week 4 position battles

[steelmann58]

so last preseason game what positions and players are in a battle for the 53 man team as well as the PS. I also wonder if the Steelers will be looking to the waiver wire and also make a trade for a position of need.

[stillthere]

I am interested in seeing Hodges vs. Dobbs for the 3rd QB spot. If Rudolph didn't need at least a quarter of work I would let the other two battle it out. Shoot I may even let Hodges have the whole game if the team is thinking Dobbs is the third and you want to see Duck for a whole game and give him a chance to make it or be cut.

Rader is another guy that I like some things and not others but I cannot see him on the practice squad since you will have Vanimal, Grimble, Gentry, active roster and CSW as a practice squad player (since he will be our 11th practice squad player) I am not sure they would keep 2 TE's on practice squad.

I think Holton needs to step up big but he is practice squad eligible so time to shine young man.

Spencer is another player I am interested in seeing do some stuff. He has been kinda meh so far but when he gets going it is fun to watch him roll.

[Kodiak]

Seems like an unusual number of slots is dependent on how other players do or what choices coaches make.

Normally Holton would be my 6th receiver because of his ST play (and he's made a few nice catches, too). But you might need to create roster spots for Hodges and Skipper. We say it every year, but those are two guys we WILL lose if we put them on PS - both have flashed the goods to be NFL starters.

The easy call on 1 of those 2 spots is to trade or cut Dobbs. Give Rudolph a quarter, then showcase Dobbs for a few quarters.

Otherwise Holton should be on PS. And I think Spencer is a lock for PS, as well.

[Havoc]

I'm thinking they have already decided Hodges is not going to make the 53. They are trying to decide who the #2 is.

I'm thinking either Rudolph or Dobbs could blow the #2 with a bad showing in the finale. I'm hoping Rudolph is the front runner at this point, but I like Dobbs more than most on the board. Dobbs can make big plays and that is worth something, in my view.

[Jobu]

I'm thinking they have already decided Hodges is not going to make the 53. They are trying to decide who the #2 is.

Unfortunately, this is probably true...unfortunately.

[Legacy User]

Let Hodges go in earlier against better talent, and Dobbs go in last against worse talent.

But you are all correct, he's probably out, and someone will grab him quickly.

That should be the basis of the decision...if you cut Dobbs or Hodges, who does someone else jump on quicker?

[fractalsteel]

When I look at the QB position I see either bitter disappointment, mild surprise or elation.
The disappointment would be that Dobbs is the backup and Hodges is exposed and lost. The mild surprise is that Dobbs remains but Rudolph is the backup. Elation is that Rudolph gets a jersey every week as Ben's backup and Hodges is the third guy.

Who is going to be the swing tackle?
I haven't rewatched the Titans game so when I do I keep a keen eye on the tackles.

[Legacy User]

I’m anxious to see what our linebacking crew looks like after final cuts

How do you keep Big Red over The Skipper? Special teams demon...yeah I know

Ulysses has flashed....do they keep the U Dong?

Ola injury and it’s impact?

Inquiring minds

[Jobu]

I’m anxious to see what our linebacking crew looks like after final cuts

How do you keep Big Red over The Skipper? Special teams demon...yeah I know

Ulysses has flashed....do they keep the U Dong?

Ola injury and it’s impact?
Inquiring minds

Correct me if I’m wrong...isn’t Skipper an OLB? If so, it likely won’t be between him and TM. More likely either Skipper or Chickillo...or Ola.

[Pabst]

Ryan Recker
‏ @RyanRecker

Mason Rudolph confirmed to reporters that Josh Dobbs will start at QB for the #Steelers Thursday vs. Panthers

[955876]

I’m assuming this means Jibba Jabba has seen enough to make the call Rudolph is firmly the #2...

[Kodiak]

I’m assuming this means Jibba Jabba has seen enough to make the call Rudolph is firmly the #2...

I don't pretend to understand the inner workings of Tomlin's gut.

Perhaps they are showcasing Dobbs for a trade. In either case, I'd think you'd want to get Rudolph some work.

Will be interesting if Hodges even plays. If they keep Dobbs, they probably will try to hide Hodges.

Say what you want about Hodges competition, but he showed an NFL arm....and that's enough to be someone's #3 QB.

[Lynch]

I'm hoping Washington will show up big again and make it impossible to play Monqueef in front of him. Also hoping Clank Johnson doesn't take another week off.

[955876]

I'm hoping Washington will show up big again and make it impossible to play Monqueef in front of him. Also hoping Clank Johnson doesn't take another week off.

This is oh so tired and very stale. Maybe time to find a new hobby.

Just keep away from animals and small children.

[stillthere]

When I look at the QB position I see either bitter disappointment, mild surprise or elation.
The disappointment would be that Dobbs is the backup and Hodges is exposed and lost. The mild surprise is that Dobbs remains but Rudolph is the backup. Elation is that Rudolph gets a jersey every week as Ben's backup and Hodges is the third guy.

Who is going to be the swing tackle?
I haven't rewatched the Titans game so when I do I keep a keen eye on the tackles.

Tackles will be Chuks and Banner. Chuks has had a rough start to preseason (especially on the left side). Banner has been solid and he is a fucking mountain. Banner has also seen some reps at guard if my memory serves me correctly.

[stillthere]

Perhaps they are showcasing Dobbs for a trade. In either case, I'd think you'd want to get Rudolph some work.

Dobbs 1st qtr
Rudolph 2nd qtr
Hodges 2nd half

I think that is where we are at.

[Legacy User]

Put Dobbs out there with 1st team offense. Let him put on a good show and trade him. Running QBs are flashy but dont last long.

[fractalsteel]

When I look at the QB position I see either bitter disappointment, mild surprise or elation.
The disappointment would be that Dobbs is the backup and Hodges is exposed and lost. The mild surprise is that Dobbs remains but Rudolph is the backup. Elation is that Rudolph gets a jersey every week as Ben's backup and Hodges is the third guy.

Who is going to be the swing tackle?
I haven't rewatched the Titans game so when I do I keep a keen eye on the tackles.

Tackles will be Chuks and Banner. Chuks has had a rough start to preseason (especially on the left side). Banner has been solid and he is a fucking mountain. Banner has also seen some reps at guard if my memory serves me correctly.

The bolded we know. What I want to learn is who goes in if Big 'Al' can't go.

I haven't gone back to watch tackle play against the Titans but Okorafor, to me, has been one of the most disappointing players this preseason.
He hasn't sucked outright but he has had his 'WTF' moments for sure. He got beat badly at RT against the Chiefs for a sack. He sure had problems at LT against Tampa.
I'm hoping it was a glitch because he came out of camp and preseason last year looking like a player that could not only start but shine.

[steelmann58]

I don't think Tomlin wants to trade Dobbs but would not be sorry if they had to IR Hodges.I like to see Williams get some carries. I can't see the steelers letting Skipper slip from them.I would also like to See Morris get a lot of Reps at Center ,and worry about what OL that MM might steal.

[Legacy User]

Dobbs has made a huge improvement from what he was doing last camp. However I do think that they maybe shopping him and the reason why he is starting this week. Mason is obviously the better passer and seems to have the bigger ceiling. If it were up to me I'd keep both Dobbs and Mason..atleast for this season.

[K_C_]

Dobbs has made a huge improvement from what he was doing last camp.

Huh?

[DP39]

While I'm not a big Dobbs fan, what does he offer in our prep for running/scrambling QBs we face this year? BAL, CLE plus who else....

At least, that's part of the equation in Tomlin's mind, imo.

[955876]

Not a bad point. Pretty good one actually.

[Obviously]

I'm hoping Washington will show up big again and make it impossible to play Monqueef in front of him. Also hoping Clank Johnson doesn't take another week off.

This is oh so tired and very stale. Maybe time to find a new hobby.

Just keep away from animals and small children.

The Grand Klexter just can't help himself.

[COR-TEN]

Yeah, but tomlin would fuck up the practices. He's that dumb. Having a scrambling QB did nothing for the steelers when they signed mike vick. Why would dobbs be any different? Tomlin must go.

[LakecrestSteeler]

Who cares about WR? There are enough spots that 6,7, and 8 should mean nothing, and will be fine with who gets a hat. Ben gets to determine in the season who is WR1, WR2 and WR3. WR1 probably has more isolation plays or spotlight plays to get that position almost guaranteed open if double teamed. But then who knows, maybe the playbook has been homogenized since AB’s departure and JuJu’s ability to play from any spot on the field and it just comes down to Ben deciding who he likes and doesn’t and who has the hot hand.

Backup QB? Again who cares. I haven’t seen Ben’s clone, and don’t really care to even look for it until he is retired or blows a tire. Dobbs and Rudolph are serviceable.

I suspect Ola goes on IR to return to give a cushion for pulling the trigger on Tuzar Skipper. Hearing Collinsworth call his name so many times on Sunday night; it felt like Harrison was playing the Ravens. Then they can evaluate further and cut Skipper later if he is a bust, or someone else, or another position by the time Ola is ready to return.

I am glad Bey is gone and I hope Switz doesn’t turn into the scatback duds of yore.....think Dri Archer.

[K_C_]

Who cares about WR? There are enough spots that 6,7, and 8 should mean nothing, and will be fine with who gets a hat. Ben gets to determine in the season who is WR1, WR2 and WR3. WR1 probably has more isolation plays or spotlight plays to get that position almost guaranteed open if double teamed. But then who knows, maybe the playbook has been homogenized since AB’s departure and JuJu’s ability to play from any spot on the field and it just comes down to Ben deciding who he likes and doesn’t and who has the hot hand.

Backup QB? Again who cares. I haven’t seen Ben’s clone, and don’t really care to even look for it until he is retired or blows a tire. Dobbs and Rudolph are serviceable.

I suspect Ola goes on IR to return to give a cushion for pulling the trigger on Tuzar Skipper. Hearing Collinsworth call his name so many times on Sunday night; it felt like Harrison was playing the Ravens. Then they can evaluate further and cut Skipper later if he is a bust, or someone else, or another position by the time Ola is ready to return.

Disagree on receiver. Moncrief might be the only receiver on the roster capable of seriously scaring defenses over the top. I love what JW will bring to the table but I’m not sure he’s your classic deep threat. I’d love to see a guy like Holton make the squad as both a kick returner and a developing deep threat. I think we have enough underneath and intermediate weapons even if we don’t keep Rogers and Switzer just fucking blows.

I’m pulling for Holton.

[Ice]

I'm with ya on Holton. Position flexibility and speed.

[Lynch]

Who cares about WR? There are enough spots that 6,7, and 8 should mean nothing, and will be fine with who gets a hat. Ben gets to determine in the season who is WR1, WR2 and WR3. WR1 probably has more isolation plays or spotlight plays to get that position almost guaranteed open if double teamed. But then who knows, maybe the playbook has been homogenized since AB’s departure and JuJu’s ability to play from any spot on the field and it just comes down to Ben deciding who he likes and doesn’t and who has the hot hand.

Backup QB? Again who cares. I haven’t seen Ben’s clone, and don’t really care to even look for it until he is retired or blows a tire. Dobbs and Rudolph are serviceable.

I suspect Ola goes on IR to return to give a cushion for pulling the trigger on Tuzar Skipper. Hearing Collinsworth call his name so many times on Sunday night; it felt like Harrison was playing the Ravens. Then they can evaluate further and cut Skipper later if he is a bust, or someone else, or another position by the time Ola is ready to return.

I am glad Bey is gone and I hope Switz doesn’t turn into the scatback duds of yore.....think Dri Archer.

He won't. Switz will bring a bit of Barry Sanders-like flair to the running game that's been sorely lacking.

[Lynch]

Who cares about WR? There are enough spots that 6,7, and 8 should mean nothing, and will be fine with who gets a hat. Ben gets to determine in the season who is WR1, WR2 and WR3. WR1 probably has more isolation plays or spotlight plays to get that position almost guaranteed open if double teamed. But then who knows, maybe the playbook has been homogenized since AB’s departure and JuJu’s ability to play from any spot on the field and it just comes down to Ben deciding who he likes and doesn’t and who has the hot hand.

Backup QB? Again who cares. I haven’t seen Ben’s clone, and don’t really care to even look for it until he is retired or blows a tire. Dobbs and Rudolph are serviceable.

I suspect Ola goes on IR to return to give a cushion for pulling the trigger on Tuzar Skipper. Hearing Collinsworth call his name so many times on Sunday night; it felt like Harrison was playing the Ravens. Then they can evaluate further and cut Skipper later if he is a bust, or someone else, or another position by the time Ola is ready to return.

Disagree on receiver. Moncrief might be the only receiver on the roster capable of seriously scaring defenses over the top. I love what JW will bring to the table but I’m not sure he’s your classic deep threat. I’d love to see a guy like Holton make the squad as both a kick returner and a developing deep threat. I think we have enough underneath and intermediate weapons even if we don’t keep Rogers and Switzer just fucking blows.

I’m pulling for Holton.

Monqueef sucks the transsexual cock. He's Brian Allen playing offense.