Why would the Steelers take a washed up QB (Vick) when they have arguably one of the more physically solid QB’s in terms of injury and ability to handle the hits received?—Charles McKenna, Santa Barbara, California.
The whole Vick to the Steelers story has blown up out here in Pittsburgh like nobody’s business. Specific to your question, I tend to agree with the “washed up” premise regarding Vick. He’s 35 and has had a long history of injuries throughout his career. Add that Vick has never been an accurate passer (career completion percentage of 56 percent and QB rating of 80.4) and there’s reason to have doubts about whether he can contribute.
There’s a reason why in a league desperate for help at QB; he’s been a street free agent to this point. The speed and athleticism that once bailed him out when the arm was not getting the job done is largely gone and last season’s dreadful showing with the Jets highlighted as much.
Roethlisberger has been durable of late, but to be fair, having a quality backup is important, and if you can get one of quality, you do it. Just not sure Vick is that guy.
Why would they even consider signing someone like Vick?—Ruthann Gerheart
I know that emotions are running high and that’s pretty obvious by the reactions of passionate Steeler fans. Let me say one thing before I answer your question, messing with “man’s best friend” is not a great way to endear yourself to fans. Vicks crimes are tough to swallow or forgive and I totally understand the growing sentiment that he should not be a Steeler.
However, the reason the Steelers signed Vick is simple: They think he is as good an option as there is in a painfully thin market for QB’s. Vick is a veteran who has started for three different teams and been to three Pro Bowls. The consensus among players is that he is a “good guy” who seems to have gotten past the dog fighting conviction, and I get the distinct impression there was very little resistance to signing Vick among Steeler players.
There’s not a lot of options out there for quarterbacks who can come in and immediately play if there is an injury to Ben Roethlisberger. Jason Campbell is out there, but he reportedly was “leaning toward retirement” after spending last season in Cincinnati and beyond that, there’s just not much out there.
With Tuitt’s injury, what do you plan about doing about that position? What is the chance of resigning Keisel?-Alexandria Harman
Let’s get out of the Vick kitchen and answer this great question. I think the Steelers feel fairly confident that Stephon Tuitt’s ankle injury is minor and should not impact him whatsoever for the regular season. In fact, don’t be surprised if he’s back to practicing in the next week or so, regardless if he plays in the remaining preseason contests (which he likely won’t).
As for re-signing Keisel, I think it’s time to finally come to the realization that Keisel’s NFL career is over. He was a great Steeler, but age and the injury bug make it seem highly unlikely he’d even attempt to come back even if the Steelers called, which is not going to happen.
Do we have an update on Pouncey?—Dwight Johnson, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Though news is still coming in, the early reports seem promising. Right now it looks like Pouncey has a decent chance of returning in 2015 after breaking his tibia on Sunday. The question then becomes, when? This is important because the Steelers can place him on short-term IR meaning he can’t practice with team for six weeks and won’t be eligible to play for the first eight weeks of the season.
That’s not necessarily a problem, unless Pouncey runs into problems with recovery and is out considerably longer or worst case scenario, the entire year. Then it is a problem, because the Steelers can only use the short term IR designation once all season. They ran into this last year with Ike Taylor, who took up a roster spot but spent most of the year on the sidelines.
Right now though, let’s keep a positive outlook and hope he returns week nine against the Oakland Raiders.
Once other teams cut down to 53 players. What additions would the steelers want to make?—Mat Marley, University of Buffalo
Good to hear from you again, Mat. If you were looking for possible areas the Steelers might scour the waiver wire for, I would say offensive guard might top the list. Yes, the signed Doug Legursky to provide depth, but other than he and Chris Hubbard, the Steelers don’t have much experience at guard.
I would not be surprised if the Steelers also took a hard look at what might be available at running back. It’s a relatively deep position league wide and if the right back ends up available, the Steelers might add him. With Le’Veon Bell out the first two games and questions beyond veteran DeAngelo Williams in terms of backups, the Steelers will keep their eyes on the waiver wire.
How do you think Ryan Shazier is doing?—Jace Fuller
Honestly, I think Ryan Shazier has looked pretty darn good this preseason. I don’t think it’s about Shazier’s ability to thrive in the NFL, it’s more a matter of whether or not he can stay healthy and be reliable over 16 games. Durability has been an issue for Shazier not only with the Steelers but at Ohio State. If he can stay healthy, I truly believe he can be Pro-Bowl caliber and help improve the Steeler defense immensely in 2015.
Thanks for all the questions and see you next time!
