The Day Dick LeBeau Turned the Steelers' Secondary into Championship Caliber
by maryrose on Jan 5, 2011 12:28 AM EST
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Dick LeBeau does not like to get embarrassed, especially on prime time television, but that is exactly what happened on November 14. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots shredded LeBeau's defense like Mexican cheese. LeBeau remembered all too vividly the previous time the Steelers played against Brady. The Patriots came out with a megaphone and yelled to him that they were not going to run the ball and were still going to carve him up like a Thanksgiving turkey. Even with that declaration of being one dimensional, Brady had a field day while the Patriots ran the ball exactly twice per quarter.
It is well known that LeBeau runs a deceptive zone blitz defense that prides itself on taking away the run and either applying pressure on the opposing quarterback or, as Lebeau smirkishly admits, falsely giving the "perception of pressure." Another component of LeBeau's scheme is to take away the big play and make the opponent work hard by dinking and dunking a long way to reach success. The theory is that along the way the offense will make a mistake, get sacked or throw an incomplete pass on third down.
There is a price to be paid with this scheme, and that is, you give up the short possession pass. There are two problems with this cost. First, a Hall of Fame quarterback is LeBeau's kryptonite, proven time and time again. Second, the Steelers have an aging defense. Snack, Keisel, Hokey, Ivan, Troy, Deebo, Potsie and Clark are no spring chickens. Keeping them on the field for lengthy periods of time chasing all the dinks and dunks is not a recipe for success over the course of 60 minutes. LeBeau saw that first-hand two weeks prior to the New England game when Drew Brees owned the second half of the Saints game in another Steelers' loss.
After the most recent Brady debacle, the Steelers did some soul-searching and reconfirmed their goals. Winning 10 games against poor-to-good quarterbacks is not one of them. Bringing home Lombardi is the only goal. Therefore, adjustments needed to be made. LeBeau did not change his zone blitz, or pressure/perception of pressure designs. What subtly changed after November 14 were coverage designs. Steelers' cornerbacks now play much closer to the line of scrimmage. Linebackers are now helping much more with short passing lanes. Ryan Clark will often pinch closer also to take away the middle zone, leaving the vulnerability of the long pass.
The results have been interesting to say the least. The Steelers currently rank 12th in the NFL in pass defense, yielding 214 yards per game. This may seem pedestrian, but consider that A) teams cannot run on the Steelers and therefore pass, and B) good quarterbacks have no need to run anyway. Thus, the Steelers have been thrown upon 593 times - only three NFL teams have defended more passes. Ranking 12th in yardage allowed is commendable when you rank 29th in passes defended. Moreover, Pittsburgh ranks first in the league in yards per attempted pass, just 6.3. Not too shabby for a defensive backfield that has been riddled with criticism.
But let's take a closer look at the numbers. Up through the New England game, the Steelers gave up 252 passing yards per game. That number would rank them 29th in the league if it were to continue through today. However, since the Patriots calamity, when LeBeau tightened the screws, the Steelers have given up 169 yards per game, a huge statistical difference. That number would rank them first in the league. The difference between pre and post November 14 is first or 29th; thus they end in the middle at #12.
This is no statistical anomaly based on variances of opposition. The Steelers played all three Division rivals both before and after November 14. The Cincinnati Bengals passed for 218 yards under the "softer" LeBeau and just 156 in the post-New England game. Cleveland threw for 258 yards the first time and only 209 the second time (Many against the second team when the Browns were throwing on every play). Baltimore amassed 250 yards in game one and 226 yards in the sequel. The quarterbacks were the same in all three pairings.
| Pre Nov. 14 | Post Nov. 14 | |
| Baltimore | 250 | 226 |
| Cincinnati | 218 | 156 |
| Cleveland | 258 | 209 |
| Season Totals | 2270 | 1182 |
| Average Per Game | 252 | 169 |
While the price to be paid is the vulnerability to the home run ball, the Steelers have enjoyed significant time-of-possession advantages since November 14, a factor that has benefited the team's defensive gray-beards immensely. Joe Flacco completed passes of 61 and 67 yards in their second matchup, but those two completions accounted for 57 percent of Baltimore's total passing yardage. By minimizing the dinks and dunks, Pittsburgh had commanding control of possession time by nearly 10 minutes. In the first Baltimore game, the Ravens actually led in time-of-possession, perhaps causing a tiring defense to allow the game-winning drive in the last minute. In the second meeting, having been on the field six fewer minutes, the Steelers' defense rose to the occasion and made the play that won the game.
Since LeBeau took his pass defense into the shop on November 15, the Steelers have won the time-of-possession battle in every game. In the first nine games, the Steelers actually trailed in possession time, averaging 30.1 minutes to 30.2 minutes. Post-Brady, the Steelers have changed that number drastically. Pittsburgh has held the ball an average of 35.1 minutes per game, while the opponents have had possession just 26.1 MPG. Adding four and a half more minutes of possession time is a double victory, since opponents get four and a half fewer minutes, creating a nine-minute spread.
| Pre Nov. 14 | Post Nov. 14 | |
| Baltimore | 29 | 34 |
| Cincinnati | 29 | 35 |
| Cleveland | 32 | 33 |
| Season Totals | 271 | 246 |
| Average Per Game | 30.1 | 35.1 |
Indeed, there has been a major change regarding the positioning of Pittsburgh's defensive backfield. It is not always evident from the television cameras, but I have been to all the home games (and one road game) and the difference is clear and fun to watch. November 14 was Mary Rose's 15th birthday. It might also be remembered as the day that the Steelers lost the battle and won the war.
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Bravo
This analysis is critically insightful in so many ways.
You think back to Gm 1 (Atl) and Steelers allowed R White to catch about 14-15 passes on 22-23 targets, but everything was underneath … I think he had maybe 115 rec yds.
During the Pats game, they showed us that the Pats pass the ball ~75% of the time when they’ve played Steelers over the past 7-8 years. Manning & Colts (my guess for our Div round opponent) will also have no ability to run the ball & we can expect Peyton to throw it 40-50x depending on how many snaps they have on O.
But the dink-and-dunk garbage only works when you can hit long strike of 20+ at least 1x or 2x per drive …. b/c the Steelers are great at keepin’ almost everyone out of the end zone, and when the field shrinks to 40, 30, 20 yards, you get results like Miami had in Week 7 (5 FG’s, if you’re lucky).
The TOP game is absolutely key, and that’s where BA’s play calling again becomes critical. Use ALL of the weapons to move the chains & avoid the 3-and-outs that come when you run for 1-2 yds per pop on both 1st and 2nd down.
The Pats are the only team w/ enough juice to hang w/ the Steelers if we game-plan aggressively, but what will Mr Lebeau have up his sleeve for THE REMATCH?!
b/c it let us include in the equation Our run game. If We are capable of run against them, I mean the cheatriots, then the game tends to be tilted in Our favor b/c as You very well pointed out they are going to be out of the EZ, and that lets Our O play with the run included, also exposes their weakest link that is their DB´s, and that also lets rest Our D, to play a more aggressive blitz plan game.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Nice work Mary...
…. So is it safe to say Dad re-lit the candles on your Birthday Cake?
I for one was down on Dick two weeks before the Pats game (your aforementioned Saints game) – I wanted him to consider if he still had the desire to coach anymore because he was not seeing the obvious, in my opinion. Many here at BTSC DID NOT agree with me. see – http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/11/1/1786237/lebeau-has-gotta-go
After the Bengals Nov 8th game (1 week before Pats), I saw fire in Dad’s eyes again. I had hope and praise that the Dean of Defense was back from zombie land. see – http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/11/8/1802844/let-me-be-the-1st
Then came the dreaded “Day of the Dead” game, Pats 11/14/09 (your B-day I believe). LeBeau fell back into that glazed-over look and that soft “Dink-a-Dunk” targeted secondary. I decided to just pray for Dad’s recovery and hoped that Ike & B-mac would magically move-up and hit someone at snap-time.
As you so eloquently posted… after the PAT-ting on the ash we got in Foxboro, Low-and-Beauhold, LeBeau became “DAD” again, Ike/B-mac/Clark/others stepped-up (litterally) and the Steeler Nation revelled in the refined LeBeau defense.
I for one am happy to see LeBeau back to form, excited to see what he has prepared for the playoffs and would not be surprised to hear in the off-season that it was planned this way all along to throw off our competitors – what a genius !
Mary, hope your birthday cake next year has a picture of “Ring 7” on the icing !
P.S. Thanks for gathering the stats that showed what I was seeing this year.
Rec’d
The Burgh - Been there, played the game, have the gameshirt.
Once from the Confluence, always from the Confluence.
Totally agree with You. And also posted my anger in
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Realizing English is not your 1st language...
… I was not angry with LeBeau as much as dissappointed in his performance. Watching his mastery of defense for all the years, I felt he was losing interest, awareness, something…. I did not want him to go down in Flames like Favre AND take the Steelers with him. Since my griping (venting & wishing he might read my post and wake-up – fat chance!) he has come back (better than Favre ever did) and because he has been on top of the game situation ever since, I have the confidence that Dad is again the “Dean of Defense”.
I think this is one of the main points Maryrose was making – he hit a turning point, made the adjustments and the results speak for themselves.
GOOD GO LeBeau !!!
The Burgh - Been there, played the game, have the gameshirt.
Once from the Confluence, always from the Confluence.
by Hollywood Steel on Jan 5, 2011 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome and Hopeful write-up MaryRose!
I was especially worried about what adjustments the Defense would make after NO and NE revealed their Achilles heel. What Dad did has been doing the trick. It baffles me how often Troy roams the box lately yet we still can maintain adequate coverage on the deep ball. Ike and B-Mac are swaggin no doubt. I like our chances in Foxborough but we need to get there first. Let’s go Black & Gold!
I for one was down on Dick two weeks before the Pats game -Hollywood Steel
Well Put
I’ve was taught it when I played football, and many people forget that a Defense becomes better with a good offense that can hold on to the ball. The Steelers offense is improving and thus the defense is getting time to rest and recognize what opposing offenses are trying to do. This defense is very good in its front 7, with Polamalu being great, and Clark and Taylor being solid players. This defense is fill with pride and even though I would be hesitant to see it, you know they want to prove themselves in a game against New England.
"the Patriots ran the ball exactly once per quarter."
Errm…since when did 23 divided by 4 become one?
Rushing
Team Statistics: Rushing for New England Patriots New England Patriots Rush Yds Avg Lng TD FumL
BenJarvus Green-Ellis(notes) 18 87 4.8 17 0 0
Danny Woodhead(notes) 4 11 2.8 5 0 0
Tom Brady(notes) 1 3 3.0 3 1 0
Sammy Morris(notes) 1 2 2.0 2 0 0
He said the PREVIOUS time the Steelers played Brady
So back in 2007. Box score for the game actually has Maroney with 8 carries for 18 yards and Brady credited with 1 rush for 4 yards. But for me that’s close enough to saying they never bothered running the ball, and that’s before leaving room for the possibility that some of Maroney’s “carries” might have been screen tosses that were counted as laterals instead of forward passes.
Ah okay got confused cos you went to describe the latest game.
Agree completely with the rest of the post though, I’ve always thought the Steelers were vulnerable to shorter and underneath passes.
When I see Coach Dad in that jacket and stocking cap....
…I can’t help but think of Ralphie Parker, the kid in A Christmas Story, who wants his Red Ryder B-B gun for Christmas!
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
The Day Dick LeBeau Turned the Steelers' Secondary into Championship Caliber
Excellent reading Mary!!! Keep it up!
Davie J
this
kind of intelligent posting is the reason i keep coming back to this blog day after day. top notch, Tim. thanks for the education.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
I couldn't agree more.
My 6-year old daughter even hates the Ravens.
by SundaysWithTroy on Jan 5, 2011 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
great piece, thank you
I agree completely with Orange, one of the reasons to follow BTSC. The numbers are striking, esp the yards per pass.
time of possession
Have the adjustments made in the secondary have been coordinated with a pass/run balance that has altered the time of possession?
The time of possession is critical to the high-energy nature of the blitzing defense. This is the downside of a pass-happy offensive system.
TOP
bingo – reason that we don’t want the 2-min spread O all game long run by BB that’s meant to gobble up big yardage & score quickly, but rather the 8-12 play drives that eat the clock, like the 3-4 such drives that we had against the Jets (one of the better D’s in the league)
But you have to be willing to pass on 1st down and mix up the play calling to keep the D on its heels & consistently pick up avg. of 5+ yds per play. “Ideal” drive in this TOP scenario – 75 yds in 10 plays for TD = 7.5 yds per snap
Maryrose you did it again.
These masterful analysis was very cool. Props! and GO STEELERS!…i don’t give a shit who we play now…we’re gonna kick that ass.
Maryrose
your writing is always easy and fun to read (not to mention informative). Thanks for your contributions.
P.S. thanks for writing “From Black to Gold” it is a great read and embodies the reasons most of us are Steeler fans.
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
A few things...
I don’t have any data to confirm this, but it seems that LeBeau has gotten out of the base defense a little more in obvious passing situations. I’ve noticed Anthony Madison getting into the game in spots. Did anyone realize in the Cleveland game he had 1 sack, 1 INT, and 1 pass defensed?
More Adjustments?
the cat-and-mouse should be in full effect if Steelers play Pats for the AFC Champ …
Will Lebeau play 2 down linemen with 4 (or 5?) LBs and 4-5 DBs & dare Pats to run? Will Pats decide to emphasize the run, or run 8 consecutive screen passes (or draws) … Or will Pats go deep over the middle out of 2 TE sets vs. dink-and-dunk … Who knows?
The in-game strategy & adjustments could make this game one truly for the ages.
The perception of hope?
I mean, let’s be honest here, we all know what we’re talking about which is that gut feeling that the Steelers are going to New England.
I hope the adjustments are Brady-worthy. But, truth be told, we haven’t played an elite QB since then. (Yeah, I understand that Carson Palmer should be, but that’s the Bengals for ya.)
When I see Brady throw that first pick to Harrison in the flat, then we’ll talk. I hear that worked pretty well the last time we needed a win against future HoFer in the playoffs.
Stats
An absolutely great break down of what is going on in the Steeler secondary! Great job! I think this is the most telling breakdown all season of why the team is having success late in the year. Not that they werent successful early on, its just Manning and Brady look like they are on our radar and we will need a better plan to defeat them. Looks like we have that plan in place. Using Gay’s speed to pressure Qb’s, using Timmons to disrupt short lanes and having a healthy Troy makes this defense that much more robust. I like seeing McFadden and Taylor moving up on WR’s and seeing Hood and Kiesel cause some pass rush has made these adjustments more outstanding. If they can get by the Div. RD. I look for a different outcome against New England than a few months ago. I also think beating the Colts is the best way to prepare for the Pats.
As many above said, this post is great, and a prime example of why I read BTSC daily. I thought I noticed tighter coverage by by dbs (especially Ike) since the Patriots game, but that’s as far as I got on my own. This gives me more hope for the next time. Thanks for the awesome analysis and writing!
Great job MR, thanks
I have noticed the DBs playing closer to the line, but did not realize the difference statistically it was making. I have read the post on the D’s stats and noticed the yards coming down, but seeing them together the way you did it makes it stand out even more. One thing to consider also is not only are the DBs playing closer to the line and TP resuming his “rover” role, but, IMHO, Ziggy’s improvement and having the Diesel back has had to help some. Looking forward to seeing what Coach Dad has in store for the playoffs.
Things can always be worse....
Great analysis
and makes me feel a whole hell of a lot better about a matchup with Brady and the Pats.
This is good stuff. Great work!
I don’t know if this will translate into a trip to Dallas, but I do feel a lot better about their prospects against the Mannings and Bradys of the world.
The pass defense has improved, BUT
we must remember that Brady (and to a lesser extent, Manning) is a remarkable tactician. He makes time and space his friends like no other QB in the league. It’s great to crowd his primary receivers, but we have to crowd him, as well – take away some of his time and space, make him keep his RBs and TE in for pass pro.
Against NE, I’d think that we might consider having Ziggy substitute for Big Snack a lot, maybe even go with a two-down defensive line. Risky? Sure, but it takes away a lot of Brady’s comfort zone.
My heros have always been Steelers...
And I might have added
MR, outstanding analysis – something I’ve come to expect from BTSC, and then some.
My heros have always been Steelers...
I've got to go to a game sometime
Its amazing how much you miss watching a stream online. I wish we could control viewing angles ala SNF extra, but even those leave a little to be desired.
brought to you by Carl Jr's.
Statistics don’t lie, they just show what we want them to show. I only say that because even though the defense was tighter, the Jets employed the same type of offense as the pats and we lost that one as well.
Not to say that adjustments were not made, it still remains to be seen how those adjustments will work against the pats again. As someone said, when I see harrison, timmons or wood intercept one in the flat, I’ll remain skeptical.
The Jets offense didn't really beat our defense
Their numbers are pedestrian at best. That game was lost by really, colossally poor special teams play.
by Chicago Steeler on Jan 5, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
and a safety :(
"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 Jan 5, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Great write up
I think we all saw the DB’s get closer to the line after the Pats game. I thought though that this was being held back for the playoffs. I wonder how much of the regular season game plan is scrapped in favor of new looks and new schemes when a team hits the playoffs.
great thought.
Exactly what I thought, but I didn’t think they would dumb the O down and risk January. But after the O fire work show in week 17, had me wondering who was callin the O plays. ANYONE AGREE?
by SixBurghRoethlamalu on Jan 5, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Super analysis, interesting and informative as always
Thanks for the great in-depth looks and analysis – as always a great place here.
Following and reading you from Spain!
I’d say there is nothing better than beating first Indianapolis and then New England on the way to another Superbowl triumph! That is, we have our chances, especially with the possible return of A.Smith!!
Keep going. GO STEELERS.
by Superbowlsteeler on Jan 5, 2011 1:38 PM EST reply actions
Brady
Along with the adjustments in the defensive backfield…the Steelers need to get Brady off the spot, that’s 3 to 5 yards behind the center. We have to pressure him up the middle, outside means nothing, we have to run stunts and blitz pressures up the middle. We have to get licks on him and make him feel uncomfortable, so breaking down their OL is key.
Great
Everyone knows who we need to beat to get the 7th ring. And that guy is Tommy. He is probably the most accurate and with poise QB ever. His pocket presence is amazing. But one thing he doesnt have elite quality is throw power. So, this defense is more well-suited .
But I think the problem on the NE loss was our pedestrian offense. Come on, that D is overrated, we can dominate them with the run and the pass. And it will be on AFCCG.
Also
We need our LT to play like the Giants LT in this game.
maryrose has done it again
Another amazing analysis. I thought there was something different going on, but I could not put my finger on it. Leave it to maryrose to not only figure it out, but to present it clearly on BTSC as well.
"That's why they play the game."
Thats a great point and also its open the door for a more run and more Steeler kind of game
it also tilts in Our favor the possibility to open a little bit more Our gameplan against mainly the cheatriots, letting plays against their utmost weak link that are the DB´s. Also I feel that brady or even Manning are bothered by the changes that tha D´s show as the play is developed, as Browns showed in their contest against them and as also I pointed out in this fanpost: http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/11/23/1833491/is-rob-ryan-as-dc-better-than-lebeau-is-mangini-better-hc-than-tomlin, Our D must show different faces and movements just before the play starts just to not let the QB and the C call any kind of blocking schemes or passing lines to let the O play developes as designed, or even choose the kind of convenient match-up for them. The main advantage of the O in any sport is the start time and/or agressive position by maintenance of the possesion of the ball, trying to force some advantageous match-up, or any advance inside the field and the only advantage of any D in any sport is that they can disturb the ball handling in their favor, trying to force the change of possesion forcing again the same scheme that impulse the O it could be done by preventing in advance in some way the timming or rythm of the O unit. IMHO.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
Great analysis 'Rose
But what is even better; Maryrose’s birthday is the same day as mine. I was particularly offended by that loss for precisely that reason.
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Jan 5, 2011 4:45 PM EST reply actions
DAD and Tomlin deserving.
Excellent excellent excellent!
You captured it beautifully. I was looking at a defense that i kept thinking would bottom out in these games and was happily surprised at their resilience. Time of possession is great and when you can jump out ahead of an opponent you can afford to keep TOP as a focal point:; controlled passing and running Rashard/ Redman. I can not be happier with the corners pressing a bit more, although I am a bit concerned about Te’s and slot recievers up against LB’s and our #3,4 DB’s.
Our offense seems primed to rise to the occasion should we be faced with a ‘hot’ QB such as Manning or Brady….wwe are only limited by BA in my humble opinion.
Nice read
even as well as the secondary has played I feel Brady is too accurate a passer. I believe we have to get to him and near him often and early… which is not a stretch the way we have been playing. I for one will be disapointed if some other team beats Brady and the Pats before we get another crack at them.
A win is a win
Hey I feel your sentiment, but I dont care who we beat so long as we take home a 7th!
I have been fighting these thoughts for a couple weeks now
and I won’t be bitching if we get #7, but I hate the loss to the Pats more then any other this year and I want to see a rematch.
Taking out NYJ and then NE on the way to the SB where we hopefully get another shot at NO is all I want. C’mon not to much to ask for right?
NYJ are the 6th seed. We won't face them.
Unless they beat both Indy and the Pats.
Lowest seed goes to New England. Highest seed goes to Heinz.
Bravo!
I hope you don’t mind being told once more that this was an excellent write up. I especially like seeing the numbers drop gives me hope knowing we’ve adjusted. While I would enjoy seeing Brady be pounded into his home turf and us walking away with a win over them this year I am not going to be too upset if we don’t get to play them and still bring home #7.
This….
It might also be remembered as the day that the Steelers lost the battle and won the war.
was an awesome wrap-up!
Great article
Well done, Maryrose. You have enlightened us once again. I too was born Nov14. That loss really pissed me off — not exactly the way to “celebrate” getting another year older.
Clearly, something had to be done. Brady has owned us for too long. Obviously, risking getting burned deep is worth the gamble it if we increase our a chance to win. Hopefully BB can put some points up because I believe, even with the changes in coverage, we will need 30 points, more or less, to win. I know we can do that, but it will take a mighty effort to do so. Go Steelers!
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there." Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
Interesting post and food for thought
The only thing about playing the Pats for the AFC Championship (if we make it that far) is that New England never gives you the same game plan two times in a row. The reason they’re so good is because they know how to identify and exploit whatever weaknesses exist in the opposing D during a game. The key to their success is Brady’s uncanny ability to almost always find the open receiver and the sheer diversity of their repertoire of offensive plays. The only way you can beat them is to pressure Brady, beat him up a bit and force him to get rid of the ball before he wants to. As much as I admire LeBeau, I doubt that adjusting alignments in the secondary is going to make much difference when playing the Pats for passage to the SB. I hate the Pats but I’ve watched them outsmart and slam just about every coach in the league so far this season, including LeBeau. But if the Steelers can play with the same intensity that they did last Sunday, we can do this.
Far and Away the Best Article on the Steelers of the Season
Really nothing more to say.
Mary Rose delivers again.
Excellent analysis.
Tweet this article if you have not already. Facebook friend it (or whatever it is that you do). If you have your own site, back link to it. Email it to friends, etc….
Rec'd
I love it when you get all factual with us, maryrose… 252 Passing YPG down to 169 is a significant turnaround, and at the right time! And if Indy and the Ravens win this weekend, Brady will have his hands full with Ray-Ray & Co. Still, if we have to defeat the three best QBs in football (P. Manning, Brady, Brees) to win the Super Bowl this year, I’m glad it will be with a greatly improved pass defense.
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 Jan 5, 2011 9:23 PM EST reply actions
Brees
I will wait till the Saints win the NFC championship before I worry about him.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 6, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
I want the Seachickens
just to beat them down again, so their fans will stop complaining.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its too bad that NHL is taken because the National Football League has become the National Hypocrite League" Mark Schlereth
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 6, 2011 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Not sea'chickens'
Unlike chickens, they eat fish and are majestic.
More to the point, their fan base will never stop complaining.
"They eat fish and are majestic" - Great Sergios Ghost
As I have said before
I want the Bears.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 6, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
This posting made me think about the fan post written after the loss to the Patriots in which one person actually commented that the Steelers may have the worst OC-DC combination in the league. Really, someone actually wrote that.
See here
great article. More informative than anything you'll find on espn's site.
I wonder if Sylvester and Worilds will play a bigger part in the playoffs. I love their speed.
ST
If nothing else, they will get to prove themselves on ST where they have done well this season.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 6, 2011 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Great post.
I didn’t notice all of what you mention here, but I have noticed B-Mac playing better, and this style is a better fit for his skill set.
A key to this style is Randy Moss. He’s not in NE anymore. NE doesn’t have the deep threat to break a tighter scheme. I’d expect to start seeing a lot more delayed runs and play action passes to counter tighter initial coverage, playing farther off gives our corners time to read those plays, and Ike and McFadden are big parts of our run defense.
It’ll be interesting to see the chess match a rematch with the Pats will bring.
TEs deep?
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 6, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Increased LB implication in pass defense, as outlined in this story...
..also means more opportunities to beat TEs up as they try to go deep. Like you, I think TE implication will be key to NE’s offensive game plan. However, I’m confident both rooks are in for a day they won’t forget at the hands of Mssrs. Harrison, Timmons, Woodley and Farrior. No deep threat to worry about also means more willingness to take a chance on a TE trying to run by.
"I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness, but [Thank God] I am not a government official" Francis Wolcott in "Deadwood", Season 2
by Flying Polamalus on Jan 6, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
play 2 down linemen, Clark at FS, Mundy SS, and let Polamalu be the X factor roam. That should eliminate any deep threat and with Ike and BMAC playing bump and run on Branch and Welker each with a safety over top of them. That leaves Woodhead and the TEs, depending which RB or TEs are in at the same time Polamau, Timmons, and Farrior should be able to hide them. throw some delayed blitzes at Brady, blitz some DBs as well, just make sure it doesn’t end up getting the D burned.
"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.
"The next thing you know, they are going to pass a rule that says the Quarterbacks have to wear skirts" ~Jack Lambert,
"Superman ain't got nothing on me, ... Kryptonite? C'mon now. It's just that you're never going to hear me say that somebody is tougher than me, ... Because I don't believe somebody else could be tougher than me." ~James Harrison
"I don't want to see anyone injured, but I'm not opposed to hurting anyone. There's a difference. When you're injured, you can't play. But when you're hurt, you can shake it off and come back. I try to hurt people." ~James Harrison
by H-burgSTEELfanatic on Jan 7, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Nice analysis
Great job looking into this. The difference is noticeable in the secondary. I think they were just waiting for Dick to make an adjustment and once he did they ran with it.
2 DL, 4 lb, 4db. Smith can backup Hood/Kiesel, snack can come in on obvious short yardage plays. Keep Mundy at S, Troy gets to play free rover. If Troy is free to improvise as he feels they can’t get an advantage from watching ANY (cough) tape, he will be distracting, and disruptive.
In str8 nickel packages take out Gay, use Troy in his place.
Bring pressure up the middle on Brady, right up the center, make him move sideways not step up into the pocket to deliver. Take away his 1st/2nd options either with press coverage or tight zones.
NE is not unbeatable, and honestly I think we cream em if we see em again this year. Scott was making his first start at LT/ IIRC that was the game Pouncey went down for a play, so legursky came in at C. Then the very next play Kemo went down, legursky slid to LG and Pouncey came back in at C. The line was a turnstile that night, and the reason our offense didn’t get into a rhythm until late. Ward being gone early didn’t help either.
We dropped a TD in the 1st half, or it would have been 7-3 Steelers at the half, not 10-3 NE. We didn’t have Smith OR Kiesel, Hood was looking lost at that point, and when Timmons went down in the 3rd they feasted on the resulting matchup. Gay vs a 6’7" TE for 3tds, that was the difference. Most defenses you take away 3 pro bowl caliber players they struggle, ALL should be on the field if they meet again.
The doubles our starting DL will draw will open up rush lanes for our LBs, Brady will be pressured/hit this time. He is all world when given time, pretty average under pressure, see the Giants SB or last years playoff loss to the Ravens. Their line was shaky due to injury, and Cindy Brady folded, badddddly.
If our line can play like they have the last few weeks there isn’t a team in the NFL we can’t beat, if not dominate.
If Sweed makes it back next year, and Dwyer is getting carries, our offense will be the most explosive, and deep, in the league. We all know what our D will do, we’re looking at contending for the championship until Ben retires.
Great writing!
If all that was needed was too move up the cornerbacks closer to the line and get the linebackers more involved in covering the short passing lanes, why weren’t these changes going on November 14. It seemed like the coaches did not want to adjust. Its hard to believe LeBeau did not know this then. Everyone listening to Tunch Ilkin announcing the game knew it because he was saying said it toward the end of the game. The only thing I can think of it must be part of the greater plan and the coaches have something new for Belichick and Nov. 14th was a setup.
Opening play vs Pats in the playoffs
If they get NE have the ball first to start the game, do a surprise onside kick and get that ball and then bomb that thing down to Wallace!!!! Jump all over these guys!!!!!
Yeah and apparently James Walker of ESPN took notice
Even used many of the same words…I guess I should be grateful that articles about the Steelers’ pass defense, pre and post the Patriots game, came out of the woodwork after the BTSC posting! :)
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth
Thoughtful discussion with a sense of history
many of the same words?
Hopefully he did a decent job of rewriting it. Plagiarism can be the death of a sportwriter’s career.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 8, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
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