Steelers vs. Bengals Recap: Assessing the Play of the Offense

by Michael Bean on Dec 13, 2010 1:38 AM EST

As I initially noted in the immediate aftermath of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 23-7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, I felt this week's game by the Steelers was particularly difficult to categorize or summarize easily. It was both ugly and beautiful, efficient yet sloppy,

Let's first take a look at an overview of the Steelers' offensive possessions.


Start Time	Drive Began	Plays	Yards	Time of Possession	Result
9:58	PIT 30	8	27	4:32	Punt
2:08	PIT 30	3	7	1:42	Punt
9:45	PIT 8	7	40	4:21	Punt
2:21	PIT 20	13	75	2:00	Field Goal
15:00	PIT 30	10	54	6:26	Field Goal
6:49	PIT 18	15	50	9:22	Punt
9:50	PIT 32	7	45	4:16	Field Goal
1:49	PIT 12	4	16	1:49	Punt

A couple of notes after studying those numbers...

Only one three-and-out for the Steelers. Not bad. Of their other six possessions, five resulted in at least two first down pick ups. The one series that did not was the final possession of the game following Troy Polamalu's second interception of Carson Palmer.
The Steelers may not have found the endzone, but they did a fantastic job sustaining drives on 3rd down. The Steelers were 7-of-15 on 3rd down conversions, one of their better outings on 3rd down this year. Two times the Steelers were 7-of-14 converting 3rd downs (CLE, OAK), but this game reminded me more of the Buffalo game from an offensive standpoint. In that win, the Steelers were a rock solid 12-of-19 on 3rd down, yet only scored one touchdown in their 19-16 overtime win.
No, that's not a typo. The Steelers really did have a 13-play drive at the end of the second quarter that only consumed two minutes of game clock. Remarkable, really. And if you ask me, a sequence of efficient offense like that proves to me that this team is capable of great things at any given moment. Unfortunately, it seems clear that the Steelers' offense isn't going to be consistently great. But they can be unstoppable and look wholly competent at times, including in crunch time.
It was also incredible that the Steelers had a 15-play drive that only traversed 50 yards. In fact, that particular series was one of the most bizarre sequences I've seen all season. The Steelers began the possession from their own 18 yard line, up 13-7 midway through the third quarter. The Steelers had looked sharp on their previous offensive series, the first of the second half. It only resulted in a field goal, but I sensed that the Steelers were close to breaking the game open. They had forced a punt from the Bengals following the field goal, then executed well on their first six plays of their second series of the second half. Pittsburgh moved the ball out near midfield to the 45yard line after converting two consecutive 3rd down attempts. Then they took several huge steps back. Back-to-back holding penalties pushed the Steelers back inside their own 30 yard line facing a 1st and 30. All seemed hopeless until Hines Ward hauled in an incredible 29-yard reception on 2nd down. Perfect throw by Big Ben by the way. It helped that the Bengals' ninny reserve safety, Tom Nelson, possesses an 8 inch vertical leap. The Steelers picked up the 3rd and 1 with a 4-yard Isaac Redman run, and looked to be poised to take complete command of the game following the unlikely 1st down. Hold the phone, another holding penalty and the Steelers are back in their own territory. However, a quick hot read to Mike Wallace on 2nd and 20 goes for 22 yards and the Steelers are back in business. Then a nifty option play featuring Antwaan Randle El at quarterback puts the Steelers inside the redzone. Fantastic play calling on the series by Bruce Arians by the way. But it's ultimately all for not, as Roethlisberger is sacked on consecutive plays, pushing the Steelers back outside the redzone to the 32 yard line. Mike Tomlin opts to punt rather than attempt the long 49 yarder in not-so-great conditions.
In review, just in case that long paragraph was too long to sift through. 15 plays, a 29 yard reception, a 22 yard reception, an 18 yard run, and two other plays of at least 7 yards. Yet, by series' end, the Steelers had only advanced 50 yards thanks to 30 penalty yards, and another 17 yards lost in sacks. A very weird series that featured the Steelers offense at its best and at its worst.
I couldn't finish this post without mentioning the gritty play of Ben Roethlisberger. Everybody plays hurt in this league, especially at this time of year. Even at the quarterback position. But no signal caller in the NFL is as tough as Roethlisberger. Period. Roethlisberger played with a shattered nose that a Steelers' team physician described as looking like 'corn flakes'. Not sure what that means, but doesn't sound fun. Roethlisberger started the game wearing a precautionary visor in an attempt to minimize the possibility of him having his nose further injured. After one series, Roethlisberger had had enough and asked to have the visor removed. Then there was the lingering pain in his foot. No problem either. Roethlisberger did what he needed to do in the pocket with his footwork in order to be successful. And though he was clearly in pain, Roethlisberger's accuracy wasn't really affected one bit by the nagging pain. Really, really impressive.

In conclusion, I'm not really sure what to say about the Steelers' offensive performance. Success in the NFL begins and ends with the play of your quarterback and your offensive line. More often than not, the play of the line determines the fate of the quarterback's play. That's not always the case though with the Ben Roethlsiberger and the Steelers. Big Ben doesn't require exceptional offensive line play in order to excel. He just needs average protection for the most part, and the occasional comfortable pocket to throw from. As shaky as the Steelers injury-ravaged offensive line has been, it has largely played well enough for the Steelers to win. When I think of unacceptable level offensive line play, I think back to the Steelers' Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. Big Ben had absolutely zero time to operate that Sunday, as the late Jim Johnson just dialed up all-out blitz after all-out blitz. It was really the only time I was 'embarrassed' by the Steelers in recent memory.

From where I'm sitting, unnecessary, dumb holding penalties are more to blame for the Steelers' offensive woes than are flat-out awful O-line play. Of course, repeated 10-yard holding penalties should qualify as 'flat-out awful' play, but I think those problems can be corrected. You can't improve your talent over the course of a month, but you can shore up mental mistakes. And though I have no exact numbers, I've noted quite a few holding penalties in recent weeks that didn't at all need to occur. Translation - they didn't contribute to successful plays, and they didn't save the quarterback from taking a punishing hit.

The difference in my estimation between this year's offense and the 2008 unit is that this year's unit is more capable in the running game. They're not a great run-blocking line, but they're much improved over the '08 version. You can attribute that to a significant upgrade at center, the (slight) maturation of Chris Kemoeatu, a much more physically imposing Ramon Foster at right guard compared to Darnell Stapleton, and having a mauler in the running game at right tackle with Flozell Adams. Rashard Mendenhall, who finished with 66 yards on 18 carries, hardly had huge running lanes to run through against Cincinnati, but he wasn't fighting an entirely uphill battle like he was during, say, the Miami game in October.

I'll get into this more as we inch closer to the playoffs, but I truly believe this Steelers team has more than enough to go the distance and win Lombardi No. 7. Obviously the play of the defense will be paramount to their success come playoff time. Without great defensive play, the Steelers will likely stumble before getting to the Big One. But if the defense is solid, I think the offense can do just enough to get it done. When you have No. 7 on your side, there's no reason to think otherwise.

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The penalties

A poster on a Fan thread said that the more important failing on the offense is the lack of TDs they’ve been experiencing and not their penalties, but I think the two tie in together. When you look at that long 50 yard drive, which was so long because of the holding calls, you have to believe it’s the penalties that are holding us back at this point.

Why do I say this when we haven’t been stellar from an execution standpoint all season? Because now you can start to see things clicking between Ben and Wallace, the new WRs, and Mendenhal has just played excellently and the job still isn’t getting done. In my mind, the penalties not only take away big plays, they wear down the O-line and keep them on the field while keeping time on the clock. Eventually our O-line, especially as banged up as it is, is gonna slip up like it did on those two huge sacks at the end of the previously mentioned drive and keep us out of the end zone.

Obviously this isn’t the only problem, but it’s that “efficient yet sloppy” part that really kills us and once you get into the second half, those penalties start to hit extra hard.

by Zephae on Dec 13, 2010 2:03 AM EST via mobile reply actions

most definitely

I just think that the penalties aren’t too too alarming to me because they’re not the reason we’re having any success. Or said differently, those penalties aren’t really affecting the outcome of plays. So let’s clean those up and see what happens.

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 Dec 13, 2010 2:19 AM EST up reply actions

holding

I don’t view a holding penalty as a mental mistake, like offsides would be.

Sometimes, maybe, but generally I think holding happens when an o-line player is getting beaten on the play. Often it’s more clear during a running play when a hold was the cause of the runner springing free, but with passing plays, it’s harder to determine what effect the hold had on the outcome. They’re just trying to get Ben more time and they can’t quite manage it with their hands inside the shoulders.

I see the holds as a symptom of poor performance, not the cause.

by stylepoints on Dec 13, 2010 9:40 AM EST up reply actions

Please correct

You are mentioning only 2 FGs in your table not 3.

by Bonek on Dec 13, 2010 2:22 AM EST reply actions

You said it

That 15 play 3rd/4th quarter series was mind-boggling. Don’t forget that the drive started -10 yards thanks to an incredibly rare special teams penalty….. Anyway, that truly was the best and absolute worst from the Pittsburgh offense. Mike Wallace in space, Roethlisberger threading the needle to Ward on 2nd and 30. Three (four counting special teams) unnecessary holding penalties…then the capper: the QB continuing to show questionable awareness in ‘outer’ field goal range…taking not one, but two sacks, the second of which pushed Pittsburgh out of FG range. Incredibly frustrating. Thankfully Woodley took matters into his own hands on Cinci’s first play after that display.

by pistil_stamen on Dec 13, 2010 2:47 AM EST reply actions

an incredibly rare special teams penalty

The Steelers have had a special teams penalty in every other game this season, it seems.
However, one phase of the team bails out the other two – that’s the way to success.

Life's a journey, not a destination.

by kliuch on Dec 13, 2010 4:55 AM EST up reply actions

Sometimes...

sarcasm doesn’t come across that well in writing.

by pistil_stamen on Dec 13, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Duly noted! :)

Life's a journey, not a destination.

by kliuch on Dec 13, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

use sarcasm font next time

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Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan

by WVPiratesfan on Dec 13, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

Special teams penalties are an upgrade from 2009…

"Sick Puppy is ultimately as unforgiving as nature's order... There is no redemption or apology." - wikipedia

by Sick Puppy on Dec 13, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

In fairness, the second sack was not Ben's fault at all.

Pouncey made the wrong read and missed the blitz pickup, that guy was in the backfield before Ben could even finish his drop.

The first sack was absolutely inexcusable though and Ben should’ve thrown it away.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

I think that could have been on Moore

Often the center calls the protection scheme and chooses to slide to one side or the other based on the “Mike” linebacker. Then the HB is responsible for reading the defense inside to outside and picking up the free blitzer. In this case Moore immediately reacted to outside pressure instead of looking at the linebacker first.

So either Moore missed the read, didn’t get the communication, or Pouncey dropped the ball.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 13, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

I didnt get to watch this game

was at Disney with the wife and daughter wearing a Steelers Hoodie and checking my phone for scores. I got the occasional (freqent) steelers fan asking for the score and some snarky looks from the many saints and patriots fans, and a Ravens fan and his wife gave me the evil eye; so evil it had a unibrow. Anyways, its difficult to guage a game by looking at a score chart and slow reacting play-by-play. I was disappointed that everytime my score updates showed redzone I had to check back to see 3 points or no points at all. When I see 1 and short becoming 1st and 30 I understood what was going on. Not that I needed reminding. This has been a habit these last few games. Its very easy to brush it off when a win is the result. Im still very confident this team can hold the Jets, Panthers and Browns to minimal points and yards. Im just anxious for some kind of offensive effectiveness inside of the 20. Thats what concerns me most. On a side note – Suisham has already been worth the risk over and over. I cant say Jeff Reed would have made or missed any of these FGs, but Im glad he wasnt given the chance to attempt any in these last three weeks. I wont question Reeds’ release in the future when the move has already gotten the Steelers where they need to be THIS season, in spite of where they could have been if it hadnt been for Reeds’ misses. The right time. 3 FGs and 2 PATs were every bit as important as the 12 points the Defense scored. Next week is a big game, a good game. Lets see it play out that way so this team can inch closer to that playoff spot and a bye week.

See my Polamalu shirts here.
http://www.cafepress.com/Polamalu_shop
http://www.cafepress.com/Polamalu_life

by steeltech on Dec 13, 2010 5:28 AM EST reply actions

????

“In conclusion, I’m not really sure what to say about the Steelers’ offensive performance.”

Don’t know what to say?? Two trips inside the Red zone, goal to go, and come away with 3 points?? Can’t score an offensive TD on one of the worst offenses in the league? Offensive line penalized like they are having a fire sale on them??

I’ll tell you what to say. The offense SUX! They won’t go far in the post season at this rate. This is downright embarassing. Tomlin had better put some fixes in place ASAP. Penalties are a sign of lack of discipline. Yeah, there are some noobs on the line due to injury, but they still gotta play, play hard and play smart.

Very disappointing win…..

by Obi on Dec 13, 2010 7:33 AM EST reply actions

+1

by Steelers fan in Boston on Dec 13, 2010 7:52 AM EST up reply actions

Get a life

u have to enjoy the win… what kind of fan r u? We have 2 starters in our line 3 replacements… what d’u expect? Instead of acting like a spoiled brat, just enjoy the win and hope for better.

You don’t even know that other franchises’ fans wish for a winning season for decades!!! While we had 5 losing seasons in 4 decades !

Get a life man.

by Bonek on Dec 13, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions

not to disagree with Bean's assessment..

But, the Giants had/have lots of injuries on the O-line too and their running game is still pretty good…I won’t go as far to say the Offense sucks, but, it’s a work in progress. BB is breaking in a new receiver(s) Sanders/brown who are still rookies and Wallace, in his second year..This O can be explosive, hell, we have better receivers than the “great” Patriots..and a better RB..

A man is innocent untill proven guilty...Even if it's Ben Roethlisberger!
'I rather have a German division in front of me than a French division behind me'..General George Patton
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by nycsteelerfan on Dec 13, 2010 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

Very true, hopefully the FO builds the a line around pouncey.

If we can get the kind of stellar offensive lines we had a few years ago this team will dominate.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

you are the best

by klompus on Dec 13, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

The oline was a weakness to begin with. The one unit that we really couldn’t afford any injuries. The Giants had a strong right from the start

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

See, here it is again.

Whenever someone posts a different opinion than most the name calling begins.

You guys need to learn how to respectfully disagree. We are all Steeler fans here and want the same thing. To some of us, we want to win every game by 40 because it’s our Steelers. When that doesn’t happen, we point out short- comings.

When I stumbled across this site I was really excited but it seems there is just no room to have an opinion unless you are wearing blinders.

Name calling on the internet is cowardly.

by biggcat on Dec 13, 2010 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with the name calling. That shouldn’t be done.

But I have to tell you, you get very defensive anytime anybody disagrees with YOU.

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 10:35 PM EST up reply actions

Because

It involves insults and name calling. Everytime. I don’t care in the least if anyone agrees with me or what they think of me, I just think it’s a waste of a good board to start that shit.

by biggcat on Dec 14, 2010 6:32 AM EST up reply actions

if i over reacted

please accept my apologies…

by Bonek on Dec 13, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions

But since we are the Steelers, we will not win games by 40 points

And we as fans have to understand that. In the long run, I will happily take a W, whether it’s considered an ugly win or not.

One of the great disappointments of a football game is that the cheerleaders never seem to get injured.

by samliam on Dec 14, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions

didn't know

you could have a disappointing win in the NFL…

"Did you really expect Joe to have it as easy as you think it would be against James "I want to stomp of your children’s testicles" Harrison and Lamar "I’ll kick your grandmother" Woodley? I sure as hell didn’t." - Malor

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 13, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

Based on reactions on here afterwards, virtually every single one is disappointing to some people.

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

All the great losses make up for the dissapointing wins

right?

by Norcal_Roxy on Dec 13, 2010 6:51 PM EST up reply actions

ha

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 13, 2010 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

Not to jump on the Arians hater bandwagon ...

But, in terms of our redzone play calling, does anyone else notice a lack of running plays, especially inside the 10? I specifically remember the series at the end of the first half where Ben spiked the ball on first down. We had two downs before a field goal try and a timeout in our back pocket. I would have thought a quick running play with Redman would have been a decent call but we ended up passing the ball twice (and leaving time on the clock after the fieldgoal).

How much skin can a skin pig pig if a skin pig could pig skin

by SkinPig on Dec 13, 2010 7:41 AM EST reply actions

Actually, we're very balanced inside the 10

SkinPig, I started breaking down our offensive plays starting in Game 5, so including yesterday’s victory, I have 9 playbooks processed.

I can’t say what we did inside the 10 during the first four games, but over the span of the last 9 we’ve been very balanced: 35 plays, 18 of which were passes and 17 were runs… though one of those “passes” was the spike from yesterday. So if you remove that from the equation, it’s exactly 50 / 50.

by Chileburger on Dec 13, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

Not to jump on the Arians hater bandwagon

I have tried to defend Mr. Arians but i’ll be dammed if i can continue hell he is making me think he is trying to pull a Jason Garrett. I will take the win but i smell a rat this Bastard is going to pull some shit at he wrong time just like Jeff Reed shanked a 26 yarder i say right now dammit he need to catch up with Jeff Reed. FIRE HIS ASS RIGHT NOW MIKE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

I try to be civil but ( to keep thoughts in house)hell naw if Bruce want’s a head coach job there are opening outside of the Burgh

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

No

Give him a quality O-line. Then he can be fired.

I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.

"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin

by Steel in FL on Dec 13, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

+1

by qwikdoc on Dec 13, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Who do you suggest as offensive coordinator?

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

No Worry

about of our offense when the quarterback is throwing to the flying big hair. Polamalu, 2 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD. Oh my, what is this guy going to do next?

by ibygeorge on Dec 13, 2010 7:55 AM EST reply actions

Yes Worry

His ankle is a little out of sorts (for lack of better words) someone else is gotta step up now I’ll take the win BUT!! change has got to come because if if don’t (go figure) I have tried to defend Mr. Arians but i’ll be dammed if i can continue hell he is making me think he is trying to pull a Jason Garrett. Like i said i will take the win but i am heated THEY ARE GOING TO GET BEN ASS KILLED OUT THERE

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

if it don’t

Are you really a teacher?

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

be easy

world :) no one is perfect

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 13, 2010 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

I’m sorry, but the cries to replace Arians RIGHT NOW!!!! are just so annoying and unrealistic.

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions

can't establish a good enough running game

early in the games it seems we are getting stuffed in the run, and then going to a pass heavy game. we really need to push the ball on teh run a little more early, maybe start with the bigger back, Redman and then bring in Mendy.

Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all

by Rickfansince76 on Dec 13, 2010 8:33 AM EST reply actions

i hope they try this

maybe in the Panthers game..if it goes well, Spin Dr. will get bit of a break and come in fresh to trample a worn down defense

"We didn't worry about the calls," Harrison said. "When you're getting a lot of penalties against you, it brings you together."

by kick him in the head on Dec 13, 2010 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

Redman isn't really bigger.

About an inch taller and 5 or so pounds heavier, both neglible differences. And honestly, you’d be hard pressed to find a more physical runner in the league right now than Mendenhall. There is a reason he’s #1 in yards after contact.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

From what I could see, Ben played quite possibly the grittest performance by a QB this season(apart from maybe last week in Baltimore), Mendenhall had a couple nice trademark spinning runs but was mostly shut down, and the receiving corps made a number of nice improvised catches after Ben was forced out of the pocket or into a quick throw.
Each of this things signifies poor O-line play to me. No excuse for giving up 4 sacks to a team that came into the game with just 14 all season, last in the league. Ben had no more than 3 or 4 plays all day with more than 5 seconds of zero pressure in the pocket, and every one was a solid pass for a first down. I know we’re missing like 50 linemen at this point, and I give all the credit in the world to coach Kugler for keeping this O-line in decent enough shape to play every week with all these injuries. But when we’ve had problems like this for 3 consecutive games, 2 of which were against teams with a combined 4 wins, that’s something to be concerned about.

by Akshay R on Dec 13, 2010 8:36 AM EST reply actions

Ben's getting a knee in his face

can anyone check the tape

by Bonek on Dec 13, 2010 8:55 AM EST reply actions

Ben's getting a knee in his face

I SAW them kick him in the face on a sack when he was already down and the announcers saw and to the said it should have been called but wasn’t

They are going to get Ben fucking killed out there if i was Ben i would knock the hell out of who ever hit me after the ball is way gone dam a fine cause i sure as hell would be paying it

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

You see

Seems like if the game officials don’t want to do something about it… Higher official up above sky wanted to correct things… So, the guy who kneed Ben was injured during the game and out for the season :) Hilarious.

by Bonek on Dec 13, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

Smizik has a post over at the PG where he sums up the offense this year. Worth a read.

The offense, in my eyes, has under performed in the last two games; not enough TDs and too many penalties.

But I’m not overly worried at this point. A “W” is a “W” and "W"s in December are like gold. This team’s offense has the ability to score points, and the leadership to pull their share of the weight when it matters.

And while one can argue who is the elite of the elite at the QB position, there is not a better QB in the league who fits the Steelers like Ben.

Disappointing day for the O. Amazing day for the D. In the end, we got the W.

Whatever it takes!

by SteelerInSeattle on Dec 13, 2010 9:00 AM EST reply actions

The one how it's not BA fault the Offense can't get anything going

yes ignore the fact that after we get stopped in the backfield we don’t run for the next two drives, the fact that no one is confused by our trip sets anymore. Considering the man called Mendy an average RB and he still wishes the Pirates had kept Nady, Bay, Sanchez and Wilson because they led us to the playoffs so many times.

by WVPiratesfan on Dec 13, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

What?

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Don't trust anything Smizik says

unless it is something he found at another site.

by WVPiratesfan on Dec 13, 2010 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

In defense of the O

1. It’s clear that this year belongs to the D.

When push comes to shove, all decision-making is going to fall down on the side of “punt it and let’s make another stop”.

2. The weather was awful.

It’s not like Cincy was tearing the place up. The fact is this time of year in Pittsburgh you cannot depend on offense to win every football game.

3. Good teams win by field goals.

Go back and look at the 2001 New England Patriots. There’s a reason Adam Vinatieri is going to Canton some day.

The most common single NFL score is 23-21. Think about that for a minute. The team that scores the most TDs often loses.

by theobserver on Dec 13, 2010 9:01 AM EST reply actions

no

“The team that scores the most TDs often loses.”

your logic is flawed

If you’re drawing this inference from the most common unique game outcome, and then applying it to all games. You’re only looking at a very small set of games that have a specific score.

by Steely McSmash on Dec 13, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry

I really didn’t feel like firing up the server and running some analysis before noon.

BTW, the logic is not flawed. Perhaps the data set is, but the logic itself holds.

by theobserver on Dec 14, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

Makes me sick

Listening to Mike and Mike on the way into work and a listener compared Ben to the likes of Brady and Manning in his ability to “cry and get the calls” Yesterday seemed like the first time we have watched Ben pull himself off the ground and turn around and argue for a call…Which he did not get. He played with amazing heart again yesterday.

Yes, he argued on a few of the calls but replay showed (the very limited replays CBS gave us) that there were a couple late hits that were overlooked by Coleman and his crew. IMO it is nice watching him get up and state his case without screaming and yelling like that long haired hippy type pink old … in New England.

Long live Benjamin Roethlisburger!!

by wichitasteeler32 on Dec 13, 2010 9:08 AM EST reply actions

CBS

the very limited replays CBS gave us

Boy, the announcers were pathetic.

by stylepoints on Dec 13, 2010 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

As they usually are

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

I counted at least 3 hits on Ben that were late by the standard the NFL has applied to harrison and woodley,

the worst one being the sandwich hit that looked it nearly killed ben.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

What’s a pink old?

by worldtrip on Dec 13, 2010 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

It was supposed to read

long haired hippy type pinko f*g,

I didn’t want to type the last word because it was not meant to offend, just more a passing shot at Brady. It is a song by the Charlie’s Daniels Band “Uneasy Rider”…It’s a good listen

by wichitasteeler32 on Dec 14, 2010 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Does that make you a red neck?

by worldtrip on Dec 14, 2010 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

It makes me a young individual who quoted a song from the 70s. I am not a redneck no, but it seemed to be a good line in reference to Brady’s girly hair. I think you are reading more into what I was trying to say. Sorry for upsetting you.

by wichitasteeler32 on Dec 14, 2010 7:52 PM EST up reply actions

I didn’t get upset

by worldtrip on Dec 15, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

A look at us vs other teams.

In our last 3 games we have had 30 drives. In those 30 drives we have 2 touchdowns and 9 FGs. Or about 1.37 points per drive. Now let’s compare that to the bottom 5 teams and the top 5 teams.

Bottom 5
Panthers 36 drives, 4TDs, 4FGs, 1.11 ppd
Bengals 35 drives, 4 TDs, 4FGs, 1.14 ppd
Broncos 40 drives, 5 TDs, 4FGs, 1.18 ppd
Bills 33 drives, 3 TDs, 5 FGs, 1.10 ppd
Lions 34 drives, 5 TDs, 2 FGs, 1.21 ppd

Top 6 (excluding us)
Pats 32 drives, 14TDs, 5 FGs, 3.53 ppd
Falcons 33 drives, 9 TDs, 3 FGs, 2.18 ppd
Saints 31 drives, 10 TDs, 6 FGs, 2.84 ppd
Eagles 34 drives, 9 TDs, 9 FGs, 2.65 ppd
Jets 39 drives, 2 TDs, 4 FGs, 0.67 ppd
Ravens 35 drives, 5 TDs, 5 FGs, 1.43 ppd

Okay, first of all I can conclude from this that the Jets are a joke of a team. If they make it into the playoffs they are going to get blown out by someone to the tune of 2 or 3 picks by Sanchez, who just isn’t that good. Anyway, just looking at the points per drive numbers it looks like we are closer to the bottom group than we are the top group. Our offense scares me because they cannot sustain drives. Sustaining a drive IMO means the drive results in points, not 2 first downs and a punt. Of course, our defense can always keep us in a game, but we are likely to run into a game that is a shoot out and I really do not believe our offense is good enough to win that game (basically talking about the Pats).

"Stop being a troll." - Mr MaLoR

by John Stephens on Dec 13, 2010 9:26 AM EST reply actions

New England

can be had if you force them into 2-3 turnovers and make Brady uncomfortable. Their defense is opportunistic, but is still very young. They basically played perfect games against Pittsburgh, the Jets and Bears (think ‘04 Steelers against Pats and Eagles). That kind of run is not likely to continue unchecked. I know, careful what you wish for, but I’d like to play them in Foxboro…Brady thrives on sticking it to Heinz Field…lets give him some of his own medicine.

by pistil_stamen on Dec 13, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

result not the method

“can be had if you force them into 2-3 turnovers and make Brady uncomfortable”

The question is how to do this. This is more like an artifact of shutting down an offense. if you do this to any team you’re gonna win most of the time.

by Steely McSmash on Dec 13, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions

The Pats are my biggest concern right now because frankly they are built to beat us.

Like Brady or not he is ridiculously accurate in that offense and can rip a zone D to shreds. On the plus side, I do think Ike and B-Mac can handle the pats receivers in man coverage, I’m just not certain we will see it. But, right now if there is any one team that I think will keep us from pushing for #7, its the pats.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions

The last 2-games were vs. division rivals. So, we cannot use those stats as being normal, everygame stats.

Let the Steelers beat up on the Jets and Panthers first…

by CA_Steeler_Fan on Dec 13, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

The Patriots just beat up 2 playoff contenders with top tier defenses. We still didn’t do anything against the bills and their defense isn’t that great.

"Stop being a troll." - Mr MaLoR

by John Stephens on Dec 13, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

The Steelers know how to win close, scrappy games...

I don’t think we should ever compare the Steelers to the Pats. Two totally different teams. The Pats are Offensive minded while the Steelers are Defensive minded. The Pats will play a Ravens team that matches up better with them in the playoffs. We will see if they can win those close games as the Ravens will seek revenge. As will the Steelers if they meet in the playoffs…

by CA_Steeler_Fan on Dec 13, 2010 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

Time of Possession

Anytime the offense can win the time of possession contest, it give the defense the chance to win the game for the team. So, even without being able to muster touchdowns, the 3rd down conversions were enough to keep the D rested.

by stylepoints on Dec 13, 2010 9:28 AM EST reply actions

only problem with that

good playoff teams score quick, we need to start scoring td’s on these long drives. 2 td’s in the last 29-30 position is not going to hack it come playoff time. ps 1 of those td’s was on a 9 yd drive.

by melikie yung tang on Dec 13, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

you are so right because it is not going to cut it come playoff time

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

Can’t blame the offense for short field. They took advantage of what they were given and it was not just any TD, it was the game winner late in the 4th.

"Stop being a troll." - Mr MaLoR

by John Stephens on Dec 13, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

I think

the steelers d could win a playoff game single handedly and put the steelers in the AFC championship game. then, who knows? As Donald Rumsfeld used to say, “you play football with the offensive line you have, not the one you wish you had.”…or something like that.

by stylepoints on Dec 13, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

Defense wins championships

by Norcal_Roxy on Dec 13, 2010 6:58 PM EST up reply actions

BTW who was I arguing with that Wallace has better hands than Holmes?

When have you ever seen Wallace do this.

"Stop being a troll." - Mr MaLoR

by John Stephens on Dec 13, 2010 9:50 AM EST reply actions

I like the Dolphins defender who raised his arms in victory when he let the ball doink off his arms

by WVPiratesfan on Dec 13, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

It was crazy too how open he was,

not a defender close enough to disrupt his vision or scream “Weed” to distract him

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Dec 13, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Stop With The Excuses

As is the case every week, the excuses are being made for the offense. In order to be considered as an elite team, your offense needs to perform. This time of the season there needs to be results and, not excuses. Don’t put all of the responsibility on the defense. This is a team sport! Show some true Steelers Pride.

by steel-ten on Dec 13, 2010 10:04 AM EST reply actions

Stopping with the excuses!

Well you are so RIGHT!! the buck has to stop somewhere and it did with me yesterday I have defended Mr. Arians and i have overlooked and with rose colored glasses the o-line. Yes it is banged up (so fucking what ) next man up i want to see some bold moves like what day they fire offensive Coordinators cause Tuesday’s are for kickers and i don’t care how late it is in the season because the dam season is going to end very quickly if change don’t come and i doubt the you can or will go far with a backup QB

Ms. Football Lady

by Teacherlady4 on Dec 13, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Would you please stop with the f-bombs?

Those are generally considered appropriate in game threads only…

"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 13, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

I believe

teacher lady has Tourrette syndrome, has been doing that all over the place and just repeating the Arians stuff, in all caps in some cases. So I don’t think they can control it.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 13, 2010 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

I believe

she is just new and don’t know the rules…. she’ll learn

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 13, 2010 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

You are right

I should check my snarky side and be less judgemental.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 14, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

You have to be told to not use foul language? Really?

Wow, boggles the mind.

One of the great disappointments of a football game is that the cheerleaders never seem to get injured.

by samliam on Dec 14, 2010 9:02 AM EST up reply actions

Actually no

I have never been told because I don’t commonly express myself in that manner. But some people do and to some people it is common place to speak words that we deem inappropriate. Doesn’t make it right but you do have to understand that they have to be told that the norm here is to keep all f bombs in game threads.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 14, 2010 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

One thing

When Troy intercepted the goal line throw, and made an incredibly STUPID move in trying to lateral, he got chewed out by Lebeau, but later they had a conversation(very touching in fact ). Troy knew it was stupid, but was giddy with delight over stopping the bengals and how it appeared to be so easy. They had the bengals number, and palmer and co. simply gave up.

I wouldn’t get too excited about the defense. This is what is supposed to happen to a 2-10 team – get routed, but as others have commented, the lack of scoring in the red zone is really worrying. Who cares if they run up and down the field if they can’t score points? If the d has a bad day(i.e. saints, pats) then the offense has to carry the tean, and I have doubts…

Points show up on the score board and the win column, not yards gained or 3rd down conversions.

by IronJake on Dec 13, 2010 10:17 AM EST reply actions

The thing is that the Bengals have not often been routed this year.

And I think we tend to take it for granted when our D is playing lights out because we simply expect it.

by NYCSteelersFan on Dec 13, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Let's look at the possessions... is all this BA hate warranted?

I wholeheartedly agree that we need to execute better on offense, but I don’t get the hate for BA, at least not on 6 of the 8 drives. Let’s see how each one ended:

Drive 1:
On second down BB makes a poor throw to Hines, incomplete.
On third down, he gets sacked for an 8 yard loss.
We punt.

Drive 2:
Spin Doctor gets 7 yards on run on 1st and 10, then stuffed on 2nd down.
On third down, Ben’s pass to Sanders gets defensed.
We punt.

Drive 3
On 3rd and 4, Ben throws incomplete to Antonio Brown, I believe on the sideline, but there’s no way Brown could have caught it.
We punt

Drive 4:
Ben spikes at the CIN 5 yard line on first and goal.
Then he throws two incompletions, either of which could have been picked off by Bengal defenders.
We settle for FG

Drive 5:
We drive to the CIN 9 yard line, but then a holding call against DJ85 sets us back 10.
On 1st and 19 Ben dumps it off to BTSC favorite Isaac Redman for 6 yards.
The call on 2nd and 13, I admit, I did not like: a behind the line screen to ARE which loses 3 yards.
On 3rd and goal to go from the 16, Ben finds Wallace in the end zone… but, oops, he’s out of bounds.
We settle for the FG

Drive 6:
Three holding penalties and then two sacks on Ben, one of which he probably did not need to take.
We punt.

Drive 7:
On 3rd & 5 from the Cincy 24, we try a quick slant to Hines (I don’t think it was a screen; please correct me if I am wrong) that only nets one yard.
We settle for FG.

Drive 8:
We’re just running out the clock.

Most of those drives seem to have ended due to probably with EXECUTION and sacks, and those don’t seem to be problems that we can attribute to Arians. This is no knock on Ben, who is showing (again) that he’s a true warrior, with a bum foot and a broken nose, who gets slapped around all game long.

I didn’t like the two pass calls that ended drives 5 and 7, but I suspect that we were using those plays precisely to avoid subjecting Ben to more punishment; the idea was probably to use a quick-developing play.

by Chileburger on Dec 13, 2010 11:16 AM EST reply actions

All except 1 of these are 3rd and 5+ yards

obvious passing downs that we need to avoid to sustain drives. Lot of penalties and sacks contributing to ending up in that situation.

by Steely McSmash on Dec 13, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

I think I'm a bit slow on the uptake today

Penalties and sacks indeed, Steely, and BA isn’t responsible for those. BA can’t take the blame when Ben’s throws aren’t really on the money, either.

[Again, not dissing Ben with that comment; he’s a stud, but some of those throws were very poor. We can probably cut him some slack and chalk at least a few of them to visor / foot / nose angst.]

But can you clarify the gist of your comment for me: are you weighing-in in favor of “execution was the main problem, not BA” camp? Or is your reply to my post a “throw him under the bus” comment? Or are you perhaps undecided?

Sorry, I can’t really tell.

by Chileburger on Dec 13, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

The PA to Spaeth

would of been six if Ben would of put just a little more air under it. I’m usually one of the haters but if he can start to open up nice calls like that, then I will be happy. Not sure where he’s been hiding it but now we need to perfect it.

"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman

by Pittsblitz56 on Dec 13, 2010 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

Ben's decision making

Sometimes Ben needs to accept that field goal is a good thing. When Pouncey missed his assignment, Brady would have thrown the ball away at his WR’s feet. Ben tries to duck him and make a play. Ben we where in field goal range, don’t take a sack.

I hold BA accountable for trying to involve so many people in the offense. We need to get touches to Spinhall, Hines, Heath, Wallace, Redman, and the rookies. I like the smoke screens, however, I would like to see screens to Mendy and Redman and where is the screen to Heath (always good for 8 to 10 yards).

Johnathan Scott is horrible, this dude gets beat from the word go on running and pass plays. His holding is so obivious, can they teach him discrete holding. I thought Trai did a better job at tackle than Scott. Hills, has to the most worthless LT draft in history. Dude is on his 3rd year and continually on the Inactive list with the tackles we have. I think Chris Scott is ahead of him.
Please cut the cord on this experiment and find someone on the streets.

by 72Steeler on Dec 13, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

too late...

You’re not going to find anyone who can learn the playbook this late in the game. Unless Hills or C. Scott is better we’re stuck with him.

Also no QB avoids that blitz, not even Brady. Simply too fast. Ben’s going into a 5 step drop and by step 4 he’s got pressure straight up the gut. No time to react. That’s a sack 99/100 times.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 13, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Let's look at this calmly for a moment...

You never fire an OC who’s team is 10-3
Are we the Patriots or Saints offense? No. But this is an offense that is good enough to get us to the #2 seed in the AFC. In fact I’d say this offense is good enough to beat any team in league save the Patriots. I don’t know how you game plan against them right now. Any other team in the league? I say bring it. The offense will put enough points on the board and the defense will keep the opposing team from turning it into a shootout.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 13, 2010 11:34 AM EST reply actions

Holding penalties are hurting us....

but the redzone playcalling is suspect at BEST.

by BIGMIKEREESE on Dec 13, 2010 11:55 AM EST reply actions

Hey, let’s just go 5 wide…

by RJ55 on Dec 13, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

quick passes...

hmmm

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 13, 2010 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

OL's play is reason why team isn't scoring more ...

The holding penalties, pressures and sacks on Ben have been drive killers. I don’t know how you correct that at this time. J. Scott, Chris K. and Flozell all struggle with quickness and speed. R. Foster loses technique and then loses his man. Pouncey is going to be great, but he still needs to work on his strength. That’s not startling news for a 21-year-old kid, though. I agree that this line is better than the 08 version because it can run the ball. I’m all for using A. Brown, E. Sanders and M. Wallace a little more in the run game as far as reverses and the quick passing game with slants and more smoke screens. Anyone can see that A. Brown feels comfortable in that part of his game.

by datruth4life2.0 on Dec 13, 2010 12:05 PM EST reply actions

Pouncey

is actually 20 – he started college at 17 and declared a year early. Unless he’s just turned 21…

"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 13, 2010 5:57 PM EST up reply actions

tomlin

loves those young guys…

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 13, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

Echos of '08 All Around

Good points on the offense. The offense is supposed to score touchdowns, and they did not do that. However, in other respects the offense played some of its best ball all year.

I agree, this unit is capable of more. Hopefully the line can play together so that they can develop some cohesiveness….

On the flip side, the defense seems to be getting better. Hood is playing better, and having Kiesel back is also making a difference. The combination of inconsistent offense and dominating defense reminds me of the Steelers 2008 team (click here for a more in-depth analysis along those lines.)

What that said, even if we can get some more consistent play out of the line, can the Steelers, (or anyone) stop the Pats?

by Hombre de Acero on Dec 13, 2010 12:18 PM EST reply actions

Only 1 Team Scares Me

the New England Patriots, well Tom Brady. He has owned us and our weaknesses play into his hands. Quick delivery before pass rush sets in. Smart, throws it away and doesn’t take sack or hits (Ben, please look at his video). So instead of 2nd and 17, it’s 2nd and 10. Less pressure on the offense.

I hope that LeBeau does what he did against Peyton in the playoffs after we were drilled by the Colts on Monday night. We need a scheme that shows 6 coming but only rush 4 and get to Brady consistently.

I’ve never seen a team score like that in the snow. We better have a serious running game to keep the ball away from him in the AFCG.

by 72Steeler on Dec 13, 2010 12:48 PM EST reply actions

francesa thinks the pat's defense is susceptible, what do you think?

by choisae on Dec 13, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, We scored 26 on them

But of course, since they scored 39 on us the susceptibility of their D was not the key factor….

Gerela's Gorillas are here for the show
and so is Franco's Army
It's been many years in coming
let's keep that Steeler machinery humming!

by GoldMetalDefense on Dec 14, 2010 7:45 AM EST up reply actions

As shaky as the Steelers injury-ravaged offensive line has been, it has largely played well enough for the Steelers to win

That’s not saying much about the O line. They don’t have to play that well when you have a defense like we do and when you have BB at QB.

The O line is just barely above horrible. Jonathan Scott is beyond horrible. The Bengals D line looked like pro bowlers yesterday the way they penetrated.

BB won’t be able to escape every time. When we lose him to injury, we will discover just how awful our subs on the O line are. They have to pick up their play for us to compete in the playoffs

by qwikdoc on Dec 13, 2010 2:36 PM EST reply actions

Just keep in mind...

This offensive line Sunday consisted of, correct me if I’m wrong, two veteran starters. And although Pouncy’s playing like one, he’s not a “veteran”. Certainly mental mistakes like holding are hard to excuse, but watching what these “second stringers” accomplished Sunday gives me faith this team can continue to win games.
My opinion (and that’s all it is) : This offense is becoming a little too reliant on the defense to win games. I think the coaching staff in general needs to instill a little more “we’ve gotta do it” into these linemen. And no, I don’t know just how to do that. If I did, I might be a coach.

by It's Miller time on Dec 13, 2010 7:01 PM EST reply actions

Superbowl?

There is only one question about whether the Steelers can get to the Superbowl this year: Can they beat New England, and do it up there? That is the ONLY question. Right now, no one is beating New England. And they stepped all over us a few weeks ago. We will see.

by dklml2 on Dec 13, 2010 8:39 PM EST reply actions

Remember the Titans of '08?

We “couldn’t beat” them either. But when it came time for the AFC Championship, they weren’t there.

Oh, yes and we “couldn’t beat” the Colts in ‘05 either. But in the playoffs, when it came AFC Championship time, they weren’t there either.

The Pats tanned our hide for sure, but it was one game. Belicheck has already shown his hand. LeBeau has not. I suspect Pats-Steelers II would have a different outcome…

Gerela's Gorillas are here for the show
and so is Franco's Army
It's been many years in coming
let's keep that Steeler machinery humming!

by GoldMetalDefense on Dec 14, 2010 7:52 AM EST up reply actions

Sherman, set the Wayback machine.

This isn’t 2005 or 2008. It’s 2010. There are only a handful of players on the team today that were on those.
It is possible that a team like the Ravens could knock the Pastries out before the AFCCG. I doubt it, but it’s possible. The Pats have beaten every contender from each conference handily.
Not to mention Brady hasn’t lost at Foxboro for like 3 years. We want to go to Texas, we need to go through Foxboro first.
I would love Ben and the crew to dispatch the Pastries on their home field. I’m not afraid, I’m anxious. Let’s get through the last 3 and see what happens.

by Rahsolar on Dec 14, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

I wasn't at all embarrassed by that Philly game

I was frustrated, but that game was close, the defense played its heart out and the offense played with some courage, they just couldn’t do enough, but that game was within reach at some point.
The only time I was actually ashamed of being a Steelers fan was the New England game a few weeks ago, the whole team played with no heart and no passion. And I have to say there should be no SB talk until New England is out of the way, either we beat them or somebody else does, this team so far has proven capable of beating everyone else but New England, so until that obstacle is out of the way then we can start dreaming of a championship

by steelermaniac1991 on Dec 13, 2010 11:12 PM EST reply actions

Ya know the first thing I’m going to do when the Steelers are in the super bowl? I’m going to arrange a super bowl party. I can’t wait to see the Steelers in the super bowl this year. I am going to have so much fun cheering for the Steelers in this years super bowl.

by worldtrip on Dec 14, 2010 12:15 AM EST up reply actions

I'm already

wearing my party pants.

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 14, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

Ashamed?

Never be ashamed. We struggled through the Bloody Brister era, The Tomczak years, The O’Donnel years.
We kept our chin up with Kordell and Tommy Maddox. Looked ahead after Barry Foster and Bam Morris.
We are Steelers fans! We endured the end of the Noll years and relished the start of the Cower era. Were Sad when Kay died, and skeptical of Tomlin. 3 coaches in almost 50 years? Hell the Cowboys have had 2 this year. The Rooney’s are a class act to boot.
No matter the loss, no matter the deficit the Steelers are right there in your face every year. That Steelermaniac is NOTHING to be ashamed of. You should be honored to wear the Black and Gold no matter the outcome of a contest. We are Steelers Nation. No other team in the NFL can brag about a fan base like that.

by Rahsolar on Dec 14, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

good point

didn’t mean it that way, I guess I failed to make a good word choice. I will always be a Steeler fan and I have supported this team after disheartening loses. The one thing I can’t stand about a Steelers team is for them to play without heart and passion, which I thought was the case in that game. Nevertheless, Steelermaniac for life

by steelermaniac1991 on Dec 14, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions

Be Very Careful

With your word choices around here. This is the most sensitive Steeler Fan Site in the world. The only way to really go is to just agree with everyone and keep your opinions to yourself.

by biggcat on Dec 15, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

You’re such an asshole

by worldtrip on Dec 15, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

ouch

by biggcat on Dec 15, 2010 7:25 PM EST up reply actions

I'm on a tear

Gay or McFadden: will be on 60% of the receiving hi-light reels for 2010 as the beaten defender.
Randall-El: waves off more punts with no one around him for 15 yards than he runs back.
LeBeau: needs to step it up with the blitzes. Brees and Brady had NO pressure and had ALL DAY to throw the ball. Can’t get to the big game w/o pressure. Can’t win playing the entire game in cover 2,dime, nickel, zone etc. Blitzes are what the Steelers were built on. Blitzes are what works. Blitzes win football games.
BA can’t: call a series I cant predict at home, call a series an experienced defensive coordinator can’t predict from the other side of the field, make real game time adjustments, make half-time adjustments, call a series in the red zone that nets 6.
Ben. Took more hits after the ball was released than he did holding it. Clubbed twice to the head. MMA rules. No Flags. Try that nonsense against Brady or the Mannings.
Mendenhall: Has on offensive line my local Jr. college could beat and he still has 1k yards. Impressive.
In closing: I love this team. They are frustrating, giving me an ulcer at 44, I now have a visible twitch, have pulled most of the hair out of my beard, get migraines every Sunday for 17 weeks and have wrung my terrible towel into a washcloth. Defense is great, offense is anemic at best. Tomlin needs to get EVERYONE on the same page. That’s what great coaches do. I hope that all the kinks can be worked out before the team embarrasses itself in the playoffs. Otherwise the first beating they took from the Patriots will seem like they went easy on them.

by Rahsolar on Dec 14, 2010 12:14 AM EST reply actions

The Saints game was the first game without Aaron Smith if I'm not mistaken

and the game against the Patriots we where down to Nick Eason, who may just be the slowest person on the roster, and Ziggy as our DEs and McClendon as a emergency backup at those positions we where hurting at that point.

by WVPiratesfan on Dec 14, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions

Its time

to run less between the tackles and more short slants to Wallace.

by ibygeorge on Dec 14, 2010 7:41 AM EST reply actions

The Saints and Pastries

Used slants, screens and short passes to the flat as their running game. Each time they picked up 5-6-7-8 yards at a clip that set up the big play downfield. Our defensive backs are pitiful, they miss assignments, give too much cushion or get outright beaten by the receivers they are covering. Then they have a problem tackling.
When the Steelers send 3 or 4 and drop 7 or 8 into coverage it gives the QB all day to choose the receiver he wants to throw to. The linebackers are fast. Just not as fast as a player with an ‘80’ on his shirt and they get beat.
I would love to see Tomlin and his coaches get it together and come up with a new scheme for the playoffs. Something none of us has seen. Tomlin needs to put his foot up everyone’s butt and shake the cobwebs loose. LeBeau can dial up some new ‘D’ he always does. BA will run the same 8 plays that haven’t worked all year. Or throw a gadget play in there he saw during a college game.
With Baltimore squeaking by Houston, we’re not in the clear yet.

by Rahsolar on Dec 14, 2010 4:24 PM EST reply actions

The offense

For starters BA needs to remember the basics. Run when they think your throwing and throw when they think your running. From my couch I can call what the steelers are doing what do you think the DC’s are seeing. In football it’s either your scheme or your talent our talent is fine. Tomlin needs to demand more from his offensive Coach you have to control the clock AND score touchdowns. Whenever the steelers have a lead they let every team back in the game by running the same ground game that EVERY TEAM CAN COUNT ON, 3 and out and pray for our defense after 57 minutes of great football and carrying the load to save us again. They call it offense for a reason fool the the opposing defense and move the damn ball. Why is it Dick L. is expected to earn his paycheck and BA isn’t. After 45 years as a steeler fan watching this offense is painful 75% of the time. Stop earning your living off the defense and play football. ENOUGH ALREADY!!

by alwaysasteeler on Dec 14, 2010 5:44 PM EST reply actions