

Blame vBulletin.

 

[squicken]

Someone light the Rorshach signal, or whoever is doing it this year.

 

[bionic77]

Not enjoying football so far since it has come back because I am following it like some kind of casual New England (lifelong since 2000!) fan instead of the way you are supposed to follow it like they do in Green Bay. Seeing eznark neglect his newborn and being able to stay on top of NFL news and his team makes me admit that Packers are probably "better" football fans. But that fandom comes at a price of being a horrible parent, husband, and possibly person.

Mods, if I morph into a casual fan over the next few years and just repeat whatever I hear Jaws and the other idiots at ESPN say then please put me out of my misery and just permaban me.

 

[chuckddd]

6 years, 61.5 million. Not sure how much is guaranteed.

Dat cash!

When they report contract like this they include the signing bonus as part of the first year, since the player does received the money right away. The signing bonus is most likely somewhere in the 15 million dollar range with 3.1 million the first year as a base salary. That prorates to 2.5 million against the cap for the bonus each yr so this year’s cap hit is 5.6 million. Then there could be a roster bonus next year in the 5 million dollar range giving a base of 3.9+ 5 million roster bonus

 

[iapetus]

Excellent, if expected, news - the Jags have locked up one of the contenders for 'most irritatingly misspelt player in the NFL' (a position that's open since Favre's retirement) by giving Marcedes Lewis the contract he deserves.

 

[Unconditional]

Finally Jags lock up Marcedes Lewis. 5 years, $35 Mill, $18 mill guaranteed.

 

[TheDrizzlerJ11]

Can't believe Cobbs hasn't been snagged yet. I know I don't pay attention to all of them but this guy is the best FB in the league.

 

[Unconditional]

Can't believe Cobbs hasn't been snagged yet. I know I don't pay attention to all of them but this guy is the best FB in the league.

Have you heard of Greg Jones?

 

[Lonestar]

http://wgr550.com/pages/9034669.php?pid=57611

Bill's Marcell Dareus tweaked something, but sounds like he'll be ok.

 

[iapetus]

Have you heard of Greg Jones?

"Best FB in the league" is shorthand for "Best FB in the league who isn't Greg Jones". Otherwise it just isn't competitive.

 

[TheDrizzlerJ11]

Have you heard of Greg Jones?

Fullbacks shouldn't have yankable hair, though.

 

[Jamesfrom818]

Finally Jags lock up Marcedes Lewis. 5 years, $35 Mill, $18 mill guaranteed.

Good for him. I've liked the guy since his UCLA days.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Not enjoying football so far since it has come back because I am following it like some kind of casual New England (lifelong since 2000!) fan instead of the way you are supposed to follow it like they do in Green Bay. Seeing eznark neglect his newborn and being able to stay on top of NFL news and his team makes me admit that Packers are probably "better" football fans. But that fandom comes at a price of being a horrible parent, husband, and possibly person.

Mods, if I morph into a casual fan over the next few years and just repeat whatever I hear Jaws and the other idiots at ESPN say then please put me out of my misery and just permaban me.

Just post from work like I do.

 

[bionic77]

Just post from work like I do.

That is what I used to do in the past, but I have been traveling like a mofo recently and even during breaks on the road it is a huge pain in the ass to read and post on an iPhone.

Saw the Woodley news. I like the signing. Guarantees us a solid pass rush for at least the next 3 years (and maybe more depending on how Woodley and Harrison hold up).

Been awhile since we hit a homerun in the draft on defense though (Wallace is the last one I can think of off the top of my head). We won those superbowls because we got some real blue chippers off of the draft and of course the miracle Harrison signing.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

That is what I used to do in the past, but I have been traveling like a mofo recently and even during breaks on the road it is a huge pain in the ass to read and post on an iPhone.

Saw the Woodley news. I like the signing. Guarantees us a solid pass rush for at least the next 3 years (and maybe more depending on how Woodley and Harrison hold up).

Been awhile since we hit a homerun in the draft on defense though (Wallace is the last one I can think of off the top of my head). We won those superbowls because we got some real blue chippers off of the draft and of course the miracle Harrison signing.

I think Ziggy is a home run. We didn't miss a beat last year with Aaron Smith out and that's really saying something. Ditto Lawrence Timmons; IMO he's the most underrated linebacker in the league.

 

[bionic77]

I think Ziggy is a home run. We didn't miss a beat last year with Aaron Smith out and that's really saying something. Ditto Lawrence Timmons; IMO he's the most underrated linebacker in the league.

Ziggy and Timmons are both really, really good players, but I won't put them in the same class as Harrison, Woodley and Polomalu (who are all game changers). Ziggy kind of holds the defense together at his position but that is something that is easier to find than a outside linebacker who gets sacks. And Timmons COULD end being an all pro type player (definitely has the talent for it), but there are times when teams spread us out when he just isn't heard from. You can't really run in the middle as long as he is there though and if he continues to improve he might be as big of a menace in our blitz packages.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Ziggy and Timmons are both really, really good players, but I won't put them in the same class as Harrison, Woodley and Polomalu (who are all game changers). Ziggy kind of holds the defense together at his position but that is something that is easier to find than a outside linebacker who gets sacks. And Timmons COULD end being an all pro type player (definitely has the talent for it), but there are times when teams spread us out when he just isn't heard from. You can't really run in the middle as long as he is there though and if he continues to improve he might be as big of a menace in our blitz packages.

While I agree that Timmons did disappear for stretches I consider that more of a failing of Farrior. In 09 Farrior Started to fall off, but in 10 he came back a little. That said whenever teams spread us out it was Farrior who was often caught on his back foot and Timmons had to come in to clean his mess.

I said this earlier, but people rag on the Steelers cornerbacks, but Farrior is just as guilty as he's slow to his assignments in coverage which can (and did) cost us tons of yards.

I'm really wondering what the Steelers' long term plans for Farrior are. He's our Mike so he's not easily replaced; and most of our depth at the Positions are pass rushing OLB's. Perhaps Timmons will take over and Sylvester will take his spot.

 

[Unconditional]

"Best FB in the league" is shorthand for "Best FB in the league who isn't Greg Jones". Otherwise it just isn't competitive.

Yea, he's just mean.

Fullbacks shouldn't have yankable hair, though.

That's the same for any position, but going for the hair when someone is running straight at you isn't a very good idea.

Good for him. I've liked the guy since his UCLA days.

Yea, he's a nice guy with good character. Happy that he got his payday

 

[bionic77]

While I agree that Timmons did disappear for stretches I consider that more of a failing of Farrior. In 09 Farrior Started to fall off, but in 10 he came back a little. That said whenever teams spread us out it was Farrior who was often caught on his back foot and Timmons had to come in to clean his mess.

I said this earlier, but people rag on the Steelers cornerbacks, but Farrior is just as guilty as he's slow to his assignments in coverage which can (and did) cost us tons of yards.

Yeah that is a good point. The middle of the field is open season against the Steelers if you have 4 fast wide receivers and a lot of that blame has to go on the LBs with Farrior being the most likely offender (though I can't prove it because I didn't see the film).

A lot of the blame also goes on Troy being gimp. His main role is to help take way the middle of the field and a lot can be blamed on injuries, but the truth is that he was not getting it done at the end of the year and was living on reputation more than anything else. Hopefully he can rebound and stay healthy for all of next season but if he can't then we have to start looking for a replacement or at least someone to back him up when he is hurt.

 

[chuckddd]

Camp reports say that Tomlin has been riding Worilds all over the field and that Sylvester may be ready to get some reps at ILB. Along with Hood and Heyward, the only front 7 position that isn't ready for succession is NT. Not only do the Steelers have the best front 7 in the league, they're the deepest. It's the DB's that are in need of an overhaul. I'm hoping that Butler or Lewis will show they can at least be a competent nickel back.

That 2007 draft... 1st - Timmons 2nd - Woodley

DAMN.gif

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Yeah that is a good point. The middle of the field is open season against the Steelers if you have 4 fast wide receivers and a lot of that blame has to go on the LBs with Farrior being the most likely offender (though I can't prove it because I didn't see the film).

A lot of the blame also goes on Troy being gimp. His main role is to help take way the middle of the field and a lot can be blamed on injuries, but the truth is that he was not getting it done at the end of the year and was living on reputation more than anything else. Hopefully he can rebound and stay healthy for all of next season but if he can't then we have to start looking for a replacement or at least someone to back him up when he is hurt.

Last year the word came out on Polamalu and EVERYONE was looking out for him.. Then he got injured. It's the curse of the star player.

Camp reports say that Tomlin has been riding Worilds all over the field and that Sylvester may be ready to get some reps at ILB. Along with Hood and Heyward, the only front 7 position that isn't ready for succession is NT. Not only do the Steelers have the best front 7 in the league, they're the deepest. It's the DB's that are in need of an overhaul. I'm hoping that Butler or Lewis will show they can at least be a competent nickel back.

That 2007 draft... 1st - Timmons 2nd - Woodley

DAMN.gif

Yeah, that Linebacking corps is beastly, and it looks like Worilds is being groomed to replace Harrison.

I'm, REALLY hoping Keenan Kewis comes around, but he's missed two practices so far. His disposition over last year seems to have improved, which is good.

 

[bionic77]

and it looks like Worilds is being groomed to replace Harrison.

:lol, good luck with that.

It is going to be a long time before we can find someone to fill his shoes.

 

[Wellington]

Best FB in the league is Leach.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

:lol, good luck with that.

It is going to be a long time before we can find someone to fill his shoes.

Harrison is the best Linebacker in the league (Come at me bros.) a guy like that will always be hard to replace.

 

[chuckddd]

Kick over the table and then challenge each other to a loser leaves the NFL forever match!

 

[bionic77]

Harrison is the best Linebacker in the league (Come at me bros.) a guy like that will always be hard to replace.

Probably one of my favorite Steelers of all time on the field. Dude's story kind of reminds me of Kurt Warner where he never got a chance to play in the league when he was young and then he come on the team as a backup and whenever he played great things just happened. I remember thinking that if he always seemed to get sacks, fumbles and INTs as a backup then why didn't we start him, but then I thought that the coaches must know more than me and it must be a lot more complicated then that. Apparently not...

 

[Futurevoid]

Thanks for the memories, Bossman.

Filed to ESPN: Raiders reached agreement with former Giants tight end Kevin Boss on a four-year, $16 million.

Travis Beckum and Ben Patrick future now if we don't sign any other TE's in the open market. Beckum flashed a little late last year but I'm worried about a lack of a good blocking TE on the roster right now. Boss showed great improvement on that front last season. We'll see if the young guys step up like Boss did after Shockey left.

I do really hope we sign Steve Smith soon. He won't be ready for the beginning of the season but I wanted him back more than any other free agent.

 

[LevelNth]

Harrison is the best Linebacker in the league (Come at me bros.) a guy like that will always be hard to replace.

I'd put Willis and Matthews above him actually, and in some ways Hali is better too (Harrison has the edge overall, and is the harder hitter for sure).

 

[jergrah]

Can't believe Cobbs hasn't been snagged yet. I know I don't pay attention to all of them but this guy is the best FB in the league.

I thought you were a Fins fan? Cobbs isn't / has never been a FB. He's a KR, Special Teams guy who also got reps at HB and played a nice roll in Wildcat packages. Maybe you were confusing him with Polite, who is one of the best blocking FBs in the league.

 

[Wellington]

Thanks for the memories, Bossman.



Travis Beckum and Ben Patrick future now if we don't sign any other TE's in the open market. Beckum flashed a little late year but I'm worried about a lack of a good blocking TE on the roster right now. Boss showed great improvement on that front last season. We'll see if the young guys step up like Boss did after Shockey left.

Ugh. Can't ever forget that long catch and run in SB 42. Good luck Bossman.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

I'd put Willis and Matthews above him actually, and in some ways Hali is better too (Harrison has the edge overall, and is the harder hitter for sure).

By what measure do you qualify Matthews and Hali as better than Harrison?

Willis I can understand (Though by definition of his position tackles are funneled towards him).

 

[Spectral Glider]

Lloyd was my favorite player back in the day and Harrison is pretty much molded just like him....only about 3 times as strong though. Dude's a freak, just hope he has good years still ahead of him.

I think Farrior's time is passed. Loved him, great guy, but he's slowing down quite a bit.

 

[Anton Sugar]

choke?

You never responded to my post.

Good that you are optimistic but I think Manning protects himself the best and makes his OLINE look better than it is. He gets rid of the ball very quick, knows where he is going right away, and doesn't allow the pressure to even formulate. Charlie Johnson might be good/decent but I bet Manning made him look better than he is. And with McNabb...I love the guy...but he doesn't get rid of the ball fast, takes his sweet time, and can't scramble and get away from the pressure like he used to.

CJ is a solid player who looked worse than he really was, because our line just sucked ass last year. Manning is the best at escaping pressure, but CJ is a very flexible lineman and I'm pissed we let him go.

 

[LevelNth]

By what measure do you qualify Matthews and Hali as better than Harrison?

Willis I can understand (Though by definition of his position tackles are funneled towards him).

Simply put, he's as effective and dominant on the field for his team as Harrison, without having someone like Woodley on the other side.

And the Willis comparison is tough, as they don't play the same position on the 3-4. But frankly Willis is just the best overall LB in the game, so dominant in every respect.

 

[bionic77]

By what measure do you qualify Matthews and Hali as better than Harrison?

Willis I can understand (Though by definition of his position tackles are funneled towards him).

Yeah Matthews is a good player but he isn't in the same league as Harrison IMHO. Willis is a different type of player than Harrison and is expected to do different things so it is hard to compare them (plus he plays on a shitty team so that hurts his overall impact as well).

 

[Futurevoid]

Ugh. Can't ever forget that long catch and run in SB 42. Good luck Bossman.

Mmmm. We've got our own little youth movement going on now. Beatty taking over at LT, Beckum likely stepping in at TE, young WR corps, Sintim likely to step in at OLB (and other young LB's) and with Osi possibly being moved - we'll likely see more JPP.

The last few drafts are now coming into focus and we'll see if Reese made the right choice in selecting these guys. I still disagree a bit on JPP being the wrong choice in that draft though.

 

[TheDrizzlerJ11]

I thought you were a Fins fan? Cobbs isn't / has never been a FB. He's a KR, Special Teams guy who also got reps at HB and played a nice roll in Wildcat packages. Maybe you were confusing him with Polite, who is one of the best blocking FBs in the league.

Yup confused 'em. Just woke up when I posted that I guess.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Simply put, he's as effective and dominant on the field for his team as Harrison, without having someone like Woodley on the other side.

First off, no he isn't.

Second, Harrison has been playing at a high level since he broke the starting lineup in 07. Matthews' best season isn't even as good as Harrison's worst. Ditto Hali. That said both guys are young; plenty of time for them to mature.

And the Willis comparison is tough, as they don't play the same position on the 3-4. But frankly Willis is just the best overall LB in the game, so dominant in every respect.

This means nothing. I could say the same thing about Harrison.

 

[bionic77]

Yeah Matthews is a good player but he isn't in the same league as Harrison IMHO. Willis is a different type of player than Harrison and is expected to do different things so it is hard to compare them (plus he plays on a shitty team so that hurts his overall impact as well).

Harrison has 40 more tackles than Mathews...

Mathews can just rush the passer. Harrison can still impact a game even if he doesn't get a sack. That is the difference between the two and why Harrison is in another league.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Lloyd was my favorite player back in the day and Harrison is pretty much molded just like him....only about 3 times as strong though. Dude's a freak, just hope he has good years still ahead of him.

I think Farrior's time is passed. Loved him, great guy, but he's slowing down quite a bit.

Funny, I hated Harrison at first because he replaced Porter.

 

[Bowser]

U mad about Scam Newton and taking it out on us???

Unfortunately, Hitokage turned into a dirty Seachickens fan, IIRC (I think he moved to Seattle?).

I can't wait for when Cam lights up your 2nd-stringers Welly! 9 days!

 

[bionic77]

Funny, I hated Harrison at first because he replaced Porter.

I didn't hate him, but I never thought some no name scrub who kept getting cut was going to come in and replace Porter's production. Thought it was a mistake at the time.

 

[LevelNth]

First off, no he isn't.

Second, Harrison has been playing at a high level since he broke the starting lineup in 07. Matthews' best season isn't even as good as Harrison's worst. Ditto Hali. That said both guys are young; plenty of time for them to mature.

I disagree, I think he is, and he has so much less support than Harrison, who plays with two guys who some would even say are just as good, if not better.

This means nothing. I could say the same thing about Harrison.

Again, I disagree. Willis is so beyond the next best ILB it's insane. Who's close? Beason? Mayo? Timmons? None IMO. You just can't say the same as Harrison.

And seriously, you don't think its a HUGE difference that Willis played beside Takeo Spikes, with Manny Lawson and Paras Haralson on the outside last year, versus Harrison who plays with freakin' Timmons and Woodley?

 

[Hitokage]

Unfortunately, Hitokage turned into a dirty Seachickens fan, IIRC (I think he moved to Seattle?).

I can't wait for when Cam lights up your 2nd-stringers Welly! 9 days!

Wellington knows perfectly well what team I support, which is why he made that comment in the first place.

 

[MechDX]

http://sports.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979822102

A slew of injuries are already happening, and it's barely a week into training camp. The latest big name to go down was quarterback David Garrard of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Garrard was hit repeatedly during drills despite his non-contact jersey and left practice with a back injury. If the injury is serious, it definitely jeopardizes Garrard's place as the starter with first-round pick Blaine Gabbert awaiting his chance.

WTF is going on in Jacksonville? Guy has a non contact jersey on and gets hit REPEATEDLY? :jnc

 

[Striker]

Coughlin says Kiwanuka will stay at LB on 1st and 2nd down for the time being, no matter what happens with Osi. #nyg

Wellie, you down with JPP?

 

[filler]

Bossman at half the price of Miller...bububut Raiders are in salary cap hell! Al Davis stays shittin' on the media.

 

[Gully State]

How does the cap situation for the Niners look after all those signings? I've got to hand it to Baalke. He managed to make some decent FA signings with no long term money attached and at a decent price for the most part.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

I disagree, I think he is, and he has so much less support than Harrison, who plays with two guys who some would even say are just as good, if not better.


Again, I disagree. Willis is so beyond the next best ILB it's insane. Who's close? Beason? Mayo? Timmons? None IMO. You just can't say the same as Harrison.

And seriously, you don't think its a HUGE difference that Willis played beside Takeo Spikes, with Manny Lawson and Paras Haralson on the outside last year, versus Harrison who plays with freakin' Timmons and Woodley?

Harrison playing with good linebackers should deflate his stats, not increase them.

Harrison last season had 40 more tackles than the best OLB you mentioned in Clay Matthews, and you consider Clay the better player?