Steelers 35, Bengals 7: Ten Individual Performances Help Propel Pittsburgh to Week 13 Rout of Cincinnati

by Michael Bean on Dec 4, 2011 11:08 PM EST in Steelers Postgame Recap and Review

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 04: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a second quarter punt return for a touchdown while playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

We'll see what Neal Coolong has in his Monday morning notebook about the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-7 Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field Sunday afternoon. In the meantime, I'd like to point out ten players' individual performances that played a large role in Pittsburgh's ninth win of the season. In no particular order.

Curtis Brown: The third round selection out of the University of Texas continues to leave his mark on special teams. Late in the second quarter with the Steelers leading 21-7. Kapinos boomed a punt to the Bengals 13 yard line. Brandon Tate appeared to have room to return the punt, potentially for significant yardage, but Brown, who had inadvertently slid as he approached Tate, got back on his feet with amazing athleticism and alacrity, and then proceeded to wrestle Tate down toe the ground for a mere three-yard gain. The Steelers proceeded to force a three-and-out and then extended the lead to 21 with Antonio Brown's 60-yard punt return. Awesome play by Brown. It is worth noting however that Brown maybe got away with a block in the back on A. Brown's punt return. We won't give A. Brown is own paragraph here, but outstanding vision by him on that return. He's just so much more naturally gifted than Emmanuel Sanders and our previous return man, Stefan Logan, at anticipating where lanes will materialize before they occur.
What else can you say about James Harrison that hasn't already been mentioned? The man is an extraordinary physical specimen. One of his three sacks was the result of blown protection assignments, but his other two were just Deebo doing what he does -- terrorizing would-be blockers and meeting quarterbacks in the backfield. Harrison now has 8 sacks in 8 games this season, just one shy of LaMarr Woodley's total for tops on the team, and two shy of what would be his fourth consecutive double-digit sack season.

Congratulations to Hines Ward for becoming the 19th player in NFL history to eclipse the 12,000 receiving yards mark Sunday afternoon. Ward hauled in five receptions (team high) for 30 yards, giving him 36 catches for 319 yards and 2 TDs on the season, and 990 receptions and 12,021 yards for his Hall of Fame career.

Jeremy Kapinos continues to punt the ball brilliantly. The journeyman punted five times for an average of 54.2 yards. His long was 59 and two were fielded inside the Bengals 20. You have to feel bad for Daniel Sepulveda for the never-ending series of knee injuries he's sustained, but with the way Kapinos is punting the football, it's hard not to consider him an afterthought right now. Keep it up Kapinos!

Mike Wallace bounced back from his sub-par showing in Week 12 with two more touchdown receptions against the Bengals. Wallace only had three catches on the day, but as mentioned, two found pay dirt, and both came from inside the red zone where the Steelers' offense has really struggled as of late. Congratulations to Wallace on reaching double-digit TDs on the season (10).

Also aiding the team's red zone efficiency was the hard running of Rashard Mendenhall. Mendy's final numbers don't jump off the page --16 carries for 60 yards and 2 TDs -- but I thought he did a better job of putting his head down when he should have and then bouncing it outside when appropriate. Four of Mendenhall's eight scores this season have come in the two games against Cincy.

The Steelers are next to impossible to beat when Ben Roethliberger does not turn the ball over. For just the fourth time this season and the first time in his past five games, Big Ben did not throw an interception. Roethlisberger's final line was very reminiscent of a typical outing during his rookie season -- 15-of-23 for 176 yards and 2 TDs. He was pulled early in the fourth quarter in favor of Charlie Batch with the game well out of reach. His final completion, a 9-yard toss to tight end David Johnson in the fourth quarter, was the 2,026th of his career, moving him past Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw for the club record. "It's obviously an awesome honor," Roethlisberger said. "Anytime you break a guy like that's record, it's a great thing." Indeed, a nice honor, but obviously due to the evolution of the game since Bradshaw retired, the record will ultimately go down as one of the least noteworthy records Big Ben winds up setting before his career is finished.

An interception in two straight games for Ike Taylor? You betcha. Taylor picked off Bruce Gradokowski in the fourth quarter for just his 13th career pick. Though it was inconsequential in the game's outcome, I was thrilled to see Taylor get the pick because, as we've learned in recent history, Taylor will continue to get snubbed from his first Pro Bowl bid unless he picks off a few passes. Taylor also had seven tackles on the afternoon, six of them solo.

Liking what I'm seeing out of Lawrence Timmons lately. Add eight more tackles to Timmons' season total (62). That's a long way from last year's mark (135), but over his past three, Timmons now has 21 takedowns and an interception.

More on these two and how important the bye week was for them and other veterans, but a shout out to Brett Keisel and Casey Hampton for the high motor and disruptive performances the two turned in. Hampton was outstanding against the run and even collapsed the pocket on Andy Dalton while pass rushing, and Brett Keisel was in the face of or hurrying Dalton consistently. Neither had a sack or a highlight worthy play, but they combined to make life difficult on the Bengals' offensive line, and subsequently what their unit was trying to accomplish.

More soon, but who else would you throw into the mix?

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Comments

Agreed on Kapinos, Throw in Saunders

I can’t see why we would keep Sepulveda around if Kapinos continues to punt so well. Sepulveda is good, but he’s impossible to keep on the field, and Kapinos has been punting for great distance with great accuracy this season.

I might toss Saunders into this list. He looks better each week. I think I only saw one really clutch grab by him today, but he looked great blocking as well. What a great UDFA pickup!

grain of salt

by PaulMorel on Dec 4, 2011 11:23 PM EST reply actions

Kapinos is a keeper for sure.

You might put up with some chronic injuries at other positions, but not with your punter. I hope Sepulveda overcomes his problems and has a long career in the NFL, but I doubt it’ll be as a Steeler.

by Billy52 on Dec 4, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions

Good choices; I liked Redman's contributions as well.

Not a lot of yardage but his tough runs appeared to take the stuffing out of Cincy’s D.
BTW, you’ve got some misplaced text under your point #2, where it talks about A. Brown when you’re discussing James Harrison.

by Billy52 on Dec 4, 2011 11:24 PM EST reply actions

thanks for heads up

and i agree about redman. considered throwing in shout out to him at end of mendy graph.

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by Michael Bean on Dec 4, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

Witnessed some solid play

from Doug Legursky as well

We've got heads on sticks...

by Kid-A on Dec 5, 2011 12:21 AM EST reply actions

Ya

Im thinking Legs is a better fit at LG than Kemo at this point. At least until we can get a high draft pick to replace him and even then he needs to stay around. God knows the Steelers always need back ups on the Oline, they go thru those Olineman like hotcakes seemingly every season.

by blitzzburgh on Dec 5, 2011 12:30 AM EST up reply actions

Looked to me like Legursky was getting pushed off his feet quite often

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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah a little

But he was strong in run blocks downhill, and he hit the second level a couple times thät were important.

But I find in Pass Pro he’s pretty good at redirecting a player, more like a tackle almost. The first sack was really more on Ben, he had his 5 seconds.

The other sack came fast on Starks. And one was just a collapsed pocket after some time to throw.

by Mechem on Dec 5, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

I think he did a good job considering how much ground he was giving up. He kept his man in front of him, but the pocket was small because of that. Luckily, we have a QB who operates well no matter what the pocket looks like.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

Unless the pocket

is actually smaller than Ben is, which is what happened on the third sack, IIRC…

"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 6, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions

this

we need a guard in the draft badly

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

maybe 2

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

Dunno

If we resign Max Starks (and I think we should for the right price), Colon comes back and Gilbert moves inside with Foster, who’s playing really well right now, I’d go with a guard and a tackle in the first four picks. Then we’d have… wait for it… depth on the O-Line!!!

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 5, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

Very true

I don’t know how the coaches are evaluating Foster so that is why I say maybe 2.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Very pleased with Timmons

I think the move to OLB really kind of threw him off and it took a game or so for him to get back into the flow at ILB

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by glass0941 on Dec 5, 2011 12:32 AM EST reply actions

CamerOn Heyward play changed the game

I feel CamerOn will bring lots of great plays in the future

"Everytime NE Patriots lose, Football wins", myself

by rhino-mike on Dec 5, 2011 12:50 AM EST reply actions

Al Everest was the man

Great game, Susi missed the 50 yds FG, otherwise a perfect day for his specail team

"Everytime NE Patriots lose, Football wins", myself

by rhino-mike on Dec 5, 2011 12:56 AM EST reply actions

Special Teams

has played very well this year. That said, if there is another moronic penalty on a long field goal attempt this year, I might go crazy.

by pistil_stamen on Dec 5, 2011 1:05 AM EST up reply actions

ST was great

quite unheralded reason for our success this year with all the injuries and inconsistent play.

by Michael Bean on Dec 5, 2011 1:14 AM EST up reply actions

Really hope we draft a K now

Sushi is just too damn inconsistent

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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

in his defense

a 50 yarder into the open end of Heinz Field is less than 50% for any kicker out there. I agree with the sentiment in general, but I forgive him for that kick especially because he had a couple really nice kickoff through the endzone.

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

I can't

forgive him for kicking it toward the corner of the stadium

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

on the FG try?

I think at that point, especially into the open end, you put as much power as possible into it and then hope it goes the right direction… At least that’s how Skippy seemed to always do it

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

I don't care

he had no pressure for that kick. None. We were up 35-7, game wasn’t close, just kick the ball. Still couldn’t do it. We need a better kicker because his inconsistency has already cost us the baltimore game and if they don’t lose it would have cost us the division and a first round bye. Thats a lot on a kicker.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

What's so bad about him?

Ok I’m kidding. I can’t even watch the screen when he lines up. I don’t ever remember having a kicker that I had absolutely no faith in. He could have cost us against the Pats, did cost us vs the Ravens.

I really really hope that if we make the playoffs, we play so good that we don’t need him. Otherwise we may be in trouble.

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

Or at least make his kicks under 35 yards

anything 35+ I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting him out there. Its just such a plus when you can score from 50 yards out. We always have to punt. If we could get 3 points the majority of the time we’re 50 plus games that would be huge for us especially when those division games come down to a couple points most of the time.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

hey now

I only defended that specific kick. Looking at his season as a whole, I want him gone as badly as you do

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

I heard there was no wind yesterday. The only excuse he can use is the turf.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

Dunno

To me that was a bad coaching decision. That is four-down territory. You have to know your kicker is average at best and when to take your shots. We got rid of a troublemaker but we can’t expect to get much more than we’re getting from ole squeeze-’em…

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 5, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Disagree

Great coaching decision.

The game was already won. Put your kicker out there in the best possible situation to help him get some confidence. He failed but at least you know now that you can’t trust him as far as you can throw him from that distance.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm

Let’s agree to disagree on that one my man…

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 5, 2011 8:56 PM EST up reply actions

truce

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

Need to find bomb shelter, for the apocalypse is nigh.

Where’s our football karma going if IKE TAYLOR has a pick in the past two games? Where’s this going to come back to bite us?
Unfortunately I’m in the DC area and got stuck watching the Skins lose because someone thought they could make it into the season with Rex ‘AAAAAHHHHH’ Grossman playing QB.

by BlueLoneWolf on Dec 5, 2011 1:14 AM EST reply actions

The 2011 Rookie Class

Yes, I know that it is too early to make any pronouncements about this rookie class, but it looks terrific at this point. Amazing that a SB team can find so many guys drafting 31.

by Steelzombie on Dec 5, 2011 1:22 AM EST reply actions

Couldn't ask for better

From Heyward, Gilbert, Brown, Allen, and even Carter has shown some promise, this year’s class has been amazing and if they keep this trajectory they will afford us some luxury picks down the line.

We still need to hit on our first three in this draft, ILB, G, NT. And we’ll have some luxury picks (meaning we can just pick best player available) for a couple of years with no real need. That is what make your teams special. When you can hit on those later rounds you can afford to take the best talent in the early rounds because your needs aren’t as severe.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Ike Taylor doin what he does

Makin Interceptions. Hats off to Ike, he should be in the Pro Bowl this year. this year.
Worilds is startin to become a player. Damn hammie on Wood, like to c him back ready to go 4 the playoffs.

by steeler fever on Dec 5, 2011 1:27 AM EST reply actions

you know when you have "10 individual performances" that help a win

that you had a complete team effort. awesome win

by steel.curtain.number2 on Dec 5, 2011 1:36 AM EST reply actions

Bryant McFadden

Great block, taking on 3 would-be tacklers at once to spring the return touchdown from Antonio Brown.

by MattyOH on Dec 5, 2011 1:39 AM EST reply actions

+1

by Michael Bean on Dec 5, 2011 3:37 AM EST up reply actions

this

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 7:47 AM EST up reply actions

McFadden has quietly been a beast on ST

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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

I watched

the game with fever and said that we found the perfect place for McFadden

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

Enough so

I keep him on the team next year, Keep the CBs just the way they are.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

Only if we reduce the hell out of how much he makes.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

how much is he making right now?

and will he be a free agent after the season? If so, then I am sure he would consider reducing his salary once he sees that few teams are chasing him

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

2.5 I think

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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 9:38 PM EST up reply actions

alright, yeah that's pretty hefty

for a special teams only kinda guy

by Simonsen on Dec 6, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

that goes without saying

doubt he is going to get more elsewhere anyways

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

of course

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

That was amazing

I kept pointing it out to people around me on every single replay. How do you block three guys with one block? Why, McFadden has the answer! :)

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

I gotta give him props

He lost his job. A lot of players would be pouting, making a scene or whatever. He finds a way to make an impact for the team. I’ve also seen him cheering and otherwise being a good team mate on the sidelines at various times this season.

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

this.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

I think he realize

he isn’t in a position to pout, after his stint with the Cards, pouting means he would be off this team and who knows where he’d end up, he could end up out of football. And I don’t know about you but I’d rather be collecting an NFL check than a regular check out here. Even if its $55,000 a game, you’re making more in a game than most people make in a year.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Badass

What I loved was the fist pump when he blocked him. Not sure if he knew it was a TD or was just happy he leveled three guys somehow with one block, but awesome. I love the attitude.

This is why Pittsburgh rocks. It’s a team full of team players. Ben doesn’t bitch about his injuries, Ward doesn’t cry about hitting depth chart bottom, Mendy is fine splitting carries with Redman, Smith never complains when he’s given less time for whatever reason.

It’s a beautiful team attitude and I love it.

by Mechem on Dec 5, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

Don't you think

we got away with one, Allen looked like he blocked his man in the back.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

How many kick returns for TD ....

don’t include at least one block in the back.

We as Steelers fans just are not used to it being ignored when we are the team returning the kick.

I recall one season where the guy from KC, Dante Hall, was returning kicks for TD’s left and right.

Every replay, I saw blocks in the back. Some were incredibly obvious.

by BuccoFan21 on Dec 5, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

good point

i’ll shut up and enjoy it lol

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

I missed that block, saw the return, but missed the block somehow

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Dec 5, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Wasn't a flagrant block...

…and the contact was more around the shoulder. Steelers shouldn’t have been flagged for it, and, miraculously, weren’t. Maybe the apocolypse really is coming, what with Ike having 2 INTs in two games, and the way the Praying Ponies are playing.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Dec 5, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

That block I saw, I was referring to BMac's

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Dec 5, 2011 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

Ike

The irony is Ike might have made the biggest push towards a Pro Bowl bid today in one of his poorest outings, because picks get so much more votes than consistent shutdown coverage. Still, a mediocre Ike Taylor game is a breakthrough game for most CBs out there! This guy is such an incredible player, glad we locked him up long term.

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 5, 2011 2:38 AM EST reply actions

I will second that opinion about Keisel

Week in and week out he is playing outstanding football. He is the “mainstay” of our interior D line. I was glad to see Casey exert himself. Keisel and Casey were both a “hair away” from getting sacks. Worilds also held his own in replacing Woodley. Good win Steelers!!!

by Allen F on Dec 5, 2011 2:41 AM EST reply actions

Running game

Was it so proficient because of the 3 TE sets? I think I noticed a set with 3 TEs and a fullback.

by ibygeorge on Dec 5, 2011 5:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions

dunno

will have to look again at game, but i don’t think i’d chracterize it as ‘so proficient’. Was better, and that came against a good rush defense. But wasn’t a hallmark game rushing the ball or anything. more than anything i think it was just good to see Arians resist urge to overcomplicate things and stick the safe ground game when thats all we really needed to retain the lead we built in that second quarter.

as others mentioned though, the play of the O-Line was commendable for the most part. Obviously that helped.

by Michael Bean on Dec 5, 2011 7:17 AM EST up reply actions

as for mendenhall

what i liked about him, and why i included him in list is because I think he made most of those 16 carries. Only 60 yards, but on other days he mgiht have only had 52 yards, or 47 yards, etc. Not huge difference. But he didn’t leave anything on table by being hesitant. A good sign for me to see personally.

by Michael Bean on Dec 5, 2011 7:18 AM EST up reply actions

agree

with this sentiment. He has been running harder as of late, hope he continues

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 7:49 AM EST up reply actions

you can thank..

Redman’s hard running every time he touches the ball as the push Mendy is getting to run hard himself…I think he is on Tomlins short leash lately and thats why we Mendy is no longer auditioning for Dancing with the stars and is now doing what is expected of him.

by Bradhaw's index finger on Dec 5, 2011 8:34 AM EST up reply actions

True

and those two touchdowns were pure will it looked like. Just kept his motor running

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

this

both times i thought he wasn’t going to get in

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

How about Cameron Heyward....?

No arguments with your list at all. There were a lot of stellar performances in the Steelers Bludgeoning of the Bengals. But how about Cameron Heyward? Maybe he’s been mentioned some where else, but a field goal block is always a field goal block.

by Hombre de Acero on Dec 5, 2011 8:28 AM EST reply actions

That blocked FG was the turning point of the game too

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions

couldn't agree more

you’re looking at 7 points, then 3 points, then 0 points. Very demoralizing for an offense and Very big for the defense.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

BTW, some props to Charlie Batch

He went out there and didn’t injure himself throwing the ball.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 9:18 AM EST reply actions

But almost got Browny injured.

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

man he got up like

his chest was on fire, i was scared

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

me too my friend...me too

This message will self destruct

Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

thought for sure..

he had a few ribs broken the way he got up and went down….good to see the camera shot later on of Ben and others laughing with Brown and making fun of the way he lifted his shirtand reacted after the hit.

by Bradhaw's index finger on Dec 5, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

that was greatness :)

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

same thing I thought

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

it's not

like he threw it into traffic in the middle of the field. It was a sideline pass that the safety played very well, he was a heat seeker on that play.

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 9:54 PM EST up reply actions

LOL..

When he attempted to run and then thought twice and went down awkward, I thought for sure it was gonna be a season ender for him.

by Bradhaw's index finger on Dec 5, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

You probably wont agree with me. but.....

I don’t know why we don’t give Dixon a helmet and have him available as a backup. Yesterday would have been perfect for him to get some snaps in. I know that they used Charlie because he was “safe” and would be in there to control the ball and not give it up. But, what would he do if we needed him to score points? Just my opinion (probably not a popular one).

by Allen F on Dec 5, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

This comment is for John Stephens

by Allen F on Dec 5, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Because Dixon is a bad QB. He offers us nothing valuable if Ben goes down. Charlie can actually throw the ball somewhat competently to bring us back into a game. Dixon cannot.

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by John Stephens on Dec 5, 2011 9:40 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

plus Batch makes smarter decisions.

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 5, 2011 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

DD

He wants to start somewhere else. Ginormous sigh. Let him try, I’m not sure he’d start in the CFL (I know that league and this is no exaggeration)

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 6, 2011 2:55 AM EST up reply actions

DD

is done

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

by stillergorillar on Dec 6, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions

kemo

I really think Kemeoto should not be brought back next year.

by stefan on Dec 5, 2011 9:20 AM EST reply actions

think he is done as a steeler

pretty obvious we’re drafting high in the G position this year

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 5, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

We won’t carry his inflated salary to ride the pine. Good riddance, the guy has the intellect of a dyslexic oyster.

Dick, what would Woody (Hayes) say to you now: "He'd say, 'LeBeau, get your hair cut.'"

by Steelfrog on Dec 5, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Other guys

Heyward was in on some tackles but most importantly the blocked kick.

Really, the whole D-line played outstanding. This is the first year I’ve ever seen a 3-4 Steelers D-line capable of getting to the QB. Even Big Snack was rumbling into the backfield like it was an open fridge. Hood played smart containment and got a semi-coverage kinda sack. Keisel was in Daltons face all day.

I’d also like to give some big ups to Legursky, he made some really good blocks on the day and protected Ben pretty well.

by Mechem on Dec 5, 2011 9:53 AM EST reply actions

more on Deebo...

his monster game was against one of the better OTs in the game. Ziggy had a strong game also. And don’t forget Hines moving the chains. Plus, I really like this 3 TE set, seems to give opposing defense fits. Kudos to Arians on that one.

"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente

by michaelbro8 on Dec 5, 2011 11:52 AM EST reply actions

two points

•The Steelers are next to impossible to beat when Ben Roethliberger does not turn the ball over.

Truer words have never been spoken. This team, while it still has holes and weaknesses, is as solid and explosive and deep a team as this year’s NFL has to offer. As long as we protect the ball, we are awfully tough to beat.

Secondly, Ike’s not a Pro Bowl corner, regardless of his interception total. Maybe I put too much trust in sites like Pro Football and articles like this but Ike simply isn’t asked to do what Pro Bowl corners do.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 5, 2011 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Ike...

I’ve noticed opposing qb’s have gone towards Ike’s side more this season than past seasons. Might explain the more opportunities he has had for ints and also explain that he has been beat more than usual in the endzone.
Not complaing though…actually I like it. It’s showing that the other corners are stepping up and are not constantly being targeted like seasons past.
Ikes still the best corner on the team but the younger cb’s are not bad either.

by Bradhaw's index finger on Dec 5, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

has he been beat more than usual in the endzone though?

I can think of only two tds and one drop that should have been a TD this entire season: Green yesterday, one early in the season against Indy (I think), and the Torrey Smith drop. Am I missing something?

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

Garcon killed him on a double move in the INDY game and Painter missed him.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 5, 2011 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

must be the one I was thinking about

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

Ike is put on an island with the opposing team's best wide receiver

every single game this season. How is that not asking him to do what pro bowl corners do? What do they do then, sit in the zone and pick off interceptions? I can see the argument that he might be given too much credit for overthrown/dropped balls, but not that he is not asked to do a lot in this defense.

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Ike's job is to prevent the deep ball and limit RAC, but very little else

Pro Bowl guys change the way an opposing offense calls the game, Ike does not do that. He does an what the defense requires, play with a cushion and make the tackle on short passes in front of him. He breaks up less than a pass per game, so it’s not that his hands are terrible, it’s just that he doesn’t get his hands on a lot of balls (insert joke here).

I’m not saying he doesn’t do exactly what this defense needs, I just don’t think he does what other top corners do. Our defense/pass rush just needs the corners to play with a cushion, make solid tackles in front of them and not let WR get behind them.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

I just think that's not the case this year

Ike has been playing press coverage a ton this year, if somebody plays off it’s almost always Gay and sometimes Lewis. I get what you’re saying about years past, but his job is not just to prevent the deep ball this season… He is looking to stay right with his guy from the snap until the play is over. Not too long ago, Asomugha was considered the best cornerback in the game despite lacking stats in passes defended and interceptions. So it’s not just about those.

by Simonsen on Dec 5, 2011 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

Read the article that I linked

Ike has graded out below replacement level this season, at least at the time that was written.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 5, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

that is the same site

that gave him a negative rating for completely shutting out the best receiver in the nfl statistically (at the time)
I don’t really buy their brand

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Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

what game was that?

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 5, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

The Pats game, where he held Welker to something like 11 yards
He had like 39 total for the game, but the bulk of his yards came against an LB and and another CB

Look at how the number 1 receivers have done against him this year. He has ranged from eliminating them to slowing them down big time.

This message will self destruct

Who the hell's interrupting my Kung Fu? - Black Dynamite

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 5, 2011 5:08 PM EST up reply actions

Not just this year

he has been doing it for several years

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Dec 5, 2011 7:18 PM EST up reply actions

I read it

that doesn’t mean I agree with it

a) it’s a subjective site, and definitely not the end-all for all football truths. The people running it are competent, but not all-knowing.

b) I like to trust my eyes too – Frank mentioned the Pats game, I’d argue that the grade for the Cardinals game was ridiculous. He allowed just 2 catches of 8 reception, got some ticky-tack penalties (that Revis gets away with), and grades out that badly? I don’t think so.

c) even if I would agree with the article, doesn’t it argue exactly what I said above? Nowhere does it say in there that Taylor isn’t asked to do much – instead, it even says Taylor does a good job given how much is asked of him. Again, if you want to argue he shouldn’t get credit for overthrown/dropped balls, that’s a different story. But he is definitely asked to do as much as any pro bowl corner out there.

by Simonsen on Dec 6, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions