Behind the Steel Curtain - Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New EnglandA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2013-11-05T11:00:27-05:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/48281692013-11-05T11:00:27-05:002013-11-05T11:00:27-05:00Chemistry building between Cotchery, Ben
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>Cotchery caught a career-high three touchdown passes in the loss to the Patriots. With free agency looming, the Steelers would be wise to consider keeping Cotchery in town for another year or two. </p> <p>As bleak as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' 55-31 whipping at the hands of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> was, if nothing else can be taken away, it's the pinnacle of resurgence in the career of <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span>.</p>
<p>Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had already connected with Cotchery on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, but not even four game minutes later, the Steelers were back in the red zone.</p>
<p>Out of shotgun, Roethlisberger had Cotchery on the inside and <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> on the outside. Sanders motioned to the slot, carrying a defensive back with him. Roethlisberger noticed the indication of man coverage without help over the top on Cotchery.</p>
<p>He patiently called for the snap, got the ball and fired to Cotchery in the end zone for the pair's second touchdown of the game. Even with single coverage, it's a tight window, throwing to the front pylon without a huge amount of space for the defender to cover. Cotchery shielded off the defender, and made the catch.</p>
<p>Roethlisberger would connect once more with Cotchery in garbage time, the Steelers down 41-24 before their six-yard touchdown strike.</p>
<p>It was the most touchdowns Cotchery has scored in a game in his nine-year NFL career, and the second multi-touchdown game. Roethlisberger finished the game with four touchdown passes, the sixth time he's thrown for more than three touchdowns in a game.</p>
<p>Cotchery is a free agent in 2014, but with the impending loss of Emmanuel Sanders to free agency, and the fact rookie WR Markus Wheaton having spent half his rookie season injured, the Steelers may be wise to look to keep Cotchery in town for another season or two. The chemistry that's beginning to develop between the two - Cotchery has 29 catches for 404 yards and a team-high five touchdowns this year - may prove beneficial for the team in the long run.</p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/5/5068552/steelers-jerricho-cotchery-contract-depth-chart-free-agency-fantasy-footballNeal Coolong2013-11-05T07:59:16-05:002013-11-05T07:59:16-05:00Cotchery, Heyward earn top PFF marks vs. Patriots
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>Cotchery and Heyward are both climbing the charts at their respective positions in comparison with the rest of the league. It's a different story for the Steelers' secondary. </p> <p>The presence of <span>Cameron Heyward</span> along the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a>' defensive line was apparent despite the savage beating the Steelers took at the hands of the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> in Week 9.</p>
<p>Heyward was credited with two quarterback hurries and hits, and made three stops, earning a +3.0 grade from the play evaluation web site, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2013%2F11%2F5%2F5068248%2Fsteelers-patriots-scouting-grades-report-card-evaluation-week-9-nfl" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus.</a></p>
<p>He was the top Steelers defender in terms of grades. It was the fourth time this season he graded positively, and the third of the last four games - the first four starts he's made this season.</p>
<p>Heyward's impressive play is one of the bright spots among a struggling Steelers defense. According to PFF, he ranks 15th in the NFL among 3-4 defensive ends with a +6.1 overall grade.</p>
<p><span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> earned the top spot among Steelers' offensive players, earned a +3.1 to lead all Steelers players. He scored three touchdowns in the loss, grabbing a team-high seven catches in the process. Cotchery has an +8.5 overall score, good for 12th in the NFL.</p>
<p>Strong safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span> was the lowest graded Steelers player in the loss picking up a -4.2, the second-lowest grade of his career, just missing the -4.5 the site tagged him with in a Steelers loss at New Orleans in 2010. Cornerback William Gay had a -3.8, and <span>Ryan Clark</span> had a -3.0.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064128/steelers-patriots-final-score-injury-news-analysis-commentary-recap-statistics?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New England</a></li>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/5/5068248/steelers-patriots-scouting-grades-report-card-evaluation-week-9-nflNeal Coolong2013-11-04T10:00:40-05:002013-11-04T10:00:40-05:00Getting better at 'little detail things'
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<figcaption>Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bell's rookie-like statement trivializes the importance of detail work, such as catching the ball and running the correct play. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> running back <span>Le'Veon Bell</span> avoided a dreadful rushing performance with a nice 25-yard run on a scoring drive in the third quarter. Not quite enough to make up for the two big drops he had, or the gaffe that required his quarterback to press the line of scrimmage to avoid a sack and take hits from two <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> defenders on the play.</p>
<p>The last one did earn him a tongue-lashing from <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>.</p>
<p>Bell was contrite after the loss.</p>
<p>"I still have to get better at a lot of little detail things," he said, <a href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/4995348-74/bell-steelers-heyward#axzz2jbO1K1ee" target="new">according to Tribune-Review reporter Ralph N. Paulk.</a></p>
<p>Yes, those pesky, annoying "detail things," like which direction you're supposed to run, and why it's important to secure a catch before turning up field to run through a lot of green.</p>
<p>Those details don't matter, Le'Veon. This is all Todd Haley's fault anyway.</p>
<p>While the aim here is not to advocate the starting role be given to Doghouse Inmate No. 27, <span>Jonathan Dwyer</span>, nor is it suggesting a player should be benched for his comments to the media, but something to the effect of "he gets really nervous when around the media" had better come from his agent or the team in an effort to explain the glib, unassuming stance of his comment.</p>
<p>Plus, suggesting he "still (have) to get better" is along the same lines of a response given by someone who feels he's being praised, but he's dusting the compliment off, making sure people know his four catches on 10 targets (an appallingly low percentage for a running back) isn't quite good enough.</p>
<p>Before you get too excited about your 139 yards on 26 touches and no touchdowns, let's think about all the detail things that go into becoming the complete back your current position says you are.</p>
<p>Then let's remember Jonathan Dwyer had two touches for 53 yards, caught his one target, and seemed to run the play that was called in the huddle on the 11 snaps he got Sunday.</p>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064534/steelers-leveon-bell-rushing-statistics-week-9-patriotsNeal Coolong2013-11-04T09:37:30-05:002013-11-04T09:37:30-05:00Steelers injury report; Taylor, Williams concussed
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<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Two players left the game with concussions as well as the fourth offensive linemen in two weeks. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> defense appeared to be smacked in the mouth hard and often in the second half of their 55-31 loss to New England.</p>
<p>A few of those shots hit linebacker <span>Vince Williams</span> and cornerback <span>Ike Taylor</span> in the head (figuratively).</p>
<p>Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed both Williams and Taylor suffered concussions in the loss. Williams was removed in the fourth quarter while Taylor only missed five plays (71-of-76) in the game.</p>
<p>Both of them were involved in the game long enough to take their share of the blame after allowing the most points a Steelers team ever has. Their status for Pittsburgh's Week 10 game against Buffalo will be determined this week.</p>
<p>Right tackle <span>Marcus Gilbert</span> left the game with an ankle injury, and was replaced by Mike Adams. Gilbert was the fourth Steelers offensive linemen to get injured to the point of leaving the game in their last two games (both losses). <span>Guy Whimper</span> (knee) missed part of the Steelers' loss at Oakland in Week 8, and <span>Ramon Foster</span> left with a concussion during that game. Both were able to play against New England. Right guard <span>David DeCastro</span> injured an ankle, and was not able to play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>.</p>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064218/steelers-patriots-highlights-recap-postgame-statistics-review">Lack of energy, enthusiasm seems like one of multiple root problems</a></li>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064420/steelers-injury-report-news-ike-taylor-vince-williams-patriots-week-9Neal Coolong2013-11-04T08:34:12-05:002013-11-04T08:34:12-05:00Lack of energy, competitiveness plaguing Steelers
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hopping around after turnovers doesn't directly merit more turnovers. But something to energize a downtrodden team wouldn't hurt. The Steelers appeared lifeless on a few key plays, suggesting the competitive fire isn't burning very warmly. </p> <p>It was the best play <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span> made all season.</p>
<p>It's first and 10 from New England's 35-yard line. <span>Tom Brady</span> hits running back <span>Stevan Ridley</span> off the offensive right side. Polamalu closes on him after Brady releases the ball, and hits Ridley where he stood, about a yard and a half from the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p>Polamalu swats at the ball as he puts a good hit on Ridley. The ball falls to the ground.</p>
<p>With Polamalu on the ground, <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> trots over, looking confused. <span>Al Woods</span> dawdles over, looking equally lost.</p>
<p><span>Vince Williams</span>, the rookie, runs over like a kid brother trying to get involved with whatever the cooler older kids are doing. Someone is shouting, "That's a fumble!"</p>
<p>Woodley picks it up and his wrapped up by three <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> players as Polamalu tries to hold one of them off. Woods is still standing there, doing nothing. It appears Williams is the one yelling at the official, who has not yet blown the whistle - generally an indication the ball has not been ruled down.</p>
<p>The official signals the ball is now in the possession of the Steelers. Williams jumps and pumps his arm in the air. Polamalu takes a quick jog from the fracas. <span>Ziggy Hood</span> has now entered the frame, and, along with Woodley, saunter toward the Steelers' sideline.</p>
<p>Old hat, apparently. Act like you've done it before. No reason to try to show some emotion or anything.</p>
<p>Earlier in the game, the Steelers went for it on 4th-and-1 after a ridiculous 29-yard pick-up by running back <span>Le'Veon Bell</span> on 3rd-and-30. That long-distance down set up partially by a pathetic chop block penalty on Bell, incidentally.</p>
<p>The Steelers smash it off center Fernando Velasco's right butt cheek. Bell gets low, plows ahead, definitely close to the line to gain. The Steelers get up off the pile like it's practice; they've run short-yardage drills all day, and they're tired.</p>
<p>The Steelers would get the first down, but the energy displayed on the play, and throughout much of the first half, makes one wonder how competitive this group is internally. Three plays later, they get stuffed royally on a similar 4th-and-1 possession, losing a yard (could have been two), and never having had a chance to pick it up.</p>
<p>Defensively, they made a great stop on 4th and goal in the first half, and they celebrated with each other. They slapped hands and bumped hips in the air. They looked like they were genuinely enjoying success together.</p>
<p>That wouldn't last. Even after the turnover, the exact thing the team needed to inject life into them, the defense's reaction was ho-hum. No one congratulated Polamalu. No hip-bumps given to Woodley. A camera shot of <span>Brett Keisel</span> moseying off the field despite not having been involved on the play.</p>
<p>It shouldn't be "act like you've done it before." Now, it's "act like you have a fighter's chance of competing in this game if you make a few plays."</p>
<p>The reality is, they aren't doing "it" anymore, and Sunday's lackluster level of energy and emotion while the game was still competitive makes a casual observer wonder if the lack of plays isn't directly tied to the lack of enthusiasm on both sides of the ball.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064128/steelers-patriots-final-score-injury-news-analysis-commentary-recap-statistics?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New England</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064420/steelers-injury-report-news-ike-taylor-vince-williams-patriots-week-9">Steelers postgame injury report: Williams, Taylor suffer concussions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064136/steelers-patriots-nfl-week-9-defensive-coordinator-dick-lebeau-stats">Whether it's the players or the coaches, shellacking shows Steelers need to move in a new direction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5063632/steelers-need-to-answer-the-count-after-absorbing-haymaker-from?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers need to answer the count after absorbing haymaker from Patriots</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5063180/winners-and-losers-from-the-steelers-loss-to-new-england-in-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' loss to New England in Week 9</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062558/steelers-patriots-final-score-record-points-allowed-nfl-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers vs. Patriots final score: New England wins 55-31, most points Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062820/vince-williams-injury-rookie-linebacker-stevenson-sylvester-replacement-depth-chart?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vince Williams injury: rookie linebacker goes down with concussion, replaced by Stevenson Sylvester</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062776/marcus-gilbert-injury-steelers-right-tackle-depth-chart-mike-adams-replacement?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Marcus Gilbert injury: Steelers right tackle goes down in fourth quarter of Week 9 game vs. Patriots</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064218/steelers-patriots-highlights-recap-postgame-statistics-reviewNeal Coolong2013-11-04T07:37:33-05:002013-11-04T07:37:33-05:00Bloody Sunday: Team needs to move in new direction
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g4gnfbQ-bqQJhKF15F_yg-REAk0=/52x0:3947x2597/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22436223/186722457.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Why can't the problem be both the players as well as the scheme? Whatever it is, wholesale moves will need to be made due to the simple concept current passing offenses can wreck this team. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> strong safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span> was quick to point out the positive attributes of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau after his defense was savaged for all-time lows in points allowed (55) and yards allowed (610).</p>
<p>"He's taking it very hard," Polamalu said, as <a target="new" href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/4995335-74/steelers-yards-brady#ixzz2jg5xFVcG">quoted by Tribune-Review reporter Alan Robinson.</a> "He's very prideful. That's why he's the best ever."</p>
<p>The fact the question is being asked - we can assume it was something about how LeBeau was taking the loss - combined with Polamalu's re-direct on the answer shows the defense's once-shining star is quick to defend the coach, who's likely to be maligned nearly as badly as his team did Sunday.</p>
<p>Whatever cliche fans will want to use...the game has passed him by, or his defense just doesn't work anymore, all of it is fair game and on the table.</p>
<p>No one should show Dick LeBeau the door. Right?</p>
<p>Maybe, maybe not.</p>
<p>Whether LeBeau goes or not, several players will have to get shown the door. Free safety <span>Ryan Clark</span> is already on his way out, as is defensive end Brett Keisel. After a strong start, Polamalu looks like the injured, under-conditioned shell of a warrior the way he looked last season. Sunday, he was jumpy, agitated and beaten as severely as he's ever been in his pro career.</p>
<p>Polamalu drew pass interference after leveling a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> receiver a solid second before the ball arrived. Looking at it on replay, it didn't even seem like Polamalu saw the receiver who was targeting on the pass. There was another a few yards over, and Polamalu seemed to quickly react to that one.</p>
<p>The one he was going for was <span>Rob Gronkowski</span>, a Steelers killer for the new era, and perhaps the biggest of all - <span>Steve McNair</span> and <span>Derrick Mason</span> combined, with another five inches of height. Polamalu was probably going for him because he knew he was open. He was all night.</p>
<p>Some of the responsibility of handling Gronkowski fell on cornerback <span>William Gay</span>. The Steelers played two Patriots teams with Gronkowski on it - in 2010, he shredded William Gay from the slot for five catches, 72 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers faced Gronk and Co. in 2011, he had seven catches for 94 yards but was held out of the end zone, as the Steelers limited the Patriots to 17 points.</p>
<p>The Steelers attacked Gronkowski with the bigger, longer and stronger <span>Cortez Allen</span>.</p>
<p>Allen played 36 of 76 defensive snaps, most of which came in the second half, after Gronkowski's assault on the Steelers over the first half (seven catches, 116 yards and a touchdown).</p>
<p>Apparently, Allen is worse of a player than he was two years ago, when he was a rookie. The only way Gronkowski's numbers would have improved is if he was covered by rookie safety <span>Shamarko Thomas</span>, not Gay, in the early part of the game.</p>
<p>Actually, he was. Pretty much every Steelers defensive back was locked on Gronkowski at one point, and he beat them all. He illustrated the exact problem with the Steelers as a whole, offensively and defensively; they have no one who can win a 1-on-1 match-up every time. Whether it was Gay, Allen, Polamalu or freakin' Rod Woodson, Gronkowski went by all of them - no one can match his size, it's why he's the best tight end in the game. But the Steelers barely even competed with him.</p>
<p>Thomas, the rookie and the heir apparent to one of two safety spots likely to be open next year, looked capable of handling none of what he will inherit next season. Victimized by the sheer size of Gronkowski, the most competitive play of Thomas's night in pass coverage was a yank on the back of Gradkowski, who was about to posterize him in the end zone for what would have been his second touchdown.</p>
<p>There's only so much coaching can when the 5-foot-8 Thomas is being carried to the far post by a 6-foot-6 tight end who's a better athlete in every discernible fashion. But there is something that can be done from a coaching standpoint to not give slot assignments to another shorter defensive back who's already been dominated by that player, while a much taller, longer and stronger one (Allen) sits on the bench.</p>
<p>Thank God for Cameron Heyward's pressure and Jason Worilds' two sacks. Bet you didn't expect to read about either of those concepts. Three sacks, one takeaway. And 610 yards allowed. Ye gads.</p>
<p>LeBeau can, and should, live on the cloud of other Steelers legends, regardless of what happens this season. He could take the high road, and leave this season amid the respect he deserves. But the continued stubborn insistence that this defense A.) has players good enough to run it and B.) works in a successful manner has now reached the point of ridiculousness.</p>
<p>It's fitting a unit so completely overmatched by the new elite NFL style allowed the most points in its franchise's history. Unfortunate, but fair. It may simply be time to move on.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064128/steelers-patriots-final-score-injury-news-analysis-commentary-recap-statistics?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New England</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064420/steelers-injury-report-news-ike-taylor-vince-williams-patriots-week-9">Steelers postgame injury report: Williams, Taylor suffer concussions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5063632/steelers-need-to-answer-the-count-after-absorbing-haymaker-from?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers need to answer the count after absorbing haymaker from Patriots</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5063180/winners-and-losers-from-the-steelers-loss-to-new-england-in-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' loss to New England in Week 9</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062558/steelers-patriots-final-score-record-points-allowed-nfl-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers vs. Patriots final score: New England wins 55-31, most points Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062820/vince-williams-injury-rookie-linebacker-stevenson-sylvester-replacement-depth-chart?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vince Williams injury: rookie linebacker goes down with concussion, replaced by Stevenson Sylvester</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062776/marcus-gilbert-injury-steelers-right-tackle-depth-chart-mike-adams-replacement?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Marcus Gilbert injury: Steelers right tackle goes down in fourth quarter of Week 9 game vs. Patriots</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064136/steelers-patriots-nfl-week-9-defensive-coordinator-dick-lebeau-statsNeal Coolong2013-11-04T06:55:21-05:002013-11-04T06:55:21-05:00Don't expect Steelers to throw in the towel
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RJktiPDLvWNGx4T4kwEU2bVFVMw=/0x100:4000x2767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22423001/186737022.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The post-season may be out of reach, but there is too much at stake for the Steelers to lay down for the final eight weeks. Their future depends on it.</p> <p>No matter how much it hurts, the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have to get up off the mat after taking one square on the chin from the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a>.</p>
<p>Its too easy to just stay down. Just throw in the towel and walk away, live to fight another day. Playoffs are all but out of the picture, pride is the only thing left to fight for. Is it really worth absorbing a few more blows, just to hold your bruised and battered head up high?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p><a href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/4995348-74/bell-steelers-game?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewsteelers+%28Steelers+Stories%29" target="_blank">Ralph N. Paulk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review</a> quoted defensive end <span>Brett Keisel</span> after the devastating loss, due mainly to an embarrassing defensive effort.</p>
<p>"We just got to get up and fight," Keisel said. "We've all been in fights. We've all been knocked down. A lot of character is going to be on display this next week to see how we respond to getting beat like this. I think we will respond accordingly."</p>
<p>It's safe to say, the 35 year old veteran and team leader will not have any part of any sort of 'Suck for Luck' nonsense. The Steelers simply have too much to play for to think about draft positions.</p>
<p>Keisel is most likely playing in his final NFL season, after playing his entire career in Pittsburgh. He has been a part of two <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a> champions, and reached a third. He has been a solid part of one of the league's best defenses since becoming a starter. He has embraced the Steelers organization and their fan-base as family, and represents the city of Pittsburgh with pride, and his beard of course. He certainly doesn't want his swan song to play out like a funeral march.</p>
<p>He isn't the only player looking at what could be their final season in Pittsburgh. Players like <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span>, <span>Ziggy Hood</span> and <span>Jason Worilds</span> are set to become free-agents after this season. Each has had their moments, but overall none have established a desirable market value for themselves. If they have any hopes of getting paid by the Steelers or someone else, they need to play better without excuses.</p>
<p>On the other side of the coin, the young talent already on the roster is still raw. <span>Le'Veon Bell</span> gets a little better each week, but still plays like a rookie. He is gaining valuable experience, both good and bad. The team needs to keeping polishing until he can shine for a complete game.</p>
<p>If the team is prepared to allow Sanders to walk in the off-season, <span>Markus Wheaton</span> needs to resume his own growing pains. When he is finally able to return, he won't learn anything if the only thing being thrown are football games.</p>
<p>The benching of <span>Jarvis Jones</span> for screwing up his assignments in contain was an understandable move, as a message had to be delivered; but unless the team is considering re-signing Worilds, Jones needs to be put back in the mix. The experienced Worilds held more value as a starter when the playoffs were still possible, but not as a long-term solution at the position.</p>
<p>The same could be said for fellow rookie <span>Vince Williams</span>, who continues to progress slightly while the defense regresses wholesale. However, <span>Landry Jones</span> needs to stay in street clothes. <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> has enough of his own issues to deal with to afford him any playing time. Jones simply needs to remain active in communications from the sideline, and learn the mental side of coming back.</p>
<p><span>Antonio Brown</span> surely won't want Ben to sit. Brown is currently on pace for 122 catches, 1,402 yards and six TDs at the halfway point of the season. A leaky defense will only provide more opportunities for the passing game, and Brown will want to play it with his quarterback. So will <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span>, who will also be a free-agent next year, but will most likely be a cheaper signing than Sanders, making Cotchery more likely to return.</p>
<p>The defense as a whole has been undependable. At moments, they look like a Steelers defense; most others, not so much. Players like Keisel, <span>Ike Taylor</span> and <span>Troy Polamalu</span> take too much pride in their craft to simply give up. <span>Steve McLendon</span> and <span>Cameron Heyward</span> are still trying to prove themselves. <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> is finding out what a full NFL season feels like. <span>Ryan Clark</span> could also be playing his final season as a Steeler, and won't want to have to begin his television career answering questions about a Steel City Meltdown.</p>
<p>The truth is, the Steelers will probably lose another game this year, no matter what they do; and they may not stop at just one. However, in those losses they can find a greater victory in eliminating inexperience before the young become the elders.</p>
<p>The players have too much to play for to give up. The front office is too proud to approve of giving up. The coaching staff will wind up unemployed if they just give up. They've been backed into the corner with no where to run. If they don't come out fighting, the beating they take could be fatal for the future of the franchise.</p>
<p>Then of course, there's always that 1 percent chance fighting back actually wins a game or two - or three maybe four. Certainly winning seven of their last eight is not impossible, but highly improbable. The Steelers will still affect the AFC North and Conference races. Who knows what kind of bad luck awaits other teams along the way.</p>
<p>Why not fight back? The Steelers have nothing left to lose, and only everything to gain. Throwing in the terrible towel only sets the franchise back a few more years. It may grab them a high draft pick, but considering the team's rate of success in the draft, it offers no guarantees or comfort. Number-one picks tear ACLs just like 24th picks and third-rounders.</p>
<p>Week 9 provides the perfect opportunity to get the gloves back up, as the Steelers welcome a struggling <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> team to Heinz Field. If they're able to gather their feet and get their guard back up, they may even be able to throw a few jabs at the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> in Week 10. Then, two straight divisional games against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>, who this struggling Steelers team beat already. Considering everyone but the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> have a losing record - although it will have to be seen how well the Bengals do with <span>Geno Atkins</span> now out for the season - who knows what a four game winning streak does to the divisional race depending on how other games play out.</p>
<p>The Steelers will never find out if they don't pick themselves up off the mat, and start handing out punishment instead of just taking it.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064128/steelers-patriots-final-score-injury-news-analysis-commentary-recap-statistics?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New England</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064420/steelers-injury-report-news-ike-taylor-vince-williams-patriots-week-9">Steelers postgame injury report: Williams, Taylor suffer concussions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064136/steelers-patriots-nfl-week-9-defensive-coordinator-dick-lebeau-stats">Whether it's the players or the coaches, shellacking shows Steelers need to move in a new direction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5063180/winners-and-losers-from-the-steelers-loss-to-new-england-in-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' loss to New England in Week 9</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062558/steelers-patriots-final-score-record-points-allowed-nfl-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers vs. Patriots final score: New England wins 55-31, most points Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062820/vince-williams-injury-rookie-linebacker-stevenson-sylvester-replacement-depth-chart?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vince Williams injury: rookie linebacker goes down with concussion, replaced by Stevenson Sylvester</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062776/marcus-gilbert-injury-steelers-right-tackle-depth-chart-mike-adams-replacement?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Marcus Gilbert injury: Steelers right tackle goes down in fourth quarter of Week 9 game vs. Patriots</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5063632/steelers-need-to-answer-the-count-after-absorbing-haymaker-fromSteelCityRoller2013-11-03T21:22:53-05:002013-11-03T21:22:53-05:00Winners and Losers from Steelers loss to Patriots
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3txB2oTtX0JHvoLG8K13fnv7QD8=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22412871/20131103_jla_sj7_310.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not surprisingly, a gigantic passing game from New England landed multiple members of Pittsburgh's secondary on this list. </p> <h5>Winners</h5>
<p><span>Cameron Heyward</span> - His best game as a pro, Heyward was a legitimate force inside, particularly against the pass. His rush defense wasn't ideal, as no one's was, but he played a very strong game.</p>
<p><span>Jerricho Cotchery</span> - With tight coverage going around the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' receiving corps, Cotchery made the most of a few single coverage looks, scoring three touchdowns (a career-high) and seven catches on eight targets.</p>
<p><span>Jason Worilds</span> - He had more quarterback hits (two) than most Steelers are getting in two combined games. He was in on a sack as well, and flew to the ball...the times the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> weren't running for five yards a pop.</p>
<p><span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> - the committee was swayed on Roethlisberger's inclusion due to two early turnovers, but he made some great throws in the second half. The Steelers looked like a revived offensive team during their no-huddle run from shotgun.</p>
<h5>Losers</h5>
<p><span>Guy Whimper</span> - David DeCastro's rehabilitation plan is being ramped up as I type this. He simply cannot play that position with a $100 million quarterback in the backfield or a second-round running back behind him. We'll wait to watch it again but that could have been the worst game a Steelers offensive linemen has played in a while. That says a lot. Way too much.</p>
<p><span>William Gay</span> - What goes up, must come down. Awful in coverage, missed tackles and looked physically dominated by all of New England's receivers, not just <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> (who made Gay look like he was a cat toy Velcroed to his cleat).</p>
<p><span>Troy Polamalu</span> - Almost off the hook with a great forced fumble that nearly led the Steelers back into the game in the second half, but multiple blown assignments as well as multiple penalties didn't make Polamalu look any better than rookie <span>Shamarko Thomas</span> (who misses this list due to the curve on which it is graded. There are simply too many losers to include him in a pretty poor coverage game for him). Nah. Scratch that. Thomas is on here too.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Clark</span> - He also gets some credit for a nice hit on Gronkowski - which appeared to be the only thing to stop him all night - but the lack of fluidity between the entire secondary seemed more apparent with Clark than with anyone else. He was out of position in the passing game all night, and all of them are going to need a bottle of Rolaids during film review.</p>
<p><span>Le'Veon Bell</span> - Had a nice run or two but dropped a pass and blew an assignment that set up a critical third and long in the third quarter. It killed their momentum - how much ever of it they had.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064128/steelers-patriots-final-score-injury-news-analysis-commentary-recap-statistics?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers Slaughtered: Everything you need to know after 55-31 loss to New England</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064420/steelers-injury-report-news-ike-taylor-vince-williams-patriots-week-9">Steelers postgame injury report: Williams, Taylor suffer concussions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5064136/steelers-patriots-nfl-week-9-defensive-coordinator-dick-lebeau-stats">Whether it's the players or the coaches, shellacking shows Steelers need to move in a new direction</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/4/5063632/steelers-need-to-answer-the-count-after-absorbing-haymaker-from?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers need to answer the count after absorbing haymaker from Patriots</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062558/steelers-patriots-final-score-record-points-allowed-nfl-week-9?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Steelers vs. Patriots final score: New England wins 55-31, most points Pittsburgh has ever allowed in a game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062820/vince-williams-injury-rookie-linebacker-stevenson-sylvester-replacement-depth-chart?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vince Williams injury: rookie linebacker goes down with concussion, replaced by Stevenson Sylvester</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5062776/marcus-gilbert-injury-steelers-right-tackle-depth-chart-mike-adams-replacement?utm_source=behindthesteelcurtain&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Marcus Gilbert injury: Steelers right tackle goes down in fourth quarter of Week 9 game vs. Patriots</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/3/5063180/winners-and-losers-from-the-steelers-loss-to-new-england-in-week-9Neal Coolong