The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an off-season from hell. They lost their most productive running back, wide-receiver, outside linebacker, and their second best cornerback and signed Matt Spaeth, and William Gay. They have stood by, like usual, when other teams have signed familiar names to either upgrade or help replace key losses.
Insert the yinzer defense "The Steelers don't sign big names". Drink another Iron City Lite and shut the hell up. The good news is I am starting to develop a little more faith in Jason Worilds. I think he'll be fine next year as the starter. I don't think he'll be anywhere near James Harrison's level, but I don't think he'll be a bum either.
Right now the Steeler's biggest need is running back. They don't have a starter. They have Johnathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, and Baron Batch. The Steelers do not have a running back. Last year, the Steelers ranked 21st in the NFL in rushing. That's awful. They also had the game in which they fumbled eight times, most of which were a running game by committee that resembled clowns getting out of a tiny car.
Look around at the teams that made the playoffs this past year. Most of them had really good, every-down backs. The Steelers don't need to run the ball more, they need to run the ball better. Ahmad Bradshaw would be a good start and a big upgrade at this point. Bradshaw's career average is 4.6 yards a carry.
As you can see, Bradshaw will also help in the receiving game, he's very good on screen plays, wheel-outs, and catching passes in the flat. Those services will go hand and hand with Todd Haley's offense.
The bad news with Bradshaw is he's had both injury and fumble problems throughout his career. Bradshaw has 19 career fumbles, which is 10 more fumbles than Rashard Mendenhall. And this time had trouble holding on to the ball last year, to say the least.
Also, Bradshaw has missed six games the past two seasons, and has had a problem with that right foot. In fact check this out:
Take what Fillipponi says with a grain of salt, he's the guy that tweeted that Claude Giroux was better than Sidney Crosby last year. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if this is true. Bradshaw likely won't play all 16 games. But he's still a huge asset and would help make the running back situation much better.
Bradshaw has 35 career touchdowns. He's won a Super Bowl and he's rushed for 1,235 yards in a season. Bradshaw will help this team. This should be a no-brainer for the Steelers unless their medical staff says that Bradshaw's foot needs cut off. Sign him. Help your offense, your quarterback. Add talent to your roster.
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