Foote finds a home again

Foote finds a home again
By Mark Kaboly
Tribune-Review

Published: Saturday, June 2, 2012, 12:30 a.m.
Updated 5 hours ago

Larry Foote isn’t oblivious to his surroundings and is far from being immune from the talk.

He knows what is being said about him since the Steelers released the captain and anchor of their defense, James Farrior, in March.

“I told (Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin the other day that I am having a little itchy ear hearing about the big question mark I have on me,” Foote said. “I have been a question mark since I’ve been a little kid, with my background and where I grew up, so it’s nothing new.”

But replacing a friend, a mentor and one of the best linebackers in team history is.

Foote will be one of three new starters on defense when the season opens in three months, but he most certainly will have the biggest shoes to fill.

“We expect Larry to play and to play well,” Tomlin said.

Under Farrior’s leadership from 2002-11, the Steelers finished first in total defense four times and in the top five eight times while winning a pair of Super Bowls.

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I hate to say it, but I don't have a lot of confidence in Foote. I like him as a backup, but not as a starter. I'm really hoping that Sylvester has a tremendous camp.

Wallace108 wrote:

I hate to say it, but I don't have a lot of confidence in Foote. I like him as a backup, but not as a starter. I'm really hoping that Sylvester has a tremendous camp.

You and me both. I hope I'm wrong and Foote comes into the season in the best shape he can possibly be in and ready to go, but I have reservations. I'm not sure he'll be an upgrade over last season's Farrior.

The way I see it, Foote wasn't viewed as a starter in 2009 (3 years ago) while he was in the prime of his career. Now he's good enough to be your starter?

If Sylvester or one of the other young LBs isn't ready to step into the starting role this year, then Lebeau will be forced to play the hand he's dealt and start Foote. Leaves me feeling like it's a step back in the talent depart.

When you have a player who is struggling (like most of our O-line) or a player who leaves (like Farrior), your goal should always be to upgrade the position. That's not always possible. It's not easy to replace someone like Farrior. But that should be your goal. With Foote, we know what we're going to get. They're already trying to spin it like he's going to have a breakout year. Linebackers don't have breakout years during their 11th year in the league. He is what he is. I like him, but he was never anything more than an average or slightly above average player. That isn't going to change now.

imho Foote is going to be on the field as an extra d-lineman to stop the run.

passing down put Spence in the game

lookin for Sylvester to have a break out party this year

effyou515 wrote:

imho Foote is going to be on the field as an extra d-lineman to stop the run.

passing down put Spence in the game

lookin for Sylvester to have a break out party this year

If Sylvester can't get on the field this year, I don't think it's ever going to happen (at least not in Pittsburgh). I mean, if he can't beat out Foote ...

Wallace108 wrote:

effyou515 wrote:

imho Foote is going to be on the field as an extra d-lineman to stop the run.

passing down put Spence in the game

lookin for Sylvester to have a break out party this year

If Sylvester can't get on the field this year, I don't think it's ever going to happen (at least not in Pittsburgh). I mean, if he can't beat out Foote ...

I agree. This is the year we need Sylvester to show he's capable at least as a serviceable starter. If not, I guess we could keep him as a special teams specialist, but his days could be numbered.

Wallace108 wrote:

effyou515 wrote:

imho Foote is going to be on the field as an extra d-lineman to stop the run.

passing down put Spence in the game

lookin for Sylvester to have a break out party this year

If Sylvester can't get on the field this year, I don't think it's ever going to happen (at least not in Pittsburgh). I mean, if he can't beat out Foote ...

100% agree

Wallace108 wrote:

When you have a player who is struggling (like most of our O-line) or a player who leaves (like Farrior), your goal should always be to upgrade the position. That's not always possible. It's not easy to replace someone like Farrior. But that should be your goal. With Foote, we know what we're going to get. They're already trying to spin it like he's going to have a breakout year. Linebackers don't have breakout years during their 11th year in the league. He is what he is. I like him, but he was never anything more than an average or slightly above average player. That isn't going to change now.

Totally agree. However, if you can't upgrade on a player who was probably 2 years past his effective playing days (Farrior), well that's a little tough. However, this team played deep into the playoffs several years with a below average o-line. Sooner or later there's an area the coaches/FO can't always address and you try to work with what you have.

kirklandrules wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

When you have a player who is struggling (like most of our O-line) or a player who leaves (like Farrior), your goal should always be to upgrade the position. That's not always possible. It's not easy to replace someone like Farrior. But that should be your goal. With Foote, we know what we're going to get. They're already trying to spin it like he's going to have a breakout year. Linebackers don't have breakout years during their 11th year in the league. He is what he is. I like him, but he was never anything more than an average or slightly above average player. That isn't going to change now.

Totally agree. However, if you can't upgrade on a player who was probably 2 years past his effective playing days (Farrior), well that's a little tough. However, this team played deep into the playoffs several years with a below average o-line. Sooner or later there's an area the coaches/FO can't always address and you try to work with what you have.

It'll be rocky, but we'll get by with upgrades in other areas like you said. I'm looking forward to what Keenan Lewis and the other young corners can do and our d-line should hopefully be a little better this season with McClendon preparing for more playing time as well as Hood, Heyward, and the rookie Ta'amu. Having a healthy Harrison and Woodley will also help to offset the loss of Farrior and potential weakness at ILB.