View Full Version : NFL The OFFICIAL Pittsburgh Steelers Thread
stark's heir
09/04/2007, 19:46
Alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Black and Gold return for another smash-mouth season!
Tomlin is in the house and I can smell the skeptics turning already.
Picks on their W/L record this year?
Going to a game? Let us know how it was!
C'mon in and grab an cold Iron City! (or IC Light...:rolleyes:)
W/L:
10/ 6 + Wild Card berth.
Optimistic? You bet! I see the way the team can be this year. Not perfect but, stronger than most.
m_a_caque
09/06/2007, 08:42
even though i live in philly now, still have the IC in the fridge. lol
record... hmmm i'm going to be hopeful and say ben goes back to his 2005 form and we go 10-6 maybe 11-5.
and fast willy needs to stay healthy as i have him on 2 fantasy teams. lol
lensnart
09/06/2007, 14:50
Fast Willy is fast and Ben actually had a much better off-season I think they will go 11-5, but with such a strong AFC they won't get past the second round of the playoffs no matter how good their season is.
stark's heir
09/09/2007, 16:45
Good start!
W 34-7
No picks for Ben, Willie went over 100yds, defense held Browneyes to less than 100 yds rushing, and also 5 sacks!!! Awesome punts and kicks! Don't appreciate the dropped passes though.
spiderman9797
09/09/2007, 16:53
I'll say either 9-7 or 10-6.
Not because they aren't a good team. They are a fairly good team. It's just that they play a very hard schedule and they are in the AFC, an obviously superior conference.
Today, I was only rooting for Kellen Winslow on Cleveland (fantasy TE). Good thing, too, because the rest of Cleveland was dreadful while K2 had a really good day against a stud defense.
That guy has enough talent to be one of the elite Tight Ends in the league.
bigkahuna83
09/10/2007, 15:40
can the NFL schedule the Browns every week for the Steelers?
That would be sweet ;)
stark's heir
09/11/2007, 20:56
can the NFL schedule the Browns every week for the Steelers?
That would be sweet ;)
Yeah - except this Sun they're calling themselves the Bills!! :laugh:
spiderman9797
09/11/2007, 22:56
Yeah - except this Sun they're calling themselves the Bills!! :laugh:
Well, if they keep playing pansy opponents like that they might go 11-5 or 10-6!:laugh:
stark's heir
09/12/2007, 21:30
Steelers ("Cowhers Dad") is the first winner of the Last Fan Standing contest. He beat out the Giants "super-fan" in a a close match-up.
stark's heir
09/15/2007, 10:24
Okay - Steelers should be 2-0 after tomorrow. Bills-schmills.
Plus its "Throw-back" Day at the stadium and those spiffy togs will sway the fans into a frenzy!! :cool:
Antipathy
09/15/2007, 12:36
Linebacker Clark Haggans was joking when he said the reason the Steelers have so many female fans is because "they think everybody is smoking-hot and super-cool on the team." Defensive end Brett Keisel said it's because "we have so many sexy characters in the locker room, how can women resist us."
Whatever the reason, the Steelers were found to have the largest base of female fans among all NFL teams, according to a Scarborough Sports Marketing survey of 220,354 residents in 75 U.S. markets. The survey said 34 percent of the women living in the Steelers' market identified themselves as fans.
"The first thing when you get here and meet women here, you can hold a conversation with women about football," said inside linebacker Larry Foote.
Now this is an interesting bit of trivia. :laugh:
stark's heir
09/16/2007, 18:10
Now this is an interesting bit of trivia. :laugh:
And an awesome one!
But here's an even better one! After the Field Goal Game was won by the Steelers today, they became the first AFC team to record 500 regular season wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Counting Postseason, they have 531...)
stark's heir
09/18/2007, 20:52
Steelers' logo a one-sided affair
Especially after Pittsburgh won Super Bowl XL, the sporting public was bombarded with Steelers-this and Steelers-that. They've won five Lombardi trophies, but one question still remains:
Why is Pittsburgh the only NFL team to have its logo on one side of its helmet?
Pittsburgh had been using gold helmets with black numbers on the sides when Cleveland's Republic Steel contacted the team in 1962 and asked if the team would be interested in using its Steelmark logo. It made sense; here was a team called the "Steelers," and this was great product placement for the company.
"They thought it was a great idea," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney says, "but we weren't sure how it would be received." The Rooneys liked the logo — a white circle featuring three hypocycloids: one blue, one red and one yellow — but weren't committing to the idea. "We had to go through an approval process," Rooney says. "And then we weren't sure about the union. We're a big union town."
By instructing equipment manager Jack Hart to put the logo on only one side, they were saying, "Hey, look, this isn't necessarily permanent yet."
The 1962 Steelers went 9-5, their best season to date. They wanted to do something special for their first postseason game so they changed the helmet color from gold to black, which made the logo stand out beautifully. Because of the team's success and the positive feedback of the new look, the Steelers decided to leave it that way for good.
"It got to be a unique thing," Rooney says, "so we stuck with it. Today, I tell most people we did it just so you'll ask the question."
For those who didn't know...
supadupafly88
09/18/2007, 23:55
Pittsburgh has ALWAYS been my favorite teem
I didn't even realize there was an NFL forum.
The Steelers are looking at 12-4
Their schedule is absolute cake.
I don't know how they got this schedule, but it's ridiculously easy. They have like 2 non-division games that'll have any difficulty at all, and the usual Baltimore and Cinci troubles.
Assuming they win half of their Balti and Cinci games, they'll lose 4.
I don't think they're anywhere near the top this year. But the defense is definitely back in full swing.
bigkahuna83
09/19/2007, 17:32
i would like to add that after first glance, I am not a big fan of the throwback uniforms. It might have been the yellow helmets that made the jersey's look brown instead of black. But this version looks MUCH betetr than the throwbacks they wore a few years ago (bumblebee version)
The team is looking good, i know there will be a few bumps in the road, but it looks like a good season ahead
stark's heir
09/19/2007, 19:51
I didn't even realize there was an NFL forum.
The Steelers are looking at 12-4
Their schedule is absolute cake.
I don't know how they got this schedule, but it's ridiculously easy. They have like 2 non-division games that'll have any difficulty at all, and the usual Baltimore and Cinci troubles.
Assuming they win half of their Balti and Cinci games, they'll lose 4.
I don't think they're anywhere near the top this year. But the defense is definitely back in full swing.
Actually, according to Strength-of-Schedule, they are tied with a couple other teams for 5th hardest schedule... 5 teams they play were in Playoffs last year, and most were above an 8-8 record.
stark's heir
09/19/2007, 19:53
i would like to add that after first glance, I am not a big fan of the throwback uniforms. It might have been the yellow helmets that made the jersey's look brown instead of black. But this version looks MUCH betetr than the throwbacks they wore a few years ago (bumblebee version)
Well, they're gonna wear them again...Mon, Nov 5 vs Ravens!
Actually, according to Strength-of-Schedule, they are tied with a couple other teams for 5th hardest schedule... 5 teams they play were in Playoffs last year, and most were above an 8-8 record.
I can see that, but how many of those teams are NFC?
stark's heir
09/19/2007, 22:26
I can see that, but how many of those teams are NFC?
Seattle was the lone team of NFC to make the Playoffs last year that the 'Burgh plays (in a couple of weeks actually...) this year. :nervous:
Can't wait for them [Holmgren] to piss and moan about the refs again after the Steelers beat them. :devious:
Seattle was the lone team of NFC to make the Playoffs last year that the 'Burgh plays (in a couple of weeks actually...) this year. :nervous:
Can't wait for them [Holmgren] to piss and moan about the refs again after the Steelers beat them. :devious:
Aw, damn. What freakin' schedule was I looking at????
stark's heir
09/23/2007, 22:21
Another great win!
See you in Phoenix...
(So jealous - my kids' doctor is traveling out there for next week's game.)
I'm kinda disappointed with the passing game, still. It doesn't seem that Ben is back in stride just yet. He's throwing well under 200 yards a game, and only completing a little over half of his passes. I mean, he could be doing a LOT worse than that, but I guess I was hoping we'd be seeing some 300/200 passing/rushing offense from Steelville.
At least we're rushing for 200 yards. Wee Willie is unstoppable.
m_a_caque
09/24/2007, 05:42
Actually, according to Strength-of-Schedule, they are tied with a couple other teams for 5th hardest schedule... 5 teams they play were in Playoffs last year, and most were above an 8-8 record.
after seeing the first 3 weeks, the only 2 games that worry me are week 14 at NE and week 17 at baltimore...
i can see 14-2 hehe
bigkahuna83
09/24/2007, 12:40
The Boys started out slow yesterday on Offense, but had the game under control early. The Defense and Special teams were great. Heath Miller was catching everything in his zip code yesterday.
I thought our teams throwbacks were not the best, but did you see those ugly uniforms the Eagles had yesterday. AWFUL!
stark's heir
09/25/2007, 19:04
The Boys started out slow yesterday on Offense, but had the game under control early. The Defense and Special teams were great. Heath Miller was catching everything in his zip code yesterday.
I thought our teams throwbacks were not the best, but did you see those ugly uniforms the Eagles had yesterday. AWFUL!
I too, (and tons of other people!) was happy to see Heath back in the mix. So far, so good - all 3 aspects [O/D/ST] are clicking.
I could care less if Ben throws under 200 per game, as long as there aren't more than 1 INTS per game and the running game remains strong. Its a marathon, not a sprint...
stark's heir
09/30/2007, 20:52
OUCH! What a freakin' ugly game...
Oh well.
Win, Lose, or Tie - Steeler Fan 'til the day I die!
See you folks next week back at Heinz for the Seahawks.
I've said it, and I'll keep saying it: Ben isn't back.
I don't know what happened to the Ben Roethlisberger we had for his first two seasons, but he's not here anymore.
We obviously can't attribute the loss of the game to Ben, but we used to have a QB that could get back into these games with 2 minutes left in the 4th, and get the ball into the endzone with ease. That guy isn't there anymore.
You need a good passing game to open up a good running game, and vice versa. But you also need a good running game to retain a lead, and a good QB to come back from behind.
We're lacking in balance, and the capability to come from a score deficit. That's not going to get us to the playoffs.
Bubblehead
09/30/2007, 22:45
Seattle was the lone team of NFC to make the Playoffs last year that the 'Burgh plays (in a couple of weeks actually...) this year. :nervous:
Can't wait for them [Holmgren] to piss and moan about the refs again after the Steelers beat them. :devious:
Oh yeah, baby. I can't wait. Especially after that astounding performance by Parker in AZ????
Vengeance. Pure and simple. And it's headed the Squealers way.
:laugh:
Oh yeah, baby. I can't wait. Especially after that astounding performance by Parker in AZ????
Vengeance. Pure and simple. And it's headed the Squealers way.
:laugh:
It should be an interesting game. It's definitely a must-win for both teams.
Of course, since Seattle is in it, it'll be some screwed up score like: 15-11. :laugh:
stark's heir
10/01/2007, 17:38
I've said it, and I'll keep saying it: Ben isn't back.
I don't know what happened to the Ben Roethlisberger we had for his first two seasons, but he's not here anymore.
We obviously can't attribute the loss of the game to Ben, but we used to have a QB that could get back into these games with 2 minutes left in the 4th, and get the ball into the endzone with ease. That guy isn't there anymore.
You need a good passing game to open up a good running game, and vice versa. But you also need a good running game to retain a lead, and a good QB to come back from behind.
We're lacking in balance, and the capability to come from a score deficit. That's not going to get us to the playoffs.
I loved that last 2min (or so) drive to get them within a TD for OT. Pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, TD! My prob is still the O-line... 4 sacks and a whole lotta pressure coming from the 4 (4!) Cards D all game long. And Parker - Cards were literally flyin' to him after he got handed the ball. Not an excuse, but Wiz and Grimm being on the other side of the field might have had a lot to do with it...
3-1 :disappoin Must win next week to stay on top...
bigkahuna83
10/01/2007, 17:54
I was very impressed with the Cardinals DEF, they did a great job of stopping the run and putting pressure on Ben.
I thought Ben did a good job in the game. His O-Line and Receivers really let him down. Lots of key drops. You could tell they really missed Hines.
They really seemed out of sorts for most of the game.
I can't wait to see the signs in the crowd when the CryHawks come to town next week. Should be comical.
spiderman9797
10/01/2007, 18:26
Who is that safety-linebacker hybrid that the Cardinals have?
He just showed outrageous talent in that game.
Bubblehead
10/01/2007, 20:28
I can't wait to see the signs in the crowd when the CryHawks come to town next week. Should be comical.
Laugh it up, HappyBoy! Steelers are favored by 6. We'll see how that O-line holds up and we'll see how truly banged up your 4 Defensive Starters are later on this week.
Even if Polomalu shows up...I bet they get a really good shot at his ribs...just as a "how-da-ya-do". ;)
That being said, this'll be a good game. Pittsburgh is a tough place to play.
Which reminds me.... I have to call a good friend of mine and razz him. :laugh:
Bubblehead
10/01/2007, 20:37
Changed the avatar to suit the week.......LOL.
bigkahuna83
10/02/2007, 10:07
Still crying?? I know it rains a lot in Washington, but who knew so much of it was from SheeHawks fans :)
I like your avatar, it is from a convienent angle to support your point of view. Check the pic below to show a better angle.
And Ben said "i didn't think i made it" not I did not make it.
Maybe you can go to the game and see our fifth Lombardi trophy :)
spiderman9797
10/02/2007, 16:14
Even in that picture, it doesn't look to me like he made it.:rolleyes:
bigkahuna83
10/02/2007, 16:37
Even in that picture, it doesn't look to me like he made it.:rolleyes:
All the tip of the ball has to do is go over the start of the first white line...which it did :tired:
It just shows a slightly better angle than the avatar of the fan of the Super XL losers ;)
raypalmer
10/03/2007, 01:49
Maybe you can go to the game and see our fifth Lombardi trophy :)
And hey nice job defending your title last year. Guess the Home Ref advantage doesn't kick in until the Postseason?;)
bigkahuna83
10/03/2007, 10:02
And hey nice job defending your title last year. Guess the Home Ref advantage doesn't kick in until the Postseason?;)
Get back to me when your team wins something mmmmk? ;)
stark's heir
10/07/2007, 22:57
Awesome job Pittsburgh!!!
Najeh and Willie ran the ball down the 'Hawks D throats, Big Ben was all but perfect, and the D manhandled the Seattle O all game long!
supermangl1
10/07/2007, 23:58
Steelers are my 'other' team I root for, they are my wife's team, so I adopted them, Titans are #1 in my heart though.
When the Steelers win I always love it though, so today was a good day! Is it just me or did the Seahawks look old and tired against the Steelers tough D today? I'm not sure if the Steelers are that good or the Hawks that bad, but 36 yards is awful if you have Alexander on your team! Great job Steelers and a major gut check. With all those starters out, to do this to the Seahawks is very impressive.
Ben looks good to me, but it's never been about Ben being an amazing QB. It's been about the run game, the Defense, and Ben being solid and steady, not dazzling.
bigkahuna83
10/08/2007, 10:34
No #1 or #2 Wide outs.
No All-Pro Safety
No All-Pro DT
No Starting CB
No Problem
Seeing this face ALL day....priceless
I'm not sure if the Steelers are that good or the Hawks that bad, but 36 yards is awful if you have Alexander on your team!
I don't think it's either, honestly. The Seahawks former MVP running back had an injured hand. Which meant exactly what Dick LeBeau thought it meant: Put 8 defensive backs in coverage.
On top of that, the Seahawks offense has been struggling for the last year or so now. They typically underproduce compared to what they could be doing. They're like Baltimore. They won't let you score more than a couple of touchdowns in a game, and they'll be hard pressed to score more than one themselves.
The Seahawks had to play defense all day yesterday, and that's not good when you have Davenport and Parker in the backfield.
If Seattle had Alexander healthy, or...I dunno....put in his backup...I think the score would have been MUCH closer. I seriously doubt Matt was throwing all day because he wanted to.
bigkahuna83
10/08/2007, 12:30
This thread seems to be void of Seahawk fans today:) There sure were quite a few just last week. They are probably looking into their excuse book before they come back here.
:) :) :)
I am not sure how long Alexander has had a sore left wrist, I do know that he has gained at least 70 yards in every game before yesterday. The Steelers are notoriously hard to run against, so he just joins a long list of RB's who have had a sub-par game vs. the Steelers.
Once again, I am impressed with the team and it's depth. With 5 starters out, I had little hope for a 'W' this week. The Steelers were clicking in on both offense and defense yesterday. In particular the opening drive of the third quarter, 10+ minutes, 110 total yards was very impressive! How many penalties were called against the Steelers on that drive? They didn't cry or pout about it, they just kept moving the ball down the field.
Very Impressive indeed. And the bye week could not come at a better time for this team to get healthy.
I will stop now so the Seahawk fans can have the floor
stark's heir
10/08/2007, 17:54
No #1 or #2 Wide outs.
No All-Pro Safety
No All-Pro DT
No Starting CB
No Problem
Seeing this face ALL day....priceless
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to bigkahuna83 again.
stark's heir
10/08/2007, 18:02
Well earned rest this Sun... What the hell am I gonna do?!
2 AWAY games in a row, then 2 Division opp at HOME for 2 weeks. Gonna be a tough 30 days or so...but I have faith we'll be 9-1 by the time the Stillers show up (less than an hour from me :)) in Jersey.
I'll pose this to other fans out there:
I have guarenteed tickets for that game where its always fun to wear Pittsburgh jersey in a NY area stadium...On the other hand, its also guarenteed to be on TV here at home, where my beer is cold, close, and cheaper. What should I do?
raypalmer
10/08/2007, 21:52
This thread seems to be void of Seahawk fans today:) There sure were quite a few just last week. They are probably looking into their excuse book before they come back here.
:) :) :)
No excuses this week. We got murdered. Our All-Pro Fullback had a Career-Ending Injury. I've never seen a Defence get dominated like that in the Second Half. So good on you guys, no chirping back after a loss like that. There is NO doubt who the better team was this game.
Oh well, another rematch in 4 years.....:disappoin
spiderman9797
10/08/2007, 22:05
No excuses this week. We got murdered. Our All-Pro Fullback had a Career-Ended Injury. I've never seen a Defence get dominated like that in the Second Half. So good on you guys, no chirping back after a loss like that. There is NO doubt who the better team was this game.
To be fair, I don't think very many defenses would be good at all after being on the field THAT much. I think the Seattle offense is to blame for how the Seattle defense was dominated in the second half.
To be fair, I don't think very many defenses would be good at all after being on the field THAT much. I think the Seattle offense is to blame for how the Seattle defense was dominated in the second half.
Seconded.
Lack of a running game, and offensive production, is going to make 2nd halves like that happen.
People always wonder what happened to a team's defense when it doesn't play well, but 9 times out of 10 you can look at Rushing Yards and Time of Possession for your answer.
bigkahuna83
10/09/2007, 16:57
I have the bye week blues :(
No game to look forward to...
No fans from the other team talking trash...
It's shaping up to be a boring week for Stiller fans.
stark's heir
10/14/2007, 11:02
Uh-Oh. I hope the Najeh off-field "issue" doesn't blow up. Hopefully, we'll have the facts before sentencing and NFL and Steelers act accordingly.
supermangl1
10/16/2007, 22:43
What happened? News hasn't trickled down to Tennessee yet. Steelers don't need a distraction right now, things are going well.
stark's heir
10/17/2007, 08:54
What happened? News hasn't trickled down to Tennessee yet. Steelers don't need a distraction right now, things are going well.
Short story from www.Steelers.com forums...
Najeh Davenport was involved in a domestic spat with mother of his kids. Lots of he said/she said stuff going on. Both parties have filed restraining orders against the other. As an aside, he lives in Ohio...just saying is all.
Yeah, this was completely unnecessary, but I'm thinking the Steelers can make due without him. I've felt that Haynes and Kreider were better RB's anyways, and if this gets him booted for a few games, maybe Tomlin will look for a more productive Big Boy.
stark's heir
10/17/2007, 21:08
Krieder has always been the man. I hope Carey Davis gets some reps with the rock. I really liked the look of him during Pre-Season.
stark's heir
10/20/2007, 23:15
I heard there was snow in the CO area today and maybe into tom as well...nice and sloppy for the game tomorrow!!
Put some chains on FWP and he's good to go.
supermangl1
10/23/2007, 10:29
Bah, Broncos got away with one. The Steelers were slow on figuring out the blitz and coverage, if they did what they did in the last half early this would have been a blow out for the Steelers. But as it stand, another last second field goal wins it for Denver, they should be giving Elam a medal.
stark's heir
10/23/2007, 16:39
Yeah - our O-line was just effed up Sun night. I couldn't believe those shoddy snaps from Mahan...3 in a row! Shoulda also had Willy running it more...
Next 3 games (@ Bengals, then home against Ravens and Browns) are MUST WIN!!!!
Is anyone else scared that Mike Tomlin is already disillusioned by his own stats?
"Oh, we didn't commit to the pass. Look at how many rushing attempts we had in the first half!"
Yeah, and you went 3-and-out twice in a row when you needed good drives, in the first half, without a single rushing attempt in either possession. That's committing to the pass, you ignorant schmuck. And you had to pass the football in the 4th quarter because your gameplan sucked up until that point. You were behind.
I'm all for seeing us become "Air Pittsburgh" someday, but when you're facing the worst run defense in the league, it doesn't hurt to run the football.
"But they had 8 in the box all game"
Yeah, and they very easily could have had 9, had you committed to the run. They're the worst run defense in the league, Tomlin. You think they haven't put 8 in the box against other teams so far???
And then he goes and harps on his defense, which has ALWAYS been terrible, when the Steeler's TOP is down. I'm dismayed by the fact that he's oblivious to the correlation.
stark's heir
10/25/2007, 10:43
Tomlin...I'm not sure how to take him just yet. I like most of the stuff he has to say about the team having an identity. I'm just not sure if he really knows what it is yet. Maybe he's still a bit new and has the "deer in the headlights" stuff going on...
One thing for sure, I don't like the "calm and quiet" coaching style he has. Sure, I've seen him smile and pump his fist a time or two, but give me a scowl, some yelling, and spit in your face anyday. Is it too early to call him DungeyLite? :rolleyes:
Tomlin...I'm not sure how to take him just yet. I like most of the stuff he has to say about the team having an identity. I'm just not sure if he really knows what it is yet. Maybe he's still a bit new and has the "deer in the headlights" stuff going on...
One thing for sure, I don't like the "calm and quiet" coaching style he has. Sure, I've seen him smile and pump his fist a time or two, but give me a scowl, some yelling, and spit in your face anyday. Is it too early to call him DungeyLite? :rolleyes:
No, Dungey at least looks disappointed when bad stuff happens.
Tomlin looks indifferent unless his team scores. Then he dances and slaps people on the back. Then he becomes a robot again.
stark's heir
10/25/2007, 15:49
The 75th Anniversary All-Time Team...
OFFENSE
Terry Bradshaw - Quarterback (1970-83)
Jerome Bettis - Running Back (1996-05)
Rocky Blier - Running Back (1968, 1970-80)
Franco Harris - Running Back (1972-83)
Bennie Cunningham - Tight End (1976-85)
Elbie Nickel - Tight End (1947-57)
John Stallworth - Wide Receiver (1974-87)
Lynn Swann - Wide Receiver (1974-82)
Hines Ward - Wide Receiver (1998-Present)
Larry Brown – Offensive Tackle (1971-84)
Dermontti Dawson – Center (1988-00)
Alan Faneca – Guard (1998-Present)
Tunch Ilkin – Offensive Tackle (1980-92)
Jon Kolb – Offensive Tackle (1969-81)
Mike Webster – Center (1974-88)
DEFENSE
Joe Greene – Defensive Tackle (1969-81)
L.C. Greenwood – Defensive End (1969-81)
Casey Hampton – Nose Tackle (2001-Present)
Ernie Stautner – Defensive Tackle (1950-63)
Dwight White – Defensive End (1971-80)
Jack Ham – Outside Linebacker (1971-82)
Jack Lambert – Middle Linebacker (1974-84)
Greg Lloyd – Outside Linebacker (1988-97)
Joey Porter – Outside Linebacker (1999-2006)
Andy Russell – Outside Linebacker (1963, 1966-76)
Mel Blount – Cornerback (1970-83)
Jack Butler – Defensive Back (1951-59)
Carnell Lake – Safety (1989-98)
Troy Polamalu – Safety (2003-Present)
Donnie Shell – Safety (1974-87)
Rod Woodson – Cornerback (1987-96)
SPECIALISTS
Gary Anderson – Kicker (1982-94)
Bobby Walden – Punter (1968-77)
No James Farrior??? :eek:
stark's heir
10/25/2007, 17:00
No James Farrior??? :eek:
I was shocked when I saw Porters name up there...:eek:
I was shocked when I saw Porters name up there...:eek:
Well, Porter does have a hell of a sack list, but he doesn't even come close to the all-around mad-house that is James Farrior. He's second only to Brian Urlacher in the MLB slot.
stark's heir
10/29/2007, 17:21
Very nice to see them pound down the Bung-holes. Still a loooong way to go.
Gotta concentrate on the Dirty-Birds this Mon night... I really hope the O-Line and Willy are up to it. Ben has to watch his throws too.
stark's heir
10/30/2007, 21:41
VOTE Willie for Ground Game Player of the Week!!! (I've already done it a couple-hundred times...)
Slick Willie (http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground)
spiderman9797
10/30/2007, 22:47
And don't forget to vote for Drew Brees!
stark's heir
10/31/2007, 09:49
And don't forget to vote for Drew Brees!
Dude! Go make your Saints thread and be done with it...;)
supermangl1
10/31/2007, 15:03
I'm thinking the Steelers are going to make the Ravens look rather bad this Monday night, which thrills me like little else can.
And as for that all time list, I'm thinking if Big Ben continues on this pace he'll have his best season to date and is becoming one heck of a good QB, he'll have to win a few more Super Bowls to reach Bradshaw legend level.
And I was extremely glad to see Hines Ward on the WR list. He needed to be there. Porter is surprising, but up to this year has had one great career.
stark's heir
11/01/2007, 08:27
The team CANNOT look past the Ravens! I don't think they are, but I really hope they play some of their best football come Mon Night. Being a 1/2 game out of first in the division would be the least at stake...
spiderman9797
11/01/2007, 21:32
The team CANNOT look past the Ravens! I don't think they are, but I really hope they play some of their best football come Mon Night. Being a 1/2 game out of first in the division would be the least at stake...
True, they can't look past the Ravens, but I don't have much of a doubt that they are going to beat the Ravens pretty handily. They have a FAR better offense and a slightly better defense. I just don't think it's going to be a good game.
stark's heir
11/02/2007, 19:47
... but I don't have much of a doubt that they are going to beat the Ravens pretty handily. They have a FAR better offense and a slightly better defense.
Sadly, this is exactly what alot of folks thought when 'Burgh played the Cardinals and Broncos...:eek:
I feel the Ravens are worse than their record indicates, but I'd be lying if I ever said I'd take that team less than seriously...
Hate those freakin' Rat-Birds...Ray Lewis and that stupid dance he does...
spiderman9797
11/02/2007, 21:22
There is no doubt that they are a highly talented team (talent wise, they should be the best defense in the league and the best in the past decade).
But I just don't think that their offense is enough. Nearly enough.
bagman04
11/04/2007, 01:33
Never ever jump in front of a moving bus http://youtube.com/watch?v=P68VsLCR8tg
stark's heir
11/04/2007, 07:32
Never ever jump in front of a moving bus http://youtube.com/watch?v=P68VsLCR8tg
I was at that game...:cool:
I miss Bettis...:disappoin
spiderman9797
11/04/2007, 11:34
That was impressive even without it being the best linebacker in the NFL.:laugh:
But you have to realize, stark's heir, that Bettis went out like a Champion. He went out with a Superbowl ring from his home town.:cool:
stark's heir
11/05/2007, 19:19
MNF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:cool:
Throwback Uniforms..............
:nervous:
spiderman9797
11/05/2007, 19:22
MNF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:cool:
Throwback Uniforms..............
:nervous:
WHY do they have to wear those ugly uniforms? They're almost worse than the Eagle's throwbacks.:nervous:
Antipathy
11/05/2007, 19:29
Why do they have throwback uniforms in the first place? It's just a waste of money to order new uniforms for one day.
stark's heir
11/05/2007, 21:20
To celebrate the 75th Anniv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'Course, those uni's were from the early 60's...
14-0 with 1 min left in 1st quarter...:classic:
EDIT - ...and 30 seconds later, Pittsburgh has the ball back off a fumble by Magahee. I wish Parker would jump to the outside and turn the speed on. Grrrr.
stark's heir
11/05/2007, 21:32
And another 30 sec later its 21-0. Looks like I predicted too low...
stark's heir
11/05/2007, 21:35
BTW - Listen for my Tonytonytony question tonight...I asked who has the funnier TD dances, Hines Wward or that Dr Pepper commercial guy.
So, Stark's_heir, tell me about the Steelers. They looked pretty good last night against the Ravens, and they're 6-2. --What about those losses? How'd they lose those games against Arizona and Denver? --I mean that respectfully. What kind of games were they?
I'm a Patriots fan, thinking about the Patriots-Steelers game on 12/9 in Foxboro.
spiderman9797
11/06/2007, 17:11
Well, Willie Parker got the Ground Player of the Week last week.:cool:
Look, I know Brett had a great day and all but he did NOT deserve it over Drew. Every stat that Drew had was better than Brett's.
I wonder who will get the Ground Player of the Week this week?!:cheeky:
stark's heir
11/06/2007, 20:50
Well, Willie Parker got the Ground Player of the Week last week.:cool:
Look, I know Brett had a great day and all but he did NOT deserve it over Drew. Every stat that Drew had was better than Brett's.
I wonder who will get the Ground Player of the Week this week?!:cheeky:
Not sure...but Harrison is gonna slaughter the competition for Def Player of the week!
stark's heir
11/06/2007, 21:01
So, Stark's_heir, tell me about the Steelers. They looked pretty good last night against the Ravens, and they're 6-2. --What about those losses? How'd they lose those games against Arizona and Denver? --I mean that respectfully. What kind of games were they?
I'm a Patriots fan, thinking about the Patriots-Steelers game on 12/9 in Foxboro.
HA! I see Belechick is now sending spies into HCRealms to get info on Blitzburgh!! Stop the insanity!
;) J/K man!
My theory on the Arizona loss has to do with the 14 former coaching staff changes that the Cards picked up when Wisenhunt became TopDog down there...it was that simple as far as I'm concerned.
Most folks would say we didn't run the ball enough against Denver, but our defense let them march down the field easily enough and that INT returned for a TD didn't help either...
I've thought about trying to get up to that Foxboro game, but I have a feeling if the Steelers continue their winning ways, most of the nation will be watching that game on TV very closely...The Patsies sure have the ability to beat everyone, but the Steelers don't care. They will go in there, and win, lose, or draw, smash you in the mouth. The trick for the Steelers will also be to study how the Colts held NE up during the game. Fast Defense, no mistakes, and pressure, pressure, pressure on Brady and we'll come away with a win.
As long as our headphones don't conk out during drives down the field...:cheeky:
spiderman9797
11/06/2007, 22:04
Not sure...but Harrison is gonna slaughter the competition for Def Player of the week!
Yea, he has the "Osi Umenyiora" disease, which is where you go to the Pro-Bowl on the performance of one game.:laugh:
I'm almost positive that anyone who watched this week's highlights would KNOW who the Ground Player of the Week is.:p
stark's heir
11/07/2007, 09:26
Yea, he has the "Osi Umenyiora" disease, which is where you go to the Pro-Bowl on the performance of one game.:laugh:
I'm almost positive that anyone who watched this week's highlights would KNOW who the Ground Player of the Week is.:p
I know, I know, but don't forget to vote Ben (vote early and vote often!) for the Air Player of the Week!
LINK (http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground)
'Course, you may not want to, spidey9797...
supermangl1
11/07/2007, 10:04
I told you the Steelers were going to make the Ravens look bad and old. And the Ravens looked old and not good. Time to rebuild for the future Ravens.
The Steelers looked good, very good. Proving they can win via air or ground.
And NOTHING is as ugly as the Eagles throwbacks.
spiderman9797
11/07/2007, 17:10
I know, I know, but don't forget to vote Ben (vote early and vote often!) for the Air Player of the Week!
LINK (http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground)
'Course, you may not want to, spidey9797...
Certainly not, considering that Drew went up against an arguably better defense (that week anyway, as the Ravens were missing their 2 Pro-Bowl cornerbacks) and Drew threw for more yards. Also considering that Drew SHOULD have won last week, as he threw the second most yards and the most touchdowns.
Ben had a great week, no doubt, but Drew deserved it last week and he deserves it just as much if not more this week.
stark's heir
11/07/2007, 20:45
Certainly not, considering that Drew went up against an arguably better defense (that week anyway, as the Ravens were missing their 2 Pro-Bowl cornerbacks) and Drew threw for more yards. Also considering that Drew SHOULD have won last week, as he threw the second most yards and the most touchdowns.
Ben had a great week, no doubt, but Drew deserved it last week and he deserves it just as much if not more this week.
I don't know about that...Ben threw his way in the first half only. One can only imagine what the score would have been, yardage, etc if the Steelers didn't play the "attrition game" running the ball whether or not its successful after they are up and winning.
spiderman9797
11/07/2007, 21:16
I don't know about that...Ben threw his way in the first half only. One can only imagine what the score would have been, yardage, etc if the Steelers didn't play the "attrition game" running the ball whether or not its successful after they are up and winning.
But speculation and whatnot doesn't matter when it comes to stat and play throughout the game.
After the Browns, I don't think that the Steelers have much trouble until New England.
stark's heir
11/08/2007, 08:43
But speculation and whatnot doesn't matter when it comes to stat and play throughout the game.
Tru' dat.
...and I'm usually one of those folks who hate the "experts" when they're ready to annoint any player or team as the BEST EVER after 1 or 8 games...
supermangl1
11/08/2007, 14:07
Who else is really looking forward to that Steelers v. Pats game the last week of regular season?
stark's heir
11/08/2007, 17:15
Who else is really looking forward to that Steelers v. Pats game the last week of regular season?
If you mean Ravens on Dec 30th, then me! ;) If you mean VS Patsies on Dec 9th, then me again!! :knockedou If you mean Steelers VS Patsies during PostSeason, then especially me!!! :cool:
If you mean Ravens on Dec 30th, then me! ;) If you mean VS Patsies on Dec 9th, then me again!! :knockedou If you mean Steelers VS Patsies during PostSeason, then especially me!!! :cool:
Steelies. Steelies. STEELIES.
Patsies. You WISH they were "Patsies".
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
stark's heir
11/09/2007, 16:17
Steelers! Steelers! Steelers!!!!
;)
Actually, I was always told Patsies was a term of endearment...:cheeky:
More importantly...
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger voted Air NFL Player of the Week
Winner Selected By Fan Vote on NFL.com
Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns in the first half of the Monday night match-up against the Baltimore Ravens. Roethlisberger completed 13 of 16 passes for 209 yards to beat Baltimore 38-7.
spiderman9797
11/09/2007, 19:27
;)
Actually, I was always told Patsies was a term of endearment...:cheeky:
More importantly...
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger voted Air NFL Player of the Week
Winner Selected By Fan Vote on NFL.com
Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns in the first half of the Monday night match-up against the Baltimore Ravens. Roethlisberger completed 13 of 16 passes for 209 yards to beat Baltimore 38-7.
I'd be willing to bet big money that had the Saints/Jacksonville game been played on Monday Night Football and the Baltimore/Steelers game been played during the day, Drew Brees would have gotten the award. Same from last week, with Brett Favre.
Brett and Ben got prime-time exposure. But to be honest, I don't mind too much that Ben got it because I felt like he deserved it more than Brett did. He did only play 2 quarters, and a little more, after all.
stark's heir
11/09/2007, 20:03
I'd be willing to bet big money that had the Saints/Jacksonville game been played on Monday Night Football and the Baltimore/Steelers game been played during the day, Drew Brees would have gotten the award. Same from last week, with Brett Favre.
Hmmm. Never thought of that...
stark's heir
11/11/2007, 12:58
Okay folks - kickoff is in a few minutes...lets keep the streak alive! Which streak you ask?
33 consecutive games without an opponent's rusher reaching 100yards. :cool:
stark's heir
11/11/2007, 13:42
Okaaaayyyy.... :noid:
stark's heir
11/11/2007, 16:31
Whooooooooooooo!!!!!!!
(wipes sweat from forehead...)
I hope Reed wasn't tired from having 1 less day off this past week - he only kicked it out of the endzone once. :disappoin
stark's heir
11/12/2007, 12:07
I keep forgetting about this... If you guys wanna listen to the Steelers Pre-Game Show live on radio (they cut to music right before kick-off...), head to:
www.dve.com
There is an On Demand drag down with "listen live" in it. LMK if you need help. The Thong of the Day isn't bad either...;)
Its great listening as these aren't "experts", just regular fans of the team and of the game itself...
I'd be willing to bet big money that had the Saints/Jacksonville game been played on Monday Night Football and the Baltimore/Steelers game been played during the day, Drew Brees would have gotten the award. Same from last week, with Brett Favre.
Brett and Ben got prime-time exposure. But to be honest, I don't mind too much that Ben got it because I felt like he deserved it more than Brett did. He did only play 2 quarters, and a little more, after all.
I can see a case for Brett, but c'mon man. TD's have ALWAYS been worth way more than yards to the stat guys. Najeh Davenport (the #2 back) had a game where he ran for 37 yards and had two touchdowns, and he was considered the player of the game.
5 TD's in one half is going to get you the award, even if you only threw for a buck in the same half. I mean, if you look at the drive log, the defense was returning the ball to the redzone for most of those scores. And anyone who watched that game knows it, too.
stark's heir
11/16/2007, 13:49
5 TD's in one half is going to get you the award, even if you only threw for a buck in the same half. I mean, if you look at the drive log, the defense was returning the ball to the redzone for most of those scores. And anyone who watched that game knows it, too.
Yeah, but the Raven's vaunted "D" could have stopped us right?! :cheeky: A week later and Cincy had to settle for fieldgoals...
Yeah, but the Raven's vaunted "D" could have stopped us right?! :cheeky: A week later and Cincy had to settle for fieldgoals...
Actually, despite how well they played against Cincy, Baltimore has been the absolute worst in the red zone, both offensively AND defensively, this season. They make it hard, as always, to get to the red zone in the first place, but they suck in the red zone.
Which was kinda my point. They were defending the red zone for the whole first half, thanks to Pittsburgh's defensive returns.
stark's heir
11/18/2007, 21:24
Ugh...after that game against the Jets, all I could do is laugh outloud when I saw this.
[quoted from Steelers.com forums]
If you're physical... if you're agile... if you can block
PLEASE APPLY WITHIN... signed Mgt
They need to post a sign similar to this on every street corner in Pittsburgh.
When are they (coaches) going to see how terrible our offensive line is?
malakim2099
11/18/2007, 22:46
What is it with the Steelers? I mean, they win all sorts of tough games, but lose to Arizona (huh) and the JETS (buhWHA?!?).
I really wouldn't be too surprised if they manage to beat the Pats, then lose to Miami or something goofy like that (and no, I don't know the schedule, I'm just guessin').
stark's heir
11/19/2007, 20:57
What is it with the Steelers? I mean, they win all sorts of tough games, but lose to Arizona (huh) and the JETS (buhWHA?!?).
I really wouldn't be too surprised if they manage to beat the Pats, then lose to Miami or something goofy like that (and no, I don't know the schedule, I'm just guessin').
This is going out on a limb, but the 3 losses thus far have come during Late (4pm or night games), Away games. If this holds true, then we will lose to Patsies :ermm: and Rams :confused:
I have a feeling Miami and the Bungholes are in for it the next 2 weeks...:devious:
stark's heir
11/26/2007, 21:45
Ugh - I sure hope the rain is making this game uglier than it appears to...:nervous:
Can't believe that pick by Porter...:disappoin
...And there goes Williams off to smoke a blunt. :cheeky:
mike_houghton
11/26/2007, 22:14
come on dolphins.... get my brownies a tie for first and make mikey a very happy man
Wow. I just heard about that 3-0 game. Weird.
stark's heir
11/27/2007, 08:47
Wow. I just heard about that 3-0 game. Weird.
Try to catch the highlight of the football sticking...
(tries to find a shot for an avatar...;) )
I'm so glad I wasn't watching most of the game. That was painful.
When your QB is 18 for 20 passes, don't you think you should maybe try and throw it a bit more?
I'm getting sick of this "Unyielding" playcalling. Can we PLEASE start adjusting our gameplan to what's working, when we're scoreless? That utterly drives me insane. The #1 reason the Steelers lose, EVER, is because they continually play not to lose, and they don't play to win.
When your QB is 18 for 20 passes, don't you think you should maybe try and throw it a bit more?
I'm getting sick of this "Unyielding" playcalling. Can we PLEASE start adjusting our gameplan to what's working, when we're scoreless? That utterly drives me insane. The #1 reason the Steelers lose, EVER, is because they continually play not to lose, and they don't play to win.
Interesting you bring this up. The analysis I heard after the Patriots/Eagles game (which of course wasn't scoreless), was that Belichek changed his approach after the half. --Before the half, the Patriot plan was to throw almost exclusively, which they did and very effectively (17 points, not counting the interception score). But as Philadelphia's game plan was very aggressive, (they threw effectively too), they were keeping the Pats' offense off the field and their defense on it for long stretches of time, Belichek adjusted by slowing things down, running more often, or at least running now and again.
I'm no expert and this isn't my analysis, but it shows how coaching can and should make adjustments during the game.
stark's heir
11/27/2007, 21:00
When your QB is 18 for 20 passes, don't you think you should maybe try and throw it a bit more?
Not necessarily. Granted we had a more powerful running game at the time, but when Ben went 13-0 as a starter in '05, he typically threw less than 25 per game. Managing.
I do feel we should have thrown it more last night, as the rain doesn't seem to affect his passes all that much... runners had a tough go due to footing, and with only 3 attempts missed means the receivers were catching the ball. Especially Ward late...
I'm getting sick of this "Unyielding" playcalling. Can we PLEASE start adjusting our gameplan to what's working, when we're scoreless? That utterly drives me insane. The #1 reason the Steelers lose, EVER, is because they continually play not to lose, and they don't play to win.
Well, Cowher/ Wisenhunt used to do that... I'm not sure what the H-E-L-L Tomlin/ Ariens are doing. O-Line is still the issue as far as I'm concerned. Another 4 sacks...:(
m_a_caque
11/29/2007, 10:56
i can't believe we are actually going to be in a race with cleveland to win the division. and their remaining schedule was much easier than ours if i remember right...
i can't believe we are actually going to be in a race with cleveland to win the division. and their remaining schedule was much easier than ours if i remember right...
Yeah, it'll be tough for Cleveland, though, since we beat them twice. They're friggin' good this year, though. If they just had some defense, so that they could keep their stellar offense on the field, they'd be much more than that.
My biggest fear for them is that at the end of the year, how many players will be looking for trades, and more money, due to their success. And Cleveland won't be able to afford any of it. They'll be right back in the dumps again next year. It'd be great if they could keep their team intact, and draft themselves a fresh young defense. I may be a Steelers fan, but I don't mind admitting that seeing an underdog like Cleveland be successful is awe-inspiring.
We've got some tough games ahead of us, though. No mistake about it. (looks at New England) :confused:
stark's heir
11/30/2007, 15:00
Yeah, it'll be tough for Cleveland, though, since we beat them twice. They're friggin' good this year, though. If they just had some defense, so that they could keep their stellar offense on the field, they'd be much more than that.
My biggest fear for them is that at the end of the year, how many players will be looking for trades, and more money, due to their success. And Cleveland won't be able to afford any of it. They'll be right back in the dumps again next year. It'd be great if they could keep their team intact, and draft themselves a fresh young defense. I may be a Steelers fan, but I don't mind admitting that seeing an underdog like Cleveland be successful is awe-inspiring.
We've got some tough games ahead of us, though. No mistake about it. (looks at New England) :confused:
I'm actually more scared of Jax at this point. Besides the game occurring 1 week after the NE game (which, according to the "experts" will be a loss for the Steelers...), they are clicking right now with the 0 INT Q-Back, Tough D, and Strong 2-pronged running game...(sound familiar? ;))
I'd love for the Steelers to get that #2 seed at the end of the year. We need the Jags to beat Indy this Sun...
I'm actually more scared of Jax at this point. Besides the game occurring 1 week after the NE game (which, according to the "experts" will be a loss for the Steelers...), they are clicking right now with the 0 INT Q-Back, Tough D, and Strong 2-pronged running game...(sound familiar? ;))
I'd love for the Steelers to get that #2 seed at the end of the year. We need the Jags to beat Indy this Sun...
Jax is scary regardless if they have a good team or not. What's important is always that they have the BIGGEST team. And everyone's injury list gets longer when they play them. Playing them toward the end of the season is awful. And they tend to expose Pittsburgh every year. :(
stark's heir
11/30/2007, 15:12
Jax is scary regardless if they have a good team or not. What's important is always that they have the BIGGEST team. And everyone's injury list gets longer when they play them. Playing them toward the end of the season is awful. And they tend to expose Pittsburgh every year. :(
I'm going to this game and I am nervous...
I have also found myself thinking about the Super Bowl in an unusual way. If the Cowgirls and Patsies actually do meet back up, I think I may have to root for the Pats to beat Dallas and prevent them from being the 1st team to 6 SB Wins...:ermm:
mike_houghton
11/30/2007, 17:03
Yeah we have to hope for Pittsburgh to lose 2 times more then us to get in.. I think a wild card is going to be tough. As far as a young talent looking for a pay day? I hope your wrong... Cleveland has a chance here to be a decent team... but with some of our guys attitudes it could be tough.
stark's heir
11/30/2007, 21:15
Yeah we have to hope for Pittsburgh to lose 2 times more then us to get in.. I think a wild card is going to be tough. As far as a young talent looking for a pay day? I hope your wrong... Cleveland has a chance here to be a decent team... but with some of our guys attitudes it could be tough.
Well, when you're soooo used to losing...:laugh:
Well, when you're soooo used to losing...:laugh:
All joking aside, that really is the epitome of it. That's where Derek Anderson is so beneficial to that Browns team. He's given them the spark of life, and he's shown them that, "Hey, guys....we're beating some really good football teams. You ever think we might not be a bad team?"
I'm still crossing my fingers, hoping that the Browns can hold onto their offense during the offseason. If they can come back with the same offense, and a new defense, it could FINALLY be the Browns' year. :)
Thing is, they're likely going to lose the good half of their team. :ermm:
spiderman9797
12/04/2007, 17:42
All joking aside, that really is the epitome of it. That's where Derek Anderson is so beneficial to that Browns team. He's given them the spark of life, and he's shown them that, "Hey, guys....we're beating some really good football teams. You ever think we might not be a bad team?"
I'm still crossing my fingers, hoping that the Browns can hold onto their offense during the offseason. If they can come back with the same offense, and a new defense, it could FINALLY be the Browns' year. :)
Thing is, they're likely going to lose the good half of their team. :ermm:
This seems almost JUST like the Saints from last year. And I still believe that the Saints are an equally good team (with just as much potential if not better potential than last year), so I also believe that Cleveland can greatly improve.
Get some really good D-Lineman, and maybe a really good safety and possibly a solid cornerback, and they're a Super Bowl caliber team. They're going to need another good running back somewhere in the next couple of years, as Jamal Lewis isn't going to last much longer, but they can worry about that later.
As it is right now, I believe that they can beat anyone. With those improvements, I believe they would beat anyone (almost anyone).
stark's heir
12/05/2007, 16:59
By: Matthew Gordon over on RealGM...
This Sunday’s game features what might be the two best teams in the AFC, or even in the entire NFL. The 12-0 Patriots have shown so far that they are among the most formidable teams in recent memory, accumulating what feels like a guaranteed victory every week. The Steelers, at 9-3, have lost three winnable games this season that they really should have won yet they remain number three in the conference and a feared opponent to anyone they face.
To be fair, there are a lot of things in the Patriots’ favor. The Steelers are only 2-3 on the road, an abysmal record compared to their overall performance; the Patriots don’t have any crippling injuries, their worst being to Roosevelt Colvin; and they’re obviously riding one of the biggest momentums the league has ever seen. Despite these factors, there are a few things that could produce a shift in fortunes.
A quick survey of the Patriots’ twelve wins so far reveals the following: four have been against divisional opponents (who are a combined 9-27 this year, for a putrid winning percentage of .250) and another four have been against non-division opponents with losing records. That leaves only four games during which the Patriots can be said to have really put together a performance that would make a contending team interested, including a narrow escape against the Colts. The Colts, Eagles and Ravens games were won by a combined ten points and could have easily been losses. An important note to make here is that all three of those teams have good coaching and came into those games with a game plan that they executed very well.
The Steelers’ haven’t been at all more impressive, but the games they’ve played take a different path. When the Steelers have lost, it seems completely random, a result of the team just not bothering to put together a good enough performance. Games like the Niners blowout and the two games against Cincinnati demonstrate that the Steelers are clearly capable of putting away non-playoff teams almost as well as if not just as well as the Patriots can. The Dolphins game, a tough-fought 3-0 win, was a product of lousy weather and an underrate Dolphins defence. What’s more important is that the Steelers have not lost to a +.500 team this season. (They’re only 3-0, but this can be attributed to their schedule – besides, the Patriots are only 4-0, as mentioned. Neither team has been pitching playoff battles every week.)
Since neither team has had the chance to bowl over legions of playoff teams, the previous twelve games have shown us little in terms of quality of opponents except that the Patriots win games and the Steelers win games when they come out to play. The teams’ records, the Patriots winning 12-9 in the wins department so far, can only explain so much, with both records being very good and the Steelers’ losses not coming in any sort of systematic fashion. The Patriots won against the Colts but needed a 14-point fourth-quarter surge to do it, something that probably won’t be so available against the Steelers’ defence; the Eagles win can be blame more on A.J. Feeley’s horrendous decision-making in the closing minutes than anything else. The Cardinals, Broncos and Jets are all significantly different teams that exposed little more than the Steelers’ tendency to play to the level of their competition. There are three things about this Steelers team that could make them very difficult for the Patriots to stop.
A Controlled Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers run the kind of offense that football puritans love and the Patriots’ defense hates. Predicated on short pass patterns and running the football, the Steelers are very careful with how they handle the ball. Ben Roethlisberger has only thrown eleven interceptions all year and the team is not afraid to run the ball thirty or more in a game.
Something the Eagles did with consistency against the Patriots was throwing to the tight end over the middle. The Patriots’ opportunistic corners, Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, have nine interceptions between them this season and are therefore best avoided. Adding to this, the Patriots’ only legitimate sack threat is Mike Vrabel, so Roethlisberger should at least have time to launch a quick pass. The Steelers are the perfect team to capitalize on the Patriots’ outside-heavy defense because they’re at their best when passing quickly and inside. Hines Ward and Heath Miller, the Steelers’ two best receivers, are most comfortable when away from the sidelines, especially Miller. At 6’5” and 256 pounds, Miller is a punishing tight end who is tough to stop from making a catch.
Putting Ward and Miller in the middle of the field creates immense problems for the Patriots. The Patriots’ inside linebackers, Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau, are both great players but they average 36 years of age and neither has forced a fumble yet this season; by contrast, neither Ward nor Miller has fumbled. Pittsburgh has proven that it doesn’t need to make the big pass, with neither Ward nor Miller catching a pass of thirty or more yards this season despite them having a combined twelve receiving touchdowns. The Patriots’ defense is the best in the league at taking away big plays but they won’t find any against Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ favourite passes are the ones that move the chains.
The Steelers’ running game is as much of a concern. Willie Parker, despite a mediocre 3.8 yards per carry, already has 1093 rushing yards on the season, more than double that of the Patriots’ leading rusher. Najeh Davenport has come into his own as a solid change-of-pace back, rushing for a stellar 5.0 yards per carry, which is better than any Patriots rusher. Ben Roethlisberger has been averaging 5.7 yards per carry on limited attempts; the Patriots will have to watch for him because the couple times he rushes per game, he either punches in a touchdown or makes a scramble for a first down or close to it.
On Monday, the Ravens ran for 166 yards against the Patriots on 37 carries, the kind of performance the Steelers will no doubt be looking to emulate. Like the Steelers, the Ravens also have a 1000-yard rusher in Willis McGahee but no good secondary rusher to mix up the defense. The Steelers’ running game has more depth to it, more different looks, and could very well stymie the Patriots’ front seven. None of the Patriots’ starting defensive linemen average much more than three tackles per game this year, Richard Seymour has been a non-factor due to knee surgery and if the linebacking corps is too eager to stop the run, that’ll open up the field for the play-action pass. The Patriots will have to formulate a better plan against the run than they did on Monday if they want their offense to see the field.
A Focused Defense
The Steelers have prided themselves on having a great defense for a very long time and that hasn’t changed a bit. They’ve allowed 155 points this season, far and away the least of any team, good for less than 13 opposing points per game. While it hasn’t been a great season for the Steelers’ defensive line, their linebackers have looked amazing. The unlikely James Harrison and the steady James Farrior are both over 70 tackles on the season and have combined for 14.5 sacks.
What the Steelers have is a wealth of good defensive players. They have eight 40+ tacklers this season to the Patriots’ seven despite having two players (the aforementioned Harrison and Farrior) who each have more tackles than any one player on the Patriots’ team. Ike Taylor is a big, physical corner who’s among the best tacklers from his position, and there’s no doubt he’ll be entrusted with the duty of covering Randy Moss. DeShea Townsend is a player who’s more in the traditional mould, speedy and feisty, and will be counted on to handle Donte’ Stallworth. The Patriots haven’t really faced this kind of physicality and coverage except against two teams, the Eagles and the Ravens, who they struggled to beat.
The Steelers’ rushing defense should neutralize the Patriots’ backs. The Steelers have allowed 922 rushing yards all year, equalling less than 77 per outing, and have allowed only three rushing touchdowns in their twelve games. The Patriots will have to find a way to establish the run because the Steelers’ defense is too good be allowed to know what’s coming next, but there’s no indication that the Patriots will be able to get much done. If they try to run to the outside, Farrior’s waiting to unload on whoever he sees; if they can get past underachieving yet still notable run-stuffer Casey Hampton on the inside, Harrison’s seven forced fumbles are not a stat the Patriots would like to augment. Furthermore, every single player in the Steelers’ secondary is capable of coming toward the line of scrimmage and delivering a big hit or even going straight to the quarterback. There’s a very good chance that Laurence Maroney will have a very tough game, and there’s no Davenport to spell him.
To the Patriots’ Level
Something that’s been a continual frustration for Steelers fans all season is that when faced with below-par competition, the team doesn’t seem to give its all. Everyone knows that the Steelers can crush teams like the Cardinals, Broncos and Jets but they didn’t. More importantly, teams like the potentially playoff-bound Browns (albeit more so in Week 1) and the division-leading Seahawks have been feeling the Steelers’ wrath. This is a highly disciplined team with good coaching that knows winning. Admirers of the Patriots’ recent dynasty may well have forgotten that the Steelers have won a Superbowl more recently than the Patriots have.
That one big knock against the Steelers, that they play to the level of their competition, has utterly no bearing on this game. If anything, it helps them. If I’m Mike Tomlin and my team plays like it’s a 12-0 squad, I can’t say I mind too much. The Patriots have a great team but their weaknesses match up with the Steelers’ strengths; combined with the Steelers no doubt feeling like they have a lot to prove in this game, that could mean a loss in the Patriots’ column.
While no one would actually make such an outrageous prediction as the Patriots losing a game, no team has ever gone undefeated in a sixteen-game season and it’s something that would be tough to change. Every NFL team, even the Dolphins, plays at such a high level that for one team to roll the table is simply too difficult. For the Patriots to even go 15-1, they have to lose a game – why not this one? Here’s to the Steelers. Let’s see if history can be delayed for another year.
"the Patriots don’t have any crippling injuries, their worst being to Roosevelt Colvin"
--Actually, I think the Colvin injury is bigger than it seems (more below).
"including a narrow escape against the Colts. The Colts, Eagles and Ravens games were won by a combined ten points and could have easily been losses."
--But they weren't.
"The Dolphins game, a tough-fought 3-0 win, was a product of lousy weather and an underrated Dolphins defence."
--A flat-out unadulterated excuse (for something, I'm not sure what). A win is a win, a loss is a loss.
"the Eagles win can be blamed more on A.J. Feeley’s horrendous decision-making in the closing minutes than anything else."
--As I read yesterday: 'Most of the time, you end up being who you are and they end up being who they are.' The Eagles and Ravens aren't quite that good is all. Again, a win is a win, a loss is a loss.
Most of the rest sounds more like fan analysis than anything else. Statistics and 'my guys are gonna beat your guys' talk. The best offense goes against the best defense is all we know from statistics.
I'm more impressed by the analysis I heard on Boston-area radio following the Ravens game. It went something like this (I'm paraphrasing):
"There's a weakness in the Pats running game (no insight there), --it's because the inside guys (Bruschi & Seau) are getting older and can't move laterally as well as they once did. The Pats have always swapped their linebackers out, keeping them fresh, but Colvin's injury makes that rotation a little harder to do now. Adalius Thomas now plays inside rather than outside, where (apparently) he helps against the run, but that's solved one problem and created another (he can't roam they way he should).
They tried 4-3 defensive formation early, (which is a potential solution to this situation), but that didn't work so well and they went back to a 3-4. Analysis was that they probably have to stay with a 4-3, especially against the Steelers who have a better offensive line (than the Ravens) and a solid running game."
I expect the Steelers to show up to play, and it will be a tough game. The Patriots can be thankful they're at home.
m_a_caque
12/07/2007, 09:12
That one big knock against the Steelers, that they play to the level of their competition, has utterly no bearing on this game. If anything, it helps them. If I’m Mike Tomlin and my team plays like it’s a 12-0 squad, I can’t say I mind too much. The Patriots have a great team but their weaknesses match up with the Steelers’ strengths; combined with the Steelers no doubt feeling like they have a lot to prove in this game, that could mean a loss in the Patriots’ column.
While no one would actually make such an outrageous prediction as the Patriots losing a game, no team has ever gone undefeated in a sixteen-game season and it’s something that would be tough to change. Every NFL team, even the Dolphins, plays at such a high level that for one team to roll the table is simply too difficult. For the Patriots to even go 15-1, they have to lose a game – why not this one? Here’s to the Steelers. Let’s see if history can be delayed for another year.
as much as i would like to have the perfect dolphins team shut up once and for all, i'd rather see the steelers beat the snot out of the patriots so bad that they don't recover until the jets and miami beat them as well :laugh:
And what was Steelers safety Anthony Smith thinking? The papers up here in Boston are awash with his guarantee of a win. Ain't there no discipline on that team? Bulletin board stuff may be overstated, but there' can't never be a reason to give the opposition anything at all for motivation. --You never hear that kind of thing from Belichek's team. Sheesh.
stark's heir
12/07/2007, 23:36
And what was Steelers safety Anthony Smith thinking? The papers up here in Boston are awash with his guarantee of a win. Ain't there no discipline on that team? Bulletin board stuff may be overstated, but there' can't never be a reason to give the opposition anything at all for motivation. --You never hear that kind of thing from Belichek's team. Sheesh.
Yeah - from what I've seen thus far, Tomlin doesn't seem too bent on keeping the players in line and checking the stupidity at the door. Between all those freakin' penalties (for 100 yards a couple of weeks ago...), then the guarantee?!
:disappoin
And what was Steelers safety Anthony Smith thinking? The papers up here in Boston are awash with his guarantee of a win. Ain't there no discipline on that team? Bulletin board stuff may be overstated, but there' can't never be a reason to give the opposition anything at all for motivation. --You never hear that kind of thing from Belichek's team. Sheesh.
He's a newbie, that doesn't know what he's doing. Farrior already talked to the press and said that he was being stupid.
The problem is that he's trying to follow the piss-poor example of Porter. But even Porter wouldn't guarantee a win when going up against the Pats.
And say what you will about bulletin board material, the Pats will find out that some little girl told her grandma that she doesn't like the Patriots, and they'll get themselves riled up over THAT. They continually treat themselves like nobody thinks they can win a single game. It's rather annoying, actually.
stark's heir
12/09/2007, 10:22
And say what you will about bulletin board material, the Pats will find out that some little girl told her grandma that she doesn't like the Patriots, and they'll get themselves riled up over THAT. They continually treat themselves like nobody thinks they can win a single game. It's rather annoying, actually.
Great point! I don't mind so much that they're unbeaten at this point, they are a great team, with great players. It's the fact that Belicheck is so weird. I'll never forget that Pitt/Pats game where he just about tackled the Steelers med staff for trying to help a Pats player injured on the field...:noid:
I hate midwest TV today. They're forcing us to miss what could easily be the game of the year, to watch Kansas City and Denver......:ermm:
malakim2099
12/09/2007, 13:26
I hate midwest TV today. They're forcing us to miss what could easily be the game of the year, to watch Kansas City and Denver......:ermm:
Ouch! That really sucks man. Though this is one of the (admittedly few) nice things about watching football in Utah, the good games tend to filter through.
I do wish the NFL would unlock Sunday Ticket from DirecTV exclusivity, especially since outside the US it's a LOT EASIER TO GET! BLAR!!!!!! :mad:
spiderman9797
12/09/2007, 19:08
I feel like Pittsburgh should have rushed it more in the first half than they did.
But oh well. They're still going to win the division.
So say what you want about New England, at least they're not tackling people way after the play has ended just because the crowd is taunting them. ;) :p
stark's heir
12/09/2007, 20:47
I feel like Pittsburgh should have rushed it more in the first half than they did.
But oh well. They're still going to win the division.
Pittsburgh pwned in the first half. Not sure what happened in either locker room, but it seems like NE had every answer for our Defense in the 2nd half...
'Course, I prob could have stopped that 4th and 1 feeble attempt - a pass?! Jeez!! Shoulda sent Najeh over the top again! Or at least off to the side. And to make matters worse, the Clowns won their game...
I may have to get down on the field next week and show them how to win!!!! :p
spiderman9797
12/09/2007, 21:58
Hines Ward's run made me angry. Why wouldn't you give it to Najeh!?
Anyways, I don't think New England won because they were lucky or out of a fluke. I think they won because they are that much better of a team.
Pittsburgh pwned in the first half.
They played really solid, don't know if I'd say "pwned" though. Was pretty even with NE hitting a few really big key plays then getting more or less stuffed a few times, and Steelers being a bit more steady, but not quite on a high enough level to capitalize when they needed to.
Hines Ward's run made me angry. Why wouldn't you give it to Najeh!?
Anyways, I don't think New England won because they were lucky or out of a fluke. I think they won because they are that much better of a team.
There's no question that they're a better team, but everyone was thinking that they were going to be asleep for this one.
Soooo glad that Anthony Smith decided to wake them up..... :(
I hope he gets cut during the off-season. Pittsburgh does not need an idiot like that on the team. Much less an idiot that bites on playaction from the 2nd worst rushing offense in the league.
spiderman9797
12/10/2007, 18:03
There's no question that they're a better team, but everyone was thinking that they were going to be asleep for this one.
Soooo glad that Anthony Smith decided to wake them up..... :(
I hope he gets cut during the off-season. Pittsburgh does not need an idiot like that on the team. Much less an idiot that bites on playaction from the 2nd worst rushing offense in the league.
That's the thing that bugged me the most. He's not only going to guarantee a win (which you cannot do in the NFL anyway), but he's going to do it against New England? Okay, his mistake. But then he doesn't even play well, instead playing horribly? And their gadget play was a play that HE were responsible for defending and instead, he got burned on?
He also bit very badly on a play that shouldn't have had any threat anyway. The Patriots don't run the ball well at all. Why would he bite on that, leaving Randy Moss to get WIDE FREAKING OPEN over the top?
That's the thing that bugged me the most. He's not only going to guarantee a win (which you cannot do in the NFL anyway), but he's going to do it against New England? Okay, his mistake. But then he doesn't even play well, instead playing horribly? And their gadget play was a play that HE were responsible for defending and instead, he got burned on?
He also bit very badly on a play that shouldn't have had any threat anyway. The Patriots don't run the ball well at all. Why would he bite on that, leaving Randy Moss to get WIDE FREAKING OPEN over the top?
Having watched the game in the bar, I can say with authority that it wasn't just those two plays that he wasn't where he was supposed to be. Part of me wants to believe that the Pats designed their plays to make him look stupid, but cmon, at what point do you learn to play safe as a.......hmmmmm....SAFETY???
Ugh....I know, I know, I shouldn't hate on a player from my own team, but I seriously don't want him to see the field again. If he learns from this, and catches 2 or 3 picks next week, and becomes dependable for the playoffs, then by all means, I want him to stay. But if we get more of the same from this kid, I want him gone. Pittsburgh can do better than him.
stark's heir
12/10/2007, 20:52
Having watched the game in the bar, I can say with authority that it wasn't just those two plays that he wasn't where he was supposed to be. Part of me wants to believe that the Pats designed their plays to make him look stupid, but cmon, at what point do you learn to play safe as a.......hmmmmm....SAFETY???
Ugh....I know, I know, I shouldn't hate on a player from my own team, but I seriously don't want him to see the field again. If he learns from this, and catches 2 or 3 picks next week, and becomes dependable for the playoffs, then by all means, I want him to stay. But if we get more of the same from this kid, I want him gone. Pittsburgh can do better than him.
Agreed - I wouldn't mind seeing him on the chopping block, but I don't think it'll happen before the year is up...
stark's heir
12/11/2007, 14:26
3 more days until I leave...and its looking like snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stark's heir
12/12/2007, 15:43
LOL!!!!!!
4 NFL fans climb to the top of a mountain. The Dallas fan screams "I Love You, Cowboys!" and then climbs back down the mountain. Next is the Eagles fan who promptly yells "Eagles are #1!!", then climbs down the mountain. The Steelers fan then stands up and exclaims "This is for the rest of the NFL!" and then proceeds to push the Patriots fan off the mountian top.
LOL!!!!!!
4 NFL fans climb to the top of a mountain. The Dallas fan screams "I Love You, Cowboys!" and then climbs back down the mountain. Next is the Eagles fan who promptly yells "Eagles are #1!!", then climbs down the mountain. The Steelers fan then stands up and exclaims "This is for the rest of the NFL!" and then proceeds to push the Patriots fan off the mountian top.
yeahyeah. Have your fun.
13 and oh pal, 13 and oh. :laugh:
mike_houghton
12/12/2007, 17:50
lets hope the browns go 3 and 0 and the steelers go 1 an 2
LOL!!!!!!
4 NFL fans climb to the top of a mountain. The Dallas fan screams "I Love You, Cowboys!" and then climbs back down the mountain. Next is the Eagles fan who promptly yells "Eagles are #1!!", then climbs down the mountain. The Steelers fan then stands up and exclaims "This is for the rest of the NFL!" and then proceeds to push the Patriots fan off the mountian top.
How's that going to happen?
The Pats are one a whole separate mountain my friend. :p
stark's heir
12/13/2007, 10:41
Steelers go 3-0 throughout remainder of the reg season. You heard it here first.
spiderman9797
12/16/2007, 17:38
Steelers go 3-0 throughout remainder of the reg season. You heard it here first.
So much for THAT idea.;)
This just isn't the year, I'm afraid. The Browns still might take the division title from us, guys.
The Jags have ALWAYS given us trouble, however. That's one very tough football team this year, on top of it all.
Steelers still need two things:
1.Tall, lanky receiver with hands.
2. A new Bus. If they could get a draft pick from someone so they can draft McFadden.......:noid:
stark's heir
12/17/2007, 20:09
So much for THAT idea.;)
Ugh...that was painful. We were going to win and then Tomlin sent in the All-Girls Choir instead of the regular D-Line. :cheeky: Ah yes...nothing to do Sun afternoon but drink and drink some more...
I still say we win the Division, but honestly, most folks in the 'Burgh feel the team will be done after the Wild-Card game, whomever the opponent may be.
And yes, FWP is just not big enough to smash through a line - he is sooo much better bouncing to the outside. (except when he slips... :p)
stark's heir
12/19/2007, 20:23
A. Smith was benched in favor of Tyrone Carter. Thumbs-up coaches.
I had actually forgotten how he waived off Coach LeBeau last year...what a jerkstore.
bigkahuna83
12/20/2007, 14:21
I'm off to St. Louis for tonights game!
The Steelers will have more fans tonight than the Rams!
Time to kick some Arse!
Here We Go Steelers...Here WE GO!
stark's heir
12/21/2007, 15:30
Good Win! I was actually able to watch some of the game on NFL.com NFL network really sucks. I don't who is worse - Gumball or "Lookatme" Deion.
stark's heir
12/28/2007, 15:29
Roethlisberger was chosen as the AFC Offensive player of the week for going 16-of-20 for 261 yards and three touchdowns against St. Louis. He also had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 for the second time this season.
stark's heir
12/30/2007, 20:01
Well, that Steelers Pre-Season game was ugly today.
The new season starts Sat Night!
bigkahuna83
12/31/2007, 10:47
i couldn't watch that game...Once I saw they were not giving it their best effort to win and they were just not into the game whatsoever I had to switch to a game where both teams were trying to win.
bigkahuna83
12/31/2007, 14:16
Bilick finally fired in Baltimore!
now they may actually get better!!! Curses ;)
stark's heir
01/05/2008, 09:11
Bilick finally fired in Baltimore!
now they may actually get better!!! Curses ;)
As long as Cowher doesn't get lured out of retirement...I don't think he will, but one never knows. T-minus 11 hrs 'til kickoff...
stark's heir
01/05/2008, 18:43
Turn down the sound on the TV and turn up DVE.com for Steelers Pre-Game talk! (just a head's up, though, DVE isn't allowed to broadcast the game over the Web.)
Frontman
01/06/2008, 01:04
Can someone check on Stark's heir?
That was a TOUGH loss, SH. I wanted the Steelers to advance, as I think Jacksonville may be the only bump in the Patriots road to return to the Superbowl (and I for one want to see a perfect season; if no other reason than to shut up the '72 Dolphins.)
drzoidberg1599
01/06/2008, 01:10
(and I for one want to see a perfect season; if no other reason than to shut up the '72 Dolphins.)
I agree 100%! Did you see the Mercury Morris interview on ESPN? He always makes excuses about why a team can never be as good as his. "dont call me when youre in my neighborhood call me when youre on my block". Well now theyre on your block, theyre undefeated in the regular season. "they arent as good as us cause we won the Super Bowl and they havent". THEY WENT UNDEFEATED! Give em some damn credit! If they do win the Super Bowl (which I think they will) I want the Pats to hang Mercury Morris up like a pinata so we all can swing away!
spiderman9797
01/06/2008, 01:12
Can someone check on Stark's heir?
That was a TOUGH loss, SH. I wanted the Steelers to advance, as I think Jacksonville may be the only bump in the Patriots road to return to the Superbowl (and I for one want to see a perfect season; if no other reason than to shut up the '72 Dolphins.)
I'm the same way, in the "perfect season" part. However, I did want Jacksonville to advance because I want to see a good game, and I believe that they can beat the Patriots.
And if they beat the Patriots, I'll like them a lot more and they deserve it. If they don't, then the Patriots are as battle-tested as they come.
But I really think that the Patriots are the best team in NFL history, and I really really want to shut the '72 Dolphins up. I think there are at least 3 teams that are better than the '72 Dolphins.
spiderman9797
01/06/2008, 02:39
On a fairly related note, man I like Mike Tomlin.
I'm not a big Steelers fan (although I really don't have anything against them, I'm just kinda indifferent on them), but Mike Tomlin makes me like that team. He handles himself on the podium, his team in the locker room, and his team on the field so well and he just has the personality and everything that I would want in a coach that was coaching my team.
I would have voted either him, or Jack Del Rio as coach of the year.
stark's heir
01/06/2008, 10:22
Steelers Special Teams to Jags - "They knew who we were and we let them off the hook!"
Ah, well, another year down... I really thought we had them. I was watching the game with my daughter (she's a Jags fan...long story...) and while the Steelers were coming back, she was getting down about the Jags losing and I had to remind her that no matter who won the game it was a good game. Then I had to remind her to be a good sport as Ben fumbled the ball...
We stayed up and saw Del Rio and Garrard be gracious, then Ben and Tomlin man-up at the press conferences.
Proud Member of Steeler Nation!
Frontman
01/06/2008, 11:10
Well, my high school colors were black and yellow, so I've always had an affinity for the Steelers, but Tomlin, Big Ben, Hines Ward, Willie Parker and Najea Davenport; there are a lot of reasons to like that team. They've had 3 coaches my entire life; that says something about teamwork and loyalty.
We'll see what Jacksonville can bring, if they get a shot next weet at New England.
Frontman
01/06/2008, 11:16
Checking the Football HoF records.
I don't see an entry for Mercury Morris. They must of overlooked him.
Oh wait, he wasn't THAT good. Funny that Moss, Brady, and others from the Patriots will be enshrined; but can you even name who was inducted from that team besides Don Shula?
Mercury Morris isn't among the HoF inductees.
stark's heir
01/07/2008, 07:33
Checking the Football HoF records.
I don't see an entry for Mercury Morris. They must of overlooked him.
Oh wait, he wasn't THAT good. Funny that Moss, Brady, and others from the Patriots will be enshrined; but can you even name who was inducted from that team besides Don Shula?
Mercury Morris isn't among the HoF inductees.
And why are we talking about The Patsies here...?!? :confused:
I wish I could say I was disappointed by that game, but I can't say I was. This season's been rather disappointing, and I think we all got the outcome we foresaw, deep down inside. And despite my fandom for the Steelers, I'm still an NFL fan first, and I feel the Browns deserved the playoff spot more. Furthermore, I think the Browns would have whipped the Jags badly.
The Steelers need two things next year:
1. A Tall receiver, or one with major hops.
2. a #1 power back.
I love Willie, Hines, and Santonio, but you just can't ignore the weakness this offense has. We can't make short yardage gains, and we can't throw the deep ball, because our receivers are all quick, short yard receivers. Nate Washington and Heath Miller seem to be our deepest receivers, and that's not particularly good. We never spread out the opponent's defense, ever.
As for our own defense, we just had a lot of injuries. Same happened with our O-line.
stark's heir
01/07/2008, 21:37
I wish I could say I was disappointed by that game, but I can't say I was. This season's been rather disappointing, and I think we all got the outcome we foresaw, deep down inside. And despite my fandom for the Steelers, I'm still an NFL fan first, and I feel the Browns deserved the playoff spot more. Furthermore, I think the Browns would have whipped the Jags badly.
The Steelers need two things next year:
1. A Tall receiver, or one with major hops.
2. a #1 power back.
I love Willie, Hines, and Santonio, but you just can't ignore the weakness this offense has. We can't make short yardage gains, and we can't throw the deep ball, because our receivers are all quick, short yard receivers. Nate Washington and Heath Miller seem to be our deepest receivers, and that's not particularly good. We never spread out the opponent's defense, ever.
As for our own defense, we just had a lot of injuries. Same happened with our O-line.
1. WR's are fine, IMO. Yeah, Hines isn't the tallest guy in the neighborhood, but he's an excellent go-to slot receiver. Heath was used more and more as the season went along, and I see that continuing next year. Nothing wrong with dinkin' and dunkin' your way down the field. As long as they move the chains...
2. FWP will be back quickly enough and I doubt he'll lose anything. He just needs to get to the outside to be effective and with the D-line in his face or tackling his ankles behind the line of scrimmage, that ain't gonna happen! Najeh is a decent short-yardage back (who can also break a big run...) and most of the time he's got great hands. Carey can be the guy in the future.
3. YES! Defense was injured most of the season...
4. O-Line is the problem as far I can see. It just wasn't stable... Did Ben really hold onto the ball too long all those times he got sacked? Or was he just not given the chance to release...? Mahan wasn't powerful or mean enough at center (man, I'd throw in part of my own cash for a Webster or Dawson again....) Unfortunately, I don't see the FA market or draft helping next year... Faneca was always nasty, but he couldn't do it alone...and the Rooneys aren't gonna pay what he wants.
5. Tomlin with a year under his belt will make better decisions and he prob has LeBeau for another year or two. People are calling for Arians head, but Tomlin has final say...QB draw with 6 yards to go?!?! Ben is tough, but he's sure as heck not fast...:p
6. Besides the O-Line, SPECIAL TEAMS HAS GOT TO GET ITS ACT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!! Rossum did okay for the most part, but that's only rec'ing the ball.
Just my opinion, I may be wrong...;)
absolutvt69
01/08/2008, 22:15
Am I the only person who thinks the Steelers coach looks like Omar Epps??
tchipley
01/08/2008, 23:47
Am I the only person who thinks the Steelers coach looks like Omar Epps??
Nope! :)......
1. WR's are fine, IMO. Yeah, Hines isn't the tallest guy in the neighborhood, but he's an excellent go-to slot receiver. Heath was used more and more as the season went along, and I see that continuing next year. Nothing wrong with dinkin' and dunkin' your way down the field. As long as they move the chains...
2. FWP will be back quickly enough and I doubt he'll lose anything. He just needs to get to the outside to be effective and with the D-line in his face or tackling his ankles behind the line of scrimmage, that ain't gonna happen! Najeh is a decent short-yardage back (who can also break a big run...) and most of the time he's got great hands. Carey can be the guy in the future.
I don't think you understand that in order for FWP to have more success to the outside, the defense has to get stretched out. They're putting 8 in the box, and they're more than capable of defending the whole field that way. Ben never has a long ball to throw, and believe it or not, he's VERY GOOD at the long ball. He just hasn't had a tall receiver to throw the deep ball to, since Burress went to New York. Holmes isn't as fast as we all had hoped, he's not burning the coverage at the line of scrimmage, and Hines still is just a short yardage receiver. He's one of the most dependable in the business, but they don't have to move their corners back at all for him.
As a result, they run blitz the hell out of FWP all the time. It's hard to solo tackle FWP, due to his speed. But he only has that situation about 3 or 4 times a game, due to the way our offense works.
If we had grabbed Dwayne Bowe, you'd be seeing a radically successful offense. And there's going to be other decent receivers in the draft to grab. I'd trade Holmes to someone else for a draft pick.
3. YES! Defense was injured most of the season...
4. O-Line is the problem as far I can see. It just wasn't stable... Did Ben really hold onto the ball too long all those times he got sacked? Or was he just not given the chance to release...? Mahan wasn't powerful or mean enough at center (man, I'd throw in part of my own cash for a Webster or Dawson again....) Unfortunately, I don't see the FA market or draft helping next year... Faneca was always nasty, but he couldn't do it alone...and the Rooneys aren't gonna pay what he wants.
I HEART Alan Faneca, and I'm really sad that he's probably going to be facing retirement now.
5. Tomlin with a year under his belt will make better decisions and he prob has LeBeau for another year or two. People are calling for Arians head, but Tomlin has final say...QB draw with 6 yards to go?!?! Ben is tough, but he's sure as heck not fast...:p
6. Besides the O-Line, SPECIAL TEAMS HAS GOT TO GET ITS ACT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!! Rossum did okay for the most part, but that's only rec'ing the ball.
Just my opinion, I may be wrong...;)
I like Mike Tomlin, for what he does for this football team's defense. Until mid-season, we had some STAGGERING numbers on there. But I hate what he does for the offense, and general football strategy. Sadly, I don't think it's something he can improve upon, because a lot of it is common sense. He should have known it when he started the job.
stark's heir
01/09/2008, 17:48
I HEART Alan Faneca, and I'm really sad that he's probably going to be facing retirement now.
I think Faneca is hoping for a bigger paycheck, not a retirement watch...:cheeky:
The Good News? ESPN reported today that Bruce and Dick (No, not that Dick and Bruce... ;) ) will both be back next season.
stark's heir
01/10/2008, 09:00
Steelers schedule discussion for '08:
The Steelers are scheduled to play every member of the AFC South and NFC East, two divisions that didn't have a sub-.500 team among them in 2007. The Texans (8-8), Colts (13-3), Cowboys (13-3), and Giants (10-6) will all visit Heinz Field, while the Black and Gold will travel to meet the Jaguars (11-5), Titans (10-6), Eagles (8-8), and Redskins (9-7).
In addition, by virtue of its first-place finish, Pittsburgh will play San Diego (11-5) at home and the Patriots (16-0) at Gillette Stadium.
In total, the Steelers will play eight games against teams that reached the playoffs this year, and that's before you get to any of the club's home-and- homes against its traditional AFC North foes.
Granted, a one or more of those teams could end up having a miserable year (Ravens and Miami this year), but it looks to be a "step-up" year in '08. Players stepping up for every game, coaches stepping up for every game, and even fans stepping up for every game (ashamedly, there were approx 1500 no-shows at the game last Sat night...).
I've already got my feelers out for Eagles and Redskins tickets as both games are within a days drive. My sister-in-law lives in Jax, and I've usually got a good shot at going to a game in Pittsburgh. :)
stark's heir
01/18/2008, 15:21
Sad news...
(from Steelers.com)
Ernie “Fats” Holmes, one of the anchors of Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" defense in the 1970s, has died in a car crash. He was 59.
A dispatcher with the Texas Department of Public Safety said Holmes was driving alone Thursday night when his car left the roadway and rolled over several times near Lumberton, about 16 miles north of Beaumont in Southeast Texas.
The department said Friday that Holmes was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the DPS said. Holmes lived in Wiergate, Texas.
stark's heir
01/30/2008, 14:14
WOW!!
Here's an awesome Lego building that may look a bit familiar...;)
Yinz know what I'm sayin'?! (http://www.burikmodeldesign.com/Heinz_Field.html)
stark's heir
02/17/2008, 14:39
For those interested, this publication is a decent read. I'm gonna be getting a 3yr subscription (includes an option to buy 2 Home Game tix. :)).
Steelers Digest (http://www.steelers.com/MediaContent/2008/02/08/07/SD_Specials_87105.pdf)
stark's heir
02/27/2008, 14:06
What a sad day...
RIP Myron Cope. (http://news.steelers.com/article/87345/)
stark's heir
02/29/2008, 09:16
Wave those Terrible Towels proudly today @12n EST to commemorate Myron Cope.
Not enough can be said about his success as a journalist.
Frontman
02/29/2008, 09:21
Wave those Terrible Towels proudly today @12n EST to commemorate Myron Cope.
Not enough can be said about his success as a journalist.
Myron to Pittsburgh is what Harry Carey was to Chicago; and Vin Scully is to LA.
You just don't get a better dipolmat and voice for a sport then guys like that.
RIP Myron. My son's Terrible Towel is put away, but if I can get to it; I'll get it out.
bigkahuna83
02/29/2008, 12:05
Thanks for everything Myron
You will be missed :(
bigkahuna83
03/03/2008, 12:08
Ben Gets PAID!
With a new contract
And Thanks for everything Alan Faneca, I would love to keep you on the team, but the $$$ just don't add up for the club. Good Luck in NY
stark's heir
03/04/2008, 11:23
Ben Gets PAID!
With a new contract
And Thanks for everything Alan Faneca, I would love to keep you on the team, but the $$$ just don't add up for the club. Good Luck in NY
Yeah - I know Faneca is a monster, but I just don't see him going full out for another 4 years. Especially if Pennington is behind him - he'll have to pass block for 10 sec instead of 3-4. :p
As far as Ben - its huge, but I think he'll be worth it in the end (as he's been worth it already).
I'm also excited about Mewelde (sp?) coming in to the backfield and return game. I see big things from him.
stark's heir
03/12/2008, 09:36
Uh-Oh. Harrison is in the news and it ain't good.
Thanks Thawmus... I didn't think the name looked correct when I typed it out yesterday. :nervous:
Uh-Oh. Farrior is in the news and it ain't good.
You sure you're talking about Farrior?
Methinks you mean Harrison....
stark's heir
03/20/2008, 10:14
Someone over on the Steelers Forums brought up this interesting point...
Some folks have been crying about the O-Line (myself included... :nervous:) for the past 2 years. What did we draft in the first 2 rounds last year? 2 LB's. This year there is (some would say) a glut of o-linemen.
Were the Steelers crazy like foxes?! Did they foresee this? They knew they still had Faneca for the '07 season.
If the cap is unlimited at some point in the near future, these will be the smart moves that helps a small-market (and some might say cheap...) team like Pittsburgh continue to remain a fairly good bet for Play-Off tickets.
spiderman9797
03/21/2008, 19:06
I hope to God that they don't ever make the salary cap unlimited.
stark's heir
04/02/2008, 14:11
This was in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette today:
Mike Pereira, the NFL's head of officiating, admitted yesterday that his crew working the Steelers-Jaguars playoff game erred in not calling a holding penalty against Jacksonville on a crucial play that allowed the Jaguars to kick the winning field goal.
Quarterback David Garrard scrambled on fourth-and-2 from the Steelers 43 and made the first down. Three plays later, Josh Scobee kicked a field goal, giving the Jaguars a 31-29 victory. Several Steelers players complained there was blatant holding on Garrard's run. Nearly three months later, Pereira agreed with them.
Tomlin declined to comment on Pereira's admission.
Can't help but wonder, What if...?
spiderman9797
04/02/2008, 20:34
What If? The Patriots would have beaten them again, that's what.
I don't think it changes the outcome of the AFC Playoffs, even a little bit, just that game.
stark's heir
04/02/2008, 21:21
What If? The Patriots would have beaten them again, that's what.
I don't think it changes the outcome of the AFC Playoffs, even a little bit, just that game.
You just shut your mouth!! :angry: One never knows...it could have been the Battle of the '04 Quarterbacks!
;)
stark's heir
04/09/2008, 21:31
A sad, sad, state of affairs and yet, I was laughing out loud when I read it...
Steelers | Team mascot charged with DUI
Jim McKinnon, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports Kenneth C. Hahey, one of the men who dresses as Steelers mascot Steely McBeam, has been charged with drunken driving and has been stripped of his mascot duties. Hahey can avoid a criminal record if he is accepted into the Allegheny County program for accelerated rehabilitation disposition. A hearing on his petition is scheduled for May 23. Hahey was arrested after he failed a field sobriety test. His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.173, more than twice the legal limit at which a driver is considered too drunk to drive.
:grin:
stark's heir
04/15/2008, 20:11
Can you smell it?!?!?!
New schedules are out!
Super Bowl XLIII Champs! (http://news.steelers.com/article/88377/)
stark's heir
05/05/2008, 21:43
Sheesh - tough week for Mendenhall...
First, he pulls up a lame hammy in practice, then he (and a girlfriend?) get robbed!
stark's heir
05/07/2008, 21:55
Whoa - I know to some its a non-issue, but this seems pretty damning...
Patsies Tapes (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/sports/football/08nfl.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin)
Can you smell it?!?!?!
New schedules are out!
Super Bowl XLIII Champs! (http://news.steelers.com/article/88377/)
That is an ugly freakin' schedule... :speechles
I mean...wow...just wow....I don't feel too good about this one...:ermm:
spiderman9797
05/16/2008, 21:10
What are the teams with losing records that they play? Cincinnati and Baltimore? And I believe that's it.
That is freaking ridiculous. Indy, Titans, Texans, Jags, Browns (twice), Pats, Chargers, 'Boys, Philly, Skins, and the Superbowl Champs?
That's crazy. Hell, and Baltimore's season last year does not indicate talent. That is a team that is never easy nor fun to play against.
Still, the Steelers are still the best team in their division.
stark's heir
05/18/2008, 19:43
What are the teams with losing records that they play? Cincinnati and Baltimore? And I believe that's it.
That is freaking ridiculous. Indy, Titans, Texans, Jags, Browns (twice), Pats, Chargers, 'Boys, Philly, Skins, and the Superbowl Champs?
That's crazy. Hell, and Baltimore's season last year does not indicate talent. That is a team that is never easy nor fun to play against.
Still, the Steelers are still the best team in their division.
And I hope they rise to the challenge! Too often last year, they played sub-par (IMO) football. I foresee at least a playoff seed come Dec...
spiderman9797
05/18/2008, 19:59
The Steelers have no glaring need besides Offensive Guard, really. And even then, they can move one of their centers there.
I just hope that they go back to the "Run first, pass later" theory that is Steeler's football. Last year, they passed the ball too much for a team with such a good running back and such a good run blocking O-Line (as well as a poor pass blocking O-Line).
stark's heir
05/19/2008, 16:33
The Steelers have no glaring need besides Offensive Guard, really. And even then, they can move one of their centers there.
I just hope that they go back to the "Run first, pass later" theory that is Steeler's football. Last year, they passed the ball too much for a team with such a good running back and such a good run blocking O-Line (as well as a poor pass blocking O-Line).
Well, there is something to be said for gaining the lead with a strong passing attack (Denver and Indy in '05...). I just hope the backs can pound the time and yards away when they are winning. FWP just couldn't get it going by himself all the time last year - I can only imagine what his yardage would have been had he not been held to games under 100 yds and broken his leg at the end of the season...
spiderman9797
05/21/2008, 21:08
Well I personally believe that Rashard Mendenhall was the best running back in this draft. He has very very good hands, great power, and excellent speed and elusiveness for his size. I don't personally like D-Mac, but I think Rashard was a top 10 pick for his talent. I think in 3 or 4 years, he will be an elite back in the NFL. So the Steelers getting him at wherever they did (23?) was just an incredible deal.
What's up there, though, is the fact that they got Limas Sweed late in the 2nd round. He was, yet again, my favorite wide receiver in the draft and in my opinion the best wideout in the draft. To be 6'5" and run a 4.4 and have as good hands as he does is great. IMO, he'll be the number 1 receiver on Pittsburgh in 3 years, maybe 2. Another steal.
The Steelers' passing game will be even better, and their running game (especially inside) is going to be phenomenal.
Well I personally believe that Rashard Mendenhall was the best running back in this draft. He has very very good hands, great power, and excellent speed and elusiveness for his size. I don't personally like D-Mac, but I think Rashard was a top 10 pick for his talent. I think in 3 or 4 years, he will be an elite back in the NFL. So the Steelers getting him at wherever they did (23?) was just an incredible deal.
What's up there, though, is the fact that they got Limas Sweed late in the 2nd round. He was, yet again, my favorite wide receiver in the draft and in my opinion the best wideout in the draft. To be 6'5" and run a 4.4 and have as good hands as he does is great. IMO, he'll be the number 1 receiver on Pittsburgh in 3 years, maybe 2. Another steal.
The Steelers' passing game will be even better, and their running game (especially inside) is going to be phenomenal.
I guess I haven't been paying attention during the off-season. :noid:
Those are two HUGE grabs for the Steelers. I've been saying for a long time that we need a fresh tall receiver with good hands. And a good running back to boot?
Leverage says you. I think I feel a change in the wind, says I. :devious:
spiderman9797
05/22/2008, 15:51
Yea, The Steelers did need a Wideout, even if he wasn't tall. Turns out, he is tall. And fast, too. I just don't like Santonio Homes as a #2. I don't think he's that good.
Limas, however, I believe is.
Yea, The Steelers did need a Wideout, even if he wasn't tall. Turns out, he is tall. And fast, too. I just don't like Santonio Homes as a #2. I don't think he's that good.
Limas, however, I believe is.
Well, I guess I've been crying for a tall wideout for a long time. Ever since Burress left, Ben hasn't seemed "on his game".
And I go crazy when everyone talks about it, because it's like nobody's noticing the coincidental change between pre-Burress and post-Burress.
You need tall receivers to stretch the field. I LOVE Hines Ward, but let's face it, he's not catching 55 yard passes. He's not tall enough for it. And I'm sorry that he got so upset when Ben finally said something about it to the press, and that he's having "Little Man Syndrome", but cmon. This is a physical sport, and your limitations on the field are limitations for the team.
Santonio Holmes should NEVER have been drafted by Pittsburgh. I have no idea why they did such a thing. I was absolutely livid the day they drafted him, because it made no sense at all. He's short, quick, and has hands. Great. We've already got Hines Ward for that. We ended up giving ourselves the great passing ability of......the Washington Redskins. :noid:
They should have traded Holmes away. They could have gotten some more picks, more cap room, and have been able to address the biggest problem they have right now- The offensive line.
There's plenty of teams that would take him right now, too. The Saints, Eagles, 49ers, Dolphins, Rams, and yes, even the Patriots are all teams that could benefit from a guy like Holmes right now. Putting him on the block would have been the smartest move they could ever make.
That all being said, I'm glad they got the guys they got. But they had a great way to fix all of their problems, and become an elite football team again, and blew it.
And now they have the hardest schedule on Earth? I'll try not to be a spoil sport this year, but I have no faith in this team right now. Safe to say, it pisses me off when a fan like me can see glaring problems, and the way to fix them, and a guy being paid millions of dollars a year, can't. :cheeky:
spiderman9797
05/23/2008, 18:24
I don't think the Saints would ever make a trade for him considering that Sean Payton believes their wide receiver corps is set for years to come. I would hope we wouldn't take him, either. Meachem is just as fast, taller, and has better hands (he was hurt all of last year, though).
I don't think that they needed a tall receiver to stretch the field, but rather a tall and fast receiver to stretch the field. Marques Colston, for instance, isn't terribly fast but he's very big and tall and he's not a receiver that stretches the field at all. He'll catch passes anywhere from 7 yards to 30 yards, but he's not gonna catch a 50 yard bomb because he's not fast enough to go deep like that.
Luckily for them, Limas is fast enough to go deep like that and tall enough to catch the high, jump passes as well.
stark's heir
07/02/2008, 14:47
Steelers Make-A-Wish (http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3462278&categoryId=2378529)
Choked me up a bit...what a classy organization.
stark's heir
07/08/2008, 21:21
Happy Birthday Jack Lambert!!
stark's heir
07/28/2008, 22:36
Training Camp has arrived!!
stark's heir
07/29/2008, 21:23
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! (http://news.steelers.com/article/92210/)
In short - Sepulveda (our awesome 2nd year punter...) is out for the season! :cry:
stark's heir
08/22/2008, 16:52
SATURDAY, 8pm on CBS!!!
Versus the Vikes...
Hopefully they'll come out of this game looking strong and willful. The Vikings look to be pretty decent.
stark's heir
08/26/2008, 08:51
This -->Fumble Alert!! (http://news.steelers.com/article/94172/) had me laughing out loud!!
Classic.
In other rumors, Ben has a hurt arm? Prob from the back-to-back sacks against the Vikes...
Hartwig is now Center. Good. Now get the man some reps!
stark's heir
09/09/2008, 08:54
Great 1st Win!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yEsIPyOODo&feature=related)
Gentlegamer
09/09/2008, 10:11
Steelers play Cowboys this season, right?
stark's heir
09/12/2008, 08:44
Steelers play Cowboys this season, right?
Yup! Game is Dec 7th @ 4:15pm in Pittsburgh. A week after traveling to New England and a week before traveling to Baltimore...
Were you hearing the injury list Tomlin was giving out after the game last night?
Mendenhal and Simmons are both on IR.
stark's heir
09/30/2008, 11:54
Yeah - the first thought that popped into my head was "I hope they don't go and bring Alexander in there..." (not sure if he's still avail or not). I also couldn't help but chuckle when Tomlin stated (after addressing the RB situation...) that he wasn't gonna do it with a smile on his face.
I think FWP will be back for the game after the BYE wk. Gonna be an extremely tough game next week - not as tough as being forced to listen to Collingsworth*less* and Keith Oberman - Sun night in Jax.
Hopefully, the Steelers will be 4-1 going to the BYE, but I'm gonna expect the worst...
stark's heir
10/07/2008, 07:33
Sweet! 4-1 and a BYE next week for Ben and others to get a rest. FWP should be back, but if not, "Moore is More" against the Bung-holes in Cincy on Oct 19. Some tough games ahead, but I still like our chances to go 12-4.
After that...
VS Giants (start the hype now - Ben VS Eli)
@ Washington
VS Colts
VS Chargers
VS Bung-holes
@ Patsies
VS Cowgirls
@ Ratbirds
@ Titans (...they'll have melted down loong before this game)
VS Browneyes
spiderman9797
10/07/2008, 18:05
Good luck to the Steelers to only lose 3 games in there. I believe they'll beat the Cowboys. Cowboys don't have enough defense and the Steelers can get to Tony.
But as for the Giants, Skins, Colts, Ravens, Titans, and even the Patriots? Those won't be easy at all. I'd say 4 or 5 losses between those 6 games.
Which still gets them into the playoffs in that division and in the playoffs, winning one game at a time is the only thing that matters. The Steelers have a solid shot at getting to the AFC championship.
stark's heir
10/08/2008, 06:11
Good luck to the Steelers to only lose 3 games in there. I believe they'll beat the Cowboys. Cowboys don't have enough defense and the Steelers can get to Tony.
But as for the Giants, Skins, Colts, Ravens, Titans, and even the Patriots? Those won't be easy at all. I'd say 4 or 5 losses between those 6 games.
Which still gets them into the playoffs in that division and in the playoffs, winning one game at a time is the only thing that matters. The Steelers have a solid shot at getting to the AFC championship.
The games I'm "worried about" are Giants, 'Skins, Patsies, Cowgirls, and Ratbirds. Unfortunately, I can see 3 losses coming out of those 5 games.
O-Line has to keep playing strong
spiderman9797
10/08/2008, 21:48
Anyone should be worried about the Cowboys, but I'm predicting now that the Steelers beat them. Pretty convincingly, too.
stark's heir
10/19/2008, 17:32
Too easy of a win today...but I'll take it!!
Get ready for all the "Ben VS Eli" talk ESPN is gonna smother us with!!
stark's heir
10/24/2008, 07:48
Stupid kid! Really - hire a freakin' driver. Do it at home. What am I talkin' about?
Holmes got busted for pot possession (a couple of blunts) while driving through Pittsburgh.
This ain't Cincy kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stark's heir
11/03/2008, 09:44
Big game tonight. Must win!!
stark's heir
11/07/2008, 07:30
Oh yeah! Colts are next...
I'm not very comfortable with our offense right now. Our defense is.....just...wow....
But our offense leaves something to be desired. The whole thing revolves around being able to stretch the field so Willie can run around everyone. But, that's not happening, for several reasons.
1. Ben's getting hit too much.
2. Ben's getting hit so much that he now has injuries, that may keep him on the bench for a while.
3. Sweed isn't catching the ball.
4. Ward and Holmes are too short to catch a jump ball.
5. Miller's out.
So, now we're looking at Byron Leftwich as the starting QB and.....
Look, don't get me wrong. I LIKE Byron Leftwich. He's an old friend of Ben's, he's a #1 draft pick, he's got a killer arm, blah blah blah. But the guy gets hurt. Very easily. And his throwing motion is the longest in the NFL. And he's playing behind the worst pass protection in the league right now. To say that this is set-up for disaster is an understatement.
Not looking forward to the Colts game. I think they're going to have serious problems keeping Leftwich in the game.
stark's heir
11/19/2008, 16:18
Hope the Bungles don't come ready to play Thurs night...I know they will though. Division game looking to knock the Steelers down a notch. Yeah - they'll definitely come to play. Home game though and I think Ben will have a "Big" night (TD-wise...). Defense will play shut-down as always!
Our defense is just.....stupid. I mean, it's one thing to be playing this well when you have a solid running game.
But when you play this well on D, and your offense sucks? That's some tremendous Defense.
I mean, even the scoreboard tells the story of the game against SD. The defense won that football game. And we're not even talking about preventing them from scoring, either. :confused:
stark's heir
12/01/2008, 21:19
With 4 games to go, its still not a lock, so the team can't let up!!
Dall-### next. Should be a "W" as long as the Defense destroys Romo and stuffs Barber...I've got faith in the Offense after the slop they played through yesterday!
stark's heir
12/08/2008, 15:58
On being asked to describe the Steelers offense thus far:
As quoted by YinzStillers on the PS boards..."I would call it the Tecmo Bowl Offense: only 4 different plays and the defense has a 25% chance of a sack."
LOL!!
I still see them beating the Ratbirds and even the Titans the next 2 weeks, but the offense needs to check out the tape of the Colts and Broncos games on the way to SB XL!!
stark's heir
12/29/2008, 17:54
The waiting game starts... With next weekend off (which Ben is gonna need badly...), I got to thinking about the possible opponents. Accordingly, we will face Miami, Colts, or Chargers.
Colts - Manning led this team through 9 straight wins and they didn't even need him against the Titans yesterday... Not sure if Sanders will be back, but this is the team I'd rather not like seeing the Steelers to face on Jan 11.
Chargers - Regardless of how they handled the Broncos yesterday, I really see these guys as having more bark than bite. LT is too hot and cold especially for the Pittsburgh Defense.
Miami - What a fun team to watch. Pennington was never really a big winner in NY, but this past season, he's become a decent "manager". I'm not sure if they'll get past the Ravens (I hope they do...), but if they do, I'm not worried for the Steelers in this match-up.
stark's heir
01/05/2009, 14:20
Harrison = Def Player of the Year!! Excellent! Good for him!
The Chargers huh? Well, they've gotta come East to play, outdoors, and (most likely...) on sloppy/ frozen real grass. Sproles was a monster against Indy and I really want to see him taken out (not necessarily on a stretcher...). Not worried in the least about LT, but the D needs to also contain Rivers' throws. As far as our Offense? No mistakes is the name of the game.
Willie Parker??????????
:laugh::laugh::laugh:
How good was it to see him back, and pounding through the line so easily?
And how about Big Ben??
Anyone else feeling good about this Steelers team now? Going up against a Ravens team that's running on fumes?
I am. :cool:
stark's heir
01/12/2009, 11:35
It all has to do with the O Line. Willie gets the blocks and finds the holes between the tackles. Ben has time to throw from the standing position.
I still can't get over this...SD had the ball for only 17 seconds during the 3rd quarter!
I'm feeling really good about the Championship game next week.
BudPalmer
01/12/2009, 12:08
I don't know about the Ravens running on fumes but now that San Diego is out, I have to change my want from the battle of teams that have no business being in the play-offs (Philly & San Diego) to a Pensylvania Super Bowl. That would be awesome (moreso if the Eagles won). ;)
I don't know about the Ravens running on fumes but now that San Diego is out, I have to change my want from the battle of teams that have no business being in the play-offs (Philly & San Diego) to a Pensylvania Super Bowl. That would be awesome (moreso if the Eagles won). ;)
Their defense is fine, but the Ravens offense is shot. Flacco is a terrific QB, but he's got nobody to play with right now. His lead receivers aren't catching the ball, his running backs are getting plugged up quickly and easily.
And the Steelers defense has a habit this year of making good players look awful. The Ravens aren't going to get to run the football, which means their defense is going to be on the field for a majority of the game. A lot of the LBs on that defense are getting pretty old, Ray Lewis being the biggest to note. They're a great football team, and I'm not going to count them out. But they're running on fumes. They played a knock-out, drag-out game with the Tennessee Titans.
If they win this game, they're not going to get a very good lead over the Steelers. Which is why I don't think they're going to pull it off. They don't have a healthy enough team to keep up that kind of effort in Heinz Field. Pittsburgh not only looked good last night, but they looked like they could play another game of football after they were done. That's kinda what I meant by all that. I don't want it to sound like the Ravens are a bad team or anything. I think this is one of the best Baltimore teams we've seen in years. And I shudder to think of what they're going to be next year, or the year after. Mostly because I hate them with a passion. :devious:
stark's heir
01/12/2009, 19:25
Good points Thawmus - I'm really surprised Flacco has lasted thus far. In college he was done after what?, 12 games? Now, he's heading into his 19th straight week of consecutive hard-nosed, cranked up football...
Good points Thawmus - I'm really surprised Flacco has lasted thus far. In college he was done after what?, 12 games? Now, he's heading into his 19th straight week of consecutive hard-nosed, cranked up football...
I think Flacco will be fine. Again, he's young, and I don't think I've really seen him have a bad day thus far. It'll be interesting to see how he handles the day when he finally comes back down to earth, as all Quarterbacks do, and whether he comes back out swinging again. I definitely enjoy watching him play.
But McClain has got nothing left in the tank. The overtime game with Pittsburgh took a terrible toll on his body. They had to help him off the field in that game, and he's still stretching after almost every play. He's beaten up. And Willis is not going to help him out, what with his 6 injuries he's suffered this year. Not to mention that he NEVER has a good day against Pittsburgh.
And, as you said, this team has not had a week off since week 2 of the regular season. That's almost unfair, IMHO.
I'm not saying that they won't show up. They will. They're the Baltimore Ravens, and they're one of the toughest teams in the NFL. No game against Baltimore is an easy one. But Baltimore either has to play a considerably different style of game than they're accustomed to, or they're going to lose. I don't see them beating Pittsburgh in an ugly drag-out game. Pittsburgh looks like they could play 3 or 4 games in a row, on the same day. And they have the RB's to make it happen now, too.
If I was a Baltimore fan, I'd want Flacco airing out the ball all day. I think he can play that kind of game, and I think Baltimore's playbook would have more options in any given game, if they asserted themselves as a team that could do that. They also need to pull their rooks off the bench, and use them in more 3 wide formations. Because as freakin' good as Mason and co. are, they showed on Saturday that they don't have anything left. Flacco made perfect deep throws to those guys, and they couldn't get enough speed to catch the ball. That's a timing issue that's offset by old guys getting too tired to keep up.
I dunno, that's just the call I'd make as an NFL fan. I'm probably wrong.
stark's heir
01/17/2009, 18:47
Not sure how old this is...
Steeler Universe! (http://www.wpxi.com/video/18499045/index.html)
stark's heir
01/18/2009, 10:12
For your consideration...
Members of the Steeler Nation know all too well the story of the Terrible Towel. It was a brainchild of beloved and dearly departed Myron Cope during the Noll Dynasty. The magic of the towel lasted beyond the retirement of Chuck Noll, maintained its staying power throughout the entire Cowher age, and is still going strong in the early years of the Tomlin era. The towels are manufactured in Wisconsin by Chippewa River Industries. Proceeds from the sale of the towels benefit Chippewa, which employs the mentally disabled, and helps to pay for their care. Myron Cope also collected royalties and donated all of them to the Allegheny Valley School , a special needs place where his autistic son is a resident. Before he died, Cope bequeathed the Towel rights to the school, ensuring proper care for his son and for many others.
What you may not know is that greed has found its way in to this benevolent endeavor. The NFL is quietly working on a promotion to produce larger towels for every other team in the league besides the Steelers. They plan to unveil this gimmick after the conference championships this week and push it through the super bowl. The plan is to market these towels and capture the enthusiasm of the super bowl contestants. To get things moving, free towels were handed out at every stadium during the divisional playoffs this week. You may have seen the Tennessee fans waving those powder blue things. Of course, they would not have brought their own.
Did anyone notice the complete backfire? All the home teams lost EXCEPT the Steelers!
This is why the Steelers need to win the Superbowl. The sanctity of the Terrible Towel must be preserved!
Also of note:
After the 2005 season members of the Cincinnati Bengals, AFC North division champs, stomped all over the Terrible Towel before their playoff game with the wild card Steelers. The Bengals still have not recovered from their loss that day. The Steelers went on to win their Fifth Super Bowl.
On Dec. 21, 2008 members of the Titans stomped on the towel. Three weeks later, the Titans took an early dismissal from the playoffs. Early on in that game with the Ravens, many fans were waving their freebie blue towels marked TITANS! Later, as the rain began to fall, and it got colder, they put the towels on their necks to stay warm. Appropriately, as the game went on, their necks began to tighten And their team choked.
If the Steelers win the Superbowl this year, they will have to win two games against teams named after birds. Then the opposing fans can use their new towels to clean up all the bird S&%#. Also, a Steeler Super Bowl victory will make the sacrilegious theft of the spirit of the Terrible Towel the worst marketing idea since the NFL network!
GO STILLERS !
Man oh MAN, what a game that was! I knew it was going to be hard hitting, but.....WTF??? Nearly every huge hit laid someone out for at least a quarter of play. I was half convinced that after the Clark/McGahee collision, that they had killed each other. But in all seriousness, I hope Willis is okay. That was really scary, that it took them that long to get him off the field. The involuntary twitching while he was on the cart didn't serve to calm my nerves, either. Apparently he can still move his arms and legs now, and is conscious, so that's good.
We gotta figure something out with this offense. Roethlisberger has a lot of awesome weapons, and he doesn't trust them. Sweed is the receiver they wanted to draft, they need to start trusting him. I know he had a couple bad deep plays, but if Hines can't come back, then the gameplan needs to change, and they need to get Sweed in gear. Miller didn't get the ball much, and neither did Washington. These two have been dependable receivers in past years, and they didn't get any trust tonight. I'm not sure I understand that.
Parker.....again, I'm not a fan of just using him for every single game, with every single opponent. He doesn't work against certain opponents. If he can't outrun them, then he can't produce. He can't outrun Baltimore. He should have been switched out with Moore when he had 11 carries for 20 yards. Moore is a heavier runner, and he has incredible hands.
Against Arizona, I think Parker will be fine, and I think Pittsburgh will have more luck on offense. But they need to score points against that team. Because as good as the Pittsburgh D is, they're going up against one of the best offenses this year. Plain and simple.
Can't wait for Feb. 1st. :cool:
Get Ready To Crack Open The Six-pack!!!
What a play from the Flyin' Hawiian. wOOT!
stark's heir
01/19/2009, 10:02
Going after a Golden Band for the Other Hand!!
Harpua - is the city still partying?
I didn't expect Willie to do more than he did against Balt. I'll take FWP against the Cards though! Where was Moore though? Sweed was sucktacular, but he redeemed himself in my eyes for that hit (block) he put on ...(drawing a blank). At least Colon only drew that 1 false start...:grin:
Any word on Ward? I've been flipping back and forth between the stations and haven't heard anything.
theanalogkid
01/19/2009, 13:51
From ESPN's site:http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3843412
theanalogkid
01/19/2009, 13:52
For those at work or such:
Steelers receiver Hines Ward suffered a slightly sprained MCL in his right knee during Sunday's AFC Championship Game but is expected to be ready for the Super Bowl in two weeks, the team said, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Ward said Sunday night that he intended to be ready for the Steelers' matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, "rain, sleet or snow." NFL.com Video
Watch highlights from the Pittsburgh Steelers' 23-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
"I will play," Ward said sternly Sunday night after Pittsburgh's 23-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. "Rain, sleet or snow, I will be there ... My knee is fine."
Ward got the Steelers off to a good start before getting injured. He caught three passes for 55 yards before his leg was twisted in the grass on his final catch by a tackle from Ravens cornerback Frank Walker.
Ward briefly returned to the game but was taken out again in the second quarter. He didn't return in the second half and now has two weeks to rest before Pittsburgh's next game in Tampa.
stark's heir
01/19/2009, 16:42
Its what I figured after seeing him "running" around testing the leg and still wearing pads... I really think he would have gone back into the game had the need arisen.
Well, looks like McGahee is okay. He's suffered a concussion and major whiplash, but he's going to recover.
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