A Few Questions About the Steelers?

Question

1. Do you think Bill Cowher will return to coach next year? If not, who will be his replacement: Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm, or someone else?

2. Will the Steelers extend the contract of Joey Porter or let him become a free agent and start James Harrison?

3. Who will be the Steelers' first round draft pick?

4. Who's the best player on the team?

5. Is Willie Parker going to turn into one of the NFL's elite RB's?

6. Does the team have any players who will be Hall-of-Famers? Do they have anyone who is already a lock?

7. Who was the Steelers' rookie of the year?

8. Which current starters will lose their jobs next year?

9. Will Roethlisberger ever win another Super Bowl?

10. Will the Steelers be a playoff team next year? Super Bowl contender?


Justify your answers!!


Bonus: Who will go number one in the draft and to which team? Where will Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija go in the draft and to whom?

Answer 1

1. Do you think Bill Cowher will return to coach next year? If not, who will be his replacement: Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm, or someone else?
I'd like to think Cowher will be back. The team has shown over the last month and a half (not including both Baltimore games) that there still is enough talent there to compete. Many games this year they beat themselves with bad turnovers. Unlike the situation with the Giants, there wasnt a lot of finger pointing with the Steelers this season, and I think thats a testament to Cowher and the coaching staff for preaching team unity. I think he will stay and possibly even renegotiate a deal for another 2 or 3 years afterwards. It would make no sense for him to stay just one more year then leave. The purpose of him stepping down was to spend time with his youngest daughter before she went to college, so I think he'll either stay for 3-4 more years (at least) or step down now. If he leaves now, Whisenhunt or Grimm will take over. The Rooneys won't go outside of the system. If Cowher stays, I expect either Whisenhunt or Grimm, if not both, to be strong candiates for any head coaching vacancy.

2. Will the Steelers extend the contract of Joey Porter or let him become a free agent and start James Harrison?
That will depend on what Joey feels like he is worth. Obviously he'll need a big contract to pay all his fines, but his numbers have dropped off a little bit this season. He's still a great player, but the Steelers almost never outbid other teams when it comes to their free agents. Some stay for less money because of loyalty to the Rooney's, or because of the stabiility of the franchise. If Joey takes that route he should be back. If he's looking for the most possible money he can make...I don't see that coming to him from Pittsburgh. Harrison will step in and they will address LB depth in the draft and/or free agency if Joey leaves.

3. Who will be the Steelers' first round draft pick?
I'd love for it to either be Jeff Samardzija or Dwyane Jarrett of USC. The WR's contributed to Ben's interception problems this year by tipping balls they should have caught, giving defenders a shot at picking them off, and really thats the position I feel they need the most help. The O line is getting up there in years with the exception of Max Starks, so they could use some depth there, As I said before, the LB position could use some depth, and of course they could always use another CB or two, but I think a WR with some height (Samardzija) would be a huge addition.

4. Who's the best player on the team?
Alan Faneca. He's the anchor of the line, he's in his 9th year, but still pulls around the corners on outside runs to throw huge blocks, is the pillar of consistancy, and plays and practices hard every day. He's a perrenial all pro, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Troy comes in as an extremely close second.

5. Is Willie Parker going to turn into one of the NFL's elite RB's?
He has to become more consistant, which I think he will. He'll run for 220 one week, then less than 40 the next. It's a matter of him trusting his vision, and hitting the holes he gets rather than dancing to try to find them. I think he's already highly regarded, given his Pro Bowl selection, and that he is still improving. Remember he didnt really take too many hits in college, as he didnt even start for UNC his Jr. and Sr. year, so he isnt as worn down as some guys who've been at it the same number of years. I think Willie will only improve, and given that many teams are splitting carries, I think that yes, Willie will be in the upper eschelon of RB's over the next few years.

6. Does the team have any players who will be Hall-of-Famers? Do they have anyone who is already a lock?
Hines Ward is close. The Super Bowl MVP award helps his cause, but as we've seen in hall of fame voting recently, the criteria for WR's getting in has increased drastically. Art Monk still isnt in and he once held the all time receptions record. Andre Reed had huge numbers but doesnt look like he will get in. Hines already has the Steeler team record for receptions and should secure the team record for receiving yards next season, over two guys already in the hall in Swann and Stallworth. I think Hines still has about 4 or 5 years left, which should get him well over 10,000 career receiving yards. If he hits that mark, I think he will get in. I'd say that polamalu has a good shot given the first 4 years of his career, Casey Hampton might have a shot, as might Ben but its too early. Faneca should be strongly considered, as should Cowher.

7. Who was the Steelers' rookie of the year?
It's gotta be Santonio. He's come on pretty strong lately and put up some good numbers. Most importantly, it looks like he's learning how to hold on to the ball. Anthony Smith has played pretty well in the games he's gotten in to, but not enough to overtake what Santonio has done.

8. Which current starters will lose their jobs next year?
Kendall Simmons would get my first vote. He was benched earlier this year for Kemoeatu and if Chris knows he has a shot at winning the starting job coing into camp, he might prove all the potential the staff feels that he has. I wouldnt say Hartings would lose his job, but I think he may retire, so that would put Okobi in at the Center position. I think one of the CB positions will be open. Given all the money they just paid Ike Taylor, I think they will give him every chance to win the starting job back. If you still consider Ryan Clark as a starter, I would say he would lose that status to Anthony Smith.

9. Will Roethlisberger ever win another Super Bowl?
I think he will. Things pretty much couldnt have been worse for him personally this year. As I stated before, they still seem to have enough talent to contend. Every aspect of the team played under their expectations this season, so I dont think this will be a continuing struggle to return to the success they've enjoyed throughout the Cowher era. I think they will get it right.

10. Will the Steelers be a playoff team next year? Super Bowl contender?
I think that will depend on Cowher's return. If he comes back, I could see them as a Super Bowl contender. Remember, in 2002 the Patriots missed the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl, then came back and went to the bowl the next 2 years. The Steelers might have that chance. I think if Cowher returns they are contender for the Super Bowl. If not, they could still be a playoff team. They still play well at home, their schedule will be easier, as they'll play the 3rd place teams in the other AFC divisions (which looks like it'll be Buffalo, Ten/Jax, and KC) and they play against the NFC west next year, the division in which 8-8 might be enough to win it. Granted all those teams look like they are on the upswing, but the Steelers should do well against all of those teams.

Good questions. Hope my input helped.

Bonus: Who will go number one in the draft and to which team? Where will Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija go in the draft and to whom?
I think Brady is destined for Detroit or Oakland, as either of them will have the top pick and both need a QB. Like I said I'd love to see Samardzija in Black and Gold, but I think he'll go mid to late 1st round. I could see Charlie Weis putting a good word in to Belichick for him and the Pats picking him up if he's still on the board. Of course the need for receivers in Atlanta is off the chart, but I would think they'd pick up local product Calvin Johnson before Samardzija.

Answer 2

1. I think Cowher comes back. I don't beleive he would want to end his Steeler tenure this way. I think he'd feel better about turning over a playoff team to his successor.

2. Ever since the Steelers let their great team of the 1970's grow old together and then scrambled to put a team together again, the team has been good about letting guys go before they start to fade. Porter has been hurt this year nad makes a decent chunk of change and could probably get a decent contract somewhere else, so I think Porter goes and Polamalu becomes the signature player of the Steeler defense.

3. I have no idea. I would guess defense is the direction they'll go, but it is way too early.

4. Willie Parker. He is one of their best and he has stayed healthy all year.

5. It depends on Cowher. The coach may want to have another bruising back like he had with Bettis. Otherwise, if Parker stays healthy, he could be an elite back. He's pretty much there now.

6. I would vote for Hines Ward. I think he might be the most complete receiver in the game. His stats are not as impressive as a lot of guys in this era and they may hurt his chances. Cowher will get into the Hall of Fame, especially now that he has won a Super Bowl. Alan Faneca should get serious consieration for the Hall of Fame as well. Given the system of electing Hall of Famers, I can't say anyone is a lock.

7. Not following the Steelers all that much I'd have to go with Santonio Holmes.

8. I understand your defensive backs have been disappointing so I'd pick one of them as a likely candidate for losing a job.

9. It's possible. In the NFL now anythign's possible. It's one of the things I don't like about the league.

10. I think they will bounce back. They suffered some key injuries this year and won't be suffering from the Super Bowl hangover going into next season.

BONUS: Raiders take Brady Quinn number one . Samardzija will go to Houston, as in the Astros. I understand he's an exceptional pitcher. Baseball pays better and hurts less.

Answer 3

1. Do you think Bill Cowher will return to coach next year? If not, who will be his replacement: Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm, or someone else? Probably since the Steelers stunk so bad this year.

2. Will the Steelers extend the contract of Joey Porter or let him become a free agent and start James Harrison? If Steelers history holds true they will not resign Porter unless Porter takes less money.

3. Who will be the Steelers' first round draft pick? I'm guessing they'll go either with a defensive back or another receiver however they are getting to the point of needing an offensive lineman.

4. Who's the best player on the team? Currently it would probably be Hines Ward

5. Is Willie Parker going to turn into one of the NFL's elite RB's? If he stays healthy and the Steelers keep putting together at least a half decent line.

6. Does the team have any players who will be Hall-of-Famers? Hines Ward has a chance and if Parker keeps putting up numbers as he is now he may have a chance. Big Ben could with a few SBs but he has to stop throwing picks. Do they have anyone who is already a lock? The only one currently would be Hines Ward in my opinion unless you go to lineman with Faneca.

7. Who was the Steelers' rookie of the year? Even though he messed up several times on punts I'd have to go with Santonio Holmes.

8. Which current starters will lose their jobs next year? Either Townsend or Washington.

9. Will Roethlisberger ever win another Super Bowl? Yes

10. Will the Steelers be a playoff team next year? Yes, as long as they have a good running game, which they should, and Big Ben comes into camp healthy (staying off that stupid bike). Super Bowl contender? Yes, but with the same conditions.


Justify your answers!!


Bonus: Who will go number one in the draft and to which team? Where will Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija go in the draft and to whom? I don't follow college enough.

Answer 4

. Do you think Bill Cowher will return to coach next year? If not, who will be his replacement: Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm, or someone else?

He will coach again next year. This year's failure will drive him to return. If he won again this year, he would have quit.

2. Will the Steelers extend the contract of Joey Porter or let him become a free agent and start James Harrison?

They should let him go. He's not good enough to play in a 3-4.

3. Who will be the Steelers' first round draft pick?

By god they need a WR who can catch. Next best would be a bowling-ball shaped RB like Letuli out of the University of Hawaii.

4. Who's the best player on the team?

At the moment, Willie Parker on O and Polamalu on D.

5. Is Willie Parker going to turn into one of the NFL's elite RB's?

Yes. 4.3 speed doesn't lie.

6. Does the team have any players who will be Hall-of-Famers? Do they have anyone who is already a lock?

Polamalu, Heath Miller, Jeff Reed, the O-line, many of the defenders and Ward have good chances to be HOF'ers, but the only lock I can see is Gardocki if he remains unblocked for his entire career.

7. Who was the Steelers' rookie of the year?

Nate Washington.

8. Which current starters will lose their jobs next year?

Santorio Holmes, Joey Porter, McFadden (just because Ike Taylor will return.)

9. Will Roethlisberger ever win another Super Bowl?

Yes, if they achieve 2 and 3 above.

10. Will the Steelers be a playoff team next year? Super Bowl contender?

Playoffs, yes. Super Bowl depends on the draft. This year, turnovers killed them. They need people who don't turn the ball over. They have to take the ball out of Rothlisberger's hands and go back to the 66% run formula that was so successful last year. To do this, they need a healthy Bettis-type bowling ball back.

bonus question:

I don't pay attention to college. However, if you take #1 as bonus, i think Mike Mularky is the obvious choice.

Answer 5

1. Yes I think he will be back and Weishunt is rumored to be the replacement but no one know who the Rooney's will pick. Cowher has said he will be back next year
2. Porter will likely get a contract extension, he is good and hard to replace but Harrison may be able to if put there
3. Really hard to say and depends where they pick and who is there
4.Offense is either Ben or "Fast" Willie, Defense and over all is Troy
5. If he is given the chance then yeah he will. He has shown this year that he can be. Already becoming one of the top in the franchise BUT can he continue to be where he is now. Small backs like him will break down faster
6. A lock I don't think they have any yet. Parker has a chance, Big Ben could make it if he plays healthy he can play at that level, Troy is one of the best Strong Safetys in the league. Heck if Offensive Lineman made it I would almost say Faneca will get in and Hastings would have a good chance. O-lineman almost never get in though
7. Not sure who all the rookies were so maybe Smith.
8. Not really sure
9. I think he COULD but the AFC is very elite alot of times and hard to make it. He has the skill, it is can he get there mostly and can he play long enough
10. I think they make the playoffs but until the roster is set I'm not sure about the Superbowl.
Bonus, The Raiders will be number one and likely pick the wrong player. They need a QB and should take Troy Smith or maybe Quinn(who I think is over-hyped) but see Al Davis drafting some stupid postion instead.

Answer 6

1. I really want to believe that he'll be back, but at this point, I don't think he will be. I don't think that Whisenhunt or Grimm will replace him, they'll probably bring someone new in. I can't even begin to speculate who that might be.

2. Although the Steelers are infamous for letting their all star LBs go via free agency, I think they extend Porter's contract. I think he'll be one of those players who is a Steeler for life like Hines Ward.

3. Its real hard to speculate, but I think in the first round, the Steelers could really benefit from either a top tier CB or a nice change of pace RB. If they can get him, I think they should snag up Leon Hall out of Michigan. If not, maybe Daymeion Hughes from Cal. I could see them going with Marshawn Lynch, also from Cal if they opt for a RB. Levi Brown, OT out of PSU wouldn't be a bad choice either.

4. Best player on the team is definitely Polamalu, he can just do so many things.

5. Willie Parker already is one of the NFL's elite RBs. Now don't get me wrong, hes not LT or LJ or even Alexander. But I guarantee hes a player that opposing defenses need to prepare for if they don't want him to go off on them.

6. In the future I would expect Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, and maybe Casey Hampton all to at least be finalists in the HOF voting. There is one player that is a lock for the Hall, and that's Alan Faneca.

7. The Steelers didn't really get that great of performances out of their rookies, but probably Santonio Holmes.

8. I think Deshea Townsend might lose his job, also possibly Max Starks.

9. Roethlisberger has a long, great career to look forward to. I expect at least 1, if not multiple SB wins from him.

10. Steelers should have been a playoff team this year...it just took them too long to get their **** together. The team has tons of talent, which is why they will make the playoffs next year and possibly make a run at the super bowl

Bonus: Brady Quinn will be taken #1 overall by the Lions. Samardzija will go in th emiddle of the first round, probably picked up by Tennessee, KC, or San Fran

Answer 7

1. I think he will come back just because of how the season was this year. If he does decide to come back, he will most likely have to sign another 3-4 year contract. But if he doesn't come back, then more then likely Wiz will be the next head coach.

2. Depending on how much money he is wanting. He is getting older, and didn't do much this year. My answer is yes though, he will be back.

3. It all really depends on where they are at. They have plenty of needs, so it's hard to tell where things will fall.

4. Troy without a doubt.

5. It's hard to tell without a line that will be consistent. He does have the potential though.

6. No one is on lock now, but Troy has the best chance.

7. Santonio Holmes

8. Max Starks, Kendall Simmons maybe.

9. Yes, he will.

10. Yes, they will be a very good team next year, and will more then likely have a bye in the playoffs. Expect them to come on strong.

Bonus: Brady Quinn will go first pick to the Lions as they need a better quarterback then Kitna.

Answer 8

All signs are pointing to Willie Parker leaving in free agency. I've always been a Fast Willie fan, but his time as a Steeler is up. He's been hurt the past couple seasons, and when he has been healthy he really wasn't producing a whole lot. Willie needs a change of scenery, so I expect him to go elsewhere and compete for a starting job.

Answer 9

1. i dont know
2. probably extend contract, hes a big part of their defense along with troy polamalu
3. i dont watch ncaa so i dont know
4. best player is troy polamalu
5. i cant imagine willie parker one of the great rbs like l.t. and alexander
6. i dont think anyone from this team so far will be hall of famers, they have a lot of tallent like with hines ward, they have great chemistry, but i dont think they have anyone that good
7. i dont know
8. i dont know
9. no
10. playoff contender, most likely. super bowl contender, no