Fix the Franchise: Pittsburgh Steelers edition

If I were in charge of the Pittsburgh Steelers I would have had enough of QB Ben Rothlisberger and his antics. For me no mater of quilt or innocence will take away the fact that he is totally immature, reportedly rude to Steelers fans, and unaware that prima donna NFL players are rapidly falling out of style. At this point, with Big Ben facing a suspension and no real backup behind him I would consider doing something drastic. That might sound harsh, but how many off seasons will Ben’s behavior be an issue in?

Right now I would be on the phone with the Philadelphia Eagles seeing what they wanted for QB Donovan McNabb. If the price was my 18th pick in the first round, I would have to seriously consider making that deal. The Eagles are reportedly asking for at least a top 42 pick. That seems to mean that with the 18th pick McNabb would be in play. Of course making that move is only good for the short term, and I would be looking to draft a QB in next year’s draft or possibly in the later rounds of the 2010 draft.

After I had settled the Ben problem I would seriously consider a move against head coach Mike Tomlin. In my mind he takes too many unnecessary risks. I also doubt his ability to keep the players in line. I might not fire him outright, but he would be served notice that the status quo is unacceptable.

I then would spend the 2010 draft addressing very specific potions on the roster. Being a somewhat solid team, I could afford to take a best player available plan into this draft. I would also be on the phone to the Oakland Raiders asking about Ben for the 8th overall pick in the 2010 draft. If the Raiders offered me the 8th overall pick and CB Nnamdi Asomugha for Big Ben that deal would get done immediately.

Related Links:

•How to fix the bad NFL Franchises
•Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes
•2010 NFL Draft news, notes, and rumors
•2010 NFL Mock Drafts
•2010 NFL Free Agents
•MTR Football.com