well is this a gauge for how good steelers are or aren't?

by yoyage on Oct 25, 2009 7:29 PM EDT Comment 7 comments

The D shut down A.P. on the running attack for the most part, created the crucual turnovers when it counted although gave up long drives at the end again when the game was on the line, Ben had a decent day, Mendenhall did too...I guess a win vs an undefeated team like the Vikes with both Favre and A. P. is a pretty impressive win, I loved how the defense started off the game..totally agressive play calling attack mode...stick with it !

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Good win

Overall, as is any win, this was a good one. The D played very solid ball, they faltered some in the middle of the game but came up big when they needed too. ST, especially coverage looks like it needs some attention. I thought the offense was somewhat flat and seemed out of sync most of the game, the play calling didn’t seem like it had a cohesion to it. That said they played solid enough to help win. Take out the big splash plays on defense and ST and we still win 13-10. The fact that we beat a very solid and undefeated Minnesota team when maybe not playing out best on offense bodes very well for this years team. We are 5-2 going into the bye week, which is about where most of us hoped they would be at the start of the year. This team seems to improve every week in most phases but also seems to have 1-2 phases that aren’t hitting on all cylinders in each game. Eventually, and probably sooner after the bye than later, they will hit on all cylinders. When they are able to do that they will be a very scary good team. So if you want to gauge it, I would say they are a strong contender.

by DarinS on Oct 25, 2009 8:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Would like to see some key improvements

At least the lessons can come with a win… I realize that peaking early is bad, but we need to fix some things now.

1) If we can’t turn that 10 cent head of Mendenhall’s into at least a 25 cent head. No business making that leap and fumbling and wasting Holmes’ game changing play when we can essentially end it right there. 3-7 points left on the field, elite teams will make us pay for that and we got lucky they didn’t today.

2) Enough with the free points. Whether it be from a pick 6 or these inexcusable punt/kickoff TDs, we cannot blow special teams plays. You might survive them in the regular season but we won’t in the post. Less concerned here about Ben’s mistakes than special teams coverage.

3) Lack of killer instinct/consistency. We may be “pass first” as is the claim now, but not being able to run enough is keeping the other QB on the field to capture these points we are wasting. We are running fairly well now but not quite consistently enough throughout the game. This is allowing opposing QBs to load it up on the pass in the second half. They aren’t even TRYING to run, even with Smith out now.

Props to the defense though, (not just for the obvious 14 points) but for keeping things together (responsible for only 10 points today). Plus, have you seen how fast they turn it from D to O when a turnover is made? It is awesome to watch the convoy protect whoever is trying to score with the turnover. My wife thinks that convoy needs a nickname! Also props to Mikey Wallace, he is developing right before our eyes… kinda sad for Limas though, I had high hopes after the preseason.

Hopefully the bye can give a little rest & perspective, especially since I live in Denver and will be at Invesco for some 2006 season payback in 2 weeks…

by SteelCurtain4Life on Oct 25, 2009 9:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs