MasterStrategist

I like Keon, think he's very similar to Pickens talent. But Worthy has been my top choice for a while, reminds me of DeSean/Zay Flowers. Keon lacks some of the route running crispness, but he's way more fluid than Gabe. Ideally, we see us selecting Worthy. If he's gone, I wouldn't mind trading back to top of 2nd round (1st few picks)...Keon "might" be there still OR plenty of other very solid options. We need to get 3 immediate impact players (starters/high level depth) at WR, DL, and S from this draft. Be nice to double down on WR (4th round, or if we tradeback possibly in 3rd), get younger in secondary and a RB2 late.

Completely agree, that you're stating facts about what we've done in recent past. But, I think last year was a perfect example of Diggs having to play through injury because we had absolutely nobody to step up. Davis down against Chiefs, and we were relying on Josh/ground attack to move the ball. This offense will be next level/potentially elite with a 1st round WR and a 4th WR via FA. That's counting on 1st rounder panning out, but recent history has shown the top prospects contribute immediately (and this is a VERY deep class). Kincaid/Cook/Shakir each taking a step forward. I expect FA to fill holes on DL and depending if we cut Poyer, then a S. We'd be smart to cut some guys, ie: Harty, Morse, Poyer, Tre and sign 1 starter at S, 1 WR (Wr4 type), and bring back Jones. Use remaining cap on depth at DL. Then WR 1st round, S or DE 2nd and 3rd, then depth at DT and RB later in draft. Beane can restructure and maneuver some 1 year deals to "push" some cap to next couple years.

Not sure I'd call it "doubling down", that usually means putting more money/financial committment. I'd call it having "faith/hope" in Von, which isn't far-fetched. He looked better/closer to normal form down the stretch. Kinda like Tre in 2022, not quite himself but got closer each game. Then in 2023 looked back like himself. Regarding CB, and secondary in general, they need more speed/get younger. Elam has talent, albeit inconsistent, but I could see a Bernard (or AJE) type jump for him. It's either Douglas or Tre, that gets cut within the next few weeks IMO. Tre has been around since Coach started, his 1st pick. I think they cut Rasul and see where Tre is at late summer. Elam/Benford/likely Dane resigned/rookie late pick/PS type guys....then if Tre is fully recovered, we have a nice problem. At safety, I'm thinking we start over. Poyer is still good, but the "whole was better than parts" (him and Hyde), FA will have several options and a 2nd or 3rd round rookie - with Cam/Hamlin/Rapp or another FA as depth.

Agree it's weird at face value (just reading a tweet). But he was asked by a kid at a local community event in Pittsburgh, about playing for the Steelers. So sort of a leading question and Hamlin didn't want to disappoint the kid. Tough situation/response either way.

Give me speed at WR, I don't care about size. We need someone who can win the short/intermediate routes, with deep play ability who can be relied on as a #2 (potential for #1 in future). This will definitely be a key draft for Beane to get us over the hump. Then take another in thr 4th-5th, who is more deep threat/size type. We need a more balanced group of WRs, like GB built. Mix of different skill sets. We can make a significant jump in skill players this offseason, similar to Ravens/Pack, if our young guys keep developing and we hit big on our 1st rounder (WR) and can find a capable #2 back.

Your last point, I think is the primary issue. $15m next year would be a HUGE hit. I think we get better "value" keeping him this year, vs a replacement at $6.7m. And as mentioned, more importantly we can spread $15m dead cap over 2 years. People forget we signed Floyd for $7-8m against the cap (forget exact #), but built in a deap cap for this year. Beane isn't going to double up the problem by cutting Von and doing a similar Floyd signing. Better alternative is doing a Floyd type signing and keep Von. Financially we can do that

Usually mid to end of May

I lean toward players/injuries, especially lacking any elite guys at DL and secondary: 2020-our DL wasn't near good enough 2021- our DL wasn't near good enough/Tre injured and slowing down in secondary (safeties) 2022-injuries to Von/Hyde/Daquan and a 80% Tre White 2023- way too many injuries, especially at LB to defend what Chiefs like to do with their TEs and Rbs We were missing too many pieces to be aggressive VS Chiefs this year, and just too slow/banged up against Cincy. I think our scheme works, we play these high-caliber teams in regular season (ie: Chiefs) and can win. DL and safety will likely look alot different next year (younger/faster). Not necessarily better overall players, but it's all about staying healthy at key spots. I'd like to see Spags coach up/use his system here, it wouldn't work....he's been fortunate with injuries.

My evaluation of Joe Brady.. Pros: 1. Coaching style: Brought more energy/juice to the off room- including getting Josh back into a groove and fewer turnovers 2. Playcalling: liked we had better balance and used Cook/Kincaid in more ways. Better rhythm overall 3. Ability to improve: we've yet to see him install "his system", did a good job working within the existing system 4. Diverse scheme: we haven't seen it fully yet, but Brady has experience in effective and good schemes in the past Cons: 1. Passing game: struggled down the stretch vs expectations 2. Retread: hasn't been successful everywhere he's been. fired from Carolina I think he gets the job for 3 reasons: 1. Continuity/familiarity 2. We haven't seen "his scheme" yet, and he runs an offense that McD likes 3. WR2/weapons: not blaming everything on WR2, but when you want to run a short/intermediate attack (with select downfield shots), Gabe doesn't fit at all/we didn't have many options other than rookie Kincaid Get a legit WR in round 1 and another FA. We need to do a better job in FA at finding a weapon to use/worth the $ (Beane has invested, albeit low $s, that add up and haven't panned out)

Agree, we need to be more explosive on offense. But also maintain our ground game/short passing too. We just don't the WR weapons, simple as that. Took 3 chances deep yesterday, Sherfield 2x and Diggs 1x. All 3 were great passes. Diggs either playing through an injury or majorly regressed in 2nd half of season. I lean toward injury, based on what he showed to start the year. A legit #2, competition for Shakir, and some adjustments to scheme. Joe Brady showed he can run a short passing/efficient offense, but didn't "wow" me. He brought an aspect that Daboll and Dorsey lacked- a run game/short attack. He was running Dorseys scheme, so I'm confident he'd improve, question is how much?

I like what the Packers built over a 2 year span....guys like Dobbs, Watson, Reed. They all complement very well, though none are true #1s. I think we could have something similar with 1-2 additions via the draft, which is a talented class. 1st round pick and a mid rounder. Get a speed guy and a big bodied guy with solid hands. Diggs was either injured in 2nd half of year, or has dropped to a #2 type WR. Shakir is a hard worker, good role player, but we get zero separation with our current group. It's either skill or playcalling/scheme, possibly both.

I'm sticking with Kincaid. Stick route or to the corner (if they're in man/cover 2). Go back to the angle route to Cook

This is our season, drive and get points....ideally a TD

Need a big play on offense now...Chiefs adjusting to take away our run game. Harty or Kincaid right now

Spags about to adjust and bring more pressure...4 man not getting it done for Chiefs. Brady needs to be ready with some quick passing/WR screen

Klein didn't run with the crosser into his flat zone

100% agree. You said it earlier, I also expect alot of "sub packages", to get our best 11 on the field. Belichick deployed a dime defense against us all game two years ago. I'm thinking 50/50 base nickle and dime/sub looks. I think Dorian gets the start, but will be about him staying in position/eye discipline.

Last time we played KC, James Cook had a coming out party. I'd expect we work the ground game and attack their LBs/middle of field. Spags likely going to bring along pressure, as he usually does against Josh. Playing alot press man/single high, behind it. Cook/Kincaid/Shakir I'd expect to get alot of targets again. I'd like to see us use Harty more outside, against press man teams his speed/quickness is a huge asset. Will see if Gabe is back this week.

Think it's an "educated guess" on Diggs. Based on Minkah hitting him there/Diggs toppling over. Agree, Diggs is battling through something. Bernard- if it's indeed a sprain, didn't look like High'Ankle based on bend direction. But could still be a torn ligament/need several month surgery recovery. Big Unknown until MRI. We just don't have the numbers at LB, with Spector also down and Dodson. Hopefully both those guys can play this week Johnson- I think he was injured on. the Pickens reverse, didn't look like head/thought his legs gave out. But maybe hit then fell awkwardly. Benford - he was riding stationary bike then quickly ruled out. I don't recall the injury, perhaps on the Freirermuth fumble. Hopefully we get Rasul back, at a minimum, to go with Dane. Martin- I'd expect he battles through/plays. McGovern- came back into game after 1 play, sure he'll be ok

Keep Harty or Isabella in there for some easy motion/swing passes

That's a fumble!!!

I'm in favor of kicking with the wind to start

Not discrediting the Steelers, but... 1. Last week: Baltimore mostly backups 2. 2 weeks ago: Hawks have been horrible against the run down the stretch. 200+ 2x and 160 in their last 3 3. 3 weeks ago: 30 for 113 against Cincy is OK. Nothing special, ypc wise and they hit some splash plays early But to your point and what alot of folks saying, the key is shutting down their run game. I just wouldn't say they "found" anything. They've been solid most of the year, with Najee and Warren. Just recently Rudolph has hit some key passes, and not turned it over. Trenches and turnover margin likely will be the key, as usual: 1. Our OL: I'd say "even", with Watt out. 2. Our DL: biggest matchup/most pivotal, and IMO we have slightly better talent. We need to win here 3. Turnover margin: Steelers have best in NFL, play smart/opportunistic on defense. Watt missing is huge in pass rush/turnovers. Josh just needs to play smart. Good comes with the bad, but he just can't have multiple turnovers I'd say we win by 6-8, if above holds true. 10+ if we win the turnover margin

Gotcha. Yeah I agree it's definitely a "strategy"....and I could see benefits to both. Kicking with the wind to start: home crowd fired up, quick stop and hopefully get a short field, score and play with the lead/momentum. Everything you said above, isn't a bad strategy either. Will see how Coach handles this game.

Please educate how a team can "manipulate" the coin toss? Or how a single team could pick both 2nd and 4th qtr directions. To my understanding, let's say we win the toss... 1. If we Defer, then Steelers would take the ball. Then we get to decide kicking direction (hence 2nd qtr option). 2nd half, Bills would elect to receive and Steelers pick kicking direction (hence 4th qtr impact) 2. Vice versa if we lose the toss or decide to receive (instead of defer) So I'm trying to follow how a single team can control (or manipulate as you say) both 2nd and 4th qtr. Unless they give up a possession (which to me is just dumb).