Postgame thoughts from a guy who was there!

by Mechem on Jan 12, 2009 3:51 PM EST Comment 41 comments

Well who didnt love todays performance? It had everything! Special Teams, Defense, and Redzone Offense! Stuff we havent seen a lot of this year.

I attended. Sitting front row, about the 7 yard line. Got to see Parkers first TD run in all its glory. he ran it right at me. It was colder than a witches teat but tolerable. I'm still getting all the feeling back in my legs though. Its been 4 hours. I couldnt feel the heated seats in the car for the 1 hour ride up to where we were staying.

Anyway here are some of my positives and things I didnt like.

Starting with the good.

1. Finishing the drives. 3 red Zone TD's. Thats huge. We've had a really tough time punching them in but in this game we executed. And I dont care what anyone tells me, I was right there when Carey Davis should have had another TD on 4th and 1 to start the 4th. Dont know how they ruled him out.

2. Special Teams. Berger punted well. Reed handled the XP's fine. But Tonio's big return really helped give the engine the start it needed. Only downside was allowing the midget to get that one long run back. I also loved the Ben Pooch Punt and have been begging for one of those all year

3. No turnovers. Can we say any more about this? 0 turnovers I believe will win this team every game from here to eternity. Ben is amazing when he doesnt give the ball away. He proved it again tonight.

Some negatives from this game.

1. 4th and 1 could have been better. The aforementioned Davis run was questionable. There was certainly a 4th and 1 we DIDNT go for I wanted. And the direct snap punt trick was soso. I like the call but I think you are probably better off just slamming a sneak in. Ryan clark isnt exactly a bruiser back.

2. Deep ball issues. The Deep ball SHOULD have been more effective. Tiffin Thunder Nate SHOULD have caught one down the side. Santonio could have had one deep. And Lima Beans dropping that last one made our final score look bad. Gotta hang on to those ones boys.

3. Officiating. I dont cry often about this. The penalties were pretty even, 8-7 in favor of Whales Vagina. However, they never once called a hold and James Harrison was, multiple times, flat out tackled. Still didnt stop the man from netting a sack and almost forcing a fumble.

Anyway kudos to these guys for getting it all together right on time. Lets beat the purple browns next week and enjoy a fun trip to Tampa.

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Harrison mugged.....

….all damn day. Really – how can he not be getting flags for his work? Unbelievable.
Great, great performance by our o-line. Ben was barely touched. I really believe that with time to throw, he’s a sure hall of famer. What a great deep ball he threw today. I agree Mechem – the score was very flattering to the Bolts – we should have had at least two of those deep balls, but not too much to complain about. We gave up two garbage time TDs – there won’t be any garbage time next week.
It was great to see the O come up big on a day when the D needed just a bit of support. Hopefully they’re back to total domination next week against the Raisins.
REally proud of Ben today………what a great critic silencing performance. Just fantastic.
This team is SPECIAL!!!!

by SteelerNorth on Jan 11, 2009 11:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I love em

and they don’t even stank at all!!!

Talk about the right time to find your stride. Go willie go. Run all the way to tampa baby!!!!

by Hochuli loves Broccoli on Jan 12, 2009 12:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mechem

Get warm, man.

And while you’re warming up, I have something to show you that (hopefully) will make YOU feel better.

http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/localstatealerts/?areaid=MIZ005&phenomena=TSL&office=KMQT&etn=231fa63781b551e4fc504ce58bd4fa3be2cb1635&significance=S&wxlayer=radar&zoom=7&camefrom=national

That’s what’s headed my way this week. :)

by Romain El 82 on Jan 12, 2009 12:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

i think i just got frostbite reading that

im indoors.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It was a beautiful 65 degrees with a clear blue sky each of the last two days in San Francisco.

sorry about that, couldn’t resist. I know how it feels man, I’m from Iowa where it is also absurdly cold during the winter. It was -10F when I was back there for Christmas (that isn’t -30F I know but it still sucks – particularly when you’ve spent the last 3 years being spoiled by California weather.

by houksyndrome on Jan 12, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You know what the insane thing is?

I enjoy the weather. I really, truly do. The wind, cold, and snow, I laugh in its face. I like conquering it. I feel that, as a ’Burgher at heart (who just happened to be born in the wrong city and state), that I can out-tough the weather. (

And, call me crazier, but I’m warmer when I have a Steeler jersey on. A few years ago in high school we’d always have these random firedrills in the cold and snow (I’m from Metro-Detroit, not the frozen tundra up here in the U.P.) and we’d have to go outside without our coats. I’d be chillin (no pun intended) outside with everyone else in pants and a Steeler jersey (wore them all the time back then) and I was only truly cold once, while everyone else was freezing their balls off. And I’m skinny, too (5’10 145).

I dunno, I guess it’s just that Steel City mentality, the mental toughness, I have. I want to show everyone that the Steelers, Steeler fans, and Pittsburghers are crazy tough. No chinks in the armor, you know?

Now I don’t go outside without a coat or run around in my underwear or anything…I’m not that insane. But that’s just my two cents about the weather, I suppose.

by Romain El 82 on Jan 12, 2009 1:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i dont mind the cold either

wear sandals in 30s and 40s weather. but under 0 is just absurd.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 12, 2009 1:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well you got me there

I can do just a sweatshirt to about 35, and shorts to 45, but sandals stop at 50 for me.

by Romain El 82 on Jan 12, 2009 3:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

its -2 here tomorrow

Im in Detroit, so its always cold. But they call for -2 temps tomorrow. Fun.

Thanks though. It took me about 4 hours to feel my ass after that game.

by Mechem on Jan 12, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nice box of cup-cakes you received from Norv.

by raven on Jan 12, 2009 12:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

haha

Nice mountain of presents you received from the Titans in the red zone :) I thought the Holidays ended last month

by Blitzburgh on Jan 12, 2009 1:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

don’t forget about the bounty on CJ’s ankle

by raven on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

CJ’s a beast that we couldn’t stop. Soooo, just break him. The Ravens are studying Holmes x-rays as we speak looking for weak connective tissue.

by raven on Jan 12, 2009 1:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Big snack is studying your running backs

Deciding who looks tastiest

by acrollet on Jan 12, 2009 7:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations

The Steelers played a great game. My Chargers put up a good fight, but the better team won. It didn’t help that the bounces weren’t going our way (I bet we could punt 100 more times without a ball bouncing off a guy’s helmet), but that didn’t decide the game. The Steelers imposed their will on the Chargers in the 2 minute drill at the end of the first half, in the entire 3rd quarter, and controlled the game from there.

As I stated on this blog before, I will root for the Steelers the rest of the way. There were only 2 things that bothered me yesterday:

1. The sack on Rivers near the end zone. I don’t remember who sacked him, but the extra little drive into the ground was clearly unneccessary. I’m pretty sure if Castillo did that to BB, the fans would have freaked.

2. The fans taunting Rivers at the end of the game chanting “Riii-veeeers, Riii-veeeeers”. I know Rivers has done some shit-talking of his own, but I don’t remember anything he’s done to the Pitt fans to provoke that. Seemed like they were just trying to get a rise out of him.

Other than the taunting, I was VERY impressed with Steeler fans. The atmosphere was insane and the crowd was so loud. It was almost too loud as you saw a couple times where BB was trying to hush the crowd when the Steelers had the ball. Anyway, as with anything else, I don’t think that the taunting was a representative of all Steeler fans. The better team won the game, and I will be rooting for them over the Ray-vens.

Good luck the rest of the way!

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 12, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks man, your guys fought the whole game, but like you said, the bounces didn’t go your way. You’ve been a nice counter-point this week. Good luck next year.

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

by BostonWahoo on Jan 12, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for hanging out with us this past week.

I loved your input in all the posts. I tried to warn you about Mitch Berger. That was the second time this season he pulled off that trick. As for the taunting, all three QBs from the ‘04 draft competed in yesterday’s games and only one moved on.

I hope to see you around here next season, as Dennis Dixon will undoubtedly be more involved in our offense.

by Jonny B. on Jan 12, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, the ride was fun while it lasted. At least I’m not a Cowboy’s fan lol. It is kinda sad for us though, because this is 2 straight years that injuries really hurt us in the playoffs and it feels like the window is really closing. Maybe we can meet again in next year’s AFCCG. Good luck guys.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 12, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We hear you. Last year we had willie parker out. He did okay yesterday.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL. Yeah, he was alright, I guess. I mean, he was no Michael Bennet, but I guess he “did okay”. :-)

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 12, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Having that 1 or 2 seed was sweet for us this year. We absolutely needed it.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

Do you think there is something to the fact that LT can’t stayhealthy late in the year? I mean this is two years in a row that he has not been 100% come playoff time. ANy thought of lightening the load during the season? I think that the loss of Turner hurt the Chargers running game. Thoughts?

"Whaddya' mean all the beer is gone..?

by OhioYinzer on Jan 12, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trust me, I’m terrified that LT might be “over the hill” in terms of being an elite RB. Not only was he hurt late in the year, his toe was messed up for the first half of the year too. He’s basically been hurt for a year straight. We’ll see what happens next year.

"When Bellotti attempted to shake the hand of Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson after the game, Robinson offered his left hand. His right was swollen and battered from the Ducks' defense."

by MarineCorpsDuck on Jan 12, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was chanting

I chanted Ignatius though, not Rivers.

by Mechem on Jan 12, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for nothing san diego..we were hoping to get the Ravens healthy with our dose of the chargers. friggin steelers used ’em all up.

by raven on Jan 13, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

harrison

did you guys see the replay of the left tackle riding on harrisons back with his arms wrapped around his head- clearly a good no call

by indianasteelers on Jan 12, 2009 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Concur ...

with the concerns re: the Harrison tackles, Full Nelsons, etc. We all know that stuff goes on every play and most times in locations where the referees can’t see it—fact of life. What concerns me is that this is occuring in the backfield, near the QB and in full view of the Referee. These are definitely game impacting oversights. If the officials are going to call ticky-tack defensive contact penalties away from the ball, then these Nanking Rapes should be called as well.

Loved the way Simms argued that Weddle should have known where the ball was going to land and should not have had his head in the way. Simms never ceases to amaze.

I think fake punts should be left in the hands of the punter. During most punts there is always the opportunity to catch the other team unaware as they peel back to set up the return. Something on this one was doomed from the start. Either the defense was tipped off by the setup, an offensive lineman missed a read or the defense just got lucky. Not sure a standard 4th and 1 running play would have gotten the job done [reference our goal line offense most times this year].

Not sure that the sack on Rivers was anything that warranted a flag; would have to see it again. Nice swing tackle that realigned some dental work, but that happens.

Sweed had the opportunity of a lifetime and didn’t seal the deal. The other missed opportunities were tougher, but we’ve all seen them made.

We did catch a break when San Diego decided to try and use DS the way they would have used LT.

Refs were on the ball re: our failed 4th and 1 for the TD. Back didn’t have the opportunity to get the ball up front and across the goal line. Good play, good player position, just failed to take the ball to the promised land.

Our Super Bowl is next weekend. The Ravens are the toughest team left.

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 11:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I still maintain the ball easily crossed the plane.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Then we're ...

not talking about the same play.

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh, I had a very good view. If you can show me a video that shows the ball the whole play I’ll be on board. Of course, I have no decisive evidence to the contrary I can show you, but in my eyes the ball “easily” crossed the plane. All of the views on video are obstructed by players , as was the refs view, so I can’t fault them, but davis stretched the ball into the endzone. I didn’t have a perfect view of much, but sitting 15 seats back on the goal line did give me a perfect view of that. I understand no one can take my word for it though, as it’s just my opinion.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I had a great angle on that

I was looking RIGHT at the ball and I was still able to see ball when it crossed.

I didnt like how the ref came in while Davis was still laying on top of bodies and started pushing people backwards either.

by Mechem on Jan 12, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Like I said, ...

we must be talking about different plays. In the play I’m referring to the TV shots clearly showed that the back didn’t get a good grip on the ball, almost lost it as a fumble, re-gained control but was never able to pull the ball high enough to stick it across the plane.

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 11:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

He didn’t put it high, he put it low.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

On the TV shots that I’m watching you can’t even see the ball after the handoff.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not, ...

repeat NOT talking about the same play. I don’t know what to say other than "we’re NOT talking about the same play. If we are, then Simms showed ad nauseous the ball in plain view @ waist level at best. That said, they never discussed that position in relation to when the referees determined forward progress was complete.

by tenthmtnman on Jan 12, 2009 12:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The ball went forward, then came back. We’re talking about the same play. If it was discussed ad nauseum by the great Simms and replayed on TV so often then I’d love to see the video that shows the ball the whole time. The only replays I have found don’t show squat other than a bunch of bodies.

As I saw it the ball was stretched into the endzone, then it was pushed back along with davis. I realize I can’t prove myself right since I didn’t bring a video recorder to the game, but until I see any evidence (video that shows the ball through the whole play), I stand by my statement that the ball crossed the plane.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not saying I liked the call to davis though…

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I liked the call

I personally would just love it if they put Lefty in and had him sneak. Hes a monster. But I did like the call. I think its nice to have a quick plunge. But still they have to execute up front.

by Mechem on Jan 12, 2009 9:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

popular thread

rec it to move it to top of fanposts list.

by Blitzburgh on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

rec's on comments (not on threads)

By the way blitz. I noticed on “Bolts from the blue” that their comments turn colors after 1 rec. Might I suggest you lower the threshold on this site too? Not many people use rec’s right now and I think it’d help its use. If they start getting overused you can always bump the threshold up again.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs