BTSC Daily Six Pack - Hope Springs Eternal Edition
by Michael Bean on Dec 23, 2009 3:37 PM EST
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PrintIX- Remember in 2006 when the Steelers came storming back in to playoff contention after starting the year 2-6? Well, the second to last game of the season was against the hated Ravens and the Steelers got absolutely pummeled, 31-7. Baltimore outgained Pittsburgh 359 to 251 in total yards, sacked Big Ben twice and were never really threatened by the Steelers. Please, please, please let that not be the case on Sunday - at least let us see yet another thriller that comes down to the wire. May the best team win!
X- Still no word about what prompted Limas Sweed to leave the team for the rest of the season. Mike Tomlin only insisted that he'll continue to support Sweed's privacy regarding the matter. The Steelers went out and signed veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway to fill in for Sweed. I like the move. He won't need too much time to figure out what the Steelers like to do offensively and if necessary - like say if Hines Ward is too banged up to play effectively - Galloway could step in in a pinch and perhaps surprise some people. The Steelers also added long snapper Jared Retofsky to fill in for the injured Greg Warren, who was lost for the season for the second consecutive year.
XIII- John Harbaugh thinks Troy Polamalu will play on Sunday. Dale Lolley writes that #43 is 'iffy' about his status. He mentions that Polamalu's latest MRI was far from encouraging, but that he remained non-committal about whether or not he might play against the Ravens. Btw, anybody read or heard anything about whether or not Baltimore's all world safety, Ed Reed, will be ready to go?
XIV- A pretty rational explanation of Coach Tomlin's decision to try the onside kick.
XL- Check out QuickHit Football and tell me what you think about the site. I've been given a Terrible Towel signed by Coach Cowher that I'd like to give away to one of you. I will be thinking of the best way to do that here later today, so stay tuned for that if you're interested. In the meantime, if you are so inclined, check out that interactive (and of course, free) football game on that site and let me know what your impressions are.
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Okay, what does "very positive" mean?
The linked column says that the MRI results were “very positive.” To me… well, not sure what it means, but my most likely translation would be “very encouraging” rather than “not very encouraging.” (“Positive” as a general statement means something different to me than “positive for [specific injury].”) They’re saying that he might be back to practice before the end of the week, so that might be good news. (I hate to rush him back given long-term concerns, but if he’s good to go, he’s desperately needed. Any help the Steelers can get against BAL with Ed Reed…)
In his press conference, Tomlin acted as if Reed would be playing, so be prepared for that. As far as I know, there’s no official word one way or the other.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 23, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions
Just checked ESPN
Okay, Polamalu is basically “doubtful” for Sunday, encouraged about the future.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4768492
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 23, 2009 4:24 PM EST reply actions
Rest him
I don’t believe Troy is needed to beat the Ravens. I think he needs to sit one more no matter what. Get him back for the Fins where the weather will be much more favorable and he ease his way back to game speed.
by WETSU on Dec 23, 2009 4:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
because the ravens are worse that oakland, kc, or the browns? he IS needed.
I agree that id rather him sit until hes ready, but to say hes not needed to beat the ravens is forgetting what the defense has done the past 6 weeks.
Ravens
The Ravens are not the Raiders, the Bears or the Browns. They are a division rival that the Steelers know very well and always ge up to play. Case in point should have/could have beat them in Baltimore without Troy and without Ben. Steelers will be ready to go.
by WETSU on Dec 23, 2009 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Browns
Aren’t the Browns a division rival that the Steelers know very well and always get up to play? Except in the last game. Given how the Steelers have played this season, we have no idea how they are going to play against the Ravens. The good thing is that the team has only laid one egg (Raiders) at Heinz Field, so I hope they won’t let the fans down this time.
You got me!
I was waiting for the Browns reply. You’re right about that. I just think the Steelers will be ready this game. They played them tough a few weeks ago and they showed they have the heart. Tomlin called out the D without having to actually call them out and they have a chip on their shoulder…
This team has the talent and experience to be really good again. I keep thinking back to the Colts D in ‘06. They were pretty bad and getting killed on the ground. Week 16 they put it together and shut down everyone going forward on their way to a Super Bowl. I’m not saying the Steelers are gonna win the SB again but these guys are pros and can find it just as quickly as they lost it.
by WETSU on Dec 23, 2009 8:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
All I can say
that d only allowed 20 pts including overtime against the ravens last time, they at least slowed them down, did they have a 4th quarter meltdown? Yes but it wasn’t as bad as the others, maybe we don’t need him as much, you just beat green bay with a much better O than the ravens, i think we have enough momentum to win without him
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 24, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
A modest proposal
If we want to ease Troy back, maybe he should only play 25% of the plays. That’s right, don’t put him in the game until the FOURTH QUARTER. That should solve all of our defensive problems.
by Steelin on Dec 23, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
love that idea
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Dec 24, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Jets/Colts
Just heard on ESPN Radio NY that Freeney is saying the Colts will be on “pitch count” in this weekends game. I really hope this is not the case and they do play to win… I’m concerned about this as well as the jags in NE…
by WETSU on Dec 23, 2009 4:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wasn't Galloway the originator of the "flexing my bicep after a big catch" pose?
And how will this affect Santonio, who seems to have lifted Joey’s move? Will the two, as former Ohio State Buckeyes, agree to share it? Or will it spur dissention within the receiving ranks? Stay tuned. Controversy may be brewing…
by cliff harris is still a punk! on Dec 23, 2009 6:03 PM EST reply actions
Jerry Galloway says "only wussies are day-to-day with hamstring pulls" about Ward
and comments that the locker room is about 50/50 on if he should play
Hahaha...
Do you work for TMZSPN Cliff? Funny stuff.
'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 Dec 24, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Bill Cower Towel
I say you should give it to the first person to ask about it.
So pick me, Blitz. I really want it.
Maybe a pick the Ravens score contest?
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
Wait just a minute.
Didn’t I read somewhere where you were grounded (as in “being punished”) from holding a Terrible Towel until you learned your lesson, Mister? (of course I said that with my fists on my hips and that “look” that only a Mom can give on my face)
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
That holdup was unsuccessful.
He wanted the towel, but didn’t get it!
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 24, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
I knew you wouldn't give it up.
I do love it so when I’m right. LOL Merry Christmas LTSF!
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
Merry Christmas to you too 1BGF
and to Steeler fans everywhere (as long as it doesn’t offend you) !
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 24, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
Ravens
There’s no way we get blown out like in ‘06. That Ravens team three years ago was flat out nasty, this year they’re just “good.” Plus I’m thinking that Wallace catch from last week has us pumped up.
What if .... Bengals hold Steelers key
Just an odd thought on all this playoff what if stuff. Say everything falls right for the Steelers this week, Philly beats Broncos, NE beats Jags, Fins beat Texans, and, of course Steelers win …. , but Jets beat a geared down Indy. That would mean the only way for Steelers to jump the Jets for final seed (if Ravens beat Oakland, no given, of course, and take fifth seed) is for Bengals to beat the Jets.
The Bengals with a great effort on the road would be in a key position to help Steelers get into the playoffs and possibly set up a first round rematch. Wouldn’t that be odd. Go Bengals? Doesn’t sound right.
"More than 70 percent of putts left short do not go in."
I would’n trust the Bengals to help us in the final week, so lets root for the colts and take care of our business.
Galloway and Warren
I would be surprised if Galloway shows much from here on out. He didn’t meet expectations when NE signed him this offseason. He was cut early in the season, and there’s a reason he’s been available all year.
For Warren, does this likely mean his days are over in Pittsburgh, a la Marvel Smith? It would seem so to me, especially since Retofsky was fine last year, from what I remember.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2009 11:07 PM EST reply actions
what happened to sean macDonald
did he get hurt? would he know the play-book better than Galloway
Liked that analysis of the onside kick
I told my mother-in-law that it was better for the Steelers that the Packers scored when and how they did than it would have been for the WR to get a first down and stay out of the endzone. It gave the offense time to come through, although I had my doubts since the offense has also contributed to these late game collapses in some games as well. Still, I thought it was the best chance to win.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 23, 2009 11:40 PM EST reply actions
But they still tried to stop them
or hold them to a field goal. Why didn’t they just let them score in the first couple of downs? My thought is because actually, he might not have confidence in the D, but he knew they were capable of ending it just as well.
Either way, I liked the call
Ben's TD throw
What really stands out on the replay is the velocity with which Ben threw that pass. Watch the DB (Woodson?). He has pretty tight coverage but still barely has time to make any reaction before Wallace catches the ball. Not many QBs could have made this throw under any circumstances, let alone with three seconds left.
Yeah, that’s also because the ball was in the air before Wallace turned around (why the DB couldn’t make a play on it, I mean). I believe it was Josh Bell covering.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Dec 24, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions
it's all been said
we’ve come to terms that while he is part of the problem, there are many aspects that have contributed to this “perfect storm of suck”. I’d love to give credit to who coined that phrase, but I’m a wee bit hung over and can’t remember who coined the phrase
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Dec 24, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
It seems Gay will be playing nickel
Townsend will be getting starts at CB.
"We are only going to score 17 points?"
gay to nickel good
tenative about Deshea
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
by kick him in the head on Dec 24, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
At least Deshea knows and
can compensate for his shortcomings. I believe that’s where Gay has much to learn – he can still be a quality CB, but he has to learn how to compensate for his weaknesses. That seems to be the most difficult thing for CBs to learn.
My heros have always been Steelers...
I am confident...
…that two of the newest members of Steeler Nation helped with the big win last Sunday and they are getting stronger every day.
Congratulations on our newest members!
May have to reschedule nap time, to allow for the Ravens game.
"We just have to play better as a whole team." James Harrison
by LongTimeSteelersFan on Dec 24, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Quick Hit Football
This is going to be addictive, so sorry family but I love it and it’s going to be a great time killer when I’m on travel.
Reed seems to be out
Ed Reed is not expected to play on Sunday, and possibly not for the rest of the year, according to the sources I’ve been able to find.
Big differences compared to last game are that the Steelers will have BB and Kemo healthy. But they’ll need every advantage on offense (especially since the offense has needed to win games for them this year) since they’ll be facing Terrell Suggs, who didn’t play in Week 12 either.
by TheSpatulaMessiah on Dec 25, 2009 12:27 AM EST reply actions
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