Steelers president Art Rooney II ready to turn page

[V DUB]

I think the reason Duece felt the need too say anything at all, was because of the rumor mill that is the internet would've been abuzz about him not addressing Ben's contract at the normal 2 year time period.

People are up in arm's because he DID address it. Imagine the casual fan/media, if he didn't. Trade rumors, anyone?

[Legacy User]

I think the reason Duece felt the need too say anything at all, was because of the rumor mill that is the internet would've been abuzz about him not addressing Ben's contract at the normal 2 year time period.

People are up in arm's because he DID address it. Imagine the casual fan/media, if he didn't. Trade rumors, anyone?

So in his attempt to allay fears, he comes off as a meddler. Someone needs to get him a twitter account and allow him to say fuck you- a lot. Heck I might just start it- call it the
RealDueceRooney

first tweet

"fuck you if you think Ben is going any where"


second tweet

"fuck you if you don't understand what ":run the ball better" means

[V DUB]

I think the reason Duece felt the need too say anything at all, was because of the rumor mill that is the internet would've been abuzz about him not addressing Ben's contract at the normal 2 year time period.

People are up in arm's because he DID address it. Imagine the casual fan/media, if he didn't. Trade rumors, anyone?

So in his attempt to allay fears, he comes off as a meddler. Someone needs to get him a twitter account and allow him to say fuck you- a lot. Heck I might just start it- call it the
RealDueceRooney

first tweet

"fuck you if you think Ben is going any where"


second tweet

"fuck you if you don't understand what ":run the ball better" means

@realshitzRooney2'ns

GANGSTERS!

[Legacy User]

I think the reason Duece felt the need too say anything at all, was because of the rumor mill that is the internet would've been abuzz about him not addressing Ben's contract at the normal 2 year time period.

People are up in arm's because he DID address it. Imagine the casual fan/media, if he didn't. Trade rumors, anyone?

So in his attempt to allay fears, he comes off as a meddler. Someone needs to get him a twitter account and allow him to say fuck you- a lot. Heck I might just start it- call it the
RealDueceRooney

first tweet

"fuck you if you think Ben is going any where"


second tweet

"fuck you if you don't understand what ":run the ball better" means

I bet EMR has a Landry Jones jersey. A knockoff too! Fuckin cheap skate!

[Kodiak]

Guy answered most of the questions that this site has been hammering on and on about. This is the reason why coaches/players/owner give us "oatmeal talk" keep it bland because some idiot is going read something into their comments. Then the next thing you know 20 page thread about something that wasnt said.

You weren't really expecting him to say "we tried to sign Ben, but he wants to wait and make sure we've got the team turned around going in the right direction"?

Take a step backward this year and it's a fact a trade might be in the best interest of all parties. That "bullshit" PFT rumor probaby contained an ounce of truth. Ben is very loyal, but he's ALWAYS talked about winning rings from eary on...and he wants to make the HOF. It's not unreasonable - in fact, likely - that he isn't interested in a hometown discount to finish his career on a team going backwards.

Winning a playoff game solves everything. Miss the playoffs and it gets interesting.

[Kodiak]

i guess you can read the bible and say it means you should worship the devil --

Rooney made no mention of extending Ben in that article. I know he has in other places, but in this particular article he emphasizes - twice - about the importance of keeping Ben clean and healthy. And this isn't the first time Rooney has expressed that Ben's durability is a big issue.

So, no, its not a stretch to say Rooney isn't interested in Ben finishing his career in sweats.

[V DUB]

i guess you can read the bible and say it means you should worship the devil --

Rooney made no mention of extending Ben in that article. I know he has in other places, but in this particular article he emphasizes - twice - about the importance of keeping Ben clean and healthy. And this isn't the first time Rooney has expressed that Ben's durability is a big issue.

So, no, its not a stretch to say Rooney isn't interested in Ben finishing his career in sweats.

*fucking Facepalm*

Do you believe ANYTHING you just put on record?

[Legacy User]

Guy answered most of the questions that this site has been hammering on and on about. This is the reason why coaches/players/owner give us "oatmeal talk" keep it bland because some idiot is going read something into their comments. Then the next thing you know 20 page thread about something that wasnt said.

You weren't really expecting him to say "we tried to sign Ben, but he wants to wait and make sure we've got the team turned around going in the right direction"?

Take a step backward this year and it's a fact a trade might be in the best interest of all parties. That "bullshit" PFT rumor probaby contained an ounce of truth. Ben is very loyal, but he's ALWAYS talked about winning rings from eary on...and he wants to make the HOF. It's not unreasonable - in fact, likely - that he isn't interested in a hometown discount to finish his career on a team going backwards.

Winning a playoff game solves everything. Miss the playoffs and it gets interesting.

[Legacy User]

“I like where we are,” Rooney said Wednesday an interview with the Post-Gazette. “Obviously, the proof is in the pudding, but I think we addressed a lot of concerns, and now it’s a matter of developing this group into a winning team.”



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/stee ... z39jY8dqPk

Love it...Now Tomlin's even got ARII talking like him!

This cracks me up... I'm pretty sure based on some prior shit that goes back a few years the whole organization above a certain level gets some pretty good PR training.

Remember when Ben's hand was chingaso leading up to the SB (2005), and Cowher mysteriously didn't "know" anything about what the doctors were doing?

That's like "Intel 101"... The Steelers have some kind of consultant that helps them set up their reporting lines and helps them deal with what they tell the press. Know this, and relax. They are pretty well schooled from coaching (maybe lower) on up to tell you fuck all.

[swissvale72]

...much ado about nothing.

[jeemie]

I think people are conflating some of us who are making the "neither side is truly 100% committed" argument with the people who think Rooney is deliberately forcing Ben out to have a "grahnd and pahnd" offense.

I, for one, am not making that argument.

I am simply saying that each side is saying all the right things about Ben's future with the Steelers but are also leaving themselves with escape possibilities.

Neither side has said anything that can't easily be walked back from.

I'm sorry...I'm a Missourian at heart. I don't go all "rah rah" at everything the Steelers say and do.

They have to prove it to me...and in this case...they haven't.

[Legacy User]

Absent an actual announcement of an extension being agreed upon, how do they prove it to you?

[jeemie]

Absent an actual announcement of an extension being agreed upon, how do they prove it to you?

That's exactly how they'll prove it to me.

Until then, I'm not going to get excited about anything either Ben or Rooney says.

That leads to a lot of ridiculous speculation.

I mean...look at this thread?

Rooney said NOTHING about the future...his discussion was ALL about this year's team...yet the OPer leaped in to say "See? this article proves Rooney's long-term commitment to Ben".

Ridiculous reading into Rooney's statements something that absolutely was not there.

[Legacy User]

Absent an actual announcement of an extension being agreed upon, how do they prove it to you?

That's exactly how they'll prove it to me.

Until then, I'm not going to get excited about anything either Ben or Rooney says.

That's fine.

At least we aren't hearing "Ben will have to make some tough decisions" or "Mr Rooney hasn't discussed my future with me."

I'm sticking with my original thought...they will get something done. Until that time, let's relax and enjoy a season that hopefully returns us to the playoffs.

[jeemie]

Absent an actual announcement of an extension being agreed upon, how do they prove it to you?

That's exactly how they'll prove it to me.

Until then, I'm not going to get excited about anything either Ben or Rooney says.

That's fine.

At least we aren't hearing "Ben will have to make some tough decisions" or "Mr Rooney hasn't discussed my future with me."

I'm sticking with my original thought...they will get something done. Until that time, let's relax and enjoy a season that hopefully returns us to the playoffs.

I am perfectly relaxed and ready to enjoy the season.

I can do that without putting on the homer glasses.

[Nick79]

One thing I'll say is, I think they will extend Ben so that he retires as a Steeler, it's only logical, a no brainer, and especially so they have a shot to win for as long as possible, so giving Art2 the benefit of the doubt, I expect him to sign Ben. But if he does it, to me that would be a sign that winning isn't his 1st priority, he puts something else, not sure what, ahead of just plain winning.

[R_S]

Absent an actual announcement of an extension being agreed upon, how do they prove it to you?

That's exactly how they'll prove it to me.

Until then, I'm not going to get excited about anything either Ben or Rooney says.

That leads to a lot of ridiculous speculation.

I mean...look at this thread?

Rooney said NOTHING about the future...his discussion was ALL about this year's team...yet the OPer leaped in to say "See? this article proves Rooney's long-term commitment to Ben".

Ridiculous reading into Rooney's statements something that absolutely was not there.

The only ridiculous speculation in this thread, is that Ben will sign elsewhere.

[jeemie]

The only ridiculous speculation in this thread, is that Ben will sign elsewhere.

No one has speculated that.

If that happens, the Rooneys have completely failed.

[Legacy User]

The only thing there is any sort of proof on is that whatever offer they make BR will include evaluation of this season.

[Legacy User]

I'm speculating that since he didn't mention Cam Heyward, Leveon Bell, or DeCastro, that none of them will get extensions.

And if you notice he didn't mention anywhere that they won't cut Antonio Brown to get to 53 players

It's all coming together now

[Legacy User]

Single biggest thing is still the ability to get younger players on the field. Not just special teams either.

This is bigger than any one player, even Ben. It's bigger than any coach too. I've used the word "sustainability." Current Steelers approach, especially on D, just wasn't sustainable. They hit the wall right around '10-11. It was good enough for 2 and almost 3 SB. And that's great, but it's a new season.

Art 2 was really the first one beating this drum too. I gotta say, besides him flipping his shit back with Tone and Ben, I agree with him on a lot of other stuff.

[Kodiak]

*fucking Facepalm*

Do you believe ANYTHING you just put on record?

LMFAO....you guys are the ones reading into shit that isn't there, convincing yourself that an extension is a 100% done deal.

I just gave you two examples of possible (not unlikely) reasons a deal won't get done. I can give you more. And those scenarios are why a deal hasn't been done. That's a rather obvious fact. You can do whatever you want to convince yourself it isn't so, but it won't change reality.

[lifelongsteel]

I'm surprised Hitler hasn't weighed in yet on the Ben contract situation. I would think he'd have strong opinions on the matter.

He assumes that Ben was extended since the team extended Pouncey and a kicker. no one has told him otherwise yet. He may go ballistic when he gets the news.

[Legacy User]

I'm surprised Hitler hasn't weighed in yet on the Ben contract situation. I would think he'd have strong opinions on the matter.

He assumes that Ben was extended since the team extended Pouncey and a kicker. no one has told him otherwise yet. He may go ballistic when he gets the news.

I'm guessing Hitler will divide the room into those who think the recent article posted on Steelerfury.com insinuates Ben gets extended, and those who feel nothing has been said by either side to suggest an extension. Hitler will lose it when he hears the cocksucker Rooneys made Maurkice Pouncey a rich man, despite his penchant for supporting gangstas and his knack for getting injured. Some women will cry but will receive kind words of hope that a deal will get done. Just a guess.

[Legacy User]

Single biggest thing is still the ability to get younger players on the field. Not just special teams either.

This is bigger than any one player, even Ben. It's bigger than any coach too. I've used the word "sustainability." Current Steelers approach, especially on D, just wasn't sustainable. They hit the wall right around '10-11. It was good enough for 2 and almost 3 SB. And that's great, but it's a new season.

Art 2 was really the first one beating this drum too. I gotta say, besides him flipping his shit back with Tone and Ben, I agree with him on a lot of other stuff.

Chicago was the oldest team in the NFL at 27.4. Jacksonville was the youngest at 26.1. That's adjusted to playing time. I think it's so overblown...players are in middle prime on average, it's a matter of talent.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2014/snap-weighted-age-2013-nfl-rosters

[Legacy User]

I think people are conflating some of us who are making the "neither side is truly 100% committed" argument with the people who think Rooney is deliberately forcing Ben out to have a "grahnd and pahnd" offense.

I, for one, am not making that argument.

I am simply saying that each side is saying all the right things about Ben's future with the Steelers but are also leaving themselves with escape possibilities.

Neither side has said anything that can't easily be walked back from.

I'm sorry...I'm a Missourian at heart. I don't go all "rah rah" at everything the Steelers say and do.

They have to prove it to me...and in this case...they haven't.

I hear what you're saying Jeems -- I know you and B2B are basically in the same boat, where you won't make assumptions about the draft class or our prospects unless it is "proven" to you (ie, after the fact)

I like to try to anticipate and analyze ahead of time, and make judgments about what might happen -- based on the relevant facts in front of me. Just different perspective.

But in this situation (Ben/Steelers), don't you think the Steelers have gone way out of their way to telegraph their intentions to Ben very publicly, in ways they NEVER DO when dealing with contracts?

Normally, they wouldn't say DIDDLY SQUAT about contract status or the intentions of the team moving forward -- but here this month you have both the Owner/Pres and the GM making repeated public comments talking about Ben as a franchise QB, building a great team around him, going for more super bowls, and even saying they will work on his contract next year.

The Steelers NEVER do that or talk about stuff like this.

Look at Faneca and the other great players we have let go in the past. Not a peep from the Steelers before they offer or sign contracts.

I think the Steelers are going out of their way to telegraph their extremely obvious intention to retain Ben as the franchise QB of this team, which he undoubtedly is.

I know that nothing I can say, or AR2 can say, or Colbert can say, or Tomlin or Dan Rooney could say, that would convince you, Kodiak, Zivco or B2B and others of anything "definitive" on this subject -- and that none of you will believe anything until you "see ink on paper" -- and that's fine. I think it's silly, but it's fine.

[Kodiak]

Chicago was the oldest team in the NFL at 27.4. Jacksonville was the youngest at 26.1. That's adjusted to playing time. I think it's so overblown...players are in middle prime on average, it's a matter of talent.

That's a very interesting stat. I'm actually surprised it's that close. So basically the "old" team starts an average of 5-6yr vets?

[Legacy User]

That's a very interesting stat. I'm actually surprised it's that close. So basically the "old" team starts an average of 5-6yr vets?

More or less...it's not limited to starters, it's actually on a snap by snap basis. Funny thing is we have been the oldest defense in the NFL for 7 seasons in a row...it really wasn't a matter of age it was a matter of suck...mostly from the younger players.

I think it is sooooo fucking funny that some refuse to recognize the fact they are waiting to see how the season turns out before making BR an offer. That's the only reason they won't make any offer..If they didn't see some other player(s) biting into BR's potential contract numbers they would have something done.

[Legacy User]

Single biggest thing is still the ability to get younger players on the field. Not just special teams either.

This is bigger than any one player, even Ben. It's bigger than any coach too. I've used the word "sustainability." Current Steelers approach, especially on D, just wasn't sustainable. They hit the wall right around '10-11. It was good enough for 2 and almost 3 SB. And that's great, but it's a new season.

Art 2 was really the first one beating this drum too. I gotta say, besides him flipping his shit back with Tone and Ben, I agree with him on a lot of other stuff.

Chicago was the oldest team in the NFL at 27.4. Jacksonville was the youngest at 26.1. That's adjusted to playing time. I think it's so overblown...players are in middle prime on average, it's a matter of talent.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2014/snap-weighted-age-2013-nfl-rosters

Like always a single number usually fails to explain the whole story. First that average is both offense and defense. Steelers especially under tomlin but even under cowher weren't averse to playing rooks or younger players. Second there has been a purge on the steelers since 2010 or so. All those vets retiring or getting released would bring the average down.

But the big thing is not just what the average age is of starters. It's what those players do starting in their first year. If your given starter is 28 but sat for 4 years while he got coached up then you're still realizing less value. Longer he sits more value you lose.

I recall Steelers D at something like 31-32 years old was the oldest D by far circa 2009-2010 when the fat fuck Sapp and others commented so ardently. Steelers were a good unit back then but they were also vulnerable to speed spread attacks. The kind of exact shit we saw in sb xl.

Again it's not a question of whether a 28 yo pro is better than a 22 yo college recruit. Of course that will uaully be the case. But no team can afford a whole roster of prime pro players. You either hang onto vets too long or figure out a way to get young guys in the mix.

This is why I say the system has to change. The old way was to say, OK how well will player x fit into rolb. The new way is to say, ok we have a super talented player x. How do we make this player successful in our system?