The Future is Now
Pro Football Weekly offers the following insight this week on the Steelers' future:
"The Steelers’ running game was under close scrutiny after a tough three-game stretch in Weeks 11-13, but a 52-carry, 303-yard performance vs. Cleveland on Dec. 7 gives something the Steelers can build upon in the final weeks. The way we hear it, the play of the right side of the line had come under criticism of late, with neither ORT Max Starks nor ORG Kendall Simmons playing as well in the run game as the team would have liked. But the Steelers ran to the right with success vs. the Browns, with RB Willie Parker running often behind the blocking of Simmons and Starks. From what we’re told, it’s conceivable that both players could face competition for their jobs next season. Simmons could even be considered at center, where current starting C Jeff Hartings is getting up in age. But for now, Simmons and Starks will remain where they are."
My guess is that Hartings will retire after this season. He was man-handled at times this year, and Chukky Okobi is waiting to take his place. (PFW is totally wrong, in my estimation, about Simmons at center. He was a disaster there in the pre-season.) The right side of the O-line could face increased challenges in training camp in 2007. Starks, a restricted free agent after this season, is likely to be re-signed, but I expect the Steelers to bring in a player to push him, and perhaps ultimately replace him. Starks is actually listed among the top tackles in free agency, so it seems unlikely that Pittsburgh will find a viable challenger among free agents like Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo. With each Steeler win, the chances of drafting Michigan RT Jake Long (assuming, as many do, that he will declare for the draft) decline, perhaps leaving the Steelers with no easy answer at the position.
The guard position offers more in free agency, including accomplished run-blockers Vince Manuwai (Jags) and Kris Dielman (Chargers). Generally, the Steelers are good for one FA signing per off-season, and this may be it.
Or, the free agent signing may be a new backup to Willie Parker. Despite a few flashes of his talent, the Hamper Dumper has done little, and will likely be gone. Duce Staley has already been cut. A few big backs are out there, including TJ Duckett, whom the Steelers sought to acquire in trade on draft day this year, and Chargers backup Michael Turner. Turner, though, is a restricted free agent, and it seems unlikely that the Chargers will let him walk.
"The Steelers’ running game was under close scrutiny after a tough three-game stretch in Weeks 11-13, but a 52-carry, 303-yard performance vs. Cleveland on Dec. 7 gives something the Steelers can build upon in the final weeks. The way we hear it, the play of the right side of the line had come under criticism of late, with neither ORT Max Starks nor ORG Kendall Simmons playing as well in the run game as the team would have liked. But the Steelers ran to the right with success vs. the Browns, with RB Willie Parker running often behind the blocking of Simmons and Starks. From what we’re told, it’s conceivable that both players could face competition for their jobs next season. Simmons could even be considered at center, where current starting C Jeff Hartings is getting up in age. But for now, Simmons and Starks will remain where they are."
My guess is that Hartings will retire after this season. He was man-handled at times this year, and Chukky Okobi is waiting to take his place. (PFW is totally wrong, in my estimation, about Simmons at center. He was a disaster there in the pre-season.) The right side of the O-line could face increased challenges in training camp in 2007. Starks, a restricted free agent after this season, is likely to be re-signed, but I expect the Steelers to bring in a player to push him, and perhaps ultimately replace him. Starks is actually listed among the top tackles in free agency, so it seems unlikely that Pittsburgh will find a viable challenger among free agents like Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo. With each Steeler win, the chances of drafting Michigan RT Jake Long (assuming, as many do, that he will declare for the draft) decline, perhaps leaving the Steelers with no easy answer at the position.
The guard position offers more in free agency, including accomplished run-blockers Vince Manuwai (Jags) and Kris Dielman (Chargers). Generally, the Steelers are good for one FA signing per off-season, and this may be it.
Or, the free agent signing may be a new backup to Willie Parker. Despite a few flashes of his talent, the Hamper Dumper has done little, and will likely be gone. Duce Staley has already been cut. A few big backs are out there, including TJ Duckett, whom the Steelers sought to acquire in trade on draft day this year, and Chargers backup Michael Turner. Turner, though, is a restricted free agent, and it seems unlikely that the Chargers will let him walk.
Labels: draft, free agency, offensive line
posted by Shane at 3:08 PM
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