McFadden's departure means Gay likely to start for Steelers

[mesaSteeler]

McFadden's departure means Gay likely to start for Steelers
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW...wwhi022609.htm
By Mike Wilkening ProFootball Weekly

Updated at 7:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 10

The departure of CB Bryant McFadden to Arizona opens the door for third-year CB William Gay to step into the starting lineup, with dependable veteran Deshea Townsend as insurance.

Gay started four games last season, all when McFadden was out of the lineup with a broken arm. In 16 regular-season games in 2008, Gay notched 41 tackles, defended seven passes and made his first career interception.

McFadden, 27, who was regarded as one of the top players available at his position in free agency, reportedly signed a two-year, $10 million contract with Arizona. McFadden, who has 18 career starts and seven interceptions in four NFL seasons, is expected to start opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Arizona.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I'm good with this. I openly questioned Gay's deep speed and ability to stay with WR's on a 9-route. I still think its a problem, but safety help and maybe some speed training in the offseason can help him.

I was a bit concerned with giving him the start as a 3rd year guy. But I am no Gay basher!!

[MasterOfPuppets]

like i said in another thread, gay started against , SD,cincy, dallas, and NE ....THE secondary didn't miss a beat against the 7th, 9th, and 13th, ranked pass offenses.

[Galax Steeler]

Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson

I'm good with this. I openly questioned Gay's deep speed and ability to stay with WR's on a 9-route. I still think its a problem, but safety help and maybe some speed training in the offseason can help him.

I was a bit concerned with giving him the start as a 3rd year guy. But I am no Gay basher!!

I might be stupid here but what does 9-route mean.

[stlrtruck]

And there's a part of me that thinks we just upgraded our secondary.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by Galax Steeler

I might be stupid here but what does 9-route mean.

Its just a straight fly pattern. Most WR's learn a basic passing tree of routes and it becomes 2nd nature. Here is an example.

http://www.trinityflag.org/PassingTree.pdf

[XxKnightxX]

Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson

Its just a straight fly pattern. Most WR's learn a basic passing tree of routes and it becomes 2nd nature. Here is an example.

http://www.trinityflag.org/PassingTree.pdf

Now if he can cover that Damn 4 route that Mason runs on us all the damn time then I will be extremely happy with him.



4 route- Deep In

[lilyoder6]

Originally Posted by El-Gonzo Jackson

Its just a straight fly pattern. Most WR's learn a basic passing tree of routes and it becomes 2nd nature. Here is an example.

http://www.trinityflag.org/PassingTree.pdf

i hope u do know that teams prob have different routes at those numbers,,

for example.. for me a 1 is a fade 2 is 2 yrd comback"yea stupid i know" 3 was a 5 yr out.. 4 was a 2 step slant.. and then so on..

and then those numbers have a total different meaning if u are in the slot position

[revefsreleets]

I'm not counting Townsend out. Why? Because every year is the year he gets counted out, and every year he ends up surprising.

[Preacher]

Originally Posted by revefsreleets

I'm not counting Townsend out. Why? Because every year is the year he gets counted out, and every year he ends up surprising.

Too true.

I do hope that Gay breaks in this year, mainly because I want a him to get settled into the position early in his career, while we have a strong D Corp.

I also like the idea of Deshea sitting on the bench-- playing the 3rd CB role and helping coach the kid.