OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: 2022 Handball season has arrived!

[DanielPlainview]

The issue is that there isn't a Chase in this draft. This year's WR class is weak. Johnston, Addison and especially JSN have question marks.



Agreed. And the reason for that is two fold. To have another receiver in addition to Pickens and DJ, but to also have one in line if they want to let DJ go after this next season if he doesn't perform. Or Pickens doesn't perform.



He does not have better route running ability. I have seen him make amazing catches but he has not impressed me that much to say he is generational. When I think of generational, I think of Moss or Calvin Johnson. Guys that showed from day one they couldn't be covered. Or AB in his prime, though I wouldn't say he was generational.

Yes he does. If he was in a semi-competent offense his numbers and performance would be even better. The offense goes long stretches not even looking to his side of the field yet he’s a high producer. You don’t know what you’re talking about move along

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

• If Buffalo (12-3) and Kansas City (13-3) both win or tie, a Bills-Chiefs championship game would be at a neutral site.

• If Buffalo and Kansas City both lose and Baltimore wins or ties, a Bills-Chiefs championship game would be at a neutral site.

• If Buffalo and Kansas City both lose and Cincinnati (11-4) wins, a Bills or Bengals vs. Chiefs championship game would be at a neutral site.

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

That’s like the Tomlin argument.

“Hey this guy is doing avg at his job, who else ya gonna get to replace that?”

Finding a guy to replace his avg production and 10 YPC isn’t the issue.

Moving on from him AND having his dead cap hit is the real issue.

That doesn’t change the fact Pens56 is right and he can’t be their #1 guy going fwd if this offense wants to go next level.

That's a strawman argument and not comparable. And again, you are ignoring my position where I say DJ should be shipped out if he doesn't perform next year.

This move (or non-move) is clearly for the sake of SHORT TERM stability for KP. There is exponential growth that should be occurring for KP as he gets next season's games under his belt. If you want to call it coddling, that's fine.

Now going into year 3 (the following season), KP will need to expect some fluctuation with his skilled position guys and if DJ doesn't live up to his contract, he's gonna be part of the changes necessary to take KP to the next level.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Maybe it isn't what you mean, but to me this reads like "Pickens is good but isn't all there yet and has some growing to do so we should definitely move on from the only other receiver on the roster who's done anything in the league."

Wasn’t this the argument for why Trubisky should be the starter last spring?

So there is complete clarity:

- Cap prohibits moving on from DJ so moot point

- If this team views DJ as their #1 guy moving fwd, the offense will never be explosive or a top one in the league

Unless anyone here can give me examples of prior high octane units with an avg receiver like DJ as their #1.

That's a strawman argument and not comparable. And again, you are ignoring my position where I say DJ should be shipped out if he doesn't perform next year.

This move (or non-move) is clearly for the sake of SHORT TERM stability for KP. There is exponential growth that should be occurring for KP as he gets next season's games under his belt. If you want to call it coddling, that's fine.

Now going into year 3 (the following season), KP will need to expect some fluctuation with his skilled position guys and if DJ doesn't live up to his contract, he's gonna be part of the changes necessary to take KP to the next level.

This is the very argument (sake of continuity) Tomlin and the Steelers will use to keep Canada around.

Will you be ok with that argument when they make it?

Again, I’ve understood your argument all along.

I just don’t think an avg receiver like DJ being on the roster or not will make much of a difference in the development of KP.

Losing a guy KP can’t count on to make big/clutch plays isn’t going to hold back his development.

 

[Harvey Birdman]

So what can of PFM needs to be opened with the rule changes for the Steelers to make or miss the playoffs?

 

[TimmyD]

I vote we let him go just like JuJu and Claypool and see how awesome 'the most open wr' can be.

Having a better QB and system might help him on volume but will it fix his faults? No he'll never be a game breaker with good hands.

Take Mahomes for example. Put him on the Chiefs and he's not getting the volume. He's also not stretching the field. He probably gets less. Herbert? He's probably the #3 at best there.

All I'm saying is fans here put too much credit on him. He's nothing we'd be missing when he's done here.

Coming from a Chargers fan, DJ would probably be the #4 target for Herbert.

 

[Peat]

Can't draft everything but we've got some picks.

WR #16
OT/DL #32
OT/DL #47

Also can look at FA for help in the trenches. Really our Oline looks good enough at the moment sans replacing Moore. That is necessary.

Getting a guy who can be our version of Chase is worth the risk to me but I'm a riverboat gambler...lucky for you I think our team plays it real safe.

Then again maybe the go back to Steeler football and draft an OLB #1


Honestly all of Johnston, Addison, Njigba would be a nice playmaker upgrade IMO. All range around mid 1sts it seems.

The point about looking for FA help is a good one. Arguably, given where we pick, maybe it should be the route.

I'm not sure how much I trust our OLine though given

a) the standard of recent opposition, Ravens aside
b) just how healthy they've been

Right now this feels a bit fool's gold. But depending on money, I can dig reinforcing through FA and spending the first pick on a WR, depending how it goes.

 

[Flying Dego]

The point about looking for FA help is a good one. Arguably, given where we pick, maybe it should be the route.

I'm not sure how much I trust our OLine though given

a) the standard of recent opposition, Ravens aside
b) just how healthy they've been

Right now this feels a bit fool's gold. But depending on money, I can dig reinforcing through FA and spending the first pick on a WR, depending how it goes.

Just an idea:

#16 Johnston/Addison (WR)
#32 Foskey/Ika (DL)
#47 Dawand Jones (OT)

Could also interchange those lineman for CBs if one makes more sense. But ya definitely open to looking at FA for lineman as well.

 

[Peat]

Just an idea:

#16 Johnston/Addison (WR)
#32 Foskey/Ika (DL)
#47 Dawand Jones (OT)

Could also interchange those lineman for CBs if one makes more sense. But ya definitely open to looking at FA for lineman as well.

Speaking of CB, I'm kinda looking at the talk of Ringo falling and whether that could be a solid option for the team. It's a need for the team as well and could be a good pick. Particularly if the WRs go earlier than 16, which doesn't seem impossible at all. I dunno what the WR options from 32 to 47 are predicted to look like.

But yeah. I wouldn't be mad if they did that, depending on FA. I buy the case for continuing to beef up the receiving corps. Problem is I buy the need to beef up just about everything... and I wish Calvin Austin had got some time to appraise him this year.

 

[Flying Dego]

Speaking of CB, I'm kinda looking at the talk of Ringo falling and whether that could be a solid option for the team. It's a need for the team as well and could be a good pick. Particularly if the WRs go earlier than 16, which doesn't seem impossible at all. I dunno what the WR options from 32 to 47 are predicted to look like.

But yeah. I wouldn't be mad if they did that, depending on FA. I buy the case for continuing to beef up the receiving corps. Problem is I buy the need to beef up just about everything... and I wish Calvin Austin had got some time to appraise him this year.

I mean today has been the DJ show and people's opinions. My utopian offense would be:

Pickens and Addison on the outside
DJ in the slot

DJ is projected as most open reciever by analytics no? And he is a crisp route runner loving sub 10 yard snags. Sounds like the ideal slot reciever unless I'm missing something.

BC he's not a big playmaker or field stretcher I want Pickett to have better exterior options.

I don't expect the Steelers to do this mind you. I could see them taking CB and lineman with the first 3.

I just desperately want the offense to have playmakers that can score. I hate watching a game and feeling like it's a job.

 

[Flying Dego]

Coming from a Chargers fan, DJ would probably be the #4 target for Herbert.

I didn't want to upset fans by saying that but you're likely right. he'd be competing for the #3 with Palmer.

Edit: I almost forgot about Ekeler being their #1 WR. So yes definitely #4 there.

 

[Peat]

I mean today has been the DJ show and people's opinions. My utopian offense would be:

Pickens and Addison on the outside
DJ in the slot

DJ is projected as most open reciever by analytics no? And he is a crisp route runner loving sub 10 yard snags. Sounds like the ideal slot reciever unless I'm missing something.

BC he's not a big playmaker or field stretcher I want Pickett to have better exterior options.

I don't expect the Steelers to do this mind you. I could see them taking CB and lineman with the first 3.

I just desperately want the offense to have playmakers that can score. I hate watching a game and feeling like it's a job.

Nah, me neither.

Honestly, my biggest question about having a more explosive offence is does Tomlin even want it. Sounds a bit weird after they drafted Pickens and Austin, but you look at the way they play and it's so safety safety safety. The offence's job is to stay in the game and not put the defence against short fields. Which as a way to develop a young QB's confidence mightn't be the worst but is this a short term patch, or just Tomlin long term?

Like I'll steal a point from Kaboly. Up to the final drive against the Ravens, they only passed 35% of the time, and only passed on play action twice. Yeah it makes sense to rely on a rushing attack when the other team can't stop it, but to that extent? You're not going to target the space behind the inside linebackers at all? That feels like a really low trust level for a QB and a really low level of support for making an explosive offence?

The first step to an explosive offence is believing in Pickett and asking him to win games. Doesn't matter who he has to throw to if they don't do that. Second step is upgrading the room... I guess if they're not going to follow the first step, maybe it doesn't matter if they trade Johnson for a pick tbh.

 

[Power Surge]

They'll never find a replacement DJ Sweed. The horror.

Who they gonna get that's better?

 

[JTG]

Unlike hockey, and aside from QB, I think guys are better off playing more sooner than sitting around and being coddled. Pickens doesn't need DJ. Pickens needs to be targeted a majority of the time because he has proven regardless of who is covering him, he is going to get the ball more often than not. I'm not sure Addison is the guy I would want opposite of Pickens for the same reasons I don't think Johnson is a good fit opposite of Pickens.

He won't be there at 33 (and he may not even be there in the teens), but I think taking Michael Mayer would do more for this offense than drafting a deep threat WR, especially if they are going to play small ball with Kenny. He, Friermuth, and Najee would make a really great intermediate passing game and he can really block.

This one may not actually apply to the premise because everyone is high on Mayer’s talents. It’s no surprise that the data loves him, too. He’s already proven to have excellent ball skills, catching 33 of his 55 contested targets over the course of his career. He’s also broken tackles at a high level for a tight end, with 31 in three seasons. Finally, Mayer can flat-out block. His 82.1 run-blocking grade was the second highest in the Power Five last season.

 

[xlm34]

The point about looking for FA help is a good one. Arguably, given where we pick, maybe it should be the route.

I'm not sure how much I trust our OLine though given

a) the standard of recent opposition, Ravens aside
b) just how healthy they've been

Right now this feels a bit fool's gold. But depending on money, I can dig reinforcing through FA and spending the first pick on a WR, depending how it goes.

There are a couple of Eagles linemen that are set to be free agents that make some sense for the Steelers to look into and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did look into them given Weidl’s ties to that organization.

OG Isaac Seumalo
OT Andre Dillard

Part of me thinks they are way higher on Dan Moore than anyone of us wants them to be though.

Unlike hockey, and aside from QB, I think guys are better off playing more sooner than sitting around and being coddled. Pickens doesn't need DJ. Pickens needs to be targeted a majority of the time because he has proven regardless of who is covering him, he is going to get the ball more often than not. I'm not sure Addison is the guy I would want opposite of Pickens for the same reasons I don't think Johnson is a good fit opposite of Pickens.

He won't be there at 33 (and he may not even be there in the teens), but I think taking Michael Mayer would do more for this offense than drafting a deep threat WR, especially if they are going to play small ball with Kenny. He, Friermuth, and Najee would make a really great intermediate passing game and he can really block.

I don’t expect them to be interested in a TE but I kind of like the idea. I think Darnell Washington from Georgia will be one of my favorite guys in the draft. He’s apparently so good at blocking that it’s like having another lineman on the field and is no slouch as a receiver.

 

[JTG]

There are a couple of Eagles linemen that are set to be free agents that make some sense for the Steelers to look into and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did look into them given Weidl’s ties to that organization.

OG Isaac Seumalo
OT Andre Dillard

Part of me thinks they are way higher on Dan Moore than anyone of us wants them to be though.



I don’t expect them to be interested in a TE but I kind of like the idea. I think Darnell Washington from Georgia will be one of my favorite guys in the draft. He’s apparently so good at blocking that it’s like having another lineman on the field and is no slouch as a receiver.

It's a decent TE class. Mayer is going to be Gronk-like.

 

[Peat]

The thing about the two tight ends set is it makes some sense with how they're playing, but I really question whether we want them to do that. It seems real hard to win without that explosive element. Maybe I'm being dumb and you can get that, maybe being contrarian and getting the best ground and pound small area game with a good defence gets you there... but I question it.

There are a couple of Eagles linemen that are set to be free agents that make some sense for the Steelers to look into and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did look into them given Weidl’s ties to that organization.

OG Isaac Seumalo
OT Andre Dillard

Part of me thinks they are way higher on Dan Moore than anyone of us wants them to be though.

I can see that but even if they are, kid needs some competition and cover.

 

[3074326]

Boys, I am concerned. My desire to watch hockey is waning. The team is pretty boring, but the ads really drive me insane. I've watched a fraction of what I normally watch.

 

[JTG]

The thing about the two tight ends set is it makes some sense with how they're playing, but I really question whether we want them to do that. It seems real hard to win without that explosive element. Maybe I'm being dumb and you can get that, maybe being contrarian and getting the best ground and pound small area game with a good defence gets you there... but I question it.



I can see that but even if they are, kid needs some competition and cover.

New England didn't have explosive elements for many of their seasons. It was just Brady 7-12 yard passing down the field. We are still seeing how Kenny is going to mature, but he looks really comfortable playing that style. To me, he looks like a guy that if a defense is going to consistently play zone, he's just going to pass all over them.

I was always a huge fan of New England's offense with Gronk and Hernandez, and how they were able to move those guys around to exploit weaknesses in defenses.

Boys, I am concerned. My desire to watch hockey is waning. The team is pretty boring, but the ads really drive me insane. I've watched a fraction of what I normally watch.

I'm a season ticket holder and aside from the games I've been to I haven't watched. This is literally the only thread I post in anymore. The team is flat and not very entertaining. I have called for the team to find a Hornqvist type guy to bring some pop to the line up, which would really help. And Tanev was overpaid, but he was like a lightning rod. I miss him.

 

[OnMyOwn]

Same @JTG I only post here anymore. Used to post in pretty much every GDT. I’ll probably start back up after the season, but I’ll find myself doing something else other than watching, recently. Which is a shame, because having Sid and G for this long is a blessing.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Looks like if Steelers get in, they are locked into playing the Bills.

 

[Peat]

At the stadium for this one today. Here's hoping they saved the best for last.


Re Hockey - something broke for me last playoffs. I'm sick of NHL officiating inconsistencies. Every sport makes a bunch of mistakes but it's something else.

I don't like football as much, but it's consistent and doesn't want as much time either.

 

[Andy99]

Looks like if Steelers get in, they are locked into playing the Bills.

Don’t worry about it…at least one of the Patriots or Dolphins will win today…book it

 

[Shrimper]

Looks like if Steelers get in, they are locked into playing the Bills.

We'll get bullied

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Don’t worry about it…at least one of the Patriots or Dolphins will win today…book it

I’m feeling all three teams will lose cause that’s how Steelers roll with Tomlin.

Would like to see KP win the biggest game of his career so far and get some playoff experience, but locked into the Bills makes me way less enthused to see them win.

Felt like they could take the Bengals, but that’s not to be now.