Simmons' career in Steeltown was steady, yet unremarkable. As a first round pick, one could say that he underachieved, given the history of other recent Steeler first rounders. I will point out that during his rookie year, in a Wild Card game against the Browns, Simmons did throw a key block on a crucial touchdown run. In the defense of the Auburn product, the affliction with adult diabetes in 2003 more than likely tied a hefty anchor around his ankle, preventing him from ever attaining greatness.
Our last memory of Simmons
With Simmons' departure, the team is now left with just the overachieving yet underqualified Darnell Stapleton as the only experienced guard under contract. At this point we must make a few assumptions: 1) the James Harrison contract is coming along, yet at a steep price 2) the team is actually working hard towards retaining big man, Chris Kemoeatu 3) the Jeff Saturday rumors may be legit 4) Kevin Colbert fully intends upon drafting a guard in the first round 5) plans are being made to convert a current roster tackle to guard (Willie Colon ??) 6) Bruce Arians plans on fielding lots of death threats this year as the run game manages to actually get worse. I'm guessing a combination of #1, 2, and #4...and maybe a bit of #6.
One last note on Simmons before we let him vanish into the mist of Steeler history...let's never, ever forget that he made the all dumbass team for suffering from frostbite after falling asleep with an ice pack on his foot. Hopefully, wherever Kendall and his sore feet re-surface, the ice packs will all have timers and alarms.
5 comments:
And Fred Taylor to New England...I am sure to gain a spectacular second life and hurt the Steelers once again
I have a ton of respect for Taylor. He put up some big numbers against the Steelers, even when they were shutting down everyone else.
He seems humble and a team player. Wouldn't have minded seeing him come to the balck and gold - but our backfield is already crowded.
Dude has a ton of yards and I'm sure will add to that in the next few years. Will he go to Canton?? Thoughts anyone?
BTW - the Pirates are dead to me.
The Pats are a clever team. A few of us had Taylor in Foxboro as soon as the news broke that he was getting cut by the Jags. It's the kind of move that the Patsies make...and it usually works.
The NFL Network guys say that someone will bite on Cassell, thus sending the Pats two first round picks.
As far as Canton for Fragile Fred: my two cents worth says he hasn't earned it yet. 11,000 yards and zero Superbowl appearances isn't exactly a rarity in the NFL anymore. 70 total TDs is a bit low, as well. I don't think you'll see a lot of modern era runners get in anymore with less than 13,000 yards (unless they are a total back like Marshall Faulk). Taylor's career receiving numbers are actually a bit modest; although he had some good receiving years in his early days.
Should Fred put up another 2,000 yards and play a key role towards a Lombardi, I'd say bronze him. Of course, the Pats could put him in some role where he scores scads of TDs. With Fred, however, you never know when that hammy is going to blow out. He may not get that much playing time at this point. At 33, he probably only has two or maybe three years left in the tank. MP and I also fantasized about Fred being our short yardage guy.
Does Marvin Harrison fit in the 'Burgh??? I guess not...
When will Pittsburgh re-sign Mitch Berger? :)
T O anybody?
Post a Comment