Steelers Losing Edge At Heinz Field?
by Michael Bean on Nov 11, 2008 5:52 AM EST
Email
Print4-1.
2-2.
Those are the Pittsburgh Steelers respective road/home slipts this year. Unlike last year, when Pittsburgh finished the year 7-1 at home and just 4-4 on the road, this year's Steelers are having a harder time harnessing the energy of the Heinz Field faithful to put away good teams at home late in the game. There are plenty of reasons that we could assign to why this may be the case, but I think the primary one is that we still have a hard time breaking other's teams backs with the running game late in games when we have small leads that we'd ideally protect with time-consuming drives.
It would be interesting to go back and look at the play-by-plays of our 2004 and 2005 seasons when we were fairly successful at doing just that, especially at home. But that sounds like an offseason project to me.
Dating back to last year though, when we dropped back-to-back home games against Jacksonville, including in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers are an unsightly 2-4 playing at home. Fortunately for us, we have two consecutive home games coming up against SD and CIN. Win those two and we're back in solid shape in the AFC. Lose either one and we're presented with even more evidence that we may just not be ready for the primetime with this particular combination of players and coaches.
On a more positive note, a loss in the next two would almost assuredly mean we'd be hitting the road in the playoffs were we to even get there. So far so good away from Heinz this year and we all know what kind of magical run we were able to go on in 2005.
Anyway, that definitely is a product of missing our top two RBs for most of the year, working in new offensive linemen on the fly under the tutelage of Larry Zeirlein, and above all else, quite simply, ill timed turnovers. We could have won both those Ls.
Nevertheless, it's a discouraging sign. And one I hope leaves my radar over the course of the next two weeks.
15 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Great points about the next two weeks.
These next two games are almost a must win situation. We can count on the Ravens losing the next two (Against the Giants and Eagles), so winning the next two would put us in pretty good shape.
We can easily forget about our recent woes with two back to back wins at home. I mean let’s face it, we SHOULD win those!
this chargers game wont be easy
They still have athletes all over the field on defense, and really, they just havent been unleased enough this year. They def will against us.
And for all the hate for Phillip Rivers, it’s really unfounded. I am not a fan of the young’un as much as anyone else (grew up with Brees, so I have a special dislike for him when he got the SD job over my boy) but the fact is, he’s been wildly accurate the past couple of years and won a ton of games. his numbers this year would be MVP consideration worthy if not for his team’s mediocre record. But a few different breaks (remember, they lost in Weeks 1 and 2 at the absolute last second) and they’re at least 6-3 and people are talking about Rives as MVP and Chargers chasing #1 seed.
This first one ain’t going to be easy AT ALL! But I really think we have to win it. And we can, definitely. It’s just going to be tough, imo.
by Michael Bean on Nov 11, 2008 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
err..Chargers chasing 1st round BYE as #2 seed that should read*
by Michael Bean on Nov 11, 2008 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Don't forget about LT, either.
This is by no means LT’s best year, but let’s face it; he’s a pretty good running back. The Steelers have done well keeping these good runners in check so far, they just have to continue doing that… Especially against the Chargers.
If we can get Woodley back (not sure of his status), I think that will be a big help in keeping Rivers rattled. Pressure is going to be a big factor against that offense.
Back to the main topic though, I think winning this game at Heinz Field will be the best way to build up the steam. Winning fixes everything, right?
One more
Also wanted to point out how you said it’s a positive that we might be on the road during the playoffs. Our road trip in 2005 was nice, but being at home during the playoffs is what you want.
yea
It’s too early to say we’re a legit road team that feels more comfy on the road. too small a sample size so far. Win at NE and at either BAL or TN (2 of those 3) and things might be different, but as of now, we’ve only beaten one quality road team really (Washington) and one good, but not great team (JAX).
by Michael Bean on Nov 11, 2008 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Superstition
After decades of home AFC Championship losses, I think the Steelers are in good position. If we get the 2 seed, we play one at home and avoid the Steelers curse of the home AFC Championship game. Of course, Tomlin has to get to one of those games before we can start thinking about their record in those games under Cowher.
by CarlWeathersMustache on Nov 11, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
yea two wins..
And we’re 8-3 heading to NE. Would be nice, considering the next four after that are NE, DAL, @ BAL, @ TN.
Not so bad for "on the fly"
“working in new offensive linemen on the fly under the tutelage of Larry Zeirlein” my props to the O Line. Considering that playing as a unit and cohesion are the qualities of a great offensive line, not necessarily individual talent and 1st round picks, and considering further all of the new faces on the Steelers O Line, I feel they have performed quite well. How, would our D Line perform with so many new (and young) players? In fact, we praise our front seven on D, because of their longevity and playing together. It allows them to add a newbie like Woodley without missing a beat. How would they play if only Kiesel was the returning guy of the front five? Probably much, much worse than our O Line. I was not a fan last year of Zierlein, but, considering that this line is not only without Faneca, but, noticeably newer in terms of personnel, they are performing better than last year. This five second sound bite that the line has declined due to the absence of Faneca is for the misinformed who are to lazy to really understand our struggles to protect Ben and now it seems to kick start the run game.
The only returning starter on the field Sunday will be 2nd yr starter Colon – particularly when Essex is in for Starks. The good news is that every Sunday they are getting better as they communicate within the unit and start to understand their changing responsibilities which can happen instantaneously depending on the look and actions of the defense.
Why not some props to the OLine?
Blitz, We can debate the subject Sunday.
oline
I think the interior of our Oline has been good in pass protection. Not as great, or at least as consistent in run blocking. And I think our Tackles have done a good job in run blocking, but struggled at times in pass protection. We’re close, and a lot better than we were after the Philly game.
by Michael Bean on Nov 11, 2008 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
The Biggest Room is the Room to Improve
Would rather have this young O Line with a big upside (you said already showing improvement) than last year’s with much less upside. Think about it, can’t get much younger than Essex, Kemo, Darnell & “Tales from the Bronx” (great movie if not a great OT).
random thoughts on o-line run blocking
I think one thing that needs to be considered about our running game is how directional it has become out of necessity. Running to the right is just not a very good option anymore. At the beginning of the season we had success with pulling Kemo and running to the right. I haven’t seen as much of that lately (besides Moore’s long TD run), and I think a large part of that has to do with Colon’s ability in any capacity, and maybe also that the steelers don’t feel comfortable running behind Darnell. I don’t have evidence to back it up, but it seems like we are running to the left out of necessity more often. This makes it easier for other teams to concentrate on where we are going to run. It also doesn’t help that Kemo has fallen off drastically in his run blocking ability. At the beginning of the season he seemed to be mauling D-line constantly in the run game, but now he seems to be asleep out there on pass-pro and run-blocking.
Last game and it seems this upcoming one Miller will be out, and the drop off in run blocking between the two is exceptional. Spaeth usually doesn’t block well, so McHugh is a better option. When McHugh is in though we lose the legitimate quick pass option.
I've never thought that Heinz field provided a great home field advantage
I’ve always felt that way. If the Steelers are a good team and play inferior teams at home, they will win. If they play an equally good team at home, it’s a toss up.
I’m not sure if it’s because the open end of the stadium allows noise to escape or if it’s because the turf is often so bad or what.
But playing in Heinz field is not like playing at Arrowhead for example. And our fans are just as enthusiastic as theirs.
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.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
