DaTruth's Take On The #2 Seed Steelers
by datruth4life on Dec 23, 2008 12:59 AM EST
34 comments
There may be no fan's take on the roster I respect and enjoy thinking about more than datruth4life's. Particularly when it comes to the offensive line. If nothing else, his presentation and style are always greatly enjoyed by me, even when there's something I disagree about. Thanks to him for finding time in his busy schedule to post this, which can originally be found in a previous comment thread. I feel it belongs here for all to see and discuss. - Blitz-
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Blitz, Datruth agree with a lot of what you said. Don’t worry about the haters. Haters are supposed to hate. Now on to a few quick drops of Truth:
— Bruce Arians this, Bruce Arians that. He ain’t the biggest problem with this offense. I hate to burst everybody’s bubble, but this offensive line just isn’t good enough. Point Blank. End of Story. The cat is out of the bag and the Fat Lady can sing. Can’t Run and Can’t Protect? Where you gonna hide and who you gonna call... Ghost Busters?
— What Chris K did yesterday against a rookie — one who had one sack on the season — to allow him to get 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles is pretty bad. In fact, I think this performance by him will go a lot toward the team not resigning him in the offseason. Willie Colon had a rough day at RT as well. Like Tomlin said, no excuses.
— Time for Kevin Colbert to offer half of his draft this year (9 draft picks) to move up and get the best LT available on picks 11 through 20 (it’d cost too much to move up into the top ten). I’d trade a 1st, 3rd, 4th and a late pick in 2010 to get the best LT available (Michael Oher or Eugene Monroe, anyone?). I’d move Max Starks, if he resigns, to right tackle, Stapleton to left guard and let Colon and Simmons fight it out at RG.
— If Colbert doesn’t want to go that route, then you can sit at where you’ll be (real late 20’s) and take Duke Robinson, G, out of Oklahoma and then take 2 to 3 tackles later and hopes that one of them come through. I’m not for that philosophy. Go get the guy that can protect Ben’s blindside for the next 10 years and draft another tackle with good feet that you can also bring along. Datruth has no idea what rookie LT Tony Hills will bring to the table next year, so as far as future prospects go, get’em in, get’em good or get’em gone.
— Blitz, I don’t agree that this team was due for a letdown or they were just tired. They got beat. Plain and simple. The Titans didn’t turn the ball over, ran when they needed too, and only allowed Kerry Collins to be sacked once. On the other hand, the Steelers had 4 turnovers (could have been about 2 more if not for recovered fumbles), ONCE AGAIN couldn’t run, and gave up 5 sacks. I might put about 2 of those on Ben, but afterwhile, your OL either has to man and play a complete game or be like Mice and say “I like cheese!!!” So far, I think we got a few cheese eaters on this line.
— Man, Kerry Collins did a pretty good imitation of … of …. a QB leading a team that could be the best in the AFC? He was humming that ball yesterday. That TD toss where the receiver turned Ryan Clark inside out was gorgeous. However, the throw that hurt the most was that one after the Harrison sack, the 3rd and 20 throw that he completed on the left sideline. Only a QB that is confident in his arm and his D can make that throw. Hey one relaxing pre-holiday thought for you, how’d you like to see our $100M QB playing behind the Titans’ OL? The NFL wouldn’t know what hit them.
— Did our no. 1 D smell themselves a little too much after B-More? I don’t think so. It is good to be confident. But it is also good if you’re humble enough to know when you get your tail handed to you. When the Titans picked up 2 straight first downs running the ball when the D really needed to stop them and get the ball back, Larry Foote said it best, that it is time for the D to check themselves a little bit. But I’m with you Blitz. Dick LeBeau will have them playing better next time around.
— One other thing the Truth noticed. Run blitzs aren’t as effective against this team than it is others. To be effective against the Titans, and particularly Chris Johnson, everyone needs to play their gap and guard against cutbacks, kind of like a picket fence mentality. With Lendale White, you just smack him as early as you can. Anyone notice Big Snack getting really upset when Foote and Potsie were overrunning the ballcarrier on their run blitzes near the end of the game? They stopped and the D finally got off the field.
— Paging Mr. Woodley, Paging Mr. Woodley. If you hear this message, could you please pick up the phone and your play? DaTruth knows this is your first year starting, and that you might be wearing down late in the season, but this D isn’t the same without you bringing it. Just like the guy conducting the bench press at the NFL combine always say, “Well, if you want to be bear, then be a Grizzly.” This team needs that “Grizzly” that it had been getting earlier in the year on other side of Harrison.
— Did any of you really think a hip was going to keep Deebo off the field? Only if his hips were dislocated from his upper torso. The dude’s a Baller. Miami can keep Joey Porter and his $20M guaranteed. I’d take DEEBO!
— Hey, K. Colbert and the Rooneys, after the last gun sounds this season, here are some deals where you just need to “Get’er Done!”: 1) Bryant McFadden, can’t develop them and then let them go to someonelse when their best years are ahead of them, Pro Bowl potential and best CB on the roster 2) Deebo extension, no explanation 3) Heath Miller extension, no explanation 4) Max Starks, how can this guy play a decent left tackle and not beat out Willie Colon at right tackle? He don’t deserve LT money but I’d give him RT money (whatever RT money is, I don’t know, but he’s at least worth that). Right?
— If I’m Tomlin, I’d sit Ryan Clark and Deebo against the Brown-stains. Everyone else that can go should play. Just stomp’em early and everyone can sit. I’d let Ben play so that he can practice on throwing the ball away, which is what he’s going to have to do a lot in the playoffs if this line doesn’t play better.
— What Tomlin has done to get this team to 11-4 (and probably 12-4 after next week) with this schedule and the injuries is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s hope he can fix this OL next year just like he did the kickoff and punt teams (notice I didn’t say return teams). With this D and Big Ben, this team has a puncher’s chance against anyone in the playoffs.
—If only this OL could get a visit from Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier and let Poitier hypnotize them into thinking they are a championship quality OL like he did Bootney Fonsworth (aka Jimmy Walker) and convincing Fonsworth that he was a champion boxer. Anyone remember that movie, “Let’s Do It Again?” I can see Chris K. and Willie Colon right now saying after being hypnotized saying, “I CAN block somebody. I’m MEAN!!!! I’m INVINCIBLE!!!!!!!! I don’t make the person playing across from me the NFL Defensive Player of the Week EVERY WEEK.” (Alright, it’s okay to laugh now!)
— Happy Holidays all and be blessed. And that’s DaTruth!
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chris K
I guess it would be nice to keep him around to see how Simmons is doing when he returns. But I say that mostly because I dont think that Colon will get moved inside. I sure wish he would, but if he was not, then we’d be kind of thin at Guard.
If he were in fact moved inside to compete with Simmons for a single job, I like the idea of using some of out boatload of picks to move up a bit.
by Blitzburgh on Dec 23, 2008 1:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It really depends on who we draft. If the FO isn’t going to draft any O-line (unthinkable this year, also unthinkable last year…) then we need to keep everyone as either starters or as backups. Even if we only bring in one new guy, we need to keep who he is supposed to replace as a backup. Right now our O-line backup is one step away from traicy essex, tony hills, or that scott guy from coming in. Simmons is out, mahan was traded, and marvel can’t play. This is of serious concern – we need better depth next year.
It’s okay if that depth is made up of rookies, but they have to play better out of the gates than hills did.
by steelguy99 on Dec 23, 2008 9:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jordan Gross
I mentioned this in another post, but I think that the Steelers should part ways with Starks and Smith, and use that cap room to make a big move after Jordan Gross. He will only be 29 next season, and could quickly be the solution at LT for the next 3-4 years.
Then, we could trade up in the 1st round to get that G Duke Robinson (although he could be available late in the 1st round when we draft [32nd, obviously]), or make a big move to get a tackle like Oher in the mid- to early 1st round. I think securing the tackle position is huge this offseason. I think if Simmons can return to 100% next season, he’ll be an upgrade over Kemo, and if Stapleton can put on about 15 pounds, he’ll be a pretty decent LG or RG. Hartwig, in my opinion, is the only guy starting right now who is assured a starting job next year.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Dec 23, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d want to have a solid LT as much as you do, but I sincerely doubt the steelers are going to reverse their very long standing tradition of not getting into that sort of bidding war.
by steelguy99 on Dec 23, 2008 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With a Super Bowl caliber team, I think they would consider it
By most admissions on this site, the media, etc…the weakest link one this team is the OLine. Shoring up the OLine is priority #1. And think if we had a LT like Gross this year. Instead of Starks/Colon, we have Gross/Starks. That’s going to cut down our sacks and improve our run game immediately.
I like the fact that the Steelers aren’t big players in the FA market, but if we can bring in an impact LT like Gross, and a top tier rookie, then this team could be right back in the thick of things next year…playing in mid-January and possibly early Feb.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Dec 23, 2008 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good Post
But I don’t really think we all have to worry about our Steelers.
I think Big Ben said it all when he was like, this game isn’t the world, we are in the playoffs, we are still going to play hard but we are going to play loose. And loose he did play, he missed a lot of easy targets and instead tried to make the big play happen. On defense it seemed like everyone was a step slower, and kept over pursuing.
I think the game you saw on Sunday was just a team that wasn’t hungry anymore, a team that wasn’t fully focused and a team that just played loose.
That will not happen again as they take this 3 week break to get ready for the biggest 3 games of the season. Each game after next week only gets bigger.
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Dec 23, 2008 2:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
big picture
Great post. I agree with most of these points. Two things in particular stand out:
1. The biggest problem with this team is the offensive line. It’s offensive. It MUST be addressed this offseason, primarily through the draft, but maybe through free agency as well if we lose some of our own guys and end up with cap space because of it. (I agree that we need to work really hard to try to keep McFadden, but if he leaves for more money, maybe we can use some of the money we would have spent on him and go get a decent lineman.)
2. The big picture is that we are 11-4, probably headed to 12-4, division champs, and the #2 seed in the AFC with a first-round playoff bye—all this against the toughest schedule any team in the NFL has faced, not only this year, but perhaps in the past decade. Not to mention the injuries that have forced several starters to miss significant time. If someone had predicted all that during the preseason, I would have said that they were drinking too much Steelers kool-aid, if you know what I mean. This team has already exceeded expectations, and I don’t think they are done yet. Tomlin has done a fantastic job, and the players have shown that they can compete against any team in the league. A sixth Lombardi trophy is within reach. Let’s go get it!
by nycsteeler on Dec 23, 2008 7:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great Post As Usual DaTruth
Considered responding when you posted but now that Blitz moved to main page I will. I agree with most of what you say most notably the need to upgrade the talent along the offensive line. With numerous compensatory picks (including a #3 for 66) the Steelers need to move some extra’s and move up in Round 1 and again later in day 1 if possible. There needs to be an immediate upgrade in talent on the OL if we are to run the ball, protect the QB and make short yardage.
While I respect your football knowledge and agree with your valid point that Arians “ain’t the biggest problem with this offense” hope you come to grips with the fact that he is a HUGE part of the problem and not part of the solution. The reason’s are numerous. His play calling is terrible, he puts those without the tools to run particular plays into situations where they are running the particular plays they ought not to run. He is a terrible judge of talent, leaving more talented players on the bench so he can play those who are “his guys.” Finally he has made none of the young players he has been bestowed with markedly better. While you could argue he has developed Stapleton, I submit that Stapleton is a helluva “second tier” player. I noticed 72 in his first game as an undrafted free agent C and was singing about him pancaking a couple D linemen before being injured. I don’t think BA or his minion led by Zeirlien had anything to do with it. Players play and coaches coach. If the coach doesn’t put the player in the right position all is lost. Arians is lost. Just watching him roam the sideline on Sunday, following Ben around with a “what are we gonna do?” look on his face is enough for me after all the evidence of the last few years. BA had nothing to help Ben on Sunday. BA is not the only problem. He is part of the problem not part of the solution. Rant on BA over.
Regarding Woodley, I was asking the same question on Sunday waiting for him to make a big play. Perhaps he has run out of gas? Perhaps the Titans game planned for him. Regardless, they need him to step up in the next few weeks and be a play maker. Time to lay the Wood!
Finally kudos to Tomlin who impressed in his first year and has now improved short comings from last year to this year. That is “coaching.” Time to take the next step MT; Win A Playoff Game! (or 3?)
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on Dec 23, 2008 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Kemo vs. Jason Jones
I admittedly didn’t watch the entire game on Sunday, what can I say the holiday season doesn’t always mix well with the football viewing schedule, but I did see NFL Networks take on the game. Steve Mooch was highlighting Jones’ sacks and he didn’t really beat Kemo on any one of those sacks. Here’s the way that I saw each sack:
Sack #1 - It’s basically a stalemate at the LOS, maybe a yard into the backfield, and Ben steps up into the pocket, pumps, steps again and then goes down. Ben not only held the ball way to long but stepped right into Jones’ grasp.
Sack #2 - This was a DL twist that sent the DE down inside and Jones swung around the outside. You would think that Kemo would pick up the DE and Starks would swing out with Jones, but of course we don’t know the protection schemes. If anything this should fall on Starks or M. Moore who ran right by Jones on his way to the flat.
Sack #3 – Kemo actually had Jones blocked the best on this play. It was a stalemate and then Jones tried a spin move that Kemo picked up. Ben stepped up, then tried to scramble, pumped, took another four or five steps and was sacked by Jones.
I’m not big fan of Kemo’s, but I wouldn’t put him at fault for any of those sacks. Maybe he was got dominated at other points in the game, like I said I didn’t watch the entire game, but watching those three plays, in a vacuum, I wouldn’t blame Kemo for a single sack. Ben had ample time to get rid of the ball on the first and third sacks and on the second it was a DL stunt that moved Jones to the outside.
by cgolden on Dec 23, 2008 12:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jones' last sack of the game
Kemo lost it, looked the wrong way, and when he got his head back Jones was already gone.
by BallsofSteel on Dec 23, 2008 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
good stuff truth
You’re spot on with a few exceptions. I love your take on the O line but we’re all dreaming if we think Colbert will ever pay a top tier free agent LT. Kemoeatu has failed his audition this year and either has to be a back up or go elsewhere. I was down on Starks the past few years but I think he has done an admirable job in Marvel’s place. Colon is not cutting it at RT against speed rushers off the edge and he gets pushed around too much by power rushers.
I disagree about Ben. I think I would sit him this week to heal up a little and give Byron a little work. The play in the post season is in another gear and if the line doesn’t reach that gear, Ben could be in pain.
I am not as enamored with Tomlin and Arians as others are. Even though the line is the poorest the team has fielded in a long time, Tomlin has allowed Arians to change the philosophy of the steeler power running game when he got rid of our bruising fullback (Kreider) and went to a one back set. Willie has made it absolutely clear that he runs better behind a bruising fullback, but Tomlin and Arians won’t listen to him. This puts too much pressure on Ben. Lebeau (coach of the year) , his defense and Big Ben have carried the steelers to the record they have, despite having to carry Tomlin and Arians on their backs. I’m not as eager to give Tomlin all the credit. He was unable to make halftime adjustments in many of our games, not just the ones we lost. I do like Tomlin though and I think he is going to turn into an elite head coach in the NFL.
Keep the good stuff coming. I enjoy reading your posts. Happy Holidays to all.
by qwikdoc on Dec 23, 2008 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Truth be told
Some salient observations from the gang. I only post when moved to do so, usually by frustration and anger over a loss – truth be told. Other truths, truisms and hopeful wishes beyond Christmas…
Chris K did stink it up Sunday. He is not a long term solution. The twist stunt described by CGolden on sack 2 was bad, really bad between Kemo and Starks. I can’t imagine a scenario where they wouldn’t have recovered and blocked area after the stunt showed itself.
Big Ben may not have lost the game in an absolute sense but he assured it. His inability to secure the football in the tackle is irresponsible and devastating. He has been hit an awful lot the past couple years, flinching behind this group is understandable. Letting go of the ball in low speed collisions is getting worse over time. I would contend that Ben is not the same and may never be the same since the motorcycle wreck. No one wants to hear that but I see signs that his reactions and decision-making are cloudy. He has most of the physical tools but is not the same player as in 2005-2006. Between the head trauma of the accident and the past two seasons of beatings, the guy’s cranium has been battered. That, and his legs are not what they once were due to injury. Is he a good QB – yes. Is he elite – I would say no, not now. He should play one quarter against Cleveland at the most, almost nothing to gain and much to lose.
Pass rush was ineffective but only a little worrisome in the big picture…. I would say that Harrison and Woodley’s individual performance was a bit troubling if only because they have shown the ability to beat one on one blocking with amazing effectiveness previously.
Not so bold prediction: LeBeau and possibly the offensive staff were holding back in the Titans game. I saw a lot of the same offensive and defensive stuff throughout the game. Perhaps, just maybe the coaches were not willing to show all the cards in this one?? I’ve got to believe that if they play again the heat must be turned up on Collins. C’mon, they’re a good team but they don’t have a world beater at WR. The Steelers don’t have to defend a monster wideout like Owens or Moss who can physically beat one on one every down if motivated. Collins is old and slow, he can’t hurt you with his legs. Send 6 or 7 guys and see how he stands in there.
Parker is mostly done. Sorry, that’s how I see it. Moore should be the starter and I think they will start him in playoffs.
Rest of O Line needs to get meaner and decide collectively not to be embarassed. It won’t change how good they are but resolve and effort is all they have to carry them into the playoffs.
On the hopeful front:
Ben plays with determination and brains in the playoffs. I hate the term “game manager” when referring to a starting QB but he needs to slide that way a bit. Don’t throw the game away in an attempt to make a play. One play will not win the game (unless it is truly at the end of the game) but it surely can lose the game. Last week’s fumblitis was inexcusable – he didn’t get drilled in the back. Throw it away or run if possible. I do like that he has run a little more in recent weeks. Running for a few first downs or even picking up 4-6 yards is a lot better than sacks, hits, and incompletions. Running early will open up possibilities later in the game. Just get down when the tackler is coming!!
Arians throws out the slow or sprint draw, especially with Parker in the game. He can also throw out all other slow developing run plays. One thing I’ve learned from coaching this game is that if you have a weak O Line you better not ask them to block for a long time. Did you notice how effective the quick-hitting run play was last week? Much better than the slow stuff…
Speaking of sprint out action – why not try it? God knows Roethlisberger likes to move his feet and this O Line is not Hadrian’s Wall !!
For 2009:
Draft a real offensive lineman – please!! Trade for another… try spending some money on the most important unit on the team.
Mendenhall fully recovers and is ready to roll week 1.
The Steelers finally get a 4 down D package for passing situations and as a change up. C’mon Dick, if us HS coaches can do it, you can. How about Smith, Keisel, Hoke or Kirschke and Woodley coming off the offensive Left side?? Hampton is not a pass rusher.
"Franz" in NoCal
by franz on Dec 23, 2008 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
More good points
The thing I would add off the top of my head is that the delayed draws are supposed to look like pass plays until the handoff. Apparently we aren’t selling them very well. I think they worked a few weeks ago because teams thought they could just tee off on Ben, but now they just go after both Ben and the RB. And our OL isn’t setting up a pocket in those cases.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2008 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t help that our draws were all supposed to go up the gut, and the center of our line was absolutely dominated this past week.
by steelguy99 on Dec 23, 2008 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Arians play calling etc
Without sounding like a know-it-all, you need to look at the action of the play at the snap, the formation and the personnel. In particular, the wrap-around draw play is supposed to be a counter off a sprint-out or QB movement play as Bill Walsh used to call it. The Steelers have not used any sprint-out type plays forever, so why would the LBs react to the initial movement?
When Parker is in the game and the LBs get a pass read, they are looking for Parker to run draw or screen. In fact, I can tell you that if Parker is in the game and they run a screen, it will be to the offensive left over 90% of the time. If I know this tendency, you can bet the other DC knows it!! Why did Moore run the draw more effectively? Because he must be respected in 3rd down situations to either block, run draw, run screen or run a pattern. He’s also better in open space. Parker is faster but can’t shake and bake a guy at 2nd or 3rd level. Moore is sneaky quick and has some hips.
Straight draw is problematic for them now because we can’t split the two DTs wide enough, especially if they have a stunt on. Hartwig is better than Mahan but he struggles at times and gets collapsed. Kemo and Stapleton seem thick and strong but must lack the athleticism needed to beat good D Linemen. In particular, Kemo flails at guys and looks confused. I would guess he is struggling in the zone scheme and may have run more man block schemes in school. Either way, they just aren’t very good. This is also the first year together for this group, so it’s a double-edged sword.
Ben moves pretty good still. Why not move the pocket and give the OL one side of the body to protect instead of always having to beat a guy with a 2 way go on pass pro?
Football is the most complicated game in the world but is also based on simple principles. If you block and tackle better than the other team, you are going to win the vast majority of the time. Turnovers, penalties and blown assignments are the only things which cause an exception to this basic rule. That said, if opponents are roughly equal in ability, coaching and influence can provide advantages. Arians is
"Franz" in NoCal
by franz on Dec 23, 2008 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Since you left that left sentence unfilled, let me help you out:
a pile of poo
by steelguy99 on Dec 23, 2008 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Godo thoughts
I like most of your thoughts Franz. I’m not worried about the 4 down line man package. We had the Heavy package last year, and i’m sure that in a pinch we could get back to it. But based on how good this defense has played it’s schemes this year? No need for another right at this moment.
I’ve seen a few roll-outs from Ben, and would love to see more. Arians adjusts his strategy very slowly throughout the season. I was actually happy to see some draws, but agreed that the sprint-action meant nothing since we never have Ben move like that in passing situations. It didn’t look like a well rehearsed play.
by Chicago Steeler on Dec 23, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
more offensive stuff
Thanks Chicago, and you’re right – the defense is far from the problem. I have my issues with their schemes but the results speak for themselves.
I guess Ben has rolled out occassionally but not to any degree. He sure as hell doesn’t open left and roll left very often, especially with Parker to his left !! Who would believe Willie is going to secure the edge vs a DE?
One of their worst formations is a right wing set with Spaeth at TE and Miller as the Z in a wing next to him. They tried to use this as a heavy set vs the Ravens and got completetly abused. The DE or OLB just blew inside of Spaeth every time. The guy is a sac as a blocker, I mean as weak as I’ve ever seen from a TE in the NFL. The guy is a lamppost who catches the ball when he is open. Other than that, he’s a liability – can’t move and can’t block. His cousin plays for me, so I really would love to see the guy go off and dominate but he’s very average.
Love the hurry-up spread set with Moore in the backfield. Ben is comfortable because it’s familiar territory going back to Miami(OH). The only thing bad are his audibles as others have mentioned. If he starts talking, it’s draw. They keep slowing down when they have the D on the ropes. Ben needs to take over and call plays from the LOS when a good D is tired and has wrong personnel. He is either too dumb, not coached well enough or is being restrained because they don’t trust him. Bottom line is this – you don’t go hurry-up for 3 plays then wait and let the defense adjust or recover… keep going, kill when the throat is exposed !!
"Franz" in NoCal
by franz on Dec 23, 2008 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Arians is The Devil! He is the most useless piece of trash in the whole Steeler nation, actually, he is NOT a Steeler at all I’d say!! I could write a book about it but the issue is old and has never changed and WILL NOT change… as long as we have him, we will have a poor offense. If any of you guys are ok with that for a few more years, I feel sorry! Even if we win the SB, BA GOT TO GO!!
by setherian on Dec 23, 2008 12:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Couple thoughts
One thing, Kerry Collins is not just some scrub. He’s top 15 all time in career passing yards, and he did QB a team that made it to the SB. I was shocked at how our D let them move the ball against, but I do think that a letdown of sorts if very plausible. The team seemed a lot more sloppy than we’re used to seeing, and Ben usually does a better job taking care of the ball than he did this time. I think (and hope) that this game was more the result of the team letting up a little or relaxing a little after going through the toughest stretch of games that I’ve ever heard of in the last month and a half. Hopefully, we’ll see things improved in the playoffs, and more than anything, the offense will take care of the fricking ball.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2008 1:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I have been surprised at the media comments about how the Titans dominated us. We were dominated by the Eagles. The Titans did’nt dominate us, we had a let down of the offensive line who had been playing better than they are. The defense had less of a let down but you can’t do that against a team like the Titans. I feel good about going into the playoffs with this loss. A couple weeks of mental preparation and some physical healing should position us for a solid run at the SB.
by qwikdoc on Dec 23, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I’d rather have this loss now and beat them in the playoffs than the other way around. If they beat us again, then, well, they must just be the better team.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2008 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing like a DaTruth sighting
to brighten the holiday cheer!
Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history
by maryrose on Dec 23, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good word
I personally agree with most of your wordages. I think our O-line situation should go like so though….
LT, Draft the best we can
LG, Draft somebody
C, Hartwig stays
RG, Stapler stays
RT, Maxamillion Starks if he stays.
Its mind boggling to me how we had Maxamillion on the bench. Willie Colon is honestly the worst RT I’ve seen playing for us ever.
by Mechem on Dec 23, 2008 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stimulating stuff DaTruth
I think Mechem and others have stated the most convicting truth; with the quality of this O-Line how could they justify having Starks on the bench? There is clearly some level of disconnect between BA and Z on one hand and the FO which slapped the transition tag and a nice piece of change on him. He is good enough to be retained and to play a critical role in a strong, competent O-Line. Colon’s liabilities were clear a year ago. I’ve seen a bit too much of ’Z’s’ zone blocking scheme; total confusion along the line. They have turn our offense into Cleveland.
I think we have most, if not all the necessary pieces for not just a championship caliber team, but a dynastic team (two or more championships with roughly the same group. I’m not writing off this group, but they will have to win more on character and tenacity rather than an overwhelming application of talent. I think we have the means. I also think that Tomlin and company know where their liabilities are. Certain coaches may be working themselves out of their jobs. Expect the offense to take a leap similar to that of the defense next year. And like the defense (remember last year we didn’t think much improvement was possible without significant improvement on the D-Line), the change may require less of an overhaul than we might imitially think.
For now I give Tomlin the benefit of the doubt. I think he’s a chess player and the best of this team will not be seen until the playoffs. Our toughest game of that journey may well be the first one. And if we win that one, we may win them all.
by RickVa on Dec 23, 2008 7:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'ed!
Great stuff Rick. Plenty to chew on, but I will say I like that comparison to the DLine, but at the same time, the guys on the d line are proven awesome players, whereas the guys on the offensive line are proven average players for the most part, with Stapleton being somewhat intriguing and promising, and Hartwig and Starks being sufficient. I guess my point would be I don’t think too much improvement can be expected without at least changing a few of the parts. At least 2, imo.
by Blitzburgh on Dec 23, 2008 8:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stapleton is being exposed a bit lately, we’ll see how he performs down the stretch. He was an amazing improvement when he came in though, and I’m not convinced simmons would be doing any better in his position. The thing about stapleton though that I really like is that he was a UDFA. Maybe he’s not a world beater, but if we could only find more like him without spending any picks and hardly any money that’s huge.
by steelguy99 on Dec 24, 2008 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
running back situation
is Moore signed through next season or did he just go one year? I would be interested to know how the depth chart will look next season with all three backs. I could see teams having some interest in Moore in the off season if he is available, but if we still have him next season, a set up like the giants have could work really well
by indianasteelers on Dec 24, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Moore signed for 3 years, so we have him for at least another 2.
by steelguy99 on Dec 24, 2008 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
geterdone
Agreed with most observations, but the idea that a rookie o-lineman will come in and produce much less be a starter doesnt bode well for Ben.Wait, heres an idea;Lecharles Bentley hasnt played in 2 years, is completely healthy and has been lifting his ass off waiting for a phone call.An all pro guard-center sure would help shore up our o-line and reinvigorate our running game.Been saying this since August,need to get THIS done.
by wmd3 on Dec 26, 2008 12:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Capizzi signing could end up paying big dividends; K. Wilson next Steelers OC
Datruth appreciates all of the feedback on this post and all the others on this board. Steelers Nation is passionate, intelligent and well-versed when it comes to talking football.
For wmd3, I have no problem with signing Lecharles Bentley if he is healthy. I do think the signing of Jason Capizzi for the rest of this year and for next year could pay big dividends for this squad. Of all of our OL in camp this past year, I thought Capizzi had the best feet. You don’t come across people very often with that type of size and those feet. DaTruth remembers in early training camp how he went up against Deebo, Kiesel and Kirscke back-to-back-to back in passing rushing drills and didn’t give an inch to any of them.
Injuries have been a big factor in him not making this team, but on the other hand, he has had 2 years to work on his strength and will have another offseason to do that under the Steelers supervision. I’m not calling him the next Anthony Munoz, but I think he could end up surprising a lot of people next year.
I’m not big on drafting a rookie to protect Ben’s blindside as well, but if he is better than any other LT on the roster, then put him out there and let him grow. I’m willing to trade up and draft the best OL. I can’t see 9 drafted players making this team next year (our scouts are so good, we’ll find about 2 undrafted rookie free agents to make the roster anyway).
You heard it hear first: Bruce Arians will be fired as Offensive Coordinator and replaced by Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson. Tomlin trusts Wilson, who has never been an offensive coordinator on any level, to get the Steelers back to playing smash -mouth football. Both won a championship together at Tampa Bay and Tomlin believes Wilson, with some upgrades in the OL, can get this team back to being a run-first, play-action passing big play team. Larry Z. will also be replaced at the end of the year, but I don’t have any thoughts as to who his replacement will be. Not concrete info., but just a gut feeling.
This team will be in much better shape going fwd this offseason than it has been in the last 3 years. It is crucial that the team keep Bryant McFadden, even if it is only for another year. When you are this close to making it to the Super Bowl, you don’t let young, pro bowl caliber CBs walk. You just don’t. The team also needs to work out extensions for Heath Miller and Deebo (both in the last years of their deals), and see if they can work out something with Max Starks to play RT next year. I’m willing to let Capizzi, Hills and the team’s no. 1 draft pick (LT Michael Oher?) compete for the starting LT spot and let Starks play there (if he’s resigned) if neither of the 3 prove that they can handle it.
Anyway you look at it, this is the offseason that the team rebuilds its OL and gets young depth for its DL.
Thoughts?
by datruth4life on Dec 26, 2008 1:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
OC
What OC is good without a good line? With that being said I remember in the beginning of the season BA wanted the line to come in thinner this year to implement his scheme. We see how that has worked. So lets give up on this experiment like we did with Tommy Gun – one and done. We gave up a lot of sacks last year but at least we could still run, now we can’t do that. Lets not take another step back that would be a nightmare. Lets end the pain now and get an up and coming guy with an imagination who loves smash-mouth running football while keeping Ben happy and having him return to more 2007 like number (minus the sacks). Mind you Peyton didn’t start to separate himself from the other QBs till his sixth year, if we can give Ben a line next year we might be able to see that in hi sixth year.
That being said I say for the 2009 draft we have nine pics trade 3 of them and move up in the first round to get the best OL in the draft.
1st round OL
2nd round DL
3rd round OL
5th round DL
6th round WR
6th round FB (we need a good one to get back to steelers’ football)
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 28, 2008 8:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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