Good Friday to you Steelers fans.
After a week of additions to the roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers, we have finally seen a subtraction. Ray Ray McCloud has signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The deal is for two years and $10 million dollars. While the loss isn’t a massive one, it does put a bigger spotlight on the need for wide receivers. It also means the Steelers are in the market for a punt and kick returner as well. McCloud impressed me as a receiver this past year. He took some big shots and hung on to the ball in key moments. As a returner, McCloud increased my anxiety tenfold. Was he a step up from Ryan Switzer? Oh for damn sure he was but his decision-making was often questionable and he lacked the breakaway speed you desire in a returner and receiver. I thank him for his contributions and wish him well as the Steelers’ need for a receiver grows.
The Podcast
We had another great episode of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc last night. Ben and Ryan joined me as we discussed a huge week of activity for the Steelers. Being it was St. Paddy’s Day (like that would matter) we enjoyed some fine Irish Whiskey during the broadcast as well. You check out the audio or video versions right here!
Tweet of the Day… I agree with his emoji.
— Bozyk of Steelers Nation (@djbozyk) March 18, 2022
Speed
you don’t need me to tell you that one thing lacking from this team’s offense is speed. I don’t mean “guys that can run fast,” I’m talking about guys that can run to the point where no one else can catch them. That type of speed is rare but it must be found and it must be used properly. No one evaluates receiver talent quite like the Steelers do and they’ve certainly spent a lot of time scouting and chatting with receivers so far, but will they land the game-breaking type we need? That’s always difficult to say but it had better be one of the boxes they need to check off I know that much.
Witherspoon Back
Within minutes of us wrapping the Podcast last night, word came down that the Steelers had indeed agreed on a deal with Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Despite not playing a lot after arriving via trade, he went on to have an excellent final month of the season. His rise, coupled with Levi Wallace and Cam Sutton, give the Steelers three young and capable cornerbacks. My guess is they are less likely to seek one now in the Draft unless it is perhaps for a guy who exclusively plays in the slot.
Haden Not
I have to believe Joe Haden’s days in Pittsburgh are officially over with Witherspoon returning. Haden was a tremendous player and locker room presence during his time here and that’s 100% appreciated probably more than he’ll ever know. I suspect he’ll get an opportunity somewhere should he choose to keep playing. I think he still has the skills to play in specific situations for somebody.
FOCO
The great people at FOCO have released their brand new Steelers Spring Collection and I’ve got it right here for you. We get a small percentage back on anything that you buy so please consider it! There are tons of great Steelers item on their site outside of the Spring collection too!
Our Online Store
Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with! Here’s our latest idea which is a tribute to our two great retired quarterbacks!
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