Snake Bitten - Steelers 2011 Season Ends Abruptly in Denver
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Jan 9, 2012 4:55 PM EST
in Playoffs 2011
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My friend Sarah sent me a text a couple hours before the game yesterday. "I’m so excited but concerned about our missing players", she said. So was I.
What did it for me is when I heard the news about Running Backs coach Kirby Wilson. How much more would this team have to endure? I confessed to Sarah that I was "concerned"; that’s code for ‘I think the team is in trouble’. And not just for the particular challenges that
While I salute the efforts made by the backups, the starters are starters for a reason. They are selected high in the draft for a reason. They are paid incredible salaries for a reason. This team and others have survived injuries in the past because they usually occurred for the most part earlier in the year. The players made it back to the lineup in time for the post season, or their replacements had sufficient time to acclimate. But when the injury list includes; the starting pro bowl quarterback, the starting running back, three of five receivers, the starting all pro center, his backup and pretty much every offensive lineman on the roster at one time or another, all but one of the experienced defensive lineman, both pro bowl caliber outside linebackers, the starting free safety, both of your promising rookie defensive backs, the punter, various special team players and backups, there can be disappointment, but not surprise when, sooner or later the team comes up short. To be sure, it would have been a special narrative; team prevails in spite of its one legged quarterback, depleted offensive and defensive lines, assistant coach in the burn unit. But that’s why it would be such a compelling narrative, because it is unrealistic. At some point luck comes into the equation of a championship run. A big part of that luck is the timing and types of injuries that a team has to endure.
During the course of the game commentators began to push the line that playing Ben against the 49ers and the Browns was a mistake. Easy for them to say. It doesn’t take that much in the way of imagination to figure out what would be said in parts of Steeler Nation and the media if anybody but Ben had started in those games and the team had lost. ‘We had a chance to win the division and get a higher seeding in the playoffs and we blew it!" This, of course, is only the tip of the iceberg of the regrets, recriminations and witch hunts that predictably will come from jealous outsiders and that portion of the fan base that is spoiled, overly invested emotionally or just plain silly. Coach Dad is an old fool, fire Tomlin, cut most of them and execute the rest, if only we had Norv Turner. Please.
Reality check. Nobody feels sorry for Steeler Nation. You wanna know why? Because most other fan bases wish they had what we have. When you have experienced the success that this organization and fans have and react so poorly to the inevitable, that is, you are not going to win all the time, then the ridicule that will be heaped upon you cannot be unexpected and it is certainly deserved. From my perspective this franchise has won 5 more Lombardis than I’ve expected (but fewer than I have hoped for). I thoroughly enjoy the experience of following this team and am already beginning to think about the challenges that next season will bring. Before you demand better, show some appreciation for what you already have.
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Great read!
great article and great points! I know next year, we will once again make the playoffs, and hopefully finally ascend that stairway to #7. I have steelerfaith, and don’t begrudge anyone that doesn’t feel sorry for me (though I feel plenty sorry for myself) that my team lost this game.
However, I will say this about those other guys. The idea that the Pats haven’t won a playoff game since 2007 never seems to have the announcers, or fan bases, or other teams talking about how “Brady isn’t elite” or “their defense is old and slow” or “yeah those guys are NOT as good as everyone thinks.”
I know it’s jealousy, because we routinely have the most complete team out there…but it still stings. Our team IS elite, and though we measure success in wins over yards, it doesn’t mean a loss now and again, even a really painful loss, is cause for major concern in the organization. Our core group of veterans may change a bit, but those who will be with us next year won’t hold us back, as everyone assumes, but will help bring our young guys forward. A lot of them DO still have something to contribute, despite age/years of playing/past injuries. I’ll stick by any one of them that wants to return!
Oh also, one small quip on the part about back ups…Redman completely lived up to my high expectations of him:) Though I agree overall with what you were saying!!!!
HERE WE GO STEELERS 2012-2013!
Point well taken on Redman
A great performance lost in the tragedy of the afternoon.
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Jan 9, 2012 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, really nice to see him perform well in his starting role in the playoffs.
…oh, and also nice of him to agree to share, and let some of the other Steelers play some football Sunday. When we all know he could have singlehandedly run right over Denver’s Defense, Offense, Tebow & God Almighty (sorry to be redundant there) out there, if he had wanted to be selfish!
by TheHumbleOne on Jan 10, 2012 4:48 AM EST up reply actions
Great read, as usual Rick, but not such a tragedy. The men that were left on the field played v aliantly
thru sheer grit and determination, especially Ben. Just watching Redman plow thru the Broncos defense was such a testament to the toughness of this team, but it just was not to be this year. The real tragedy is ESPN and all of the other sportcasters calling it a miracle, (as if it really has something to do with Jesus). Give me a break! Jesus is definitely a Steeler’s fan and everyone knows it! :)
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jan 9, 2012 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Then credit must also be given to the O line, which made it possible for Redman to do so well.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
What are you talking about?
The idea that the Pats haven’t won a playoff game since 2007 never seems to have the announcers, or fan bases, or other teams talking about how "Brady isn’t elite" or "their defense is old and slow" or "yeah those guys are NOT as good as everyone thinks."
This team has been crucified by the Boston media and fans of the team for years because of that very reason, which only speaks to the high expectations of the team. Struggling against the Murderer’s Row of defenses in the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens isn’t necessarily anything to be ashamed of, but we measure our successes in Super Bowls, much like you guys.
And if you’re one of those who honestly believes Brady isn’t elite at his position, there is no hope for you as a football fan, just as a ridiculous homer. ;)
Can I Scream?
For someone who gets pissed
about people getting defensive a lot, you sure do that yourself. While that shit you’re talking about may happen in your little big town, it doesn’t happen on ESPN. NFL Matchup and shows like that aren’t calling Brady out, even though his last three playoff games were atrocious.
As far as Memmy saying Brady wasn’t elite, that is you and your defense-o-meter going crazy again. The point is, one (or in Brady’s case, three) bad playoff game doesn’t mean you’re not elite or great anymore.
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
Agreed.
ESPN has the lips so firmly locked on Brady’s manpole it’s not even funny. You’re just blind to it. Obviously. Don’t even bother replying.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Rough loss
I was so mad after our loss I waited until today to post:)
What cheered me up is having my friends who are Cowboys, Browns and Bengals etc fans flood my phone with Tebow comments. It makes me laugh because they all wish they had the franchise we have, they wish their GM’s could hold Kevin Colbert’s jock, and that they could actually make the playoffs. I am not mad because I know seeing us lose is their therapy. They cannot beat us, so when someone else does it makes them happy. The dumbest thing I heard was from my Dolphins fan friend whose argument was that “you guys played only one more game then us”. ..Anyone else think Ben rape jokes are old..like Queen of England old?
We’ll be back next year, keep all our injured guys out of the Pro Bowl. Can’t wait for the draft, I do really would love to see that O line get shored up.
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 9, 2012 6:28 PM EST reply actions
Think so
What’s you #. Packer fan here. Hardly ever lose. I’ll call you if that makes you feel better. How can you think of being proud of that embarrassment of a team. If it makes you feel better, good for you. BUT YOU GOT TEBONED by a wild card. What a disgrace!
Also in my eyes, and every other Steeler fans eyes
Just the fact that you came on this board to troll is a testament to the Steelers greatness.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Thanks for stopping by Troll
Nice to see you can be classy…you need to concentrate on those Giants right now…
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 9, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
he joined during the Bengals Texans game just to…well say the exact same things over and over again. Stuff like this is why I sometimes wish our page wasn’t linked to yahoo stories. But I totally understand why it is
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
I would be glad
to handle banhammer duties in the absence of a moderator…I am on here a lot and although my normal job usually involves a lot of time at 25,000 feet, I feel I would be up for the task, for the benefit of the fine people on this board..and for America!
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 9, 2012 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
I think Bean handles that. By the way, you suck for being able to fly for a living, ok? lol
It’s really not that bad though. There weren’t many of those idiots here all year until after we were eliminated. I’m guessing they will move on. Though someone should ban rico. But as he said he “has 30 names” and “he’s in disguise” hahah
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
I thought I'd try:)
yeah man I am lucky to fly…although I am not hearing the end of the Tebow crap from my coworkers
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 9, 2012 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Are they Tebow fans?
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
Sadly
Browns and Dolphins fans…I had to remind them the Steelers had more wins combined then both of those clown shows..
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 10, 2012 4:44 AM EST up reply actions
lol. Browns fans making fun of anybody. I couldn’t get pissed about that, I’d just laugh. Dolphins is pretty crazy too, but at least they’ve done something in the modern era
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
I thought Michael banned him yesterday.
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jan 9, 2012 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
make room on the bandwagon
Here’s a c-note that says “Rico” not only has never even set foot in Green Bay but also that he can’t find the state of Wisconsin on a map.
Alll aboard the Aaron Rodgers express!! At least until they lose and then Rico and the rest of troll nation can find the next bandwagon rolling through town.
Wow. Great class, cheddarhead.
Douche.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:50 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
ENDS ABRUPTLY
Enough said. Jan 10th and talking about next year means one thing. You got killed this year. KILLED, FINITOE.,KAPUT! Hopefully they can draft a quarterback from the Lingerie football League and replace the sore ankle excuse maker girl with a real woman.Good luck, they will need lots of it. Enjoy the Super Bowl.
rico
Real classy post. I’ll take the Steelers anytime. They are almost always good, and I feel very fortunate that the team I grew up cheering for has become the most successful team of the super bowl era. For decades now we can count on them to always be in the hunt. They can’t win it all, or even go to the conference championship, every year, but I’ll take their record every time.
On Ben, there are some legit issues that can be raised (holding on to the ball too long and bad clock management among them), but toughness isn’t one of them.
by AJF67 on Jan 9, 2012 8:23 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
When you develop an illness or desease
Dont pretend you didnt bring it upon yourself by being a negative and backward individual. If this is who you are anonymously Im sure youre like this on the streets and thats pretty damn lame. But we do get a kick out of your comments. What? You thought you were the first. You arent. You wont be the last either. Thanks for stopping by cupcake!
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Jan 10, 2012 3:43 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
What kinda low life
comes on to another teams site to gloat, when their team wasn’t even involved in the game. Go shove some more cheese curdles down your throat you fat ass wisconsin trash.
I think he is a Browns fan.
Who's laughing now, O Line??? Ben Roethlisberger (from the Podium) to his O-Line and the world in Superbowl XLIII
by SteeladyinVA on Jan 9, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
I was at the game
And the two most pivotal moments were when Legs oversnapped Ben, which absolutely destroyed a promising drive that was in Bronco territory, and when that long bomb to Wallace was overturned. The call was debatable, but either way Wallace has to make a better catch in that situation. Both of those plays were serious momentum changers, and in my eyes the difference in this game. You could really tell, the entire atmosphere in that stadium changed dramatically on those two plays, and it wasnt in favor of the Steelers
Even after playing like shit the entire game, when the Steelers got the ball back with 2:00 on the clock, tie game, me and every Steeler fan around me were saying, “here we go…” time for Big Ben to do what he does and win this game. Can’t believe he took 2 sacks in that final drive, went from FG range to nothing just like that. Starks getting injured and Pouncey being out had alot to do with the constant pressure on Ben tho. I can’t believe how bad the secondary got burned in that game. This is the same secondary that was ranked #1 in the NFL, the same secondary that shutdown Tom Brady. Ike Taylor had his worse game of the year by far, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
The few good things in this game was Redman’s performance. I thought he did great, really stepped up when we needed him after Mendy going down. Also Cotchery had a great TD catch, Steelers should definitely re sign him. I still can’t believe the Broncos beat the Steelers, even the Broncos fans couldn’t believe it.
The important part of what your comment
is that seasons can turn on one or two plays at an opportune or inopportune time. What kind of judgments do you make in light of one or two plays.
by Ivan Cole (RickVa) on Jan 9, 2012 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Legs
Was surprised at the snapping problems Legs had in that game, I don’t recall similar issues in the Super Bowl. A number of times he launched the ball too hard from the shotgun in addition to the miscue blitzburgh mentioned. It looked like the ball was shot out of a cannon, and BR had to really concentrate on securing the ball before looking downfield. Legs also inadvertently pushed a Bronco into BR near the end of regulation, was caused the fumble, costing the team yardage and time.
The Cotchery catch was tremendous, thought for sure the ball would be jarred loose.
This was the same secondary that got roasted last year too
Impose your will.
when
Snack and Keisel went down they had to bring the safeties up for run support
People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee
by stillergorillar on Jan 10, 2012 11:46 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
jealousy and loneliness
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."
Whiners
Trolls do not like whiners who cry " holding, holding, holding" for 60 minutes as they are getting their butts kicked real good by a wild card team and denying they were a very poor football team. Now you can understand! Enjoy the season. Reason. Freason.
Go fuck yourself you worthless piece of trash
If you're afraid to take risks, you will never get what you truly want
by JHobbs on Jan 10, 2012 1:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's "enough," and "doofus."
Spell much in Wiscahhhhnsen?
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:52 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
As a Broncos fan
I don’t come here to gloat, but to show respect for your fanbase. I come with well-wishes for your coach.
Perhaps the Packer fan above should learn a few things. Seems to me your team got their asses handed to them by…..Kansas City?
Really? And you’re talkin smack to the Steelers fans? Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
Broncos fan out. Good game, guys.
You've got class Berserker13.
It’s fans like you that really make trolls like rico look like the douchebags that they are.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Thanks man
You got us good, hopefully you can take the Patsies out
by BlackandGoldTSgt on Jan 9, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
As A Bronco Fan
That was me sucker under another alias. Beat up again, two days in a row. But you are right, I GO CLASS! Fooled you!
Yeah, right.
So not only are you a pathetic troll, but a liar.
I know that you did not post Beserker13’s comments, because his post was correctly spelled, and somewhat coherent.
Douchbaggery, thy name is rico007.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Gift
Even I bet KC that game, but then again I know football. That game was for the bookies. And my team will not win it all either this year , but you won’t see me crying for 60 minutes at the referees. You are all just a bunch of babies with your eyes up your arses thinking Pittsburgh even had a chance. And how did you all do. Cry another river!
No, you lost the first time you posted here.
And you just keep on losing.
by Billy52 on Jan 9, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Loser
Probably talks about how great his team is but has to wikipedia everyone on the roster and knows nothing of who they drafted or whos on the injury report. Youre not even pond scum. At least pond scum serves a purpose. Too bad I cannot ban you or poke my finger into your weak pectoral muscle but im more than glad to tell you what I think of you. I also made no mention of your teams’ name because regardless of who you root for you are not a capable representative of ANY team.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Jan 10, 2012 3:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
His team won't win?
And he lies about making a post as a Bronco fan?
Mentally unstable. I’m not just saying that. I mean it.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
the main difference between the Pats and Steelers defenses are the Steelers defense is on the decline , getting older and less effective while the pats are rebuilding there defense with some really good individual players that just need to gel as a unit.. Its the natural cycle in football, you have to keep infusing your team with young blood . Yes the steelers have some awesome defensive players but the age will start to show over the nwxt couple years, but i do think thier main concern should be thier offensive front line to keep the QB off his back on the ground, Steelers offense is only about average.The Pats win because they consistantly score 30 plus points and despite giving up yards they don’t give up points .
the pats have been rebuilding for 3 years now on defense and they still can not get it right
face with all the draft picks they get they should have a monster team but they yielded a lot of busts.
by steeler_in_maryland on Jan 9, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
we got youth
3 young CBs looking good but injuried. Son of Ironhead will be a beast as early as next season and Ziggy is already a solid DE. 4 YOUNG LBs one probowl and one on the fringe of the probowl.
by Unleashed on Jan 9, 2012 11:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Um, no
The Patriots have not rebuilt their defense with better players at all. The fact that you’re trying to make that case is absurd, considering all the young talent we have that dont start.
They have hardly any good, young defensive linemen and their secondary isn’t exactly great either. The Patriots consistently have a good red-zone defense, so they dont surrender a lot of touchdowns once teams get down there. But being good in one or two defensive categories doesn’t make your defense good.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 9, 2012 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
classic case
Of listening to someone like warren sapp but not truly understanding the Steelers defense. If you came to comment about another team and refute a statement, please take the time to reinforce it. By the way, my best friend is a Patriots fan and hes impressed that I know a lot of the names and positions on his team. He didnt even know some of his own teams new draft picks this year and I did. However, I wouldnt claim his defense is slow or subpar simply because ESPN says so, rather because Ive not watched his team play all year and often stats are merely one page of the story.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Jan 10, 2012 3:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
#1 scoring defense - Pittsburgh.
And your defense Is a sieve.
Yep. You know football.
I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com
by Fifty-Eight on Jan 10, 2012 10:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Visitors from other teams don't understand the "holding our linebackers" debate. Broncs played better and deserved the game. Steeler fans might like to know if they see refs allowing Von Miller and Dumerville to be held also.
I would like to here from Denver fans with your great pair of rushers in Miller and Dumerville. Is the league pumping up the QB’s passing yards by refusing to call it when OT’s hook the rusher’s head in the OT’s elbow, and also holding the rusher’s jersey in a tight grasp. Steeler fans have seen it so much the past 3 years, it is hard to tell if the league office just has told the ref’s that that is now proper blocking technique? If that “technique” is now legal, I just wish they would change the rules in print.
I don't know man we do seem to get held a lot----and it's not called
The refs yesterday screwed the pooch yesterday both ways. Numerous non calls on both sides, the Harrison roughing penalty, (I think they got the challenges right though), the backwards pass. Seriously—-refs not swallowing their whistles have cost two teams potential points already, hope they figure that one out!
If you breath on Brady, thats a suspension
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 9, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Only a fine, actually.
It’s a suspension only if you call Goodell a f*gg#t in a nationally published magazine.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Can't believe
NFL is letting the Cheatriots hire McDaniels just in time to game plan for Tebow. I hope Denver freakin drops a dime on them. Miracle of miracles. ROLL TIDE!!!
"My baby...my mechanical masterpiece. So nearly complete. So nearly perfect. If I only had a living brain."--Evil Scientist, Looney Toones, circa 1952
"Well you're better than any player I ever had. And you're the best God damn hitter I ever saw. Suit up."--Pop Fisher, THE NATURAL
by SaratogaSteelerFan on Jan 9, 2012 10:23 PM EST reply actions
Most Broncos fans are indifferent
We really aren’t running an offense anything similar to what McDaniels ran when he was here. I think this is over—exagerrated, but I guess we’ll see.
Ware Eagle
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 10, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Shit happens
It’s time to suck it up and get a hobby for the winter. The pool will be opening up soon enough. I’m just not interest in moping about this for very long.
Oh yeah and F tebow!
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."
Unbelievable, but...
We were too stubborn on defense. Should have changed our approach once Tebow started getting on a roll.
http://theklowntimes.net/2012/01/09/tebow-and-steelers-stubborness-won-game-for-broncos/
The resident troll
Ok guys, I’m new here, but really? You even respond to trolls like Rico or whatever the heck his name is? But, I even have to admit, the guy is so twisted and such an idiot that I even chuckled a few times.
Steel are just a old team who time is over like it could be 10 / 15 before they even make a playoff run again now the AFC will have a shot a a S/B win!
Sad, when grade school children....
…mix alcohol and computers.
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
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