QuoteDUCE ON THE DECLINE
Few folks around the NFL were surprised this week when Steelers running back Duce Staley acknowledged that Willie Parker has earned the starting gig via a 161-yard performance on September 12 against the Titans.
The real shocker for many league insiders is why Staley is even on the roster.
Come next year, when Staley's salary shoots from $665,000 to $2.5 million, Duce likely will be cut loose -- especially since some in the organization quietly are beginning to question his toughness.
When he came to the 'Burgh, toughness wasn't an issue. But since then a string of injuries have limited his availability. Sure, he had 830 yards in 10 games last year. Still, the only thing folks remember about the Steelers 2004 running game is that Jerome Bettis saved the day after Staley succumbed to injury.
And injury likewise is hampering Staley again this year. He missed most of training camp after unexpectedly needing a 'scope job. He only recently returned to practice, and at this point there's no reason to give him game reps that otherwise would go to Parker and to Verron Haynes.
I had a feeling when Duce signed with them that it would really only be a 2 year deal unless he absolutely blew up in Pittsburgh, much like TO's current contract. The fact that there's already talk about it after week 1 and the emergence of Willy Parker, what are the odds that Pitt entertains the idea of trading him? And if they did, given the uncertainty of the RB position behind Westy, what are the odds that Reid entertains the idea of trading for him?
Duce can be Amabassador Jr.
Duce sounds better than Lamar Gordon. But Duce doesn't sound better than Bryant Michael Westbrook or Ryan Moats.
Quoteespecially since some in the organization quietly are beginning to question his toughness.
That's especially shocking since his peers recently voted him the NFLs toughest player.
I can't believe that his toughness is being questioned.
Isn't this the same guy who played almost a full year with a hernia?
That was a long time ago, he's getting old now.
He'll be our next Dorsey Levens...
On speed dial and coming back next year.
Bring back DUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!
i blame tom modrak for all of this.
meh.. i've moved on.
id take duce back as a great number 2 back.
Well when Westbrook leaves and Moats doesn't pan out we can have Gordon, Duce and the omnipresent Mahe in our backfield.
YAY!
Quote from: rjs246 on September 19, 2005, 04:12:14 PM
Well when Westbrook leaves and Moats doesn't pan out we can have Gordon, Duce and the omnipresent Mahe in our backfield.
YAY!
you forgot that we'll also have buckhalter for at least a quarter or two for next year.
By the time Westbrook leaves Gordon won't be here anymore. Westbrook's contract extension with the Eagles is inevitable.
QuoteESPNews reports the Steelers released RB Duce Staley.
Staley signed in 2004 and looked like an ideal fit for Pittsburgh's season. He was for half a season, averaging over 100 rushing yards a game, while letting Jerome Bettis vulture his touchdowns. But Staley literally got fat and happy the last two years and the organization grew tired of his effort and injuries. The Eagles could look into signing him, but we doubt he'll ever have a major role in the NFL again.
Get Duce?
Why don't we just bring back Hugh Douglas again.
Can he tackle? Sign him.
We already have a fat player who doesnt run very well that we put in the backfield.
His name is Nick Cole.
I thought you were talking about Darwin Walker for a second, then you said "backfield," and I immediatly thought of Donovan.
Quote from: MDS on December 04, 2006, 07:04:41 PM
I thought you were talking about Darwin Walker for a second, then you said "backfield," and I immediatly thought of Donovan.
Right - because Walker spends zero time in the backfield.
For the love of God, don't sign Duce.
Put him on standbye.. Corell's biological clock knees are ticking... tick tick tick...