Maybe They Have A Great Team and Maybe Not

[jeemie]

We know Tomlin lives in his fears. That is a legit concern as is Canada.

BUT, Ben never really pushed back on Tomlin and Co. It was a big problem from an otherwise HOF stud QB. Will Kenny push them? We shall see.

One thing is for sure, we seemed to have a lot better attention to detail this preseason than I've seen in a long long time. When is the last time our offense has rushed a play to avoid replay and been in sync?? Kenny had them ready to go on that first TD. I like the attention to detail I'm seeing.

Maybe not right away, but after hearing him on a couple podcasts, Kenny strikes me as a guy who will speak up if he feels like he’s being too handcuffed.

Just a feeling…can’t say why for sure that I believe this.

[955876]

The fact he couldn’t even secure the #2 spot says a lot. Especially given how long he’s been in Shanahan’s system vs newcomer Darnold.

Shanahan runs a suoer QB friendly system. Not saying it’s an easy system to run but it is one that seemingly always has guys running wide the fuck open.

Look what he was able to do with the last pick in the draft nobody wanted. Purdy is quoted in a paper out here saying playing QB in the NFL is easier than college.

Lance is most likely all brawn and no brains.

He’s a better fit for the Ravens tuck it & run offense for when Lamar gets hurt again.

[Kodiak.]

Maybe not right away, but after hearing him on a couple podcasts, Kenny strikes me as a guy who will speak up if he feels like he’s being too handcuffed.

Just a feeling…can’t say why for sure that I believe this.

I don't think it's a stretch that any young player is going to speak out if coaches are getting in the way of their goals.

But that right is earned. Takes time to establish oneself before starting to chirp. Could happen as early as this year for Kenny, but realistically he needs to string together a couple of top-10 years and cement himself as a franchise QB.

On the other hand, I think Canada's football future is kind of on the line. Maybe he just sucks, but I don't think he's just going to sit there and let Tomlin's boot crush his career.


Going to be interesting this year, for sure.

[Pabst]

Let’s just deal with the fact that if Kenny gets injured for any length of time, the Steelers are sunk.

We aren’t going to get anyone better than Trubisky or Rudolph as a backup. We just aren’t.

Isn't this true of pretty much any NFL team? Are Mitch and Mason really any worse than Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Allen, Mike White, Easton Stick, Trevor Siemian, Nick Mullens, Sam Darnold.....I could go on, but you get the point

[jeemie]

Maybe not right away, but after hearing him on a couple podcasts, Kenny strikes me as a guy who will speak up if he feels like he’s being too handcuffed.

Just a feeling…can’t say why for sure that I believe this.

I don't think it's a stretch that any young player is going to speak out if coaches are getting in the way of their goals.

But that right is earned. Takes time to establish oneself before starting to chirp. Could happen as early as this year for Kenny, but realistically he needs to string together a couple of top-10 years and cement himself as a franchise QB.

On the other hand, I think Canada's football future is kind of on the line. Maybe he just sucks, but I don't think he's just going to sit there and let Tomlin's boot crush his career.


Going to be interesting this year, for sure.

Oh I didn’t mean Kenny would speak up and be a dick this year…not unless he goes off into Mahomes territory.

I meant when he has earned it, he doesn’t strike me the type to be passive aggressive the way Ben was.

[JackLambert58]

No way you can not have optimism, even though I have severe Tomlin PTSD which is a reason to not get too infatuated with what we’ve seen so far.

This is me...and it's only going to get worse with the two week layoff.

Ditto

[Smashmouth21]

Let’s just deal with the fact that if Kenny gets injured for any length of time, the Steelers are sunk.

We aren’t going to get anyone better than Trubisky or Rudolph as a backup. We just aren’t.

Isn't this true of pretty much any NFL team? Are Mitch and Mason really any worse than Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Allen, Mike White, Easton Stick, Trevor Siemian, Nick Mullens, Sam Darnold.....I could go on, but you get the point

Yes. You just need some QB play capable enough to keep the Steelers afloat until KP8 gets back. If he is out for an extended period of time it’s trouble. But the defense is good enough to help keep the team in it for a short stretch. Mitch and Mason are solid for backup purposes. Above the line backups if you will.

[stillthere]

What do you guys think about trading for Trey Lance to be 2nd QB. Mitch & Mason stink and Trey can move and can throw better than the 2 we have. What's your thought

[Pabst]

Just imagine if the 9ers had taken....literally anyone else with that #3 overall pick

[stillthere]

Just imagine if the 9ers had taken....literally anyone else with that #3 overall pick

Or if they had just kept the 12th overall pick and taken Mikah Parsons

[Mick]

https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/stat ... 8683268469

https://twitter.com/PNW_Prim/status/1693365501085552914

What could have been.

[steelclan]

Fair enough B2B.

You make good points.

There are couple of the young players that do look much improved or are standing out from rookie group (which as a whole looks filled with talent).

For example: Nick Herbig. I know you had concerns about where he fit when drafted (I saw him as a potential ILB) but man can't help but get excited about him. It would be one thing if he was beating nothing but back ups but he beat starters just easily as he beat 2nd and 3rd stringers.

Do worry about him on run defense but should be fixable with a good off season in weight room.

Point on younger players improving or flashing: PS depth will be better at key spots and someone like Austin can really help flip the field on STs or Washington, his receiving is a work in progress but his ability to lay defenders out in run game will make a difference. Even DJ who seems to have really worked on his hands, he cuts out drops and he might score a TD one of these days.

Lastly, I realize Pickett, Bills game aside has been playing against back ups and he has to prove this in real games but...that throw on 3rd down v scrubs or not was an elite throw.

His calmness to catch a horrendous snap, set his feet then launch a bullet down the sideline over coverage...was heartening to say the least. If he can makes throws like that regularly PS offence if given a chance will do some damage.


But yes it is ok to take this all with a grain of salt. 49ers will tell us far more than snapshots from the preseason.

[stillthere]

But yes it is ok to take this all with a grain of salt. 49ers will tell us far more than snapshots from the preseason.

That is the next test. If we win the goal post will be moved by stating that Nick Bosa was either not in camp or did not play in the game. Brock Purdy is still recovering from wrecking his elbow. The chicken little effect on this board sometimes is a little more than a sane person should deal with regularly.

[Steeldrama]

Someone named Colton McKivitz is the 49ers new RT

TJ Watt (and Nick Herbig) going to sack Mr. Irrelevant many many times

I don’t sweat the 49ers especially at home.

Yep I dig this Steelers team

All positive for me other than Canada ( Not the country. Fun times up there).

The secondary scares me a little
Joey Jr hasn’t impressed me
Patrick Peterson way past his prime
Strong safety manned by two extremely fragile dudes

We all know it’s just the preseason but man it’s great to see the young talent on offense showing what it’s capable of

Don’t
Fuck
It
Up
Canada

[K_C_]

Someone named Colton McKivitz is the 49ers new RT

TJ Watt (and Nick Herbig) going to sack Mr. Irrelevant many many times

I don’t sweat the 49ers especially at home.

Yep I dig this Steelers team

All positive for me other than Canada ( Not the country. Fun times up there).

The secondary scares me a little
Joey Jr hasn’t impressed me
Patrick Peterson way past his prime
Strong safety manned by two extremely fragile dudes

We all know it’s just the preseason but man it’s great to see the young talent on offense showing what it’s capable of

Don’t
Fuck
It
Up
Canada

I haven't dug some of Canada's play calling but Drama, what in the hell has Canada had to work with up until now?

A washed Ben Roethlisberger followed by Mitch fucking Trubisky and a Kenny who was clueless for a good portion of last year?

I might have hung myself walking into that situation.

[StillerDownSouth]

Someone named Colton McKivitz is the 49ers new RT

TJ Watt (and Nick Herbig) going to sack Mr. Irrelevant many many times

I don’t sweat the 49ers especially at home.

Yep I dig this Steelers team

All positive for me other than Canada ( Not the country. Fun times up there).

The secondary scares me a little
Joey Jr hasn’t impressed me
Patrick Peterson way past his prime
Strong safety manned by two extremely fragile dudes

We all know it’s just the preseason but man it’s great to see the young talent on offense showing what it’s capable of

Don’t
Fuck
It
Up
Canada

I haven't dug some of Canada's play calling but Drama, what in the hell has Canada had to work with up until now?

A washed Ben Roethlisberger followed by Mitch fucking Trubisky and a Kenny who was clueless for a good portion of last year?

I might have hung myself walking into that situation.

This is why I’m willing to give Canada a clean slate going into this season, it’s do it or get canned for him I believe, but definitely wasn’t leading the greatest show on turf his first two years. He has to get it done this year if he wants to stay in the league though.

[StillerDownSouth]

I will add, this preseason is the most buttoned up I’ve seen the Steelers in quite some time. I don’t recall any pre snap penalties and other than getting caught with 12 men on the field last night I don’t recall any other presnap issues on defense either. Maybe this coaching staff has finally pulled their heads out of their asses as well.

[anpsteel]

Someone named Colton McKivitz is the 49ers new RT

TJ Watt (and Nick Herbig) going to sack Mr. Irrelevant many many times

I don’t sweat the 49ers especially at home.

Yep I dig this Steelers team

All positive for me other than Canada ( Not the country. Fun times up there).

The secondary scares me a little
Joey Jr hasn’t impressed me
Patrick Peterson way past his prime
Strong safety manned by two extremely fragile dudes

We all know it’s just the preseason but man it’s great to see the young talent on offense showing what it’s capable of

Don’t
Fuck
It
Up
Canada

I haven't dug some of Canada's play calling but Drama, what in the hell has Canada had to work with up until now?

A washed Ben Roethlisberger followed by Mitch fucking Trubisky and a Kenny who was clueless for a good portion of last year?

I might have hung myself walking into that situation.

A lot of folks don't recognize just how much late career Ben hampered the Offense. Sure he won them a bunch of games, with late game heroics, but he also got them in that situation as well.

His unwillingness or inability to play from under center, combined with his determination to get the ball out immediately, to avoid hits, was just a recipe for disaster. It most definitely factored into the game plan and play calling.

When Ben does his passive aggressive finger pointing at the organization, because they were clearly pushing him into retirement, he takes no ownership of his role in that.

[bradshaw2ben]

Just imagine if the 9ers had taken....literally anyone else with that #3 overall pick

It’s not the one missed top 5 pick that hurts, it’s the 3 1st rounders they used to get there!

[anpsteel]

Just imagine if the 9ers had taken....literally anyone else with that #3 overall pick

It’s not the one missed top 5 pick that hurts, it’s the 3 1st rounders they used to get there!

Yeah, that has to sting

Just a huge miss.

Here's a link to a list of some of the most egregiously bad draft trades
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/wher ... l-history/

I had forgotten about several of them

[DP39]

Just imagine if the 9ers had taken....literally anyone else with that #3 overall pick

It’s not the one missed top 5 pick that hurts, it’s the 3 1st rounders they used to get there!

The craziest part of all of this is: just consider how good the 49ers' coaching really is, in almost winning the SB in 3 of the last 4 years (being a favorite this year, too), while fielding a team from such a draft capital deficit -- crazy.

Man, it must be nice to have such good coaching!

[Kodiak.]

The craziest part of all of this is: just consider how good the 49ers' coaching really is, in almost winning the SB in 3 of the last 4 years (being a favorite this year, too), while fielding a team from such a draft capital deficit -- crazy.

Man, it must be nice to have such good coaching!

Dude, they had a losing season just 3 years ago

[DP39]

The craziest part of all of this is: just consider how good the 49ers' coaching really is, in almost winning the SB in 3 of the last 4 years (being a favorite this year, too), while fielding a team from such a draft capital deficit -- crazy.

Man, it must be nice to have such good coaching!

Dude, they had a losing season just 3 years ago

I know, right!

NHALS, mediocrity....it's quickly becoming the norm in America today, so why not celebrate it!

[rocky mtn stiller]

A few things stand out to me at this point before the start of the season.

From the time KP got the starting job last year, he has gained confidence and his execution seems to improve every week. So does the rest of the offense for that matter. Bad plays, mistakes and brain farts all seem to be decreasing.

The Steelers have notoriously played down to inferior competition. It seems like forever since they have ruthlessly dominated their opponent. Granted, they were not playing 1's vs. 1's on Thursday's scrimmage. So they did what they should have done which was pummel the Falcons to the point where their commentators thought talking about the menu at the stadium was more interesting than the team they cover.

It's all preseason so far but it has been a positive one. Not a lot of injuries, mistakes or sloppy play. I'm in...let's ride!

One side note. I heard on the Bronco's flagship radio station the other day that Sean Peyton has, "never had a double digit losing season." This made me laugh! NHADDLS is quite the accomplishment.

[Suwanee88]

Good to see a lot of familiar names on this site! I can read both the excitement and trepidation in the posts.

I don’t get too excited over Preseason football so I am still in the wait and see camp before I get emotionally invested.

But I am very happy to see the following.

1. Kenny Pickett’s arm looks stronger, his release looks quicker, and his accuracy has improved. All in 1 offseason. Dude looks like a different QB. That’s truly remarkable and something I didn’t expect at all. I am not in the organization so clueless on this note, but I have to give some props to Darth Canada for some of this. Just please cut down on the jet sweep BS and keep utilizing the middle of the field!

2. The Steelers management. I have to say, they look like they are most definitely changing. I am thinking the best trade was Andy Weidl and Omar Khan for Kevin Colbert. No SB trophy yet, but they seem to be much more agressive and turning over multiple stones. Maybe some of that is because of KP being on a rookie deal? Possibly. But do we see a little deal like Dotson in the not so distant past? Don’t think so. He makes the team or gets cut. I liked Weidl’s comments in the off season about getting bigger up front, more physical, back to controlling the lines of scrimmage. I want to see that again. I have more faith in this group today.

The 49ers are a good test. Two weeks of Shanahan vs. Tomlin prep is a little scary but really looking forward to seeing how this team moves forward!

[jebrick]

Who could tell from this level of competition?

Looks like they had a good camp, they have some talented players, their QB at least looks like he’s not a lost deer in the headlights, their defense front 7 seems to be deep.

Just hard to know what they are until we see how they play the first month of the season. No way you can not have optimism, even though I have severe Tomlin PTSD which is a reason to not get too infatuated with what we’ve seen so far.

SF has more talent and is better coached. PIT will likely come out hot like it’s the Super Bowl. That game could go either way based on how each team would like to play, style wise. I think SF’s quick passing game and complex PA kinda neutralizes the Steelers aggression on D, but that’s provided Purdy plays like he did last year or better.

Can the Steelers resist their temptation to play safe attrition offense and have Najee touch it 60% of the time? If Pickett has to make 3rd down throws all game, the Steelers have a good chance of losing.

Basically, the team that is most bold probably wins.

Is Bosa holding out? If so then the Steelers have a chance.

[bradshaw2ben]

By all accounts, Bosa is going to sign soon and then play. But we'll see.

[K_C_]

By all accounts, Bosa is going to sign soon and then play. But we'll see.

I'm sure Bosa will play but I'm glad he's seen absolutely zero preseason reps.

Going 0-60 can sometimes make you tweak a muscle.....or worse.

I was a little concerned about the amount of work the Steelers first teamers got in comparison with other teams, but it worked out great.

They all played plenty, suffered no significant injuries and they have their timing down.

The Steelers will be ready.

[Pabst]

The optimism around Bosa is coming from Jeremy Fowler at ESPN. Here's his quote from Sunday morning:

“A little bit more optimism here with his contract with the 49ers because teams I’ve talked to expect him to put up a massive number, somewhere in that $30M+ per year,” Fowler said Sunday while on SportsCenter. “He’s considered the best pass rusher in the NFL. The 49ers have prioritized that; they know that. They want to get this done. It’s just a deal of this magnitude with a lot of nuances about it, the structure the amount of years, a lot to sort out. So, still some time here.”

Might be worth noting that if Bosa's holding out, that frees up a (temporary) roster spot for San Fran, so they may not want to get this done until Wednesday at the earliest.




On a similar note, you know what might be a bigger deal than this? Chris Jones still hasn't reported in KC.

[anpsteel]

I'm doing my best to moderate expectations-

But-

Pickens, Austin, Warren, Washington, DJ (or Frieremuth) on the field at the same time, should be close to unstoppable.

That package would put pressure on the defense, at pretty much every level.

The only thing that would regularly stop that- would be pressure/poor oline play, or shitty play calling.


Again, trying to keep an even keel, but that group has the potential to be better than the Bell, Brown, Ben group, imo.

Okay... i'm gonna ease back from the pipe now... lol