Steelers Defense 2008: The Most Violent

by TheMostViolentTeam on Dec 29, 2008 7:18 PM EST

Well I've been home almost a week from Navy OCS, but haven't found time (much to my chagrin) to get on here and post away some thoughts, but here goes:

1) Don't fret that the Steelers have allowed more rushing yards the past few games. If you look at the numbers, it's simply a volume issue; teams are running more (due to cold weather, and the potential for our pass-rushers to kill their QBs/throw INTs) but still having a low average yardage on running plays. Ever since we had that stretch of games with a ton of picks and sacks (Cowboys was the exclamation), teams have run more, even if it's not very successful, it won't flat out lose the opponent a game the way turnovers will.

2) As I predicted before this season, this was one of the best, and in my opinion, THE best defense ever. LaMarr Woodley (having watched him in person this past weekend), is an absolute beast. He hasn't had sacks the past few games, but he is a killer against the run. He was regularly taking on double-teams in the run, which is unheard of for a 3-4 OLB. I don't think he's wearing down, I think teams are paying even more attention to him. The rest will certainly help though, and I expect this defense to come out flying in the playoffs. Look for them to be even better in the playoffs; as defenses always get stingier.

3) Lastly, and let me first apologize for the shortness of this post, as you most remember I usually like to go more in depth, but I'm pretty busy at home even (mostly working out non-stop), anyways, thanks to everyone who posted some nice thoughts a couple weeks ago about me, Blitz forwarded it to me at OCS, much, much appreciated!

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you most certainly were right

About the defense being special this preseason. I wasn’t skeptical necessarily, but I was having a hard time seeing how we’d be that much better than last year, when we still posted really nice numbers defensively. But we have been so much better than last year. So much more consistent. Only the Tennesee game stands out as one where we had some issues – and we still held them to only 320 yards or so and 3/14 on 3rd downs.

Glad you got some time off to chill with family and friends, though from the sound of it, doesnt sound like you’re getting too much R&R time. Hope its been nice regardless.

by Michael Bean on Dec 29, 2008 7:37 PM EST reply actions

been

very nice, getting plenty of R&R, but the free time I have i’m using to workout in preparation for the road ahead. once i get back to San Diego in early February I’ll be back to posting alot, most likely celebrating our recent Super Bowl victory.

as far as the Tennessee game, remember we gave them extra possessions due to turnovers, and even a bad (and in TEN’s case a decent offense) offense will get some yards with extra possessions, I don’t remember off the top of my head, but Tennessee’s average yards per play still wasn’t great. that’s why time of possession is so important in the NFL, more opportunities = more yards/scores. that game was WAY closer than the score.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Dec 29, 2008 11:21 PM EST up reply actions

glad to see you back tmvt!

by schnifin on Dec 29, 2008 8:24 PM EST reply actions

As to opposing Olines

paying more attention to our linebackers, how about the CB blitz with Timmons getting all the attetion from blockers allowing McFadden to sneak in for the kill?

by betelgeuse on Dec 29, 2008 9:44 PM EST reply actions

i have noticed

we have been blitzing McFadden and Ike more often, it’s what always happens with good defenses as the year goes on, offenses adjust to take away your elite pass rushers (DEs or LBs) but that lets DBs come in untouched and the offense in a bind. basically our defense is attacking offenses and forcing them to change their game plan for us….the true sign of a great defense.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Dec 29, 2008 11:22 PM EST up reply actions

by the way

McFadden put a hell of a lick on Gradkowski. a few notes on Timmons….the kid is a stud. he played every single down of the game, literally except for offensive. he is on all the coverage units, and was playing OLB on 1st and 2nd down, and ILB on 3rd down for the defense——that is NOT easy to just switch like that, they have completely different responsibilties—that shows you he really knows how our defense works to play everywhere on the field. I hear people at the stadium muttering he hasn’t lived up…. he is a hell of a player, and great against the run and pass already in his 2nd year. when he is a full time starter he will be Pro Bowl caliber.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Dec 29, 2008 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

Hope

you’re doing well, enjoying what you’re doing, and having a boatload (no pun intended) of fun.

I can’t say enough for what our men and women in uniform do for this country, and I thank you for everything.

Glad to see that you’re on here and best of luck in the future, and hopefully we can get a Super Bowl victory for you to celebrate in February.

by Romain El 82 on Dec 30, 2008 3:35 AM EST up reply actions

glad you're home, tmvt,

and i hope you enjoy it. i totally agree with your point on timmons. i was at the game sunday, too, and was very impressed with him. he was also very VERY good in the game at baltimore. i was also very impressed with keyaron fox, particularly on special teams. i loved his energy and his willingness to be in the line of fire on every special teams play. looks like a gamer.

...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com

by agentorange on Dec 30, 2008 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

most violent

Indeed I think our team is pretty hardcore. Granted we dont intentionally injure people like the Ravens do but we definitely play at a more intense level.

And they feed off the offense. with guys like Hines laying blocks out that kill people, the defense cant help but rise up.

by Mechem on Dec 30, 2008 12:04 PM EST reply actions