MasterStrategist

This summarizes where I stand as well. Great post! 1. Cam: I think we keep him, make this work by keeping just 5 LBs on the 53. Stash some LBs on P/S for weekly call ups/special teams 2. Jonathan: I think he gives us more than Shaq, in pass rush. Shaq's attitude/setting edge is valuable too though. In game situations, just don't see Jonathan being ahead of Floyd, AJE, Groot or Boogie in pass rush situations. Whereas, Shaq is probably our best run stopper at DE (not named Groot or Von). I'd try to sneak him onto the P/S, or if a team comes calling then shop him 3. Spector: my guess he makes the 53, then we put him on IR. Someone like Reid gets cut then immediately re signed 4. Q: I think he's a liability when in the game. I'd cut him and put on P/S. Backup RT is the primary need coming from cuts. MLB* is something I could see via trade but likely after season gets into full swing. *MLB: I think we play more "dime" this year (passing downs). Keeps our need for a 6th LB vs secondary in check (hence keeping Cam). If we look to improve at MLB, I think it's a trade deadline move...only after we see what Bernard/Dodson brings. We're limited now, best option is to adapt some subpackages that use current personell (ie: Neal or Rapp in dime)

I think they find a way to keep Cam Lewis and/or JaMarcus Ingram. This would require a likely trade at CB, if we kept both. Safer bet, I'd say we keep Cam and roll with just 5 LBs. I've been advocating using Neal/Rapp as 'dime'/subpackage looks. If that occurs, I could see the team justifying keeping an extra secondary player VS LB (especially since I'm not sure we have 6 LBs worth a roster spot)

Again, passing downs/3rd down defense. Not advocating Neal or Rapp as a primary MLB option. I'm talking specific subpackage/down and distance situations - where McD is either baiting a run or feels confident in a passing situation or specific personell. For example, it's 3rd and 4, but a team comes out in 12 personell, I'm likely staying in base nickle. But if it's 3rd and 4, with 3 or 4 Wrs on the field, I'm likely rolling with Dime (depending on field position, time remaining, etc). Bottom line, I don't think Dodson gives us much on 3rd downs. He's a liability in coverage, which limits what we do with Matt and Taron and our safeties; and he's not a great blitzer/spy type. Now I think Bernard could be more effective than Dodson, but we've yet to see him in preseason. He could be the answer as well, but from how Neal/Rapp have looked, I'd feel more confident in either of them Week 1 (in appropriate situations)

Good post, regardless of opinions. Maybe just not the right player, as I think Elam has more trade value/potential scheme transition. I still like Elam, and it's a good problem to have (depth at CB). But, it becomes a distraction in some ways when you have a 1st round talent on the bench/possibly not dressing on gameday. Certain positions make sense to have a rotation. I'm just not a huge fan of rotating players in secondary though (for a few main reasons), unless it's specific subpackages/down and distance situations. Hopefully whoever wins the CB2 battle provides a consistent presence/solid play. Best chance of that, from what I saw in preseason, has been Benford or Dane. Benford is a better player IMO (higher ceiling). If it was my call, I'd be hesitant to move Elam or any of the DBs right now. Ultimately, Dane might be the only one I'd be willing to shop. Less value than Elam, but we know his ceiling and it's not a SB-defense CB2 caliber player. I'd think he would be a backup RT trade piece. *edit*: what happens if Benford is CB2? Path 1: Dane is CB3 (outside), Elam might not dress some weeks. Path 2: we trade Dane (let's say hypothetically for a backup RT), Elam as CB3, JaMarcus Ingram makes roster and likely reserve/sits on gameday I'd vote Path 2, improve at backup RT and keep a versatile player like Ingram (over 1 year Dane).

In comparison to putting Dodson on the field during passing downs, yes Rapp and Neal helps that situation. That was my point. We have better talent at "dime" this year, vs our current MLB. And would give us more flexibility in using Milano/moving Taron and our safeties.

Neal has looked much improved and been flying all over the field. His biggest issue always seems to be holding/getting too handsy, with TEs and WRs. If that's mostly fixed, this should FINALLY be the year we roll with a primary dime defense on 3rd downs/obvious passing downs. Or Rapp. Both look capable, although I like Neal's speed and coverage skills better (if he decreases his penalties). We need more "team speed"/atheleticism in the secondary, Neal or Rapp helps with that. We haven't seen Bernard yet, but both guys look way better than Dodson. Hoepfully Coach has schemes ready for dime packages, I'm talking 4 man fronts mostly 4-1-6 (not the 3-2-6 looks we've seen against Chiefs)...that can be a huge weapon to get more creative with using Milano and slot blitzes.

Agree, Grier is not our backup QB answer, but neither is Barkley IMO. Just depends if they value Matt's QB room presence VS potential development shot with Grier. Neither is rosterable on the 53, just talking P/S and who they might target for that role. Can't see us carrying 3 QBs on the 53. So unless they swing a trade (ie: Davis Mills type), which I'd consider highly unlikely OR some unusual cut (ie: Mason Rudolph type), then it will be Kyle Allen this year. Shall see what Beane has up his sleeve. More pressing to me is MLB. I'm guessing they'll take the "wait and see" approach, make a move at deadline if needed. Backup RT is where I could see them moving a late pick (or one of our DEs, Cam Lewis types) to try and find the player that is buried on a team's depth chart.

Thanks for write-up. AJE needs to "flatten" that rush when he gets 3-4 yards upfield, spin move/hand usage/something. Boogie has less juice off the edge, still think AJE has more upside. Cam Lewis played another solid game. Not sure how we cut him, given our safety injury/age...he's gonna be scooped up if cut. OL looked alot better on 1st team. No surprise, as Dorsey tried more deep drops last week (likely a top 3 pass rush front in Steelers). Ike looked bad, Q looked OK. Edwards looks serviceable at LG, but hopefully Connor back for week 1 (likely best DL we play early on). Vandemark likely backup LT, Q at RT. I won't be surprised to see 2-3 guys make the initial 53, that aren't currently on roster (MLB, RT, QB if we keep 3). Will Grier put up a nice game for Dallas, either will be cut or traded (former Carolina guy). He'd be a nice P/S stash, if we could get him.

Jamal Adams trade. Between this and the 49ers (Lance)/Dolphins deal, that sent a TON of draft capital and really swung competitive balance.

Rodgers looking like the old man he is, tripping all over himself. Love Wink and his aggressive defense. Goes Cover 0 the first 5 plays then "simulates" pressure and gets heat with a 4-man rush. These teams don't like each other 😊

Jonathan looks like his explosive 1st step is back this week. He's more valuable, IMO, than Shaq. Be interesting if they move someone

Highly doubt it. 1 yr $3m with Chiefs, as a backup. He's not the answer either. At this point, we are either looking to make a "splash" trade (unlikely), or just roll with what we got first 4-6 weeks to see if Bernard/Williams show enough improvement.

Agree, I think he should be cut

That's Klein out there with Dodson

9-8 is a likely worse-case, would take Josh missing multiple games. Just liking saying we go 15-2, possible but highly unlikely. Division: 5-1. there will be close games with all 3 teams but think we sweep Pats and Jets, lose 1 to Miami Toughest 3 games: 1-2. Bengals/Chiefs/Eagles -this will be our true measuring stick, likely top 2 contenders in AFC again. I see us beating Cincy, losing a very close game to Chiefs and another L to Philly Tier 2 teams: 3-0. Jax/Dallas/Chargers: I think Dallas will be the toughest game, Chargers will be close as well Tier 3 teams: 2-0 Giants/TB. Dabolls return. I'm not a believer in Daniel Jones, and think Daboll overachieved (hence COTY award) LY. Tampa's QB situation is horrible I'd be tempted to move them into Tier 4, and a Thursday night game in Buffalo will be huge advantage us. Tier 4 teams: 3-0 Den/Raiders/WFT - these should be wins for many reasons, I guess anything is possible; just think we should win all 3 by double digits. 14-3. I'm still a big believer in Dorsey improving his playcalling, and the run game/OL improvements. Defensively, I think our secondary is being underrated again. Mike linebacker is the only concern, but think it gets figured out one way or another.

Not yet, and likely won't until he's back practicing. We have: 1. @HappyDaysinside scoop: sprained MCL/no surgery 2. McGovern stayed on field/leg sleeve, to finish watching practice & his post-practice interview with BN Pure guess, but knowing MCL injuries can be very painful and instability is a concern, the fact he stayed out to finish watching and didn't seem concerned in his interview - could be a Grade 1 sprain, or low Grade 2. If Grade 1, I think it's very possible he plays Week 1. Grade 2, likely looking at 1-2 missed games.

I think that'd be a major reach, but if you have a lot of Steeler fans in your draft...then yeah, someone will draft him in the 2nd or 3rd round. He's probably a 5th-6th rounder in 12 team PPR leagues. I look at the Steeler offense and see a "balanced attack". They aren't going to air it out each week, like us or Chiefs. Pickett isn't talented enough or there yet. And when they do throw, they have a group of weapons that will spread the touches. Redzone- Freiermuth is a monster, and see them running alot. Washington will be used alot there too. Long story short, Pickens is a good player but in FF he's probably in the 30-35 range of WRs.

Agree, and that's been their problem on defense (injuries). However, I think they have much better depth across their team....nobody at TJ or Highsmith level, but those are blue chip talents. I do like Herbig, their rookie. He has the look of a potential steal as a 4th rounder. Young team on offense, but alot of vets on that defense. Glad we don't play the North this season, likely the best division in football.

Correct. 100% agree, saw it happen week 1 against Rams. Dorsey/Allen need to take the "jabs", then mix in the deep shots. It's against Ken's philosophy, but hoping he has learned that lesson for this year.

Ahead of Ravens. Steelers finished LY very well in general. I think they could challenge for the North, if Pickett takes a big step, but not counting on that. That's if they avoid injuries to all their key players. This is one of my favorite matchups in the NFL week 1, 49ers vs Steelers

Thx for sharing. I hope your source is wrong on this though. Curious McGovern stayed out with the team yesterday to watch remainder of practice and not seen on crutches immediately after. But perhaps they found out more today, testing/imaging. Depending on severity of sprain, Week 1 will be challenging to play. Agree with your take on Edwards/Bates being capable depth, Quennin Williams seemed to have a field day LY with our IOL (will need to see how much of that was Morse/Bates).

Steeler defense is for real, their biggest issue is keeping their "stars" healthy in the past few years. They also upgraded their 2 biggest weaknesses on that side of the ball, both ILB spots and CB. Their offense is what I think will come back to earth in regular season. Solid small attacking team, that has Pickens for the occasional 50/50 deep ball. I think they've got nice complimentary skills group, I just think Pickett is a Tier 2-3 QB at best. 49ers will be an excellent measuring stick week 1. Overall, I had Steelers at 10-7 and getting a wildcard (2nd best team in North)

This was from yesterday. Knees are obviously tricky, but very positive he stayed on field/with sleeve, to finish watching practice. He's got a few weeks to heal, if it even takes that long. Edwards/Bates are very good depth in the worse case scenario.

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Not great about McGovern. Any inside scoop on how bad his knee was injured? Bernard hamstring injury is unfortunate, was hoping to see him this week