Dark days ahead for the Steelers?

[The Spin Meister]

They failed to make the playoffs the last two years. And got bounced in the first round prior. Now they are relying on a 38 yr old QB coming of reconstructive elbow surgery, a 3rd round back up that struggled this past year, and an undrafted rookie. Plus an aging Oline that looked bad.

To compound their problems, they are in a division that has two Heisman winning QBs in Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been tremendous and Mayfield had some games in which he looked very good. If the Browns ever get a good coach they could be a very good team.

Plus, to make things worse, the Bengals are sure to draft another Heisman winner in Joe Burrow who looks tremendous. He is from Cincinnati and would be a huge boost to that team.

That means the Steelers could be facing all three of these very talented QBs for the next ten years, assuming they stay healthy. Could be a long stretch of playoff free seasons for the 'burgh.

 

[fairgambit]

They failed to make the playoffs the last two years. And got bounced in the first round prior. Now they are relying on a 38 yr old QB coming of reconstructive elbow surgery, a 3rd round back up that struggled this past year, and an undrafted rookie. Plus an aging Oline that looked bad.

To compound their problems, they are in a division that has two Heisman winning QBs in Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been tremendous and Mayfield had some games in which he looked very good. If the Browns ever get a good coach they could be a very good team.

Plus, to make things worse, the Bengals are sure to draft another Heisman winner in Joe Burrow who looks tremendous. He is from Cincinnati and be a huge boost to that team.

That means the Steelers could be facing all three of these very talented QBs for the next ten years, assuming they stay healthy. Could be a long stretch of playoff free seasons for the 'burgh.

Fortunately my family held Steeler season tickets in the 70's and early 80's and I saw a lot of great football games, including the Immaculate Reception. We gave up the seats in the late 80's and when "The Chief" died, my interest in the team started to wane. I now watch the games dispassionately. That aside, I feel badly for the current crop of Steeler fans because, like you, I see lean years ahead. It appears the Penguins are now the only team in town with a playoff pulse.

 

[bkmtnittany1]

and no first round draft pick...although they actually did get a first rounder with the addition of Fitzpatrick....will they go after a FA QB?

 

[83wuzme]

And, they have Howard the Duck at QB.

 

[nits74]

I wouldn't write them off just yet. They appear to be in good shape defensively, but I do wonder about the OL, and long term QB is a huge question.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Lamar Jackson is one nick away from being a 4.6 rather than a 4.3 guy. When that happens, and teams stop respecting his running ability, he’ll be forced to distribute the ball from the pocket. Anyone who saw his passing skills on display at the pro bowl accuracy competition understands just how short his “elite” shelf life is (WR Jarvis Landry was more accurate than he was....by a lot).

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Baker Mayfield should be stashing away his $ from commercials, because he has “bust” written all over him. Burrow looks like he will be great, but one never knows how well these kids will ultimately make the jump into the NFL. That said, he’s the only one of the the three to worry about.

 

[SUPERTODD]

Lamar Jackson is one nick away from being a 4.6 rather than a 4.3 guy. When that happens, and teams stop respecting his running ability, he’ll be forced to distribute the ball from the pocket. Anyone who saw his passing skills on display at the pro bowl accuracy competition understands just how short his “elite” shelf life is (WR Jarvis Landry was more accurate than he was....by a lot).

In actual NFL games this season Jackson had a 66.1% completion percentage and a 36-6 TD/INT ratio.

In Roethlisberger’s beat season he had a 67.1% completion percentage and a 32-9 TD/INT ratio.

I think Jackson will be just fine as he “slows down.”

 

[bison13]

Given the constant coaching merry go round in Cleveland and the fact that cindy has more issues than qb, Pittsburgh probably gets at least 3 wins from those teams. They probably get to 8 wins just based on the league having enough bad teams. 1 play maker on the offense and Ben playing average next year can have them back in playoffs. Baltimore has a good core and cap money but already mentioning that Judon and a couple other could be gone, if so, it's not to hard for Pittsburgh to stay above 500.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

In actual NFL games this season Jackson had a 66.1% completion percentage and a 36-6 TD/INT ratio.

In Roethlisberger’s beat season he had a 67.1% completion percentage and a 32-9 TD/INT ratio.

I think Jackson will be just fine as he “slows down.”

He threw 20 times a game, many times on the run. Once he takes off, half of the defense takes off after him, leaving guys wide open. He throws a nice deep ball, but if you force him to drop dimes into tight windows on a consistent basis, you’ve won. His ceiling for accuracy is mediocre.

 

[Nitwit97]

Baker Mayfield should be stashing away his $ from commercials, because he has “bust” written all over him. Burrow looks like he will be great, but one never knows how well these kids will ultimately make the jump into the NFL. That said, he’s the only one of the the three to worry about.

Oh Cleopatra.

 

[91Joe95]

I hear Tom Brady is available.

 

[cfbinsider]

In actual NFL games this season Jackson had a 66.1% completion percentage and a 36-6 TD/INT ratio.

In Roethlisberger’s beat season he had a 67.1% completion percentage and a 32-9 TD/INT ratio.

I think Jackson will be just fine as he “slows down.”

Very misleading just comparing statistics. Lamar Jackson's running ability must be tremendously respected by opposing defenses and it opens up a lot of receivers and makes his decision process very easy.

The point is true, when his threat of run lessens, his passing statistics will diminish with them.

I do think Baker Mayfield is being written off prematurely. Cleveland were coached by a complete and total boob this year. Some of the stories coming out about how Freddie Kitchens ran meetings, game plans, and etc are downright comical. They actually hired someone with brains for the first time in about 4 hires. Kevin Stefanski is going to be a good one, a Kyle Shanahan-like approach to the game.

 

[SUPERTODD]

He threw 20 times a game, many times on the run. Once he takes off, half of the defense takes off after him, leaving guys wide open. He throws a nice deep ball, but if you force him to drop dimes into tight windows on a consistent basis, you’ve won. His ceiling for accuracy is mediocre.

You know stats are readily available on the intrernet, right? Jackson threw nearly 27 times a game in his first year as a starter. You might be thinking of Ben again who only threw 21 times a game his first full year as a starter. At the same point in their careers Jackson is light years ahead as a passer and, of course, as a runner as well.

 

[RickinDayton]

Baker Mayfield should be stashing away his $ from commercials, because he has “bust” written all over him. Burrow looks like he will be great, but one never knows how well these kids will ultimately make the jump into the NFL. That said, he’s the only one of the the three to worry about.

Too bad Burrow will be drafted by a team with a questionable OL. Not good for a rookie QB.

 

[ralphster]

Save this thread to pull up again in late December after the aging QB and the superb defense win the division.

 

[bison13]

You know stats are readily available on the intrernet, right? Jackson threw nearly 27 times a game in his first year as a starter. You might be thinking of Ben again who only threw 21 times a game his first full year as a starter. At the same point in their careers Jackson is light years ahead as a passer and, of course, as a runner as well.

Looked real accurate in that playoff game and skills competition at the pro bowl....

 

[psuro]

Wait until Trace takes over in Baltimore and eats the Steelers for lunch.

 

[TheGLOV]

They failed to make the playoffs the last two years. And got bounced in the first round prior. Now they are relying on a 38 yr old QB coming of reconstructive elbow surgery, a 3rd round back up that struggled this past year, and an undrafted rookie. Plus an aging Oline that looked bad.

To compound their problems, they are in a division that has two Heisman winning QBs in Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been tremendous and Mayfield had some games in which he looked very good. If the Browns ever get a good coach they could be a very good team.

Plus, to make things worse, the Bengals are sure to draft another Heisman winner in Joe Burrow who looks tremendous. He is from Cincinnati and would be a huge boost to that team.

That means the Steelers could be facing all three of these very talented QBs for the next ten years, assuming they stay healthy. Could be a long stretch of playoff free seasons for the 'burgh.

Yes.

 

[TheGLOV]

Wait until Trace takes over in Baltimore and eats the Steelers for lunch.

Never happen.

TRACE will be LUNCH for the Steeler "D" sir.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

You know stats are readily available on the intrernet, right? Jackson threw nearly 27 times a game in his first year as a starter. You might be thinking of Ben again who only threw 21 times a game his first full year as a starter. At the same point in their careers Jackson is light years ahead as a passer and, of course, as a runner as well.

I’m not a huge Ben fan, but Jackson will never be as good a passer as Big Ben. He’ll never be able to thread a needle in the Superbowl like BR did to beat AZ (if he even ever makes it to the big game). Seriously, watch the skills competition...he’s embarrassingly bad. Jackson will be a back-up in 5 years.

 

[MacNit07]

They failed to make the playoffs the last two years. And got bounced in the first round prior. Now they are relying on a 38 yr old QB coming of reconstructive elbow surgery, a 3rd round back up that struggled this past year, and an undrafted rookie. Plus an aging Oline that looked bad.

To compound their problems, they are in a division that has two Heisman winning QBs in Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been tremendous and Mayfield had some games in which he looked very good. If the Browns ever get a good coach they could be a very good team.

Plus, to make things worse, the Bengals are sure to draft another Heisman winner in Joe Burrow who looks tremendous. He is from Cincinnati and would be a huge boost to that team.

That means the Steelers could be facing all three of these very talented QBs for the next ten years, assuming they stay healthy. Could be a long stretch of playoff free seasons for the 'burgh.

It will all come down to QB. But the Steeler defense is back - probably the best in the league after getting Minkah.

 

[ryoder1]

Giving too much credit to the other teams. Ben will get us back in the playoffs before he retires. No Super Bowl but at least the playoffs.

Desperately need a replacement for Ben or we will see a long playoff drought.

 

[PeetzPoolBoy]

Dark Years (perhaps eras, preferably eons) for multiple ‘Burgh sports teams would represent a welcome change to this esteemed board.

Status Check:

Pirates: Viagra overdoses are now required for them to erect their Jolly Roger

Stealers: More highly absorbent towels will be needed in the coming years. Not to wave, but to wick the tears of recurring defeats.

Pengoons: once Cyndi retires, it’s just a matter of time until the entire franchise folds.

 

[Lion1974]

I’m not a huge Ben fan, but Jackson will never be as good a passer as Big Ben. He’ll never be able to thread a needle in the Superbowl like BR did to beat AZ (if he even ever makes it to the big game). Seriously, watch the skills competition...he’s embarrassingly bad. Jackson will be a back-up in 5 years.

Omg..the skills competition (lol). The guy threw for 36 TDs to only 6 picks (qbr 113) and ran for over 1200 yards and he's barely old enough to buy a beer. He wins 80% of his starts and he'll be NFL MVP in his second year(embarrassingly bad). To say he'll "never" be able to do anything is wishful thinking at best.

 

[MacNit07]

Dark Years (perhaps eras, preferably eons) for multiple ‘Burgh sports teams would represent a welcome change to this esteemed board.

Status Check:

Pirates: Viagra overdoses are now required for them to erect their Jolly Roger

Stealers: More highly absorbent towels will be needed in the coming years. Not to wave, but to wick the tears of recurring defeats.

Pengoons: once Cyndi retires, it’s just a matter of time until the entire franchise folds.

Dream on Peetz...Crosby has a lot left in the tank and the Penguin franchise is among the best in Sports...the Steelers were a QB injury away this year from a Super Bowl run this year...the Pirates...well...

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Omg..the skills competition (lol). The guy threw for 36 TDs to only 6 picks (qbr 113) and ran for over 1200 yards and he's barely old enough to buy a beer. He wins 80% of his starts and he'll be NFL MVP in his second year(embarrassingly bad). To say he'll "never" be able to do anything is wishful thinking at best.

Yawn. QB2 in 5 years. When he can’t run for 1200 anymore, all his other numbers will plummet...not a doubt about it. Again, he’s ridiculously entertaining to watch, but he’s one hit away (and not even a huge one) from being Mike Vick part II.

 

[PennStateNate]

In actual NFL games this season Jackson had a 66.1% completion percentage and a 36-6 TD/INT ratio.

In Roethlisberger’s beat season he had a 67.1% completion percentage and a 32-9 TD/INT ratio.

I think Jackson will be just fine as he “slows down.”

and going into year 3 still hasn’t won a playoff game.

 

[PennStateNate]

Giving too much credit to the other teams. Ben will get us back in the playoffs before he retires. No Super Bowl but at least the playoffs.

Desperately need a replacement for Ben or we will see a long playoff drought.

prople don’t realize with Ben last year they prob win 10-11 games. They woukd have won at SF, beaten Baltimore at home, won at New York, and probably beaten Seattle.

 

[The_Unit]

Dark Years (perhaps eras, preferably eons) for multiple ‘Burgh sports teams would represent a welcome change to this esteemed board.

Status Check:

Pirates: Viagra overdoses are now required for them to erect their Jolly Roger

Stealers: More highly absorbent towels will be needed in the coming years. Not to wave, but to wick the tears of recurring defeats.

Pengoons: once Cyndi retires, it’s just a matter of time until the entire franchise folds.

1975

 

[bvillebaron]

Lamar Jackson is one nick away from being a 4.6 rather than a 4.3 guy. When that happens, and teams stop respecting his running ability, he’ll be forced to distribute the ball from the pocket. Anyone who saw his passing skills on display at the pro bowl accuracy competition understands just how short his “elite” shelf life is (WR Jarvis Landry was more accurate than he was....by a lot).

And the Steelers wouldn’t take Jackson in a heartbeat? C’mon let’s get serious.

 

[psuro]

prople don’t realize with Ben last year they prob win 10-11 games. They woukd have won at SF, beaten Baltimore at home, won at New York, and probably beaten Seattle.

No.

 

[Texas Lion]

Calm down, calm down.

they will have one of the best defenses next year in the league.

they get Ben back.

round 2: jk dobbins
Round 3: kJ Hamler

life will be good again.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

And the Steelers wouldn’t take Jackson in a heartbeat? C’mon let’s get serious.

They were considering him...I believe either had him in for workouts or spent some time with him at his pro day. He’s a tremendous talent, but we’ve seen him many times before...once the legs go even a little bit, the passing skills are exposed for what they really are.

 

[MacNit07]

No.

Yes

 

[WestSideLion]

The Fitzpatrick trade looks good as long as the opportunity cost isn’t a franchise QB in the 2020 draft. Luckily, Miami will take its QB way before the pick the Steelers traded.

 

[PennStateNate]

No.

So you don't think with Ben that at least get 2 FG on those 5 turnovers vs SF, against Baltimore would the game have gone to O.T?

Come on man, I get your hate for off the field Ben, but be serious.

They should have scored more then what they did ve the Jets.. They probably would have won in Cleveland too to be honest.

 

[MJG-90]

So you don't think with Ben that at least get 2 FG on those 5 turnovers vs SF, against Baltimore would the game have gone to O.T?

Come on man, I get your hate for off the field Ben, but be serious.

They should have scored more then what they did ve the Jets.. They probably would have won in Cleveland too to be honest.

Would Miami have traded Fitzpatrick to the Steelers if they didn’t think that first rounder would be a top ten pick? Everything changes if Ben doesn’t get hurt. Really can’t say for sure how things would have turned out. But I look at San Fran and figure the Steelers could play more like them and still keep winning.

 

[PennStateNate]

Would Miami have traded Fitzpatrick to the Steelers if they didn’t think that first rounder would be a top ten pick? Everything changes if Ben doesn’t get hurt. Really can’t say for sure how things would have turned out. But I look at San Fran and figure the Steelers could play more like them and still keep winning.

well since they traded for him in week 2 I don’t think that would have changed much.

let’s also not ignore even if they didn’t get Fitzpatrick, they wouldn’t have had a bad D. TJ Watt would still be amazing, Dupree would have still been good, Bush still would have been good, Haden still would have been good.

 

[MJG-90]

well since they traded for him in week 2 I don’t think that would have changed much.

let’s also not ignore even if they didn’t get Fitzpatrick, they wouldn’t have had a bad D. TJ Watt would still be amazing, Dupree would have still been good, Bush still would have been good, Haden still would have been good.

It actually happened week three between the Seattle and San Fran games. And when it happened people were predicting it would end up being a top five pick.