Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.
It was bound to happen. Top running backs in the National Football League have had enough and they’re reacting on social media. Yesterday, Saquan Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard all saw the Franchise Tag deadline come and go with none of them getting a new deal. Instead, they’ll play under the tag this year. This should not be surprising to any of us. The value of running backs has gone down in recent years as teams continue to move towards more money spent on their passing games. The Steelers will look to buck this trend in 2023 as they look to run the ball more often and more effectively. It was no surprise that Najee Harris was among other running backs to take to Twitter last night.
I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL- history will show that you need running backs to win- we set the tone every game and run trough walls for our team and lead in many ways- this notion that we deserve less is a joke. https://t.co/rWJkGIEgmW
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023
As teams spend more and more on quarterbacks, receivers and pass protectors, there must be savings somewhere and the running back spot has been hit hard. Take for instance last year’s Super Bowl Champs. The Kansas City Chiefs used largely a “committee” approach but relied heavily on seventh round draft pick Isiah Pacheco at key moments. Don’t forget Jaylen Warren was an UDFA… When teams don’t have to invest significant draft capital, why bother signing big second contracts? You probably don’t want to hear this but the same situation is coming with Harris. His situation is even worse for him than most situations because of his age.
Tweet of the Day… Derrick always does great and interesting work.
Some interesting splits here…
Kenny Pickett outside the pocket (weeks 4-14):
26/56
4.0 yards per attempt
3 interceptions
0 touchdownsKenny Pickett outside the pocket (weeks 16-18):
15-29
6.1 yards per attempt
0 interceptions
1 touchdown— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) July 18, 2023
2,000 Yards?
This past week, Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill said he was going to hit the 2,000 yards receiving mark this coming season. The Lions’ Calvin Johnson fell about 40 yards short back in 2012. That’s the closest anyone has come. To be fair to Hill, he was on pace last year before Tua Tagovailoa got hurt. Hill’s speed and ability to separate will be key factors in his quest. Best wishes to him but I don’t see it happening.
A ‘Ringing’ Apology
Former Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell issued an apology to Steelers Nation the other night. I shared my thoughts on it last night, but I always find it interesting how players look back and reflect on their careers. We do the same – it’s a natural thing to do as we get older – we reflect on things we did right and things we did wrong. That’s where Bell is right now.
Tomlin Extension
Mike Tomlin is going to get a contract extension. It’s likely going to happen prior to or at the beginning of Camp. Fans have already started debating this and they’re wasting their time. It’s going to happen. It’s what the Steelers have done for a long time now and I don’t see them varying from this. I will be honest however. He has hitched his wagon to Matt Canada for a third year and I’m done buying the excuses. “But he had Ben Roethlisberger in his last year and Kenny Pickett in his rookie year…” Phooey. If this isn’t a playoff year then Tomlin’s seat should be warm.
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