Steelers vs. Ravens Open Thread: Time To Find Out What The Steelers Are Made Of
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 10:42 AM EDT
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PrintWe've been waiting over eight days for the opportunity to see if the Steeelers could help us erase the tragic memory of last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps not coincidentally, this has been one of our more loquacious weeks on BTSC in quite some time. Coaching decisions, roster tweakings (or at least the ones we see fit from our omnipresent and all-knowing armchairs), the truly offensive offensive line To mix things up, you know, to change the atmosphere around here from being morgue-like 24/7, there was ample praise heaped on the defense for the amazing job they did keeping the team in the game despite how horrendous the offense was. And of course, we reminded ourselves we're not Browns or Bengals fans. Nothing quite changes the mood in even the darkest hour of a Steelers lifer.
Whatever the subject, we either talked ourself off the proverbial ledge or vented our frustrations more spiritedly following last week's loss than in quite some time. Not sure what that means, but I'll give it a stab.
The writing's on the wall this next two weeks and we know it. We got out butts kicked last week. No two ways about it. Knowing what we do about this organization, and many of the individuals on the team, you can rest assured that they were eager to get to work this week to prepare for whatever Baltimore has in store for them tonight. But more importantly, I bet that guys like Hines Ward, James Harrison and Farrior, et al are going to make sure the Steelers are the team who comes out swinging. We saw it last year against Baltimore. You know what I mean, and what we saw last week was the antithesis of what setting the tone physically is.
Tonight, we have to prove we can stop the blitz. You know Baltimore's bringing it until we prove it an overly risky strategy. Tonight, we have to find a way to run the ball successfully, at least some of the time, even though we'll be relying on a rookie RB making his first NFL start, and even though we've have had next to no success in recent year's doing so against this Baltimore defense. And we have to show we're capable of winning the line of scrimmage on defense without Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel. We managed last week masking the Diesel's absence. Doing the same for both is a much taller order.
Bruce Arians has to prove his apologetic words for last week were more than just words. I'm eager to see what he has in store for a defense that likely will be taking some big chances early on at getting after Ben. I'm eager to see if there will be any unexpected roster maneuverings. Max Starks's turn?
(I'd say something else about the defense but that'd be disingenous. They've been too damn good to raise a peep about their performance).
We know there are some issues with the team. That's a somewhat dissapointing reality, but remember, there are teams with fewer glaring flaws that don't have the same upside we do. When the team's on, like they were against Houston on offense and against Philadelphia on defense in the second half, it's as good as anyone in this year's league. And because there is not a dominant team in the league this year it's anyone's game (not only is there no truly dominant team as Dallas proved yesterday, even the better teams have serious flaws).
But before resigning ourselves to any one particular fate, or said differently and more directly...before concluding definitively that our offensive line will be our demise this year, we still have the chance, starting tonight, to be a good offensive line for the rest of the year. What will it take for that to happen, you ask, as you try to clean up the beverage you just spewed from your mouth and nose all over your keyboard and TPS reports after reading such an absurd statement? Well, it'd have to take a shakeup of the lineup, in my humble opinion, but since we all know that that's not happening before the BYE week in two weeks (at the earliest), we can only hope that Coach Z and his boys, as well as Big Ben, all worked their asses off in the film room trying to figure out what in the sam hell happened.
It was astutely pointed out this past week that the quarterback has a large role in calling out blocking assignments based on what he sees at the line of scrimmage. If you've seen Peyton Manning and the Colts play, you've seen all the spastic things he does at the line of scrimmage. The hand gestures. The audibles. The fake audibles. 85% of it may be to perpetuate his own legend for endorsement purposes, but the other 15%, the critcal part, is either figuring out what the defense has in store for him, OR, getting the defense to second guess itself later in the game.
Anyway, it's on Big Ben too, and I don't think we've emphasized that enough. I know there is nobody better than Ben Roethlisberger at standing by his teamates, particularly his linemen. That's very important, but it's more important they're spending as much time as possible together trying new things to communicate more effectively during the games. If we're not going to change the lineups, we better be trying to substantially alter our communication and practice technique during the week.
And of course, Bruce Arians can help in this regard, as we've discussed. As good, loyal Steelers fans, we give the man tabula rasa to get the job done. Who knows how many more duds we'll lay before Arians is truly on the hot-seat, but it's safe to say he's not there yet. And since he's not there, we can hope for nothing but better, more consistent play-calling. We've had some clunkers in the past 21 games since he took over, but we've had some gems too. We know what the team can do against the Texans, Browns, Rams, of the league. It's time to start stringing together some solid offensive performances together against more quality defenses.
But above all else, there must never be such embarassing performances like the one we saw last Sunday. No one is perfect but the extremes (at least the extremely bad) have to go. Even if you don't have the juicy, plump lemons to make delicious lemonade, you 've got good enough fruit to make something that doesn't taste like a mixture of toilet water, Lake Erie and prune juice.
As the Dali Lama Willie Colon once famously said:
"If we do not make changes, we are going to have problems," right tackle Willie Colon said. "If we do not get on the same page, these things are going to continue to happen."
Wrap your head around that one.
I dare ya.
************
Forget all that though. I can handle falling short later in the year, if need be. We're playing the fuc*&ng Ravens tonight with first place at stake.. We better come to play and look like Super Bowl Champions, even if just for tonight.
This is our open thread for the game but jump on in to the mix with thoughts about the game, season, TPS reports, whether or not you've seen the movie Celtic Pride and if you think we could pull of a similar stunt with some of our own players along the line. Whatever the subject, let it be known here. Let's have some fun watching the Steelers reclaim first place in their throwbacks!
Go Steelers!
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didnt know this fact
Didnt realize that Ravens coach John Harbaugh was with Philadelphia before. Just read a quote that he talks to Jim Johnson and Andy Reid every week. Great!
Sack Blame Should Be Spread Around, Jaws says
Guys,
Datruth usually watches the Edge Match-up each week with Ron Jaworski and Merrill Hoge on ESPN, and Jaws said something I thought was pretty interesting from our game with the Eagles this past week. He said after going over extensive game film, he blamed 3 of the 9 sacks on the OL, another 3 on Roethlisberger for holding on to the ball too long and missing his hot receivers and another 3 sacks on the running backs/WRs for not getting open in one on one coverage.
In other words, there was plenty of blame to spread around. Now, there are no excuses. They know what is coming. They have had all week to try and correct these flaws.
However, a combination of Bruce Arians, Larry Z and our OL doesn’t generate a lot of confidence in DaTruth at the moment. DaTruth is interested to see the roster moves the team makes before the game as well as how Rashard Mendenhall and Garry Russell handle the big bad Ravens. Willie Parker is never effective vs. the Ravens, so let’s see what some of the kids can do. Here’s to hoping that NT Scott Paxson is activated for the game as well. I think a key to our good defensive play so far has been keeping the DL fresh.
Having 6 DL available to rotate in and out is very important when you are going to playing your base 3-4 defense most of the game during the next 2 games. We should be able to get Kiesel, Hampton & Parker back after the bye week, but we’re going to need strong play on the DL until that happens. If the Steelers can’t stop the Ravens & Jacksonville from running the ball, they won’t win the next 2 games.
Thoughts?
nice Truth
Thank you for some nuts and bolts. I was just ranting about nothing in particular.
BUt yes, I totally agree about Paxson. For two weeks, we need to keep legs fresh on the DLine. Hoke and Kirschke and even Eason can be ok for small stretches, but that’s all.
I too am very anxious to see if we’re able to have any more success runnig with Mendenhall (and Russell?) than with FWP.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
obliged :)
hey, it’s monday morning after all.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
not so fast
Baltimore’s front 7 on D is not as fast as Philthy’s, should be a better matchup for the Steelers o-line. At home, they’ll have a much improved game.
Of course, there’s only one way for them to go, and that’s up.
Less opportunity for Arians not to make adjustments…. : (
by herewegosteelers on Sep 29, 2008 1:16 PM EDT reply actions
interesting
Havent seen much of Ravens this year but I think I agree its teams like the Giants and others with really versatile and freakish athletes in the front 4 that give us fits.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Defensive Speed
Perhaps our front four are not as fast as Philly’s, but our LB’s are as quick or quicker, and with Ray Lewis, positioning is a big difference maker, and no one prepares any better than Ray Ray.
Rexx
7
Great post Blitz. Great work all week too. I am very excited/nervous about tonight. I too saw the Jaws breakdown and agree. Blame for everyone.
In the end, the most poignant point made by Blitz is “it’s on Big Ben too.” Regardless of Z’s line or Arians play calls Ben has the ability to change the call at the line or get rid of the ball asap. I am hoping that the failures in Philly step up tonight and redeem. But in case they don’t “it’s all on Big Ben” to bail us out, get us a W and stay healthy. I hope 34 has a monster game in him tonight. We need one. So does 7.
Steelers 3 BrownRavens 2
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
thanks Fifty
Can’t wait for the game. I of course would prefer we roll like we did last year against them, and put the game away by halftime. But part of me wants to see a compeititve close game where we have to fight and claw for everything and ADJUST throughout the game to retain an upperhand.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
one thing i noticed in philly
Ben doesn’t have time to change calls or adjustments if they are lining up with less than 5 seconds on the play clock. This seems to happen all the time, I don’t understand why it takes so long to get plays in.
AMEN!!!!
This is another aspect in which Arians is raping his QB in the ass. Ben can barely get the damn ball off, let alone read the defense, make adjustments, call protections, and change the snap count. If Arians takes 25 seconds to make up his mind, why don’t we just go the mythical no-huddle offense and vary the tempo? It would slow down the pass rushers as an added bonus.
charity standing orders
yea
Good point indeed schnifin. It also lets the D tee off when they obviously can time their blitzes perfectly. Obvious, I know, but you’d think it’d be obvious to them too.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
True, you almost wonder if they were letting Ben have a second or two breather to catch his breath before the next onslaught. Probably just Arian though.
A QB’s best friend is a running game, cliche but true. GO MENDY!!!!
by herewegosteelers on Sep 29, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever happend
to all this no-huddle offense talk. We heard about them going (besides in the last two minutes before half or end of game) no-huddle before last year and then again this off-season. Yet we haven’t seen it.
Anyone else see the Bears go no – huddle last night in the middle of the first half (at least I think it was) and the RB screens they ran…….. aarrrggghhh sorry that horse is dead I will stop beating it.
I would like to see them come out no-huddle just to throw the Ravens something to adjust to, be the aggressors in this one. I can’t believe it is only 4:20 – this game can’t get here fast enough.
Cuts? Baker and Bruce Davis
Schnifin,
I would cut Dallas Baker and Bruce Davis. I would dress Limas as the 4th WR, and he wouldn’t see the field unless another WR is injured since Heath Miller is the 4th WR on this team. Also, I doubt anyone would pick up Baker, so he could go on the practice squad until the injuries heal. There is a chance that the team could lose Bruce Davis, but in reality, 2 rookie LB free agents (P. Bailey & D. Woods) are ahead of him because they are much better special teams players. It’s not good when you are a 3rd round pick and 2 players off the street at your position dress before you do. Tony Hills is also a consideration. If either Hills or Davis is cut, then there is a chance either or both could make it to the practice squad.
It’s just that with our current injuries, I don’t think this team can let players who aren’t going to see any action this year take up a roster spot when the coaching staff aren’t ready to play them and this team is hurting in certain areas.
Thoughts?
fair point
I agree we could use the extra guys, but at the same time I’m not sure you want to expose a 3rd or 4th rounder just so you have an extra backup for one or two games. Baker makes sense, I’m not sold on cutting Davis or Hills though. I think the second cut would have to go to either Woods or Bailey. Can’t see either of those guys getting picked up.
I think getting Russell up is more important b/c he really should be the #2 guy behind Mendenhall (in case of injury or excessive fumbling). Moore should stay as the 3rd down guy and Davis should not touch the ball more than once or twice.
davis
Did he not fare well in his assignments on special teams in preseason? I totally agree about letting Baker go. Not much value at all in keeping him. But depending on what he have in store for J Harrison, Davis might be a guy we’re interested in keeping around. I can’t see any possible scenario where Baker sees the field in the next two years, so, as you said, thats a burned roster spot we can’t afford to lose.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Great summary for the past stinking week!
Anxious about tonight and hoping the guys have got a good show in store for us!
I know we’re not going to win every game, but the way we lost was the rub last week.
Hopefully homefield, a hated rival, and contest for 1st place will bring out the agression this week. That, and hang on to that ball Delicious!
GO STEELERS!
Colon has been hanging around Tomlin too much..
He has caught the “rambling, incomprehensible, circuiteous, cliche ridden, longest distance between two moot points” style of speech.
Actually Colon seems a lot more concise and original
..in his speech than Barack Obama who IS running for the Presidency. Tomlin probably ends up third on that list.
always refreshing
Nice to know certain things don’t change. Like RE’s hatred of Tomlin and his coach speak. And then he throws a jab at politics. ah well… no place to debate it here.
by Chicago Steeler on Sep 29, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Great job, Blitz
You guys do a great job with your posts. While I might not agree with everything here, I realize that I’m a Ravens fans and am praying for an end to your 13 game winning streak on MNF and no repeat of last year’s debacle. Your fans have insightful comments as well, and I hope we have a great game, with no injuries and the best team wins (of course as long as it’s my Ravens!). Good luck (uh,..not really).
Rexx
yes
No injuries, either side of the ball. Unless Bart Scott gets some sort of freak rash that makes him cry on TV. Id be ok with that.
I’ll stop by Baltimore Beatdown during the geam Rexx for some fun. You’re of course welcome here as well. Cheers.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
FIELD LOGO?
Just checked out some pregame coverage on ESPN.com and it looks like there’s a logo in the middle of the field tonight. Verryy Surprising, right?
even my cats excited
Shes running around in circles, chasing her tail, pretending to be J Harrison body slamming an unsuspecting Ravens player.
A lesson From The Hated Patriots
Froget the run. We all remember sitting on the edge of our seats last year and actually rooting FOR the Crows when they almost beat the Hated Patriots. Did the Patriots insist on establishing a run game? No, they (with a better line than ours) realized that to beat a hyped up Crows defense (as they will be tonight), had to throw, throw and throw some more. The quick stuff. What is the strength of our offense? I would have to say our receiving weapons. Anyone? I think we have the talent in place to use the tight ends and Hines to dink and dunk our way down the field. This will be the true test of our coachng staff. Do they stick with a coaching philosophy (Establish the run), or do they adjust and gameplan for one of the best defenses (STILL!) around?
I’m wondering about conditioning. If both teams consistantly go three and out, does anyone get tired?
One thing is for sure, with two anemic offenses like these, turnovers will be key!
If nothing is fixed on our offense ([uh-fens or, for 7–9, aw-fens, of-ens]; 4. something that offends or displeases.), here are the numbers:
9 – Number of times Big Ben is sacked. As recorded two years ago against the Crows.
5 – Number of times Big Ben still praises his line.
36 – Number of punts. (Also number of punt return yards)
4 – Times the average Steelers fan will actually cry during the game (May be more for Women).
12 – Times Hines Ward pops up after making a catch and getting crushed with a smile on his face.
9 – Number of defensive players names for the Steelers that Joey Flacco (Flaco means skinny in Spanish) will have perminantly memorized.
632 – Number of beers thrown to the ground in Heinz stadium by fans at some point (All will be replaced – Some replacements will add to the overall number).
52 – Number of Steelers “Not gettin’ any” after the game.
Good day and Good luck to the Steelers!
P.S. It’s all in good fun. Can someone give me the numbers for the Crows?
ill take a stab
125 = number of passing yards for Senor Skinny tonight against our defense
3 = number of Flacco turnovers
234 = number of times ROn Jaworski reminds us that he studied film of both teams all week.
12 = number of references to the Ravens SB win and how Flacco could get them there if he ‘manages’ the game like Dilfer did.
2 = number of flagrant penalties the Ravens will pick up in an attempt to gain a cheap upper hand.
0 = offensive TDs for BAL tonight.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
noone
on our defense will get tired with lots of 3 & outs. Philly was all 3 & outs and I was amazed how fresh our defense looked at the end.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 29, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Forgot about
how many times Tony K will talk about Farve during our game even though he has nothing to do with it. my guess 17.
+1
Totally right. At least one quarter devoted to it, particularly if we’re in an ugly slug fest.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
anytime Ben
rolls out of the pocket or hits a quick slant with alot of velocity. “OMG I LOVE BRETT FAVRE er, I mean, Big Ben” – Kornheiser.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Sep 29, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
kevin greene
Just watched an entertaining interview with him on the pregame show. That guy should be a coach. Not sure if hed be interested but that guys got energy. I’m sure he can motivate and teach.
interesting thought
He showed up at our training camp to talk to our rookies, and not the Rams or Carolina….
by SteelBuckeye on Sep 29, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Tomlin
I already liked him, but I really enjoyed that clip of him on espn. Hearing him talk on the sideline, I haven’t seen that side of him that was a plus.
radio
anyone know how to get the local radio on the net? The Goggle links didn’t work. Me thinks this is another NFL marketing/pay angle
try
BUt go in Firefox. There’s a video and audio option. Both are working.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
What up
fellas long time no see…… you guys fired the F uped?
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
Check list
Beer- check, cigs-check, game on mute-check, Tunch calling the game on the radio—check, and sausages- check. GO Steelers!!!
nice
I like ure check list. I might have F’ed up a bit and forgotten to go to the grocery before the game. I’m hunnnnngry.
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions
blitz, how you been
Sorry havent been around lately, but I am coaching a high school football team this year mad busy
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions
been great man
Enjoyin Seattle. Good for you for coaching. That’s a lot of fun. Did it last year. Had a blast.
Busy’s a good thing! Glad you have some time to watch this game though. Hopefully it’s all we are hoping for.
agreed
Wasnt too happy all week… I want to have a good week. I think everyone does. lol
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply actions
oh god ray lewis
lol hard to believe he is still going strong for how long hes been in the league
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply actions
I honestly
would like to have mike and mike do the monday night football
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions
They did a pretty poor job when they did it week 1.
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
opening song
For as silly as it is, part of me is glad they havent replaced it with something ‘hip ’ and young and totally out of place for football (like Pink’s stupid shit song on SNF).
It still gets me pumped when the Steelers are playing though...
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
fumble lets go right now
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions
what a hit
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions
I hope he is alright im in shocked
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions
Listening to the Game on NFL.com...
Craig Wolfley from the sidelines said the back judge told everyone he just got knocked out cold, but has been moving around and talking. So I’m guessing he just got cold-cocked.
good start woot woot
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions
hate to say it
but hurt our player and face our D…bad idea
nate!!!!
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions
what a run.. man hes got some speed hitting that hole
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions
man i forgot how he just single handly beat OSU last year
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:00 PM EDT reply actions
it was not him
but the QB..he was great that game
by SteelBuckeye on Sep 29, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
da hell man
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions
may i say automatic
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:02 PM EDT reply actions
so
Some good things there. We gave up two sacks which is troubling but there was som promise in the running game.
he be good for 75 reed is god
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
so what happened on that 3rd down sack?
It looks like they sent one more than we could block. Ivy (DB) made the sack.
WE must meet up
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
ME
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions
ME and buddy who are both die hard steeler fans
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions
nice
sounds like you have a keeper in your lady :)
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
man does he got an arm
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions
what what mr monday night
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions
he makes me want to tap the rocky lol start drinking some beer lol
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions
in black
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions
Interesting...
Two punts, two times Santonio has been the returner.
holmes
I think he looks pretty good. Seems more decisive than Moore.
WTF is up with these bullyiing ads?
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
great kick
coverage so far. someone needs to teach that kid how to take a knee
what the hell
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:11 PM EDT reply actions
what the fuck
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions
sorry for lang
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Sep 29, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions
Ooh...
Troy’s out to continue his streak tonight.
Anyone know what the deal is?
Why is Monday Night Football obsessed with the Who all of a sudden?
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
I love em.
It’s just weird that they are playing em so much.
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
you can learn hands over time
you can’t learn pure speed, and more than that closing speed. Timmons has that… i can’t wait to see this guy as he matures, he’s still young.
he has
it’s nice to see us run a little bit against them. I feel like we haven’t done that in a long time against the ravens
by houksyndrome on Sep 29, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It's On...
He just nailed Silverback. Not a good idea.
i wanted zbikowski in the draft
good special teamer. Though i have to say Tomlin seems to be doing okay with undrafted rookie FA LB’s and CB’s who are just good athletes.
sadly
Holmes remembers punt retuning like college..different world
grrrr
Still our plays are taking a long time to develop. These slow developing drag and crossing patterns arent going to cut it. How about some hot routes where guys just run 3-6 yards and sit down somewhere in open scpae.
no he's not
we have had this bunch formation fetish, but those plays just don’t work against the blitz
by houksyndrome on Sep 29, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
They're winning the field position battle now
That’s huge in this game
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
turnover
We’ll get a turnover one of these series (hopefully) and change the field position and flow of the game.
??
what type of playcalling is that?? 2 runs up the middle… didnt even look like we had the wr running any decoy.. hines went to the middle to block… so what ya think the defense was at?? wtf?? arians has to go… this is just sick
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
playcalling sucks
almost looks like they are playing NOT to turn it over?? scheming to NOT let the o-line look bad?? how about some screens?? hot routes??
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions
no holes
we dont have them because our playcalling is too bland… they see what were not doing so can sit down on the run
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions
???
i love my steelers… but this first half combined with last week against the eagles is realy bringing me down…. maybe our first 2 wins was a fluke???
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:46 PM EDT reply actions
i dont get that
Why give the coach a chance to set something up and talk to his rookie QB
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
our offense hasnt kept the ball for crap… hurts the d
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions
just me or
Have we had absolutely ZERO rhythm this whole game. That initial injury to Frazier on the kickoff was not a good thing for the tone of the game.
tomlin
i like tomlin… a lot… but i sure miss that cowher scowl right now… hed be in the grill of some people for sure… spit all a flyin….
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions
then flacco made some throws
we went 3-out twice and now our d is tired out
by houksyndrome on Sep 29, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
sweed maybe
and that’s a big maybe… WR take some time to come on, usually. Tony Hills… why? We have decent tackles on the roster, and he definitely hasn’t shown himself to be ready.
by syrsteelerfan on Sep 29, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
pts
Need pts before halftime, then we get the ball to start the 2nd. Really need at least a few first downs here.
Our O line sucks, Big Ben just looks very unconfrontable in the pocket
Thats y its Sweed time and Hills time
What Exactly...
Can Sweed do? He doesn’t know the offense real well, and it’s not like he’s going to be the one calling the plays. And Hills is a project. We don’t need Ben taking more shots than he already is.
It felt like he had plenty of time last week too
at least on a couple of the sacks
The Ralphie Report - University of Colorado Athletics
lol
more like, “the anchor tied to our offensive line as they try to swim to safety”
by houksyndrome on Sep 29, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
im wating btw guys
For one of you to make the joke that maybe thats the break we needed with simmons getting injured. Lol.
sucks
playcalling and execution… ben looks gun shy… i think it was in 06 that we had the same problem and when he doesnt feel comfortable he really looks bad…
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 10:01 PM EDT reply actions
great
punter suckin too… and against us its now 2 weeks in a row the OTHER punter has been boomin…
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions
so what does the o-line look like now
who’s in for Simmons
If we
get out of the first half with a 3 point deficit,,,We can come back in the second half, pound the rock and get back in this.
mr tomlin...
…needs to start taking some heat. he took over a playoff caliber team and has had them on a steady decline. losing to this raven team is embarrassing.
arians
he sucked when he was with cleveland.. how does tomlin hire him and then STICK with him after his incompetance last year…
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions
3 points
yeah… but just like last week against philly… did you have ANY confidence we were in the game at all??
i mean i would be fine if i thought we were showing ANYTHING out there… but were not…
by lostinbrownscountry on Sep 29, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
My god
Well McGahee is done, but wtf is this, we may be three points down, but this is pathetic. The line is ruining not only this season, but Roethlisberger’s career. Injury, and gun shyness is gonna hurt him. We need a trade.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
Steelers O-Line...
Should take notes from the Ravens’ O-Line on pass protection.
Arians should be fired after this week.
And do you think these announcers might be man crushing on Flacco? They haven’t talked about anything but Flacco.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply actions
arians should be fired
And theyre slobbing his knob because compared to what Ben’s been able to do, Flaccos been great. What can they possibly say about Roeth?
by Michael Bean on Sep 29, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
The only brightsides
are the d has been solid but not great and Mendenhall has walked the walk.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions
But Mendy has not gotten the ball
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
all i'm saying is...
…i just want to see him out coach another coach in this league at some point. i’ve yet to see it
yep
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions
man my blood pressure is dangerously high
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Sep 29, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions
guys
I’m going to create a 2nd half thread. This one’s starting to lag a little bit with the volume so be sure to migrate over to the new thread in the 2nd half.
wow
if you woulda told me the steelers would be down by 10 at the half of this game i would of told you that you were nuts
*awesome*
down 10 at the half – maybe now we’ll find out if arians has ever even heard of an “adjustment”. (no, not at the chiropracter’s office, bruce)
Seahawks fan here....and yes, the refs were not the main reason the Steelers won the Super Bowl, I'm not that bitter.
I have to say, is Alan Faneca that big of a loss like Steve Hutchinson with us?
This is the worst I’ve ever seen the Steelers in the Big Ben era, and a rookie QB is picking them apart. And I thought the Steelers would be a Super Bowl team after their week 1 showing.
Signature? SIGNATURE?! Don't talk about SIGNATURE! I just hope I can write a sentence!
where's the O joe?
flash back to really tough year
don't worry
i’m sure the coaching staff will make some great adjustments at halftime.
uh,maybe not
Steelers still have a shot.
Signature? SIGNATURE?! Don't talk about SIGNATURE! I just hope I can write a sentence!
so
i made my first comment and then everyone else was talking about something totally different, then I realized I was 3 or 4 minutes behind due to pausing. So now I’m caught up. How’s everyone feel about the game so far? It has been a very frustrating couple of weeks.
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