Steelers Playing For Pride For The First Time In The Mike Tomlin Era
by Michael Bean on Dec 13, 2009 9:05 PM EST
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PrintIt was a dark day in Steeler Nation on Friday. The beloved Steelers had lost the previous night to the win deprived Cleveland Browns. For as bad as the Steelers had been during their four game losing streak prior to Thursday's game, there was at least a small glimmer of hope that they could get back on track with a win against Cleveland. That's what happens when Pittsburgh and Cleveland meet up recently. The Steelers had won the previous 12 games against their longtime divisional rivals. The streak was snapped with the loss, and with it, Pittsburgh's 2009 playoff chances most likely.
"There's nothing fun about losing games, especially five in a row. We're better than that. We should play better than that. With three games left, you're going to see who really wants to go out here and play for the pride of this organization and this city and who doesn't want to be around here."
-- Hines Ward
That's right. These last three games are all about pride for the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2007 and 2008, the Steelers had everything to play for leading up to their final game of the season. In '07 that was the playoff loss to Jacksonville in the Wild Card round. In '08, the season ended in Phoenix at the Super Bowl. In '09, the season essentially ended last Thursday night when they fell to 6-7. Of course, there is still a number of scenarios in which they could still very much make the playoffs, but at this point, it's becoming as unlikely that they'd get all the scoreboard help they'd need as it is that they'll win their final three games.
What will we see from the team in those three games? Will they be feeling too sorry for themselves to compete for a full 60 minutes. They better be for their own safety, because the Packers, Ravens and Dolphins are all still alive and kicking for a coveted playoff berth.
Regardless of how this final three weeks plays out, we'll learn something about this collection of players and coaches. Hopefully it's for the better, and we're celebrating their resolve and looking forward to seeing what the 6 time champs have in store for 2010. If not and we see a team not live up to what the organization - the ownership, fans, and winning tradition - stands for, then it will be equally interesting to see what changes might be in store this coming spring and summer.
I'm off the road now and will be back writing regularly tonight and throughout the week.
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Suddenly Old?
If there was one reason I hadn’t thought of as to how this horrible thing could happen, Ed Bouchette has interesting point…..the team is old…..maybe age has finally jumped on them and mugged them of their skills from the SB till now. Makes sense…..
Kinda scary though because where are the up and comers???
where are they?
Mike Wallace, Rashard Mendenhall, Lamar Woodley…
by steelersfan86 on Dec 14, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know if it's age, but the lack of speed & playmaking ability in the secondary is killing us
However, that still doesn’t explain why this D is getting gashed on the run. I don’t think Casey is washed up but I do believe Farrior’s arrow is pointing downward now. Many people seem down on Timmons, but I think he’s had a better year than Farrior when he’s been healthy and played.
Nowhere to run and hide this week for our secondary. It either steps up or Aaron Rogers is going to quick-slant them to death. Either they will prove that they are mice or MEN (and in the background, Ike, Clark, Carter and Gay all said in unison, “I like CHEESE!!!!!!!”
by datruth4life on Dec 15, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Hines has it right.
A championship team doesn’t get old in the course of one season. It’s a lot of different factors all working together. While key injuries have played a big role on the D, we’ve seen the rest of the league catch up with the Steeler offense, which has mostly been healthy throughout the season.
But as Hines said, there’s also been a definite drop-off in performance by the entire team in the past 5 weeks. They’re just not playing up to the Steeler standard anymore. In the league today, all it takes is a little drop-off and you can slide from 6-2 to 6-7 pretty fast.
I was thinking a day or two ago that now that the Steelers have just about blown their playoff chances, they will probably win out, miss the playoffs, and pick in the late teens or early 20s in next year’s draft. I certainly don’t want them to lose out. In fact, I’d like to see them get 2-3 more wins, so Ben can be the winningest QB in his first 6 years, just like the record he set in his first 5 years. But, it may cost them down the road in draft position. Anyway, we’ll see what happens I guess. Regardless, it does look like our coaching staff will have some new faces next year. Although, I’m pretty much giving up with this season, I could see this year setting the stage for the next run, just like 2003 set the stage for this run, putting us in the position to draft a franchise QB.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2009 10:16 PM EST reply actions
I'm starting to think...
That short of repeating, this might be the best thing that could have happened to this team. Now they’re going to have to take a long look at themselves and really try to get better. No more of the “yeah but we won the Superbowl that way” talk. The offense and special teams coaching needs improvement, the defense needs some retooling, time to go to work and find an identity…
Please stop unleashing hell, coach, I can't take it anymore!!!
+1
I think you nailed it here. I totally agree
Pound the rock
by syracusepittfan on Dec 14, 2009 1:04 AM EST up reply actions
Well, whadda U kno
Keyshawn Johnson is still an idiot.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Dec 14, 2009 4:52 AM EST up reply actions
Faning the Flames
Ed Bouchette slammed the door not only on the Steelers, but also on this particular era of Steelers football.
It was a sobering article to read.
While Ed makes a lot of good points, and his argument has merit, Bouchette nonetheless exaggerates a little to make his point, as does Joe Starkey of the Trib.
Not to defend Tomlin or the Steelers, as they deserve no defense, but things are bad and need no exaggeration.
by Hombre de Acero on Dec 13, 2009 10:20 PM EST reply actions
You know what they say about journalists.
They only come down from the hills after the battle to shoot the wounded.
i agree you can't give up, it defines who the steelers are
a few weeks ago i was talking to my uncle comparing the Steelers to the Pirates. we both grew up in pittsburgh, are both in philly now, and are both fans of the steelers. i was remarking how i dont have any remorse about giving up on the pirates and began rooting for the phillies because of their success the past 2 seasons, but would never do that to the steelers. my reasoning? i’m only 24 have have been pretty lucky in terms of how the steelers have done since i’ve been a fan. there have been only a few seasons where the steelers didnt do very well. even during those years, the steelers ALWAYS tried their best to win games. they may not have always played well, but they never mailed it in at the end of the season. thats why i watched/listened to all the games i can. if the organization stops caring about winning every game (whether the players play like crap or not) then you become the pirates. and in all honesty, who wants that?
One thing I'm not buying
Is that the Oline is as bad as it looked against Cleveland. Half of those sacks are Ben’s fault and you can probably chalk another one up to poor in-game coaching adjustments. Plus this group was never in attack mode because we did not make a consistent effort to run the ball. With improved coaching and maturation/improvement by Ben, this line will look like a lot more like it did at midseason and should be a pretty strong group.
Please stop unleashing hell, coach, I can't take it anymore!!!
One thing with Ben....
…is he needs to progress through his reads. Stop trying for the big play all the time. Many times this season I saw him pass up an open running back for a short gain and try to throw it a country mile into double-coverage.
Need some patience Ben. This is a team effort and we’ve a great team!
Playoff scenarios
It may sound a bit odd, but the Steelers are still in good shape to sneak into the playoffs. I think that we can all agree that the current 5th and 6th seeds are not that good, Denver and Jacksonville. Denver may drop all their games left and Jacksonville will likely lose at least one. The teams to worry about are the Jets, Dolphins, and Ravens. Luckily, the Steelers get to play two of them (Ravens and Dolphins). If the Steelers win out and finish 9-7, they will own the tie-breaker over Denver, Tennessee, and Miami (don’t know about the Ravens but I think they will still have the tie-breaker over Pittsburgh). Based on the assumption that each team in the hunt finishes 9-7 – Denver, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Miami, New York, Pittsburgh, and Houston – both wildcards will come down to conference record and I’m not sure where the Steelers will stand in regards to that, but we will at worst be ahead of Houston, Miami, and Denver. Just some food for thought.
So you're sayin' there's a chance...
Just posted this…I agree, I think the “help” scenarios are more realistic than the Steelers winning 3, but if the real Steelers show up, who knows…
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2009/12/14/1199525/so-youre-sayin-theres-a-chance
by Dave in Cbus on Dec 14, 2009 1:37 AM EST up reply actions
Steeler Sobriety!
I can’t even begin to explain the ABSOLUTE BEST CLEVELAND XMAS EVER to all you Steeler fans! The steelers are out of the playoffs!! Nice job Defending the title that all of the NFL knows should have gone to Arizona! Ben has a few too many dings to the head(motorcycle duh) and oh sacked 8 more times…I’m thinkin BIG BEN has had too many beers and meatloaf sandwiches on the Southside! He is fat, cocky and slow. Oh yea he forced hisfat self on a drunk girl too! Ben is not focused! Ben is done, and is costing you your future due to his salary and future cap!!!
The Steelers are old, Ben is way out of shape. . Common discussion around the league, the Steelers can’t run the ball! The Steelers lead the series 60-56 now. Tomlin is no Cohwler. Browns are on the way up! No where else to go, right? Watching you fans lose to the Raiders at home on tv was so much fun too! Watching all those Steeler fans driving home after the 13-6 loss on the Turnpike was just awesome. Steeler fans can’t even muster up a "good game" comment—SAD. Steeler fan get ready for a long road a ho! Oh and Tomlin is living off of Coach Cowhlers great work he did! Tomlin will take you to the bank-but not with any Super Bowl wins!!
Here is to the Browns drafting Toby Gehrhardt! Beautiful Browns days ahead!
at least you had one week where you felt like your team was worth something
everyone deserves to know the feeling. i recommend rewatching tommy gun shoot you guys up in the 02 wildcard to bring you back down to earth.
I won't even read all your post
but to have a fan of a 2-11 team brag like they matter to anyone is pathetic. Your pathetic. Your whole crappy city if pathetic.
All you poop stains are doing is making it worse for yourself next year. I won’t forget this, and I will twist the knife on you bastards every chance I get.
LIVE IT UP
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
LOL what aJoke.
well see mike tomlin only been a coach a few years and made it to the Super Bowl. when are the Browns ever Going to make it that far. Last years Super bowl was not Bill Cowher’s working for your information. for one thing ken wisenhunt .who was a Coach of
Super Bowl 40 champion Pittsburgh Steelers Who did Mike Tomlin Beat in Super Bowl Ken Wisenhunt Coach of The Arizona Cardinals. You need get off that kick about Mike tomlin. Mike Tomlin is A great Coah Steelers are missing key players Like Polamalu and Aaron Smith. Which helped lead thm to Super Bowl 43. The Road is not that long. Browns only won 13-6.
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Dec 14, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
Browns Super bowl record 0-0,
Steelers Super bowl Record 6-1 need I say more lol./
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Dec 14, 2009 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
Browns are on the way up?
2007 – 10-6
2008 – 4-12
2009 – 2-11
Yeah…you are definitely on the way up.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
by John Stephens on Dec 14, 2009 8:20 AM EST up reply actions
Judging from that pic, you sure did Elin!
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 14, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
You should learn some respect son!
Every day brings future to past, every breath leaves me one less to my last. DT
Browns Town drinkin' Lake Erie water again!
You magnificent bonehead. As bad as the Steelers have played in the last five games, how can a “Mistake By the Lake” lunkhead like you even dare to dis the mighty Steelers? Cleveland is a joke and has been forever. So we handed you a game. Your incompetent offense couldn’t score more than one touchdown even when we set you up to score three times. Your lame city and football team are a joke. The Steelers may be down but we’re not quite out just yet. “Good game!” It was a nightmare to watch and Cleveland just came along for the ride. How many Super Bowl Lombardi trophies does Cleveland have? NONE. Hey bonehead, Tomlin already won a Super Bowl. Which is one more than the Browns have ever had. SHUT UP!
Personally
To me the quotes are getting stale and pointless at this point. I understand that they have to go out and say something to the media. However, I think it is about time to shut up and play football. Whether it is Tomlin talking about hell and its situation, or Tone talking about playing together as a team, or Ward talking about pride, the words mean absolutely nothing. We need to stop speaking about it and just go out there and execute. It is that simple (you know what I mean).
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Caught this...
In ’07 that was the playoff loss to Jacksonville in the Wild Card round. In ’08, the season ended in Phoenix at the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl 43 was played in Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium.
by WV Steeler Fan! on Dec 14, 2009 9:10 AM EST reply actions
Hey Browns Town
“Good Game”
since you were so upset no Steelers fans told you that.
Have a nice day…
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
Benching players and scheme change?
I really thought Tomlin would have benched a few players like the Giants did. Kinda surprised he didn’t change the lineup at all, and also didn’t change the scheme at all. Why talk about changing this and that and then NOT do anything. At that point he has nothing to lose!
Tell ya what I think——-if they get rid of Arians, I hope they bring in an OC with some imagination. It’s just absurd to have so much talent and be so one dimentional. Here’s the steelers——throw attempt for 20 yards, 30 yard, 20 yards, 40 yards. BB ALWAYS looks for the mega play. Someone has to come in, get DD in the game like Randle El used to be….set up some creative plays with options. And please bring back the FB. What’s wrong with having an extra blocker back there?
JEEZ.
I expect this team to come out and play with pride and at LEAST go 2-1 the rest of the way.
PFW story is best I've seen explaining Steelers demise
Here it is:
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/12/14/steelers-in-midst-of-super-collapse
Here are some of the more interesting quotes from the story:
“Aaron Smith was their best run defender, Troy Polamalu is their best pass defender and Bryant McFadden (who signed as a free agent with the Cardinals this past offseason) was their best cornerback,” said one league insider. “It’s really tough losing three key elements like that.”
Added a pro evaluator: “When you lose two unique Pro Bowl talents like Smith and Polamalu, it’s difficult to overcome. Look at what it has done to the middle of their defense. It is easy to see why they are struggling. On third downs, they have (Ryan) Clark, (Ryan) Mundy and little (Tyrone) Carter in the middle – none of those guys can run. And when they have to cover athletes down the middle of the field, you see huge gains.”
But while the Steelers’ defensive deficiencies have been sticking out lately, the offense and special teams have also become major concerns, with rumors quickly picking up steam that both offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and special-teams coach Bob Ligashesky could be in big danger of being shown the door.
“This is a pass-first team now,” said a team insider. “Some will push for a return to ‘Steelers football,’ or what have you, but they aren’t built for that. They don’t have a Dan Kreider hammer at fullback anymore or a Bettis-like tailback.”
Added a pro evaluator: "They need to get back to running the ball. The play selection has been questionable. There is a void in leadership offensively, and a big part of it can be pinned on Arians for not managing leadership.
“Last year, the defense played out of its mind,” added the evaluator. "It helped cover up a lot of deficiencies offensively. But Pittsburgh has never been a very good team (when playing) from behind. The offensive line began to fall apart when (OL coach) Russ Grimm left (for Arizona, when Tomlin was hired three years ago). Roethlisberger has taken a lot of hits. (C Justin) Hartwig nearly cost them the Super Bowl last year, but they did not upgrade the position.
“When you used to think of Steelers football, you would think of its power running game. No more. This collection of (offensive) linemen is soft. (OLG) Chris Kemoeatu is the only guy on the line with knock-you-off-the-ball ability. I don’t like the group’s makeup.
“(Former first-round RB) Rashard Mendenhall has come around, but you saw it Thursday night in the middle of the field with no one around,” the evaluator continued. “He heard footsteps, tried to run before he caught it and dropped it cleanly when he could have easily picked up a first down. His toughness was a big issue in college, and I don’t think it has changed one bit. He is still running scared.”
Now the one thing that I disagree with is that Mendy is running scared. The fact that he dropped a catchable ball during the Browns game is the least of the Steelers worries considering he has been one of the few bright spots this season. However, I do think a lot of the other stuff is dead.
Thoughts?
Hmmm
One, this is the first I’ve heard of Bryant McFadden being better than Ike Taylor, even in the midst of Taylor’s terrible season. In fact, Gay graded out better last year than McFadden (although no one thinks Gay is better than McFadden anymore).
Also troubling: since Week 9, Willie Parker has been rushing for a better avg per carry than Mendenhall (4.0 to 3.9). This indicates one of two things: teams have caught on to Mendenhall’s tendencies or these guys are equally adept running backs who put up numbers according to what their line gives them.
I suspect Rashard produced so well early because defenders were dumbfounded at the spin move per yards ratio (one spin move every 3 yards). Since then, defenders have gotten used to the plethora of spin moves. My point: if Willie is not that good any more, as many of us suspect, than Rashard is not that good either.
And why the hell would you get rid of Hartwig because of one play? That’s a stupid comment about “nearly lost the Super Bowl because of him.” How about Troy and Clark clearing out of the middle on that long pass play to Fitz? Maybe we should have gotten rid of them too?
by CarlWeathersMustache on Dec 14, 2009 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
One, this is the first I’ve heard of Bryant McFadden being better than Ike Taylor, even in the midst of Taylor’s terrible season. In fact, Gay graded out better last year than McFadden (although no one thinks Gay is better than McFadden anymore).
i agree. i think its more an issue needing X number of “good” dbacks out there with certain packages. and with the loss of both troy (injuries) and mcfadden in most games we are always a man or 2 short.
On FWP
Parker seemed to be really shaky after the injury. Once it cleared up, he’s only been handed 2-4 token carries a game. Despite taking those token carries for 4 YPC, he’s not being given the ball. He had a great plow up the middle for 6-8 a couple games ago, and seems to be running hard
Being that its his contract year I guess he’s tryin to go all out, but sadly BA wont give him a steady supply of runs. Perhaps this plays to our advantage and we resign him for cheap while working in a new young RB to backup Mendy.
That third down secondary is WEAK
Forgot to include what I like about those points: third down secondary is atrocious. I think this explains more than all the rest. Think about this: late in games, when teams are trying to throw for big chunks of yards, is a lot like third downs. So, in the fourth quarter, when we are getting killed, we are running third down defense against third down offense for extended periods of time. Hence, late game struggles.
The third down percentages alone tell the atrocities of our passing packages. If these guys can’t come on the field for one down to make a play how will they do it consistently at the end of a game?
by CarlWeathersMustache on Dec 14, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
The Prevent
I’m one of the few who doesn’t mind “the prevent defense”. Statistically speaking, it usually works. We just don’t have the players to run it properly, this year. Thank the lord I haven’t been able to watch the past two games, but I suspect we’d be better off risking the farm with blitzes on 3rd and 4th. We’ve got guys who can pass rush.
like the article, thanks for posting it
but mendy definitely runs scared. he’s AWESOME and fearless in blitz pickup. but how many times when he hits a hole or a defender that somehow he ends up with his back turned and trying to back pedal for extra yards, which doesnt work well in the nfl. granted, i’m no rb expert but i dont think he “lowers the shoulder” enough to just try to fall forward and pick up that extra yard or 2.
i also think mendy’s poor short yardage running abilities, the oline not giving mendy any holes, or probably both is why ariens is afraid to run the ball on 3rd & short.
He usually gets the extra 2 or 3 yards with his turn the back and backpedal move. Wasn’t there a stat a few weeks ago showing he was leading the league in average yards after contact? I don’t think he’s the problem at all, and whatever the backing up move is isn’t out of fear. I think it’s the same crazy instinct that has him leading the league in unnecessary spin moves.
by SteelerFan Ben on Dec 14, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Colbert
I hadn’t even thought of Colbert leaving when Cowher returns. That may be the most frightening thing I’ve heard concerning the Steelers
Pound the rock
by syracusepittfan on Dec 14, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
I meant to say "dead on"
Sorry, but I hope you got the drift.
the PROBLEM is
the offensive coordinator BRUCE ARIANS. Get rid of him. His play calling is awful and I am surprised that Tomlin and Roethlisberger go along with it.
at the moment
where are we picking in the draft, Im not saying lets throw some games away but lets give some back-ups and 2nd stringer a start or at least some real game time experience
GOOD IDEA
GIVE THE FUTURE STARS SOME PLAY TIME
Doug Fowler
by steelerfan19650511 on Dec 14, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
The biggest problem Tomlin has to address in the offseason is ...
a return to physical Steelers football on both sides of the ball. You can’t be a pass first team in Pittsburgh and expect for your team to physically impose its will on anybody. Smashmouth football is a mind-set, and you have to practice smashmouth to be good at it. You can’t be a passing team all season long and then expect to be proficient at RUNNING the ball in key situations.
I think when your OL is moving backwards more than forwards (pass blocking more than run blocking), then I don’t think you are going to be very good running the ball. I also think that the D follows suit as well, becoming more finesse than physical.
One of the tougher things to stomach during this swoon was hearing Jeff Green and Mike Williamson of ESPN.com on their discussing the Steelers vs. Browns game the next day when they said each about 20 times that, “WOW, the Steelers got out-physicaled vs. the Browns!” And it was true.
Tomlin HAS to go back to building a physical football team. I would not draft a player or bring another player back to Pittsburgh that doesn’t help cement this identity.
As it now stands, the Steelers might be the least physical team in the AFC North division, based on recent play. That issshhht HAS to be the first thing to be changed going into next year.
+1
In a physical game, you have to take care of that. Just giving other teams something to think about, other than the skill positions, is worth a few three and outs for the other team.
and for moving the chains....
…which the Steelers can’t do. I would love to see more plodding drives, very unexciting, wearing down the defense, eating clock…and then grabbing big plays when the opportunity shows up
AFC North
good point about the AFC North. The Ravens and Bengals spent recent years in the shadow of the smash-mouth Steelers and have spent some effort to make their teams more steelers-like. The Steelers have gone the other direction and now must find a way to get it back in order to compete in the division against these teams, and against, , the Browns.
Getting away from a physical team...
would work ok in another division, but in the AFC North, having a physical team is a must. I believe this is why we have regressed in the division record (1-5).
We weren’t physical because we never committed to running the football. I bet if you looked at the stats in every loss, you’ll probably notice that Rashard Mendenhall averaged a minimum of 4 yds per tote, but there were stretches in these games where he wasn’t even on the field. Also, in 3rd or 4th and short situations, we’re either passing or it’s a QB sneak. That’s not physical football, let alone STEELERS football. So when you really need to impose your will on another team, you have no experience doing it.
I’ve been a STEELERS fan for more than 30 years, and I can never remember a losing streak like this. It may have happened before, but I don’t recall it in my lifetime.
Back to building the lines, the middle, & the back end (playmakers)
I believe the Steelers need to address both lines to get back to playing physical football. ILB Rolando McClain from Alabama or NT Dan Williams from Tennessee would be my first round picks. However, if S Eric Berry from Tenn falls to the Steelers, all bets are off.
In my secondary, I want playmakers. I want people who CAN catch the football (sorry Ike, Clark) and people who will make plays on the ball (sorry “lack of a play” Willie Gay).
And then you need to make changes in the coordinators if they don’t share your vision (Goodbye Arians, Zeilein, Ligashesky). And all the players that you draft, make sure that they can play special teams, too. The window for the current group might have closed, but one more good draft and free agent offseason, a new window can be created.
I agree with the focus on skill players vs studs
I watched a couple of Wisconsin’s games last year and I can tell you that Urbik is very physical. I thought that he would become our RG of the future if his quickness and footwork improved. That is the weak point on the o-line along with Hartwig. Colon is our best run blocker so I don’t think the front office will let him get away. We just need a OC who will make a commitment to the running game and a better o-line coach. Just look at how much better the Cardinals o-line is under Russ Grimm desipte not having great personnel. The Titan’s o-line is good too despite not having one first round pick on it.
On defense we need better play out of our FS. I think our young corners will develop into good players, but Clark’s play of late has had a lot to do with our struggles.
by StoneColdSteel on Dec 14, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
The part about the PFW piece that worries me
Is the part about Ben. As expected, the article contains a lot of hyperbole, but what if Ben really doesn’t put in the work necessary to improve the mental part of his game? We went into this season thinking we had our QB—-a future HOF-er—- for the next 10 years. I still think Ben’s a top five QB, but I don’t think we can accept that he’s reached his peak as a player. I’m hoping the article is wrong about Ben, and see signs that it is (his relationship with the OL seems to show leadership). I hope the right kind of OC can get the most out of BB and re-establish the dominant running game.
Interesting tidbit about Ben
People who have known Ben (either in College or after he became a QB in Pittsburgh) and whom I have talked to are not Ben fans at all. In fact, they seem to dislike Ben a lot. The reason being his personality. This makes me to believe that Ben may be a bit stubborn regarding his work ethics. It is a well know fact that Cowher and Whiz were always yelling at him because he was not that smart enough to adjust to defenses. They did not allow him to do much.
BA on the other hand gave Ben the freedom that he wanted. Ben has great physical abilities for a football player but he might be average in terms of being a “smart QB”. I do not believe BA is the right coach for him. As long as BA is the OC I am afraid we won’t see any improvements in Ben as a QB.
Did the OL play soft in CLE
…and let him struggle? I imagine that its tough to block for him, when you know that you have to keep blocking, not knowing where he is, and who knows when he actually will get rid of the ball. He has been known to play up/whine about his injuries, or look for sympathy.
Bradshaw wasn’t a smart QB, never claimed to be. Maybe he should get in Ben’s ear about understanding his weaknesses and minimizing them.
I’d like to see D. Dixon get some playing time.
Might be. I thought that there might be some locker room troubles
When Holmes made a comment after the second loss to cincy about Ben I kinda thought that Ben might be getting a little big headed.
Also I wonder how much his law suit is affecting his play. I would be worried if I had a gold digging women suing me.
by steeler_in_maryland on Dec 14, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Its been kept pretty quiet...
..but Tahoe is always there.
Is it true that Reed’s second arrest was him getting Spaeth out of some situation, public urination or something, and that’s why he got popped for interfering and public intox?
Not that it matters, either way……
Bradshaw knew football. He may be an idiot in the rest of his life but don’t forget that back then QBs called mostly their own plays. Bradshaw did an amazing job leading an offense. Does Ben have this same trait? Who knows? I think he could, but I also think that he’s got to come down to earth and stop trying to win the game on each play. Same goes for BA. There were many plays were Ben got sacked that all of the routes were 15 yards plus. Ben’s extending cause the play calls for more time to develop.
I don’t care a whit about D. Dixon getting time. I like the guy and am excited he’ll be our #2 next year, but if Ben’s healthy play him. Ben’s the present and future of the franchise and the team wins or loses primarily on his shoulders.
by Chicago Steeler on Dec 14, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
I agree about TB knowing football....
and my wanting to see DD get some experience is just a certain intolerance for seeing BB take sacks over and over. Why watch someone continue to do something that’s not working time and time again. And maybe a chance for Ben to sit and think about whether he wants to win the game, or does he want to have winning seasons.
His contract asks for winning seasons, not the next big play.
Tomlin needs to control this situation, as in, assert himself with the coaches, and find an OC and line coach like Whiz and Grimm.
true
until Ben learns that it is not just statistics that make you a great QB it how you play the game and keep drives alive.
The sad thing is that if you are correct the potential for greatness is there but he has to have a great work ethic to go with it.
by steeler_in_maryland on Dec 14, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
As much as the article..
…in Pro Football Weekly offers much basis for discussion, it remains Pro Football Weekly, the National Enquirer of the Football season and it’s proclamations are as often gossip as they are well resourced.
Further, it is not uncommon for a young QB to be yelled for not going through his progressions quickly or for making bad decisions generally, Charlie Weis often yelled at Brady on the sidelines, no conclusions should be drawn from that.
I doubt BA is the right OC for anyone, he seems an OK position though.
by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Dec 14, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
K. Colbert's big move to get back to smashmouth football is ...
With the Steelers picking 10-15, trade down a few spots, pick up an extra 3rd & 4th round pick, then select ILB McClain, NT D. Williams, or best OL. Then trade the team’s 2nd round and 5th round pick to the St. Louis Rams for RB Stephen Jackson.
Even with this trade, the Steelers still have 9 draft picks and S. Jackson in the fold (I’m thinking that losing B. McFadden, N. Washington, & Byron Leftwich should mean two extra compensatory picks). With Jackson, Mendenhall, M. Moore, Tank Summers, and Isaac Redman, the Steelers will have the firepower on the ground to return to smash-mouth football. With the other 9 draft picks and our scouting department (2 rookie free agent diamonds in the rough will make the squad next year), then this team can be back ready to challenge in the AFC North and the NFL again.
Thoughts? (All you who agree can say that is why they call me DaTruth here if you want to).
Redman
got released…is he back on anyones PS?
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Dec 14, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Ours
here is the link to our roster
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 19, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Love the idea
but maybe a CB first?
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Dec 14, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
Don't know if I'd take a Haden, a 5'10'' corner if I have a top 15 pick unless ...
He shows me he is Darrell Revis reincarnated. Damn, the Steelers were one pick away from getting Revis and the Jets traded up and spoiled one of my fantasies, Revis and Polamula in the same secondary. How sick is that? Ike would be getting thrown at 100 times a game.
by datruth4life on Dec 15, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
How nice
it would be if S Eric Berry from Tennessee was available to play opposite Troy
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Dec 15, 2009 2:14 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't expect a trade
Not with our salary cap situation. If anything we should move up to get the guy we want. Tomlin may find the shutdown corner that he wants or the next Faneca. There’s no way we take 9 players so i think moving up would be the best option. Maybe Cody falls to us or we could always pick Brandon Spikes.
We’re stuck with Hartwig as our center because of the extension. I hope either Urbik or Foster takes the RG spot from Essex next season, therefore we don’t have to address it in the draft again. We need to resign Colon and hire a new o-line coach.
by StoneColdSteel on Dec 15, 2009 1:03 AM EST up reply actions
Tomlin's job to reign in Ben & request that he take less sacks
If he doesn’t do this, then he is helping his team win football games or coaching his QB. You could take the sacks last year because you had the no. 1 D in the NFL. You can’t do that this year because your D isn’t as good and your O is having trouble scoring in the red zone and sustaining drives.
And if Ben keeps taking sacks...
…do you bench him?
If anything, that would show the rest of the team that Tomlin is in charge. (I take it that your first sentence should read “…then he is not helping his team…”)
Yeah Twell, I meant to say "not", I think Ben will try to do what Tomlin wants if asked
But will Tomlin not only ask but demand that his QB throw the ball away some more? A way to control this is to have a strong running game and save Ben from himself sometime.
by datruth4life on Dec 15, 2009 1:02 AM EST up reply actions
Will he listen?
You’re pretty savy about the Steelers…so……knowing that Cowher and Whiz were on Ben about getting up to speed, what is your impression of the relationship between Tomlin and Ben?
Arians
The thing I have found out about him is:
If his game plan works during the game..they are fine..but if for some reason the other team stops us, he is terrible at adjusting. And then for some reason when they are having success running the football he takes it upon himself to stop handing off in the second half. It is almost like he is dead set on proving that his method works, regardless of what anyone says. I think it is time for him and Ligashesky to go..to start things off. Coach Tomlin …is this your team or Bruce Arians’? If his play calling sucks during the game..YOU are the head coach…take over for him..much like Joe Paterno does up in Happy Valley.
by BlackandGoldSSgt on Dec 14, 2009 11:20 PM EST reply actions
I like Tomlin
But everything he said after each of the last three games sent a message that things were going to change that the changes would be personnel on the field. So far? Nothing. I’m a fan of the Steelers and that will never change. But when the coach of the Steelers says he is not in the hope business, I’m not really interested in hoping that he means what he says.
by pghnorthside on Dec 15, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
Worst secondary on third down meets best offense on third down...result?
You guessed it Steeler fans another beat down of the overrated Steelers! The Packers have some pay back to give as losing the last few match ups. It’s about time the Steelers get a smack in the mouth, nothing but a bunch of trash talking thugs. Tomlin is a horrible coach still riding Cowhers coat tails on what he built in Shitzburgh…ever catch the Tomin after running of the field after winning the Superbowl? That piece of crap was swearing at anybody in his way… real classy there you POS! He even pushed a few out of his way…you think Lombardi or any of the other coaching greats wouldve acted this way answer is NO.
MY FEARLESS PREDICTION:
PACKERS 35
SHITZBURGH STEELERS 0
I hope it works out for you
…it would kind of suck to lose to a team that just lost to KC, OAK and CLE.
THAT would be embarrassing.
Did I hear someone say “trap game”?
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