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Fan Comments
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The following articles are listed in the order they were received (with the most recent entries at the top). This isn't a "guestbook" format... I read and manually insert every message, so you may not see your submission show up immediately. Thanks a million for your comments, people!
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Submitted by Brian
Hey Tim!!! I've been on your site for quite some time now, but this is my first time posting up a comment.
I'm really phsyched about next year. I say we go atleast 10-6. It's a strong possiblity to make it back into the playoffs. We can only hope to win the divisional title once more. Here's how I see it goes. We'll beat Balty atleast once, sweap the Browns and Bungholes, beat Philly, the Keyshawnless Jets, the Giants, the disfunctional-QB chargers, and Oakland, where Kris brown will match up with Janikowsky, that's a 10-6 redord right there, goof enough to get into the playoffs. I really hope we utilize our rookies earlier in the season.
About the draft, I'd say we ad one of the best drafts than most other teams would've in our situation. NFL.com ranked our draft as second best, right behind the 49ers. Burress was an obvious pick. Marvel Smith was a steal, people had him rnaked higher than Stockar McDougle on draft boards. Clancy and Poteat were a nice touch. Both will have plenty of game time. Danny Farmer REALLY opened my eyes. I was saying: "What!?!?!?!?!!!! He's been on the draft all htis time?!?!?!?!" I mean, he DID lead UCLA to the Rose Bowl, and he DID break J.J. Stoke's record for recieving yards in UCLA. He'll generate lots of regrets form teams who passed him by. Tee Martin was another eye-opener. Leading his team to the NCAA champs was a feat not even Peyton Manning could do. If Stewart flops, I'd like to see Tee Martin try out for the starting job. He's like Stewart, except he's a stronger, more accurate QB. Both can run crazy scrambling, and kordell can catch, but Tee has that exttra leadership ability. He's well-liked by his players, because he respects his teammates. I think his leadership guided the vols to the champs. Haggans was an interesting pick, he'll be an excelent backup, and perhaps the next startup LB, like Porter. Gavadza and Combs were decent. I'm impressed with Gavadza's spead, and if he can learn to block and catch, he may be starting in the next couple years. But I really hope one of them turn out to be another late-round steal, like Kirs Brown was last year.
Well, I'll talk to you later, and thanks for having such an awsome website for us fans!!!
Brian.
www.Swib.com
Submitted by Art Lyon
Just read everyone's "pre-draft" comments. Just proves the point of how much we all care, and the knowledge of our fans. You all made very good points and I read a lot of emotion out there. Too bad so much of the negative we write about is true. Going in, I wanted Plaxico Burress or Chad Pennington. If Cowher knew something about Stewart we aren't seeing, I knew they would pass on Pennington. I guess they feel he was good enough to lead them to the AFC title game with all weapons at his disposal, so that's where they hope to do again. It's hard to believe in him the way he's played the last two years! Cowher's job is on the line with this decision, so he's got more invested in it than we do, that's for sure. Hope he's right!
I've ALWAYS wanted the Steelers to have a big wide receiver! I wrote in last year about picking the "short" Edwards and was proven right during the season. He had flashes but lacked consistency all season. With Burress, we have the big receiver now. Wish he had more speed, but we'll see. I'm a little worried, too, after reading David Pressick's comments. Those close to the situation usually know what they're talking about. Marvel Smith is in our backyard here in Arizona. He's a load with potential. Tee Martin? Don't know what to think about him. All the reports make him sound like another Stewart. An athlete, but lacks in the brain department. Overall, they drafted most of the positions that we needed help in, which is about everywhere. Let's hope they can help immediately, because we all know when they develop, they will be playing somewhere else!
Later Days,
Art Lyon
Submitted by Bob Carapella
GREAT DRAFT... I LIKE SOME OF THE LATE PICKS LIKE TEE MARTIN AND DANNY FARMER. I EVEN LIKE SOME OF THE UNDRAFTED PLAYERS LIKE AL LUCAS AND SEDRICK CURRY. BUT AS FOR REACHING THE NEXT LEVEL, THE PLAYOFFS, FORGET IT. WE ARE AN 8-8 TEAM AT BEST... WE NEED 2-3 GREAT PLAYERS TO GET US BACK INTO THE PLAYOFFS. SO LETS NOT GET CARRIED AWAY. WE STILL HAVE TOO MANY HOLES TO FILL LIKE AT NOSE TACKLE, QUARTERBACK AND SAFETY. PUT ME DOWN FOR A 8-8 SEASON
BOB
Submitted by Gil Robitaille
I am totally ecstatic with the Plaxico Burress pick. Danny Farmer was alright as well. I'll finally be able to find out if the last two years were Kordell's fault. I think he will return to his old form with a few weapons to work with. Marvel Smith should be our starting LT for years to come. Gandy better pull up his socks!
Talk to you later, Bro,
Gil
Gil's Pittsburgh Steelers Page
Submitted by Dave Pierce
Well, I get to see if I know my draftees. I wanted them to take Plaxico and I got it. Either I have a new job next year, or get even more flame mail!
Why Tee Martin? We now have 3 Kordell Stewarts. The Pro game requires an accurate passer and nothin more. And we got three inaccurate guys who can run, but who lets a QB run? Maybe we ought to have all three play and run the wishbone. Put Huntley and Bettis back there too, no one will ever figure out who has the ball.
I like that last pick, perhaps he would make a great fullback that can catch. And lots of speed.
Dave Pierce
Submitted by Todd Walker
Anyone ever heard of Randy Moss? I think Plaxico has more potential than
Moss. There are a lot of comparisons from size to attitude, but I think the
potential is there. There was a great sigh of relief as we finished up
draft-morning breakfast of bacon, sausage, ham, eggs, hashbrowns, doughnuts
and fruit when number 8 was announced as Plaxico. Up until draft morning, I
was wavering from Burress to Pennington. But Saturday morning, I woke up
with my gut (and heart) saying Plaxico. Just imagine, a burner on one side,
a tall fast guy on the other and a wiley Hines in the slot. We snap the
ball and Huntley takes the pitch for twenty yards. This scenario is only
presented to illustrate the options having a big (tall) threat gives us. I
am also hoping that the direction we took in the draft leads to a contract
extension with the Bus. This draft can only give him confidence on how the
Steelers feel about his position with the team. The draft is only a small
part of the equation. We will see how things turn out a few months from now
when camp opens. All I can say is Go Steelers!
War Black & Gold!
Submitted by JUNE2792
Always enjoy your web site. Some comments on the off-season and the draft: (1) Donahoe: Other than the Bettis trade, not much to brag about - Drafts were not that productive while he was here - Couldn't believe he said the team had the players to win last season when it was obvious they didn't - Is the reason the Steelers now restructure contracts because he's not there? - Like the chemistry now. (2) Bye-Bye, Roye - would have like to see him stay, but out priced himself - will be interesting to see how he does with the Browns now that they have "The Brown." Don't think moving him inside will work that well - bet he's a cap causality in a year. (3) Graham's the Man- Wish Tomzak could have stayed as a player coach but they getting Graham took the pressure off to find a QB in the draft. A good alternative to Kordell (4) Kordell - Still haven't given up on him. Maybe the answer was found in the draft in big targets. Still would give him a year to prove he can't do it. If the defense plays better and the offensive line improves maybe it will work out. It took a few years and a great offense for "The Terry" to improve to the point he could take the team to four rings. (5) Draft 1st RD- Love the first pick - best player available - immediate help to the team. (6) Draft other picks - N Got needed help for Def and OL - Poteat gives depth and maybe - finally a kick returner - Farmer could be a real steal. Concerned that WR core still has no speed burner. Maybe someone will be cut in June that could be picked up. (7) Mel Kiper's favorite wine is Pennington - reminded me off Dilfers free fall a few years back. Guess we will see, but Pennington doesn't impress me that much - I think he's this year's Dilfer.
Feeling Optimistic
Go Steelers!!!
Submitted by Barry Fox
These draft picks were all needs, which is great! I really hope that these
players are ready, because now you're with the big time. I like all of the draft
players. I really hope that Hank Poteat can be a great cornerback and return
man. Could you imagine if he returns kicks and punts for touchdowns? Chris
Berman will come up with a name for him. How about "quick feet" Poteat. Some
Steelers fans are probably thinking I'm getting ahead of myself. You know what?
I am not getting ahead of myself because I'm a true Steelers fan.
Submitted by Kelly Kremer
I am a bit nervous for the draft tomorrow. I keep hearing from my friends
that Burress is the way to go, but I have to tell ya, I am leaning toward
Pennington. People familiar with Big Ten football have some pretty negative
things to say about this guy. I think that you can get a receiver in a
trade, take Pickens for example, but a quarterback like Pennington doesn't
come around that often (at least when we are in a position to pick him!). I
also have to say that I have been unimpressed with the Steelers free agent
signings. Alot of guys, but no gamers, ya know. I look at who Tampa Bay
has picked up this off season and it just seems to me that there are
programs commited to winning, and programs commited to fielding a team. We
seem to fall in the latter. Well, time will tell.
Catch ya later,
Kelly
Submitted by Johna
With the draft on Saturday, I thought it was time I weighed in with some
comments. I don't think any of them are overly original... from
everything I've read, everyone is in agreement with what we have to do.
These are just some things I have shared with another Steeler fan and
wanted to pass them on.
Well, whereas I do like the idea of Pennington coming in as QB (Graham,
quite frankly, isn't good enough and Kordell just isn't getting it
done), it's obvious that our concentration should be on the offensive
line. We need better blockers to give Bettis, and even Huntley, room to
run. We are not primarily a passing team; we're a ground team. We need
to remember that and focus on gaining yards with the run instead of
trying to pass on 1st and 2nd downs - that's not an effective way for
the Steelers to play.
Plus we need some help on defense. Kirkland (always a great player) is
getting run down - he just can't do it all by himself.
On the positive side, I think Joey Porter is gonna be a monster. He's a
talented kid and with Emmons gone, he's gonna break out and show
everyone what he can do. That's something I'm looking forward to seeing.
We also need receivers, but let's work on the OL first.
Another important thing is Dermontti Dawson needs to be healthy and back
on the line. That's something else we learned last season: we need
Dawson. I think the outcome on some of the games would have been a bit
different if he had been there for the last half of the season.
Steelers Head Cheerleader
West Coast Division
Submitted by Jim "J.C." Patterson
I think it will be either Dez White or Travis Taylor wearing the black and gold
next season. Dez White
sounds a lot like Troy Edwards--he has deceptive speed and excellent deep
acceleration, and can pull away
from the defender. I definitely hope we pass on Corey Simon (too many injuries)
and Plaxico Burress (no
discipline). Surprise pick?--how about Brian Urlacher?? Late pick?--take Fresno
State QB Billy Volek--the
kid's tough, an extremely accurate thrower, and a gamer!!!! He'll remind ya of
Jake Plummer in size and cockiness.
Jim "J.C." Patterson
Fresno, CA
Submitted by Barry Fox
Is it true that Plaxico Burress did not show up to dinner with Bill Cowher? If it's
true, I don't want to see him in black and gold. Only a 33 inch vertical. He's
acting like a superstar before he even has a chance to become one. My bruthas,
please say it isn't so. If it is true, then I would pick a offensive linemen first
before picking a receiver. Maybe we don't need Burress. I
want someone with some confidence that knows what he's doing... not arrogance, but
confidence. I must have voted for Burress too many
times until I heard this rumor. I really hope it is just a rumor!
Submitted by Barry Fox
Pittsburgh just needs the receivers they have and a couple more receiver picks
to get open and catch the ball. Some speed receivers that have soft hands would
be nice. My guess is, they're still looking at picking a wide receiver with
their first pick. We don't need to pick up any running backs... maybe pick a fullback
in the later rounds. I see they are adding more depth to the offensive line. I
hope some of those guys can step up and be starters... I'm not a big fan of Wayne
Gandy. Maybe he will show me something better this year. I am hoping Chad Scott
can stay healthy and grab some interceptions this year and take them back for
touchdowns. I wish the same for Washington. Scott Shields will be ready this
year to (arm tackle) better than he did against those ugly birds (Ravens). So,
hopefully, we will also get some defensive backs with speed and good hands that
can tackle. Yes, I'm asking for a couple of Rod Woodsons to show up this year
and some Carnell Lakes. I might be asking too much, but I'm sorry, I want some
wins this year. We also need a couple more linebackers. So if the steelers know
what they are doing in the draft, they will hopefully get lucky and get some
really good picks.
Submitted by Steve Pavlik
It all starts (and in recent years ends) with the quarterback. The Steelers
MUST draft Pennington or register another losing season. Let's face facts.
The gap between the Steelers and the Jags and the Titans will take years to
close. At this time the Ravens are a much better team than the Steelers are.
In reality, Pittsburgh is one of the worst teams in the NFL - and this is
coming from a fan who bleeds black and gold. Burress might be a great
receiver, but it makes no difference if you don't have a quarterback to get
the ball to him. The Kordell Stewart experiment has proven to be a dismal
failure, and Graham has never been anything but mediocre throughout his
career. Neither of these quarterbacks are capable of winning consistently.
Last year was the most embarassing year in recent Steeler history. The only
saving grace to that nightmare of a season is that we "earned" the right to a
number 8 pick in a year in which no team drafting ahead of us needs a
quarterback - and most importantly, a "fanchise" quarterback will be available
in Chad Pennington. For the Pittsburgh Steeler, this is the "now or never"
draft. If Pittsburgh does not draft this potentially great quarterback this
year, none of us will see another Super Bowl in our lifetime, or until, and
perhaps this is really what is needed, Rooney sells the team to someone who
really cares. My prediction? Pittsburgh will draft Burress or maybe an
offensive lineman, they will drop even lower in the division - 5th behind the
already mentioned teams and Cleveland (yes, you heard me correctly), the Bus
will be gone the following year, Cowher a year or two after that, and Rooney
will be sitting in his grand luxury box, in his big new stadium, lamenting
the disloyalty
of all of those future Hall of Famers who left Pittsburgh to play elsewhere.
Steve Pavlik
Tucson, Arizona
Submitted by Jonathan Pasterick
It's tough to know where to start, because the problems are so numerous. I
think the biggest holes to fill are at O-line, D-line and WR (that's all,
you say?). Anyway, I'm from down here in Skins land (about 25 minutes from
the Jack or whatever they call that place) and I can tell you right now that
Peter Warrick has a better chance of being around at the 8th pick than Chris
Samuels does. If the Browns take Arrington or Courtney Brown (which they
are sure to now with Warrick's 40 time), the Skins are taking the one of
those guys that isn't drafted and Samuels for sure. It is highly doubtful
they'd take Warrick. The only way that they don't take Samuels is if the
Browns take Warrick (which they won't anymore), in which case the Skins MAY
take Brown and Arrington. Even in this case, Samuels will be the next pick.
Bottom line: don't hold your breath for Samuels... he ain't gonna be there at
8. But back to the Steelers. Burress looks awesome on paper, but like our
friend from Lansing said, I have questions about his noggin. Given that it
is usually unwise to draft receivers so high anyway, Burress could be a risk
for several reasons. And as the newest Fat Boy, Jamain Stephens, showed us,
it doesn't matter how talented you are at the NFL level... if you don't work
hard, you're not going to succeed.
Personally, if Corey Simon were still around, I'd take him. He's a
dominant D-line guy, and he could come in and start from the get-go, with or
without Joel Steed. If he's gone (another likely scenario), I'd take either
Shaun Ellis (another good D-line pick), or Chad Pennington. I'm not a big
Kent Graham believer, and given Kordell's last two seasons, I think that
Graham will be the starter sooner rather than later, unfortunately.
(Johna's submission about Tomczak was right on the $$. He was a true
Steeler, and I loved the guy. At the same time, they have to move on and
prepare for the future at some point.) In any event, your horizons are so
limited with those two guys, why not take a kid that has some real
potential? Pennington has a great arm, he showed he could put up big
numbers even without Randy Moss, and he's a 4.0 student (as well as a Rhodes
Scholar candidate), so you know he has a head on his shoulders. If Burress
doesn't interview well with the Steelers, and they have questions about his
character, there is no WR left after him and Warrick that are worth using
the #8 pick on, so they're better off taking either Ellis or Pennington.
Ellis could shore up some serious D-line deficiencies, and Pennington might
actually be able to get the offense into the end zone every once in a while.
That's my take.
Jonathan Pasterick
Submitted by THEOMILL
At pick 8, we will be left with Simon, Burress and/or Pennington. That will be
the decision. Trade down? Maybe. If Simon is there & healthy, he would be my
pick... OL & WR can be addressed in rounds 2 & 3. We need some bodies up
front if we entertain any thoughts of taking on the Jags. And Boselli vs.
Sullivan is not a good match-up... need to get talented up front! Cross
your fingers...
Submitted by Deronne Felton
Personally, I believe that we need to take a long hard look at Michigan
State's Burress or Samuels. Primarily because as some one else alluded to,
these players are only going to be around for about 4 years max. So why
not get the immediate impact player that you can milk for all he's
worth? Apparently at the eight selection, a Burgess or Samuels should
both be available. Do we want filet mignon or escargo? You cannot go
wrong with either pick!
Submitted by Barry Fox
I believe that Steelers will go with an offensive linemen or a wide receiver on
their first pick. Though Plaxico Burress reportedly has some work ethic problems, I feel
Cowher will nip that in the bud. They need a '74 draft like I need a free
vacation! If we were to luck out and get that defensive end from Penn State, that would
be a miracle. If it was my draft pick, I would have to weigh the options
between DE, WR, and OL. We need all of 'emt no matter what order they come in.
Submitted by David Pressick
I know the Steelers need help on the offensive line, defensive line, and
in my opinion, defensive secondary. The one person everyone is talking
about is Plaxico Burress. Now, having worked for Michigan State
University over the last four years and living in Lansing, Michigan most
of my life, I can absolutely say that the Steelers MUST pass on
Burress. That's not a pun there folks. If brains were dynamite, well,
you know the rest. The guy doesn't have two brain cells to rub
together. Couple that fact with his attitude and you have one big
problem child. His work ethic isn't the greatest either. The whole MSU
team needs a swift kick in the pants that way. Any of you think
Underwood last year was a strange state of affairs? That's a typical
thing around here. I can't speak strongly enough when it comes to the
draft, I pray the Steelers will look somewhere other than MSU this
year. Now in another couple of years, there is a kid here who would fit
right in with the Steelers. Josh Thornhill... remember his name, because
at linebacker, he's a Steeler-style force.
That's my take.
David Pressick
Submitted by Johna
As far as the draft goes, I think almost anyone we pick up will be a
welcome addition to our team. There is a lot of talent out there at the
college level and hopefully an injection of fresh blood will rejuvenate
the veterans and bring us back up to form. That is as long as our picks
aren't reminiscent of initial contract hold-out Alan Faneca. Sure, he
did an OK job, but I don't recall him piling up blazing statistics. And
whoever that new blood turns out to be, I hope that they know that they
need to respect their situation. By that I mean that they should be
upset and hanging their heads when they lose instead of having a party
atmosphere in the locker room as some of the veterans were mentioning
from this season. 6 and 10 is certainly nothing worth partying about.
That said, I want to voice my sadness over the loss of Mike Tomczak. I
know that he's getting up there in years, but who cares? He obviously
still has the ability. And by his comments made to the press about
wanting to stay in Pittsburgh, he has a love for his team, pride for his
city, and passion for the game. I understand from a business standpoint
why they had to let him go, but I am still not happy about it. I think
Tomczak was a solid QB. The year of "The Quarterback Controversy", when
Neil was gone and Stewart wasn't ready (and apparently still isn't), we
came back from a Superbowl loss to the Cowboys and won a playoff game with Tomczak at the helm. That was not a fluke. That
year, when all my friends were bagging on him, I was the only one who
stood up in his defense. And in the past two years, when Kordell was
obviously not getting the job done, Tomczak stepped in and showed him
how to do it. Sure, I've seen the photos in SI and the clips on ESPN
showing Tomczak getting nailed by a defender, but I believe that if he
had better pass protection and an experienced WR (a la Thigpen), he
could have led this team back to greatness.
Perhaps I am biased, because as a female, I am not completely oblivious
to his boyish face and little boy smile, but in that I saw a man who
loved the game so much, he was thrilled just to be there, and he was
having the time of his life doing it. That is what I think the game
should be about; not contract negotiations and sneaker deals.
Another great Tomczak memory happened when I was an intern at WTAE-TV.
Since that is the ABC affiliate for Pittsburgh, we had Monday Night
Football. And as Pittsburghers, you know that before Steeler Monday
Night games, there is a full hour live show. I was lucky enough to be
able to work the live shows. It was the 93-94 season. Our home Monday
Night game was light up night in the Burgh, and I was at the stadium to
do the live show with Sally Wiggin and Tony Zarrella from the end zone.
After the show had been broadcast, but before the start of the game, I
was standing alone near the end zone with our camera equipment. No one
else was in the entire stadium. Suddenly, out of the tunnel to my left,
from the locker room came Merrill Hoge, Neil O'Donnell, and Mike
Tomczak. I stood there and watched the three of them play ball on the
five yard line. Merrill was the QB, Neil the receiver, and Mike the
blocker. It was like a pick up game you play in your neighborhood. They
were in their uniforms, tossing the ball around and having fun. The only
time the noticed me was when they headed back into the locker room and
briefly said hello as they passed. And though all were very polite, none
struck me as much as Mike Tomczak. Our team went on to pummel the Bills
that night. And I think the only time Tomczak played that night was when
I was watching from the end zone.
So for that brief moment, and for all of his years as a Pittsburgh
Steeler, fairwell, Mike. I will miss seeing your athletics on the field
and your smile on the sidelines. May God bless you in your future as he
blessed our team with your presence and experience.
Steelers Head Cheerleader
West Coast Division
Submitted by Jeff Barker
Here's my 2 cents.
I would love for the Steelers to get that "speed" receiver we've been lacking for too long. Plaxico would be great to get! The
O-line looks to be getting better, although not the Steeler line I'm used to seeing. I wish Justin S. could have healed up. I feel
whomever the Steelers draft, it will help, except for Pennington. I just don't know about that. Plaxico, Burress, Samuel, or Simon
would be great. I would hope they get someone on the offensive side. The defense got tired late last year and gave up. I
believe if the Steelers can control the clock and keep our defensive guys off the field, they would be better.
Burress, the speed guy, Edwards the middle guy, and Ward/Johnson as the possession receiver. Now that would be good.
Out on the limb-> Steelers could trade Bettis for some draft picks, that would reduce cap. Get another big back like Dayne
and pick up some lineman. I started thinking that way when they signed Huntley after Huntley turned down the Dolphins.
Something's up there. I wanted them to keep Bettis/Huntley combo.
Jeff
Submitted by Bob Carapella
WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IN THE DRAFT IS AS
FOLLOWS: IF PLAXICO BURRESS OR COREY SIMON OR CHRIS SAMUELS ARE GONE BEFORE
WE DRAFT, WE SHOULD TRADE DOWN AND GET ANOTHER 3RD ROUND PICK AND TAKE EITHER
DEZ WHITE, OR TRAVIS TAYLOR OR SYLVESTER MORRIS. AFTER WE DO THIS WE SHOULD
PACKAGE SOME DRAFT PICKS MAYBE A 3RD 4TH AND 5TH PICK AND GET ANOTHER 2ND
ROUND PICK. AND TAKE IN THE 2ND ROUND BOTH MARIO EDWARDS CB AND OR MAO TOSI
OR ROBAIRE SMITH DEFENSIVE ENDS. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Submitted by Paul Paulsen
We just signed
a veteran QB in Graham, so does that all but rule out Chad Pennington? It's a
damn shame... that kid has what it takes to be a great one. I'm a native of
Pittsburgh, but I've lived down here in West Virginia since '92. I've
watched that kid play since he started at Marshall and he has the brains,
leadership, and tools to be a top-rated QB in the NFL. Anyway, who're we
taking in the first round? Just looking for opinions.
Paul Paulsen
Submitted by LMarth5468
I would like to make a push to draft a CB with our first pick to replace the
joke we have in DeWayne Washington. Everytime we see this guy, he's chasing someone
because he got *&$#@ burnt. I have a kid at my local high school the
Steelers should look at. I'm like everyone else in that I'm finding it hard
to be a Steelers fan. What's the chance of us signing a FA we've actually
heard of? Look, get Kordell another WR and let him run and improvise like he
did against Cleveland last year.
Submitted by Bob Carapella
WHY WORRY ABOUT WHO WE DRAFT IN THE FIRST ROUND? THEY WILL ONLY BE GONE IN
FOUR YEARS. THE QUESTION IS, WHAT PLAYER DOES THE REST OF THE NFL NEED US TO
DEVELOP FOR THEM? LET'S SEE... PHILADELPHIA HAS CHARLES JOHNSON, CINCINNATI HAS
JAMAIN STEPHENS, JACKSONVILLE HAS LEON SEARCY,
BALTIMORE HAS ROD WOODSON, RECENTLY THE JETS HAD ERIC GREEN AND JACKSONVILLE
HAD DEION FIGURES. LETS SEE... MAYBE WE SHOULD DRAFT CHAD PENNINGTON, DEVELOP
HIM IN FOUR YEARS, AND LET HIM GO IN FREE AGENCY. I AM SURE BY THEN, THE JETS,
MIAMI, OR THE GIANTS WILL NEED A GOOD EXPERIENCED QUARTERBACK.
ARE YOU SEEING WERE I AM GOING? BUT NOT TO LEAVE ON A SOUR NOTE. PITTSBURGH
SHOULD DRAFT DOWN A COUPLE OF PICKS FOR TWO REASONS... ONE, THE TALENT DROP OFF
ABOUT PICK NUMBER 6 AND TWO, THE STEELERS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR GIVING OUT BIG
BUCKS, SO TRADE WITH TAMPA BAY AND DRAFT EITHER DEZ WHITE OR SYLVESTER MORRIS
OR IF YOU NEED A OFFENSIVE TACKLE DRAFT CHRIS MCINTOSH. WITH THE EXTRA 3RD
ROUND PICK USE IT ON A LOCAL BOY, LEANDER JORDAN INDIANA UNIV (PA). BUT WHAT
EVER WE DO, LET'S MAKE SURE THIS KID IS A GOOD TO SOLID, OR EVEN A ALL-PRO
TALENT. NO MORE TOM RICKETTS, TIM WORLEY, HUEY RICHARDSON, OR JAMAIN
STEPHENS.
SIGNED HOPEFUL BOB IN ROCHESTER
Submitted by Slash
TAKE CHRIS SAMUELS. TACKLE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN THIS TEAM'S WEAK SPOT SINCE
LOSING JOHN JACKSON. WE NEED TO PROTECT WHOMEVER WE DECIDE TO GO WITH AT QB. I
THINK WE ALSO NEED A DB... I'M NOT SOLD ON DESHEA IF SCOTT GOES DOWN AGAIN. WE
ALSO NEED A GUARD IN THE LATE ROUNDS TO DEVELOP FOR THE FUTURE. I THINK FREE
AGENCY CAN HELP US ON YHE D-LINE, BUT I WOULD DRAFT THERE, ALSO.
SLASH
Submitted by Petrie
With the new stadium opening soon, why not start with a new QB? I live
close to Marshall U. and have probably seen all of Chad Pennington's games.
If this kid falls to #8, Pittsburgh could not go wrong for the future. Now
the way Mr. Rooney is running this ball club at the moment, next year
does not look bright. Pennington, if he got some receivers, could have a
year like Manning! Ever since I was a kid in the early '70's, defense
was what attracted me to Steeler football and I am having a hard time
with what's going on with this group. Impact players on defense are key here,
and the pass rush is 0, so the secondary looks worse than they really
are. By the time pick #8 comes around, impact players will not be there. So
though it may be wrong, we will have to cut or package a trade: Bettis and
Kordell come to mind. Keep Steed and restructure his contract. Something
has to be done to free up some money and if they dont do something soon
it looks bleak. Building through the draft is lost in $$$.
Submitted by Kenny Campbell
Just heard on the radio that the Steelers have offered their 1st round
number 8 draft pick to St. Louis for QB Trent Green. Any thoughts on how
good a QB he is?
Kenny
Submitted by Jimmy Grant
I think the steelers should trade down on draft day and take either Redman
or Pennington. According to the mock board, you could probably move down and
get either of them, plus extra picks. Let's get a quarterback and start from
there. Keep Tomczak take your lumps this year and try to be competitive with
a decent running game and and defense. In the meantime, move Stewart to
receiver or cut his ass. That is what I would do, and I would perhaps
consider moving the Bus (my favorite Steeler) on draft day for picks as well.
That is where this team is going to be rebuilt... through the draft. That way,
by the time we move into the new stadium, we may have a competitive product
and money to compete.
Submitted by Travis Davis
I am a big fan of you site and refer to it often. In this era of
uncertainty at the Quarterback position, I am very interested in your take of
the situation. How do you think that we can right this ship? I mean, day in
and day out, I am bombarded by fans screaming for the "Trent Green Solution?"
Frankly, this idea disgusts me. Should we trade the future of the team for an
UNPROVEN player? Have we fallen so far that STEELER fans are going to settle
for mediocrity? Sure, we could trade our picks for him (and inherit his
bloated salary). We might even have marginal success with him. The point that
I am trying to make is that trading for Trent Green is not the long-term
answer. I do think that we need to sign another QB to replace Tomczak, but I
would rather rebuild around a rookie than bring in another "Scott Mitchell."
The bottom line is that this team needs much more than a QB, so rebuilding is
not out of the question. I would rather suffer through some horrendous
seasons (2-14, etc.) and return to glory rather than just be a mediocre (8-8,
6-10) team year in and year out.
As far as "heir to the throne," I think that Marshall QB Chad Pennington
(www.herdqb.com) is the best player to fill the position. The problem is
that I go to Marshall University and the freakin' 49ers have invaded and are
drooling over him and his "Peyton Manning Skills." If he is not available,
then I would go after ANOTHER WR (Sly Morris, Jackson St., 6'3, 210, 4.29-40) to
help the Air Corps, then draft some Linemen. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
GO STEELERS in 2000!!!
Travis
Submitted by Dave Pierce
I can't wait!
As a Michigan State student, I think 6'6" speedster Plaxico Burress is
the correct pick. However, if Shaun Alexander was there, it would be
tough.
I have seen Burress out-finesse DBs, speed past DBs, and pancake them on
a block off the line. Awesome to see him shove a DB to the ground like
Boselli on a DE. Shaw is brainless but decent, Edwards is fast but 5'
9" (not a goto at that size), and the rest could be fed to the Jaguars,
Ravens, Titans, etc.
Assuming Huntley is the real deal, don't take a back. Let Zeroue do the
scat thing and Huntley hit them in the middle. Get a TALL, FAST WR, a DB
or two, and some serious line help. Bettis appears old, but if not, so
much the better.
Oh yeah, sign a real QB. Like that's going to happen. One good year does
not make a QB. He had a whole year to learn the offense, and Tomczak put
him to shame. Tell Stewart to shut up and catch passes. Stewart has not
played well for two years. In Michigan, we call that "Scott Mitchell"
syndrome. Don't be a Wayne Fontes and keep playing him.
Dave
Submitted by Tom Bragg
There is not one single position on the Steelers roster that they
could not afford to spend a number one draft choice on. The only
exceptions would be placekicker, punter and runningback. With the
eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Steelers ABSOLUTELY MUST
come away with a Pro Bowl-caliber player! No excuses and no exceptions,
it has to be a CAN'T-MISS type of pick. It also must be a player that
can contribute NOW, not some kid that may produce two or three years
down the road. If the Steeler organization hopes to turn their very
troubled franchise around, then the upcoming 2000 Draft must be one of
their best in years. All of this team's needs cant be fixed soley with
free agency... the draft must also play a huge part as well. With the impending
free-agency period and the NFL Draft, the next few weeks promise to be one of the
most crucial and critical points in the history of this franchise.
This organization's whole future is hanging in the balance! The Steelers
must be agressive, but they must also be smart during this critical
period.
Tom Bragg
http://community.webtv.net/francoharris/TomsPittsburgh
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