Mark Madden is way off when he describes in his weekly Post-Gazette article that the Steelers have had a pathetic offseason so far. He seems to think that because Josh Miller was cut, he was implicitly responsible in the eyes of Steeler management for a 6-10 season. Additionally, he still laments the fact that Bettis and Gildon (at least for now) are back for one more year, while free agent superstars like Marcus Washington are signing with other teams.
First of all, Bettis restructured his contract and will make only $1 million dollars this year and was certainly more than adequate during the final six games of last season. You also have to consider that Staley will probably get most of the carries and, because he can catch coming out of the backfield, will serve as the third down back. Moreover, the Staley signing allows the Steelers to address other needs in the draft--like cornerback and offensive line, for example. Finally, who knew who Marcus Washington was the day before he visited Pittsburgh? If know one knew who he was, why is it such a big deal that he signed with the Redskins? And don't forget, teams don't win the Super Bowl in March. The last two seasons the Redskins have spent like drunken sailors during free agency and have 12 wins to show for it. In the last two offseasons, there is no correlation between winning percentage and the number of free agents a team signs (see Redskin example above). In fact, what seems to most impact winning are the players taken through the draft (why that's the case is another question entirely).
Madden ends his diatribe with the following sentence:
"Even with the signing of Staley, this has been a pathetic off-season for the Steelers. An off-season full of bad moves, botched moves and meaningless moves. What makes them think they can get away with it? Every ticket being sold in advance, for one thing."I think it's a little premature to call this offseason "meaningless" especially since the draft isn't until April 24. In terms of Madden's implication that the Steelers can get away with this because of season ticket sales, I would argue that the Steelers, in being conservative in free agency (and not overpaying for average cornerback talent, for example), are giving themselves the best chance to return to the playoffs next year by addressing their needs through the draft. But as usual, Madden likes to make outrageous claims first, and think about what he said much later down the road. check out more sports news on my weblog
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Comments (1)
i am in england and i am 15... (Below threshold)1. Posted by jack hosking | April 21, 2004 7:07 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
i am in england and i am 15. i dont know that much about NFL but i support the pittsburg steelers and they kick arse in my opinion!! does ne1 know wen the new season starts??? i would b grateful if ui could email me any info on the new seoson!! jh_dontfancyyoursmuch@hotmail.com
1. Posted by jack hosking | April 21, 2004 7:07 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 21, 2004 07:07