My Thoughts Following Pittsburgh's Late Meltdown Against Kansas City
by Michael Bean on Nov 23, 2009 7:09 AM EST
152 comments
Many thanks to Frank for his post-game thoughts following the Steelers 24-27 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday afternoon. The loss drops Pittsburgh to 6-4 and marks the second time this season they've lost consecutive games. The good news - as we'll get to later - is that the Steelers lost no ground in the AFC North. Baltimore threw away a win at home against the undefeated Colts, while the front-running Bengals had a legitimate meltdown late against Oakland. Pittsburgh's loss was bad and perhaps an indicator that this year's team may just not have 'it', whatever that may be. Cincy's loss though was outrageous. Watch the highlights if you haven't already seen what happened.
So anyway, at the end of the day, it wasn't all that bad a day for the 6-time champs. But the loss sure was a tough one to swallow - a defeat that never should have happened judging by the game statistics. Numbers only tell part of the story though sometimes. We all know that. Today was one of those days where Pittsburgh squandered plenty of positive plays on both offense and defense with a handful of critical mistakes.
Total Plays: Pittsburgh 78, Kansas City 55
Total Yards: Pittsburgh 515, Kansas City 282
Yards/Play: Pittsburgh 6.6, Kansas City 5.5
Time of Possession: Pittsburgh 39:47, Kansas City 20:13
Turnovers: Pittsburgh 3, Kasnas City 1
Final Score: Pittsburgh 24, Kansas City 27
Thoughts about the game and the immediate future for this team after the jump...
* I'm not sure what the prognosis is for right guard Chris Kemoeatu, but the mauler left the contest in the 3rd quarter with a sprained right MCL. As a point of reference, that's the same injury Troy Polamalu suffered in the opener against Tennessee. Polamalu missed about a month. We'll have to wait until later in the week to see how much time K will miss, but it's safe to assume that it will be at least two games. When he went out, rookie Ramon Foster was asked to step up on short notice. The undrafted free agent out of Tennessee didn't look awful, but it was late in the game when the Chiefs really started collapsing the interior of the Steelers offensive line. I have not re-watched the game, but my guess is that a sizable amount of responsibility falls at his feet. Foster has impressed coaches all training camp and season with his understanding of his assignments, so I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that he plays a bit better next week against Baltimore than he did. Sound unrealistic considering the Ravens have given the Steelers interior offensive linemen fits recently? Maybe. We'll see.
* Wow, the Chiefs have a special young talent in Jamaal Charles. The 2nd year back out of the University of Texas showed the world what top shelf track star speed looks like when he took the opening kickoff 97 yards to the house. With Stefan Logan in pursuit, Charles was able to basically coast in to the endzone for the final 10 yards. Charles also displayed toughness in the running game, an adept set of hands in the passing game, toughness fighting for yards after first contact, and an impressive sixth sense about how to pick up maximum yardage while protecting both his body and the football. The Chiefs will be a much more dangerous offense moving forward with him back there instead of Larry Johnson.
* If you think the Steelers don't have a total star in Santonio Holmes than you're really underappreciating just how good he's been for almost all of this year. Holmes had 7 more catches for 86 yards. Five of Holme's seven catches went for first down yardage; all five of those went for 12+ yards. Holmes has been so money in traffic, hasn't turned the ball over, continues to block down the field in both the passing and running game, and generally seems to be doing a great job assuming more of a leadership role this year. Remember when some folks were concerned about whether the Super Bowl MVP would start acting like a WR diva in his fourth year as he tried to establish himself on the national picture outside of the 'Burgh? Well, it hasn't happened.
* Perhaps Bruce Arians just isn't utilizing Holmes as well as he could be. That's debatable. I wouldn't say that Holmes hasn't been incorporated in to this offense to a considerable extent. But I do wonder why the Steelers wouldn't keep going back to those quick bubble screens out to Holmes time and time again until teams prove they can stop it. One of the things I've been most impressed by is Holmes' ability to get an angle on the cornerback when running after the catch. Often times he's the one delivering a stiff arm or dragging down defenders with him rather than other way around. Remember when the Patriots smoked the Steelers in 2007 - Tom Brady kept going to Wes Welker over and over again in the 2nd half on those quick hitting passes. Why not? We couldn't stop it. I wonder sometimes why teams in sports - and not just the Steelers - go away from what's working for no apparent reason.
* Sorry Mr. Arians, can't let the 3rd and 2 call in overtime go without mentioning just how atrocious that call was. First of all, it's pretty much totally futile to run sideline to sideline in the National Football League. Sweeps just get gobbled up in this league of insanely fast and sure tackling linebackers. Then, to call Mewelde Moore's number in that situation? Maybe Willie Parker in his prime; maybe Rashard Mendenhall on a day where he's displayed good balance and ball control. Sure, Charlie Batch had just been inserted in to the game so perhaps Arians didn't want to put too much on his shoulders in that situation. But that call makes no sense. Maybe just maybe Batch audibled out of something more reasonable to that call. If so, shame on Charlie. If not, we're left with one more piece of evidence that there's probably a better man for the job out there than Mr. Arians.
Let me ask you this though - why not call a timeout there? It's 3rd and 2 from the Kansas City 35 yard line on the opening drive of overtime. I'm actually not sure how many timeouts the Steelers had at that moment. In fact, I'm not sure if timeouts carry over from regulation or not, but it really doesn't matter. There's no more important moment in the game than that play. A first down and the Steelers are just about in Jeff Reed field goal range. You have your backup quarterback in there. It's the perfect time to talk things over and come up with a safe but well reasoned play call. The Steelers instead rushed things and lost 2 yards. Tomlin opted to punt the ball away on 4th and 4 from the 38 rather than to try a 55 yard field goal or to go for it.
* Some folks are probably up in arms about the decision to punt it there following the head scratching call on 3rd and 2. I don't know. I don't think there's anything wrong with the logic to punt it away there. The Steelers defense had still limited the Chiefs offense to just a shade over 200 yards of offense through 4 quarters of football. Nothing faulty about the logic to try to pin them deep and make them earn a trip in to Steelers territory for a potential game winning field goal. Last year, this defense makes that stop and gets the offense the back somewhere near mid field. Not this year. We all know what happened on the Chiefs final drive. It's worth nothing though that Daniel Sepulveda totally whiffed on his effort to pin KC deep. Once more, special teams rears its ugly head at the wrong time.
* I love Ryan Clark for a lot of reasons. I'll always remember his time in Pittsburgh fondly and admire him for how good a teammate he was, the heavy hits he delivered over the middle, and how he persevered and fought back from a near death experience to continue playing like a warrior for the organization each Sunday. It's tough watching him miss interception opportunities with such regularity though. I'll just leave it at that.
* Deshea Townsend continues to exhibit a substantial dropoff in his play compared to last year when he was an integral part of our top ranked defense. Re-watch the play that set up the Chiefs game winning field goal in overtime. It was a well designed and executed play by the Chiefs; and there was more than one Steeler who was out of position or taken out of the play by nice blocks. But sheesh, Townsend just got annihilated on the play which was partially why the race down the sideline was so wide open. Not sure there's much of a solution for the immediate future. This may just be a transition year of sorts for parts of this team.
* Back to the good news - the Steelers pass rush is heating up. Granted, the Chiefs don't sport one of the better offensive lines in the league. In fact, they're one of the worst. But 5 sacks today by the Steelers was still excellent to see. LaMarr Woodley had two, James Harrison one, and Lawrence Timmons and Casey Hampton had one a piece. Timmons played much better than he did last week, which is certainly something to feel good about moving forward.
* I loved that Charlie Batch came in and delivered a strike on his first pass of the game - a huge 17 yard completion to Santonio Holmes on a 2nd and 14 play early in overtime. It doesn't appear as if Ben Roethlisberger will miss any time due to the injury he sustained to his head. That's great news I suppose (though I hope he doesn't rush back just because of the enormity of next week's game). Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he stays upright and doesn't sustain any more potential concussions, BUT, if for whatever reason he needed to sit down for a game or however long, I hope the team goes to Dennis Dixon rather than Charlie Batch. I'm not going to really flesh out why because I'm just going to hope and assume our franchise quarterback is okay and stays that way. I will say this though - I think Dennis Dixon might be able to more effectively light light a spark under this team than would. And on a non-esoteric level - we saw the limits of Batch's arm strength when he almost had his pass outside to Mendenhall intercepted due to a startling lack of velocity on the throw.
* This one stung. That's enough from me for now. Next week's game is going to be awfully emotional for both teams. The Ravens and the Steelers are down on the mat heading in to the final 6 weeks of the season. But the winner next Sunday night will still be in plenty good shape in the standings and will have plenty of reason to believe they've got what it takes to make a push towards the playoffs and maybe even beyond.
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Clark's could have saved the game
There were lots of ‘moments’ in that game that could have gone the Steelers’ way and maybe helped them win. Charles’ kickoff was an early one; Taylor’s dropped INT a late one. And lots in between, like Miller’s tip for an interception,
But Ryan Clark took a horrendous angle on Chambers’ OT catch and run. If Clark makes the play (which he should have) that pass gets about 30 yards LESS and maybe the Chiefs don’t end up with an easy FG. It was just the final of many mistakes the Steelers made all day.
But a positive thing: If Pittsburgh had eked out a win, Rashard Mendenhall’s hustle, turning a pick-six into a field goal, was great. That’s the kind of hustle and effort that’s going to make him a real Steeler. While a back-up linebacker outran Santonio Holmes (explain that), Menendhall tracked down Studebaker and saved a TD. Would have been play of the game in a win. Love Mendenhall!!!!
Absolutely agree on Mendy! Tone had already given up and Mendy came across the field to make the tackle. With that kind of effort combined with his natural abilities he’s gonna be a hell of a back for us for years to come.
by BluegrassSteeler on Nov 23, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Mistakes
In the NFL you lose when:
1. Give up return touchdowns
2. Lose the turnover battle
The Steelers did both… Again…
by drew2colleen on Nov 23, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
????
the game was not televised where i live. it seemed like another “air Arians” day looking at the stats. was the running game that ineffective, or just some of his usual nonsense in playcalling?
DEFLATE AIR ARIANS
I agree with you, I been bitching about this for 5 weeks now, where the Hell did our groung game go, I’m talking about the part of the Steelers game teams used to FEAR, teams hated to face us because they just could not stop it, and now it’s all gone and we throw the ball for 500 yards and still lose. Sounds like an offensive coordinater problem to me. But when you score 24 points and still lose, sounds like a defensive problem as well. Hate to say it but they picked a bad time to go sour. Steel Curtain needs to go back to the basics, and that means Black & Blue poke your eyes out football. GET BACK ON THE GROUND BEFORE IT GETS TO LATE FELLAS. PLAY SOME BUST YOU UP,SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL THE OLD FASHION WAY. NOW GET YOUR ASS OUT THERE AND SMASH EM!!!!!!! LOOSESCREW
SAY IT LOUDER LOOSESCREW
i AGREE WITH YOU MAN, LET’S GET BACK TO THE BLACK & BLUE BALL. WE NEED TO JUST GO OUT AND PLAY SOME OF THAT OLD SMASH MOUTH PITTSBURGH STYLE FOOTBALL. CANNOT THINK OF A BETTER TIME TO START THAN THIS WEEK. LET’S START WITH A BALTIMORE STOMP!!!!!!!!!
I don't even know what to say...
First two posts?
'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 24, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Holmes had 7 more catches for 86 yards, increasing his season totals to
764 yards (76.4 ypg) and 1 TD. I think you meant to come back and fill that in and forgot. Anyway, how absurd is it that he only has 1 TD so far? I think that might be good evidence that BA is not getting Holmes involved enough.
Just some notes that you did not address, and sorry for my negative attitude, but I cannot help it after a loss like that.
Sepulveda OT Punt
I know you touched this a bit, but that punt was terrible. He didn’t punt for the corner or punt the ball high enough for the coverage to get under it. When you are punting from the other teams 38 it is not hard to pin it inside the 20. I could do that and I am not a professional punter. I love Sepulveda as much as anyone else, that man tattoos footballs. However, he appears to be less than average on short punts to pin teams down. I am interested to hear what other people think about this. Fire away.
Rashard Mendenhall
Great hustle yesterday on that INT tackle. We need more of that. However, Mendenhall was flirting with disaster all day. He runs standing up straight and gets tackled high almost every time he runs. It was purely luck that he did not fumble yesterday. Dude, when you see a defender coming put your shoulder down and lock the ball into your shoulder. It is that simple.
Lawrence Timmons
If you didn’t seem him on that final pass to end the game, rewatch it. That lack of hustle is the type of attitude that is causing us to have these gaffes/miscues.
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
However, he appears to be less than average on short punts to pin teams down.
Actually, I remember Blitz writing a post a long time ago about how Sepulveda was leading the league, or at least highly ranked in dropping punts in the 20. (last year) Uncharacteristic of him to endzone it, and I think 4 times out of 5, he gets it in in the 20.
That lack of hustle is the type of attitude that is causing us to have these gaffes/miscues.
Agree- the team seemed to be shocked that KC fought as hard as they did- and it honestly looked like we flat out stopped giving 100% earlier in the game. I bet they even told themselves it was going to be an easy game. They need to remember every team brings the A-game against us, they allw ant to beat the super bowl champs. Nothing like that to fire up a lockeroom.
Yeah but how many of those pins come from deeper punts? It seems like when he is on the other teams side of the field or deeper and cannot rely on his booming kicks he does bad. Like yesterdays punt, it was way too low and not angled to the outside of the field. I would be interested to see the dispersion in his punts within the 20 on the opponents side of the field.
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
I would agree that we need to get Holmes more involved in our gameplan, especially more in the red zone. Why not get him on a quick hitting slant or screen and let him run with the ball down there, he has proven he is excellent with the ball in his hands making defenders miss. Get some big bodies in front of him on a screen and let them escort him to the endzone. One thing that is frustrating with him has been his inability to hold on to the ball in the end zone. He was dropped 2 grabs that would have resulted in 6 and each potentially could have one us the game, Chicago and Cincinatti two weeks ago.
It’s just very disappointing to watch this team every week to blow an opportunity to put the game out of reach. We got 6 weeks to correct the problems lets hope it can get done.
wake-up call
this could be the wake-up call our steelers badly need at this point…I sure hope so…they can still limp their way to the finish line.. if they dig deep enough.. the O line…Defense..Special Teams and coaching staff all will have to fully commit..if they have not done so yet…no NFL team is going to lay down and cower because steelers are the defending champs…if this embarrasing loss to a 2-7 chiefs will not do it then they don’t deserve a shot at greatness (meaning back-to-back SB trophy)..there’s always next year I guess..but don’t give up just yet..miracles do still happen…and we’re due for one(a really big one)..
miracle yes
I really am hoping for one because I don’t remember any Super Bowl champions who were inconsistent and loses to 2-7 teams like KC. Granted we have injuries but we are still suppose to beat them, there is a first time for everything.
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Nov 23, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Strange stuff.
I don’t know what else to say but……
It seems to me that if the Steelers could pehaps NOT allow TDs on a turnover play, or TD returns from kicks and punts, then that would correct 90% of the problem!
We all know the pass protection story and that BB loves make the big play and hold the ball…but that is not the issue.
No no no. It’s special teams and making the tackles!!!! On that kickoff return I thought I counted at least 6 or 7 missed tackles! Unacceptable. I don’t know if it’s a coaching thing, or brain locks, or that they are just stressed out and freeze up on these plays…but it CAN be fixed!
Again…if they fixed those things this team would be in great shape to dominate!
This team is not being dominated and it’s shooting itself in the foot. Maybe Rooney needs to get back from Ireland and deliver a big speech and/or break something!
3rd and 2 Arians puts in Moore and run’s a sweep? WTF! The secondary dropped to many INT’s and we had more turnover’s that were back breaker’s, Mendenhall saved the day!! What hustle! Get the ball into Mendenhall’s hand’s more often he make’s things happen!!!
Once again in the red zone and we make many mistakes this game should have been 34- 13
This is why we aren’t winning our division this year, and maybe not even a wildcard!!
i saw that on gamecast and was wondering what prompted him to run the ball with moore in such a critical down. Why not give it to the guy who has been producing all day? Such a f-ing tard
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Nov 23, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
at least you're not the Bengals
freakin AFC West, oh well.
Good luck this week.
3 yards and a pile of dust
Losing to the Chiefs is just as bad as losing to the Raiders
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 23, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
hopefully i’ll eat enough turkey to forget this past weekend, and wake up in time to watch a cleveland thrashing
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on Nov 23, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
This game was effing pathetic!
It is beyond me how we got owned by the Chiefs, but we did, and it sucks!!! I am still steaming mad about this game!
The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done."
-George Carlin
I wouldn't necessarily say we got "owned"...
Beat, yes, clearly, but they were far from owning us. Tough loss, yes, I feel your frustartion. I know it’s a matter of small potatos, your wording, but I felt there was a difference to note.
'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 23, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Disgusting
I’m still mad at that damn 3rd and 2 call with Moore carrying for a 2 yard loss. Mendy had just ripped off a 7 and 8 yard gain. Just a horrible call. Speaking of Moore, he has given up at least 4 sacks in the past 3 games. Not sure what’s going on but he is getting blown by LB’s. They have to fix that and quick.
No Worse Off
No worse off than last week. Once we lost to Cincinnati last week the Steelers were left essentially chasing a 5 or 6 seed in the playoffs and being forced to go on the road for the playoffs. The loss to KC yesterday just cements those thoughts rock solid.
The 2009 Steelers are who they are. They are a giving band of brothers, regularly offering up free points to the opposition while the defense rests. Yesterday was no exception. They are also a first half team that doesn’t go for the kill. They are disjointed on offense with no plan other than to hit the big play. Their HOF defensive leader is IR week to week giving the opponent late opportunity when the door is left open.
I still think they can pull it together and hold off Jax, Hou Den etc for the 5 or 6 seed and maybe go “Road Warrior” on Cin, NE and Indy. Unlikely with their play so far but possible. Bottom line, Tomlin is a good HC. With time and experience he will improve and he has already won a Lombardi. But Tomlin has been here long enough and has yet to make a coaching change. This will probably be the off season of his discontent. He needs to pull the trigger on the coaches at OC, OL and ST. Ben is a big boy and will be ok with a different OC that has a better plan. It’s time for Tomlin to hold some of his underlings responsible for the Steelers being who they are and who they are not.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
We are a lot worse off
Last week our QB didn’t have a potential concussion and our back-up out with a wrist injury. Also, Kemo’s status is up in the air.
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
Ben is fine. Link below says he is ok.
The O line gives up 5 sacks a game with or without Kemo. If they continue to play like yesterday they will win another 2 games and finish 8-8. As stated above if they pull it together and finish 10-6 or 11-5 they could make the playoffs. Either way, they are who they are. The same team as last week. No worse. Just as disjointed. A turnover prone, big play first half team with porous ST.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09327/1015649-66.stm
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Have you ever had a concussion? It doesn’t sound like it.
I used to play lacrosse in HS and I had got one from a sub-200lb high schooler. It hurt like hell and took me about 3 weeks to fully recover. Ben got hit by a guy probably twice that kids size and triple his strength. The team may be saying “Ben is fine” but that isn’t a type of injury that has no lasting effects, your freaking brain slaps against your skull!
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
I actually question whether it was a concussion or not. If it was, Ben is not playing. You can get hit hard in the head without getting a concussion. When I saw the hit I was much more worried about his neck.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
it was a concussion-oriented thing -Tomlin
They still haven’t said if it is or is not. Judging by the hit I thought it was at least a mild concussion. My own concussion came coupled with a very sore neck. How much has Dixon developed? I’d much rather put him out there than risk the 100 million dollar man.
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
Concussion-oriented is the silliest comment from Tomlin I’ve ever heard.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
Agreed...
He could have gone with injury oriented thing. Even more vague.
'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 23, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Haha
“Ben Roethlisberger may or may not have played Sunday where he possibly suffered a minor or major injury.”
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
go diss some other team
"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 24, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Que?
'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 24, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
agreed that we're worse off
Last year’s team were road warriors. This year has been thoroughly disappointing, often playing down to opponents, spotting points off mental mistakes, and an inabiility to close out, even in games where they’ve largely dominated.
Last year, or 3 years ago are irrelevant. We need to play better football right now. That doesn’t mean the sky is falling, but the current effort will not get us to January football.
by chicos_pants on Nov 23, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
The Point Of The Post
is we are no worse off than LAST WEEK. We are still chasing a 5 or 6 seed in the playoffs are we not?
Of course we’re worse off than last year chico. We won the Super Bowl last year…
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
We dropped from 5th seed to 6th seed. A win tonight by the texans puts us on the outside looking in. Every week is important, and every loss is important.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
no doubt 99. I just already came to the realization of what some are now realizing. I don’t think the Steelers are for real this year. I love them. I will root for them weekly. But they have some serious problems and are 10 games in. They are who they are.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
I don’t think the Steelers are for real this year.
Agreed. It’s sad, but right now, it’s true.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
It is really too bad if you ask me. They definitely have the talent to win, but something just is not right in the attitudes of the players. They seem lackadaisical quite often.
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
The steelers can beat new orleans, indy, the vikings (obviously), the pats, anyone.
The steelers can lose to the chiefs (obviously), the browns, the lions, the raiders.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
At the bar watching the game yesterday the Steelers game was on a TV side-by-side with the Vikings game. In a half-drunken state I kept yelling “how the f—- did we beat the Vikings” every time the Chiefs made a big play. It’s perplexing.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
sadly and tearfully agreed
"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 24, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
like i said
we are looking at 9-7 and third place! If we lose to the ravens this week…and they smell blood in the water…third place is a reality
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 23, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
The ravens and bengals haven’t exactly looked like world-beaters.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
did you see the upset we had to watch against the bengals cuz i sure did! we are on extremely shaky sensitive grounds right now we can’t diss the teams that are realistically better than us right now!!!
"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 24, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
really can’t see that happening, but possible, i am getting sick just thinking about it. We can also still win the division!
by Bleed-Black&Gold on Nov 23, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Dont worry
We will go in as a WC with a 11-5 record.
We will sweep the Ravens but lose to Miami in their house.
sweep???
How do u figure that??? split, maybe..they will be ready this sunday evening and without troy and BB…you can smell the blood in the water.
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 23, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
there’s no source saying that Ben isn’t playing, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Same with Troy.
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 23, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
IDK BOUT Troy
"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 24, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
we’d have to transform because what we are is nowhere neart where we wanna be!
"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 24, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
we had bad game then champion games and somehow we turned around and right now we’re at bad games again
"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 24, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
i feel the exact same way, well put
"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 24, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
We’re worse off because we are chasing the division leaders and the wildcard with one less win. Jacksonville (?!?) is currently tied with us and has a better conference record, and we have one less game with which to catch up. We blew a perfect opportunity to catch up to the bengals, and on top of that are now being put in a place to be behind the ravens next week in the wildcard hunt with a loss next week to the ravens.
On top of that the cluster of wildcard teams in our immediate W/L range is huge, though fortunately the awful looking broncos are on the slide and we have a game over them. Lets not kid ourselves, we are worse off.
If anything, yesterday re-affirmed though that the division title is up for grabs and the bengals could lose to anyone. The steelers can too. The steelers can just as easily claim the #3 seed as they can miss the playoffs this year.
It’s just that now we have one less game with which to do so. 6 games left.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
No Worse Off Than Last Week
1) we were chasing the division leaders last week too were we not?
2) Steelers were a disjointed turnover prone first half team last week and they still are.
3) You are right. We are one week closer to the end of the season. Is that a bad thing the way they are playing?
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
3) You are right. We are one week closer to the end of the season. Is that a bad thing the way they are playing?
I love watching the steelers play every week, even this last one when they made me bury my head in shame. I don’t concede that the steelers will lose every game from here on out. I expect them to win every week.
Their possible record is now 12-4, last week it was 13-3.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
me too. I love extra Steelers games at the end of the year. I just think this year we might only get one. If they continue to play like yesterday…nada
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
This year could be a combination of 2006/2007. In 2006 we lost some stinkers, in 2007 we were all aware they didn’t have what it took to go all the way, but held out hope anyhow.
The plan can land, but we’re running out of runway.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
3 points, 3 responses:
1) Last week we were a game behind CIN, but there were too many assumptions about their strength of remaining schedule and the probability that they’d win out. As CIN showed in OAK (and KC showed us), there’s still plenty of football left and noboby’s clinched the AFCN yet.
2) The Steelers haven’t really put together an outstanding game in all 3 phases or really took charge over a full game. Yet they managed 6-2 at the halfway point and showed mid-season progress in some noted early season weaknesses (O line, running game). Either the last two weeks were an aberration or we should lower our expectations from the reigning SB champs. You are what you are, but 6-4 does not seal this season.
3) This is bulls@%! — why bother rooting at all if we’re gonna write them off after a rough patch? Especially since no post-season positions are even set. Don’t know about you, but I enjoy watching the Steelers even if they lose and I rarely want any season to ever end. Everyone wants a championship, but 31 teams go without it every year. The Steelers still have an opportunity and they have the talent in most areas. They need to get their s@%! together
by chicos_pants on Nov 23, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
No Doubt chicos
We’re all still here. Who is writing them off? Just griping after a debacle. As my original post states;
“I still think they can pull it together and hold off Jax, Hou Den etc for the 5 or 6 seed and maybe go "Road Warrior" on Cin, NE and Indy. Unlikely with their play so far but possible.”
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
nobody is denying
that they CAN do it! But will they?? At this point, I have no reason to believe it..with every loss, we put a good spin on it…Remember, unlike 2005, we did not get swept by a divisional foe..
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 23, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
It's called optimism...
Not everything is an end of the world scenario. But go ahead and tell me how I’ve drank the koolaid or whatever your line is.
'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 24, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
I wont..
But, I am hoping for the best..
by nycsteelerfan on Nov 24, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Jamaal Charles
Good shout out to him. He was arguably the best player on the field yesterday. Exciting talent for them.
I loved the play where Clark lit him up and he kept his balance and got a couple extra yards. Nobody on our side loves contact more than Clark and he jumped up after that play and smacked Charles on the helmet. Class move and a well-earned show of respect from a big hitter.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 23, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions
Just to congrats Steelers' fans on a great game.
Will be rooting for you guys to end your losing streak next week, in Baltimore. Best of luck for the rest of the season.
With the kick coverage struggling, I just don’t get kicking deep to any team that has trouble establishing itself on offense. Given the 500+ total yards, the Steelers should not have been worried about a shorter field for KC or longer field for PIT. KC didn’t move the ball at all except for their long TD drive and OT and didn’t come to life until the 3rd. Give up the shorter field and take the longer field on offense, or contain them to FGs. This wasn’t the Saints or Pats who will make you pay for that decision. Yeah, we should be able to cover a routine KO without disaster, but that’s been a tall order this year. Don’t just kick it out of bounds, but, maybe the risk-reward dictates kicking it towards the sideline and living with playing D from the 40.
Then again, the Chiefs hadn’t taken a kick to the house since Dante Hall did it like 5 years ago.
Source?
Wall of Shame
"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
PIT 24 KC 27
That might be the last game of his career.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
if it was (which it probably was) he was one of the best back up QBs in Steelers history. That game in Green Bay in 2005 was clutch. We don’t get to XL without him.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
That seals it
we need to draft a QB 3rd to 5th round
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
That sounds like a brilliant idea.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
What I meant was
if Dixon gets #2, we still need a #3. Batch will probably retire (I hope so).
"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin
I find it highly unlikely, and by that I mean impossible, that the steelers will roll with two untested drafted QB.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
I saw talk around somewhere they might try to grab up Leftwich in the off season.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
He may be willing to accept that now.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
He'll probably accept ...
……being a #2 but didn’t he sign a 2 year deal in Tampa. I don’t see them cutting him.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 23, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
You don’t?
Lefty is making 2 million this year. Written into the contract is a 3.5 million dollar roster bonus if he is on the team to start the 2010 season. Do you see the bucs paying a QB $5.5 million to sit on the bench? I sure don’t.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
We could probably sign a 3rd QB some where in FA. Did Graham Harrell land anywhere?
Just looked it up, apparently he is signed in the CFL. Never understood the abrupt drop off and why that kid couldn’t make a team.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
I did
I watched the Senior bowl and his always hit the ground ten yards down field. Made Pennington look like he had a cannon arm.
How did he injure it?
i don’t recall him taking any big shots.
Coaches and Players - wake up !!
Thanks for keeping this site interesting and passionate. I haven’t responded here since last year but the frustration has built up to a new high this season. I agree with many thoughts presented here, a few of my own…
1) Stop kicking the ball to the deep returner. The coaches can say whatever they want but they are responsible for the strategy and tactics. Your team has proven time and again that this is a weakness. Stop beating a dead horse and accept your situation – your coverage unit stinks – don’t let that unit get you beat continually.
2) Timmons is hurt or something is wrong. Although the strip/sack was great, he isn’t the same guy. You watch him move (or not move) on any given play the last 2 games, something is wrong and it is hurting the club to play him. The last big play is a perfect illustration – he either can’t or won’t play at 100% speed/effort.
3) BB is hurt again precisely because Arians is throwing the ball too often. They have not been commited to running the ball since he took over. This is why they can not run the ball when they need to late in games, especially with the defense mobbing the LOS. No FB is on this offense – what does that tell you about this guy’s philosophy? KC’s defense is one of the worst in the league and he gave up on Mendenhall late in the game. Why?
4) Defense is awesome until the end of the game, then they fall apart to a certain degree. It’s more than Troy being out. Clark is a big hitter who ended up on his ass twice versus Charles and whiffed in the crucial moment. Townsend looks lost as he is often and Ike Taylor still can’t hold on to the ball when it really counts. The DBs look terrible in crunch time and no pressure on opposing QB when they absolutely have to have it. What gives
The Steelers are finding ways to lose and that is the mark of a bad football team. The KO coverage unit is bad and remains a glaring weakness. Maybe after a SB win, no one wants to play special teams… maybe attitude is creeping in to this group…. something needs to change before it is too late.
"Franz" in NoCal
good to see ya franz
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 23, 2009 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
DaTruth is at a loss for words after this loss and that doesn't happen often
Give me a couple of days and I’ll get back to you. No rose colored glasses need apply right now, this team is struggling right now in all three phases. My boy D. Woods and the special teams gave up another one, un-freaking-believable! Just a terrible, terrible loss for the Steelers.
Good post Blitz.
I’m glad that you called out Sepulveda. Both teams’ punters had 6 punts in this game. Colquitt’s average was 47.8 yds. compared to Sepulveda’s 39.2-yd. average. That’s a pretty big difference I’d say. While Sepulveda hasn’t shanked any punts that I can recall, we’re not getting the placement or distance from this guy that everyone expected.
Defense
Troy being out hurts obviosly. You can see on every big play it’s on Carter or Deshea. But, some other guys are killing us as well. Timmons has to be hurt cuz he isn’t as dynamic as we are used to seeing. Woodley is playing better but looks a bit overweight and slow. We are not hearing JF’s name near as much. He is slowing down. and…no DB can catch the damend ball. I love Clark but he is a hitter not a ball hawk. Ike can’t catch and never will. Although that was an interception and a fumble at the end of the game.
This D is a tad above average.
Super Bowl hangover
it happens all the time..most SB champs go thru some kind of deep funk or post- championship hangover…we expected this.. but somehow it happened a little later than we expected..if you look at the NFL archives you’ll notice that this is quite common…though there were exceptions of course… like steelers ‘74 & ’75 and steelers ’79 & ’80…doubtfull if steelers ’09 fit the same mold..perhaps… but looking iffy right now…most of us thought we’d escape this jinx..but he we are midway thru the season and the hangover is showing up bigtime..mike tomlin will have to deal with it…and fast…he has plenty of smarts to deal with this one…and plenty of guts to make tough calls too…I’m sure he and the coaching staff have been sort of expecting it..if they did not then they have not done their homework well..get that Plan B out…pronto!
Thanks Blitz
Just started coming over here (from MSN/FOX) and appreciate that you write knowledgeably and that you take writing seriously.
My humble thoughts….hope Ben is alright, but also look forward to to Dixon filling in if needed and maybe surprising us, rising to the occasion. As a team, they may be defending champs, but now they need an underdog mindset fighting for respect. I have noticed all along that people weren’t really giving the Steelers much attention or credit, but then again, they are always under the radar from a hype standpoint.
Design some roll outs for Ben and get him moving. Ben has to use his head more and be smart. Physically his days of winning on natural talent are shorter all the time. If he can just give in to that, he will sustain that talent and channel it for a longer and more successful career. He will change his legacy for the worse if he is stubborn and keeps trying what worked before.
Just an amateur opinion, but I look forward to seeing what develops over the next 4 games.
thanks twell for the words
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 23, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
very possible
God knows Arians doesnt ever, EVER run on 3rd and short. So you may be on to something.
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 23, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Steelers considering Garcia, Lemon at QB; to work out 6 QBs tomorrow
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Source-Steelers-talking-about-Garcia-with-Batch-hurt.html
This is saying that the Steelers are taking a look at Jeff Garcia and Cleo Lemon at QB. I imagine the guy that they had in the preseason, Mike Reilly, will be back as well if he is available (though I think he might be on a practice squad). Not much out there right now, at any position.
Always liked Garcia
Probably one of the most underrated QBs to play the game. He was the reason the Eagles made it to the playoffs in 2006. I’d love to see him suit up in black and gold.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
He is going to Denver
That’s the latest rumors I heard.
4th and 2
Tomlin goes along to his own beat, but I wonder if all the noise this past week with people going crazy over the pats 4th down attempt colored his thoughts.
Playing for overtime by punting at your own 43. I guess, but it reveals a lack of confidence in both offense and defense.
And punting again on the opp 38? This was 4 down territory. A coach thinking 4 downs, probably won’t call the same play on 3rd and 2. Mendy was running well up the middle. Call another run up the middle. If it gets a couple yards, that’s basically the game.
ah well, it’s best to spend as little time as possible thinking about this game. This outcome will only ever matter if the steelers fall 1 game short of making the postseason.
this loss hurt
almost as badly as that Oakland loss four years ago. I haven’t been able to even think about turning on any sports news. I usually avoid sports news after a loss like this, or any loss for that matter, it’s just too depressing. I came here because misery loves company.
I have not been one to blame Arians for everything, but on that 3rd and 2, wow.
Not sure how I feel about Garcia, I guess I like it. My brain’s still a little foggy from yesterday to think about a back up qb clearly.
Agree
Horrible call on 3rd and 2. and that after Mendy blasted for 7, 8 and 7 yards. I gurantee he gets 2 yards on that play. Also, they may want to think about using Mendy as a 3rd down back. Moore is getting beat badly the past few weeks.
also
Ben has to be smarter then that head first dive/fall. What the hell!
that was 'ben being ben'
its going to kill him. i bet he thought the same riding around on a motorcycle without a helmet. just ben being ben . :(
Let me ask you this though – why not call a timeout there? It’s 3rd and 2 from the Kansas City 35 yard line on the opening drive of overtime. I’m actually not sure how many timeouts the Steelers had at that moment. In fact, I’m not sure if timeouts carry over from regulation or not, but it really doesn’t matter.
You get two timeouts in OT.
I also would not have minded a timeout after Ike dropped the INT. This may have been covered, but I don’t have the heart to look through the archives, but our defense did not look at all set on that third down where the chiefs sealed the game.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
I think they didn’t call a timeouot when Ike dropped the INT because it was an INT and a fumble. I thought we got lucky on that one until Chambers went 61 yards on us. The same Chambers who was cut two weeks ago by the Chargers. ugghhh
I think a valid assumption is always that Ike did not catch the ball.
It most certainly was an incomplete pass, but being hurried, I can see why they might have thought otherwise. Your defense not being ready is never a good thing, though, and they were completely jumbled in the center of the field.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
important things to be resolved
Special teams need to stop allowing touchdowns on kick and punt returns, Defense needs to stop allowing points in the 4th quarter, Offense needs to stop giving turnovers, and Bruce Arians needs to stop calling a ton of passing plays in tight contested games when the running game is having some success, and stop the propensity for the empty back set formations that has no threat of a run where Big Ben consistently gets beat up without the extra back for pass protection
you are forgetting that the empty backfield worked, once.
BA is hell bent on proving it will work again. ‘this time they won’t be prepared!’ he thinks.
Dixon is a QB.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
Nevermind, I think I forgot all of his hustle bustle in pre-season.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
anyone wonder how
That LB beat Holmes 80 yards on the INT? You telling me Mendy is that much faster than Holmes? Literally, Studabaker just ran away from Santonio…..I still have to go watch that and figure out how that happened.
They have virtually equivalent 40 times.
We don’t like to think about fatigue, but santonio was in on every snap of that drive I believe. Indeed, on that drive Holmes had 3 catches, and 1 deep attempt (read: a lot of running). Mendenhall on the other hand came in just 3 snaps before hand with Parker doing most of the lifting on that drive.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
Also
I think I saw Tone go down from some contact as Studebaker got the INT. So, I think by the time he got back up and started pursuing, that was about all he could master after the drive that SG99 just described.
he may have went down
But watch the replay again. He is a yard behind him around the 20 I seem to recall and never catches him….never. In fact, he loses ground. No big deal, wasn’t the most important thing in the game but still, I cannot fathom how a LB outran a receiver for 70 yards
Notes on notes
1. I hope Chris K’s Injury isn’t too serious and he’ll return in 2-3 wks and blitz is right, Foster didn’t look awful, a little out of sync but not for a guy with minimal reps going into the game. The truth is however, Big Ben was doing a lot of scrambling before Chris K’s injury and he was playing against a Chiefs team that had only 12 sacks B4.
2. Blitz questioned Arians use of Holmes and I remembered something that occurred to me watching the Colts-Pats game the previous Sunday. Chris Collinsworth a few times had pointed out situations in which the Colts receivers by design toke advantage of the db’s reaction to the same play run earlier and thought, I’ve never heard that observation about our offense. Maybe I’ve just missed it, if so feel free to correct me(as if you need my permission).
3.Blitz, given Arians’ weekly propensity to forsake playcalling based on game situations for a grab bag approach, the singling out of the 3rd and 2 as atrocious a bit like curing the symptom and ignoring the disease form of medicine. How’s is your malpractice insurance: )
4. I agree with the observations on Clark but to me of more concern is the absence of Mundy, he’s missing out on a big opportunity to step up here. He has the bits an pieces to play but clearly isn’t putting a package together that will warrant increased playing time. This is disappointing.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 23, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions
Did Batch call audible?
Everyone is blaming BA for the 3rd and 2 call in OT but I really believe that Batch called an audible to the pitch out. He may have already been hurt before and that could have been why he threw the floater to Mendy that was almost an INT. I think he hurt his wrist on that throw and called an audible to run because he couldn’t throw but the defense didn’t know that so he tried to catch them off guard. I thought it was a good call but poorly executed. 8/10 times MM gets the two yards.
I hope "NFL NETWORK" Shows this game.
They do a good job of editing post game commentary into the game on “Replay”.
" MR.24 "
Tuesday
I’m pretty sure I saw the NFLN display that the replay of this game is scheduled for Tuesday. Watch the replay of the highlights (if you can stomach them) on their Gameday Final show and I think they flash that on the screen.
mewlede sweep on 3rd and 2
I also hated this call; it made no sense unless Batch injury prevented a pass play. Even so, why not leave your best back in and run your best back? Also, this was a time to go for it on 4th and 3. I know Bill Belichech would have.
I don’t agree with the call, either.
Having written that, if they leave Mendy in on 3rd down, it looks like an obvious running play. With Moore on the field, there is a greater chance the defense reads it as a pass… thus making the pitch at least a little sneaky.
So, while I don’t like the call for a pitch, I understand why they used Memo. (If, in fact, this was the play that Arians called.)
Does anyone else feel that the Steelers are pressing?
It seems to me that they are playing tight…with the exception of Ben (who sometimes plays a little too loose). As if they are putting unnecessary pressure on themselves. It becomes even more obvious in games against lesser opponents and would also explain the lack of turnovers, poor special teams play, etc…
It’s not an “attitude” of thinking they’re a good squad, but rather a subconscious feeling of trying to live up to expectations.
I’m definitely not subscribing to the theories of one poor play call (or even 10) having that much impact, or Troy being out changing things to the point where the Bears are all of a sudden better then us, or that we simply “suck”.
It just seems like something I’ve seen before. And even experienced, to a lesser extent of course and in a different sport.
Bottom line, this is a very talented squad, that for some reason isn’t playing to it’s potential. The Steelers shouldn’t be in 90% of the situations they find themselves in. They are good enough to overcome the loss of key players and potentially poor play calling and even an off day by a player or 2. I’d like to see them just relax.
Blitzburgh said he thought the Ravens were not that great this year
Wonder if he feels that way about the Steelers now……
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I think it’s clear that both teams aren’t playing up to the expected level. I’m not ready to give up on either team, though. I’m pretty sure that despite our respective records, no team will want to see Pittsburgh or Baltimore in January. Both teams have the talent and the coaching…it’s been execution (at least for the Steelers) that’s been failing. A lack of execution can be fixed, and lack of talent can’t.
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 23, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
Have you guys ever beaten the Colts? It sure doesn’t seem like it. Goodness that team beats your team up like a red-headed step child.
Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27
Yes we have beaten the Colts
And we lost by 2 points. Not exactly getting beat up. We actually played better between the 20’s than the Colts did.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Return from Ireland
Maybe it is time for Rooney to show his face in the locker room ??
man! 3rd and 2 from rival’s 35 on first drive in OT?? should’ve been a no-brainer: Run it down the middle with your most sure-handed carrier, if you make the 1st down, well…, if you don’t make it, then try to kick a 50+ yd field goal to win the game. If you miss the FG attempt, remember your D is preety damn good… i know they didn’t stop the chiefs from their 20 but the difference would’ve been that at least you gave it a try to win the game and not just handed the ball over in OT without even trying a hard but doable FG… sheeez!!… what’s wrong with the coaching staff? ….. I know the main problem this season is special teams, but still, is a good enough team to cover up for that and still win games that should’ve been won. What the heck are we doing going to OT against the chiefs in the first place I’m blaming Arians directly for not being able to put just (just!!) 3 more points on the board during any of the 60 minutes of football. 3 more points on each of those L’s and they would’ve been W’s and the Steelers would be marching on 9-1 or 10-0, and that trickles down to the 3rd (and 4th) down convertion ratio, which some of it is to blame to execution but more is to blame on PLAY CALLING!!!! RUN MORE THE FREAKING FOOTBALL!!!! don’t fogret the essentials now…
well, i hope we still make it to playoffs but something needs to be done with the offensive coordinator spot if the Steelers want to have a shot….
One comment about Arians
I will resist getting into issues of who must go, or Hell and Damnation just now. It was a difficult game to watch because from the very beginning the Steelers seemed hellbent on giving this one away. So, like Datruth, I will reserve extensive comment until later, much later.
I do confess to having been on the Rehabilitate Arians bandwagon of late, and will not jump off…yet. But there is one thing that he does that drives me ABSOLUTELY CRAZY! If someone can explain this to me and talk me down from the ledge I would be deeply appreciative.
Early in the game Mendenhall has this great run; at least 7-8 yards leaving us with a second and relatively short. The very next play the Steelers come out in an empty backfield formation. Understand, I don’t much care if you run or pass on the play, the point can be made about either option. But it would seem to me that right after you gash a team on the ground for over five yards that you would like to line up in such a manner that running the ball again was at least an option. Am I wrong about this? Am I so goddamn ignorant that I don’t see the inherent genius in removing the running game as a threat right after you just kicked their teeth in with a running play? Will someone please explain?
There has never been any coherence to Arians’ playcalling, it seems as if there is no big picture game plan to work towards other than 300yds passing/100yds rushing.
There is no situational preparation, no situational creation meaning using a series of deliberate step by step methods to achieve these goals, instead there is just a bingo bag …..B7..B7……………….E11….E11………………D2…D2, pull a play and call it out.
That’s why, at least in my opinion, our offense seems fragile even when we’re executing well, a couple of wrong calls and the opponent is yelling BINGO
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Nov 24, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
Rashard
I gotta give a shout out to Mendenhall for being the only who looked like he was putting all his energy into the game on the Steelers side. Did you see him run that Chiefs defensive player and tackle him 95 yards down the field to prevent them from scoring a touchdown?! Mendenhall, you are awesome :D
Bruce Arians
At some point the Steelers have to stop hiding thier collective heads in the sand and admit finally that Arians can’t call a pro game if his life depended on it. We lost two OT games in two weeks with the team sitting at mid field and a chance to put the game away. Normally I’d go with the premise that the the OC is only as good as his team’s ability to execute the play but facing key plays in both games and you don’t put the ball in your best players hands is inecusable. handing the ball off to Moore on a 3rd and 3 or calling a draw on a 3rd and 7 just boggles the mind. Trying to take a rookie QB deep on first down when you need 15 yards was just plain stupid.
That’s just those two games…forget about sitting Mendenhall in the 3rd quarter every game in favor of drive killing willy or his predictable play calling on just about every other play it’s no wonder that this team is 6 and 5
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