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Steelers4190 · 12-31-2019, 02:13 PM

Will post Team Breakdowns as I complete teams:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Recent History: The Steelers are coming off their most successful season in nearly a decade. After years of below average drafting and failure to develop talent that was on the roster the Rooney family looked to make a change. The hiring of Cotner 2 years ago, previously the Titans OC, brought about the desired change. The team has made smart moves to obtain draft capital, smart free agent signings, and developed talent already on the roster. In Cotner's first season the team got off to a 1-4 start. At that point the team turned to rookie QB Chris Hoover, whom they selected with the #5 pick in the draft. They would go 8-3 in his starts to finish 9-7. The team then finished 12-4 last year before losing the Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Head Coach
Nick Cotner, 2 years (21-11)

Cotner began his NFL coaching career as the WR coach for the Titans. After 1 season he transitioned to the QB coach and worked closely with the OC. By week 14 of that year he was transitioning to the OC role due to health issues of the incumbent coach. He served the next two seasons as the full time OC and play caller. In those two seasons the Titans finished in the top 5 in yards, points, and 3rd down efficiency. He had built a reputation as one of the most sound play callers around the league. He was then hired by the Steelers at 35 years old. Though he has an OC on staff to help with day to day tasks he calls the plays on Sunday.

Quarterbacks

Chris Hoover, 25
Hoover was the #5 pick of the Steelers 2 seasons ago. As a rookie he came in to go 8-3 in his 11 starts. That propelled the team from a 1-4 start to a 9-7 finish missing the post season by one game. Last year Hoover helped guide his team to a 12-4 record which won the AFC North and gave the Steelers the #2 seed. He is big and athletic standing at 6'5 and 230 lbs. He has a strong arm that allows him to drive the ball in the cold Pittsburgh elements which was one the things that popped on his Iowa tape. He has shown that he has the makings of a franchise QB in his first 2 seasons.

Prev. Season Stats: 364/560 65% 4,480 yards 28 TDs 14 INTs 95.8 Rat.

Noah Dyson, 24
Dyson was the Steelers 2nd round pick last year. Many questioned the move as they just picked Hoover with the #5 overall pick the year before. The Steelers were high on his arm strength, which many believe is one of the best in the league, and his work ethic. Cotner believes it is important to keep the QB cupboard full because injuries can happen. Las season served as a redshirt year for him due to how raw he was coming in. He served as the #3 QB his rookie season, but his spring and camp performances have vaulted him into the number two role.

Matt Campo, 35
Campo is a journeyman QB who has served as a back up QB for 6 different teams. He has found success as a spot starter going 12-4 in 16 career starts. He was brought on by the team last year to serve as a mentor and back up too Hoover. He was in Tennessee with Cotner when Cotner was the OC there. With Dyson's development into the #2 QB Campo will now take on an even larger mentor role and serve almost as an assistant QB coach along with being the QB3.

Running Backs/Full Backs:

RJ Finley, 24
An UDFA out of Michigan State. He spent the first half his rookie season as a ST ACE. By week 17 he was the team's starting RB. He solidified his role as the starting RB last year by turning in a pro bowl season. He does not wow anyone with any singular trait, but is well rounded and consistent.

Jerod Baber, 21
This season's 2nd round pick. Baber is an explosive runner who is dangerously elusive in the open field. He finds ways to make people miss and create for himself in space. He has shown a willingness to bang it up between the tackles when asked, but questions exist if he will be durable to ever be more than a change a pace back.

Jay-Jay Smart, 23
A thick back who stands at 5'9, but 225 lbs. Though his size would peg him as a down hill grind it out type runner he is more comfortable in space as a pass catcher. He has solid hands and finds windows when leaking out of pass pro. He was a 3rd round pick by the Patriots last season. He led the team in receptions, but after he and his position coach got into a physical altercation he was cut. The Steelers were quick to kick the tires and felt that the incident was not something they expect to rear it's head again. They quickly scooped him up.

Trey Edwards, 24
A ST performer who has led the Steelers in ST tackles each of the last two seasons.

Toto Brooks, 24
An UDFA rookie from Ole Miss. The team likes his speed and will give him a look this preseason

Robby Knox, 27
A fan favorite. Fans identify with his selfless and grimy player. He lead blocks, he plays the most ST snaps on the team, and he loves doing it. Ultimate team first player who competes. Coach Cotner once quoted that if he was ever to go into a difficult situation and could only call one person to have his back it would be Robby Knox.

Wide Receiver

Floyd Turner, 24
A high school and college teammate to Hoover. Turner was drafted in the 7th round two years ago. He spent the first 4 games as a healthy scratch his rookie season. His first action came the following week. The next week Hoover was inserted into the lineup. The two quickly showed the connected they showed in HS and college. Though he stands at 5'10 and 180 lbs he plays bigger. He finished his rookie campaign starting 12 games and recording 60 receptions. He is a film and practice junkie and is always working on his craft. He caught 94 balls last year to lead the team and finish 3rd in the AFC. He enters his 3rd season as the #1 WR in Pittsburgh.

Cortez Smith, 26
A former first round pick by the prior regime. He flashed talent, but could never consistently perform and conflicts with the prior coaching staff left him labeled as a bust. After Cotner was hired the Steelers shocked the NFL by picking up Smith's 5th year option and then extending him for 2 more seasons. Smith started to show his talent more consistently after Cotner arrived and led the team in receiving yards that season. Last year he showed why the Steelers picked up his option as he made impactful plays all year long to help propel the Steelers into being a potent offense. He is a big, fast, and physical WR.

Darrius Penn, 22
A local product who attended Penn State. He was the team's 3rd round pick last season. He split time as the team's slot WR with veteran Isaac Friendly. He is an elusive and explosive slot guy who can not only win under the chains but get down the seam as well. He is slated to be the full time slot guy coming into this season.

Isaac Friendly, 34
The first FA signing of Cotner's tenure. He was the reliable slot guy for Cotner's offense with the Titans. Tough and crafty Friendly just seems to find a way to move the chains. At his age it is difficult for him to get over the top from the slot hence why he was starting to phase out of the role in the last month of last year. He still has a role and the team still values his vet leadership.

Randy Shaw, 24
A good athlete. Still raw at the position as he enters his third season. The team likes his traits, but he has failed to stick anywhere as he is on his 3rd team in 3 years. Clock is ticking for the former 4th round pick.

Johnny Lambo, 28
Former first round pick who struggled. In his first 3 seasons he caught just 39 combined passes for 421 yards and 1 TDs. He was cut before the end of his rookie contract. He spent the next 4 seasons in the CFL where he became one of the best WRs in that league. The Steelers picked him up this offseason. They like high pedigree guys with low risks involved to fill out the bottom of their depth charts.

Tight Ends

Keith Small, 26
A former 5th round pick from Cotner's first class. He served as the #2 TE his rookie season, but by week 13 he was starting. He caught 27 balls on the season, but 19 of those came in the last 4 games. Last year he was the starting TE. He is a physical and gritty player. He's an old school TE that can block and catch passes. Hoover can always depend on him to be where he is supposed to be.

Kam Canada, 26
Kam was the team's first round pick the year before hiring Cotner. He is easily one of the most physically gifted TEs in the NFL, but he has yet to perform like one. At 6'6 and 270 lbs he is a monster on the field. Fast and strong. He makes plays with the ball in his hands.....the issue is getting the ball in his hands. He struggles translating coaching to the stadiums. He drops passes he shouldn't. He misses blocks he shouldn't. And at times misses reads he shouldn't. The team did not pick up his option which means he is scheduled to hit the market after this season. If he wants to cash in with the Steelers or anyone he will need to up his play.

Zack Holmes, 22
A raw rookie TE from Middle Tenn State. He was selected in the 5th round. Expected to serve as the #3 TE and hopefully develop into the #2 if Canada ends up out of Pittsburgh after the season.

12-31-2019, 02:13 PM	#5
Steelers4190 Pro OVR: 0 Join Date: Jan 2013 Blog Entries: 6	Re: Fictional Roster (Madden 20) Will post Team Breakdowns as I complete teams: Pittsburgh Steelers Recent History: The Steelers are coming off their most successful season in nearly a decade. After years of below average drafting and failure to develop talent that was on the roster the Rooney family looked to make a change. The hiring of Cotner 2 years ago, previously the Titans OC, brought about the desired change. The team has made smart moves to obtain draft capital, smart free agent signings, and developed talent already on the roster. In Cotner's first season the team got off to a 1-4 start. At that point the team turned to rookie QB Chris Hoover, whom they selected with the #5 pick in the draft. They would go 8-3 in his starts to finish 9-7. The team then finished 12-4 last year before losing the Chiefs in the AFC title game. Head Coach Nick Cotner, 2 years (21-11) Cotner began his NFL coaching career as the WR coach for the Titans. After 1 season he transitioned to the QB coach and worked closely with the OC. By week 14 of that year he was transitioning to the OC role due to health issues of the incumbent coach. He served the next two seasons as the full time OC and play caller. In those two seasons the Titans finished in the top 5 in yards, points, and 3rd down efficiency. He had built a reputation as one of the most sound play callers around the league. He was then hired by the Steelers at 35 years old. Though he has an OC on staff to help with day to day tasks he calls the plays on Sunday. Quarterbacks Chris Hoover, 25 Hoover was the #5 pick of the Steelers 2 seasons ago. As a rookie he came in to go 8-3 in his 11 starts. That propelled the team from a 1-4 start to a 9-7 finish missing the post season by one game. Last year Hoover helped guide his team to a 12-4 record which won the AFC North and gave the Steelers the #2 seed. He is big and athletic standing at 6'5 and 230 lbs. He has a strong arm that allows him to drive the ball in the cold Pittsburgh elements which was one the things that popped on his Iowa tape. He has shown that he has the makings of a franchise QB in his first 2 seasons. Prev. Season Stats: 364/560 65% 4,480 yards 28 TDs 14 INTs 95.8 Rat. Noah Dyson, 24 Dyson was the Steelers 2nd round pick last year. Many questioned the move as they just picked Hoover with the #5 overall pick the year before. The Steelers were high on his arm strength, which many believe is one of the best in the league, and his work ethic. Cotner believes it is important to keep the QB cupboard full because injuries can happen. Las season served as a redshirt year for him due to how raw he was coming in. He served as the #3 QB his rookie season, but his spring and camp performances have vaulted him into the number two role. Matt Campo, 35 Campo is a journeyman QB who has served as a back up QB for 6 different teams. He has found success as a spot starter going 12-4 in 16 career starts. He was brought on by the team last year to serve as a mentor and back up too Hoover. He was in Tennessee with Cotner when Cotner was the OC there. With Dyson's development into the #2 QB Campo will now take on an even larger mentor role and serve almost as an assistant QB coach along with being the QB3. Running Backs/Full Backs: RJ Finley, 24 An UDFA out of Michigan State. He spent the first half his rookie season as a ST ACE. By week 17 he was the team's starting RB. He solidified his role as the starting RB last year by turning in a pro bowl season. He does not wow anyone with any singular trait, but is well rounded and consistent. Jerod Baber, 21 This season's 2nd round pick. Baber is an explosive runner who is dangerously elusive in the open field. He finds ways to make people miss and create for himself in space. He has shown a willingness to bang it up between the tackles when asked, but questions exist if he will be durable to ever be more than a change a pace back. Jay-Jay Smart, 23 A thick back who stands at 5'9, but 225 lbs. Though his size would peg him as a down hill grind it out type runner he is more comfortable in space as a pass catcher. He has solid hands and finds windows when leaking out of pass pro. He was a 3rd round pick by the Patriots last season. He led the team in receptions, but after he and his position coach got into a physical altercation he was cut. The Steelers were quick to kick the tires and felt that the incident was not something they expect to rear it's head again. They quickly scooped him up. Trey Edwards, 24 A ST performer who has led the Steelers in ST tackles each of the last two seasons. Toto Brooks, 24 An UDFA rookie from Ole Miss. The team likes his speed and will give him a look this preseason Robby Knox, 27 A fan favorite. Fans identify with his selfless and grimy player. He lead blocks, he plays the most ST snaps on the team, and he loves doing it. Ultimate team first player who competes. Coach Cotner once quoted that if he was ever to go into a difficult situation and could only call one person to have his back it would be Robby Knox. Wide Receiver Floyd Turner, 24 A high school and college teammate to Hoover. Turner was drafted in the 7th round two years ago. He spent the first 4 games as a healthy scratch his rookie season. His first action came the following week. The next week Hoover was inserted into the lineup. The two quickly showed the connected they showed in HS and college. Though he stands at 5'10 and 180 lbs he plays bigger. He finished his rookie campaign starting 12 games and recording 60 receptions. He is a film and practice junkie and is always working on his craft. He caught 94 balls last year to lead the team and finish 3rd in the AFC. He enters his 3rd season as the #1 WR in Pittsburgh. Cortez Smith, 26 A former first round pick by the prior regime. He flashed talent, but could never consistently perform and conflicts with the prior coaching staff left him labeled as a bust. After Cotner was hired the Steelers shocked the NFL by picking up Smith's 5th year option and then extending him for 2 more seasons. Smith started to show his talent more consistently after Cotner arrived and led the team in receiving yards that season. Last year he showed why the Steelers picked up his option as he made impactful plays all year long to help propel the Steelers into being a potent offense. He is a big, fast, and physical WR. Darrius Penn, 22 A local product who attended Penn State. He was the team's 3rd round pick last season. He split time as the team's slot WR with veteran Isaac Friendly. He is an elusive and explosive slot guy who can not only win under the chains but get down the seam as well. He is slated to be the full time slot guy coming into this season. Isaac Friendly, 34 The first FA signing of Cotner's tenure. He was the reliable slot guy for Cotner's offense with the Titans. Tough and crafty Friendly just seems to find a way to move the chains. At his age it is difficult for him to get over the top from the slot hence why he was starting to phase out of the role in the last month of last year. He still has a role and the team still values his vet leadership. Randy Shaw, 24 A good athlete. Still raw at the position as he enters his third season. The team likes his traits, but he has failed to stick anywhere as he is on his 3rd team in 3 years. Clock is ticking for the former 4th round pick. Johnny Lambo, 28 Former first round pick who struggled. In his first 3 seasons he caught just 39 combined passes for 421 yards and 1 TDs. He was cut before the end of his rookie contract. He spent the next 4 seasons in the CFL where he became one of the best WRs in that league. The Steelers picked him up this offseason. They like high pedigree guys with low risks involved to fill out the bottom of their depth charts. Tight Ends Keith Small, 26 A former 5th round pick from Cotner's first class. He served as the #2 TE his rookie season, but by week 13 he was starting. He caught 27 balls on the season, but 19 of those came in the last 4 games. Last year he was the starting TE. He is a physical and gritty player. He's an old school TE that can block and catch passes. Hoover can always depend on him to be where he is supposed to be. Kam Canada, 26 Kam was the team's first round pick the year before hiring Cotner. He is easily one of the most physically gifted TEs in the NFL, but he has yet to perform like one. At 6'6 and 270 lbs he is a monster on the field. Fast and strong. He makes plays with the ball in his hands.....the issue is getting the ball in his hands. He struggles translating coaching to the stadiums. He drops passes he shouldn't. He misses blocks he shouldn't. And at times misses reads he shouldn't. The team did not pick up his option which means he is scheduled to hit the market after this season. If he wants to cash in with the Steelers or anyone he will need to up his play. Zack Holmes, 22 A raw rookie TE from Middle Tenn State. He was selected in the 5th round. Expected to serve as the #3 TE and hopefully develop into the #2 if Canada ends up out of Pittsburgh after the season.