Steelers Limp Into Playoffs as #4 Seed
by Michael Bean on Dec 31, 2007 2:39 AM EST
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PrintI'm sick as a dog with food poisoning (it's been one thing after another keeping me from writing this past week or so), so I didn't make it out to a bar to catch the Steelers game. Being that I'm in CA, I was subjected to Raiders-Chargers. I opted for Cowboys-Redskins. Congratulations to the Redskins for an impressive stretch of football this past month. It's not easy to win 4 games in a row in this league. It's even harder with your journey-man back-up QB. I wouldn't be surprised to see them knock off Seattle next week.
Because I didn't watch the game, I don't know who played, and for how long. I'm aware that the big guns on our team sat this one out, but how long did guys like Ike Taylor, Keisel, James Harrison play? Fill me in if you wouldn't mind guys.
Couple thoughts before limping back to bed:
- Our defense is looking pretty suspect heading into the playoffs. The Ravens, who haven't been able to muster much offensively all year, moved the ball at will through the air and the ground. Not sure there's a magic remedy at this point, but as I've said before, professional teams can go on inexplicable runs. At the end of the day though, I'd have to say I'm very concerned about what Jacksonville may do to us on the ground next week.
- That said, I'm pumped we're playing Jacksonville. I don't like the fact that they've owned us the past several years. No better time for payback than in the playoffs, where the Jaguars have been known to disappoint.
- If this team is going to make any noise in the playffs, it's going to be through the air. For all the wishful thinking that Najeh Davenport would seamlessly replace Willie Parker, it's almost entirely unlikely that that's the case. A big game against the St. Louis Rams isn't enough to convince me he's able to provide the same big play ability as Parker. Davenport will be an integral part of the offense if we are to win games in the playoffs, but as was the case in 2005, we're going to have to be supremely efficient passing the ball early on. By the way, how did Verron Haynes look?
- Just saw one stat that pleased me: 0 sacks allowed. We'll need more of that against the Jags.
- The loss dashes the Steelers opportunity to finish the 2007 season with a perfect divisional record. I'll take 7-1 anyday though.
**********
Hopefully I'll be feeling well tomorrow to begin exhaustive playoff coverage. Despite the rocky finish to our season, I'm still proud of this Steelers team and extremely excited for our playoff game next Saturday night against the Jaguars.
Also, the Name the Brownies Mascot winner will be announced tomorrow. Still time to win that Steelers shirt with a submission. Good night Steelers Nation. Playoffs are here!
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Didn't see the game either
Of the highlights that I did see though, the OL at the end of the game consisted of Colon, Simmons, Mahan, Chris K, and Trai Essexx and Holmes played the entire game. It looked like there were several defensive starters on the field for Baltimore's final TD (late 3rd) including Harrison, Hagans, Keisel, and Anthony Smith.
Willie Reid also fumbled the opening kickoff although he was allowed to return kicks to rest of the game. He still only averaged 21 yards per return with a long of 30.
from what I remember. . .
I do think that this offense is playoff ready, with or without Parker. Yesterday's work was acheived without our 2 best healthy offensive players (BigBen, Ward) and without Faneca playing most of the 4th quarter. But the question is, the NEW question in PITTSBURGH of all places is, can the D hold up?
. . . a question that makes me sick to my stomach.
Defense is the biggest worry
Team speed on D is lacking. The older players seem to be aging faster as the season's progressed. Too many missed tackles all around - including those by savvy vets like Farrior. Too many guys out of position. Could Aaron Smith really be that important? I remember Belichick commenting (in the unfamiliar role of pre-game analyst) before Super Bowl XL about how Aaron Smith was the one guy on the Steelers D who was always on his pro bowl ballot. Maybe he was right.
Tomlin's comments after the game were revealing. He questioned the team's readiness and suggested that they would play just their base defense if that's what was needed to stop the run. I wonder if there will be some adjustments in defensive philosophy in the offseason between him and Lebeau. Let's face it - the last 4 games have been the worst ever for a Lebeau coached Steelers D.
It's going to take an inspired performance to win against the Jags unless the Jags choke. Both are within the realm of possibility. Beyond that its time to start thinking hard about the offseason.
One And Done?
This 2008 Steeler team has shown their colors through the last month. This Steeler squad peaked in September. They have slipped as the season has worn on. The Defense is well coached and contains great athletes. It also contains no real play makers. Troy has missed time and not played up to his level of years past. The D doesn't consistently get pressure or stop the run. Aaron Smith must be the second coming of Mean Joe and he will not play. That is dangerous against Jax which will run the ball until the cows come home. Also with little or no pressure on Garrard he will not make the mistakes the Steelers will need.
The special teams is a disaster. While Rossum is an upgrade from last year (for those that don't remember, Willie Reid provided a glimpse into 2006) he still only catches the ball and then gets pedestrian numbers. Reed and Sepulveda are good but the coverage teams are not interested in getting down the field and making a tackle.
The O is not smash mouth. The O line is porous and weak. Faneca is over rated. The Center play has been below average. FWP is a stud but won't play. Davenport is a heckuva football player (like Ward) that returns kick offs, plays on punt team and picks up crucial 3rd downs. He will show up. Ben is a franchise QB who gives the Steelers a chance to win any game.
That my friends seems our best hope. Somehow the Steelers need to hang around and find a way to stop the Jax onslaught of RB so that Big Ben has an opportunity to get us a W and send us to New England. Without the O line protecting Ben and #7 having a HUGE day, I am afraid the Steelers are weak in the trenches and may be one and done in the playoffs. Jax handed us our hats a few weeks back and we owe them. I hope Tomlin and the coaches come up with a great game plan. It would be the first one this year! I sure hope they address both lines in the draft as that is the key. Championships are won with a great QB and in the trenches. The Steelers have the QB. They need work in the trenches. Go Steelers!
Reality
- New defensive wrinkle to stop the run. Bottom line is this - our base defense and base personnel look outmatched against the run vs big and physical offenses. A true 8 man box with 5 linebackers and 3 DB's against the Jags base personnel may be the easiest personnel adjustment. Possible to add a 4th lineman but not likely considering the roster depth at DL. They obviously can't sit in this throughout the game but without a radical change, how can their coaches expect them to stop the run after the last month? Make Garrard beat you.
- Pressure on passing downs. Perhaps coupled with the bigger personnel and some associated blitz packages. Timmons and Woodley can and should be utilized, at least tactically and early in the game. They are young, explosive and fast - something our starting LB's (except #92) seem to be lacking.
- Turnovers. #24 and his mates had better catch the damn ball when it hits their hands. The defense can not overcome lost opportunity. Ball security by Ben and forcing some turnovers is crucial. Force is the key word. I would dearly love to see some aggressive play at the LOS by the defense. Get 9 or 10 people within 5 yards of the line and mob the Jags from the start. The right 9 guys will be the key. If LeBeau and Tomlin come out in base or nickel often they are going to be run over. Overwhelm the Jags early, force them to throw the ball right from the start. I would rather lose fighting than to be dragged down the field for 4 quarters by their run game. What do they have to lose?
- Aggressive pass plays early. In shotgun, Ben at least has a chance to catch the snap and throw 10 - 25 yards downfield. Attack vertically - it's quicker than complex horizontal route packages which we typically can't protect for. Go up top with Holmes and Wilson. The NFL is the best league to take vertical chances, PI is easily called compared to other levels of football with a huge penalty associated. Do we honestly believe the Steelers are going to man-handle the Jags defense up front? They have a short week and are the travelling team. Make their defenders chase us from the beginning, make them work early.
- In all phases - be unpredictable. Again, what have we to lose? It would be nice to see something new, this is the playoffs. By new I don't mean some other team's offense or defense, that's not going to happen nor should it. I mean doing some different stuff with a different attitude. These are not the 2005 Steelers, why pretend they are and lose trying to copy that team? Go with your current strengths and attack, attack, attack!!
#3
by Michael Bean on Dec 31, 2007 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Quick look at history...
Also, we are playing at home. This squad has been night and day different at home vs the road. I know Jax already beat us at home once, but we had a chance to win that game. If we had 1 or 2 3rd & long stops, the outcome could be different.
The outlook is not as bleak as some have said.
timmons
by TheMostViolentTeam on Dec 31, 2007 1:43 PM EST reply actions
RE: 0 Sacks
Troy and Aaron
The O-line looked ok...
Holmes is a competitor and is becoming a great target.
Would still like to see some more Miller, and where is Spaeth?
At least some new guys will hopefully get some valuable playoff experience even if it's only one or two games.
by WarStreets on Dec 31, 2007 2:08 PM EST reply actions
Starks question
NFL players that have surgery for disc problems in their back don't usually come back bigger and better than ever, especially when they are over 30 and in the last year of their contract. They have to resign Ben, Starks and McFadden to keep things going for next year. Resigning Starks would also allow them to spend a first day pick on a DL, an area that they must improve upon greatly next year. Kischke and Eason are getting run through right now.
Happy New Year, everone!
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