Asked and Answered 2/15: Cap, Hines, Haley
By Bob Labriola - Steelers Digest
Posted Feb 15, 2012
Bob Labriola, a Pittsburgh native, has been editor of Steelers Digest since its inception in 1988. Do you have a question for Bob? Go to the Steelers Facebook page – facebook.com/steelers – look for the Asked and Answered logo and post it there. Then continue reading Asked and Answered to see if yours was chosen.
Vesna Zeiler: How is the salary cap going to impact the Steelers this year with veteran players and draft picks?
General Manager Kevin Colbert estimated that before any contract re-structurings or terminations the Steelers would be between $25-30 million over the 2012 salary cap depending upon where the final figure lands when it’s finally determined in early March. The team already has done several re-structurings and hopes to do more, and there have been two terminations – Bryant McFadden and Arnaz Battle – and there will have to be more. Maybe some older veterans retire, as Chris Hoke did. There still are a lot of things to be worked out by the close of business on March 12, which is when the Steelers will have to be in compliance with the salary cap. Colbert said the team is not in rebuilding mode, and while I agree, I also believe there will be some name players released because of cap/production issues. One thing is certain – the salary cap situation will not impact the Steelers’ draft philosophy. They will go by their evaluations and pick the best players.
David Rosko: In what direction are the Steelers going with the new offensive coordinator?
The only direction the Steelers have any interest in going in 2012 would be south, because Super Bowl XLVII is in New Orleans. They believe that to get there, the offense has to be better than it was in 2011, better than it has been in the recent past. Last season, the offense produced a 4,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers, almost 1,400 yards rushing from the tailback position, and it was second in the NFL in time of possession. But that all adds up to a big not-good-enough when you’re tied for 21st in scoring and rank 18th in the league in red zone efficiency. When it comes to red zone efficiency, the Steelers ranked 23rd in 2010, tied for 21st in 2009 and 15th in 2008. Sorry, not good enough. Actually, I do know in which direction the Steelers want to go with the new offensive coordinator – across the goal line more often.
(Read More:) http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Asked-and-Answered-215-Cap-Hines-Haley/a6afcb37-1b9d-4b6b-976b-7a204713c5d1
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