Steelers Defense Returns To Dominant Form Against Falcons In Week 1 Win
by Michael Bean on Sep 12, 2010 6:41 PM EDT
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The 2009 season was a disappointing one for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially for Dick LeBeau's defensive unit. At the outset of the 2010 season, Steeler Nation wanted to know whether LeBeau's bunch would look more like the '09 version, or the '08 team that was historically good and helped propel the team into the playoffs and beyond.
For a game at least, the answer is this year's defense looks as versatile and talented as the '08 team, with perhaps even the potential to be even better. The Steelers surrendered some yards to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday - 295 to be exact on 71 plays, good for only 4.2 yards per play. Let's look at some of the other key defensive stats from the game:
| Category | No. | Comments |
| Total Yards | 295 | A new sub-300 yard streak is born! |
| Rushes - Yards | 25 - 58 | So much for a renewed M. Turner. (19 carries, 42 yards, long 7 |
| Yards per Rush | 2.3 yards | Still unfruitful and difficult to run against PIT |
| Pass Att/Comp (%) | 27 - 44 (61.3%) | Sure, Matt Ryan completed a healthy number and %, however... |
| Gross Pass Yards - Net Pass Yards- Yards per Pass Play - Yards per Attempt |
252 - 237 - 5.2 - 5.7 | 44 attempts to muster those 252 yards. 5.7 yards per passing attempt won't get it done in this league. Only CLE and STL finished with a mark that low in '09. Great sign. |
| Sacks | 2 | Who else? Deebo and Woodley both on the board |
| Turnovers | 1 | Who else? Troy Polamalu with another critical and breathtakingly well executed INT. |
We have plenty of time to talk about the individual performances turned in by Steelers' defenders, but one thing at a time. Just wanted to get these numbers out there and let us begin talking about the possibility of the defense sustaining this high level of performance throughout the season. As fantastic as it was to watch the Steelers' defense play well, there are a few concerns moving forward. Nose tackle Casey Hampton left the game with a hamstring injury, never a fun injury. Hopefully he'll make a speedy recovery, but there's no reason to rush him back unnecessarily quickly. There also was a lack of pass rush from the defensive line, but that's not the first or last time that's happened during an impressive performance by the unit collectively.
Good things come to those who wait. Look like Lawrence Timmons is not the bust that a small impatient segment of the fanbase proclaimed him to be the previous two seasons. He's just a young dude still, that's all. But he sure looked great out there today. We'll see if he can stay healthy and be consistent now - the hallmark traits of the league and the franchise's best players. The prospect of him having the mental side of the game down enough to just let his natural physical ability run its course is a beautiful thing for the Steelers and their fans, and a nightmare for opponents already preoccupied by Harrison, Woodley and Polamalu. Outstanding game by him.
Tremendous performance by James Harrison. He was absolutely everywhere - plugging holes and swarming to the ball in the running game, defending against the pass at all levels. Man, it must be scary playing against him. And a solid day for LaMarr Woodley, particularly rushing the passer. He was less impressive in other phases, but he sure did show off that incredible power pushing tackles back into their quarterback.
As for the secondary, a job well done by them. Again, 5.2 yards per passing play (sacks included), 5.7 yards per attempt - an outstanding number that every defensive coordinator would kill to have each week. (In comparison, the Steelers offense averaged 7.3 yards per play passing play, and Dixon averaged 9.07 yards per attempt). More on the play of the DBs to come, but a very positive first game for both Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden at corner.
More on its way. Undefeated feels exquisite, even if it's just one week.
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Is it me
or does troy seem to have put on some muscle in the off-season. All in all a good game on defense a few big plays but nothing major two key sacks. Still only one holding call on James Harrison, when about 10-15 could have been called
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Don't wory, I'm an untrained professional" WVPF
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
Troy P. seemed to be holding back on his tackles a bit, not putting is whole body into it like he use to, which isnt a bad thing, id rather have a healthy Troy thats holding up a bit and saving his body than a Troy thats on the side lines, btw that INT was beautiful. Good’ol Troy, cant wait to see the anti-CJ2K play next week, TP43!!!
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 13, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Thoughts about defense
Agreed, the secondary played relatively well. Am a bit concerned about trends continuing from last year: defense seemed to sag late in 1H and it was once again Troy to the rescue – can’t see Gay intercepting that ball.
Thats because its not Willie's job to cover the other teams NO. 1
he plays the slot, his job is to cover the middle of the field, and he does a good job at that. If we transition to a Cover-2 team while he is here he will start because he is a Cover-2 Corner
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Don't wory, I'm an untrained professional" WVPF
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Sep 12, 2010 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you will see many players in the NFL
Outside of Troy making a play like that. That was a thing of beauty.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
"Am a bit concerned about trends continuing from last year: defense seemed to sag late in 1H"
Atlanta has good offensive personnel. To hold them down like we did was stellar. This wasn’t Matt Cassel, and the Chiefs. Ryan and Co. are going to be very good this year, and the defense dominated them. Give them props for a huge week one performance.
" Just go and lay your hand on a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, and then I think you'll finally understand"
" In America" Charlie Daniels Band
by idiscgolftexas on Sep 13, 2010 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
nice writeup Mr. Bean
feels like the season has really started now that we get to read your summary of a win :)
"You know how football is - if your mother's on the other team and you're coming out to play football, you're gonna hit momma" --L.C. Greenwood
Jim Wexell
is reporting on his twitter account that Starks has a high ankle sprain and will be doubtful for next week.
I'm your huckleberry
At least it's just an ankle sprain
I thought it was something worse.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
"I don't want to be like Brett Favre. I don't want to be like Old Yeller, when they take you behind the barn and shoot you." -Hines Ward-
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
High Ankle Sprain is something worse
I thought it might be something like that unfortunately. Usually a 2-4 week injury, but that is for speed players. Maybe he does not need quite the explosiveness they do, yet he is a LT and he has a bit more weight to carry.
Hope Hills really is ready to chip in.
Big Ben seems to have too much time on his hands, and too many hands on his time.
True
But Max Starks isn’t a speed player. My guess is that he’ll miss the next two games.
Chris Andersen could be in a porno with his 'stache. Too bad he still wouldn't know how to box out.
"I don't want to be like Brett Favre. I don't want to be like Old Yeller, when they take you behind the barn and shoot you." -Hines Ward-
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
John Scott looked okay filling in for Starks
I thought he did a credible job, actually.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
He looked pretty good against Abraham
But he’s got a huge challenge ahead next week.
"Don't Call It A Comeback"
by StoneColdSteel on Sep 12, 2010 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Abraham's no slouch
The Ten-Teeth Tits run out of a 3-4, right?
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Nope
Theyre a 4-3
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Scott should be just fine then.
Don’t the Dolphins and cheatriots run 4-3’s? He came from the Bills, so he’s seen it enough…(sounds good, don’t it?)
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Patriots chop and change
If im right they play about 3-4 60:40 4-3.
Dolphins have been a 3-4 since the Sparano days began.
I think the Titans pass rush was going to give us fits with Colon/Starks anyway. Now that its going to be Adams and likely Scott…im a bit worried about Dixon. BA needs a better gameplan with quicker throws and misdirection or Dix will get murdered. We struggled with James Jones a couple years ago and then got burned badly by them at times last year.
Oh, that and the Titans destroyed the Raiders OL today
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough
Wow, my brain is frickin’ fried right now….
Your point about the raiders o-line is kind of invalid. C’mon…It’s the frickin’ RAIDERS! LOL! I wouldn’t read too much into it.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Yeah but
Our Line hasnt exactly been stellar in a long time, although despite the 3 sacks, from what Ive seen, we werent THAT bad
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
They're still better than the raiders line...
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
On the upside though
Jason Jones lines up at DT mostly and I think Pouncey is up for the task, though I do think they like to run a bunch of stunts with his quickness. Communication is key when trying to block fronts like the Titans and Giants
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Very good point
Our revolving door at centre has left. Pouncey is a huge upgrade from last season
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
3-4
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
" I don't care if he has two horns and a tail, as long as he is anti-communist"..General Douglas MacArthur..
"The way to end our dependence on foreign oil is to keep our tires properly inflated"....B. Hussein Obama
"Government is not the solution to our problems, it is the cause of them" Ronald Wilson Reagan..40th President of the United States
by nycsteelerfan on Sep 12, 2010 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Haynesworth wouldn't be bitching about switching to the 3-4
If he played out of one in Tennessee
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Cut me some slack...
I’ve been up since 5 AM, and screamed my head off at the bar while watching the game this morning.
I forgot about Fat Albert. Shoot me.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Bang bang
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks...?
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Ouch...
I was gonna give you the slack cuz I don’t know who the Titans D-coordinator is anymore since Jim Swartz left. But they don’t have the LBs for a 3-4
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
You iz welcome
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Scott allowed a sack the first play he was in didnt he…..
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 13, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Dez Byrant was out 4-6 weeks
the max 6 weeks would put starks starting back when Big something comes back
by steeler_in_maryland on Sep 12, 2010 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Wexell's reporting today was kind of ridiculously negative
I called him out for it and he snarkily responded “I am a reporter, not a fan” or something like that.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
on where, twitter?
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 Sep 12, 2010 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Not too worried about the lack of pressure on Ryan by the D.
Matt Ryan gets rid of the ball pretty quickly most of the time; usually quick enough to avoid the pressure. He also moves around pretty well in and out of the pocket. Bottom line though: zero TD passes for Ryan and one key interception that might have killed the Falcons before Mendy’s 50-yard scamper.
It was surreal to hear the game announcers continually talking about what a talent Ryan is, because the guy did absolutely nothing when it really counted in the game. But the Steeler D definitely looks like it’s back! Aggressive, smash-mouth football for 4 quarters and a lack of silly errors on offense equals a great Steeler victory!
Agreed
When push came to shove. Our defense held their own and didnt let our offensive struggles ruin our chances. That didnt happen last year when we gave up leads.
This defense stays healthy, we go to the playoffs. Everyone was clamoring about the Ryan led high octane offense, and we made them look very pedestrian
Turner no runs over 7 yards? Thats Steeler Football, and I love it
1-0 baby!
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I was really impressed with how fluid Ryan was in the pocket. He seemed to elude it while still keeping his eyes down field. Pretty impressive.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I also heard how GREAT the Falcon defense is???
They were playing a third string QB…are they kidding me? If BB plays that game..rout!
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
" I don't care if he has two horns and a tail, as long as he is anti-communist"..General Douglas MacArthur..
"The way to end our dependence on foreign oil is to keep our tires properly inflated"....B. Hussein Obama
"Government is not the solution to our problems, it is the cause of them" Ronald Wilson Reagan..40th President of the United States
by nycsteelerfan on Sep 12, 2010 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
don't understand why falcons did not use a no-huddle offence again
by steeler_in_maryland on Sep 12, 2010 8:22 PM EDT reply actions
No huddle is horrible
Can’t believe the NFL allows teams to rush up to the line and then not snap the ball for 25 seconds. Personally, it makes using the DVR to spped up the game difficult. more importantly, it minimizes the opportunities for many role players on defense…I’d think the NFL players union would hate this hurry up and wait offense as well? Solution: mandatory hurry-up on first and second downs, 15 second play clock, no subbing either side; mandatory allowed substitutions on third and fourth downs, if the offense is in a hurry, they can choose not to substitute, then the clock stops when the O is ready and re-starts when the D gets back into position. I like 20 on 20 better than 11 on 11.
by steelerwheeler on Sep 13, 2010 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Man!
I wish they would start calling the holds on Harrison! One time he was actually grabbed by the face mask… Of course, it was missed! Annoying!
Bryant McFadden
My cap goes out to Bryant. He was HUGE in his return to the B&G today. 12 tackles and his open field tackling is so friggin’ money. I am glad to have him back.
Timmons is a beast. He seemed to get his helmet on the ball carrier on almost every running play within 10 yards of him.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
absolutely
McFadden did a great job today, I don’t think he missed one tackle and he was dependable in run coverage as well. Was it just me, or did he play against White more than our supposed shut down corner did? Not to knock on Ike, he seemed back to his 08 self today as well.
I was thinking that about B-Mac/White during the game too
It seems odd that they would have our #2 corner covering the oppositions #1 receiver…
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't watch the game but...
Ike plays almost exclusively on the right side of the defense these past couple years. If White was usually on the right side of the offense that could explain it
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Then I guess they should just be called
LCB and RCB. If Ike isn’t going to move to cover the #1 WR, he shouldn’t be our #1 corner anymore.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Um, me
Not very much about the #1 #2 corner thing, that just kinda flowed from the conversation, but I care as to why Ike doesn’t follow the #1 receiver to whatever side of the field he goes to.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Well
If he’s our best cover CB I’m fine with calling him our #1 corner. Where he lines up is a scheme thing, but a good number of teams these days move their #1 receivers around a bit depending on the formation and when they are on the left side of the offense, Ike does cover them. Then there are also some WR1s that line up almost exclusively on the left side of the offense, like Reggie Wayne for example.
Regardless of what the reason is for not shadowing receivers, it’s not a big deal to me. But if the CBs aren’t moving around all over the field depending on which receiver lines up where, it probably helps keep things straight for the complex stuff like zone blitz packages
by barnerburner on Sep 13, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
That makes sense if our corners are B-Mac and Ike
but I didn’t notice Stonehands moving over last year either, now that I think about it. Even AFTER Gay got benched for a ROOKIE.
Ah well, it’s really neither here nor there, as long as we “Just win, baby!”.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 13, 2010 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
He definitely shadowed the number one last year. And don’t be surprised if he does it sometimes this year as well. They just chose not to do it this time.
Seems like an awfuly odd time to choose to do so
Their (Falcons) #2 receiver was out, which means either Ike or
B-Mac on a #3/slot guy. I would have felt more comfortable with Ike on White, rather than Ike on whoever-lines-up-on-his-side.
Whatever, like I said, it doesn’t really matter as long as we win. Had it cost us the game, I would be more agitated about it.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 13, 2010 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
It depends on factors that aren't immediately clear
I don’t have the time to really research it properly so I just rewatched the ~3-5 min game highlights off NFL.com for the games against Miami, Green Bay, Kansas City, Minnesota, San Diego, and the second Ravens match up of last season. It’s not an ideal cross-section of defensive plays from last season, and I can’t always make out which opposing receiver is which because of the video quality. But I can usually tell who Ike is and the vast majority of the defensive plays I saw had Ike on the right side of the defensive formation when the ball was snapped.
The only game where Ike seemed to be actively shadowing a WR1 across the field was the Vikings game – he was following Sidney Rice, I mean no way Gay could’ve handled his size. In the Chargers highlights he was on Jackson every Chargers snap I saw, but Jackson was also split to Rivers left each of those times.
The Packers game interested me in particular though. Greg Jennings is far and away their most dangerous receiver, we’re all agreed on that I’m sure. He scored a TD in the first quarter on 3rd and 5, but Ike didn’t seem to be covering either Jennings or their #2 Driver on the play. Jennings lined up close to the OL almost like a TE so it’s not a surprise that Ike wouldn’t go to the slot for him, but Deshea was on Driver and Ike was on the far right side of the defensive formation on James Jones. Then on the last play of the first quarter, 3rd and 10, Ike is again on the far right side of the defensive formation, again covering James Jones. Driver was split to Rodgers far right and had a 50 some yard catch and run.
On Jermichael Finley’s TD at the beginning of the 4th quarter, Finley was split farthest to Rodgers’ left with Clark lined up on him, while Ike was covering Jennings who was split farthest right of Rodgers. Then there was Ryan Grant’s go-ahead TD run with 8 minutes to go. It was 1st and 10 but the Packers had 3 wide – Jordy Nelson split far left, Driver slot left, Jennings far right. Ike was on Nelson, or should I say sealed off by Nelson as Grant blew right by him. Then on Jones go-ahead TD reception with 2 minutes to go, Jennings was split far left with Ike on him and Jones was far right with Burnett.
What I can inconclusively conclude based on incomplete evidence is:
1). Ike never goes to the slot, even if their most dangerous receiver is there. Ike is purely an outside guy.
2). Height is prioritized to Ike, so he’ll follow a big 6’4 mismatch on the outside like Sidney Rice. But he won’t be matched against a TE lining up wide. Makes sense.
Other than that I can’t confidently conclude anything, but I will reiterate that he was the RCB in the vast majority of the snaps I saw, sometimes even lining up WR3/4s. Yes, there are times when he seemed to be following their WR1, but from what I saw I can’t say that Ike definitely shadowed the other team’s number one last year.
by barnerburner on Sep 13, 2010 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions
He always shadows chad johnson for one. Again, you will see it some. But it appears they are doing it less than they did two years ago. I put that on trust in McFadden.
The key is sometimes, occasionally he’ll follow a guy away from his usual RCB spot. But there are a lot of times when he’ll just stay there and take the WR3/4 in front of him, regardless of where the WR1 ran off to.
With a lot of big play receivers lining up on the left side of offenses these days, he usually ends up on them so it’s mostly a moot point. I’m pretty sure Chad can fall under the Reggie Wayne/Vincent Jackson category of guys that mainly stick to the left side of the offense. In the Packers/Eagles game, Jennings did most of his damage lining up on the left side. Pre-bullet in leg, Plax was usually on the left side of the Giants offense.
by barnerburner on Sep 13, 2010 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions
“Face Me Ike” was on Gonzalez pretty much the whole game when he wasnt Harrison or another LB was on him and Ike would cover White (if he was on his side), Gonzalez is Ryan’s #1 receiver not White, notice how Gonzalez had only 2 catches, it would have been awesome to deny Gonzalez’s 1000th catch the whole game
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene."I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert. "I'm a steeler fan, you damn well better believe I'm better than you". Yours truly
"I beat rival fans like Woodley beats QBs......With a club!!!!" yours truly
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Sep 13, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Ike doesn't cover TEs
that was Troy or one of the Linebackers, pretty much all games (except for when they switched to zones of course).
Concur...
As the game went on, it became increasingly more annoying as the flags stayed in the pockets of the refs as Deebo continued to be held.
And folks at the “Falconaholic” were bitching that they were not calling holds on us….. BS
PS….I’m in sports medicine…..high ankle sprains 4-6 wks. I bet he returns after the bye week. I guess that means that they will give Tony Hills a shirt.
Have to give Hills a shirt on gameday now
But he’s pretty much a pure LT. Assuming J. Scott takes on starting duties in place of Starks, I’m cautiously curious about how they’d shuffle bodies if Flozell got injured
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Scott to the right, Hills at left. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hills starting, with Scott waiting to back up either side.
The latter does intrigue me
If Hills started and Scott remained the swing back up, it would keep things simplest. Hills finally showed a pulse this preseason, but does he have the stones to go from inactive every gameday to starting against the Titans?
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm curious as to see how they will...
replace Big Snack. Will it be 100% Hoke? Or will they use Hoke and Ziggy?
Prob Hoke and Ziggy
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
That cutting of Sunny Harris not looking so good now, eh?
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
after today I have confindence in hood
by steeler_in_maryland on Sep 12, 2010 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Harris is bigger than Hood, IIRC
Too lazy to look it up right now, but I think of the two (Ziggy and Sunny) I would think Sunny would make a better NT. Just IMO.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Size is not equivalent to skill
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Didnt work for Ethan Kelley
Dude was like 340 pounds…..he lasted what, 3 years in the league?
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
During camp, the d-line coach said
they were working Hood and Harris at NT, and they both looked great.
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
I guess Harris didn't show as much as McLendon did
by barnerburner on Sep 12, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess so...
Does anyone know if Harris or Worthington landed anywhere?
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think it matters
They have the depth to replace him, its no big deal.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 12, 2010 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Depth where?
Paxson, Worthington and Harris were all cut. Paxson was 3rd string NT.
Ugh…I hate the fact that we’re even having this conversation…
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
Both Ziggy and Hoke can play NT
And its only a pulled hamstring, its not the end of the world.
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 13, 2010 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions
OL looked pretty decent on the whole today.
I think we’ll see that we’ve got some real depth here as the season goes on.
I agree … I am worried about how many replacements we are putting out there … but Pouncey looks awesome, and he really seems to be raising the play of the entire line
grain of salt
As long as you have a good Centre
The QB will have an easier time. If the edge rushers are getting around, you can step up knowing that Pouncey is giving you a few yards of space. Theres nothing worse than watching defenders blow up through the middle ala Hartwig
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Where's the Gay love?!
William Gay finally played a solid game, dropped pass notwithstanding.
havent gotten to the individuals yet
Just big picture stuff mostly, with a few shoutouts to the standouts. Gay was indeed solid. I have some thoughts on him, as well as B-Mac
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 Sep 12, 2010 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It was nice to have BMacs intensity
I also think having him back has humbled Gay a bit, which should in turn raise his game
"I’m going to say Phillip Rivers. The first time Isacked him, I got up and did my little celebration. He started talking trash and saying, "Get back in the huddle" and woofin’. So I told myself that the next time he’d pay the price. The next time I got him, I took him on what I call the "rollercoaster." He met the ground and I stood over him. When he got up he was a little woozy. On the next play he threw the ball away before I could get him again. After I hit him that time he couldn’t say anything and I didn’t have to celebrate. I just wanted to look in his eyes and let him know that
Number 56 put him in the dirt." - Lamarr Woodley
by Michael Hewitt on Sep 12, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
gay was good
looks like he is flourishing back in his old role as a nickel, I enjoyed him despite his dropped interception.
I must have been outside smoking
I missed where Gay dropped an INT. He needs to hang out with Troy, not Ike during catching drills…
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
you must have been
you would have known. Gay was so pissed at himself, he ran over half the field in disgust.
back in the nickle
where he belongs
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 13, 2010 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
For anyone who watched the Cowboys/Redskins game...
If that was, according to Chris Collinsworth and Al Michaels, such obvious holding on the last play of the game, then what do they call what happens to Harrison and Woodley on every play?
Just how in the blue HELL did the Skins pull that off?
Unbelievable..I know have only a score of 4 in the Pro Pickem league…Hoisted by my own overthinking petard…
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 12, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
There was a blurb by I forget who that was on the money
Give Shanahan at least two weeks to prepare for someone exclusively, and he will draw up a game plan that will win, every time. I chose not to listen and the “ultra-talented Cowboys kool aid” bit me on the ass too.
by barnerburner on Sep 13, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I panicked when I saw McChoke wasn't supposed to play
Then I saw that Fat Albert was going to be out. Based on those two facts, I changed my pick to the crygirls. Turns out, McChoke DID play, as well as Fat Albert.
Teach me to read the NFL website for who’s playing and who’s not…grumble…
"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC0NCHq4v3I
by Steel Spike on Sep 13, 2010 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Because Donvan was gr..., er
Portis ran we…er….Because Wade Phillips is one of the few coaches worse than Bruce “Dopey” Arians. So nice to see Matt Spaeth out there so often opening all those holes for the running game and being such a threat downfield :)
by steelerwheeler on Sep 13, 2010 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Troy
Did anyone else notice how almost every time he came on a blitz he got double teamed?…think about that, our safety requires a double team, how awesome is that
quite awesome
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 Sep 13, 2010 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions
i noticed that too
he and Timmons were reading their snap count very well
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 13, 2010 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Hello Steeler nation!
joined this blog because of how impressed i was with the steelers D and I had to give them a shout out. The game aired at 3:00am this morning in Australia and im glad i watched it. shout out to everyone on here, your comments are a good read as i dont get good NFL in depth coverage here.
" I dont put anybody above my law, that is if I hit you your gonna fall" - Greg Lloyd on Emmit Smith
Welcome to BTSC
"I'm from Maryland, and no one can beat me!"
by John Stephens on Sep 13, 2010 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
welcome aboard
How do I break it to the cat that since he has been declawed, the rabbit he sees in our backyard would kick his sorry butt?
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Sep 13, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Cheers!
" I dont put anybody above my law, that is if I hit you your gonna fall" - Greg Lloyd on Emmit Smith
didn't see game but stats
show an awesome run defense…and decent pass defense
as said the passes were completed but short, of course a better QB, and this is no knock on Ryan, but Brady or Manning or Brees would just keep taking the 5 yarders and march down thefield
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
D was great, softee corners, Farrior?
Great game D. I suppose when you rush 5 or 6 the corners can’t get beat deep, but just giving up 7 yard outs vs. a blitz is maddening. Once the QB proves he’ll accurately unload that pass don’t you need to cheat-up? Yeah, the risk of giving up 6 is there but you just can’t give away easy passes…maybe you can, SCOREBOARD! Anybody key on Farrior or go back and analyze his play? No doubt he is always in the right spot but then seems to me to weak and too slow to actually make the play? Any expert analysis?
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