Vikings (6-0) @ Steelers (4-2) - Key Matchup #2 - Kevin Williams vs. Steelers Interior O-Line
by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2009 5:42 AM EDT
79 comments
What an exciting weekend of football ahead of fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. Two of the NFL's most historic and storied franchises squaring off in an October showdown of teams with Super Bowl aspirations. I'm going to leave much of my analysis of the game for a bit later in the week, but I wanted to begin by laying out what some of the key matchups will be on both sides of the ball. From there, you all (and hopefully Vikings fans as well) jump in and lend your take(s). There's plenty of top shelf matchups in this one - both one-on-one as well as unit-against-unit.
We first looked at Jared Allen vs. Max Starks.
Let's now move on to another pivotal matchup - defensive tackle Kevin Williams vs. the interior offensive linemen of the Steelers (Chris Kemoeatu, Justin Hartwig, Trai Essex). Defensive end Jared Allen gets all the publicity for his sacks and entertaining personality, but it's really Kevin Williams (and to a lesser extent Pat these days) that do much of the heavy lifting for Minnesota's defense clogging up running lanes and collapsing the pocket up the middle so that Allen can do his thing on the perimeter. Collectively, they make one heckuva front-four.
There's more.
Kevin Williams vs. The Steelers Interior O-Line
Why highlight both guards and the center when talking about Kevin Williams? Well, as one of the two DTs in Minnesota's 4-3 defense, he might find himself lined up over all of them by game's end. Justin Hartwig will have to have an outstanding game helping both Essex and Kemoeatu at various stages in the game. And when he does help out on whichever side K. Williams is shaded to, the guard on the other side will have to rise up to the challenge against Pat Williams, the other imposing tackle for Minnesota.
The Willaims beasts in the middle (630 pounds between the two) are as good a run-stopping duo in all of football. Since 2005 when Pat left the Buffalo Bills via free agency to sign an incredibly lucrative free agent deal with the Vikings in 2005, Vikings have consistently been next to impossible to run the ball against. After finishing 2005 with the 19th ranked rush defense, the Vikings have led the league in fewest rushing yards allowed each of the past three years.
At 29 years of age, I don't think there's any debating that Kevin is the better of the two at this point. Pat is 36 on and on the downhill side of an extremely durable, productive and long career. But he's still good enough to give an offensive line like Pittsburgh's problems potentially. It certainly helps that this one will be at Heinz Field rather than in the deafening indoor Metro Dome. I also think that Pittsburgh's big eaters up front are playing with a lot of confidence right now. I try not to quantify phantom things like momentum and confidence too often, but I will here because I think it's imperative for an offensive line to be confident - at least mentally confident that they know the assignments of each and every position along the line. It's a lot easier to hold your own down there I'd imagine if you're at least not wasting precious time and focus thinking about your assignments.
Will the Steelers be able to get the run game going against the formidable duo in the middle? It's possible, if only because the Vikings might game plan predominantly for the Steelers passing attack while hoping/assuming that the Williamses will be able to clog running lanes well enough on their own. Perhaps more importantly, the interior of the Steelers offensive line must hold up in the passing game. The Steelers have struggled the most when the pocket has collapsed up the middle (think Tennessee and Philly games last year). And they've not generally been great against 4-3 defenses featuring two forces at defensive tackle. Will they be up to the challenge on Sunday of taking on one of the game's very best defensive duos in the trenches? We will see. Can't wait!
Go Steelers!
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I think we'll see the pass game winning this one
Whether we’re ahead or behind I can’t see the Steelers being balanced offensively this week.
Perhaps Mendy will rip off a longer run that gets him over 100 yds, but I’d be more inclined to think that Moore gets 100+ total yds.
by 13thieves on Oct 21, 2009 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Then again...
Pitt plays USF on Heinz Field Saturday, and it is supposed to rain, which could mean a slow track on Sunday.
With Jared Allen coming after him, Big Ben should not schedule any lunch breaks during his passing downs. That stuff with surveying the field for fifteen minutes while somebody gets open will not be occuring this Sunday.
In all the glamour of Adrian Peterson, some people might forget that Chester Taylor is an out and out mudder.
As for Winfield being out, not much is known about how well his understudy Asher Allen will do, because nobody has seen him play NFL football yet. I can tell you this: Allen hits like Winfield, and not many CB’s do.
by Elgar on Oct 21, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karl Paymah would probably replace Winfield, with Allen coming in as the nickel back. Paymah is mediocre, Allen a raw rookie. The young safety Johnson makes mistakes. The secondary has holes even with Winfield; without him they have no one who can cover Holmes and no one who is nearly as good in run support, so being without Winfield is a huge problem for the Vikings D. If they can’t get consistent pressure with just four (and no one has this year), Ben will have all the time he needs to find an open receiver. If they blitz, there are going to be mismatches all over the field. If they drop linebackers back to help out in coverage and keep their safeties deep, Mendenhall should be able to get yards off the edges or on draws to Allen’s side as he goes into pass-rush mode. The Vikings D is intimidating in the box but it’s a big field and the Steelers won’t have much trouble eating up yards. It will get tougher in the red zone.
by steeler.lifer on Oct 22, 2009 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you forget
that the Vikes did not have winfield from early in the second quarter and it took till the almost halfway through the 4th for the Ravens to do anything with the ball and it was more out of desperation and vikings relaxing than anything else.
by supertrooper15 on Oct 22, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Relaxed lol
If you believe the Vikings were too relaxed out there, then I’ve got a Norwegian Blue Parrot you might be interested in.
by steeler.lifer on Oct 22, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Ravens’ pass-catchers aren’t exactly of the same caliber as the Steelers. Ward, Holmes, and Miller are very solid receiving threats. We also have a sure-handed 3rd down back and a developing deep threat in Wallace. The Ravens and Steelers may be similar on the defensive side of the game, but they’re very different on offense.
by Varmint on Oct 24, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
right on
For a Steelers fan, you know the VIkings well. I’m hoping Asher Allen gets plenty of time on the field because his upside seems to be greater than Paymah’s, evidenced by his special teams (only) role and last week’s ‘performance’. I think Sapp is improved over last year, and is doing a better job holding his emotions in check. Last year he got in trouble for penalties and for sacrificing fundamentals when going for big hits.
Pressure from the front four is the Vikings’ best hope (and a nice day from Chester Taylor), but in any event the Steelers will have more trouble moving the ball in the red zone than elsewhere on the field.
by peterplaysbass on Oct 23, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Passing Game wont win this one.
The Steelers are gonna have to run the football to win. The Vikings intend on controlling the game with the running game.
Week 6 Wrap up…Tell me what you think
http://tightend.blogspot.com/2009/10/week-6.html
"Don't Be Afraid to Stand on a Pile of 'No's' for one 'Yes'"
by curiousg87 on Oct 22, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The running game is only a good control after a team has the league.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
league→lead
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Take
If the Vikings can dominate ball control and sustain long drives capped by touchdowns they should be able to pull this on off. Keeping the Steele offense off the field and have them sitting on the sidelines watching slow drawn out Vikings drives with scores are really what the Vikings are going to have to do. I think if we can do that and force Pittsburgh to punt 3-4 times and keep them out of the end zone the Vikings can win this one. This will allow our front four to pressure Ben by themselves really eliminating the run game from Pittsburgh and allowing us to play nickel putting double coverage’s on the receivers. Those are my thoughts.
by seehawk on Oct 22, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seehawk? Are the Vikings your other team? Just asking....
That “IF” is a huge 2 letter word. It’s possibilities are endless.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s weird as hell having teams be so concerned about our offense.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's almost like they are being sarcastic
weird….
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True Vikings Fan...thru and thru
Seehawk is just a screen name. Born and bred Minnesotan. So with that said I’ve seen many a Vikings game over the years. I have actually liked the Steelers too however them being in the AFC I don’t get to see them much. I know that “If” is a big word at this point but that’s how is see this scenario favoring the Vikings. Favre has been very good of us this year as I am sure you all know. I just don’t know if he has was it takes left in him to have an all out shoot out with your quarterback. For us this year, balance on offense really has been the key to our victories. The run “D” is still pretty solid and pressuring the quarter back is still a must. Again, that scenario is just my opinion.
by seehawk on Oct 22, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that'd be great but...
no team has been able to do that against us offensively this year (course we haven’t played an offensively powered team as yours). gonna be a lot harder to do than you think, especially with troy back.
by t1mmy10 on Oct 23, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All true
But as PixburghArn suggests, the word “if” can swing a lot of ways.
Even IF the Vikings own ToP, that doesn’t guarantee a win. They had a big chunk of the clock against the Ravens, but the Ravens still earned 367 passing yards and almost took the game away. Big Ben hasn’t been a dink & dunk player. This season he’s been chewing up drives in a relatively small number of plays. He’s tied with P. Manning for best in the league at 9.1 yards per completion, and he leads the league with 26 completions over 20 yards. There’s a four-way tie for most completions over 40 yards and Big Ben is part of that, too. Ben and the boys don’t need a whole lot of time to put up points.
We used to be a run-first team, so we know what controlling the clock means. We also had the dubious pleasure of watching Brady tear apart our injured secondary and take us for 34 points even though we ran for 181 yards. We owned the ToP in that game, too.
So, winning via the run and controlling the clock is certainly a good strategy. The Vikings are well-suited for it. Trouble is, the Steelers are very good at stopping the run AND very good at putting up points with drives that don’t require much clock.
They’re gonna have to play this one.
by Varmint on Oct 24, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
The Vikings are who they are. People can analyze all they want about this matchup. Its going to come down to stopping AD from a defensive standpoint. Offensively, there cannot be any mistakes on the O-line or with protecting the football (interceptions included) And my gut says redzone offense is going to be critical and both teams.
by C-Mac on Oct 21, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to venture a guess that we exhibit a pretty balanced offense this week.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. We’re going to have to be balanced. Otherwise Minnesota will control time of possession. Also, this is a big game for Mr. Mendenhall. It’ll be good to see him in a feature role against a tough defense. People are still talking about his durability and his heart. I’m eager to see how he responds.
by cliff harris is still a punk! on Oct 21, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m eager to see him hold the ball high and tight…that should not be an elusive ability.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
winfield
If he is out, I don’t know how much the steelers will need to run.
the bulk of Flacco’s performance came after Antoine left the game and the Viking defense looked very mortal.
Since the Vikes appear to be bringing in CBs for evaluation, odds are Winfield will not play.
I think Arians is going to draw up a 1st half attack that is pass heavy.
The offensive line will still need to give Ben enough time to throw the ball, of course.
And I also want to see Mendy hold that tight, less spinning with the ball held out like a square dance partner.
by vherub on Oct 21, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If there are 7 in the box I want us to try and run. It’s not like the ravens didn’t have success doing that either after Winfield was out.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Asher Allen
he has been deactivated every game this year. maybe this will be his week.
by gt.eye.guy on Oct 21, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
winfield's absense half the reason
Baltimore had a lot of success late because the Vikings defense got gassed. Minnesota’s offense had some quick posessions ending in punts or fieldgoals. I strongly believe that clock control will be MN’s MO this week, and if they succeed, the defense should stay fresh enough to put semi-consistent pressure on Roethlisberger. That’s a recipe for a purple win.
That said, I’d put my money Pittsburgh if I were a bettin’ man.
by peterplaysbass on Oct 23, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
4-3 defense, = looong day
Games against 4-3’s have been two losses so far this year. And typically shitty outputs on our ground game. Granted, we were in position to win both of those games, but it was pretty rough.
I’d be happy if our backs squeak out 80
by Mechem on Oct 21, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i voted for no
not because i think they’ll prevent us (they let up close to a avg of 100 yards a game & avg 3.9 yards/carry), but cuz we’ll be passing too much to get enough rushing attempts to get it over 100
by t1mmy10 on Oct 21, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the best defensive line in the league
Hands down. Anyone who voted that we will get more than 100 yds rushing and actually believes it are blinded by their black and gold glasses.
We still need the threat of the run mind you, but this game is gonna be won in the air, on both sides.
Nobody’s running for over 100 yds on Sunday.
It’s gonna be Favre vs. Big Ben. Whoever has the better game and has the better red zone efficiency wins this game.
I like the Steelers pass defense much more than i like the Vikings which is why i like the Steelers on Sunday. We have a huge advantage when comparing corners and safeties.
by Freddyd on Oct 21, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your premise that it will be Favre vs. Big Ben. I think you underrate the run game in what could happen if Ben and Favre are opening the field up, which I expect both will be able to do. When both defenses are thinking pass, the run can be very effective.
It isn’t as if 100 yards can’t be amassed, but if it is I expect it is because the passing game is working.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Vikings are averaging 93.5 yards a game and 3.9 yards a carry, and the only good rushing team they’ve faced is Baltimore. Now I’m not saying we’re a good rushing team at this point, but 100 yards total isn’t exactly in the stratosphere either.
K. Williams and Allen are great pass rushers, but I don’t think their DT run stuffing combo is what it has been for the past few years without the water pills.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Har har.
Kevin and Pat did just fine last year without their “water pills”.
I highly doubt the Steelers will exceed 100 yards in this game. Not because they are not capable of it, but the conditions are just not right. Mediocre rush offense vs good rush defense on a sloppy field is not likely to produce a lot of yards.
Though, our focus on covering the whole created by the loss of Winfield might open some doors and make it possible.
by Bjorno on Oct 24, 2009 2:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a Vikings fan and I wouldn’t be shocked if a Steeler puts up 100 plus yards. I’d be surprised if it was a grind it out 4/5 yards at a time with no big runs, but toss in a 12 yarder and a 45 yarder and you’re on your way.
by Salty on Oct 21, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vikings Pass defence ranked 24th
Our pass offence is ranked number 1,
by steelermafia on Oct 21, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I bleed purple and gold first off. I do agree at times our pass defense is horrible. I will be the first to admit. However the ranking is skewed a bit. The Vikings are averaging 31.5 points a game, and for the most part jumping out with leads in the first 6 games. With that said, teams are relying on the pass game to gain catch-up points quickly. Not much has been said of the teams R.B.‘s we’ve faced so far this season. Why? They haven’t been an impact to the points scored or the total yardage for their teams.
Again, I agree that the Vikings weakness is their secondary. My prediction, if the Vikings hold it together defending the pass, they win. If the Steelers come out chucking the ball all over the field successfully the Vikings will be 6-1.
by seehawk on Oct 21, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
second that
The Vikings have been scoring machines on offense. Combine that with the Steelers suddenly porous pass defense as well as the Vikings weaknesses in the secondary, and Roethlisberger will be chucking the ball all day. Win or lose, I see Huge Benji putting up another 400 yds through the air.
High scoring close games are basically about who has the ball last, so let’s hope the Steelers can get a possession with a few minutes left.
by Ben Stuplisberger on Oct 22, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus, anyone else see that
Antoine Winfield (their #1 CB) got injured last game and might not be able to play? from what i’ve read (since i don’t watch the vikings much) it’d be a big blow to their passing defense
by t1mmy10 on Oct 21, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again Agreed
He is no doubt the anchor to our secondary. As I understand it, he will be a game time decision.
by seehawk on Oct 21, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out this garbage article. The owners and coaches should be in an uproar over this one!!!
by seehawk on Oct 21, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is seriously
the dumbest thing ive ever written. i’m upset you’ve made me dumber.
bleacher report is awful.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Blitzburgh on Oct 21, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Important to note
the dumbest thing ive ever written.
You didn’t write that did you blitz? Please god, say it isn’t so!
by Chicago Steeler on Oct 22, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
total crap.
this line…
tested positive for performance enhancing drugsis the tell.
Uninformed, illogical, and speculative.
Certainly not ‘Reporting’ as one would imply by the title of the site.
I BELIEVE...
On the improbable Vikings win against the Ravens...
" OH MY HOLY BALLSACK " - IABerserker1
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Oct 21, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Dopey article. I commented on it, but the author didn’t reply. He got the Williams court case facts wrong and then made wild accusations with “gosh, there sure are some interesting storylines in the NFL” as his ‘evidence’.
by peterplaysbass on Oct 23, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention the spelling errors or his use of words which he obviously does not understand the meaning.
by Bjorno on Oct 24, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what is the stealers run defence ranked?
AP/ Taylor will have a big day.
by gt.eye.guy on Oct 21, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Um, 2nd, basically I expect them to lay down a red carpet and just give up. Why bother with purple jesus toting the rock?
We are missing Aaron Smith though, so I expect AP to have some success. Wait a minute, why the hell am I talking to you again?
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're talking to him again because
people with high morals will talk even to the most inept of society just to make then feel welcome. Wait…high morals….why ARE you talking to him again?
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 21, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Knowing us, we’ll shut down AP in the running game (~3 YPC) but give up 2 big runs to Taylor and several screen passes. That’s how we roll.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Oct 21, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Taylor seems like the kind of guy we’ll open up the revolving door for.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 21, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Steelers may be 2nd in the league, but they have only played 1 team that has a decent rush offense this year in Tennessee, and they are falling apart at the seams.
That is not to say they are not a good rush defense, only that the numbers are skewed in your favor for rush defense just as the numbers are skewed against us as to our pass defense.
by Bjorno on Oct 24, 2009 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do hope Peterson makes it interesting. He’s a heck of a player and always fun to watch.
No disrespect intended, but the last RB to use the words, “…going to have a big day” was Rashard Mendenhall before we played the Ravens. Steeler Nation got to know Mewelde Moore quite well after that.
by Varmint on Oct 21, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AP will *not* have a big day
Gimpy ankle, muddy field, no way.
If anyone does well, it’ll be Chester Taylor. He’s due to outshine Peterson like he’s done a couple of times in the last two years.
by peterplaysbass on Oct 23, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has the doom and gloom reversed?
A few weeks ago this game was a given loss. No way we could beat the Vikings. Now most assume we will win.
Just remember, you are never as bad as you look, or as good as you look.
I think the Vikings as of last Sunday were the better team. That can change in a week, but I don’t expect the Steelers to shut down Peterson, we aren’t playing at that high of a level right now. The potential for him to have a big day is definitely there, a running back of his caliber can have one against any defense.
In the last 22 games Peterson has been held below a 4.4 ypc 3 times, and the Vikings won two of those three.
The Steelers have 9 games where a RB got more than 5 carries and averaged that much or more in the same span. 4 from Moore, 3 from Parker and 2 from Mendenhal.
The odds of the Steelers holding Peterson under 100 and a Steeler RB picking up 100, incredibly slim. 100 total yards between our backs and any BB scrambles or reverses, yeah that should happen.
This game has Santonio Holmes written all over it. If he’s going to continue to be the man in the big games, we’ll need him again here. Ward will get his, he always does, and Wallace will be a big player if Winfield is out. Heck if Winfield is out I want to see Sweed back on the field. Nobody can lose their #1 and keep coverage on three guys like Homes Sweed and Wallace, they are too fast. That would really open up the short passes and screens and even if our Run game doesn’t do much we can win. That and Silverback and Woodley need to say hi to Favre like he’s Phillip Rivers. Go Greg Lloyd on the old guy, just for old times sake.
by Phantaskippy on Oct 21, 2009 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I apolgoize for jumping in out of left field
But I have to know:
Do any of you have any REAL info on Troy Polamalu’s knee and his status for this week?
by BF_Phantom on Oct 21, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
here's the real info
he played last week, was maybe 75-80% – he’ll play this week, and probably be better than last week, but not 100% by any means. that’s all anyone knows :)
by acrollet on Oct 21, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Steelers want to keep the arrow up on his improvement!
Quality coachspeak.
by Salty on Oct 22, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s below his thigh and above his foot.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vikings also have some problems on defense.
The Ravens came back and almost beat them on Sunday. Their offense scored a good number of points against the Vikes—and Flacco certainly is no Roethlisberger.
This looks like a good game for Ben to start tossing more quick/short passes, to slow down the Vikes pass rush. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if Ben has much time to throw against Minnesota. To avoid the sacks, I think he’s gonna need to get rid of the ball pretty quickly, or else take off running. But if anyone has the tools to drive the Vikes D crazy, it’s #7. Ben reminds me of a much bigger and faster version of Fran Tarkenton.
All in all, a very intriguing matchup.
by Billy52 on Oct 21, 2009 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Flacco is very much a Roethlisberger, or have you not seen any of his games? Tall, fairly mobile, completes ~65% of his passes and started his first year.
by Bjorno on Oct 24, 2009 2:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vegas line
Anyone notice the current line? Steelers are the favorite at minus 4. Heinz Field is one hell of an advantage.
by Ben Stuplisberger on Oct 22, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No Sweat
Silly Steelers, Vikings got this game bagged, it wont be blowout, but it will be a Vikings W. The Vikings biggest challenge thus far? Infant Please
"You thought you could beat my team, but yours decided to go have ice cream. Bow to my awesomeness" Brad Childress
by packerslayer on Oct 22, 2009 5:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WOOOOOOOOO 19-0 WOOOOOOOOO
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh you silly silly steeguy
So silly, with your silly silliness. Your sillinocity makes the sillization of silliness look silliratious. Such silly sillifcation. Silly.
by worldtrip on Oct 22, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lmao
just reading through here and wasn’t going to say anything, but i have to now! for a second, i thought that was REVENGE4FAVRE! i seriously just about spit out my beer!
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
by IABerserker1 on Oct 22, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vikings fan here,
and this is clearly our toughest game yet. Especially with Winfield out, I think we need some things to break our way to have a chance of winning this game.
Turnovers: The Vikes have only turned the ball over 4 times this year (two INT – two Peterson fumbles). We need not to turn it over and realistically we probably need the Steelers to turn it over once or twice.
Pressure: I expect you guys to have a lot of success passing the ball; I think we need to be able to stop some drives with sacks; if not, we’re going to see a lot of points put up.
Peterson: I don’t expect him to grind out a lot of yards, but if he can get a couple yards past the line of scrimmage, he’s a threat to break one. We will probably need one of those big plays from him.
Red zone: The biggest thing that Favre has added this year (in my opinion) is his ability to turn drives into touchdowns. Looking at the numbers, it looks like you guys have struggled in that area this year. I have no doubt that you are going to be able to rack up big yards on us; for us to have a chance we need to limit some of those drives to field goals and be able to convert our opportunities.
Tough game – I see no chance of us blowing you out, and I do see some chance of you doing that to us. I’m hoping to see it close in the 4th quarter and then I think we have a decent chance.
No immense pressure on this one for us – I still think we hit the break at 7 and 1 even if we lose. If we could win this one it would just be a big bonus for us. Looking forward to a good game against a great team.
by Migrant lurker on Oct 22, 2009 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You know, the steelers only have had four turnovers too last sunday. Oh, you are talking about the whole season.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
People forget
that the Steelers lost to the bears who are not very good at all… I do not see them being able to blow the vikings out… I think it is going to come down to kickers and quite frankly Jeff Reed sucks ass at kicking this year and Longwell is one of the best in the league.. I think that is where the game will be won
by supertrooper15 on Oct 22, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spaeth may get drunk and pee on your kicker
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And then
Reed will take a fighting stance, scaring everyone silly…
by MarkJoel66 on Oct 22, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's how we roll
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes we roll like Santonio.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 22, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why we keep natural grass
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 22, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you forget
1) we lost w/out troy. you’re missing your good dback now.
2) the vikings needed a miricle play to beat the 49ers.
3) and reed hasn’t been that bad this season except for one game. and those kicks he missed were relatively long and on a poor grass field he doesn’t practice.
4) longwell is a clutch kicker…on artificial turf. he’s only avg. on grass.
by t1mmy10 on Oct 23, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This guy?
He’s kicked in every sort of slop that exists.
by Salty on Oct 23, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You just jinxed him
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Oct 24, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh you're right...
what team he played for 5 years ago matters now?
by t1mmy10 on Oct 25, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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