View topic - The Silence of Ben

[BigE Profile]

Franchise players have clout in the front office, no doubt about it. Usually, their opinions are listened to and their wishes are granted within reason. How Big Ben can sit by and let this front office resign these oafs that play on the offensive line is mind boggling. No way on earth can Ben possibly think that these guys are any good. The Steelers have not yet worked anything out with Jamie Harrison, but were so quick to resign The Colon, who is one of the worst guards in the league; Starks, who is nothing more than an oversized pussy that gets mauled by every DE in football. Sorry, Jamie you'll have to wait, the Steelers felt it more important to lock up Andre Frazier for 2 more years and put you on the back burner. It's about time Ben went balls out into the front office and demanded something done with this porous group of players that they call an offensive line.

[GCCSteel Profile]

Is this sarcasm? It can't be serious. Colon isn't one of the worst guards in the league. In fact he isn't even a guard. I would say he is one of the worst STARTING right tackles in the league, but there are only 32 of those. Starks isn't great, but he is the best we have. He is a known commodity if nothing else.

You want Ben to come out and say his line sucks and they need a new one? This sounds like an immature and Peyton Manning like statement. There is a good chance he will be playing with all of his linemen from last year (Whether they start or are on the bench they are still in the locker room). These are the men that Ben relies on, he is not going to throw them under the bus to the media. Maybe he is quietly asking for some more help, how would you know?

Finally, the James Harrison Andre Frazier comment doesn't hold weight. Andre Frazier received $700k a season for 2 seasons. James Harrison will make substantially more than that. James is still under contract, as well. I highly doubt the signing of Andre Frazier has ANY impact whatsoever to James Harrison's contract. He was signed as a camp body and special teamer. James will get a deal worked out.

[Steel Holiday Profile]

It's not Ben who should be complaining. Willie Parker hasn't had a gaping hole to run through in since...oh, I can't remember. Luckily we have a young guy like Mendenhall to watch who probably doesn't realize yet that playing running back isn't always like that game show "Hole In The Wall". The running backs are the guys who should have beef about the offensive line. Ben is a smart player. He knows that Pgh is in keeping with tradition; defense first, running game 2nd, and then a great Qb 3rd. It is still relatively early in this off season process for our Steelers. Remember winning the Super Bowl? The draft is still 6 weeks away. Proverbial chips are still falling as I type. Rest assured Blow hi o native Pace will not be coming to the Berg unless Starks is going to Rt, Colon to Rg and Stappleton back to the bench. Doesn't seem likely if the Steelers hope to have enough cash to put on the table for ya boy Silverback. No one should think Ben would be so selfish with such demands.

A mauler like Eben Britton is someone I would like to have. Mock drafts have this guy going before Pittsburgh's selection at 32, but all it take sometimes for a player to fall is 1 or 2 picks that weren't predicted. If there are no defenders that measure up to the quality Britton could give to the Steelers offensively then he is a prospect that would have to be considered.

[Witchblade Profile]

Starks, who is nothing more than an oversized pussy that gets mauled by every DE in football.

1. Name the DE's that mauled him.

2. Please have some evidence like video or at least game down and distance.


There's not a OL man out that doesn't get worked once and a while especially against a quality D and/or DE.

State your case.

[steelcitymetal Profile]

Silence... of the Ben.

[McLovin Profile]

[quote="Steel .

A mauler like Eben Britton is someone I would like to have. Mock drafts have this guy going before Pittsburgh's selection at 32, but all it take sometimes for a player to fall is 1 or 2 picks that weren't predicted. If there are no defenders that measure up to the quality Britton could give to the Steelers offensively then he is a prospect that would have to be considered.[/quote]

I too like Britton..to me he's strictly a RT having played his first 2 years there. As a rookie, he would not unseat Colon...Larry P loves Willie. That being said, I don't think Britton gets past Philly as Reid will like his nasty attitude and view him as the next Jon Runyan. The only starter from the Super Bowl OL in danger of losing his starting spot is Stapleton. I see Colbert drafting Wood at pick #32 ...he is enjoying a metoric rise up the draft board (Kiperism). Wood will start for Stapleton this year and then replace Hartwig the next.

[toomuchmerrilhoge Profile]

Somehow I don't think Ben is going to publicly denounce his O-line. And you have to admit, out of the 50 or so times Ben was sacked this year, at least one third were on him, which he readily admits. Some were on the WRs for not making hot route adjustments (remember the Eagles game?). It's just part of the way he plays. I do agree that we need a bigger body at RT, or possibly grab an LT and move Maxi-pad back to RT and Wille C. back to RG, so I hope we go strong on O-line in the draft. I'm sure the FO watched all the games we watched last year, and watched Ben get sacked just like we did, and somehow I think that even without Ben ripping the O-line, the FO, which has invested $102 million in Ben, will be interested in protecting their investment.

[thesteelhammer Profile]

It's a complete catch 22 for a QB to complain about his O-line.
(and yes, saying we need to draft o-line is complaining.)

[Steel Holiday Profile]

The Runyon comparison is nice McLovin, but the Eagles signed Stacy Andrews from Cinci to play Rt. From what I've read about the offensive line in Chicago, the Bears would be clumsy not to select Britton @ pick 18. Veteran Jon Tait has retired and they are considering re-signing perennial backup Jon St. Clair to be the starter. Eben and Olin would make two nasty dudes blocking for a young Rb.

[The Fan Of STEEL Profile]

This offensive line gave up alot of sacks. Even so, this team won a Superbowl with that line and even won the game on offense. I'm still hoping for some upgrade, but will give the line a break considering the fact that we won the Superbowl.

[deltadweller Profile]

You'll see O-line drafted, but most wouldn't start this year. You have to have something to start with. Granted we all have concerns about the line play, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and the Steelers aren't going to throw big money at free agents. Just not in the DNA of this franchise. I think it shows promise that they cut their losses with Simmons and the oft injured Smith. I would like to see Mack from Cal or Unger from Oregon in the first round as both can play multiple positions along the line. Reprtedly Mack can play center or guard and Unger can play anywhere except LT (can't remember where I read it, so please don't ask for a source). The afore mentioned tackles would seem fine as well. That said, don't be suprised to see CB taken 1.32 and then a OL at 2.32. If the FO doesn't think there's a OL that can start day 1 at 1.32, but a CB that can be at least a nickel back I think they'll go that direction.