53 man roster

[jebrick]

I sure like what I am hearing, it is not like they just are being complacent. Some thought that we would just promote Butler to replace LeBeau and that he would just carry on LeBeau's tradition and his 3-4 defense. Doesn't look like that to me at all.

If anything it looks like Butler and Tomlin had seen quite enough of the decline of our defense and are determined to restore it back to greatness. Some might hate to come to this conclusion but it sure looks like LeBeau really did overstay his welcome by about 2 or 3 years. I think if things break right in terms of injuries, and we have a couple players emerge, this defense might be top 5. Just. Like. That.

It has been said before but we can repeat it. I think Tomlin did not expect to have LeBeau around as long as he did. I think Tomlin expected Lebeau to retire 3-5 years ago. The players he started drafting all point to more of a Tampa-2 style.

[Steelafan77]

The Achilles’ injury suffered by outside linebacker Shawn Lemon was serious enough to derail his Steelers career before it started.

He was waived from the PUP/Active list Wednesday, according to the team, never having suited up for a practice. The former CFL player signed a contract with the Steelers this offseason amid offers from multiple other teams. He arrived to Latrobe with the injury, having been placed on the PUP list before the team’s first practice.


The Steelers announced they signed defensive back Jorden Sullen, a Tulane product and former Steelers practice squad member, to take Lemon’s roster spot. http://dkonpittsburghsports.com/2015/07 ... awn-lemon/

Had Lemon making the 53. Wrong again...

Mike Tomlin typically moves around during warm-ups and position drills, offering instruction, encouragement and, occasionally, criticism. Today, he spent most of his time with defensive backs and was particularly animated.
The first practice period was goal line/two-point conversion with the offense in the shotgun. The offense scored four out of seven times with Ben Roethlisberger going two for three and Tajh Boyd two for four. Roethlisberger hit an open Matt Spaeth on a fake run/fake quarterback draw, threw a nice fade to Martavis Bryant in the corner of the end zone but coverage by Antwan Blake forced Bryant out of bounds, then scrambled to give D’Angelo Williams time to beat Will Gay. Boyd’s touchdowns were to Jesse James over the middle and to Darius Heyward-Bey on a fade.
Boyd got most of the second team reps and had trouble with fumbled snaps, including on the goal line drill, but did throw some nice balls as he’ll be given a chance to unseat third stringer Landry Jones.
Roethlisberger was sharp for the most part – especially on deep balls – although he was off target as the afternoon wore on. Roethlisberger was on target to Antonio Brown, who was blanketed by Blake and later on threw a perfect pass to Marcus Wheaton, who fought off Cortez Allen but had the ball go right through his hands. Roethlisberger was also once again picked off by Cortez Allen, who jumped in front of Antonio Brown.
Linebackers had the advantage in the popular backs-on-backers drill, as they're supposed to. Tight ends are also involved and Jesse James got a rude welcome when he was run over by Arthur Moats, but, on the do-over, James held his ground and stood Moats up. Moats had a good day in the 11-on-11 run period with live tackling and was a disruptive force on many of his reps. http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/07/ ... y-29-2015/

[Steelafan77]

@JosinaAnderson
Source: #Cardinals are releasing CB Alfonzo Dennard. https://twitter.com/JosinaAnderson/stat ... 4745858049

Hmmm....

[Legacy User]

@JosinaAnderson
Source: #Cardinals are releasing CB Alfonzo Dennard. https://twitter.com/JosinaAnderson/stat ... 4745858049

Hmmm....

Dennard can play, but not sure on special teams. He is also more of an outside guy, but would be a good fit in a Cover 2.

[Steelafan77]

Lemon will head to the Reserve PUP List after clearing waivers today. According to a couple Pittsburgh bloggers (depot and blitz). Not able to confirm anything yet.

[Legacy User]

I sure like what I am hearing, it is not like they just are being complacent. Some thought that we would just promote Butler to replace LeBeau and that he would just carry on LeBeau's tradition and his 3-4 defense. Doesn't look like that to me at all.

If anything it looks like Butler and Tomlin had seen quite enough of the decline of our defense and are determined to restore it back to greatness. Some might hate to come to this conclusion but it sure looks like LeBeau really did overstay his welcome by about 2 or 3 years. I think if things break right in terms of injuries, and we have a couple players emerge, this defense might be top 5. Just. Like. That.

It has been said before but we can repeat it. I think Tomlin did not expect to have LeBeau around as long as he did. I think Tomlin expected Lebeau to retire 3-5 years ago. The players he started drafting all point to more of a Tampa-2 style.

yeah, I believe Tomlin's very 1st draft people were saying this. I personally was surprised that the great innovator that Lebeau was, he didn't adapt to his players. Maybe that was Cowhers/Capers strength. Who knows I am excited about this defense more than I have been in 4 years.

[Steelersfan]

I'm starting to LOVE how this years roster is shaping up and love the acquisition players they've added from other teams.

Good depth at most positions. Good mix of veterans and young players. Most players with some versatility. Most positions and corps have play-makers. The players that aren't proven have potential. Not very many players at all that are descending or plateaued. (Maybe Heath, Foster, Williams, DHB, Deebo, Gay & Timmons in those categories) Almost every other player, gives me hope of continued improvement over last years team.

On Sirrus NFL radio when at Steelers camp they interviewed DeAngelo Williams, he said there are some drills the defensive players hate and constantly complain about. Grass drills or something, I forget. He said if you hate the drills, it's hard to go at them 100% and put your best into them. So he said when the defense run those drills, he goes over and runs them with them. He said by him being there and running the drills the defensive players put more into them, don't complain and work harder to show him up. Sorta the offensive/defensive competitiveness comes out. He says he does that to help make the defense better. Says he doesn't have to do that, but he knows to win a super bowl the defense as well as the offense has to play their best. That's his way of helping them and pushing them to improve. I thought that was awesome of him. Definitely, the kind of player I want on this team.

How bout Boykin. He gets signed by the Steelers and announces it by tweeting out a picture of the Terrible Towel. Said his very 1st Eagles pro game was a pre-season game against the Steelers. He said all he remembers is all those waving yellow towels and the fan base. Said he has the same personality as Steelers fans, work hard and will do what it takes to win.

Great pickups from other teams, that will help make the entire roster better this year. Guys like that will rub off and the rookies will see that, and know that kinda attitude and work ethic will be expected from them too.

[steelclan]

I havent been this excited for a fucking pre season game in ages:

1. Watch Dupree and Chickillo
2. See Grant (2 very good days in a row)
3. Villenueva
4. Shade Tree
5. Coates, rogers and goodwin
6. Geathers
7. If Archer can finally do something
8. Has Landry Jones finally amounted to more than Brian St Pierre on downers?

[Steelafan77]

The Pittsburgh Steelers waived LB Shawn Lemon from their reserve/PUP list on Monday with an injury settlement, according to the NFL Transactions release. http://nfltraderumors.co/steelers-waive ... ettlement/

The achilles injury must be worse than was suspected.

[bradshaw2ben]

not really a difference to the Steelers except a temporary roster spot. From Lemon's POV, in case someone else decides they can offer a better opportunity, he could at least hear about it.

[FC]

http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/Pittsburgh-Steelers-release-first-depth-chart-of-camp-38552680

[Steelafan77]

Steelers claim tight end Ray Hamilton off waivers from Dallas.
PITTSBURGH ─ The Steelers claimed tight end Ray Hamilton off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced today.

Hamilton originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Iowa on May 9, 2015.

To make room for Hamilton on the team’s active roster, the Steelers placed tight end Rob Blanchflower on the Waived/Injured List. http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 6b04832ac4

Another "on the bubble" prospect out.

http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015 ... as-cowboys

[Jobu]

Steelers claim tight end Ray Hamilton off waivers from Dallas.
PITTSBURGH ─ The Steelers claimed tight end Ray Hamilton off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced today.

Hamilton originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Iowa on May 9, 2015.

To make room for Hamilton on the team’s active roster, the Steelers placed tight end Rob Blanchflower on the Waived/Injured List. http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 6b04832ac4

Another "on the bubble" prospect out.

http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015 ... as-cowboys

More like...replacing one "on the bubble" prospect with another " on the bubble" prospect.

[Steelersfan]

Heard Eli Rodgers was also cut. Injured settlement expected. I was hoping if Archer floundered, Eli Rodgers would be the one to push him off the roster. We can't find a return guy to save our lives. Been years now.

[Steelafan77]

Boykin can share the returns job with Wheaton potentially. Also Kenzel Doe has return capabilities

[bradshaw2ben]

Doe has about as much chance of making the roster as Bambi.

What was wrong with Wheaton as KR and AB as punt returner? They were fantastic last year. Boykin as a fine PR backup.

Sometimes we overthink these things.

[Jobu]

Doe has about as much chance of making the roster as Bambi.

[bradshaw2ben]

Apparently the Steelers have cut Clifton Geathers and signed replacement Joe Okafor.

Joe Okafor is a 2015 B2B Directional State DE from Lamar-- transferred from Oklahoma State after they tried to convert him to OL after his Freshman year. IIRC, Lamar played OSU at their place after that and Okafor had a big game for Lamar in a blowout loss.

Anyway, he's long (6'6" ish) and big (306lbs or so) and has some power to his game. He's built like a more athletic player/LB... carries the weight well.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1ckGJ7XnbI[/youtube]

[Steelafan77]

The Steelers today announced that they have signed free agent safety Jordan Dangerfield to the active roster.

Safety Isaiah Lewis has been placed on the waived/injured list to make room for Dangerfield on the team’s active roster.

Dangerfield has been on the off-season roster twice. In 2015, he was released before training camp began. In 2014, he was added to the practice squad in November and early December. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/stee ... 1508080121

Nice that these guys stay close to their phones. Not sure if its out of loyalty, dedication or desperation but getting guys back that know the process is a good thing.

[jeemie]

Doe has about as much chance of making the roster as Bambi.

What was wrong with Wheaton as KR and AB as punt returner? They were fantastic last year. Boykin as a fine PR backup.

Sometimes we overthink these things.

There was nothing wrong with it in my book.

Which is why I think we should end the Archer experiment now because what does he bring to the table otherwise?

But supposedly he has been good in camp, so we'll see.

[Steelafan77]

Doe has about as much chance of making the roster as Bambi.

Sure, that's likely the case but its not entirely impossible either. With the slough of injuries this team has been experiencing I see no way anyone can rule out the possibility. Should it unfold like that then you have to root for a "no name" guy to pan out. SBI

[bradshaw2ben]

Sure. He just doesn't seem to be very good.

[Steelafan77]

I think Doe did a fairly decent job last night. Made Archer look unathletic and incompetent JMO.

[R_S]

I think Doe did a fairly decent job last night. Made Archer look unathletic and incompetent JMO.

Not sure how you bash Archer last night.

[Scunge]

Yeah, people have their mind made up on Archer and regardless of how he does they will never waver on their opinion that he sucks.

Here is what Archer did in the game:

4 carries for 24 yards, a long of 15 yards.
6 catches for 33 yards, a long of 14 yards.
1 kickoff for 34 yards.
1 punt return for 0 yards, a FC

He did have one muffed punt but he recovered the ball. Antonio Brown has muffed some punts before. Archer also showed some wiggle and cutting ability that people continue to say he does not have. People were saying he was just looking to run out of bounds but he did a lot of running in the middle of the field.

Whereas last season people were arm tackling him easy, this game he actually showed some strength and the the turf was his worst enemy. Some of those long 15 and 14 yard plays that he had could have been significantly longer had he not tripped over his own feet.

I am still hopeful that he can develop into a weapon.

[Legacy User]

Archer sucks......he will NEVER be an impact player in the nfl at any position....and he doesnt have the tools to latch on to a JAG backup position.......

The Steelers are LOADED at WR......they have a howling shit cave at TE....Bell Williams and Johnson are the only RBs who have a clue at this point imo....

If the Steelers are gonna make some noise post December they need a little more at RB and TE

[V DUB]

Not enough balls to go around, STD. your 3rd string TE/RB is going to limit what you can do no matter what. If you're down to that, you have to take advantage of the depth at WR. Starter capable guys won't settle for no reps, we saw that with Blount.

Anyway good to see you back (knock on wood), hopefully a few other's make their way during the season.

[Legacy User]

Yeah, people have their mind made up on Archer and regardless of how he does they will never waver on their opinion that he sucks.

Here is what Archer did in the game:

4 carries for 24 yards, a long of 15 yards.
6 catches for 33 yards, a long of 14 yards.
1 kickoff for 34 yards.
1 punt return for 0 yards, a FC

He did have one muffed punt but he recovered the ball. Antonio Brown has muffed some punts before. Archer also showed some wiggle and cutting ability that people continue to say he does not have. People were saying he was just looking to run out of bounds but he did a lot of running in the middle of the field.

Whereas last season people were arm tackling him easy, this game he actually showed some strength and the the turf was his worst enemy. Some of those long 15 and 14 yard plays that he had could have been significantly longer had he not tripped over his own feet.

I am still hopeful that he can develop into a weapon.

The turf on that field was awful. Archer wasn't the only guy having issues. I remember seeing Shazier losing his footing a few times as well.

In an extra preseason game where the #1 priority was pretty clearly to not get anyone hurt (hence 20-some guys not bothering to put on pads), I've got no issue with Archer getting out of bounds rather than letting some practice squad heroes tee off on him to fight for an extra yard.

[steelmann58]

The one issue with archer he goes down like a feather.

[Legacy User]

The one issue with archer he goes down like a feather.

Jerome Bettis he is not.