NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Its funny, I don't disagree that the Steelers have their own issues, but absolutely NONE of them are on the offensive side of the ball in my opinion, and that's all you listed! lol.

Ben is playing the best ball of his career, and likely has at least 3 or 4 years left at his current level.

Bryant is an issue, but not one they haven't lived without before. They still have Brown, who might be the best WR in the league, Markus Wheaton as the #2 and some talent behind them.

Le'Veon Bell's injury was relatively minor...MCL, not ACL...and isn't expected to hinder him at all by next season. Even if he isn't the same, DeAngelo Williams was more than capable in relief.

Honestly, the Steelers offense is young, explosive and poised to be very, very good for the next 3 or 4 years.

Now, if you want to assault the defense with its issues, I won't argue. *WALL*

 

i was just thinking of random stuff. haha.

 

Patriots sign defensive lineman Markus Kuhn

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) ? The New England Patriots signed unrestricted free-agent defensive lineman Markus Kuhn on Thursday. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

The 6-foot-4, 303-pound German player spent four seasons with the New York Giants, making 10 starts and playing in 39 games. He has 48 total tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and two fumble recoveries, one that he returned for a touchdown.

The Giants drafted the 29-year-old former North Carolina State player in the seventh round in 2012.

 

Vegas has the Steelers and 2 other teams at 8-1 to win the SB. Thats the best odds they've put out. So what kind of issues do the Steelers have? They could use some depth on defense is about the only thing I see their needs are......

 

Vegas has the Steelers rated too low!

 

I'm not sure you understand the odds....too low would mean they should be considered "better" odds, surely you aren't saying that?

Afterall, they've only won 1 playoff game in the last 5 years, why should their odds be any higher?

I understand, as a 200-1 odds Browns fan, most think I shouldn't be allowed to speak on the subject, but even those of us who don't get to enjoy watching our teams make the playoffs understand how odds are made...

Based on recent history, I would say the ones making the odds are Steelers fans, because they are actually quite optimistic...

 

Well, like I said, they certainly have their issues on defense. They lost their only reliable Nose Tackle. Even though its an outdated position, they will miss McLendon on early downs. The pass rush is suspect at this point. And the Secondary is a mess.

If they can stay healthy, the offense can make up for many of those deficiencies. However, health is an issue for Ben because he's getting older and doesn't have the best history of staying healthy throughout the year. Le'Veon Bell can't seem to get through a year unscathed either. If the offense stays healthy, they will be very difficult to stop even without Miller and Bryant.

I agree with Vegas that the Steelers should be among the favourites going into the season. They were a few unfortunate injuries away from beating the Broncos and playing the Pats in the AFC Championship Game. However, do deny that they have some issues would be silly. Every team has issues, the Steelers are no different. What makes them a favourite is that they also have an offense that is as dangerous as any in the league.

 

the steelers couldn't even beat a bronco team with manning barely throwing a ball over 15 yrds.

 

I wonder if the importance of Martavis Bryant is being undersold in Pittsburgh. Mano, even you have pointed out that the 2014 Steelers offense didn't get rolling until Bryant was up to speed and playing regularly and that the 2015 version wouldn't be one of the best until Bryant came back from suspension. Wheaton and Heyward-Bey aren't #2 WRs. Coates has very little experience and for right now you can only hope the new TE (who's name escapes me) gels well with Ben. That leaves the often injured Bell and Brown as people to lean on. I don't see how this offense stays "very difficult to stop" unless someone steps up big time at the #2 WR spot, and that's a big unknown right now.

As things stand right now, I'm not sure if Pittsburgh can consistently score more than their current defense will allow. Of course I may or may not be a little bias *SHADES*

 

I know what the odds mean, I was just trying to say they should have better odds than they do now. I know 8 to 1 odds are pretty good as far as what Vegas thinks about it. I guess I could have said their odds should be better than 8 to 1. That is what I meant.

 

NEW YORK (AP) ? D'Brickashaw Ferguson is walking away from football after 10 years of protecting New York Jets quarterbacks.

The remarkably durable and consistent left tackle who never missed a snap due to injury has decided to retire, according to a person familiar with the decision.

Ferguson was the No. 4 overall pick out of Virginia in the 2006 NFL draft and was selected to three Pro Bowls while establishing himself as one of the league's best at his position. But he has chosen to walk away, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because neither the Jets nor Ferguson announced the move.

ESPN first reported Ferguson's decision to retire.

The news comes as a stunner because it was believed the 32-year-old Ferguson had a few more solid seasons left. But his play slipped a bit last season and there were no guarantees he would be on the Jets' roster this season because of his lofty salary.

Ferguson was scheduled to count $14.1 million against the team's salary cap this season, and had been approached about potentially taking a pay cut to help give the Jets relief. If he didn't agree to a cut, there was a possibility he would have been released.

 

Neither could that Panther defense who were quite a bit better...the steelers down to their 3rd and 4th string RB and minus the best receiver in the game went toe to toe with the eventual champs and put up more points and gained more yards than any other opponent the Broncos faced in the playoffs...the 3rd string RB doesn't fumble and that game may have different results...but alas, last season is over and done with.

Personally I think the Steelers are in good shape if they stay healthy. Bryant and Miller are huge blows to the offense but Laderius Green helps fill that void. As Mano said have at that defense though, they are relying a lot on a player who hasn't played a down of professional football in Golson, and Golden is definitely average at best at safety. Hopefully Jarvis Jones becomes that player the team thought he was when they drafted him and can team with Dupree as a decent OLB tandem....

 

You're right, I didn't expect the offence to be as good last year without Bryant. And I was right. You can't lose a talent like Bryant and be just as good, but I have confidence in Markus Wheaton, I thought he showed a lot more last year than I expected. DHB also showed he still has the speed to take the top off the defence. If Sammie Coates develops like the team thinks he will...and really, do we have any reason to think he won't considering the team's recent history with receivers?...then I believe that the offence will still be very potent. Would Bryant make them better? Of course he would. But they are still a very good, maybe great, group of receivers for Ben to work with.

The defence has its issues, especially in pass coverage, but they weren't as bad as many thought last year. In fact, they have a lot of talent in the front 7 that is very young and still getting better. If the secondary can be a bit better, and they can get a bit more pressure on the QB, they can be a pretty good unit. They really aren't that far from being a good defence. Of course, in Pittsburgh, anything less than a great defence is considered bad.

And yes, I believe that you are more than just a little biased! *CRAZY*

 

I wouldnt be surprised if guys walking away becomes a trend. The amount of money they make these days makes it where they dont have to play forever. I wouldn't at all be shocked to see guys play through their rookie contract sign one big contract and then be out of the game by 30.

 

Only the ones who don't waste their money. Believe it or not a lot of them live paycheck to paycheck.

 

Oh I know some dont know how to handle their money but the ones who do also tend to be the ones with a post nfl life plan. Those will be the ones getting out early.

 

Random DB test week?? Any other positions get tested in the NFL? lol

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...ffer-for-no-1-heres-why-the-eagles-make-sense


Titans have solid offer for the #1 pick, but who is it?

 

The Eagles, they are trading their whole draft plus next years #1.