Lets not count out Stecker (1 Viewer)

[donovangraffeo]

I have been noticing a lot that many people think stecker is gone due to the drafting of Pittman. I still think Stecker can make the team. He has been a somewhat effective change of pace and occasional third down back in his time as a Saint. However I think his value lies with his special teams play. I think he has a chance to feel the void McCafee is leaving behind.I really think he has a chance to make the team in that role. What do you guys think?

 

[bclemms]

I have been noticing a lot that many people think stecker is gone due to the drafting of Pittman. I still think Stecker can make the team. He has been a somewhat effective change of pace and occasional third down back in his time as a Saint. However I think his value lies with his special teams play. I think he has a chance to feel the void McCafee is leaving behind.I really think he has a chance to make the team in that role. What do you guys think?

I don't think he can fill Fred's shoes because Stecker is a return man (average at best) while Fred was a gunner (a great gunner). Fred did do a little returning but only when nobody else was available. I think Stecker has a chance to make the team but it is a very small one. Actually, one of the reasons he has less of a chance to make the team is his special teams play or lack of. Stecker will turn 32 this year and is paid extremely good for a 3rd RB. I like Stecker and think his versatility on offense is the only thing giving him a remote chance of making the team (not including injury).

 

[buzd]

I think you have a good point, and it's a possibility, but I don't think Stecker has the special teams upside of Fast Freddie, and will get beaten out at the 3rd RB spot (I wouldn't mind being wrong).

Stecker filled that 3rd RB spot (often split out) serviceably, but he did drop a few. Atheletically, I think Antonio Pittman is probably slightly better than Stecker. Stecker has the veteran edge (knowledge, leadership). Everything being equal, Pittman will get that spot (assuming the coaching staff has faith in Pittman). But of course, you bring up another good point. "Losing" fast freddie opens another spot. Stecker would fill that spot admirably, leaving Pittman to take the 3rd/spot RB role. Of course, that would most likely leave Branch out...

I guess I don't have much of a conclusion, other than barring out-of-the-norm circumstances, Pittman will make the roster, leaving Stecker's spot much more in jeopardy, although not out of the question. You actually raise a good point, since McAfee had a spot...

 

[Zardnok]

I like Stecker and think he gives his all on every play. Yeah he has had a few drops. Yeah he is not the quickest back. Yeah he doesn't have the flashy name. But Stecker does his job reasonably well and sometimes you just need people to do their jobs.

I think he has an outside shot of making it back. A lot depends on what sort of shape Pittman shows up in.

 

[geauxboy]

I really liked Stecker in Tampa. He was very good in that system. When we got him, I thought it was a great move. He's exactly what I expected of him. A 3rd down back with ST skills.

I have to admit that the dropped TD really burnt my britchies and I have not had that much support for him since, and I'm not the type (usually) to write someone off cause of one bad play. The Pittman pick was a good idea IMO. Spelling as a 3rd down back and ST. Same as Stecker. Time will only tell if Pittman will become a steady NFL player, but I like him over Stecker already.

All in all, I really think Stecker's days are numbered.

 

[diat150]

I never really liked stecker. IMHO he was way overpaid for what he brought to the table. I hope pittman replaces him.

 

[NeverGiveUP2]

Sorry... counting him out......... the guy showed little to me when he played....Pittman brings more to the table.. think so anyway... wont know till they play

 

[CAVALIER]

I like Stecker, but I 'd rather see Branch r Pittman stay on. Perhaps we can get a 6th or some DT help for him...

 

[thib82]

I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the team. IMO, Payton has an unorthodox style of coaching, and is possibly on the verge of creating new type of offensive style. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he comes to the season opener with 4 runningbacks suited up, and all 4 get playing time on offense one way or another. When you think about it, you get more mismatches by utilizing your RBs in the passing game, and Payton seems to be taking advantage of this, and not just by passing the ball to Reggie. Corners cover WRs, and moslty LBs cover RBs. Our offense has become highly unpredictable because of this.

 

[Bespoke]

Ugg... it's just that when you have so few opportunities I expect him to make the most out of them.

batting up passes in the air that get intercepted, and dropping sure TD's really doesn't help much.

 

[meily]

Sorry, i already counted him out....its a numbers game.

 

[morals99]

I didn't see him making the team before drafting Pittman, now I really don't think he should show up to camp. Honestly he'd be better off walking onto a squad that lacks RB dept. Obviously you have Deuce/Bush and edge to Branch at #3 but Pittman could really shine and as a #3 pick it's hard for him not to make the team. I think there is a strong possibility we keep 4 RB's. Hopefully we can get some ST outta Pittman or Branch.

 

[Puddinhead]

Which Stecker were ya'll watching the last few years. He's played good special teams and pretty decent at the RB position. I don't think theres a single team with a 3rd RB thats as good as Stecker and most teams don't have a # 2 that good. If Pittman can beat him out then thats great, but if its a close camp for them, I hope they give Stecker the spot.

 

[SaintSooner]

The only way Stecker is a sticker is ST.

 

[donovangraffeo]

Sorry, i already counted him out....its a numbers game.

Good thing your not Payton. The saints carried four RB's last year. Keep crunching the numbers though.