To The Water Cooler We Go: Steelers Gab Amongst Friends
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 3:01 AM EDT
Email
PrintWriting year round about the same subject has its challenges, particularly when you're not equipped with a press credential. So I'll take a shortcut here and copy and paste a instant message conversation with long-time reader TheMost ViolentTeam. Check out his series on How the Steelers Defense Works (Parts 1, 2, and 3) for an informative read. With TMVT about set to embark on his officer training for the US Navy SEALS, I thought I'd take advantage of his last bit of spare time to kill at work and talk about our favorite subject, the Steelers. As always, feel free to email at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com me with any questions, complaints, whatever, or just to say what's up. That's how TMVT and I 'met', and we now enjoy frequent correspondence as part of our normal routine.
TMVT: I'm really pumped for the JAX game man. It's a great chance to show our mettle and resiliency even more. I have a great feeling we romp this weekend.
Blitz: I do too.
TMVT: I just think we got a really mentally tough team. Ben said it after the game: "we will never quit." People have reasons to be concerned, but we did just win a division game on the road without our top 3 RBs and a starter on the O Line.
Blitz: Maybe it's time we start viewing this team as a defensive team. You know like the Ravens of 2000 or the Bears teams of recent years where the hope is that the offense can do enough and let the D take care of the rest. I know we talked all summer about how many 'weapons Ben had at his disposal' but it looks as if the true strength of this team is the defense, yet very few of us are fixating on that positive and instead are just pissed that our offense has sputtered the past three weeks.
TMVT: I was thinking the same. The problem is I think our offense is just out of sync right now. It can be a lot better than '00 Ravens but I agree with the core of what you're saying. We are mostly a defensive team and that's not at all a bad thing. I gotta say, I'm concerned about giving the D a rest throughout the game. That might be why we're hesitant about going no-huddle too often, because it puts your D on the field a lot. I think we should just use the no-huddle a couple of times a game, to mix things up, but to still not expose our defense too much.
Blitz: I guess, but I think you may be associating the no-huddle with the hurry-up. I think there's a way to use it without racing up and down the field (hopefully). Furthermore, the no-huddle would put our D on the field no more than not using it if we're just going to go 3 and out and get sacked all the time.
Blitz: Anyway, we'll see how much, if any, we use it against Jacksonville. I'm not a huge fan of the Dookie signing. You?
TMVT: He won't play much anyway.
Blitz: Not this week, I'd guess. Agreed.
TMVT: Back to the no-huddle real quick. I still think we have the tools to be a successful offense without the no huddle. With better play calling, of course.
Blitz: Agree. We have the QB and the play makers.
TMVT: We have the tools to run any offensive system. We can do a little bit of power running. We can do cutback/zone running, deep play action pass, intermediate passing, and short routes. We just haven't found any continuity or identity at all on offense so it's hard to say what we can or can't do.
Blitz: Agreed, we still have plenty of time to figure it all out but I gotta say, we have to first find SOMETHING that works consistently before we can diversify and expand our offensive repertoire. I think, for now at least, our best bet at that is with the no-huddle.
Blitz: One thing I've been wanting to write about is the importance of peaking at the right time. At this time last year the injury bug had not yet hit us, the offensive line was shaky, but not nearly as bad as it was towards the end of the year, etc. Maybe this tough stretch is exactly the kick in the pants we need to truly address some of the internal issues that will keep us from being a SB caliber team.
TMVT: True that. We'll have to grind out a win this week, but we can do it convincingly anyways I think.
Blitz: I dunno. I'm concerned about the D this week. It's a short week, Monday was a physically taxing game, and the Jaguars are getting some rhythm on offense the last couple of weeks. I do think we'll score some points though.
TMVT: It'd sure help if we put up some points early. I think the D is veteran/smart/badass enough to not have a letdown.
Blitz: Woodley and James Harrison are just beastial. So f'n good together. One great pass rusher can be dealt with. Two makes things so much more difficult for an offensive line to deal with.
TMVT: Oh man. I was watching Wood all night. He got more double teams than Harrison i think. One play early in the game, he got faced a Tackle and a RB, and still spun to the inside and caused slight pressure. Those guys are incredible man. Best OLB duo since Porter & Gildon in early 2000s.
Blitz: They're better than them imo. Woodley's still got a little bit to learn in the passing game compared to a guy like Porter, but he'll get there.
TMVT: Agreed. Better pure pass rushers.
Blitz: Woodley may turn out to be amazing. As in like one of our All-time great type legends that we'll applaud in 25 years during the team's 100th anniversary celebration.
TMVT: 100% agree. Playing with Harrison will only make him better, because he tries to mimic the intensity harrison does. Perfect environment.
Blitz: Harrison is so ferocious. That was awesome watching him crush Woodley as they jumped into the stands after that TD. I'd be so scared if he was dating my daughter.
TMVT: Haha true. He's pure intensity.
Blitz: You think we'll resign him?
TMVT: Yeah, I do. I do think Woodley is definitley better. He's faced better opposition so far and he does well against Pro Bowl tackles (John Runyan) whereas Harrison seems to get his sacks in bunches on average to below average tackles. He doesn't get manhnadle by Pro Bowlers or anything, but he doesn't seem to dominate them.
Blitz: Harrison does seem to be a feast or famine type player.
TMVT: Yeah.
Blitz: Woodley has an INT, right?
TMVT: Yeah, first game.
Blitz: Man, in just four games he has 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery for a TD, an INT and solid tackle numbers (17). Pro Bowl is not out of the question I dont think.
TMVT: Yup both him and Harrison are well on their way.
Blitz: I dont think both would make it, and Woodley's diverse statistical accomplishments i think would give him the edge if both were to continue more or less at the same pace.
TMVT: If they end up with similar stats Harrison will get the vote probably because of his reputation. Helps that he's so huge on Monday NIght Football when everyone's watching.
Blitz: I dunno, lots of national pundits are drooling over Woodley and I'm not sure that many outside of the 'Burgh know about Deebo.
TMVT: We'll see. I could see both making it. Both are on pace for like 15 sacks.
Blitz: What did you think about Deshea's play?
TMVT: Eh, he obviously wasn't 100% For some reason, i cant remember who Mason got most of his yards on?
Blitz: I think he was lined up against both BMac and Ike at varous points.
TMVT: Mason is very underrated though, one of the best in the game in YPA usually. Great route runner.
Blitz: I have no idea how he was able to continue making plays.. Flacco was looking his way the entire game yet still found a way to get open on us. Guess thats a testament to Flaccos strong arm and his route running as well, but i would have thought we'd have forced him to look elsewhere.
TMVT: True.
Blitz: How tired are you of losing to the fucking Jags?
TMVT: Very. Can't wait to change all that this weekend.
43 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
shag-guars
I’m glad you two are confident that the Steelers will win this weekend. I for one am not. I respect both of your opinions so I already feel a little better.
In my opinion, one of the reasons the Steelers lost the playoff game was lack of FWP. I am so pissed he won’t be ready for action Sunday night. I don’t know how the Steelers can take advantage of their weak pass defense with the pressure Ben has seen recently.
And what about the run-D? The Steelers are missing 2/3s of the D-line against that monster rushing combo! I know Jax’s O-line is depleted, but how much? No big snacks? well sheeeeit!
I hope I’m full of it and you guys are right and not just wishful thinking. I’m just glad the bye week is next becaue they’re gonna need it!
PLEASE tell me why I’m wrong.
Good luck with the Seals BTW TMVT.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
we are going to need it
Make no mistake that. We’re battered and bruised. Some optimistic part of me thinks that we’re going to finally click on offense after weeks of futility. Your take is definitely more plausible and grounded in empircal evidence in the last two weeks.
One thing I’ll say is that both me and TMVT saw the offensive line play much much better against BAL. Even in the first half when we were still calling slow developing plays. The guys up front were holding their own for as long as could be reasonbaly expected.
The mediocre Jags defense has lots to do with it too. There’s things to be had in the passing game against them and theyre not quite as good at pressuring the QB with their DL as they were in years past.
I hope we’re right too!
Does no-huddle have to be quick? I know historically part of the reason to use it is to be quick, but couldn’t we modify it? I mean, even if the defense is getting their calls and is able to set up, Ben would still be holding the reigns. Is there a reason he couldn’t wait to have the ball snapped until the playclock hits 5 even while no huddling? Not to mention there’s ripe opportunity for offsides in there.
My favorite part about the no-huddle it is it makes the D adjust to us – we have spent the better part of the last 2 games (adjusting – i know i know – where were the adjustments – i believe they were there just not the right adjustments, i.e. putting Big Money in the back field). Let’s make them adjust to something we are doing – and if we get a TD or two out of it before they stop it then that is great. Then we have them on their heels a little bit and Ben maybe has some time to breathe and a little more room for a RB to run the rock. Others with MUCH more football knowledge can give better (or worse) reasons i’m sure, this is just why i was calling for it before the philly and ratbird game – see pre-ratbird-post for the proof that i’m not as dumb as i look.
Part that really really bothers me is that Ben had to go ask for it (tell them we are doing it). This makes no sense to me and to me is not a good sign for BA or Mike (aka Omar Epps) Tomlin.
Colts
use a “slow” no-huddle lots of times, they come to the line, then use most the play clock anyways. Peyton does it to try and tire out the D-Line guys who have to hold their stance. If they stand up he’ll quick snap the ball. They don’t huddle, but it’s not a hurry-up offense, so we could do that if we needed, but for us, using no-huddle SHOULD be to speed up the game so defenses can’t tee off on our QB.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 2, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
also
peyton uses the no huddle to get an early look at what the defense is running. by having to rush into position, the defense often shows their coverages and blitzes very early, which allows peyton to change blocking assignments and audible to a different play. two things to note about this technique: 1. petyon is THE BEST at reading and recognizing defenses. 2. not only does this tire out the defensive line, but it also tires out the offesive line.
i’m not sure ben can read defenses well enough to do this yet, but it certainly has been effective in small to medium-sized doses.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Oct 2, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
he needs to learn
Now’s the time to give him free reigns to make some mistakes in the sake of learning about coverages. D can bail him out and often times a turnover 20 yards down the field’s not all that different than a 3 and out and a 40 yard punt with a small return. Let him learn on the fly.
It would give Ben time
to call the protection at the line which would lead to more time in the pocket and better run blocking assignments. I’m all for a slow no-huddle. It took the Bills to four straight super bowls and we have the same level of talent as far as I’m concerned. Well, at least at the skill positions.
I'll second that last statement
VERY tired of losing to the Jags. We are 8-11 against them, disgusting.
Last time we beat them was in 2004 and they have won 4 straight since – ugh!
I agree with you about the no huddle vs hurry up, can still give the D a rest using no huddle – doesn’t have to be 20 yard plays every play, ahem “Bruce?” ahem “McFly?”, also if we do it at the beginning of the game and get the lead then we remove their running game by forcing them to throw to catch up and then we release the pit bulls, Harrison and Woodley.
By the way love the picture of their celebration – feel sorry for the poor sap getting kicked in the throat be Harrison – well not too much as he was on the field for a great game….. so yeah forget that, doubt he minded much anyway.
Is it Sunday yet?
no kidding
I’m really into this season. Ups and downs. Serious strategy adjustments needed to be made. Dynamite players on both sides of the ball. Villains to hate (jags, browsn, arians). Everything one could want.
Good question, is it Sunday yet?
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah this year is going to be entertaining to say the least
living right outside of DC, I (and a lot of my co-workers) have 11/3 @Redskins circled. Of course, the way they are playing now and the way our O is playing, i’m not quite as confident as I was before the season about that game. But should be fun none the less.
I kind of like having the hardest schedule in the league – maybe no repeats of the downers last year @NYJ and @AZ to name two of the downers. Team is forced to be up for every game, of course that could be bad too as they could get burned out – hopefully not though.
agreed
No snoozing with this schedule
As for that Skins game. I’ll be there! Flying in from Seattle. Sounds like we got a decent sized DC contingent so perhaps we can cook something up for that Sunday or Mondday.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Sweet! There are a TON of Steeler fans in this area
Before the Skins started winning everyone I talked to was worried there would be more Terrible Towels than Deadskin fans – LOL. If they keep it up and we keep it up, the atmosphere for that game will be INSANE.
Definitely should do someting – paint this town Black and Gold!!!
A big Steeler logo right on the Washington Monument would be a nice touch.
it will be insane
FedEx is ginormous. PLENTY of room for both massive fanbases. And I’m sure the fesitivities before/after the game are going to be sufficiently spirited. I f’ed up on my travel reservations and booked my return flight for like 6 am on Tuesday morning. I don’t see any conceivable way in whcih I’m going to get more than afew hours sleep and I may be so wound up that it’d be a gamble to fall asleep and risk just zonking out after a night of yelling, boozing, celebrating a big road win. Can’t wait!
Skins are the real deal though. So long as S Moss stays healthy and Carlos Rogers too, they’ll be a tough out all year. Campbell’s been progressing nicely for the last couple of years, with a few downs along the way sure, but people have been overly hard on him I think. He’s been no worse than Sheli Manning up until his miraculous late season surge.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Skins
I didn’t give them much chance this year with Zorn at the helm, but so far this year they are exceeding my expectations by a good bit. I remember that you had said you expected him to succeed in DC. The fact that he was in his 40s and still only a QB coach made me skeptical. Zorn certainly has them playing well right now.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Oct 2, 2008 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
lo
Didnt even notice that guy getting kicked in the jaw by Harrison. Ouch.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
ever wondered
What its like to not be legitimately excited for Sundays? YOu know, like your team sucking ass so badly that theres really no reason to truly get pumped other than the fact that its football and a fun ritual during the fall? I’m a Reds fan so I kinda know, but not the same.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Injuries
Did not practice: Bailey, Carey Davis, Eason, Fox, Frazier, Harrison, Troy, Ben.
It’d be nice to know which injuries were serious. I’m sure the veterans are all just relaxing, though Troy is always worrisome. Bailey and Fox may be a little more serious but wouldn’t be the hugest of blows, and I really hope Eason practices today.
troy
Could care less about the rest except him. I know Ben will find a way to play and the BYE will heal him up. But anything re: Troy worries the beejezus out of me. We’re a different team with him in there, even when he doesnt have his best game, like on Monday.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure he’ll be fine this week, but I’m worried about the successive minor injuries to him. He just can’t take it like some of the other players, and if it keeps up he’ll be a wreck by the end of the season. We all know that a troy with nagging injuries is not troy.
Eason is not amazing by any means, but if he were actually to be injured we’d be pretty screwed…
Interesting chat
So true about Harrison and Woodley. Woodley has been more consistent, but Harrison makes it his personal goal to break down and embarass young tackles. Having both of those guys is a huge asset. With Merriman out, we could have 2 All- Pro LB’s on our hands. That would be pretty sweet if both of them and Porter met in the Pro Bowl.
As far as the Jags, their IOL is a mess. Hoke isn’t Hampton against the run, but him, Eason and Smith (and the ILB’s) could really get a lot of pressure against that line. I’d like to see some Eagle-style Timmons/Troy blitzes up the middle on passing downs to test their communication. If we can limit two running backs that usually have our number and get ahead against an average defense, we could be in Garrard’s face on every play. On the other hand, if we get behind and let them run the ball on a weary DL, we’re going to be in trouble. Our offense has to produce in this game.
charity standing orders
man, i hope youre right
Lots of my optimism about this game stems from your feelings about this Jags team Bad. I think I agree with all your assesments except perhaps the one re: the running game. I’m nervous about our front 3 and even our LBs against that rushing attack. I know their linemen may not be as good but we’ve had plenty of big running days with our suspect line. Just think we might get worn down. And it sucks, but they tend to gameplan masterfully against us while we lately have floundered and been all over the place.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
even with
reduced D-Line depth, our LBs are so good and have such good depth, we don’t have to worry about them wearing down. This is a case where our LB excellence/depth can help mask the D-Line while we have backups in. Not saying our backups have been much of a stepdown, because so far they haven’t, but if it came to that, our ILBs can pick up the workload a bit with Timmons rotating in for Farrior & Foote, and Fox seeing occasional duty. I’m really jacked up for this game, I love playing with adversity, it really shows what your team is made of. I believe we got “the goods” mentally at least on this team, if we can match it up with better play calling on O, and getting the D healthier as the year goes on, we are going to be a very scary opponent for people.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 2, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Respect
TMVT & 45 as very knowledgeable and hope they are right on the D line not “wearing down.” That is my biggest fear that Jax will run the ball, possess the clock and wear us down in the FLA heat.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
fifty
You’re alwasys concerned about teams beating us at your mantra :)
I can see your nervous energy now. I’m sure you get pissed off when teams are owning us physically in the running game.
Running game
The running game is definitely the biggest concern, which is why doing something useful on offense is a HUGE deal. Garrard and their pass pro have a ZERO chance of beating us. There’s no fing way. It’s up to their running game, specifically their backs breaking tackles. Our line should either dominate or stalemate theirs, but the how many missed tackles did we see on Talyor and MJD (and even Garrard) last year? Honestly, I like every matchup between our team and theirs, except their backs against our backers (and Arians against Ben:). If we tackle, we win.
charity standing orders
I'm more impressed with the fact-
that you both use full sentences and punctuation in your IM convo, not to mention not a single typo. That would have to be the cleanest IM conversation I ’ve seen in years. ;)
LOL
Well, I changed nothing of the substance. Maybe added a few nouns and verbs, but not many :) I took out a few profanities and I think one mention of a trip to the bathroom. Otherwise, unadulterated.
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
wow... wish that we could pass a law forcing students and kids these days to do as much!
I’m infamous for my typos, but when I get IM’s from the students I work with, I really have to figure out what they are saying. :)
i'm just used
to typing accurately pretty much. I rarely make mistakes when I’m just typing as I think, and when I do it’s just habit for me to go back and correct it.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 2, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
hehe
Don’t give your self too much credit, brotha. There was plenty to clean up on both our ends :) But generally speaking, you’re right, your stuff was clean. I have bad habits in IM, ‘ure’ instead of your. No capitilization, etc.
SteelersVT..are you a teacher?
by Michael Bean on Oct 2, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
fair enough
on Gmail chat I let some things slide that I wouldn’t normally when I’m posting on this site. Whatever. I should post your comments about the bathroom, hahaha.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 2, 2008 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I think we're right on target
Great chat TMVT and Blitz. (and if I don’t get another opportunity, good luck with training TMVT. Stay safe.)
If we can go into bye at 5-1 that would be awesome and put us on target for a playoff spot and division title. I agree with the assessment re injuries. Everybody has to step up every week. When FWP, Snack and others get back we’ll be that much stronger mentally. The upside of the injuries; Mewelde showed that he could step up. Stapleton/Essex and the receiver corp get their chance this week. All of us who have been thinking that Russell could be something special, here’s his chance. And as TMVT has pointed out Travis, Eason, Hoke and Roye have played so well that we’ve barely missed Snack and Keisel. Travis and Eason in particular are owed an apology for all the negative vibes they received this past off season.
I think the LBs are living up to the best case scenarios that were made preseason. The Timmons/Foote competition is a joy to behold. Timmons coming on strong, Foote not giving an inch. Farrior is Farrior. Great to see Bailey back in the fold. And don’t forget that Humpel and Mundy may be back soon if we need them.
Was anyone else impressed with the sheer brutality of Monday’s game. Seemed like every few plays they had to go to commercial because someone was laid out. Favorite play was Hines laying Ed Reed out again.
Not afraid of the Jags. They’ve won two games by the skin of their teeth, and they probably think they own us (with good reason, unfortunately). But I think this week is when this team begins to make its statement.
Because of that travesty in Oakland Tomlin is now the youngest coach in the league. I think he’s looking pretty good.
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Oct 2, 2008 3:54 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks
for the well wishes. Having injuries is a blessing in that you get guys like Stapleton, who need game experience, some game experience. Great way to develop players even further, so when FAs inevitably leave, we have guys who can step up into the fold. Also with regards to the D-Line, now when Hamp and Keisel comes back they will both be fresh for the rest of the season/playoffs. Likewise with Parker.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Oct 2, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
"Favorite play was Hines laying Ed Reed out again."
That was a special moment for me. I must have rewound it 5 times. So glad ESPN was kind enough to show it in slowmo when it wasn’t shown on the actual play. Even better was reed jumping up and kind of hitting Ward and the ref breaking it up and Hines is just so pleased with himself. I love it!
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
"Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history."
Art Rooney Jr.
"Level-headed thinking." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Jonathan Vilma sues Roger Goodell for defamatory statements made during bounty investigation
- New York Giants receive Super Bowl XLVI rings
- Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring can be yours, unfortunately
- The Shutdown Corner Interview: New York Giants DL Justin Tuck
- AFL quarterback misses game to attend wedding
