After 3rd preseason game (53)

[bradshaw2ben]

I think Berry's job could be in jeopardy. Matt Wile looked pretty good last week, and did a nice job as the holder, also.

The other guy in purgatory right now is Javon Hargrave. He was in the game late in Q4 last week. Could it be that Lavon Hooks is challenging Hargrave for a roster spot? That would be a wow.

I wouldn't rule out Brian Allen being the odd man out in the secondary, especially if they choose to keep an extra TE at the start of the year.

RB and LB will be the most interesting cuts. I personally like Samuels and Toussaint and maybe even Ridley more for this team than Conner but I know they don't feel that way. As for LBs, I think Thomas makes it as a swing guy, with 4 each of ILBs/OLBs otherwise. Bostic, Williams, Fort, Matakevich, Dupree, Watt, Adeniyi, Chickillo, Thomas

No, on Hargrave. He started v Titans and played well.

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

[Donnie Brasco]

We've seen what Berry has to offer over the last few years and he's been inconsistent for his complete time here. Is Wile not worthy of a decent chance? I don't see what makes him a sacred cow.

They'll trot out something that "holding on FG is super duper important...continuity, yadda yadda"

[Jobu]

We've seen what Berry has to offer over the last few years and he's been inconsistent for his complete time here. Is Wile not worthy of a decent chance? I don't see what makes him a sacred cow.

They'll trot out something that "holding on FG is super duper important...continuity, yadda yadda"

Yep

[steelclan]

No, on Hargrave. He started v Titans and played well.[/quote]
Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?[/quote]

Had me quizzical as well. Did he miss some meetings, get complacent? Not sure but his play has been good last 2 weeks. So whatever it was/is seems to be over. McCullers if he continues to play well with Hargrave will improve the run defense (it already has in pre-season: will it carry over?).

I'll take a second hard look at the game in midweek and toss out some thoughts but overall I thought the defense looked better but got a bit lucky with Mariotta missing some good open looks.

[Kodiak]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

How do you reconcile that with Tomlin NOT being a petty idiot?

And not like Tomlin is a disciplinarian.....WTF would one have to do to get such a "punishment"?

[Donnie Brasco]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

How do you reconcile that with Tomlin NOT being a petty idiot?

And not like Tomlin is a disciplinarian.....WTF would one have to do to get such a "punishment"?

Maybe he found out where Tomlin was hiding the ping pong paddles that were taken away?

[fractalsteel]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

How do you reconcile that with Tomlin NOT being a petty idiot?

And not like Tomlin is a disciplinarian.....WTF would one have to do to get such a "punishment"?

The punishment angle doesn't add up. Maybe it was to see him with different personnel packages or time with the subs?
I didn't really watch the 4thQ but I might just go back to see.

[DP39]

I think Berry's job could be in jeopardy. Matt Wile looked pretty good last week, and did a nice job as the holder, also.

The other guy in purgatory right now is Javon Hargrave. He was in the game late in Q4 last week. Could it be that Lavon Hooks is challenging Hargrave for a roster spot? That would be a wow.

I wouldn't rule out Brian Allen being the odd man out in the secondary, especially if they choose to keep an extra TE at the start of the year.

RB and LB will be the most interesting cuts. I personally like Samuels and Toussaint and maybe even Ridley more for this team than Conner but I know they don't feel that way. As for LBs, I think Thomas makes it as a swing guy, with 4 each of ILBs/OLBs otherwise. Bostic, Williams, Fort, Matakevich, Dupree, Watt, Adeniyi, Chickillo, Thomas

No, on Hargrave. He started v Titans and played well.

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

I chalk it up to injury, conditioning, youth, game experience. Didn't he miss some time during camp for injury. If so, maybe their just getting him into game-ready shape via crash course, while still getting everyone else playing time too.

[alancac98]

Matakevich needs to go away. He does not have the minimum athleticism required for the position even as a backup.

Chickillo did not do anything to impress at least that I noticed vs Eagles.

They will both make the team along with DHB, because they are Tomlin's boys. He sees things differently than we do. We see game film and conclude that Chick and Red bring nothing to the table. He sees their so called "intangibles", which we all know is short for being his "boys". I often scratch my head and wonder why they don't keep what I perceive to be the best players (yes, I know that I'm not privy to all the little nuances of the game and practice, but the eye during games, does not lie). Take for instance the hiring of Spence last year. They hired him from the couch instead of giving Fort the nod. We all knew Spence sucked after the first two games, yet Tomlin continued without trying the alternatives.

[DP39]

Matakevich needs to go away. He does not have the minimum athleticism required for the position even as a backup.

Chickillo did not do anything to impress at least that I noticed vs Eagles.

They will both make the team along with DHB, because they are Tomlin's boys. He sees things differently than we do. We see game film and conclude that Chick and Red bring nothing to the table. He sees their so called "intangibles", which we all know is short for being his "boys". I often scratch my head and wonder why they don't keep what I perceive to be the best players (yes, I know that I'm not privy to all the little nuances of the game and practice, but the eye during games, does not lie). Take for instance the hiring of Spence last year. They hired him from the couch instead of giving Fort the nod. We all knew Spence sucked after the first two games, yet Tomlin continued without trying the alternatives.

Tomlin believes in bringing the boys back, getting the band back together. How do you think he, Fitchner and Butler ended up together after years earlier being together at Ark State. It's his MO, he's even stated so himself. Explains Spence last year for sure.

[bradshaw2ben]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

How do you reconcile that with Tomlin NOT being a petty idiot?

And not like Tomlin is a disciplinarian.....WTF would one have to do to get such a "punishment"?

Um, maybe his coaches are tired of him tapping out after two plays in a row and thought playing the entire game would build some stamina?

[Pabst]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

Are you sure about this? The highlight package is linked below - I don't see Hargrave out there once in the 4th quarter (however, there is alot of #74)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvNm4A4tKw[/youtube]

[bradshaw2ben]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

Are you sure about this? The highlight package is linked below - I don't see Hargrave out there once in the 4th quarter (however, there is alot of #74)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvNm4A4tKw[/youtube]

I thought I was sure but I readily admit I was watching in the middle of the night in Poland, so it's entirely possible I am wrong. Someone else feel free to confirm or deny.

[tbsteel]

I didn't see Hargrave out there in the fourth, but he played the full third quarter. He was out there longer than any projected starter on D.

Coupled with how McCullers started over him last week, I've got to think he's in Tomlin's doghouse to some extent.

[FC]

Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph

Running back (4): Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Fitz Toussiant

Full Back (1) Roosevelt Nix

Wide receivers (6): Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter Ryan Switzer

Tight end (3): Vance McDonald Jesse James Xavier Grimble

Offensive line (9): Alejandro Villanueva, Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chukes Okorafor Zach Banner

Defensive line (6): Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Daniel McCullers

Outside linebacker (4): Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Anthony Chickillo, Ola Adeniyi,

Inside linebacker (5): Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, L.J. Fort, Matthew Thomas, Tyler Matakevich

Cornerbacks (5): Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton Brian Allen

Safety (4): Morgan Burnett, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Marcus Allen

Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday

[fractalsteel]

Just can't figure out why he was playing late in Q4 of preseason game #3? Conditioning message? Punishment for something?

Are you sure about this? The highlight package is linked below - I don't see Hargrave out there once in the 4th quarter (however, there is alot of #74)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvNm4A4tKw[/youtube]

I thought I was sure but I readily admit I was watching in the middle of the night in Poland, so it's entirely possible I am wrong. Someone else feel free to confirm or deny.

Just re-watched the 4thQ and 79 wasn't out there for one snap. Alualu got a lot of early snaps but he wasn't a factor in the least bit.
Adeniyi-what an intriguing player. He gets low, has the right bend and once he gets the OT off balance he uses his hands well. Hopefully lightning strikes twice.

[steelmann58]

I still think you see the steelers adding a player or two from the outside. PS Plenty of Punters will be out there on sat

[Steelafan77]

You thinking they keep 9 OLine FC? I'm gonna have to agree with you on Toussaint only due to Ridley being injured and not participating in preseason. That said, I still really haven't seen all that much from Toussaint either. RB is tough to predict. I like Adeniyi too but making the squad over Adams? Adams to PS? I agree with Sensabaugh missing. M. Allen over Berhe? That's interesting too. I think M. Allen is PS'd this season. Nice picks.

[FortyThree]

Matakevich needs to go away. He does not have the minimum athleticism required for the position even as a backup.

Chickillo did not do anything to impress at least that I noticed vs Eagles.

They will both make the team along with DHB, because they are Tomlin's boys. He sees things differently than we do. We see game film and conclude that Chick and Red bring nothing to the table. He sees their so called "intangibles", which we all know is short for being his "boys". I often scratch my head and wonder why they don't keep what I perceive to be the best players (yes, I know that I'm not privy to all the little nuances of the game and practice, but the eye during games, does not lie). Take for instance the hiring of Spence last year. They hired him from the couch instead of giving Fort the nod. We all knew Spence sucked after the first two games, yet Tomlin continued without trying the alternatives.

Or you know, they make the team because they contribute on special teams.

[Havoc]

Matakevich needs to go away. He does not have the minimum athleticism required for the position even as a backup.

Chickillo did not do anything to impress at least that I noticed vs Eagles.

They will both make the team along with DHB, because they are Tomlin's boys. He sees things differently than we do. We see game film and conclude that Chick and Red bring nothing to the table. He sees their so called "intangibles", which we all know is short for being his "boys". I often scratch my head and wonder why they don't keep what I perceive to be the best players (yes, I know that I'm not privy to all the little nuances of the game and practice, but the eye during games, does not lie). Take for instance the hiring of Spence last year. They hired him from the couch instead of giving Fort the nod. We all knew Spence sucked after the first two games, yet Tomlin continued without trying the alternatives.

Or you know, they make the team because they contribute on special teams.

I agree, 43

[jebrick]

You thinking they keep 9 OLine FC? I'm gonna have to agree with you on Toussaint only due to Ridley being injured and not participating in preseason. That said, I still really haven't seen all that much from Toussaint either. RB is tough to predict. I like Adeniyi too but making the squad over Adams? Adams to PS? I agree with Sensabaugh missing. M. Allen over Berhe? That's interesting too. I think M. Allen is PS'd this season. Nice picks.

I have to agree. I have not heard Marcus Allen's name for any defensive or ST plays until the end of the Titans game. i just can't see how he makes it over Berhe. I also think Adams makes the 53. Samuals could also be on the PS

[stillthere]

Tomlin believes in bringing the boys back, getting the band back together. How do you think he, Fitchner and Butler ended up together after years earlier being together at Ark State. It's his MO, he's even stated so himself. Explains Spence last year for sure.

To be fair Butler was already in Pittsburgh before Tomlin got the job. He brought Randy in but you cannot put Butler being here on Tomlin. Now you can complain that he has not fired him (if you choose to) but you cannot say Tomlin was getting the band back together with regard to Butler.

[bradshaw2ben]

I think FC's list is pretty good, unless Grimble or McDonald starts on IR. Not too much argument from me.

[jewelsongs]

Time to update my prediction prior to camp. My picks to make the team:

QB- Ben, Landry, Dobbs and Mason Rudolph (4)
Analysis – Improved from last year, I think they keep both Rudolph and Dobbs.

RB- Bell, Connor, Samuels and Nix (4)
Analysis – Improved from last year, Samuels will play multiple positions, plus we lose Toussaint. This is a team strength.

TE- McDonald, Grimble and the Outlaw (3)
Analysis – Improved from last year if McDonald can stay healthy. Jesse is a solid second TE and don’t be surprised to see Samuels running TE routes.

WR- AB, JuJu, Washington, Hunter and Switzer (5)
Analysis – Improved from last year, Washington is going to be great in the red zone and we won’t have DHB to kick around anymore.

OL- Pouncey, Foster, DeCastro, Gilbert, Villanueva, with BJ, Feiler and Chukes in reserve. (8)
Analysis – Slightly down from last year, everyone a year older and free agent loss of Hubbard.

DL- Cam, Tuitt, J Wobble, Alualu, LT and Shade Tree (6)
Analysis – Improved from last year if Tuitt and J Wobble are fully healthy.

OLB- Watt, Dupree, Chickillo, Adeniyi and Keion Adams (5)
Analysis – Improved from last year, Watt has one more year of experience, and I expect Adams to be an upgrade from Moats on special teams.

ILB - Bostic, Williams, Dirty Red, and Thomas (4)
Analysis – Down from last year, it is too hard to replace Ryan.

CB- Haden, Burns, Hilton, Sutton, Sensabaugh and Allen (6)
Analysis – Improved from last year, Haden has a full year in the system, Sutton is an upgrade over Gay and Burns and Hilton have one more year of experience.

S- Burnett, Davis, Berhe, Edmunds and Marcus Allen (5)
Analysis – Big improvement from last year, we may actually be able to cover down the middle.

Specialists - Boz, Berry and Canaday (3)
Analysis – Same players as last year.

The offense is improved, and it was already great. If the D can close up the middle (and I think they will), this year can be another 13 wins season, and deep in the playoffs.

[tbsteel]

Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph

Running back (3): Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Jaylen Samuels

Full Back (1) Roosevelt Nix

Wide receivers (6): Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Ryan Switzer, Justin Hunter

Tight end (3): Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble

Offensive line (9): Alejandro Villanueva, Marcus Gilbert, Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor, Zach Banner

Defensive line (6): Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Daniel McCullers

Outside linebacker (5): Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Anthony Chickillo, Ola Adeniyi, Keion Adams

Inside linebacker (4): Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Matthew Thomas, Tyler Matakevich

Cornerbacks (6): Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh Brian Allen

Safety (4): Morgan Burnett, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Nate Berhe

Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday

[steelmann58]

not sure about Berry and i think also they will find a way to keep dobbs.
I still think you going to see the steelers make a few moves come Sat

[FortyThree]

They'll get a roster exemption for Bell and keep Dobbs until Saturday night and then cut him to activate Bell in hopes that it'll be too late for teams to claim him and then they can sign him to he PS.

[smithessmokin]

QB (3) -- Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph
RB (4) -- Le'Veon Bell, James Conner, Rosie Nix, Jaylen Samuels
WR (6) -- Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Hunter, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Ryan Switzer
TE (3) -- Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble
OL (8) -- Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chuks Okorafor
DL (6) -- Cameron Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Daniel McCullers, L.T. Walton
OLB (5) -- T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Keion Adams, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
ILB (5) -- Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Matthew Thomas, Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort
CB (6) -- Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, Brian Allen
S (4) -- Sean Davis, Morgan Burnett, Terrell Edmunds, Nat Berhe
ST (3) -- Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday

PUP:
WR Eli Rogers

Practice Squad:
RB Jarvion Franklin
WR Damoun Patterson
TE Pharoah McKever
OT Jake Rodgers
OT RJ Prince
DL Lavon Hooks
DL Greg Gilmore
LB Farringtion Huguenin
LB Matt Galambos
SAF Malik Golden
TE Christian Scotland-Williamson(exempt)

[DP39]

QB (3) -- Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph
RB (4) -- Le'Veon Bell, James Conner, Rosie Nix, Jaylen Samuels
WR (6) -- Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Hunter, James Washington, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Ryan Switzer
TE (3) -- Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble
OL (8) -- Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler, Chuks Okorafor
DL (6) -- Cameron Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Daniel McCullers, L.T. Walton
OLB (5) -- T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Keion Adams, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
ILB (5) -- Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Matthew Thomas, Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort
CB (6) -- Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, Brian Allen
S (4) -- Sean Davis, Morgan Burnett, Terrell Edmunds, Nat Berhe
ST (3) -- Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday

PUP:
WR Eli Rogers

Practice Squad:
RB Jarvion Franklin
WR Damoun Patterson
TE Pharoah McKever
OT Jake Rodgers
OT RJ Prince
DL Lavon Hooks
DL Greg Gilmore
LB Farringtion Huguenin
LB Matt Galambos
SAF Malik Golden
TE Christian Scotland-Williamson(exempt)

Sounds about right, but I'll add that the late signing Bell will get us a two week exemption (like last year) and allow us to keep Dobbs until Saturday 9/8 and then attempt to stash him on the PS when most teams will have their rosters set. If Dobbs is traded beforehand, then Fitz fills that exempt example.

[Steelperch]

Here is who I would keep, not who they will

QB. Ben, Rudolph, Dobbs
RB. Bell, Connor, Samuels, Ridley, Nix
TE. James, McDonald’s, Hodges, (Grimble IR)
OL. Five starters plus Chuks, Finlney, Feiler, Banner
WR. Brown, Hunter, JuJu, Washington, Hayward Bey, Switzer

DL, same 6
LB starters plus Ola, Thomas, Fort, Adams
CB, top 6
S. Burnett, Edmunds, Davis, Allen

Same STs except swap Wile for Berry.