We're still winning the division: Here's why

but any reference to last year with this team is pointless really. Last year we were the hammer, this year we’re the nail so far. Whether or not they can fix this remains to be seen, but from the tape of this team this year so far we haven’t shown much of anything. Yes we beat Seattle (there will be many who do). Yes we beat the colts sans Manning by the skin of our teeth. The fact is that after 4 weeks we have played 2 good teams (not necessarily great ones) and have looked completely out classed in both matchups. It hurts me to say it, but that’s the truth to date.

The problem I have this year is where the issues are. How do you fix a D-line that no longer appears able to hold it’s ground, or an O-line who can’t run or pass block mid season? At least on the D-line the two young pups may be able to excel with more playing time, but on the O-line any potential was already cut to favor the veteran scrubs. Even if Gilbert becomes all world – that still leaves 3 very questionable spots on that line (yes I count Kemo a liability too).

My silver lining so far is that Lewis is playing well at CB, but I really can’t get too excited about that because I really believe that he could get defensive player of the week and still would be sent back to the bench when BMac can play again – and I haven’t seen anything from BMac to make me excited in a long time.

I’m not depressed that we might have a down year. I’ve been following the team for nearly 40 years now and have seen this happen plenty before. The thing that really gets me is how we continue playing the vets even when they are not producing and not allowing the young players to step up unless there is an injury (Foote instead of Sly – really?). I’ve seen this movie before in the early 80’s when we kept players a few years too long instead of a year too short. Not a pretty decade in my memory banks…

It’s time to sit some of the vets that aren’t producing and let the young guys have a chance. It would light a fire under the ones who aren’t getting it done or at the very least let us know what we have in backups and build the foundation for the future. I’m not talking about necessarily changing the starters yet, but definitely redistributing the number of snaps between the vets and younger players is due.

a list of all the “seasons over Poasters” and calling them out later this year.

And I think we match up pretty darn well with the Patriots this year for the first time in a long time.

but while I’m no longer looking for a division win, I think that a wildcard spot is do-able. A loss to TN would portend difficulty against Cleveland and others, but even with losses against NE and Baltimore the steelers could end up with enough wins for a playoff spot.

I hope you are on point. I sure hop the O-Line can get some consistency!

another great write-up!!! I need a favor…I need you to spark some of your hate in the next Hump Day Mix for the Jags game. By phoning a friend here, I hope you accept my man! lol. just hit me up with your e-mail address.

Appreciate the optimism..nice balance to the doom and gloom ones that seem to be the majority

This eerily reminds me of 2006, except the the motorcycle accident..

I figured we would be 2-2 when the schedule was released.

Im not gonna cry like a sissy football fan. its unmanly especially for a Steeler fan.

You can crown our asses now if you’d like. The Ravens have a cake walk….even with Flacco in tow. Your Qb can’t walk, your LB can’t see and your Oline can’t block. May as well get in the Luck lottery. Down goes Frazier.

Come on Mechem, don’t be so gloomy. Try 17-2!

The Rooneys know how to fix shit people. Have some slow roasted bacon wrapped faith for dinner and relax knowing we’re giong to be just fine. And when we win, we can shove the silver Lombardi up the anal cavities of any douchebag who tries to shit on the Steelers.