Steelers may look to other options as Frank Summers struggles

[mesaSteeler]

Steelers may look to other options as Frank Summers struggles
September 24, 1:19 AMPittsburgh Steelers Examiner
Dan Flickinger
http://www.examiner.com/x-14024-Pitt...es-to-struggle

The Steelers haven’t had a true blocking full back since Dan Krieder last played for the team in 2007. After the first two games of the season, it seems as if they still don’t as rookie Frank Summers has been less than impressive as a lead blocker for Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.

Summers, a fifth-round draft pick out of UNLV, has visibly missed blocks and assignments and is one of the many reasons the Steelers running game continues to struggle.

“Frank Summers is not impressing me at all”, said former Steelers safety and current ESPN Radio 1250 analyst Mike Logan earlier this week on 'The Drive'.

“He keeps whiffing on his blocks.”

He's also not contributing on short-yardage plays as he has yet to register a carry this season.

Marie Rancher, who covers UNLV for Examiner.com, believes Summers may be having trouble adjusting to the Steelers style of play because it’s a much different offense than the Rebels employ.

“UNLV’s offense does not feature the running game and the backs do not get too many carries since the quarterbacks are usually in shotgun and they can run”, Racher said.

“I think that is why Summers is having a hard time adjusting to the Steelers scheme”.

That may be true and considering the fact that he’s just a rookie it’s understandable that he is going through a learning curve as all first-year players do. But to visibly flat out miss blocks on a consistent basis is inexcusable.

If Summers does not progress and play better, the team may look to seventh-round draft choice David Johnson.

Johnson, a tight end, has been inactive for the first two games of the season but caught the attention of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians early in training camp.

"He's just so powerful when we put him up against linebackers. And against our defensive ends, he really stood out. You talk to those guys, they say, 'Man, this kid's got some punch.' And he can run and catch”, Arian’s told the Post-Gazette in August.

"If he continues to come around, we might have found a jewel because that's the guy who can also play fullback.”

Johnson may have to, if the “tank” keeps whiffing.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Summers needs to spend a few weeks working out with the O line. Honestly, getting him some time on a sled, hitting bags and getting used to turning defenders to create rush lanes.

That and more film of who he needs to look for to block. I think the kid is gonna be fine.......just gonna take time. McHugh is really missed at this point.

[KeiselPower99]

As long as they dont bring Carey Davis back. Im not even sure what FBs are Free agents. I do agree that Summers isnt doing a very damn good job.

[stlrtruck]

I think as long as he keeps working at it, he'll eventually understand the system as it's meant to be played or he'll be a casualty of training camp cuts!

[BlastFurnace]

If Johnson is the answer, then let Johnson play.

[NEPAsteeler]

I think the "Tank" just needs some more practice at blocking. As was mentioned in the article, he's a rookie playing in a different type of offensive system. Let's hope he adjusts and learns to block!

[markymarc]

Frank Summers will be alright. I think this article is being a little harsh considering he is still a rookie and learning how to play the FB position in the NFL. Coaching, practice and live game action will only help the kid.

[mmalone]

Originally Posted by mesaSteeler

[B] After the first two games of the season, it seems as if they still don’t as rookie Frank Summers has been less than impressive as a lead blocker for Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.

Summers, a fifth-round draft pick out of UNLV, has visibly missed blocks and assignments and is one of the many reasons the Steelers running game continues to struggle.

“Frank Summers is not impressing me at all”, said former Steelers safety and current ESPN Radio 1250 analyst Mike Logan earlier this week on 'The Drive'.

“UNLV’s offense does not feature the running game and the backs do not get too many carries since the quarterbacks are usually in shotgun and they can run”, Racher said.

UNLV Stats he didnt have the Ball at UNLV??? He caught it and ran it..

for 2100 yards ???? did not feature a back?????

UNLV
Rushing
Season TEAM G ATT YDS TDS
2007-08 UNLV 12 202 928 6
2008-09 UNLV 12 183 740 8
TOTAL 24 385 1668 14


Receiving
Season TEAM G RECPT YDS TDS
2007-08 UNLV 12 23 252 4
2008-09 UNLV 12 13 150 2
TOTAL 24 36 402 6


Good article.

Summers had the ball 0 times in two games was on the field 9 times blocking.

Parker or Mendenhall never even ran behind him once, they use him for a decoy each time.

If Summers is no good, than Parker is a complete bust in att vs yards....

How about Wallace in the Bears game, our fastest player is running 2yard routes and a bunch of short crap. Isnt that for Ward, McDonald.....

Wallace should be busting out down field and spreading the defense no...??

Again... Arians is destroying all our young talent and screwing up our veterans.
Arians is the waste of time... face it...

[steelpride12]

Who are possible free agent FB's anyway?

[GridironWarrior]

Tomlin is a great coach but not fixing the Oline and replacing Arians is a huge flaw of his. I mean what does he see in this man? He's wasting our talent.