All Eyes on Bruce: Arians Must Resist Temptation To Engage In Shootout

by Blitzburgh on Sep 10, 2008 3:42 AM EDT Comment 72 comments

Just a random thought here about this coming Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. I sure hope Bruce Arians does not get overly tempted to test the prowess of the Browns' apparently weak secondary. What I mean is that I hope Arians realizes that there should still be opportunities to run the ball successfully. Doing so would allow us to find the kind of rhythm we had for most of the Houston game.

Do I think there will be times when Arians should look to stretch the field? Absolutely, I do. But I also think that engaging in a high-scoring affair may not be the best route to take. Shaun Rogers (who looked great Sunday) and Corey Williams were brought in to help shore up the Browns's rush defense, but at least through one game, things haven't gone to plan. The Cowboys rushed for 167 yards against Cleveland on 31 carries. That's 5+ yards per pop for those keeping score at home.

Ben will still have your back Bruce, even if you don't call his number 35 times on Sunday against Cleveland. There should be plenty of areas to attack within the Browns front-7.

As our resident Browns fan kwoog noted in one of the comment threads, the Cleveland LBs struggled mightily on Sunday. They weren't in great position most of the time, they missed tackles, etc. Let's make them work this coming Sunday, both in the running game, and against our talented TEs and pass-catching RBs. There will be opportunities to go for broke in the passing game, but a nice steady dose of FWP and Mendenhall, mixed with some patient intermediate pass attempts by Roethlisberger, should keep Derek Anderson and the Browns' offense on the sidelines plenty. And more importantly, doing so, I believe, would cause them to press -that- much more when it was their turn. As our defense proved last week, things can get ugly if you don't find a diverse and balanced attack to keep the Steelers D from teeing off.

Just an unorganized thought from me about our next contest.

Thoughts? How do you see Bruce Arians going about his game-planning this week?

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Comments

The clownies

I pretty much agree with you there on the run game as well as kwoog’s assessment of the LBs. If you look at their roster, their 2 interior LBs are weak. Willie “does he still play in the league” McGinest is old and slow, and the only real concern is Wimbley who is regressing. These guys are still adjusting to playing the 3-4 where the LBs HAVE TO MAKE THE PLAYS. I don’t care who you have on the D-Line, if your LBs (esp. ILBs) can’t tackle, people are going to run on you all day.

With that being said, we have to play to keep the Defense fresh and the cleveland offense off the field, otherwise this is going to be a nail biter down to the last minute and we could come out on the losing end. Ball Control!

I’ve been reading the cleveland blogs and post and they are all clamoring for BILL COWHER!!! Oh no!

by vin2k on Sep 10, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Run, run, run........and run some more

when we came out in the second half and literally ran the ball down the throats of the Texans, I thought it showed two things. First, that maybe the light came on in Arians head that when you find a weakness stay after it because I believe that drive is what killed any momentum/emotion the Texans might have worked up at halftime. Two, our fans, our team, our front office all love to pound the ball which is the easiest thing to do in football. When the weather gets cold, if the is (GASP) an injury the best way to deal with football adversity is to simply run the ball. Also, when you are effective doing running everything and I mean EVERYTHING opens up for your team. Best way to win in my opinion.

60 minute men

by I.W.H.F.M.D.95 on Sep 10, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We give arians a lot of credit for the second half, but I wasn’t surprised to see us pounding it. I like to think it was arians idea, but we know Ben didn’t look so hot walking off before the end of the half. I wouldn’t be surprised if that had a lot more to do with us running it.

In any event, even if we continued our ratio from the first half I’d be happy, that was much better than last year IMO.

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice observation, I totally forgot about that. Well here’s hoping Arians might get the hint that a physical pounding has a longer lasting effect than just airing it out to win.

60 minute men

by I.W.H.F.M.D.95 on Sep 10, 2008 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good stuff Blitz

How demoralizing would it be for the Browns to see their revamped front seven get crushed two weeks in a row? I think most of us feel like the Browns are a ‘fragile’ team that could hit the panic button if things don’t go right at the start of a game or the start of a season, and falling two games back would certainly start the ‘panic-watch’ for the Brownies. I’d love to see FWP and Mendy run rough-shot over the Browns, just to see if they’ve got the stomach to take a shot and stand their ground.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 10, 2008 10:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it is more demoralizing for them to not score points. The browns place most of their money and talent in the offense, so if their defense gets crushed the idea is just to come back right away and score with the elite offense.

The really demoralizing thing will not be running all over their front 7, because that is to be expected. The most demeaning would be to sack Anderson 3 times in a row and have them punt. Twice in a row.

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

They spent an awful lot of resources to acquire Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. Of course they want to score points, but they really shook up their front seven with the intentions of shutting down opposing running backs.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 10, 2008 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree they spent a lot of effort to try and shore up their defense, but until they prove otherwise they are an offense-mostly team. When I saw them driving on the cowboys I wasn’t worried because that’s what they’re supposed to do, whatever the browns think they did this off-season. The team and their fans expect a sloppy defense until they can prove otherwise, so I don’t think it has much of a demoralizing affect.

One of the most amusing games of last year? 51-45 bengals and browns.

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep running to the outside

Parker ran a lot to the outside last week, which obviously works for him. Marvel also looked great in the open (seriously, we need to sign him soon), and Colon didn’t do bad in that role either. I like the idea of seeing how well those young CB’s can tackle, then using play action against them.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 10, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The jets probably want smith and faneca back together again. ;)

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They can’t possibly have any more cap room, right?

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 10, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their new plan is to only field an offensive line and a quarterback.

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is the steelers

and the steelers run the ball. our o-line issues (at least coming into the season) were with pass protection. our interior run blocking is very good as demonstrated against mario williams, amobi okoye, and demeco ryans on sunday.

i think that we’ll see ben throw early to setup the run, which is a little backwards from typical. but, once we establish that we can throw the ball at will, that will open the floodgates for willie, d-licious, and the play fake. play action will be huge, if their lbs are that weak, then we’ll have a field day faking to willie and stretching the field then coming back and going right at them.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Sep 10, 2008 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Passing to establish a lead

and running to hold a lead has been the Steelers offensive ID since at least the 2005 playoffs. Frankly, the Cleveland secondary and pass rush are so bad that I’ll be surprised if we aren’t pass-heavy to begin with.

by Desroko on Sep 10, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know, the o-line issues coming into the season were pretty much everything. Mahan getting demolished didn’t lead to very effective running. We ran the ball last year, but for the most part our running mainly accomplished letting us pass. With really good blocking and running like this past sunday the run is equally a tool and a weapon, instead of 90% tool and 10% weapon.

by steelguy99 on Sep 10, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Delicious

I think the nickname came about because the other rook is Limas “Sweet” Sweed. Get it, 2 rooks, one is Sweet, the other Delicious.

by vin2k on Sep 10, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was thinking the same thing yesterday about the shootout. that game last year between Bengals and Browns comes to mind. I suspect we will work the ground game as much as possible setting up easy opportunities for passes in the secondary.

Blitzburgh, I was just checking the schedule for the next couple of weeks and you get to experience a rare event as a Steeler fan on the West Coast. This strange scheduling anomaly is called “WHAT, NO MORNING GAMES?” In fact, after the bye in week 6, week 7 against Bengals is our only West Coast morning game until December 14 @ Baltimore. It will be nice to have the morning to take care of things instead of rushing to the bar at 9:30 A.M.

by neverender on Sep 10, 2008 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no way

i love the West Coast morning games. Get in line at the local Steelers bar at 8:30 in the morning, can drink as much as I want, and have no hangover by Monday morning. Amen.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AMEN TO NO HANGOVER’S!!!!!!

60 minute men

by I.W.H.F.M.D.95 on Sep 10, 2008 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the problem is...

finding a Steelers bar on the west coast. i’m in norcal, which means niners and raiders. no matter how bad each team sucks (and they’re both AWFUL, again) they’re always on. but i will admit, there’s nothing like getting to the bar at 9am sunday morning, when you just left the bar 6 hours before

by NoCal-SteelCity on Sep 10, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you've checked

on the Post-Gazette website right? they have a good listing of places. The spot I go to in San Diego is pretty awesome.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops double post

Post-Gazette Steeler Nation Bar List I know for a fact, that not all the California spots are dedicated Steeler

TheMostViolentTeam, is that the bar at the hotel near Qualcom Stadium? I remember going in there (back when it was Jack Murphy Stadium) and being floored by how much Steeler gear they had up on the walls.

by neverender on Sep 10, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joltin' Joes

is the place you are thinking of near Qualcomm. It’s good, but not as good as Bub’s, in Pacific Beach—which is where I spend my Sundays. Bub’s is more dedicated to only Steelers, and has great food —like the Archie Sandwich, a chicken sandwich on a big roll, covered in “goo”, which consists of cheese, cholula, Frank’s hot sauce, and some other stuff. Have GREAT breakfast for the morning games. Biscuits & gravy, Mash balls (literally, fried mashed potatoes!!!).

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha, thats exactly why its hard for me to get motivated, usually hungover from drinking a few hours ago. I usually reserve ordering my first beer depending how our opening drive goes…

Where you located in norcal? Good spot about 5 mins away from me in Livermore, Ca at Beebs sports pub. Although, I usually stick with the bar that is walking distance from my house. The owner always has the Steelers on a big screen in the back room.

by neverender on Sep 10, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

sacramento

i found a website that lists some “steelers” bars…but i’ve been to a couple of them and they’re hardly dedicated to the steelers. i lived in vegas for a year and found a bunch of steelers bars, but nothing so far in the sac area.

by NoCal-SteelCity on Sep 10, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're 5 minutes from livermore?!?!?!?

i live in pleasanton…

"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball

by flipgatey3 on Sep 11, 2008 3:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

same here

yup, i live in pleasanton too!

usually watch the game at the sunshine saloon.
monday nights i watch games downtown at fernandos

-jesse

by neverender on Sep 11, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the shiner...

good times. my dad goes there sometimes too. i’ll probably be there a lot this season. still can’t believe the browns got 5 primetime games and we got like 1 or 2.

-stephen

by flipgatey3 on Sep 11, 2008 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you serious?

Pit primetime schedule:

Week 2: SNF
Week 4: MNF
Week 5: SNF
Week 9: MNF
Week 12: NFLN Thursday night game

Plus, more than likely, one or 2 national coverage games (at least) provided we’re still in it come December.

For the record, Cleveland got 5 primetime games as well.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Sep 11, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow read that wrong

i was drunk

go steelers

by flipgatey3 on Sep 11, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup

that’ll happen..

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 11, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jacks In Millbrae!

Also check the site www.blackandgoldbrigade.com
They have a list of venues throughout the US.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Sep 10, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shanghai Kelly's

I’m in Oakland, but on occasion I’ll cross the Bay to San Francisco to catch a game at Shanghai Kelly’s, which is owned & operated by some of the Rooney clan … one of Dan’s nephews I believe. Whenever the Steelers are in town he’ll rent a charter bus & take everyone to the game directly from the pub, complete with shipped-in Primanti Bros. sandwiches … and for the 9:30am games, as long as you’ve already decided to drink all day, there’s no problem getting started first thing in the morning … especially at an Irish pub surrounded by all the fine folk who used to live in Pittsburgh…

by Fahey on Sep 10, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree. The Browns’ obvious weakness in their secondary. Sean Jones in now out for the game and it is unlikely that Brodney Pool will play much. So they are down to two second string safeties as well as lacking depth and talent at CB. The Steelers should attack those guys. No doubt. Attack them and then hit them with FWP.

by Cols714 on Sep 10, 2008 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Where have you seen that Sean Jones is out? I haven’t seen that anywhere, and he played the whole Cowboys game.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap, I should have checked my google reader before posting… This is not good.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, he’s out for several weeks according to the Plain Dealer. On that subject, why the heck does the Plain Dealer’s website suck so freaking bad? It’s like they intentionally don’t want people to read it.

by Cols714 on Sep 10, 2008 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It probably has a staph infection.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 10, 2008 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW THATS FUNNY!

60 minute men

by I.W.H.F.M.D.95 on Sep 10, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 LOL

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 10, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I saw that after I posted (hence the reader comment).

It’s awful. It matches the journalism, though.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

with Blitz and also Steelguy above.
Like the 05 plan of passing to the lead and grinding it out for a W. Also worried about Ben’s health as I’m not ready to suggest our OL is a strength after only 1 week. Ben still took shots only throwing 14 passes and is on the injured list already in week 2. Every time he goes back to pass I am worried for him.
“When you run the ball good things happen.” FWP and Delicious til the wheels come off. 3-2 W and I’m ecstatic all week!

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Sep 10, 2008 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If we run like last week...

2-0

by herewegosteelers on Sep 10, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shootout

Don’t think we’ll need to shootout, as I don’t expect the Browns to score much. That said, I expect us to start with a balanced offense, as always, mixing run and pass well, using play action when they sit on the run, hit some deep balls to Holmes. Then run to sit on the lead late in the game.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

serious panic

As many people predicted the Browns were in somewhat of a fragile state heading in to the season. If you check out the boards there is serious panic. Now granted a fan base (especially one that’s suffered as badly as the Browns has) is not a gauge for the success of a team, but on the other hand if they don’t show up for the Steelers game, you may well see a bit of an emotional collapse from the team as well.

Some choice quotes from Browns fans taken from the Cleveland Plain Dealer website
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2008/09/cleveland_browns_safety_sean_j.html

“If we look like hell (scared, timid, passive) again Sunday, I won’t be shocked.”

“The upside to this is that I have both Ben and Willie on my Fantasy team … heading to the site right now to make sure they are listed as my starters.”

“Its a shame we’re going to look sooooooo bad in front of a nationally televised game. One thing for sure, with two new safeties in, look out, Pittsburgh may get 600 yards on this defense.”

“We should just forfeit the whole season and spare us the visual embarrassment. There is no way in hell the Browns will win this game. No one should show up…let the Steelers fans have the place to themselves…get this coaching "staph” out of here…and owner…let the fans buy the team and vote for who runs it. Why even play? Another embarrassment Sunday night."

by SteelerBuddha on Sep 10, 2008 3:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to tell you guys, this argument has been posted on this site consistently all spring/summer long and it is, and always has been, complete and total crap. Considering what happened in the first game last year, and what happened afterward, it’s safe to say that there may be no less mentally “fragile” team in the entire NFL. This Cleveland Browns team is exactly like a good closer in baseball, they have zero memories and always focus on the next game. That’s partially why they are so maddening. In any event, mental fortitude is undoubtedly a strength of this team, and the cultivation of it is pretty much the only thing Crennel has done right (getting out of Rob Chudzinski’s way, notwithstanding).

As far as the cleveland.com board, there couldn’t be a less accurate reflection of the majority of the Cleveland fanbase. Cleveland.com (ie, the plain dealer) posters are routinely made fun of across sports lines. On “Let’s Go Tribe”, the Indians version of BTSC, they constantly make fun of them.

Bottom line, nobody in the Cleveland locker room is panicking because we have a team full of mature/ing leaders. And taking the “pulse” of the fanbase three days after a blowout loss is about as worthless as it gets. Calling our team “mentally fragile” is honestly a transparent and totally baseless insult. If we lose Sunday it will be solely because we got outplayed by a more talented team. That’s it.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

The Cinci game last year showed a lot of mental toughness. I was impressed by that game a lot, and you’re probably right that they aren’t going to give up, even when they lose this week.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 10, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It actually did. With about 2 minutes left in the half, in tornado wind conditions, the score was 6-0. After two consecutive Offensive plays that were interceptions, the score was 19-0 less than a minute later. Some teams would be shell-shocked to defeat. Instead, this Browns team took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove to the 2 yard line… only to watch DA throw another wind altered pic… Most teams would be destroyed. However Cleveland battled back and scored two touchdowns while shutting out the Bengals in the second half, pulling within a score despite the horrendous conditions. We just ran out of time.

Gee, ever hear of a QB throwing three interceptions, and then rallying his team in a fervent come back, only to come up short? Try and think really hard.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he was serious.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Sep 10, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, my bad if he was.

by kwoog on Sep 10, 2008 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kwoog

can you take a look at the Matchup To Watch piece I did on Woodley vs. Shaffer. Not sure how much of a Scout’s eye you had, but if you could add some commentary in the posts there on Shaffer or what you think of my analysis, that’d be great. Was thinking of posting it on Dawgs By Nature as well, let me know what you think.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

no, i was serious that time. It’s not like I’m trying to disagree with you. And I was referring to the first Cinci game that no one saw coming, not even any of the Browns fans I know. To not only be dominated in week 1 by the Steelers, but really just to play so poorly and self destruct, then to come out the next week and trade shots with a very good offense showed that they had talent and were sick of losing. I really was shocked and impressed by that.

You’re right about the second one, too. Good teams keep fighting when they’re down, even if they sometimes come up short. I’m sure the Browns will keep fighting and doing their best, even when it starts to look ugly on Sunday.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 11, 2008 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

the Browns are mentally fragile, but my argument has always been that the ingredients are there for a major blow-up. That can’t be argued, high expectations from a starved fan base, high expectations from the media, and the players themselves. A highly-drafted, high-paid backup QB that the media and SOME fans will be crying wolf for the team to play if the Browns start the season poorly. Again, not saying they are mentally fragile, and I don’t think any of the Browns players are panicking, but there is a potentially combustible situation in Cleveland.

As far as this week’s game, my early prediction is the Browns will bounce back, but just a little bit—not enough to pull out the win. Anderson & the offense will have a little bit more sync, but they are facing a defense just as good as Dallas’s (maybe better). On the other side, the extra injury to your safety will only hurt, as I believe Pittsburgh’s offense is better (maybe more balanced is the best word) than Dallas’s, at least at this point, with Dallas thin at WR. I do think Cleveland will improve and get in a better rhythm as the season goes on, that is if they do have the mental toughness you claim kwoog, and can block out the sirens coming from the fans and media if they continue their slow start.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 10, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair points

And not meant to disrespect. Like many on this board, I am rooting for return of strong league rivalry (so long as the black and gold keep winning).

I am really not sure I know what the Browns team is made off, that’s actually why I was trying to read some of the Cleveland media and fan stuff. But I was shocked to see that kind of talk on the boards. Now granted every fan base has its doom and gloom types, but I wasn’t exactly cherry picking stuff of the boards.

I totally grant you that
1. There should be no real cause for panic after one or two loses – especially against elite teams.
2. Cleveland bounced back well after losing their first game last year
3. On paper the defense got better
4. If healthy – their offense is explosive.

It just seems that there are potential conflicts lurking under the surface that could start to be exposed with another loss or two. It certainly seems that at least part of your fan base feels that way.

by SteelerBuddha on Sep 10, 2008 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Difference between last year and this year

There is one huge difference between last year’s Browns team and this year’s: expectation. For most of last year, people were waiting for them to come back to earth and fold, which meant there was never any pressure to meet expectations. The question will be can they play winning football after hearing all offseason that they are an elite football team, picked by many to go to the SB this year? If you get beat down when you were expected to get beat down (as they did in the opener last year), it’s mentally easier to be resilient, and say, “Let’s just go out and do our best and see what happens.” They got rid of Frye, and all of the sudden Anderson started lighting it up. This year, they have much higher expectations going in, a QB who raised his own expectations after last season, and a tougher schedule. For all of kwoog’s arguments, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them collapse under the weight of unmet expectations. We’ll see what happens. If they have that mental resilience, then good for them.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 11, 2008 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“picked by many to go to the SB”

Really? I think I’ve seen one source (a minor indy journalist) that picked them to go to the Super Bowl. And as far as the AFC North is concerned, I’d say no less than 70% of the picks i’ve seen across sources have been for the Steelers. I’d say a maximum of 20% of pundits picked the Browns to just make the playoffs this year.

In any event. I’m glad that Steelers fans are so focussed on abstract factors like “expectations” and “mentality.” It shows that straight up talent analysis is no longer the clear cut edge it once was.

by kwoog on Sep 11, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

those extra factors

are huge. the mental side is the biggest side. generally speaking, all the athletes in the NFL are very close in terms of their physical talent level. what separates the great from the good, the good from the average, and the average from the bad player is mental.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 11, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its the most wonderful time of the year

Back to school.

School is in session, exam on Sunday.

by herewegosteelers on Sep 11, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, maybe not picked

but I definitely remember several people in the offseason discussing them as a SB contender. The fact remains that they had much higher expectations coming into this season than last season. It’s harder to accept tough losses when you are expected to win. And, those mental aspects are huge in a league where there is in fact great parity in talent and athleticism.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 11, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least we didn't call you guys "scum"

…but seriously, last year I thought for sure that geting rid of Frye after the first game was a huge sign of fragility (not to mention the whole whose going to be the QB thing before the season last year).
Now, it turned out pretty good for you guys in the end, but the fact remains that going into the season last year the QB picked as the starter was on the bus with his jock-strap after the first game.

I think your players will play as hard as they can no matter what, but the fragility in question is with the coaching/staffing decisions and the potential for radical and abrupt change if the expectations aren’t met.

by SCSteeler on Sep 12, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but that’s the awful CPD message boards. You’ll find more thinking fans over at the SB Nation site. Plus, picking random comments off of message boards seems like a bad way to make a point.

by Cols714 on Sep 10, 2008 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that board is LOUD

those fans have little faith, wonder why?

by herewegosteelers on Sep 10, 2008 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Comment from My Uncle, a Lifelong Browns Season Ticket Holder...

(Referring to the fact he is taking his daughter, who is a Steelers fan, to the game, his prediction the Browns will lose badly, and the general idiocy of the Dawg Pound when such thing a things happen): “…it ain’t gonna be pretty score-wise. So the fact that we’re not gonna be near angry, drunk dawg pound dwellers will be good.”

Yet another diehard member of Browns Nation who does not like the way things are looking up on Lake Erie.

by Hines Ward on Sep 10, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Me & My Uncle

You Uncle sounds like a righteous dude, dude.

by herewegosteelers on Sep 11, 2008 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beware

the wounded animal backed into the corner. Keep your focus Steelers! Bring us a W from OH.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Sep 10, 2008 9:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

preach it fitty

The biggest concern I have about this game is that I can’t think of a single reason why we shouldn’t win it. We looked good, they didn’t. We haven’t had many injuries, they’re having some issues with injuries and sluggish returns from injuries. We played well in all phases and they showed some real holes.

The NFL is a place where completely unexpected events happen. If we relax at all, start thinking this is an automatic W, we could see a unified Browns team playing tough at home outwork and outplay us. Games like this – where we are almost unilaterally expected to win – are going to show more of what kind of coach Tomlin is.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 11, 2008 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One reason

its a division rivalry game.

I don’t think there’s any chance of the Steelers overlooking this one, especially considering the upcoming schedule this year. They know they have to win early this season to have a shot late.

by herewegosteelers on Sep 11, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Steeler Games in Nor Cal

There’s a small restaurant in San Francisco called Giordano Brothers. They are a ‘Burgh themed place that has “Primanti Brothers” style sandwiches (they’re very good) and unless you had real Primanti’s you wouldn’t know the difference. Giordano Brothers is at the beginning of Columbus Ave at the start of the North Beach district. Lot’s of the guys behind the bar are from Pittsburgh. Lot’s is Steeler photo’s on the wall. It’s a little slice of home in the Bay Area.

by BabushkaPower on Sep 10, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs