Cincinnati Pushes Pittsburgh Around In Their Own House - Vent Your Frustration Open Thread
by Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:09 PM EST
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PrintSome preliminary thoughts from me about the Pittsburgh Steelers 18-12 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. If you didn't believe in the Bengals before this one - which I know many Steelers fans can't do based on irrelevant events in the past - you should be by now. That's a very good defense first of all. They also have a bruising running game, a quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over much and money kicker. Nice formula for success. And just to remind you, the past means nothing. Rosters change, circumstances change. Heck, even individuals change. Chris Henry and Cedric Benson come to mind. Both have received effusive and consistent praise for the adjustments they've both made with their attitudes and work ethics. Anyway, the Bengals might not be better suited to make a deep run in the playoffs than the Steelers, but they match up well against Pittsburgh and are very much a legitimate ball club in all three phases of the game. Congrats to them and their long-suffering fans on the win.
- That's 7 touchdowns this year allowed by the special teams or the offense. I've said it many times before - I miss Anthony Madison. One player doesn't make or break a unit, but I never understood why we wouldn't keep him when he was only on the books for roughly $1 million this year. Time for Coach Tomlin to 'get back in the lab' and try something else to fix the coverage units. By the way, Jeff Reed was pathetic in his attempt to bring down or even just slow down Bernard Scott.
- Kudos to the Steelers defense for playing fairly well. They limited the Bengals to 0 offensive touchdowns and just 218 yards of total offense. That said, the Steelers defense allowed some inopportune yards and first downs late in the game when they needed to help out the offense. The defense also failed to get to Carson Palmer frequently enough.
- I know it's not a popular sentiment, but I really think Stefan Logan has had more than enough opportunities to prove himself. He's been okay, even pretty good. But we keep seeing other team's returners bust long returns against us while we've failed to benefit from even one long kickoff return ourself. I know he's been pretty good as a gunner, but my vote would be to go pick up Roy Lewis from Seattle's practice squad. With Troy Polamalu injured again (not sure to what extent), an extra body in the secondary would be useful. Meanwhile, perhaps it's time to put James Harrison or Brett Keisel back on coverage units and to let Mike Wallace return kicks. He did no worse than Logan in his lone attempt and I'm personally 100% convinced that he has better vision and instincts than does Logan.
- Big Ben was terrible today. More on that later but I will just say this - big deal. It happens in this league. Ben's been tremendous for just about the entire year. Even the greats have bad games. Unfortunately for us, it happened to come at home against a divisional opponent that had the leg up on us already by virtue of their win earlier in the season.
- Good Bruce Arians. Bad Bruce Arians. From week to week, you never quite know what you're going to get out of the Steelers offensive coordinator. I thought he was outstanding last week; not so much this week. More on this topic later as well.
- Please, please, please let Troy Polamalu be okay! All 3 losses this year have come with him on the sidelines.
- Brett Keisel is playing incredibly. He was involved in sooo many plays once again. Very impressive.
- This loss didn't come at the absolute worst time if you're in the market for a little positive spin. I'll guarantee one thing - the Steelers will be angry and focused the next two weeks and can right back on track with a road victory at Kansas City next week. There almost always are road bumps along the way during the course of a 16 game NFL season. We stumbled a bit early on, ironed some kinks out during a 5 game winning streak and have now stumbled again. There will probably be one or two more along the way so buckle up and as Coach Tomlin might say, 'don't ride the emotional roller coaster.'
- I thought Santonio Holmes played another great game, but his drop in the endzone was super costly. Heath Miller also dropped two critical passes in the 2nd half. The miss in the 4th quarter was a tough catch for sure, but it was one that we're accustomed to #83 making. When it rains, it pours I guess.
- Nice game from William Gay - probably his best as a Steeler. I'd like to take a look at the replay, but I do think though that Gay was one of the primary culprits on that kickoff return. Still, solid performance from him at cornerback.
- Lawrence Timmons needs to be better than he was today. He's coming back from injury and wasn't awful by any means. But he was a step slow on a couple of well designed plays.
- Nice game for Jeff Reed kicking. Pathetic once more chipping in when we needed him to make a tackle, but still solid to see him get back in a groove kicking the ball. We'll need him moving forward.
- Big step back for the offensive line today. Partly a product of us getting outcoached, and partly a product of Ben having his worst day in quite some time in terms of decision making. Oh well. Let's see how they hold up the next two weeks, particularly against Baltimore two Sundays from now.
- I'd like to know the record of teams that played on Monday Night Football the previous week. Denver got out-muscled today by the lowly Redskins; Pittsburgh got pushed around a bit too.
- Watch the highlight video we put together from last week's win against the Broncos. It will make you smile and hopefully help you put this clunker out your memory for even just a few minutes. More from me soon.
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i do not blame reed
coverage on kick returns sucks. The special teams coach needs to go.
Also the play calling sucked on offense too
by steeler_in_maryland on Nov 15, 2009 5:19 PM EST reply actions
do we even have a ST coach?
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
All teams have a special teams coach
did I know something Blitz didn’t know, I don’t kno whow to react
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
agreed...........................
Ten other guys should be making the tackle before the runner gets to him. He has looked terrible trying to make the tackle a couple of times, but shouldn’t be put in that position.
I said it in the open thread
Jeff Reed needs to step it up. He’s not looking much like a team player with his pathetic attempts to even humor us with trying to stop runners. I’ve lost almost all faith in him. I give him another game before reevaluating his worth to team.
Ben had a horrible day and everyone seemed out of sync. We brush it off and look forward to next week.
Special teams
They need to step it up and Logan has failed to impress. Everything in the main post is spot on.
by Steel Nation on Nov 15, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Logan has been getting us to the 30 or 35 nearly every kickoff return
just because he hasn’t broke one yet doesn’t mean he isnt a weapon
"Elvis Andrus has just preformed a MIRACLE!"
-Eric Nadel, 5/4/09
by Jason Brynsvold on Nov 15, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
i like the guy
but how bout the kick return where he dropped it then got to something like the 15 should have took the touchback i think that was the one before he got pulled for wallace, then again i don’t play the game i just watch it maybe he seen something there that i didn’t
by Steelers4lf on Nov 15, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
return units haven't quite impressed, but they are improved
- last year as a team, the Steelers were averaging a measly 20.3 yds a return, good for 29th in the league last year – this year, 24.7 yds/return, good for 8th overall
- punt returns have also improved from DEAD LAST in the league last year (6yds/return) to 20th overall (7.6yds/return). yesterday, Logan averaged 15yds/return on his 2 attempts
can’t speak positively to the coverage units, as they have been abysmal, but Sparky is not to blame for his lackluster attempts to tackle anything tougher than a towel dispenser. it would be nice if his kicks went further than the 15yd line each time, but 4/4 on FG attempts is solid.
"If I could start my life over again I would be a pro football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler!" Jack Lambert Hall of Induction speech 1990
by Throw it Ben! on Nov 16, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Brace yourselves...
Here come the trolls…
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Well I gotta go with Ben/Arians for the goats of today's game
and the Bengals Defense as today’s winners.
Our defense was very good, even in the abscense of Polamalu, they played hard and aside a couple moronic penalties, they were suffocating.
So we’re no longer in full control of our destinies in the division anymore, big deal. This team thrives off of adversity, it’s almost worse when things are just handed to them. We play well and stay healthy for the rest of the season and it won’t matter come playoff time who’s finishing where.
Let’s haul ass against KC next week.
BTSC Obituaries
OldManSteeler, ominously died two days before Superbowl 123 where the Ravens are set to attempt their 7th superbowl win, facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He was 86. His last words are believed to be "MALOR CAN SUCK IT!!!". Like friends and family, we can only guess what this could mean.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Nov 15, 2009 5:24 PM EST reply actions
Good Game
Hey Steelers fans. Good game, you D played scary good against our offense that has been playing really efficient lately. You’re still one of the last teams that I want to see in the playoffs.
This is our year!
Good game to you as well
It seems as if we finally have to accept the fact that the Bengals are for real. They completely stifled us on offense all day. They are winning games the way we won them last year.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 15, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
who the hell are you for crappy cincci or the steelers come onnn lets get real we don’t conversate with the enemies!
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Nov 17, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
It's clear
that the Bengals are for real. Your D really, really impressed me today, especially the secondary. Very impressive performance
Unfortunally it looks like we could be on a collision course for the playoffs
That could be a great playoff game
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
man you guys are some fans that obviously aren’t to dedicated
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Nov 17, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Arians
I have given him the benefit of the doubt but today iced it with me.
2 min to go and 1 time out and he uncorks 4 pass plays in a row…and not just 7 yd out routes or quick slants, oh no! They call post and flag routes 20+ yards each…WHY?
that was Bens decision to go deep
He had underneath stuff. Roethlisberger was forcing things all day down the field
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
i thought that was Ben's worst game
in a LONG time. but like you said, it happens in this league.
that is when the OC needs to recognize his guy is having a bad day and try to get the run game going. sometimes getting the run game going can jumpstart the passing attack. they kept going to the well with Ben and clearly he was off his game. oh well, we got a lotta football left to pay and we haven’t stunk all year on offense just yesterday. better days ahead for sure and playing on sunday after monday has always been rough in this league.
how bout Arians calling 40 passes compare to very little running on a tight game
Why not run the ball more, Steelers running game was pretty good even with little opportunity and not to mention the Bengals pass rush was getting to Big Ben, BA is bs, back to Steelers football please, Bengals looked more like the Steelers, they continued running the ball even when they didn’t get chunk of yards, meanwhile the Steelers abandoned the running game in favor of consecutive pass plays even after having some success running it, Mike Tomlin needs to take control and show BA how history shows running the ball breeds more success than winging it
you know what, we can still win the sb just because we had an off game and one that was very important to win and we threw it away does NOT measn the season is over this team hsa alot lefdt andas the weather gets colder we get better we are one of the only teams in the nfl when it comes to cruch time we vcan still pullit off
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Nov 18, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
its not like those passing plays
didn’t have underneath options.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
I agree...
that they had underneath options but the decision making mistakes are happening much sooner than that…why wouldnt they call a run of some sort of first down in that last series?
More and more I feel like Arians is calling the game like he’s playing Madden.
definitely dont disagree
that Arians called a poor play. Shoulda run more given how out of sorts Ben was and how shoddy the line was against the pass rush
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
Given how much input Ben has on both play calling and deciding which passing option to take it’s hard to place the blame squarely on either one of them. We often says that Arians gets greedy, but it’s also probably that Ben has such confidence in his arm, his line, and his receivers that he thinks they can hit the big play against almost any coverage and against any blitz.
Safe to say though, a few quick slants to tone/wallace and a well-timed screen or two to Mendy/MeMo would have backed off the pass rush somewhat and probably given Ben more time to pick his targets later in the game.
Also, props to Zimmer for playing aggressive on that last drive. Most teams just drop back into coverage. Had they done that, we would have had a real shot to come back. Given the distance we had to go and Ben’s penchant for looking only at the big play though, we didn’t have a chance to come back on that last drive with how their defense was attacking. Don’t think other teams aren’t going to notice that too.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 15, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
I am not sure
Zimmer played a smart last drive attacking Ben – but I just don’t get how you don’t have a check down when the other team sends 5-6. With that many guys coming and guys gaurding deep why not get the ball to Rashard or MM in the flat and let them make something happen?
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. Why not have a couple of different check downs?
One of the things that made Ben so clutch in game winning drives last season was his ability to simply take what a defense would give him. He didn’t try to force things, he didn’t get greedy, he just sat back and hit the open man. We got lucky a couple of times – especially in the Super Bowl – when guys didn’t make their tackles in the open field and a check down led to some significant yardage.
What did Ben need more of this game? Patience.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 15, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
Well said, but I actually think another answer might be – short and medium range passes and check-downs.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
Sure, that too. But I mean he targeted Wallace 5 times with only 1 reception, Holmes 14 times for 7 receptions. Now, for the most part those throws are going to be for big yardage, especially to Wallace. Were some of those throws bad due to pressure? Sure! Were some of them due to good coverage that Ben shouldn’t have tried to throw against and gone with something a bit more conservative? I think so.
Ben was desperately trying to push the ball down field when it simply wasn’t smart to do so. Given how long it takes for plays like that to develop it’s no surprise that Zimmer sent a lot of pressure his way. You’ve got to make them pay for doing that with a steady diet of dump offs, screens, and draws.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 15, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
our running game was pretty pedestrian much of the game, not the solution when we needed some key big plays
This was not a game for big plays.
Bratkowski recognized the situation Arians did not.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 16, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yes-Bad Play calling
Not sure if if was Ben or Arians-but I agree with BlueGrassSteeler 100% to quote him again so it is heard: “a few quick slants to tone/wallace and a well-timed screen or two to Mendy/MeMo would have backed off the pass rush somewhat and probably given Ben more time to pick his targets later in the game”.
Also-I was hampered a bit by watching on my phone-I don’t think we ever went no huddle? Why not?
by MeanJoeInGeorgia on Nov 15, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. Anybody can have a bad game at any time
But it’s really disappointing that Ben played so poorly in a game of this magnitude at home. I’m sure he’ll regroup and come out slingin it next week
I refuse
to believe the better team won. The Bengals defense deserves a lot of credit especially their secondary but I don’t think they are on the same level as the defending champions yet. The Steelers were as sharp as a butter knife but those days happen. Not to say there shouldn’t be a lot worked on in practice in regards to the horrendous kick coverage and the inconsistency on offense. Those 2 aspects if not corrected soon could be this team’s deathknell. The most important thing is that they use KC to tune up for the big game vs the Ravens and get another string of "W’’s
Phrased that way
I’d be inclined to agree with that.
by BubbyBrister6 on Nov 15, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t accept that anyone was better today. Given the good players on both teams, this game should have been better than just a series of FG’s and a special teams touchdown. Again, congrats to the Bengals, they earned the win, but I wouldn’t say they played better. Both teams seem to play about the same today.
by Steel Nation on Nov 15, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
I got a unique view of the game
Not being able to watch it on TV, I had to settle for following the game on nfl.com’s gamecast. Looked pretty close most of the way but we let them move the ball way too easy in the 4th. Also didn’t seem like we could do anything in the red zone which hasn’t been the case this year. From my view, they deserved to win the game. They outplayed us in the 4th quarter
No, you’re right. They played well, and they did win, but I wouldn’t give them a huge congratulations on playing better per say.
At least you didn’t have to watch the game in a sports bar sitting smack in the middle of Bengals fans. The walk out the door was long and shameful.
by Steel Nation on Nov 15, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
How exactly do
you have the better team? The Bengals have beaten you twice, I don’t follow your logic.
So using this logic the Lions are better than the Redskins just because they beat them
and the Browns are better than the Bills because they beat them
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 16, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Beaten twice
is a pretty good argument that at this moment the Bengals are the better team. Lots of things left to happen, and injuries in particular will obviously play a big part, but to sit and say the Steelers are better than the Bengals after getting beaten twice by them, well, that’s at best being disingenuous.
Um...
They kicked our ass today with Cedric Benson hardly playing. That was not a fluke victory by the Bengals and, chances are, if the Steelers somehow get to play them again in the playoffs, they had better be improved in all phases to have a chance to win.
by pghnorthside on Nov 15, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think that they kicked our butts
I think that it was the one game the Steelers actually got beat the whole season, but even here, so much of what happened was self-inflicted.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
When you're....
…outplayed in 2 of the three phases of the game? It’s hard to say it was even.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Which phases did they outplay us in
I think the only area is ST – that was a piss poor effort on our part. I thought our Defense was the better defense on the field for most of the game. I thought our offense played a medicore game and minus some self-inflicted wounds should have put up points.
Don’t get me wrong the Bengals played a decent game, but it seems to me that the Steelers basically punched themselves in the mouth.
2 holding penalties inside the redzone? That’s enough to lose you the game right there – not to mention all the other little mistakes.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
disagree
Their defense was better than ours. At worst, they were both good. But we weren’t the better team defensively today.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know Blitz
Hard to untangle what is offense and what is defense – but I thought our defense was generally the more physical and better defense. The main difference is that theirs ended up with one interception – but it was really just a mistake on the part of our our offense, not a great play on the part of their defense.
Their defense didn’t stop the rush like ours did (2.1 to 4.4).
I just didn’t see a dominant defense – as much as I saw a bit of a failure on the part of Pittsburgh (and Ben in paricular) to take advantage of what was there.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Not so much their offense as an uncharacteristic failure of Big Ben to make the reads and throw with precision. That’ll make any defense look good!
No
Their defense played good today.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
but we have to remember troy was hurt and got taken out of the game, he coordimates are defense and allows us to have those amazing plays that go down in history’
"That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another. They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big. That’s a rerun for us."
Mike Tomlin, before superbowl 43
by steelcity7612 on Nov 17, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Offense & ST
I know the Bengals didn’t score an offensive TD but if they come in with an offensive game plan and are able to stick to it and win the game and we wobble around like headless chickens, I’m gonna say they got that phase.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
i don't know
Granted Troy was out both games, but Cinci’s O-line took care of us better than anyone else yet. Their defense has some scary pieces, and Carson gives them a legit chance to win. That said, I would love to send them home in the playoffs again.
How quickly we forget how bad.....
our KR game was last year. Logan is doing well. He deserves the job. Roy Lewis was on the SEA game roster as of last week. Maybe wave Ratliff and sign Madison.
No huddle worked so well last week and we don’t even go to it this week. ????
thats the thing though
our KR game wasn’t THAT much worse than this year. It’s definitely better, but only about 5 yards per return better. More importantly though, there have been zero big runs by Logan. Just consistent 25-28 yard returns. Whoopee. Give me someone with the vision to break one long. It’s not all about the blocking. Vision matters. It’s why Cribbs and the best return guys find incredible ways to make plays even though teams are super honed in on them.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Though I have been a defender of logan in the past, but I think it’s time to send him packing. It’s not that I think he’s done a bad job – he’s certainly an upgrade from last year – but it’s just having a roster spot devoted to him takes up a spot that could go to another good special teams player or to add depth to the DB’s.
If everyone was healthy and our kick coverage wasn’t terrible I’d say keep the guy. That is not the reality of the situation, however.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 15, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
Deliver or go back to the CFL
Like others, I have defended Logan but am beginning to lose patience. When you’re 5-6 yards deep in the endzone on KO returns, TAKE A KNEE! Four times the last few weeks he has run it out when he probably should not have. I’m ready to see what Wallace can do. And how about shaking things up on punts by putting Santonio back once or twice? Need to do something to light a fire on special teams.
by Citizen of Steeler Nation on Nov 15, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
when his only job
is to return kicks, he is going to try and make an impact every single time..hence the constant runs out of the endzone
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Nov 15, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
Had his blocker not run into him he would have had the ball past the 20.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Big returns...
….don’t just happen. Usually the opponents have to have a break down or our blockers create a seam. I don’t know if I missed it but I have seen nothing close to resembling a seam.
So I’m gonna lay off Logan till I see one he misses.
And as for Reed, in the Vikings game he should have done better but this he was in too much space, just a duck in a kitchen too late to save himself. There were too many guys in front of him who over-pursued.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
I haven't until know, but I agree with Blitz
The problem with Logan isn’t how far he returns kick-offs – the problem is that he’s not Anthony Madison – and we desperately need an Anthony Madison on ST these days.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, but...
Not every team can have a Cribbs…
Just notice how short your list was…unless you weren’t trying, or didn’t want to type the list of truly great, special, and difference making return guys in the NFL.
I like Logan. and 5 yards a return multiplied by 8 returns a game (approx.) is 40 yards overall. Where would you like those 40 yards to be taken from? He has not sprung the long bomb, but he is consistent. I’d take that over what we’ve had the last few years.
No mentioning Santionio, that’s not happening. :)
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
has more to do with the fact that
We could use an extra body in the secondary, particularly if Polamalu is out for more than a game or two. I’d love to see Wallace returning kicks. Same with Burnett, even if he did fumble in the preseason. We’re using a roster spot on a 1st Team All American return guy last year – let him return kicks. But I can see why that might not happen. Not sure why Wallace wouldnt get a shot though. Clearly a gamer.
Santonio also should get some looks at punt return. He swung two huge games for us last year as a PR. We don’t win the SB last year without his efforts returning punts.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
but our overall discipline on ST was better last year.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
I agree but I want to see robo-punter on kickoffs
at least he tackles or will nearly decapitate a guy
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Ok let me try this again
href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FhCgLeuO0I” target="new">
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
disappointed . . . with perspective
great analysis Blitzburgh! Special teams have been a problem for us at least since 2000 . . . is it the scheme? Denfense did its job – not allowing a TD . . . I do agree that we give up too much late in games. Bad penalties down the stretch by folks who should know better too . . . definitely agree with you about being outcoached; I think we passed way too much in this game. Yes I love Ben and love his control of the offnse, but you can establish a rhythm if you don’t try . . . also keep them honest and not blitz as much.
Any thoughts on getting Ben out of the pocket by design (roll outs, etc) . . how about screen plays against that rush? . . .
Also, didn’t see any fire out of the offense – no “sense of urgency” (my military career coming out of me – lol). Back to coaching?
Overall, we’re only one game out of the division and the schedule is favorable. Let’s pick it up with vengeance next week!
QB Rollouts
Agree with you on this. When was the last time they ran BB on a designed rollout? Isn’t that where he excels? That was a big play a few years back. Not so much any more.
by Citizen of Steeler Nation on Nov 15, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
More QB rollouts
Yeah, especially for play action when we’ve established the run . . . just makes sense to me
Bruce Arians has no common sense
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
The "no sense of urgency" was....
…actually no definitive game plan from the asshole Bruce Arians. In most games we don’t have one, that’s why we’re so dependent on the no huddle drives for success because flying by the seat of Big Ben’s ass is better than going with the asshole Bruce Arians sense of continuity and application.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
BA is bs
BA’s playcalling was horredous, he called consecutive pass plays on at least 2 drives where the Steelers had some success running the ball, one of those drives was when Mendenhall got a huge run to get the Steelers in scoring position, but what BA call on the next plays, you guessed consecutive pass plays, well we all know the results, what a joke
I really hate that my first ever post is to say this...
but hats off to the Bengals. Cincy’s defense played as well as Big Ben and the Steelers offense played bad. I still hate the Bengals but they’ve earned some respect.
I really love that your first post was...
…both level-headed, anti-myopic, and based on fact and not fiction.
Welcome to BTSC! :)
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Steelham... welcome...
A little perspective goes a long way. Thanks.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Welcome & Ditto what 58 said
You’ll see we strive to have that kind of coversation here at BTSC. (Level-headed & factual)
We also have fun with trolls including our pet BiPoLaR troll from Bmore & police our site so that it maintains a high quality befitting of the Steelers.
by steelerstyle on Nov 17, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
We didn't play that bad
The Bengals just played better. They deserved to win today. We had plenty of opportunities to win this game and they just stopped us. If you can’t accept that then you need to rewatch the game.
Ben was off today. Big deal. He’s allowed to have a bad game every now and then. As much as he has done for us nobody should be throwing him under the bus.
Cincy is going to sweep the division this year, just as we did a year ago. We just have to concentrate on beating B’more twice.
I was one of the people that defended Logan so many times, but now I’m starting to agree with you Blitz. He doesn’t have to have 10 returns for TDs, but he does have to give us a long one for good field position every now and then. He hasn’t done it all year and I’m starting to get impatient.
We’re ok fellas. Just have to continue to get better.
Special teams sucks 3 run back a TD THIS YEAR.
tough rivaly Game.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree
Our offense was in an absolute stupor all day long. Ben looked like he was moving through cement. The special teams was horrendous. That’s 2 of 3 phases of the game that were subpar.
We didn't play that bad
The Bengals just played better. They deserved to win today. We had plenty of opportunities to win this game and they just stopped us. If you can’t accept that then you need to rewatch the game.
Ben was off today. Big deal. He’s allowed to have a bad game every now and then. As much as he has done for us nobody should be throwing him under the bus.
Cincy is going to sweep the division this year, just as we did a year ago. We just have to concentrate on beating B’more twice.
I was one of the people that defended Logan so many times, but now I’m starting to agree with you Blitz. He doesn’t have to have 10 returns for TDs, but he does have to give us a long one for good field position every now and then. He hasn’t done it all year and I’m starting to get impatient.
We’re ok fellas. Just have to continue to get better.
I attribute this game primarily to the short week. The Bengals are definitely a good team, but the monday night game out west sure didn’t help. I still think the division can be won, but they may very well have to run the table to get it.
Agreed
It’s no excuse but the Steelers players did not have that bounce in their steps
Six days a of rest coming of a road trip after a huge win in denver.
Poor play of the Special teams. The Bengals offense Did not fair any better. neither Team had offensive TD’S.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
“the standard is the standard.”
breathe in deep feel your heart beat, just to know that life's worth livin'. feel your feet on the earth, better love it while it's still here spinnin'.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Nov 16, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
and "The standard of expectation does not change"
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 16, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
WTG guys!
You came so close to winning out the rest of the season like so many predicted. It couldn’t have happened to a better group of doods. Best of luck the rest of the way.
Thanks, S. E.
Best of luck to your squad.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
No he wasn't. Quit acting like a douche, bro.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
And one other thing...
You’re really the only Steeler fan on here that seems to be acting like a ‘tard. Just my two cents. And don’t expect to get into a loser e-argument with me either. Just be decent.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
You don't think that the comment
“You came so close to winning out the rest of the season like so many predicted” is sarcastic?
Like I said, I'm not getting into an e-argument with you.
But I was on theimr site just a little bit ago, he was being one of the more level-headed people there. So when he comes here, you read between the lines and cry like a butt-hurt child. So unless you can prove otherwise, I’ll stick to my oriinal admonition to you, which is to be cool. Your posts here are anything but. You get way too personal, and are directly calling people names.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Fair enough
But I still don’t understand being told I cried like a butt hurt child because I thought you were being sarcastic.
It’s pretty obvious you exude butt hurt sentiments when you post
by St. Esiason on Nov 15, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Oh please
The difference between most of the people on here and me is that I don’t get all that upset when the Steelers lose. I love the team, and have for about 40 years, and I take great pleasure in watching them play and often win. But, at the end of the day, it’s just football. I have many more important things in my life with which to really concern myself.
Great game, people may be blaming it everywhere here, but Arians didn’t call a bad game, the Bengals shut us down. Ben was at no point able to get comfortable and get going. That almost never happens, and I can’t remember it happening in a game this big. Great scheme to frustrate the QB.
It was a tough win, and you deserved it. Make sure you represent the North well the rest of the year.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Sure
Arians didn’t call a bad game
But he didn’t call a good game either. Very mediocre, to say the least.
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
by Steel Spike on Nov 15, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
im not usually a Arians basher
But he called a terrible game. 40 passes when Ben was clearly not anywhere near in rhythm? Bad stuff. Particularly because we were averaging 4.4 yards per rush.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
what do you mean not call a bad game
how bout 40 passes compare to very little running when in fact the game was close and like you said Big Ben was uncomfortable so why keep calling pass plays, and besides there wasn’t anything wrong with the running game, the Steelers were having success running it until Bruce Arians stopped the Steelers running game himself by completely abandoning it in favor of consecutive pass plays, mind you these pass plays were called right after Medenhall’s big runs to set up the Steelers in scoring positions, BA is bs, what a joke
On Arians and play calling
Parts of this game reminded me of the Eagles game last year. The opponent brought constant pressure, and very seldom did we adjust. There was a nice little screen to Mewelde, but that’s about it. HIt 3 or 4 screens for 15 yards and they have to at least reconsider selling out to get pressure.
true
the bubble screens to WRs were wroking well also. Didn’t go back to them after the 1st quarter I dont believe.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
That's because Ward would have eventually been caught holding or for PI
They didn’t want to push the envelope, cause smiley is a liability.
by St. Esiason on Nov 15, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
The corners were up on them after that I believe. At least it seemed that way.
How about Morgan Trent? That rookie played phenomenal, shades of McFadden his rookie year. We tried to attack their third corner, the starters were shutting our boys down, and the kid came up big.
That and the pocket strategy they came up with to frustrate Ben were my keys for why they won. A great defensive effort and game plan for the Bengals.
My only problem with Arians is the lack of a back in on some of those sacks. You can’t get away with that in this league.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
The Bengals ....
….were better prepared and more committed than we were offensively with only minor adjustments to their game plan, even after Benson went down.
The asshole Bruce Arians however, was throwing everything in the closet without consideration.
Try this……didn’t work….OK…….. Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….Try this……didn’t work….OK…….
Unlike most defenses we’ve faced the Bengals to their credit did not blink.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
I hope we (my self included).......................
don’t over react to this game like the Eagles game last year
Hurry Up
We always seem to do well with the hurry-up. Why was it not used today?? Any idea?
Thats what I am wondering that is where the offense thrives and Ben is at his best and it was not used at all. The O-line looked like the O-line of old The whole offense in a whole was off. But Cincys offense really did not look any better . This game was all defense and Kickers. Hope we put it behind us and get it together.
Ben never got comfortable. When we have success on the hurry up Ben is playing well, when we use it and Ben is not playing well he throws picks or bad incompletions.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
quit defending arians
arians doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. 40 pass attempts to 18 rushes, i can see that if the game is out of hand & its a blowout, but the biggest lead either team had today was 3 pts, until late, late in the game when cincy went up 18-12. There is no need to throw the ball 40 times, this offensive line & ben’s propensity to TAKE SACKS… & i’m still fuming over the 3rd & 2 call that turned into the INT…if this is tomlin’s idea of the new england offense he wants to mimic, i’m not a fan….yes the stefan logan experiment should be over asap… the 2010 draft had better be full of DEFENSIVE players & some O linemen….
hi southernburgh
you’re back. new name, same yelling. how ya been?
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
sorry i couldn’t my usual ranting during the game, CBS didn’t show a 1:00 game in my area had to go to a bar to watch the game & the bungal fans come out of the woodwork now that there team is decent. Funny you never see jersey’s or hats when they suck… sat & talked to a ravens fan, both couldn’t believe what the bungals have done…..hate but respect the ravens, no respect for cincy
The asshole Bruce Arians.....
……ability to game plan and call plays has been our weak point for three years now.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions
i Gueess they did not win Last years Super Bowl.
yep marvin. Being Super Bowl Champs Marvin we need to get rid of him. NOT!
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
Actually
alot of people (analysts included) claimed we won the SB in SPITE of Arians…
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
totally agree…. you won’t see any teams asking him for interviews for any open positions head coach, o- cord
we didnt
He went to be a head coach
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions
K
EDIT: Why, oh why did we allow him to leave?
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Because Tomlin is a better Head Coach. Whiz wouldn’t have stayed unless he was head coach.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Tomlin would have totally kept him as O-Coordinator.
But the reality was, the window was not staying open forever, he Steelers coaches had less time tan 94% of the rest of the leagues coaches to prepare & interview, entertain offers and make decisions, etc., and Whisenhunt realized he wasn’t getting the Steelers job. He made the choice.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
And this DAMNNNN keyboard is so old it keeps leaving out letters! :)
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
The answer may lie in....
the question: “How many gadget plays have you seen called?”
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
If...
…the relationship btwn Ben and Wiz was bordering on acrimony as it has appeared since, then it was for the best. It would have slowed Ben’s growth.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, wow, true....
Almost forgot about THAT aspect! Time does tend to mend and skew reality yes?
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Maybe
Nobody knows that for certain, but I know that Arians playcalling is going to shorten Bens career…
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
eh...ehmm..I said "IF" !
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I know....
I’m still of the opinion, looking back now, that it was in actuality the case. I do remember “issues.”
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
We won the big one with the asshole Arians..
…He still needs to wise up or go
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
I agree I think if Whiz stayed Ben would not be QB he is today. I think Whiz held him back and kept him a game manager.
dunno if thats fair
I think he was just playing to the strenghts of the roster – solid O-Line in 04 and 05 (or at least better than what we’ve had since), and nice ‘thunder and lighting’ dual backfield with Bettis and Parker. Ben was young and not the most intelligent QB to ever enter the league. Whiz brought him along slowly. Not a bad thing at all. I think he would have opened it up for Ben progressively over the years. Too early to say he held him back in his first two years. If anything, it maybe taught him that the Steelers organization is bigger than individuals and that he better learn the importance of not hurting the team with unnecessary risk taking.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 16, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
Don't misunderstand...
….I’m not saying Whiz did anything wrong per say, he is and was a better O.C. than most in the league but he’s a yeller and that’s not for everyone.
In my opinion, communication between QB and the O.C. is more important than Q.B. and H.C.
Of course, the other extreme is an ability to form a great relationship that is ultimately just a mutually self indulgent one. One that fails to develop a strong, organized, comprehensive environment for the offense to operate in.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 16, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
If he was held back
It was probably cowher
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 16, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Some quick thoughts
First off – let’s hand it to the Bengals. I don’t think that they dominated us, but they did what they needed to do to win. They converted the plays we did not, end of story.
Having said that I don’t feel like that the Bengals imposed their will on us. I think it was a fairly even game and that a tired Steelers team simply had a deadly combination of self-inflicted wounds, stupid mistakes and some bad decisions that cost them the game. My list of self-inflicted wounds:
1. Another return for a TD. Absolute killer.
2. Another INT in our end – looks like a miscommunication between Ben and Hines – happens.
3. The Steelers had two hands on at least 3 Carson Palmer passes. None were intercepted.
4. Many balls off the hands for the receivers – including a couple in the endzone by Santonio.
5. Two holding penalties in the red-zone. Drive killers of epic proportions.
6. Bad bombs – Ben continues to HUGELY under-throw the deep ball. Not sure what’s up there, but I think it’s a big part of why we are struggling.
7. Harriosn’s 15 yard Penalty was terrible at that moment in the game.
8. Abandoning the run – not sure why not have a bit more patience with it – especially on two fourth quarter drives
9. No safety valve -it’s good to take your shots down-field, but it seems to me we ran a lot of sets – where there was no obvious check down guy. Maybe it’s hard to see from the camera angle – but if all your guys are 15 yards downfield – that can make life very hard on your QB.
10. Poor Blitz recognition – On one play Ben failed to recognize and open blitzer – on another Starks simply missed a guy. I would have to go back and look at some of the other plays – but the line and Ben which have for the most part taken coverage sacks – really had some mental lapses today.
Anyway, I am sure there was more. I also don’t want to dismiss the good things that we did (mostly on the defensive side of the ball) but I think that sadly for the Steelers this was another self-inflicted loss – our 3rd of the season. This one is a bit more painful than the other two considering that it’s at home and what it does for our playoff chances, but bottom line the Steelers have no one but themselves to blame for it.
Anyway, like I said, kudos to the Bengals fans, your team won in Heinz field and that’s not easy to do.
Let’s hope that the Steelers figure out a way to stop shooting themselves in the foot, this season.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Forgot the Timmons off-sides penalty
During the final Bengals drive – essentially moves them from a 48 yard field goal to a 43 yard one – little.
In general Timmons looked lost out there today – while it should be good to have him back, I am not really sure that it was.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Pump fakes
Have been working very well for Ben as of late. Unfortunately yesterday, he seemed to be faking two or three times on most pass plays. Clearly Cincy wasn’t biting on the action like other teams have. It would be nice if he mixed in the pump fakes as opposed to using them on nearly every single play. They lose their effectiveness if team’s know he is going to use them. Perhaps he needs to make a quick decision from time to time and throw the ball to the intended target instead of pump faking nearly every time? Unpredictability, I think, in a QB is a good thing.
Unpredictability in a QB is a good thing
Unpredictability in play calling is an excellant thing. Where are some designed roll outs. Maybe a few three step drops. Legursky as FB or Dave Johnson as FB or better yet both in on the same play. Just imagine a handful of third and shorts converted by that formation how easy it would be for heath to slip out to an open spot!!!!
Yes passing has become more important than the run even for us Steelers. That’s just the way the game has evolved. But as great as Ben is he (or Elway) don’t win games or even create successful offenses by himself. Ben is an instinctual passer much like Elway and not a cerebral one like Peyton. Ben is most successful like Elway with a balanced offense.
by steelerstyle on Nov 17, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Confused...
ST Coach is and has been awol. So many aspects of the Steeler’s performance just didn’t make sense. Not that the Bengals are all that good; They’re certainly not that bad. Its just that the Steelers simply lacked desire. That lack of desire started with Tomlin, and the fumbling, out of rythum attitude carried all the way through with a loss.
One question though; was the lack of desire intentional? Hasn’t the endgame become just that much more interesting?
I think you win the award
for most ridiculous posting so far. The Steelers losing had nothing to do with lack of desire.
seriously
Never understood why poeple think desire has anything to do with anything in professional football – unless we’re talking about a team thats way out of the playoff picture giving up on a lame duck head coach. If you’re not playing 110% out there you might get killed – literally. Was reading the Broncos fans react as their meltdown continues (love it!) and lots saying that same stuff – ‘it looked like the Broncos didn’t want to even be on the field’. LOL.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
HaHa
You too… come on the more the merrier.
Keep making ridiculous idiotic statements
and more will continue to tell you that you are a ridiculous idiot
Thanks
The comment certainly dragged you out of mothballs. Take it for what it is…or are you tripping?
me out of mothballs?
I’m sorry do you have me confused with someone else? You joined to make that one posting, and you somehow feel that I have been in mothballs? Seriously, please explain.
You're questioning the desire of our team?
I don’t know if you are aware that this is a rivalry game and we were beaten last time. If you want to jump ship now that the Bengals are good, go ahead.
I thought we went through this last year but obviously i missed something.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 15, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
I think he's welcome to his opinion.
Just as you are welcome to yours. The difference is one of you began name-calling, the other didn’t. Stay cool. Seriously.
And as far as desire…the one play where Woodley let up, when Kiesel wrapped up Palmer for what looked to be a sack and he was able to toss it out to the right flat to his WR/RB waiting there? Woodley froze, and let the guy get by.
The very next play, Woodley bum rushed up the middle and absolutely destroyed his man, I think they were picking pieces of that lineman out of Palmer’s uniform after the game.
These guys do have a lo of pride, and they do play with passion. I think, without making excuses but moreso just being realistic, they had a short week, and met a very good, solid-yet-unspectactular Bengals team.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Woodley thought he could pick the pass off
That’s why he let up on Benard Scott. If you had been listening to Phil Simms, he explained it perfectly.
Woodley probably thought he would be able to catch a ricochet, but Palmer was able to get it to Scott and Woodley was left off balance to make the tackle.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 15, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
I try not to listen to Phil Simms all that much.
Besides, I was in a sports bar, couldn’t hear everything all that well from the noise, and didn’t mind it.
But in all reality, Simms isn’t as bad as some others.
My intent with my previous post was to merely show that Woodley failed in his assignment n play #1, then in the very next play, came back with a good amount of desire and passion.
Whetehr he let up or not, the fact is his assignment was blown by no one but him. We can play armchair QB alllll day, but in the end, poor read, poor result. Period.
What I liked was what happened the next play.
All my point was.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Simms is...
better than all the jock itches on FOX.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Scott turned on some speed to make that catch.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
Why question the desire of the team?
That’s like telling James Harrison he’s soft. I don’t know if you are aware that this is a rivalry game and we were beaten last time. If you want to jump ship now that the Bengals are good, go ahead.
I thought we went through this last year but obviously i missed something.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 15, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions
No, you're right Old Steel...
The Steelers never really wanted to win this game. I’m sure right before the game, in the time normally alotted to a pre game pep talk from the coach, Tomlin just walked up and said, “Well boys, ice cream on me after this one, I’m most likely going to take a nap at half, don’t bother to wake me.” Simply a lack of desire to win, or coach, with this team.
The other team was better.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Red zone efficiency
We had our opprotunities time and time again. Can’t settle for FG. 4 chances, 4 FG…definitely helped my fantasy team but I’d rather the Steelers win!
Further
Penalites in the red zone….I think it happened two or three times where we had a procedural penalty when we were in the red zone.
by Silverback92 on Nov 15, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
Bengals did not score an offensive TD
Yeah the bengals won so they did not kick the steeler butts . steelers Special teams sucks. also Pittsburgh also only had 6 days of rest coming off a huge win in denver. Yes Ben was forcing the Ball. James Hrrison made bone head penallty. Also Steelers . Bengals have great defense. So do the Steelers. Remember what wins Championships. The Steelers defense Did not get pushed around at all. Quit throwing a pitty party.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 6:49 PM EST reply actions
Remember what wins Championships?
Yeah! Winning games
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Season is NOT OVER.
I remember the steelers winning the Super Bowl XL. Playing all there games on the Road to The Superbowl Winning There first in Cincinnati,
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
I know...
….but it got harder. With respect to the bye week, we lost control of that and that makes it harder, not only may we now miss the chance of rest and recovery but we must instead now prevail over the asshole Arians shortcomings(as we did last year) in four straight games as well defeat the opponent and in the NFL everything gets disproportionally harder the longer it goes.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
Arians is not my friend!
I thought the idea was making the other team one dimensional on offense….not lining up with 4 WR on almost every 3rd down….even the 3rd and 3’s.
These are definitely not the same Steelers I am used to
by zenhas12strings on Nov 15, 2009 6:51 PM EST reply actions
Damn Blitz
They are coming out of the woodwork today. Besides a select few, where are the people that I respect on this thread?
World what?
If your looking for respect don’t look in the mirror.
A great man once told us all...
That after a loss, all the crazies come out of the mothballs. Exhibit A.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
Don't get me wrong
I love the Steelers. Been observing my favorite team when most of you weren’t even a sparkle in your daddy’s eye. I’ve seen coaches come and go. Supported my team through thick and thin. Collected hats from the early sixties till now. The Steelers who practice fundamental football always will be attracting followers long after I’m gone. As it should be.
And I’ll say what I choose to say about the Steelers.
The game I saw today LACKED DESIRE!!!
What they lacked ...
..was proper organization on the offensive side of the ball.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
lack of desire
I doubt that.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
Loss at home
Unfortunately, our lack of offense is really noticeable. We seem to try to deviate from what we do best and that is run the ball. Once we get going, we can beat anyone. last week it was all fourth quarter when our run game returned and Big Ben followed up rallying the team with total command. This week we could not get going. We have to credit Cincy, they are surely deserving of this win. Their defense really stepped up. Finally, What’s up with our special teams?
Great game Pixburgh....
I no longer have finger nails.
That was a great AFC North smashmouth football game. Diehard fans know this fight isn’t over, cuz the playoffs loom. Best of luck for the rest of the season. There’s still plenty of football left to be played, and our hard-nosed division will be well represented in the post-season.
Bengal fans….save the mudslinging, this season is long from over. Show some class on a fellow AFCN division blog.
3 yards and a pile of dust
Yeah it was intense
You guys have improved tremendously. Marvin Lewis has transformed you into a very tough team. You gotta understand that getting swept by the Bengals isn’t something that we’re used to, so we’re more than a little upset.
To validate this season, you guys must go deep into the playoffs. If you don’t you’ll be hearing the “same old Bungles” talk again.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 15, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Agree
You guys got the better of the match-up today. All in all two rather even games. As I posted above, looking at it from a Steelers perspective I can’t help but be dissappointed by the plays our guys left on the flied.
But credit to your guys, they did what they had to get a W on the road against the world champs. Respect.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
Damn Hudespohl
You just made the Christmas card list with that one. You’re the bomb man.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Dang Straight.
Some Bengals fans don’t know how to win, and apparently a good chunk of Steelers fans don’t know how to lose.
Despite all the “The Steelers beat themselves, change everything! The Bengals still suck!” posts, you guys beat us with a great defensive game plan and execution. The pocket trap strategy was great, Ben trapped in the pocket with no receivers open really worked well. I’ve never seen him that frustrated for a whole game. It was incredible.
How about that rookie CB? I was impressed with that. Three guys covering that well, yeah the Steelers had that for both their recent SB wins.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Dang Straight.
Some Bengals fans don’t know how to win, and apparently a good chunk of Steelers fans don’t know how to lose.
Despite all the “The Steelers beat themselves, change everything! The Bengals still suck!” posts, you guys beat us with a great defensive game plan and execution. The pocket trap strategy was great, Ben trapped in the pocket with no receivers open really worked well. I’ve never seen him that frustrated for a whole game. It was incredible.
How about that rookie CB? I was impressed with that. Three guys covering that well, yeah the Steelers had that for both their recent SB wins.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Congratulations on the win
You deserve to be feeling good about this one.
Kudos to Marvin Lewis, as well your coaches and players.
I wish you good luck for the rest of the season too, sincerely.
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 16, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
u can download the game tonight or tomorrow
on tenyardtorrents.com
email me if you’re interested but have questions about how to make it work for ya
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Trying to test it out
I suppose I just go to the site, click on a link, and my torrent program (Transmission) should do the download.
Correct?
gotta register.
free, no spam. Awesome site.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
yea they take a bit of time.
theyre huge files. Can usually find them Sunday night or Monday night and let them download overnight.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
We should have gone for it on 4th down
That one drive near the end with three minuets left Ben missed on third down. I instead of going for it we punted, gave back to the Bengals, who proceed, to march down the field and score making it 18 to 12. Tomlin showing his inexperience there.
In other news the FO continues to show why they receive paychecks from the Rooney’s. Anybody remember Pitor that kicker we picked up during the offseason?
bye-bye Reed thanks for the memories.
I felt the same way about the 4 and 3. Of course, we would probably have tried to have hit wallace with it 20 yards down the field instead of going for the quick first.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 15, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
IMO, I was very surprised the team didn’t put up more than 12 points today. I know the Cincy D is strong, no doubt about it. But the Pittsburgh offense has been strong in every offensive facet in recent weeks. Ben had been maintaining a spot as one of the top passers in the game today. The rushing game looked better than ever with Mendy in there. Moore is great 3rd down back. With Wallace coming on, our top WRs had the feel of of a three-headed monster that you couldn’t completely put down. Even the oft-maligned O-line had been earning some much deserved praise for improved play.
These are things that may not have shown up today, but that doesn’t mean they are gone. The team has shown these strengths more often than not. Frankly, much more often than not. Bottom line: Pittsburgh is still in good position to make the playoffs (and does any part of today’s game really matter more than this?).
IMO, I was very surprised the team didn’t put up more than 12 points today. I know the Cincy D is strong, no doubt about it. But the Pittsburgh offense has been strong in every offensive facet in recent weeks. Ben had been maintaining a spot as one of the top passers in the game today. The rushing game looked better than ever with Mendy in there. Moore is great 3rd down back. With Wallace coming on, our top WRs had the feel of of a three-headed monster that you couldn’t completely put down. Even the oft-maligned O-line had been earning some much deserved praise for improved play.
These are things that may not have shown up today, but that doesn’t mean they are gone. The team has shown these strengths more often than not. Frankly, much more often than not. Bottom line: Pittsburgh is still in good position to make the playoffs (and does any part of today’s game really matter more than this?).
If the steelers brought the same effort against cincy...
as they did last monday in denver, this game’s a blowout in our favor.
Whats with you?
You just don’t get it. Theatrain is right on (Lack of effort). Couldn’t have said it better myself, except maybe lack of desire.
The Steelers are way better than the Bengals and way better than they played today. I’m excited about the playoffs.
Dude...
Seriously, you’ve been bashing on anyone that wants to say, in THEIR opinion, what conspired to lay this loss on our doorstep.
Yet you aren’t really shedding light on what the real problem was.
Honestly, I’m a little tired of your act. Nothing personal, I just don’t see how disagreeing all the time while not really offering anything is in any way helpful?
I saw a lesser effort today, I’m sorry, and Ben was not on point.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
I'll tell you what happened
They got beat by a well coached, good team, who played very good defense even though the Steelers gave their best effort.
Better now?
Whatever, bro, whatever.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Dude...
I said the loss was due to LACK of DESIRE. That was my input for the reason why my team failed. If you or your friend disagree… that’s okay, but no need to SLAM my OPINION. World whatever slammed my OPINION as ridiculous. As slamming goes I can slam with the best.
If Blitzburgh wants to support world-whatever then he’s fair game. These two are far from EVERYONE.
I could dig down in minutia and repeat what has already been said, and I agree with most of it, but I choose to offer what I think happened overall. I’m confident my Steelers will honestly look at the shot comings of this game and regroup. I will bet that the Steelers and the Bengals meet again in the platoffs. The results will be a Steeler’s win.
im not blasting your opinion
I just disagree with it wholeheartedly. Don’t think desire had anything to do with it, but perhaps a slight emotional hangover from the very emotional big game las Monday.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
So be it...
I just don’t get emotional when my team loses. I’ve seen them lose when you didn’t know their name. But that’s okay. What I don’t need is needless condescension.
neither do i
as my post suggests. Anyway, good to have you.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
My "Dude" was aimed strictly at Worldtrip, not you Old Steel.
It was actually in your defense, Old Steel.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Not saying I agreed with your take 100%
But I disagreed moreso in the way he was addressing you and others.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
You're completely entitled to your opinion.
In fact, I’m often off base in things related to life. Wouldn’t be the first time I might be wrong.
But I was not wrong in saying you were being rude.
All I’m saying about the subject.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
The Steelers running game was stifled because the Bengals were flying to the ball. You don’t run a fumble prone RB 25 times when he has nowhere to run. Our line was getting some push, but the holes were closing instantly and with numbers.
The Bengals CB’s are for real, they covered well all game, and the strategy of trapping Ben in the pocket worked perfectly, Ben never got comfortable, never found a rhythm. Our defense played great, so did theirs. Special teams gave up a big play and our offense gave them stellar field position a couple of times. That’s how the games go.
Your attitude towards this game shows an opinion that the Steelers are that much better than the Bengals. We aren’t. Might need to get used to that.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
You don't quit
The Steelers running game was stifled because the Bengals were flying to the ball. You don’t run a fumble prone RB 25 times when he has nowhere to run. Our line was getting some push, but the holes were closing instantly and with numbers.
The Bengals didn’t quit. They kept running when they weren’t gettin’ yards, then Benson went down and they still kept running until it played a huge role in that soul sucking 4th Quarter drive.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 15, 2009 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
I posted a fan post that deals a bit with this, but if you look at the Steelers, we were doing much better on first down passing than running. The Bengals were doing the opposite early on.
We had good results passing on first down, but most brought up another first down, our runs brought up second and long. We ran some on second and long, but still most were passes. The only time I would look at our down and distance and say we need to run more is on second and seven and 3rd and 3 or less.
That would have been five more rushes if we did it every time. If you run on second and 8 you add another three.
On first down Ben completed 72% for 5.8 yards an attempt. We ran the ball for 3.5 yard average on first down, 8 runs, 3 were over 3 yards.
That doesn’t tell me we should run more. Like I said, I think maybe 8 at the most times we should have run the ball, otherwise you are just making a bad situation worse.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 16, 2009 2:10 AM EST up reply actions
If the steelers brought the same effort against cincy...
as they did last monday in denver, this game’s a blowout in our favor.
Steelers outgained Cincy in Total yards 281- 226
How did they push the Steelers around?
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 7:19 PM EST reply actions
Our special teams were better
Despite the missed FG. Offenses weren’t a factor for either team. Regardless of the ouutcome, I knew this was gonna be a very good game.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Nov 15, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
we did some pushing ourselves
But last time I checked, under 250 yards total offense and less than 25% on 3rd down is getting pushed around.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions
Even though you pushed us around.
And I believe Mendenhall is gonna be a great back, Ben lost yall the game.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Nov 15, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
Credit your defensive game plan and execution. They had Ben uncomfortable all game long.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
thanks
my mistake palmer not exactly putting up great numbers. you also Got to credit Ciccy’s defense too.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Nov 15, 2009 7:29 PM EST reply actions
I'm off...have a good day, guys. We'll regroup. :)
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
Best team in the division won the game
I agree with Ryan Clark’s assessment, that the best team in the division won the game. Ladies and gents, these aren’t your mother and father’s Bungles.
— For all of the S. Logan haters, he’s doing fine for someone who is making the minimum. He at least gives the team a threat on kickoffs and returns and does play teams. However, I’m not buying any of the rep on his so-called speed when he couldn’t catch or make up ground on RB Bernard Scott on that kickoff return. What Tomlin should do, and I think that he will do, is alternate kickoff returns with S. Logan and M. Wallace. And then go with whomever is the hot hand.
— Speaking of that return, when will Tomlin and the coaching staff man up, admit that the special teams kickoff team is a mess and resign CB Anthony Madison? The good news is this is still fixable. Resign Anthony Madison and promote LB Donovan Woods from the practice squad. Problem solved, and I’ll stake my rep on that.
— In order to get this division back, the Steelers will still need to improve the OL, whether it is drafting a stud in the draft or hoping from improvement on the group that you already have. I think they need to both; add talent and then let the players determine who starts and who sits.
— This was a game that had Ben decided to throw some passes away and not take those sacks, it would have helped the offense, particularly in the redzone.
— The Steelers D, for the most part, played good football. However, when it really counted on that last drive, Cincy ran the ball and the Steelers couldn’t get off the field when they needed to. Isn’t that more important that stats?
— Sometimes, you just got to take your medicine, admit that this might just be the Bengals year, go back to the lab, and try to improve to play for that wild card spot. If something is seriously wrong with Troy, then that push will be a whole lot harder.
Hey truth
Always love your stuff – but gonna disagree with you on a couple points.
OL- this game was not the product of a bad O-line. Our O-line gave Ben time to throw. Cinnci combined good blitzes with good coverage. We could have done more check-downs and hot-reads. I think our O-line is just fine.
Ben – I don’t think Ben’s sacks were awful today. He took one in the redzone but it was on a third that didn’t knock us out of FG range – so I am fine with it – better than forcing it.
Bengals year – Hmmmm maybe. They played a good game. They’ve been playing well. But I don’t think out team got outclassed. I think they played close to even and left a bunch of points on the board.
Steelers D – those last couple rushes were killer. Hard to argue. Even so, the D did do their job this game. They held this team to 4 field goals – one of which came on a three and out. Not a bad effort on their part.
Anyway, what can we say – tough loss, hard to swallow – congrats to the Bengals – we’ll think on it and toss that emotional baggage into the Mon. on Monday.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
budda
love your analysis but to say Ben had time to throw today is way off base. He was under durress all game long. This was the first time all year thats been the case, so I’m not panicking yet. But they got bulldozed today.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting
You have a good eye so I definitely want to go back and look at it, but I don’t remember thinking at any point wow this O-line is really not doing their job. It seemed that the Bengals brought a ton of guys and for the most part it seemed to me that Ben got time had time to make some type of throw.
I don’t remember all the sacks but I remember 2 of them. One was a blown read at the line by Ben – the guy came in uncovered – and no one noticed him. The other was a blown read at the line by Starks – the only mistake I remember seeing made from the O-line that was glaring. I think the other two were coverage sacks.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
just think about how often we saw that long haired samoan dude
He was in Ben’s face all night. Interior of the line got worked over.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
I’d say he was in Ben’s face because they were keeping Ben from moving around at all. Even pressure up the middle Ben usually can step out of it and get a clear view. He couldn’t move at all today.
Great defensive execution, and a great defensive gameplan.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Indeed, good assessment.
It’s very hard to pin this on any one person. The offensive line was letting Ben get taken down and rushed, but you could perhaps pin all four sacks on Ben for not finding somewhere to go with the ball (the sideline can count as “somewhere”).
The defense was certainly good enough in this one. I think that the Troy effect was indeed noticeable on Cincinnati’s final drive, though. Still, they kept us in it, and that’s all you can really ask for. The D has won a few for us this year, but that can’t be expected every time out, especially against a good team like Cinci.
And yeah, our ST was obviously a problem today. I still think that Logan is worth keeping around, because, as has been noted upstream, he hasn’t really had holes to run through that returners have had against us. However, I don’t see Ratliff having much of an effect anywhere. If you must drop somebody to make a ST add, drop him, not Logan. Using Wallace every now and then on returns isn’t a bad idea either. If Wallace can prove he is a viable KR threat that will make the big plays Logan hasn’t been making, then I think you can consider Logan expendable.
Finally, I will note that Cinci had some ST problems as well. Anyone else recall a FG off the upright, and a botched XP? This game could have been separated by two possessions before the Steelers were even ready to win.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Reply is to Truth's original post.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
datruth4life
Agree with much of what you say. Your ideas may have merit.
The bit about “man up”? You don’t really believe anybody in the Steelers Organization is less than a Man do you? If Tomlin is doing a great job, and the MAN is human like you and me. And we won’t have any STUDS on the team now or in the future. The Steelers are not a breeding farm. These people who play this game hopefully are giving their best and nothing less and deserve our support.
Old Steel, when I say "man up," I mean admit there is a flaw in the unit and correct it
This is my own personnel view, but I think the kickoff coverage unit has a personnel problem and not a scheme problem. Get some people in there who will run down and make a tackle. Simple as that. The current group you have isn’t getting the job done and isn’t good enough.
Your best special teams player from a year ago, CB Anthony Madison, was cut because you believed you had someone better at the position, CB/S K. Ratliff and the 2 rookies. That hasn’t turned out to be the case. You had a chance to correct that mistake when that same player was cut by the Browns two weeks ago and you didn’t sign him.
Also, one of your best special teams players this preseason, LB Donovan Woods, is on your practice squad waiting for an opportunity. Patrick Bailey and Arnold Harrison’s play on special teams so far this year have been “below the line” as Tomlin says. Why not give Woods an opportunity to improve the unit? He also has more potential that either of those two in the Base D as well. All I’m saying is you can still correct some of these flaws before the season is over, but sitting there and thinking that the unit is just going to magically play better without making any changes is not a sound plan.
by datruth4life on Nov 16, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Agree with all but one.
Ben throwing the ball away would have still led to field goals. It wouldn’t have helped.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
Phantaskippy, Ben throwing the ball away in the red zone would have ...
given them a better chance at getting in the endzone on the next play. When you have 2nd and goal inside of the ten instead of 2nd and goal from the 20 plus yard line, then your offense has a better chance to score. You can’t give up that precious real estate in the red zone by taking sacks.
The Steelers need to face the fact that they might have the 3rd best OL in the division right now, behind the Bengals and the Ravens. That area has to improve. The Bengals also showed that if you can keep Ben in the pocket and make him make throws from the pocket, you have a better chance of winning than just letting him run around. One way to do that is to never let your DE’s get deeper than Ben’s drops, and then let your outside rushers mirror his movements. Ben is going to have to be more accurate from the pocket and throw the ball away SOMETIMES when nothing is there and move on to the next play. Ben did hold on to the ball too long on a couple of the sacks, but Ben had too much pressure in his face all day and you have to do better than rush for 80 yards in a game when the division title is on the line. The OL still needs to be improved in my book.
Like I’ve said since the Joshua Cribbs TD, the kickoff coverage problems aren’t a scheme problem — they are a personnel problem. They had a week to resign CB Anthony Madison and didn’t (he signed with the Colts this past week). They still have LB Donovan Woods on the practice squad. I think they could probably let go of Ratliff and sign another special teams player for the secondary, but if those two moves would been made before this past game, it could have made a big difference in the game, particularly with a kickoff return for a TD being the only score of the game.
— I do give the Bengals a great deal of credit for hitting the bully in the mouth twice this year. The Steelers scouting department and front office now has to concentrate in the offseason on putting a product on the field next year that can beat the Bengals in the division before even thinking about the playoffs and a Super Bowl run. That’s just facing fact.
by datruth4life on Nov 16, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Good points, truth
It looks to me (although I don’t have the benefit of coach’s tape) that when Ben is off his game, he stops spreading the ball around and tries to hit shots down the field to Hines and Tone. A game like yesterday (especially in the 2nd half) is one where Ben desperately needed to proceed in his reads more quickly and get the ball to Mewelde Moore and Rashard on checkdowns as soon as a play downfield was not happening. It would have been nice for Ben to try to make more plays with his feet on short third downs.
I think you’ve called for Woods to be on the active roster on a weekly basis since about the first week of August. If the front office and coaching staff have screwed up one thing, that’s it.
by pghnorthside on Nov 16, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
pghnorthside, this was a game that we needed to see an accurate pocket Big Ben
Bengals kind of gave Ben a “mush pass rush,” meaning the DL is more concerned with maintaining your rush lanes, not dropping back farther than Ben drops back and keeping him in the pocket. With this approach, you’ll give the QB an extra second or two to find his receivers, but he’ll have to make pinpoint throws from the pocket, and Ben couldn’t do that yesterday.
They also sent enough 5-man blitzes yesterday to have a man come free. The Bengals secondary did an excellent job yesterday of playing man to man and also keeping the ball in front of them. Ben was really frustrated yesterday because on several occasions he had nowhere to go with the ball even when he had time to throw.
Just a very disappointing and bad loss yesterday for the Steelers. The Bengals were the better team.
by datruth4life on Nov 16, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Worldtrip, good to hear from U
Be blessed, man.
what the ****?!!!
bad offensive play calling by the steelers, what the heck was that all about.
both defensive teams looked good….
Steelers never made any adjustments and Ben looked like he wasn’t ready for this game.
How about the muddle or the no-huddle….how about some trick plays?
anything….the offense coaching staff did nothing…. even if the play is, hike the ball,
Rothlesberger take it and run like hell from the pocket, that was an option to be made.
to sit there and continue to play through this slaughter in the pockett, like there ever was one, without making one adjustment,
says to me Steelers didn’t see any value in winning this game….
Denver and Minnesotta had incredible defenses too and we made the changes…
Arians and Rothlesberger get F- for the day
From Yahoo...
Polamalu, a five-time Pro Bowl player and one of the NFL’s top defensive players, was escorted to the locker room by team physician James Bradley, rather than a team trainer – as might be the case with a less-serious problem
Hope that’s true.
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Wait...I think I might have misinterpreted that...
Shit, I’m a little drunk……
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Guess we both have something in common now.....
How are the Bengals owning the AFC North?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Nice to see ya MaLoR
Misery loves company, eh?
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Just in shock and awe
As much as I hate you all, I just could not see the Steelers losing at home to the pussy cats. Crazy.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Don't worry
We’ll make sure you hate us even more in two weeks. :)
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
Marvin Lewis man. That guy is a great coach and keeping him is the only thing that franchise did right for a long time. but the players they have now and the young corners, there is a lot of talent on that team, and they are starting to realize it.
It sucks, but at least it isn’t the Browns.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
The browns might just lose to Ohio University
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
geez all this negativity
you’d think we lost to the bungals or something, & chances of winning the division are slim and none.
not that much negativity going on here
Frustration, but not tons of negativity. Not sure what you’re talking about
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
go read the broncos site if you want negativity
Comical stuff over there
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
+1,173
It’s actually almost comical.
I haven’t seen an update on Orton’s injury, but he was actually throwing over the top today!! Wha?!?!?!
And the shots that Tarkenton threw out to Cutler this week, as well…Bears camp can’t be all that excited about that.
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
EDIT: "It IS comical!" :)
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58
BTW
I thought you were crazy picking Washington (and I’m a skins fan) but great call on that one.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Long passes.
We frequently see Ben chucking down the field for those long passes to Mike Wallace. I really want to see the stat for that in regards to the completion percentage. Most often that not Ben misses his man or his WR is completely covered. I might be wrong but I don’t see to remember the last time we had a completion of 25+ yards.
Brady to Moss is successful most of the times because of Moss and his acrobatic catches. If it was not for Moss Brady would have struggled with his long passes, too.
han
My man, we had 4 passes of 25+ yards last week! Not our day, but our offense has been amazing at picking up huge chunks of yardage in the air. In fact, as I’ll be writing about soon, we’ve gotten TOO reliant on the big splahs plays down the field that we’re not as proficient in the quick hitting passing game as we should be. I’ll hopefully explain better in a post real soon.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
I mean to say 25+ yards on the throw itself, not counting those which are caught 5-10 yards down the line and then the WR carries it further for 10 yards gain. Maybe, they might have done that, just don’t seem to remember.
Anyways, my post was meant to stress on the point that you made – quick hitting pass game. I feel that Ben loves long bombs than slants, dinks and dunks.
Very much agree
I think Ben had his eyes down field the whole game, and it wasn’t happening against the solid secondary of the Bengals.
I would love to see Ben/Bruce think about the short passing game – especially with Rashard’s ability to make guys miss or punish them.
by SteelerBuddha on Nov 15, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
Blitz , I was at the game
and something that was really obvious to me was the way their secondary were playing our receivers. The were playing alot of man to man and quite simply the wr’s were not getting separation. Most of those sacks were coverage sacks and on the deep routes, they didn’t appear to be running anything short underneath. Alot of plays also didn’t have a check down back.
Reliance on the big play passing game can be a season killer
You know, the funny thing I have seen is that the type of game the Steelers and Bengals play on offense has basically reversed. Now the Steelers are almost predicated on a passing game and all the receiving weapons rather than a smash mouth running game, sort of like the Bengals in ’05. And now the Bengals are a running team with a “caretaker” QB.
What has the world come to? That stats are nice and the passing game is pretty, but running is always easier in December and the playoffs.
by rorschach1979 on Nov 15, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Bombs Away
The only longball that made zero sense to me was the crazy bomb on second and ten on our final possession. Bizarre moment to go for the homerun and Wallace was never open on the route.
In general I think Ben throws the bomb the right amount. You’ve got to stretch the coverage. The bombs open up the field for the intermediate stuff that has been really effective this year, so they “work” in some respect even if it’s a low-percentage shot.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 16, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions
I agree Blitz
bq: that we’re not as proficient in the quick hitting passing game as we should be.
It seems that we want to go deep on every pass play. What is the purpose of having receivers in short/intermediate routes, if you don’t get the ball to them?
I think this team’s biggest problem is not that Ben does not have enough time, it is that he doesn’t (for whatever reason) throw many passes quickly.
Did you see the Pats/Colts game last night? Notice how crisply the QBs hit receivers, in stride, 3 seconds after the snap? That was impressive to me.
I also think some short passes would help setup the bomb, that seems to be our most frequent offense play.
Your thoughts please.
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Nov 16, 2009 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
good stuff
WRote about this subject on latest post on main page
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 Michael Bean on Nov 16, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Watch Logan....on the kickoff return touchdown....
How he’s first one down there on coverage….and how he gets pushed around like a rag doll over to the left side of the screen…..and how he hustles his ass off and makes his way down field and is finally pushed around like a rag doll somewhere around the Steelers 20 yard line, still unable to make the tackle or slow the play.
He’s busting his butt, but his tiny ass doesn’t belong on coverage teams. He’s 155 pounds, and – let me say it again – getting pushed around like a rag doll. And it’s that kind of coverage that has cost the Steelers three KO return TD’s and today’s game.
He doesn’t belong on coverage teams any more than Brian F. Boitano.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
+1
Stefan Logan is the least of our worries. He gives us 30-35 yards and in NFL I believe that is good enough.
I still would like to see what Wallace can do...
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
35-40 or a TD
I want to him and Chris Johnson in a foot race
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
i dont think you got the point of his post
Homer was saying Logan is overmatched even though his scrappy play results in some tackles on coverage units. On other plays he gets destroyed and contributes to why there’s big lanes to return against us.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
Oops
I wanted my title to be -1.
Well, I personally think Logan is the least of our worries.
What then
is the most of our worries?
Because I do think it is the special teams, specifically the coverage units, and I think Logan is affecting those units negatively. In a fairly big way.
So, seriously, what is the most of our worries?
The special team as a unit is the main worry
Cutting Stefan Logan won’t make that unit elite. I am sure Logan is not the only one missing tackles.
Who was the goat in today’s TD return?
Who was the goat when Blitz that the analysis of the punt return for a TD against the Vikings game (bit sure it was the Vikings game but you get my point)?
I think replacing Logan
could potentially offer significant improvement on kick and punt coverage. Don’t know that it will make it elite, but something needs to be done.
Add on that I think Wallace could do just as well if not better on kick returns, and Burnett can do just as well if not better on punt returns, I want them to make the move and make it now.
When your speed guys - essentially your gunners on KO returns....
…get pushed around – like a rag doll – and fail to disrupt the return or get through the blocking, you have problems.
It seems like other teams are concentrating on 155 pound Stefan Logan and even though he’s hustling like hell, he’s just not equipped for the job.
They’re returning to his side, blocking him and eating him up, creating bigger lanes, and it’s time to find another guy to play the wideout position on coverage.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
Willie !
Everyone is doing a lot of bitching, and I already did my share while screaming at the screen (computer screen)…. pretty much the same as nearly everyone here …blitz! (not Blitzburgh) …running game! …under thrown passes! …screens! …draws! …penalties! …get out of the pocket Ben!!
On a positive note…. I watched the Dallas Cowboys a few weeks ago (sorry, Steeler Nation, but it was the only game on at the time) and watched them score a touchdown with two running backs, where one back crossed in front of the other. The announcers were singing the praises of one of the coaches (running backs maybe) and the plays he draws up. All I kept thinking was “Willie & Mendy together!”
Wille got a carry… 7 yards… and he looked good. It would really be nice if he were back and healthy, and if Arians could recognize the value of three (Moore is such a great addition to this team) backs and drew up some running plays with two or three backs in there together. Now that the Steelers have become a “passing team” and all those future opponents will be keying on balls in the air, I think it’s time to start power running it down everyone’s throat again!
heinz field
at least the grass/field looked in decent shape, at least on tv considering the pitt/nd game the night before,
true
Thought that might be more of a factor. Guess it’s been dry in the Burgh all week
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
sunday night football
they are saying the colts vs new england is the rivarly of the decade I say the rivarly of the decaded is Steelers vs Ravens
by steeler_in_maryland on Nov 15, 2009 8:49 PM EST reply actions
Biltz
hey biltz are going to have a sunday night football thread ?
by steeler_in_maryland on Nov 15, 2009 8:50 PM EST reply actions
sorry man
Didnt get one up in time. Was running errands. Someone should do a fanpost if they wanna kibbitz about the game. Id join in some, I’m watching.
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 Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
Special Teams
Why all the whining about Jeff Reed whiffing on a tackle? How’d ya like him to make the tackle and then sustain a season ending injury? I want Jeff Reed to kick field goals and extra points….not tackle. It’s just funny to me that you guys single him out when it’s the other ten players that are SUPPOSED to stop the returner…..not the kicker. And…..as far as a kicker…..Jeff Reed’s been pretty damn good for the Steelers…..which by the way none of you mentioned it….he was FOUR for FOUR today…….the Cincy kicker missed one……..afterall……….it’s the hardest place to kick in the NFL yet you guys want him to tackle the returner……I say KEEP WHIFFING JEFF…..kick FG and extra points instead…..if we have to rely on Reed to tackle the returner then we might as well pack it in. ……
here’s a scenario for ya……..its the AFC championship and Reed finally makes a tackle on a kick return…..but he’s injured and can’t play anymore. We’re down by 2 with 10 seconds left and the balls on the 30…..you might wish someone else had made that tackle…….someone that is SUPPOSED to make it.
Screens would have worked wonderful today……I don’t think they called one.
Timmons……I think Fox is a better fit for the Steelers in the middle on a full time basis.
Broncos didn’t lose because of MNF……they lost because they lost Kyle Orton right before the end of the half…..they were leading 17-14. He had almost 200 yds and 2 TD….was on his way to great day……the Broncos couldn’t muster even 100 yds of offense in the second half. Kyle was my fantasy qb today so I was fully aware of that game.
Finally,…….I’m not worried about the Steelers overall. If i was Cincy…..I wouldn’t want to see Pittsburgh again this year. That being said……I wil be worried if Troy misses too much time. We don’t need him next week though. It’s a bye …..a bye in KC.
by baabaablacksheep on Nov 15, 2009 9:15 PM EST reply actions
I just want Reed to slow him down for the other ten guys thats all I ask just slow the guy down
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
playoffs!?!?!
The Steelers are good enough to make it into the playoffs, once there, regular season wins and losses cease to matter. The best team always makes the playoffs, but doesn’t always win the super bowl, or even reach the super bowl.
Looking around the league, a lot of teams that most likely will be in the playoffs or in the discussion, had a rough day. Philly and the Cowboys both lost, and lost rather ugly. Denver lost. Atlanta lost. The Saints struggled against a terrible Rams team.
Going back to the NFC east, which the media loves and loves to talk about how good they are. Between Philly, New York and Dallas, all have looked much worse than the Steelers for a few games during the regular season. But come playoff time, odds are one of them will be looking impressive, looking dominant, and no one will be talking about what happened today or last week, or even a week from now.
Not that today doesn’t matter, but it never matters as much as we feel it does. As for the Bengals, I remember the last time they won the division.
Somebody else won the super bowl that year.
bruce arians
I’ve been on the fire arians bandwagon for 3 years now and I’m not letting up. Sure we won the superbowl last year but I think the amount of talent we have on our offense is disguising how bad arians is. The only time were in a rhythm and move the ball is when ben runs the offense. Since arians took over we don’t run screen plays, the consistent power run game has dissapered, and we have to sit on the edge of our seats watchin pittsburgh with a lead in the 4th quarter. In my opinion we need to scrape up any information we can get on bruce cause I feel he’s gettin paid by another team to single handly take us down. Ok maybe not that far but he just sucks.
by ironmike55 on Nov 15, 2009 9:47 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Win Super Bowl, fire Arians.
QB develoips into Superstar, fire Arians.
OPffense sets all time records, fire Arians.
I have this feeling that Arians isn’t the problem.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
By the way
Early reports say that Polamalu to miss only 1 game.
he should skip the ravens game I would rather lose that one
and face my co-workers taunting me about it then having him out for the season.
by steeler_in_maryland on Nov 15, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
an oldy but goodie
I made a bet with my co-workers that if the ravens won the AFC championship they could take a picture of me in a joe flaco jersey. If I won they would have to pose in there Ravens gear and hold my terrible towel. When we won my co-workers backed out and did not wear their Ravens gear but still held the terrible towel
by steeler_in_maryland on Nov 15, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
I'll say this
To any steelers fans that say they didn’t put forth their best effort, what kind of team doesn’t put forth their best effort in a huge division game?
by brandone on Nov 15, 2009 10:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
My observations
1. Zimmer out game planned Arians. We ran the same pass and run plays from the Denver game. Maybe the short week hurt
2. Ben was definitely out of sorts. Once again, Arians go to the no huddle to jump start Ben. He goes 0 to 60 faster than any other QB
3. Run the rock in close games. Guess what it slows down the pass rush
4. Cincy blitzed everytime we went empty backfield. What about a screen or QB draw
5. Stefan Logan your time is very close to up
6. D was fabu, even though they gave up crucial yards in the 4th Qtr. However, the got the stop and gave the offense 1.54 to score a TD.
7. The oline protection was horrible because we gave up on the run to early. Ben’s call of Lucky for left are well known and please oline if your not blocking someone, something is probably wrong. Max look back outside for the blizting LB. I dont think the Oline go together this week.
8. Let Troy sit until the playoffs. We should either go 5-2 or 6-1
We should never go empty backfield.
We don’t do well without a back for help blocking.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
We should never go empty backfield.
We don’t do well without a back for help blocking.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 15, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Phantaskippy, you are 100 percent right about empty backfield
Empty backfields are for QB’s who will get rid of the ball, regardless of whether there is an open receiver or not. Ben just holds on to the ball … and holds on to the ball …. and holds on to the ball trying to make a play. They should just take that play out of the offense.
by datruth4life on Nov 16, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Empty backfield only with hypocycloid
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
anthony madison
nbc sports just showed madison get double teamed during a punt wes welker almost took to the house in the 4th q. I’d say colts undefeated season comes to an end tonight
Division title
I know we gotta stay positive fellow citizens but this was a MUST WIN game for us and the Offense really stunk up the joint today. Does anyone realize we might have lost the division today? Ben and the O-line gotta do waaaayyyy better than this if we are to repeat. The refs also started out with a piss poor job of officiating. That run back for a TD happened because there were 2 blocks in the back on Steelers that were in close pursuit and they blew that call and it cost us big. Erase that TD and we win the game. I really hope Troy is ok, but this goes to what I’ve been saying for the past few years that we need another good Safety out there just in case Troy goes down. He is unreplaceable, but at least with another high quality safety it will ease the blow of him not being on the field. I agree, Logan is skating in thin ice and maybe we should try Sweed back there and see if he can at least do that right. Over all crappy play on the Offense cost us big and this might have sealed the deal on our division hopes, lets get it together Steeler Nation and make it happpen for the playoffs. One Love to all my fellow Men and Women of Steel!
I guess you did’nt read my whole post. I blamed the loss on the “crappy play on the Offense” not the refs. It is what it is, a blown call is a blown call and a blown call can effect the entire game. Ask the Georgia Bulldogs.
This is most definitely whining about the officials
The refs also started out with a piss poor job of officiating. That run back for a TD happened because there were 2 blocks in the back on Steelers that were in close pursuit and they blew that call and it cost us big. Erase that TD and we win the game.
+1
And I hate whining about missed calls.
But come on, Keyaron Fox was flat-out tackled from behind on the return TD. Wasn’t even close to a legal block.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 16, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
You also....
…..suggested we try Sweed on returns….that’s is just not cool, we already traumatized and you choose now to pull this meth crazed rabbit out of the hat. Not cool man …..not cool !!
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 16, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
LOL, hey at this point damn near anyone except the O-Line would be better at returning. I’m friggin frustrated here people! S# This is the Division title I’m talking about! We are supposed to own the AFC North every damn year!
First... calm down...
Second, I think you should rethink your whole belief about the division. Believing that we are supposed to win the division every year is unrealistic, at best. And, believing we are infallibale will make a loss (which are inevitable) way way worse than it is. Breathe my friend, breathe.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 16, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
O.K. I'm calm now
I feel you, but we are the Premier team of the League now (6 rings makes us that) and the defending champs, and we should not be shooting ourselves in the foot, especially in these tough, but winnable games. I know we are not infallible, but I’d rather we played our hearts out for 60 min and lost than losing because of mistakes and terible play. With that said, thank you for your wisdom and we will make it back to the Promised Land, there is still plenty of football left. Breathing now.
as Peter King and Colin Cowherd are silently weeping
over the fact that Tom Brady didn’t close out the game
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 15, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
This is starting to feel like last year just with a few more injuries
Isn’t this the same week we lost ot the Giants and finished the season with the defense playing out of their mind and BB playing at a Payton Manning level but we could run the ball and we still won the SB. Now we can run the ball be BA leaves it as soon as we have a negative gain then its time to turn into Hawaii University and throw on every down with a run thrown in every now and again, the defense is still playing a a very high level without Aaron Smith and Timmons, who seems to keep reinjuring his ankle every other week, and with the Predator filling in when he has to. I think that we are still good to go for the playoffs and still have a shot at winning the division we just can’t finish in a tie with the Bengals at the end of the season. Also I think that James Farrior will retire either after this season or next season he just doesn’t seem to be his self out their still a good player but not what he has been the last few years
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
frustrating
I don’t always bag on Arians but for christs sakes run mendy! he is so in love with throwing and today it really cost us dearly. BB was off. Have you seen the Bengals schedule? They are going 12-4, therefore winning the division. We will be 12-4 and will have to go to SD in first round.
if we have to play the winnger of the west we should beat them
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
Winnger = winner
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 16, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Third time definitely not a charm
The Steelers had three big games in a row and won two of them. Apparently, the Steeler offense decided not to show up for this one. The Steeler D should sue for non-support.
I’m not buying that song-and-dance that “both teams played well and the best team won.” This was one of the dullest, most mediocre games that I’ve seen in a long time between contenders. We did the same thing we’ve done many times before: we stooped down to the sucky level of our competition. It’s not the end of the world, but definitely a huge disappointment.
Pump Fakes
Gotta credit the Bengals and their defensive coaches. They never bit on Ben’s pump fakes today.
With the longer-developing plays and pump-fakes not working, why wouldn’t we go to more quick hit stuff and especially bubble screens? The first two plays of the game were bubble screens and they worked, and then I don’t know if we ran another one the entire game.
Those are such effective plays for us because all our pass-catchers are good-to-great blockers. That should always be a safety-net play for the offense; something you can call just to get things back on track.
Arians had really won me over this year but this was Bad Bruce today. Very frustrating game to watch.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 16, 2009 12:34 AM EST reply actions
I bet if Bernard Scott were a towel dispenser, Jeff Reef would have made that tackle.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
lol
That’s funny man. Probably the funniest thing I’ve read on this thread.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Nov 16, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Kickoff Coverage
To the Coaching Staff of the Steelers. Why don’t you make Jeff Reed accountable for his “inaction and COWARDICE” in tackling on kickoffs. He is usually bigger in size than the guys running back the kicks . He blew it against Harvin in the Minnesota game and he blew it in the Cincinnati game. I haven’t gotten a chance to look at the Cleveland film. A slight bump from him could have prevented both touchdowns. The only way he could have been prevented from making the tackle or bumping the man out of bounds was to get clipped (thus eliminating the touchdowns. I am not the only person who has noticed this. Get a kicker with some “gonads”. He STINKS and was a big reason why we lost to Cincy.
Bigger. . .
read fatter. Reed is out of shape, no way he can make those plays no matter how hard he “tries” or how “brave” he is. It’s not cowardice or not caring on game day, the man is not in playing shape. He deserves to be criticized, but do it for the right crime.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 16, 2009 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
sorry skippy
Love your contirbutions and insights but he’s got to give up his body and make a play. If he gets hurt, fine. There’s other kickers out there waiting for a phone call. In an ideal world he wouldnt have to, but because he’s been forced to chip in due to bad coverage, he’s just simply got to do better than those matador efforts. It’s football. There’s a reason they go to camp and work out in the weight room with the rest of the guys
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 Michael Bean on Nov 16, 2009 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
In his interview after he stated his primary job is to make the returner go back to the middle, and he did that. I don’t like the effort, but he isn’t the only guy out there. In fact he’s the one guy out there who doesn’t have stop kick returner as his sole duty.
All I see after each return is Skippy has to make that tackle. What about the ten other guys. Skippy didn’t make tackles last year and the coverage was phenomenal. Norm Johnson didn’t tackle kick returners regularly, Gary Anderson looked like he was going to break when he tried. The other horrible miss the man cut back on him and he couldn’t change direction, this time he ran him back to the middle. He’s a kicker, I don’t expect too much from him.
I expect more from the other players.
Heck let’s put Troy in to kick off and see how it goes, he can tackle. Put in Harrison or Woodley. Many players don’t even consider Kickers football players. We have an exception on our team in Sepulveda, but Skippy is a kicker, and a dang good one. To cut him because he can’t tackle would be like cutting Clark because he can’t cover wide outs. I’m serious. Clark can’t cover wide outs. The other ten guys on the field cover for him.
Everyone wants to get rid of Skippy because of his kick-offs. If we don’t have a good kicker to bring in and replace him we won’t, why? Because the boy hits field goals. And that’s why he is on the team. I understand we have a ton of players who do more than just what they are expected to do. Ben makes tackles, Hines blocks line backers, Line backers with crazy versatility. But that’s not how football works more often than not.
I would like to see Skippy make those tackles, but I would rather see a coverage unit that doesn’t force the kicker to play like Ryan Clark to have success.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 16, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
+100
If he makes them great but he the kicker …just be glad he wasn’t liquored up.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 16, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Bruce Arians
If Ben likes the “no huddle” and is effective in it (which he is) – Why don’t you let him use it when he feels the rhythm is good? We need some diversity in our offense. We are too predictable. Come into the 21st century Arians. Logan – either produce or go back to Canada.
I'm sorry
do you think your messages on here actually get forwarded to the coaches and players on the Steelers?
Mine do. I guess that is why the police sent me that nice letter.
by Phantaskippy on Nov 16, 2009 2:12 AM EST up reply actions
Whats with Jeff Reed
acting like a panzy? Pathetic
I know it shouldnt come down to the kicker to make the tackle, but man up. Donate your check to the homeless jeff. Im fed up.
Ron Paul was Right.
Our Comments
Maybe the Steelers management needs to read some of these comments. I have read some very good suggestions and I am not “stupid” when it comes to football. If Jeff Reed is out of shape then he needs to take up another profession. He is 5 ft 11 in and weighs 225 pounds. He should be able to tackle. Other kickers do. Hell, I even saw Ben prevent a touchdown last year. There is NO excuse for it (Reed’s lack of heart). He should shape up or they should ship him out. I doesn’t help that he has been drunk in public (documented) on several occasions. We are too good to be losing these games that we have lost this year. I still think that we have a “great” team and I will forever be a Steeler’s fan.
If the Steelers did what we wanted
Then Charlie Batch would be starting right now.
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 16, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Just...
A really hard game to swallow. Blame squarely on the shoulders of the offense and ST… It’s not going to happen, but Bruce Arians needs the sack. What happened to that no huddle that worked so well in Denver? Never saw it. The running game never had a chance to get going, and at times it looked promising. The 18-40 Run Pass ratio was far too unbalanced. This isn’t Madden. Stop being so damn pigheaded, BA!!!!
Special Teams is lost this season. Bob Ligashesky needs to go. The unit has never performed completely well in any of his three seasons here.
Give credit to Cincy. They played the better game and Mike Zimmer’s defense totally won the game at the end.
WTF was that?
It’s getting really annoying that every 3rd & 2 or 3 we’re in the shotgun!! Time to man up and impose your will on the defense!!! Even if we don’t run, put the thought in their mind by lining up under center. I also agree the special (using that word loosely) teams coach needs to go. This unit is absolutely horrible! Yes the passing game has come around but we’re becoming the Cardinals!!
Isn't it ...
about time we agree that the Bengals are a very good football team? They own the Division which is clear from their 5-0 record against the rest of the Division—sweeping both the Ravens and Steelers—no slouch teams, I think we can agree, no? One runback TD should not cause a really good team to lose. Radio announcers harped all day that Steelers seemed sluggish, out of synch, unmotivated—although I would submit that the two former could cause the appearance of the third. I mean, come on, how could the team not be motivated in that situation? It is entirely possible that the team was mentally “giving it everything she’s got Captain” but the body wouldn’t respond; particularly after their effort Monday night a mile high. Anyone who has left it all on the field in competitive sports knows this. The train is pulling into Loserville; all the Chicken littles need to get off now.
My dad's long-standing theory...
If a team has a big win on MNF, bet against them the following week. Especially if they are favored on the road.
It seems to work pretty well.
Pittsburgh Lumber Co.
http://mvn.com/pittsburghlumberco
Steeler's Offense and Special Teams
What’s the definition of idiocy? Attempting the same thing and expecting a different result.
The best teams can beat you in several ways, and adapt from one strategy to another in order to get that done.
What I saw was an offense that refused to adapt to adverse conditions—poor pass protection from the O-line (which is distinct from the run blocking), and worse decisionmaking by the QB—but actually increased the riskiness of the strategy by going longer on the pass plays while making the runs more infrequent. This is not an intelligent strategy and showed no adaptability at all. I don’t know if the problem came from Big Ben or Bruce Arians, but either way, it was bad.
Speaking of bad, the special teams problems are systemic and require a fundamental overhaul. You cannot keep the same personnel and coaches and expect different (better) results. Remember that definition of idiocy? More starters need to be on the coverage units, and the coaches should be replaced ASAP.
I think the Steelers have been lax since training camp and mistakenly believe that the thin line separating them from the Bengals, Ravens, Bears and (dare I say it) Browns is a wide gulf. In reality, it’s razor thin. Tomlin said the right things about being a “team on the rise” and needing to focus on continual improvement; however, that task requires more adaptability and accountability than I am seeing. The status quo doesn’t produce the superior records that the Colts and Patriots have amassed over the last ten years. The Steelers should learn from those squads and improve their ways, instead of resting on their laurels.
I can see why they made a low offer to Jeff Reed...he isn't worth much.
You are not just a kicker, my brother. You are SUPPOSED to be a football player. Tackle the motherfucker or at least attempt to. When it’s bitch-call weekend in the NFL, you have to play nearly perfect. period. You know that Goodell and his goons want to help Cincy sell out their pathetic stadium the rest of the season. Those home black-outs are embarrassing. We all know that our pass-rush is really that terrible and that the bungles pass-rush is the best in the league. We will win out and get a wildcard. Bungles will be getting shown the door in their 1st playoff game since 2005. Enjoy the moment you who dey buffoons. and remember….when it counts the most…WE DEY BITCHES
Wow, you actually believe that about Goodell.
Post a link. I don’t believe that at all. However, I do think he’s a terrible commish.
Good game yesterday. But You ain’t dey.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Nov 16, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
-1 for the profanity
-10 for the caps lock abuse
-100 for still not realizing that Cincy is a damn fine team
-1000 for the conspiracy theory nonsense
by pghnorthside on Nov 16, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
General Comments:
It was reported during Sunday’s game, that Coach Tomlin wasn"t worried about tackling but,the pursuit after the missed tackle or something to that effect. I do believe that its time to rethink that subject. Tackling or the lack thereof has a lot to do with the outcome of the Cincy game. Just an observation! And for you Cincy fans, THE SAME THING THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH, WILL MAKE YOU CRY——
Missed oppurtunities
It isn’t all of Logan’s fault he hasn’t taken one to the house let’s be honest the blocking on ST is bad. Let’s look at the upside he makes good decisions controls the ball he does need to kneel in the endzone more often to start the O on the 20.
Big Ben was struggling to pick up the hot reads yesterday from blitzing defenders, This is the same thing our Defense does to QB’s Conffusion in a split second .
I wish the Offense would have went no huddle to keep Cincy’s D on the field in wrong sets, this didn’t happen for some reason.
We made big mistakes in THE RED ZONE!! Bottom Line!! They played a lackluster game!! Instead of field goal’s get 3 TD’s 1 field goal This is why we lost!! A couple of these trip’s inside red zone Ben missed wide open receiver’s in end zone, But this a re vamped Cincy team. Ben just had one of those day’s, he will bounce right back!!
Our Defense need’s to hang on to Interception’s, If this happens it is a different game.
Let’s see they got a kickoff return, and we threw a tipped INT (not ben’s Fault) that they started on own 15. our Defense held them to a field goal! That’s another reason we lost!!
Yes Reed need’s to make more of an effort slowing down returner’s, But it should not come to that the other 10 guy’s need to step up and make play’s, Get disengaged from their block’s
We got beat...
Out coached, out played, out manned. The Bengals are a good team, and anyone who thought they weren’t before yesterday should see that now. Neither offense did anything, but one did enough to win (not ours). Their defense was all over us from the opening whistle, and we never made any of the right adjustments to stop them. As bad as our offense looked, we need to recognize they looked that bad because the other team did not allow them to look good… oh well, it’s called football, welcome to it if you’re new.
It’s one more loss, we’re not eliminated from anything, and shockingly enough, the league is allowing us to play again on Sunday. There are more than a few things we need to continue to work on, but we will, and this team will continue to get better each week, because that is what good teams do.
I expect at least one line up shift, that being Stefan Logan, seeing Wallace and Moore returning kicks and punts is not a good sign for the rook. He’s put up a solid average return number, solid enough more than a few fans forget how bad our returners were last year, but it may not be enough for the little guy. Special teams coverage needs to be reworked as well. I’m not sure which moves need to be made, but a change in personell can’t hurt at this point. Big Ben looked rough, as did a majority of our offense, as you may expect when the Big Dog has trouble his unit will normally follow. Bruce Ariens gameplan (if you can call it that) didn’t work at all. Penalties at the wrong time, whether it be in the redzone or on the last drive of the game, will kill any chance of winning for any team willing to commit them, every time, we’re not any different in that regard. Other than the few miscues, the Defense played well enough to win, but the offense didn’t. It’s a team game, that can never be forgotten. In a loss, especially a divisional loss in such a big game, the microscopes will be out, and will always be able to find something to blame a loss on. Keep a level head Steelers fans, shtuff happens.
If the sky is falling on your fandom after this loss, I’m sorry for you. But I still believe this team has what it takes to get the job done. Keep working Steelers, keep working.
'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin
by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 16, 2009 12:17 PM EST reply actions
Bruce "2nd and 10" Arians
I think that BA’s official nickname should be “2nd and ten.” … Apparently, he loves that down & distance.
I mean, how many 2nd & tens do we have to face before we see a high percentage play on first down? More than we’ve seen so far, as far as I can tell.
Can we have one of those analysis thread?
Especially for the kickoff return TD?
I want to get over yesterday’s loss and having this thread at the top every time I come here is not helping it a bit ;).
The good, the bad, and the ugly (rant time)
The Good
I love our defense, and I am liking our depth. Even without Aaron Smith and Troy (for most of the game), we allowed them only 218 offensive yards, which is the best we’ve done since the Browns whimpered for 197 against us.
On the ground, we held the Bengals to 61 net yards via 29 attempts – an average of 2.1 ypc. We tackled them behind the LoS 4 times for 10 lost yards in total. Of their total of 13 first downs, only 3 were achieved on the ground. Benson carried the ball 7 times, which is far from a complete game, but he managed a grand total of 22 yards (3.1 ypc). That’s not bad considering what he and his O-line have done to other teams. In our last meeting, Benson averaged 4.8. Scott finished with 33 yards on 13 carries (2.5 ypc).
We held their offense to zero touchdowns.
Carson Palmer managed 178 yards. In our last meeting, he got 183. Those are his two worst games this season. Harrison got our only sack (not counting the ankle grab on the kicker), which is not impressive. However The Diesel got pressure several times, he batted down another pass, and W. Gay apparently played his best game. It would seem our non-star players are stepping up. Ochocinco had two catches for 29 yards. I suspect we need to credit Ike for keeping 85 out of the limelight.
Gripes about the 5 penalties are legit, but consider that we are 3rd in the fewest penalties called against us and 9th in terms of yardage (Fox stats). A little perspective is in order.
The Bengals got a field goal after starting a drive on our 14.
Had this been a W for us, we’d be crowing about how dominant the defense was. There is a significant reason to be hopeful if we have a rematch in the post season. Our defense has owned the Bengals twice. Today, they allowed 3 drives for 9 points. The rest came on mistakes by the offense and special teams. I think its more likely that our offense solves their defense, than them solving ours.
While it wasn’t a great day for their running game, ours averaged 4.4 ypc and got stuffed for a loss only once. Remove Ben’s scrambles and our backs still averaged 4.0 for the game. Five of our 16 first downs were made on foot. Cinci has a very good run defense and on most plays we went up the middle. I think our O-line deserves some credit for making holes. Last year, they were good for nothing. Earlier this year, they improved Ben’s protection. Now they’re breaking holes in the lines of the Vikings and Bengals (currently ranked 5th and 2nd against the rush). Shame we didn’t take advantage.
Robo kicks for 51 yards and inside the 20. Mundy and Logan restrict the return to 6 yards. Robo booms another 55 yards inside the 10. Mundy makes the tackle within 8 yards.
The Bad
20 out of 40. Gotta love Ben spreading the ball around, but he needs to be on the same page with his receivers and they need to catch the ball. I like the fact he didn’t roll over, but I’d prefer that he and Arians be smart as well as persistent.
Andre Frazier is the first guy who whiffs on the TD kick return. He continues in the direction where the returner is headed even though several other steelers are already there and Logan is being pushed in the same direction. That leaves a lane behind Logan and Frazier, which is exactly where Scott breaks through. This was no great run by Scott. (At least not the first stage.) He has no where else to go. The cut-back was his only option.
I understand what happened to Reed on the kick return. He’s not the problem. The onus lies on the guys like Frazier. Reed is merely an accessory to stupidity, but, after last week, that’s enough.
Logan isn’t playing to the best of his ability. He’s got moves and he’s got speed. Some of the blame rests on his blockers. Logan has been forced to make the first guys miss before he gets up a full head of steam. Regardless, he should be looking for clear spaces where he can apply that speed. He’s running east/west when he should be headed north. The kid has the physical skills, but IMO he needs some coaching.
The Ugly
All the smack talk prior to the game. Don’t be a troll, and don’t feed the ones who come around looking for trouble. You don’t reply to spam, do you? Class it up.
I’m coming around to the notion that Logan may be no better than Wallace and we might save a roster spot by giving the job to 60 Minutes. That said, we don’t need to invent reasons to bash Logan. He’s slow? He’s the first gunner down the field, but he’s slow because he can’t run 70 yards at full speed, then reverse course and catch a guy who had a head start running in the other direction? He’s not heavy enough? (Wait, a second ago he was too slow and now you want to add weight?) Logan is the first guy down the field and often takes on two blockers. They have a hard time blocking him specifically because he’s low to the ground. Furthermore, he’s a 180 lbs guy occupying two blockers. 400+ lbs expended on 180 lbs? That’s a deal. It also means someone like Arnold Harrison is unblocked and available to tackle the runner. Logan’s job on the edge is to force the runner inside (which is where he forced Scott). Despite being a sacrificial body on the outer edge, he’s been making tackles by beating those beefcakes sent to block him. Are his tackles on ST enough to keep him? Probably not. But this is one area where he is beating the expectations. Inventing excuses to take that away from him is bullpucky.
Dear Santa, I’d like a YouTube video of Joe Schmo walking into the Steelers locker room and suggesting they didn’t want it badly enough. Pretty please.
Cool post!
Woodley had a sack as well.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 16, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
SteerNation, Relax we are fine
SteelerNation. We enjoyed countless seasons pounding the bungholes. As football is a copy cat league, so be it that the bungholes won and swept us this season. Kudos to them cause it surely took a looong time for them to hit back. Let us steelers take a page from our own team. Let them, release the many years of fraustration in any form they please. Yes the fact is the bungholes swept us this year. Fact, the bungholes sweep Only gives them inside track to a divisional title. They dont have the INTERAL degree to make it to World Title. We as steeler fans should be like our team. Fact. everytime the steelers lose a game, nothing is said by the organization regarding the Y syndrome. That is only possiable when u truly have a team that takes care of eachother regardless of the Y. No pointing finger, no back stabbing, just win as a TEAM . Lose as a Team.
No problems in steelerNation. We will have the last laugh and enjoy the stairway to seven. GO STEERLERS
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