Good Wednesday to you Steelers’ fans.
The case of Javon Hargrave is fascinating to me. Here’s a guy who was a third pick and with a tremendous resume as a pass rusher and backfield menace coming out of South Carolina State. The “Grave Digger” seemed a perfect fit for the Steelers as they transitioned to more specialty packages in the age of spread formations and heavier doses of passing. With Training Camp approaching this past year, it sure seemed to me that Hargrave would be receiving a new contract. Not only was a solid talent but he was known to be good in the locker room and ZERO issues off the field. But this is where we fans are often out of the loop. Clearly there was something about his game that the Steelers weren’t crazy about. We know he isn’t a ‘true 3-4 nose tackle’ but how often would the Steelers’ D really be in the base defense any way? It doesn’t matter because as the Steelers exited Camp and then the preseason, Hargrave was headed for free agency in 2020. Could he re-sign with the Steelers? Sure he could but his price is expected to be well out of their affordability. It’s more likely he’ll got to team that can use his skills more often as a three-tech than what the Steelers have. I liked his selection. I’ve liked his play on the field and I am disappointed to see him go especially with Stephon Tuitt’s injury history. But this is where I have to trust what the Steelers are doing as much as I may not like it.
OL Concern
I really do think, as I mentioned in my offseason predictions piece, that Ramon Foster will be gone. I also think that B.J. Finney will get paid handsomely elsewhere and that will lead Matt Feiler to moving back to guard. The problems for me begin there because I don’t see Chuks Okorafor or Zach Banner as solutions to the right tackle opening. I don’t think the Steelers do either and that’s a huge concern for me.
Tweet of the Day… Outstanding. Good for him.
As a kid, Josh Jacobs and his dad, Marty, lived in a car at times with his four siblings.
Tuesday, he bought him a house ? (via @iAM_JoshJacobs) pic.twitter.com/QsW0xo0qUJ
— ESPN (@espn) January 8, 2020
So Long Berry
The lockers aren’t even cleaned and sanitized yet and already the Steelers have brought in a punter for a tryout. Former Titans’ punter Ryan Santoso worked out for the Steelers yesterday. This by no means guarantees that Berry is gone but it’s a damn good sign that the team knows it has to improve in that area. He played his college ball at Minnesota and can also handle place kicking duties when called upon.
Speaking of Kickers
I know I speak for all of you when I say how great it was to see Chris Boswell bounce back from his very sub-par 2018 campaign. While he wasn’t necessarily called on for too many game-winning kicks in 2019, Bos bounced back in a big way nailing 28 of 30 field goal attempts. Good for him and good for the Steelers!
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
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