Newhouse stinks

[Bretsky]

I just don't know who you think is going to have 2 possible starting left tackles on the roster better than Newhouse. If you discount Clifton due to injury, the Packers could trot out Bulaga, Newhouse and Sherrod. That is 2 first round tackles and a 4th round find. The Steelers pulled two former players they had jettisoned previously, off the street to play for them this year.

You value Newhouse way way more than I do. I think there are plenty of teams with backup LT's as good as he is. Heck, we cut Breno Giacomonomini...the Italian Stallion....he was starting for Seattle a couple weeks ago. I don't know if he's better than the Schmellow but I doubt he's worse either

[denverYooper]

If the Steelers win tomorrow night, we wouldn't be giving up anything. I've changed my tune and I agree with Nutz. It's obvious that this team needs to get healthy.

So here's what I'm wondering: what does the outcome need to be tonight for Big Ben to play? Because the word I'd heard was that he'd play depending on the outcome of tonight's game. I'm guessing that the Chargers need to win but I'm not sure.

[pbmax]

You value Newhouse way way more than I do. I think there are plenty of teams with backup LT's as good as he is. Heck, we cut Breno Giacomonomini...the Italian Stallion....he was starting for Seattle a couple weeks ago. I don't know if he's better than the Schmellow but I doubt he's worse either

Never a left tackle with the Packers. Even if he is there, he isn't backing up Clifton. And the Seachickens stink out loud on offense most of the time.

[Joemailman]

So here's what I'm wondering: what does the outcome need to be tonight for Big Ben to play? Because the word I'd heard was that he'd play depending on the outcome of tonight's game. I'm guessing that the Chargers need to win but I'm not sure.

They're tied for the division lead. I don't buy the idea that his playing status would depend on what Baltimore does.

[pbmax]

They're tied for the division lead. I don't buy the idea that his playing status would depend on what Baltimore does.

But if Balt loses, the Steelers could erase their tiebreaker edge and take a one game lead. I could see it. Seems very Ben-ish.

[denverYooper]

But if Balt loses, the Steelers could erase their tiebreaker edge and take a one game lead. I could see it. Seems very Ben-ish.

They were discussing it on Cecil Lammey's fantasy football advice show on sports radio here. I wasn't paying enough attention but they said something about Ben possibly playing depending on what happens tonight. I missed the part about what would need to happen but I was assuming it's something along these lines.

[pbmax]

The Steelers have, as per usual, been playing it close to the vest. There have been official reports (sourced media reports) that its a Grade 1 sprain. But the rumors are that he is much more doubtful than that sounds.

[denverYooper]

We'll find out soon. The Chargers are strafing this "elite" D.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Newhouse had a bad game, but he isn't a tire fire. Hali is an All-Pro DE. Problem is, Peppers and Vandenbosch are next.

Any LT who can't slow down a quality rusher is a tire fire. LTs typically face a good player.

[King Friday]

I just don't know who you think is going to have 2 possible starting left tackles on the roster better than Newhouse. If you discount Clifton due to injury, the Packers could trot out Bulaga, Newhouse and Sherrod. That is 2 first round tackles and a 4th round find. The Steelers pulled two former players they had jettisoned previously, off the street to play for them this year.

Newhouse and Sherrod are subpar OTs...period. They are inexperienced as hell, and not that great technically either. Newhouse is a late round rookie...you can't have him be the #1 backup at tackle on a team with Clifton on the starting lineup if you expect to get through the year without some serious issues.

That's my point. The OL was an issue from day one in the Thompson era...initially on the interior, but moving to the tackles as Clifton and Tausch aged. Thompson's has three solid draft selections Bulaga, Sitton and Lang. The rest of his picks have been mediocre for the most part, and he's had a couple rather disappointing picks. The fact that he's STILL counting on Clifton and has yet to find a capable replacement for him is a black mark in my book. Thompson's not perfect...he has SOME flaws, and it seems he and his staff aren't the greatest at finding OL talent. However that gets fixed, it better happen sooner than later with a franchise QB like Rodgers on the roster.

[pbmax]

We played this game two years ago. Where are the better backup left tackles? Jared Gaither just started for the Chargers off the waiver wire twice in this season. The Steelers during this season have started two tackles off the street. You are blaming Thompson for having inexperience at LT. The experience that is out there cannot keep their jobs. Its supply and demand and the supply stinks right now.

[Harlan Huckleby]

The fact that he's STILL counting on Clifton and has yet to find a capable replacement for him is a black mark in my book.

Well, teams don't get to time everything perfectly. Seems to me that using a #1 on an LT for backup was as prudent as can be expected. It is not clear if Sherrod will pan out, but he was rated high, GMs have no crystal ball.

If there was a fault this year it was in not preparing Sherrod for LT. I agreed with trying him at guard last summer, but now that looks like big mistake.

[Deputy Nutz]

Newhouse alone has problems on the left side, but now you slide EDS in at left guard and that left side of the line is a cupcake. Not good if you are Aaron Rodgers. For a backup Newhouse has been servicable since he can play several positions, and Sherrod just came along too slowly. Sherrod was doing an ok job for the two series he was in before he was hurt. If Sherrod heals up he might have some abilty as a left tackle in 2012 but I think he is going to struggle because he is going to miss tons of time in the off season recovering from this leg injury. The Packers are probably going to have to get a veteran left tackle for next season or go with Newhouse again.

[smuggler]

Nutz,

If it's strictly a bone injury, not a joint injury, Sherrod should not miss much, if any, of the offseason training programs. Add in a joint, and yeah, he may be hard-pressed to make it back by training camp.

[Pugger]

I'm with Nutz here. Besides the fact that I think GB gets home field in the end anyway, I think their success is going to depend on Rodgers's head (and arm).

Not if we lose to Chicago and Detroit and the 49ers win out.