Steelers Fall for Third Time in Past Five
by Blitzburgh
on Dec 17, 2007 10:55 AM EST
in News
Well, there's not much positive spin to put on this one. There's one major positive to take from this game, which we'll get to shortly, but there's plenty to be concerned about as we limp towards the playoffs.
- First off, the injuries. Part of the reason I was optimistic about this team's chances to rebound from its mid-season funk was the absence of significant injuries. Now Aaron Smith is on the shelf, Ike Taylor was injured yesterday, Santonio doesn't seem to be quite 100 %, and Marvel Smith is again injured with an aggravated back of some sort.
- Speaking of Marvel Smith, brutal game for him yesterday. Something must have been bothering him all game, because he was responsible for just about every one of the Jaguars 5 sacks of Ben Roethlisberger. If he had been ailing all game, I'm disappointed he didn't take himself out of the mix until the 4th quarter, when Max Starks finally replaced him and played well.
- As for Aaron Smith? Guess we missed him more than we thought, even though none of us were dismissing his injury as no-big deal for the Steelers. I'm not sure Smith's presence yesterday would have made enough of a difference to change the outcome of the game, but I still don't believe we give up over 200 yards to Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones Drew if he's playing.
- The game turned in Jacksonville's favor for good when we failed to tackle MJD on 4th and 1 from our 46 on the first drive of the 2nd half. We had the middle clogged, but Drew and his powerful legs bounced off the first tackler and picked up the first drive. Jacksonville finished off that 20 play 9:00+ drive and it was clear who was the more physical, determined football team.
- It was fun watching Polamalu fly around the field, and he certainly made some incredible tackles. But he, along with the rest of the team, got pushed around in the running game on more than one occassion.
To the few positives of yesterday's game:
- Ben Roethlisberger. Wow, what a competitor! The numbers were ugly in the first half..real ugly. But he hung in there, despite being battered and bruised by the Jags interior linemen for much of the day. Plenty of QBs would have taken themselves out of that game in the 2nd half. Not Ben. He just kept fighting, and almost single-handedly saved the defense from humiliation. It wasn't meant to be yesterday, but it was only further proof that we have a special competitive talent playing the most important position on the football field for us. Priority #1 this offseason: locking him up for the better part of the next decade.
- I haven't seen much on Nate Washington's knee injury, but it looked painful and potentially serious. If that was Nate's last play as a Steeler either for this year or for his career, it was a fine way to go out. Very nice catch by Washington on that long TD catch. Great concentration and toughness to hold on after he landed awkardly.
- Heck of a throw on that 2-point conversion by Cedrick Wilson! Anybody else notice Big Ben landed the necessary block to give Wilson that split second he needed to get rid of it? That play did, however, leave me wondering why we had to wait until Week 15 to see our first gadget play of the season.
************
Sadly, that's about it for the positives. There's many more concerns to address today and this week, but the writing on the wall is pretty clear: the Steelers may be a playoff team, but we're heading in the wrong direction at the wrong time of the season. At this point, there's no one thing that continues to plague us. In fact, we've suffered from poor play in just about every conceivable important department of play: poor special teams play, unacceptable blocking from the offensive line, porous secondary play in pass coverage, an ineffective running game, and after yesterday, you can add being manhandled up front defensively to the list. The flip side of that coin is we've excelled at least partially in all of those departments at some time during the season, so as unlikely as it seems right now, it's not impossible to believe that we could piece it all together at the right time and pull off an upset or two in the playoffs. Not likely, but not inconceivable.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your take, we have a short week to prepare for the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night. Mike Tomlin, who failed to become just the third rookie coach to post a perfect home record since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule, has his hands full getting this group to regroup, refocus, and to rebound with just two short weeks to go.
What else guys? Thoughts?
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- Smith should have taken himself out, he was playing horrible and after game even Coach T acknowledged he was injured.
- You're right, we all downplayed Smith's injury. He also missed most of the Jets game where T Jones ran for over 100 yards.
- That drive at the start of the third quarter was maddening. Two fourth down conversions and a 17 yard draw play on 3rd and 10 is absolutely pathetic. It didn't help that the offense followed up with a 1 minute and 23 second 3 and out either.
- It should be interesting who is able to suit up this Thursday. I'm not to encouraged if Taylor and Washington aren't able to go along with Ben and Smith.
by cgolden on Dec 17, 2007 11:21 AM EST 0 recs
Title?
Miami W, Cincy W, NE L, Jax L?
by double yoi on Dec 17, 2007 11:32 AM EST 0 recs
been a long weekend for all of us
by cgolden on
Dec 17, 2007 11:42 AM EST
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Heading West???
If the injuries continue to plague the team's performance the Steelers could very well place second behind the Browns and head to San Diego.
Rams RB Jackson put up 143 yards in a losing effort against Packers (but the Pac are a pretty good football team) so I think he's back in full form after an earlier season injury. Steelers' defense is going to have to "find that which is lost" if they are going to slow him down.
Close the season out in Baltimore. The Ravens are a wounded animal. They're offense is horrible and they haven't won a game against a division team thus far this year. After the blow-out in Pittsburgh earlier in the year, we can expect the Ravens to really be gunning for the Steelers if especially if they have the opportunity to eliminate the Steelers from the play-offs.
San Diego is on a three game winning streak and they are getting back to Marty-like offensive form and is carrying a lot of 'MO (momentum) into post-season play.
The Browns have to play the Bungals in Cincy whom they've already beaten when they (the Browns) weren't playing all that well and then close out the season at home against the unimpressive 49ers.
The WORSE CASE SCENARIO is NOT for use to swap places with the Browns and head to San Diego, it's for the Titans to win out (Jets at home and Indy on the road) and us to lose out. We'd quickly be on the outside looking in. The Colts could be our new best friends.
by steelersfan36 on Dec 17, 2007 12:20 PM EST 0 recs
Unwatchable.......almost
a) Come out throwing the ball in the first half in bad weather and with a QB who has a bum shoulder?
b) Continue throwing the ball in the first half even though it is generally fruitless and Parker is running well?
c) Allow a one dimensional Jacksonville offense to look so good?
d) With the game on the line allow a draw play for what 15 - 20 yards on 3rd and 9 after giving up a first down on the previous 3rd down and long with the exact same play call?
e) Given your scout films and knowledge of their strengths and coach's demeanor, how can they run the ball down your throat the entire game? It looked like the Steelers were in a loose alignment or nickel package on that last key 3rd down play. I believe they had already thrown the INT on the last series.... Del Rio is not going to throw the game away... they are going to run it, kick it and play defense... aren't they?? Who are you playing? It isn't the Colts, Pats, or Bengals for Crissakes... How can you be surprised they are going to run the ball until you stop it !!!!
Agghhh..... I have never come so close to walking away from a game at halftime.. never. And then to look so lame at the end to lose after a valiant comeback. The offense actually helping the defense at the end - of course the defense had to gift-wrap a TD for them but they did tie the game.
My two cents after observing this coaching staff all year:
Arians - Out. Play calling is bizarre. One play does not set up the other for long stretches of the game. That C Wilson pass was beautiful but if it doesn't work how insane is Steeler Nation afterwards?! If not - serious Come to Jesus meeting after the season... not sure if that will work. Play calling is an artform not a degree or certificate program. Some people have it some don't. I'm not seeing it.
Le Beau - Tomlin needs to take control more, perhaps even now. I know they are not the same dominant unit they were 1-2 seasons ago. Forget the stats, the rankings.. did you win and play well defensively against the good teams you played? I would say in many respects - No. Tomlin is a defensive guy and he can't be happy that they were run over, especially when it counted most. I think the scheme is too cute and is over-thought at times. Two examples: PATS: Throwing it all the time, they know where your players are going to be when you call your favorite stuff. Do something different to get a pass rush - most of your DB's are not cover guys. JAGS - They are a running team, what's with all the light in the ass players on the field at the same time? If that's all you have, send 6 or 7 guys on a run blitz. Better yet, get some more tonnage up front with guys who have a hand in the dirt.
Special Teams: Start over. Sepulveda has talent and is going to be fine, had a good game yesterday. Rossum is a has-been and is not worth giving opportunities when big plays are needed. I know they don't want Holmes to get hurt but he would be a game-breaker in the return game. Coverage units are generally poor even though Reed is a good kicker.
O LINE: Re-sign Faneca now, right now. He will forgive if you give him the money - and he deserves it. Draft and trade for help here before anywhere else. The O Line is the football team - without it you can't score, without possessing the ball all defenses wear out. There is no more important unit on the team. CB would be the next spot.
Now is the time for Tomlin to assert himself and put his mark on this team. He can make changes because they need to be made in order to get into the playoffs and because the weaknesses are apparent. He has plenty of cover. No player or fan revolt will come from his tweaking of the existing systems/personalities. Make some adjustments and get it going as best you can leading into the playoffs. I could be wrong but his sideline demeanor indicates that he is along for the ride during the game. 4th down, fake punt/FG, onside kick - those are universally the HC's discretion. Those are not things which make winning teams although they may help win one game. The HC's influence and fingerprints must be upon the whole team. I only see Arians' and LeBeau's at this point scheme-wise. They are tied with the Browns - a team they themselves beat twice. They should not be struggling to beat them in the overall record for the division title. Their respective strength of schedule rating is almost identical, both playing 10 teams with over .500 records in 2006 and 5 2006 playoff teams. What I'm saying here is that the Steelers and Browns are the same, and that's not good.
by franz on
Dec 17, 2007 5:02 PM EST
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my two cents
- I think Tomlin will eventually turn this into a 'Tampa Cover 2' (I know it started in Pittsburgh but I didn't name the thing). Looking back at his draft last year, many places talk about the defensive draft picks being guys who can play both schemes.
- Arians isn't winning over many long term Steeler fans. I love the trick play as much as the next guy but not in such a critical situation. I like them when your team is up and going for the kill, but that's just me. It worked so I can't complain this week.
- I do not want to see Faneca resigned though. He's the best OL they have by far but he's old and as much as we don't want to admit it, he's not getting any better. He had a great run and wants to get paid again. Sorry but it won't happen here. I'd rather rebuild the line through the draft than try and hang onto the past and sign a guy who is past his prime to a big money contract. This team has sustained success year after year by running it like that and there is not reason to change in my mind.
- Special Teams has improved by leaps and bounds, but I don't think Holmes is the answer on returns. That job should go to Willie Reid because that's why he was drafted. No other #1 WR returns kicks because it's just to dangerous, plus the fact Holmes is having trouble staying healthy just being a receiver.
by cgolden on
Dec 17, 2007 5:16 PM EST
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6 cents now...
Specials are generally better but still a liability. Big returns seem more prevalent than the average team you watch week to week. That may be perception and not reality. It does definitely seem that big returns are more common in key situations.
I think the defense will convert because that's what he knows and is comfortable with. It's the only thing he will imprint upon in the near future. Doubt he is going to install the offense himself...maybe not ever. I don't understand why they have no true 4 down package. Most teams have it even if they are a 3-4 scheme. Hell, my HS varsity teams ran an 3-5 stack as base and a 4-3 as a change-up defense, especially when I wanted a dedicated 4 man rush. I think it is philosophy combined with ego. Maybe nothing would have stopped the Jags yesterday but when they are kicking your ass - do something!! Put in your short yardage team and play man.. I don't know but like they say in hockey: Stop the Puck!! Contest the frontal assault please.
If Reid was drafted to return kicks where the hell is he? Maybe he stinks and they don't want to take a chance putting him out there? Najeh has been used on KOR.. kind of brings to mind what Artie Johnson used to say on Laugh-In: "... very interesting but stupid..."
by franz on
Dec 17, 2007 8:54 PM EST
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Davenport
by Blitzburgh on
Dec 17, 2007 11:08 PM EST
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fwp
by bohur on Dec 17, 2007 12:33 PM EST 0 recs
good points
I don't think these next two are chip shots by any stretch of the imagination. I do agree with bohur about FWP. He looks much better and we're going to need him to go off against STL, especially if Big Ben can't go. Might not hurt his chances either at winning a rushing title if he could get a 150+ yard game.
by Blitzburgh on Dec 17, 2007 12:54 PM EST 0 recs
Washington
by MBandi on Dec 17, 2007 2:20 PM EST 0 recs
you may be right
If anybody can confirm that, let us know. He did get up and walk off on his own, so hopefully it was less serious than I thought when I frst saw it live.
by Blitzburgh on
Dec 17, 2007 2:53 PM EST
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Nate Washington WAS back on the field
Even so, I hope they dress Willie Reid against the Rams, if only to return punts and kicks. Did Rossum leave w. an injury? Concussion? Don't wish him ill, but he has been an awful return man! I've wanted to see Reid for weeks!
by rrboots on
Dec 17, 2007 4:04 PM EST
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Tomlin said Rossum should be ready to go
by cgolden on
Dec 17, 2007 4:09 PM EST
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special teams
Seriously though, the coverage on punts and the punts themselves were pretty nice to watch. I think I read somewhere that the total returns were 10 yards for 7 punts?
by steelguy on Dec 17, 2007 4:47 PM EST 0 recs
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