BTSC Gets Set For Divisional Round

by Blitzburgh on Jan 6, 2009 5:48 AM EST Comment 41 comments

Pardon my absence Monday - I just rolled into Seattle from California a few hours ago. Loooong drive. About 18.5 hours, and that's if you're being extra disciplined about not stopping much.

Anyway, full game coverage coming starting later Tuesday but just one opening thought from me about this Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers:

To me, above all else, I don't want to see the same kind of A) mistakes from Ben that we saw last year against Jacksonville and B) more importantly to me, I hope we don't play too timidly late in the game like we also did against Jacksonville in the playoffs last year.

To briefly expound on Point B - there's a fine line between playing smart, calculated agressive football, and passive, playing 'not-to-lose' football. Last year with a lead, we played not to lose. Two runs and a QB rollout sneak on 3rd down. This past weekend in Arizona, Ken Whisenhunt and his offensive coordinator dialed up unexpected big plays in the passing game when they had to keep the chains moving, the clock running, and the Falcons offense on the sideline for good.

I'm all for the offense not compromising our all world defense. But there comes a time, prior struggles be damned, when an offense needs to seize the moment and deliver a final knock out blow. We have the tools to do it, we just need to hope that Big Ben can toe that fine line between looking to make a play and hedging his bet with safe decisions.

I absolutely cherish what Mike Tomlin has been able to do this year. I'm expecting to be wowed once more by his uncanny ability to movitate, prepare, adjust, and learn from past mistakes. This weekends game against San Diego is a phenemonal opportunity to win the first playoff game in the Mike Tomlin era. It's not going to be easy though. San Diego, if nothing else, is resillient. Very resillient. Even if we're up, I'd expect them to mount one final charge.

If given the chance - will we keep the Chargers on the ropes and knock them out? Or will we play tight and unimaginatively, hoping our defense will bail us out once more? There is very little that can tarnish this special season for me. It's had its low moments, and there's loads of work to be done this offseason regardless of whether we bow out this Sunday or win a 6th Lombardi Trophy. But one of the few things that would leave me truly disappointed heading into the offseason would be playing scared on offense late in the game if we have a chance to seal the deal with some intelligent and opportunistic play calling.

More soon. Glad to be home. I can't wait for this game!

GO Steelers!

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I can't wait either.

I’m hoping for the knock out. Based on most of our games this season though, I’m not sure that is going to happen. Expect a game that will come down to the last minutes and god forbid any huge mistakes, the steelers will come out on top.

We are in a great position to finish the season with the trophy. I have faith in Tomlin and the rest of the team to realize this and do whatever it takes to get the big prize.

by sn0wballz on Jan 6, 2009 8:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

They have to win

Because I’ve been growing my playoff beard since the bye week and I’m not ready to shave yet.

by JHolmes on Jan 6, 2009 9:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

My playoff beard is magnificent! Good enough for a Conference win at least. I’m like Leonidas in 300, all beard and teeth.

by HitThatGuy on Jan 6, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

I had to shave my beard off for a trial in the middle of Decmber (I was the attorney, not a party: sorry, but you will not find CarlWeathersMustache on the sex offender list). However, it is back and going strong.

As of noon Sunday, this beard will be shaved into the finest handlebar mustache this side of the American Chopper Dad. As a result, the Steelers have a 137% chance of winning this game. I guarantee Chargers fans will not have handlebar mustaches.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jan 6, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly

I have to shave tonight… Church doesnt like beards…

But I will let myself grow out all the way to sunday

by Mechem on Jan 6, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

curious...

you are a pastor or priest?

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

by agentorange on Jan 6, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Disappointed

Didn’t you say you have front row seats? And you’re only going to have a four day beard? Still, I’ll let it slide since it is for a good cause.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

neither pastor nor priest

Just attending but they dont really like the beard action.

And yes I am front row, between 5 and 10 yard line I think .Section 125. Sorry I cannot represent better. Jesus calls!

by Mechem on Jan 6, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

pastor

i am a united methodist pastor, and i was thinking maybe i had a fellow clergyperson up in here. but i guess its just me. at least if we need to have some kind of steeler church you’ll know that there’s an ordained minister in the house. : )

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

by agentorange on Jan 8, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This team has given me a heart attack all freaking season.

It’s great to win, but not cool almost killing me in the process. I wonder why we don’t have the capability to knock someone out early (with the exception of the Browns, but by the end of this season they couldn’t be considered a football team with a 4th string quarterback)? It’s kind of annoying all truth be told. Baltimore had no problem stomping Miami. That game was el finito by the end of the 3rd. It would be great to be able to do that and get some momentum swinging our way!

by Cdsumm on Jan 6, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I feel you.

These past games have heightened my blood pressure. Although I’d love to be in a position of no worries by the end of the third quarter, a win is a win is a win.

by sn0wballz on Jan 6, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the 3rd and 16 pass play

I hear you Blitz, watching Warner hit Spach for 23 yards with 2:17 clinched the win. The Falcon defense was expecting a run- one of those awful, might-as-well-punt draw plays on 3rd and very long.

The Steelers run those and I hate to see it- at any point in the game. You play two down football and your opponent at the end of the game is playing 4 down football. Even a superior team is going to have trouble when you give your opponent twice as many chances every series.

by vherub on Jan 6, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

yea

balti stomp the dolphins but come on guys its the dolphins, they were the worst team in the playoffs this year hands down. the ravens got stomped by the giants and the colts, take the good with the bad – i’d rather play those guys close and win the games we suppose to win than get blown out by those guys all at the same time blow out the dolphins twice, i still think they lose against the titans in a tight game

by tannofsteel84 on Jan 6, 2009 11:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree Blitz

and we talk about this very subject in a post a few days ago.

What I find especially troubling about last years passive play calling v. Jaguars late in the game, is that our defense was not playing well…down the stretch or into the play-offs our D was worn out and it showed big time. So, for BA and coach Tomlin to put all the pressure on the defense, when we all knew they weren’t up to the task, is troubling.

Like you, I want to see how they call it this year. They may very well get conservative again, but this year it may be justified, considering how grat our D has played. For me, like you, I think we must stay aggressive and keep the pressure on the opponent.

We’ll see…

by SteelerMike on Jan 6, 2009 11:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Our defense fizzled down the stretch, but they actually played an outstanding game against the Jags. We got burned with kick returns and int’s, but the defense held them to 239 yards and 2 ints of their own. After ravaging us with the running game earlier, Garrard ended up being their leading rusher, which was bs, of course. The offense lost that game, grabbed it back, then lost it again.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 6, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They Played Stupid Not Scared

Having Ben run that QB draw was just plain dumb. Looking back at my posts following the game I remember that we really were mostly out of the game and clawed our way back into it following stellar play by the stars. Under those circumstances, when crunch time came the offensive play callers suffered brain freeze – that’s what I think. I don’t believe it will be a problem this year given the number of close games and come-backs already seen in these parts.

by rushthequarterback on Jan 6, 2009 12:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

we shouldn’t be afraid to let BB run some no-huddle. It’s been successful for us and it throws off the timing of the defense. I agree about the conservative play. Cowher did that for years too. Get a lead and start handing it off. They stack the line and it’s three and out. we can’t do that anymore. Especially with Berger doing our punting.

by qwikdoc on Jan 6, 2009 12:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would really like to see us start opening games in the no-huddle; it gives us some speed and rhythm to start the game.

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Jan 6, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m hoping for “play tight and unimaginatively, hoping our defense will bail us out once more”. That way we will have a chance.

"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 6, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I just want it

to snow. ;) So I can watch a real football game from the warm confines of my warm home.

by SoCalSteelerFan on Jan 6, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

As crazy as it might sound, as a Charger fan, I want it to snow. I think the only way we can win is in a close game, and snow usually helps that cause.

"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 6, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Should be a goodie

I think we end up sealing the deal 24-13.

But Im greatly looking forward to it. Got a new leather steelers jacket too to help keep me warm.

by Mechem on Jan 6, 2009 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Just heard

Colts fan here. Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson arrested for DUI.
http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2009/01/chargers_player_arrested_for_d.html

Hope you guys kick Bolts ass on Sunday.

"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi

by rangerover76 on Jan 6, 2009 3:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This must be a joke…

I’m sure he’ll play though since he won’t go to court until the off-season. We all know that no team would ever pull one of their receivers for a game just because they felt like it was the right thing to do.

http://bit.ly/qga1

by steelguy99 on Jan 6, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Steelers

You expect the Rooneys to take a stand against outlaws. I’m not familiar with the San Diego ownership, but they may do the right thing as well. Stay classy.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jan 6, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily

Colts got rid of a much needed DT in Ed Johnson cause he was cited for marijuana possession. But I don’t expect the Chargers to have the same rules of conduct, considering the punks they have in the team :D

"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi

by rangerover76 on Jan 6, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is the Chargers, though, not the Colts or Steelers. How many games did Merriman and Cooper get benched for before the NFL stepped in?

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 6, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True

Tomlin and Dungy are lot stricter about the code of conduct than the hanging by the thread Turner.

"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi

by rangerover76 on Jan 6, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Same game...

… Burress was supposed to be benched for PWS (Playing While Stupid). He sat on the bench until about half-way through the second quarter when they figured out their running game wasn’t going anywhere.

Tomlin kept Homes out for the whole game. While the offenses/crimes were not the same, I do think the Steelers under Tomlin have been much better at delivering the “behave!” message to players.

by Varmint on Jan 7, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry to duplicate

just read this thread after making my fanpost and didn’t know thenews had already been broken when I posted

by nycsteeler on Jan 6, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

a little more

http://www.10news.com/news/18422816/detail.html#-

didn’t know he was on probation for dui, drinking and driving is a serious problem, fortunate no one was injured, if he’s innocent, by all means he should play though

by vherub on Jan 6, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

So here you are week before your biggest game of the year, and your out wasted all monday night into Tuesday morning.

Great way to prepare for the game dontcha think? Real good stuff there Chargers leading receiver.

by Mechem on Jan 6, 2009 3:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Marine’s plan backfired to get harrison drunk and #92 drank jackson under the table. It was bound to happen.

by steelguy99 on Jan 6, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s all we needed. Sheesh.

"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 6, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

#92

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/sports/ncaafootball/06steelers.html?_r=1&ref=sports

good write up on harrison

by thetackle on Jan 6, 2009 6:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

that's a great article

you should throw that link in a fanshot

by acrollet on Jan 6, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree especially with comment A

Like I’ve been saying to anyone who will listen or read, I really believe this game is going to be on Ben like no other this season. Here’s hoping he does the right thing(s)!

by sylvansteeler on Jan 6, 2009 8:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Big Ben

yes, I’ve said all season, our offensive key will be Big Ben. Yes, we need an effective running game but the key to a SB “run” will be the effectiveness and efficiency of the passing game.

Also, I’m looking forward to ben making some plays with his feet…converting critical 3rd downs, running in the red zone etc. Obviously, he’s been banged up and I think consciously chosen not to run during the year, but he know it’s playoff time and we need him to make plays.

I also think since he has run less, alot less, teams are not as aware of him running with the ball. Come on Big Ben, take us to the SB baby…

by SteelerMike on Jan 6, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

the defense will deliver the knockout blow. I expect his game to be close, i just hope Ben brings his A game.

by SteelerDomination on Jan 7, 2009 2:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

yeah

Let’s just hope he doesn’t bring his post-concussion game.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 7, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Big Ben - what else?

No Shit. That’s the $64 question right now on the $100 million man.

The bottom line regarding their chances of winning this game or any other is the offensive line. The reason they are no longer a running team by nature is that the O Line sucks – compare them with any of the good teams. They can’t dominate the line of scrimmage like in year’s past. Most annoying thing about it is that it was a conscious decision by the management to not sign Faneca and not to concentrate on these positions with top draft choices and trades.

Biggest reason Ben is in the shape he’s in – he’s been sacked almost 150 times in three seasons!! Between that, the big accident and a few big hits – his health is tenuous. He’s not going to pull himself out of the game, so it’s going to be up to Tomlin to pull him if things look bad early. No time for niceties – this is professional football and the playoffs. Never thought I would be glad to see Lefty start in front of Ben but this scenario has me plenty worried about the outcome.

Hopefully, the defense will rise up and deliver some “sudden change” plays and win the game going away.

"Franz" in NoCal

by franz on Jan 7, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs