tony hipchest
11-09-2007, 08:40 PM
i know, its a gil brandt article and im sure sooooo many people hate him :rolleyes: but they dont call him the "godfather" for nothing, and theres a reason he has "forgotten more football than [insert any name here] knows"....
(well, perhaps besides mike tomlin :wink02:)
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=93BC6945CB04D462E2634E9192BAB246? id=09000d5d803fa614&template=with-video&confirm=true
The first half of 2007 has brought surprises, disappointments, fantastic finishes, record-breaking performances and lots more. One thing that is a constant midway through any NFL season: A handful of young players will emerge as the stars of tomorrow.
Some of the players highlighted here are already somewhat established. Some of them may have been to a Pro Bowl already. But most of these players are not household names and most of them have never been to the Pro Bowl -- though they may be playing at a level deserving of such recognition. One thing they all have in common: All are age 26 or younger -- meaning they should be fixtures in the NFL for years to come.
brandt lists about 29 players. heres 5 (1/6th) of them-
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh: It's hard to call a Super Bowl-winning quarterback an "up-and-comer," but Roethlisberger continues to improve his game. He has a very easy throwing motion with very good arm strength. He has good intermediate and deep passing accuracy when given time, and he has deceptive running ability for a big quarterback. Roethlisberger improvises to create plays and is very difficult to bring down.
Wide Receivers
Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh: Holmes possesses excellent speed and quickness with outstanding run-after-catch ability. He'll make plays across the middle, has solid hands, will block, and can return kicks.
Tight Ends
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh: Miller is a classic two-way tight end -- a good blocker and a pass-catcher. He lines up on the line and in the backfield and has the ability to block defensive ends. As a pass-catcher, he has good ability to adjust to the ball. Miller is a serious threat in the seam, and has five touchdown receptions through eight games
Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh: Clark has a physical presence about him and interchangeable skills -- he will come up and play the run, is a solid tackler and has the ability to maintain deep pass coverage over the top. He is also a very good special teams player.
Punter
Daniel Sepulveda, Pittsburgh: A rookie who has averaged almost 45 yards per punt. Sepulveda is adept at placing a spin on the ball so that it will bounce back when it lands inside the 10, thus avoiding touchbacks and giving the Steelers' defense an edge in the field position battle.
it a shame he couldnt mention parker, taylor, anthony smith, j. harrison etc.... :chuckle:
what is the bigger shame is having to make the choice between r. clark and his now bargain basement price of 2 mil/yr or extending anthony smith beyond his rookie contract.
chris hope (along w/ k. bullock) is the lynch pin of the titans defense. he got the bank. the steelers will have work to keep 1 of their free safeties at market price. the other safety will cash in too...
(well, perhaps besides mike tomlin :wink02:)
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=93BC6945CB04D462E2634E9192BAB246? id=09000d5d803fa614&template=with-video&confirm=true
The first half of 2007 has brought surprises, disappointments, fantastic finishes, record-breaking performances and lots more. One thing that is a constant midway through any NFL season: A handful of young players will emerge as the stars of tomorrow.
Some of the players highlighted here are already somewhat established. Some of them may have been to a Pro Bowl already. But most of these players are not household names and most of them have never been to the Pro Bowl -- though they may be playing at a level deserving of such recognition. One thing they all have in common: All are age 26 or younger -- meaning they should be fixtures in the NFL for years to come.
brandt lists about 29 players. heres 5 (1/6th) of them-
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh: It's hard to call a Super Bowl-winning quarterback an "up-and-comer," but Roethlisberger continues to improve his game. He has a very easy throwing motion with very good arm strength. He has good intermediate and deep passing accuracy when given time, and he has deceptive running ability for a big quarterback. Roethlisberger improvises to create plays and is very difficult to bring down.
Wide Receivers
Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh: Holmes possesses excellent speed and quickness with outstanding run-after-catch ability. He'll make plays across the middle, has solid hands, will block, and can return kicks.
Tight Ends
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh: Miller is a classic two-way tight end -- a good blocker and a pass-catcher. He lines up on the line and in the backfield and has the ability to block defensive ends. As a pass-catcher, he has good ability to adjust to the ball. Miller is a serious threat in the seam, and has five touchdown receptions through eight games
Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh: Clark has a physical presence about him and interchangeable skills -- he will come up and play the run, is a solid tackler and has the ability to maintain deep pass coverage over the top. He is also a very good special teams player.
Punter
Daniel Sepulveda, Pittsburgh: A rookie who has averaged almost 45 yards per punt. Sepulveda is adept at placing a spin on the ball so that it will bounce back when it lands inside the 10, thus avoiding touchbacks and giving the Steelers' defense an edge in the field position battle.
it a shame he couldnt mention parker, taylor, anthony smith, j. harrison etc.... :chuckle:
what is the bigger shame is having to make the choice between r. clark and his now bargain basement price of 2 mil/yr or extending anthony smith beyond his rookie contract.
chris hope (along w/ k. bullock) is the lynch pin of the titans defense. he got the bank. the steelers will have work to keep 1 of their free safeties at market price. the other safety will cash in too...