Starks

[Steeldude]

where is this guy? smith goes down with cramps and he still can't get in the game. well he was in on a few plays, but not as the starting replacement at LT. why did they tag a player who isn't even next in line on the depth chart? has legursky passed him up also?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I was also wondering the same thing. The fact that they believe Essex is better suited to play LT than Starks is a sad admission that they paid $6.9 million for their #4 OT. I honestly hope they can resign Kemo to start at LG and Essex as the primary backup at OT in the offseason.

I'm sorry to second guess the front office again, but if they had let Starks walk in the spring, they would have been able to:

1. extend McFaddens contract
2. extend Kemo's contract,
3. maybe sign a FA D-lineman of value and
4. be receiving a compensatory draft pick for Starks next season.

[jjpro11]

it was the worst FO move in recent history for the steelers. i am baffled though because starks played well at LT last year vs the jags in the playoffs.

[atlsteelers]

or you could always spend an early draft pick on a punter?

but in all honestly there seems to be a differnce of opinion between the FO and coach tomlin on the value of starks.

[Steeldude]

i wonder if starks is in someone's doghouse.

[atlsteelers]

some folks play in games a lot better than they practice, wonder if thats the case with starks. appearently cowher and the FO see something much different than tomlin

[SCSTILLER]

You're right JJ, he did an excellent job against the Jags in last years playoffs. I am on record as saying put Starks at LT and move Smith to RT, but that could be why I am not an NFL head coach.

[OneForTheToe]

Originally Posted by atlsteelers

or you could always spend an early draft pick on a punter?

but in all honestly there seems to be a differnce of opinion between the FO and coach tomlin on the value of starks.

I heard that last night for the first time on the KDKA. myself. Strange situation indeed. Coaching staff asserting itself against the FO for the first time ,ala Cowher v.s. Donahoe?

[Preacher]

I would hate to through this at the Rooney's.....

but I have to wonder if maybe they are trying to drive down Starks asking price so that they can resign him next year.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by Preacher

I would hate to through this at the Rooney's.....

but I have to wonder if maybe they are trying to drive down Starks asking price so that they can resign him next year.

I thought of that myself, but then reminded myself that I was starting to sound like a Seahawk conspiracy theorist.

With an offensive line that has given up 12 sacks in 2 weeks and a close game, there is no way in hell that you dont put in your best backup OT when your starter goes down. Especially if you are paying $7 million just to hide him from the rest of the NFL.

Fact is that Max Starks just isnt that great of an OT and Essex is more athletic in pass protection. I do think Starks is a better run blocker, when he puts his mind to it.