Well, after a mere handful of posts here on Fullmetal Football, I've joined Blitzburgh Blog as a writer. Which is totally awesome, because now I don't have to make a website look good (because this one pretty clearly doesn't).
So, all future postings will be at this link. Go read our posts there!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
How to Watch Bye Week Football
Well, the Steelers aren't playing this week. It's still football season, somehow, but what do you do with a Steelerless Sunday? Well obviously, you keep watching football, for all the wrong reasons.
This week is the week you set aside to assess the rest of the league. More specifically, this is a good time to scope out the rest of the AFC this year. Game by game, here's who you, as a Steeler fan, should root for and why.
Denver @ Baltimore: You root for the Broncos. I know Mitch Berger plays for them now, and you want to root against him, but you always want Baltimore to lose, regardless of who they're playing. That's just a rule.
Houston @ Buffalo: Houston is 4-3. Buffalo is 3-4. If Buffalo wins, both teams are 4-4. If Houston wins, they're 5-3, bringing their wins up equal to the Steelers. That is simple unacceptable. Go Bills.
Cleveland @ Chicago: Does it even matter?
Miami @ New York Jets: Dolphins are 2-4 and the Jets are 4-3. Same reasons as before, go Dolphins.
San Fransisco @ Indianapolis: Conventional wisdom says to root for the Niners, because any NFC team taking a win from another AFC team is good news for the Steelers, but let's not even kid ourselves.
Oakland @ San Diego: Gotta root for Oakland, just because you know the Chargers want to make a late-season surge again. A loss here will come back to haunt them.
Jacksonville @ Tennessee: As weird as this feels... root for the Titans. Not that this matchup really matters at this point. Jags are 3-3, but they're weak anyway.
To be honest, the games this week aren't that interesting from a Steeler fan perspective. I mean, maybe you're the type that actually cares about Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field, or you might watch the Giants and the Eagles because the NFC East doesn't make you sick. Either way, I don't understand you. Monday Night we should be treated to a show, however, when the Falcons play the Saints. Hard to really dislike either team there.
Next week we get ready for the [hopefully] undefeated Broncos.
Here We Go.
This week is the week you set aside to assess the rest of the league. More specifically, this is a good time to scope out the rest of the AFC this year. Game by game, here's who you, as a Steeler fan, should root for and why.
Denver @ Baltimore: You root for the Broncos. I know Mitch Berger plays for them now, and you want to root against him, but you always want Baltimore to lose, regardless of who they're playing. That's just a rule.
Houston @ Buffalo: Houston is 4-3. Buffalo is 3-4. If Buffalo wins, both teams are 4-4. If Houston wins, they're 5-3, bringing their wins up equal to the Steelers. That is simple unacceptable. Go Bills.
Cleveland @ Chicago: Does it even matter?
Miami @ New York Jets: Dolphins are 2-4 and the Jets are 4-3. Same reasons as before, go Dolphins.
San Fransisco @ Indianapolis: Conventional wisdom says to root for the Niners, because any NFC team taking a win from another AFC team is good news for the Steelers, but let's not even kid ourselves.
Oakland @ San Diego: Gotta root for Oakland, just because you know the Chargers want to make a late-season surge again. A loss here will come back to haunt them.
Jacksonville @ Tennessee: As weird as this feels... root for the Titans. Not that this matchup really matters at this point. Jags are 3-3, but they're weak anyway.
To be honest, the games this week aren't that interesting from a Steeler fan perspective. I mean, maybe you're the type that actually cares about Brett Favre returning to Lambeau Field, or you might watch the Giants and the Eagles because the NFC East doesn't make you sick. Either way, I don't understand you. Monday Night we should be treated to a show, however, when the Falcons play the Saints. Hard to really dislike either team there.
Next week we get ready for the [hopefully] undefeated Broncos.
Here We Go.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Pro Bowl Ballot
Are you serious? I mean yeah, his real name IS Ivan. But even NFL.com has him listed as "Ike." In fact, I had to look him up to make sure his real name isn't Ike. His license plate is Ike 24 (Don't ask me how I know that). No one in the world knows who Ivan Taylor is.Well, in any case, go vote for Mr. Taylor for the Pro Bowl. The guy deserves it.
Nothing else for this post. Bye weeks are relaxing.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Can everyone stop whining about officiating?
Following both the Steelers and the Penguins, I hear a lot of whining from other fanbases. "The refs are just trying to give your team a win, Sidney Crosby is a crybaby, James Harrison is a thug and should be suspended, you always get every call just how you want it," etc. How about everyone takes a step back shuts up for once?
I could go two ways with this. The first thing I could do is point out every instance when James Harrison is headlocked and/or tackled by an offensive lineman and holding is not called. I could compare the number of times Ben has been hit late to the times it's actually been called (that count is at four, by the way). But then that puts me on the same level as the people I'm calling out.
So instead, I'm going to prove that a tripping call in the 4th quarter with several minutes left was, in fact, NOT what lost the game for the Vikings yesterday.
The scenario that the haters will give you is that the call nullified a touchdown, and that if the Vikings score there, somehow it is provable that the Steelers would have been unable to come back and the refs probably would have decided that play was enough and just ended the game there. Vikings win.
In all seriousness, someone made the argument to me yesterday that the result of that play changes momentum and play-calling for the rest of the game. And they're right. If the Vikings' score, they kick the ball back to the Steelers and the Steeler offense comes out to run their own plays to get the lead back. That didn't happen though. Instead, Favre fumbled the football and LaMarr Woodley returned it for a TD.
But as long as we're dealing in what-ifs, isn't it just as likely that the Steelers drove down and scored, kicked off, and say, forced a fumble on the kick return and scored again? That could just as easily have been the outcome, but we'd never know what would happen because the game didn't go that way. Bottom line is: that tripping call didn't prove anything in the final outcome. There was still plenty of time for both teams to adjust to whatever outcome.
But since everyone always has to blame SOMETHING, how about we look at a play that actually COULD have made the difference in the game? How about Brett Favre trying to drive down and score to take the lead, but instead of catching a pass, Chester Taylor tips the ball into Keyaron Fox's hands, and he returns it for a touchdown? If Taylor catches that pass, the drive stays alive and they have a chance to keep driving and score, which would most likely give them the win. He didn't though. Taylor (not the refs, here) made a mistake and it resulted in a Steelers' TD. Down 10 points with almost no time left, I'll go ahead and say THAT was the play that made the difference in the game.
This was a close game. The tripping call probably DID make a difference. In fact, it definitely did. Any number of scenarios were possible had it not been called, for either team. But what mattered more was the failure of the Vikings' offense on their final [meaningful] drive. So everyone can whine and complain about one penalty all they want. But I know the Vikings could have overcome it to win. They simply didn't, and they lost the football game for it.
Bye week coming up. If I find time between class, papers, and exams, I'll try to cover some more NFL stuff over the next two weeks than I have been lately.
Here We Go.
I could go two ways with this. The first thing I could do is point out every instance when James Harrison is headlocked and/or tackled by an offensive lineman and holding is not called. I could compare the number of times Ben has been hit late to the times it's actually been called (that count is at four, by the way). But then that puts me on the same level as the people I'm calling out.
So instead, I'm going to prove that a tripping call in the 4th quarter with several minutes left was, in fact, NOT what lost the game for the Vikings yesterday.
The scenario that the haters will give you is that the call nullified a touchdown, and that if the Vikings score there, somehow it is provable that the Steelers would have been unable to come back and the refs probably would have decided that play was enough and just ended the game there. Vikings win.
In all seriousness, someone made the argument to me yesterday that the result of that play changes momentum and play-calling for the rest of the game. And they're right. If the Vikings' score, they kick the ball back to the Steelers and the Steeler offense comes out to run their own plays to get the lead back. That didn't happen though. Instead, Favre fumbled the football and LaMarr Woodley returned it for a TD.
But as long as we're dealing in what-ifs, isn't it just as likely that the Steelers drove down and scored, kicked off, and say, forced a fumble on the kick return and scored again? That could just as easily have been the outcome, but we'd never know what would happen because the game didn't go that way. Bottom line is: that tripping call didn't prove anything in the final outcome. There was still plenty of time for both teams to adjust to whatever outcome.
But since everyone always has to blame SOMETHING, how about we look at a play that actually COULD have made the difference in the game? How about Brett Favre trying to drive down and score to take the lead, but instead of catching a pass, Chester Taylor tips the ball into Keyaron Fox's hands, and he returns it for a touchdown? If Taylor catches that pass, the drive stays alive and they have a chance to keep driving and score, which would most likely give them the win. He didn't though. Taylor (not the refs, here) made a mistake and it resulted in a Steelers' TD. Down 10 points with almost no time left, I'll go ahead and say THAT was the play that made the difference in the game.
This was a close game. The tripping call probably DID make a difference. In fact, it definitely did. Any number of scenarios were possible had it not been called, for either team. But what mattered more was the failure of the Vikings' offense on their final [meaningful] drive. So everyone can whine and complain about one penalty all they want. But I know the Vikings could have overcome it to win. They simply didn't, and they lost the football game for it.
Bye week coming up. If I find time between class, papers, and exams, I'll try to cover some more NFL stuff over the next two weeks than I have been lately.
Here We Go.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Week 6 News/Preview
Okay, it's been a few days. Or a week. Whatever. Anyway, we have some developments to take a look at.
First thing's first, Troy Polamalu returns this week. It's still only the Browns, but I'm nervous when Troy isn't in the game. I'm kind of hoping this fixes the second-half defense issue. I know it's a bit much to hope for, but Penguins fans remember last year when Sergei Gonchar returned to the powerplay unit. One player CAN have a heck of an impact.
Unfortunately, one player returning to the defense comes at the loss of another. We won't be seeing Aaron Smith until next preseason. Losing #91 won't be as big of an issue as people will make it out to be. Everyone talks about how underrated Aaron Smith is, and while I believe he doesn't get half the attention he deserves, I also think that he's so underrated he's starting to become overrated. He isn't the cornerstone of the Steelers' defense. He's good, but he's aging and he's replaceable. The Steelers actually already prepared for something like this, way back in April...
Enter Ziggy Hood. This is your shot, kid. First round pick, getting a chance to play DE around some of the best defensive players in the league? Let's see what you've got. It's what you're here for, now show us you can deliver.
I'm not expecting Hood to get a 5-sack game or anything. Ideally, he'll step in and we won't hear much about Jamal Lewis this week. I know the Steelers don't usually play their rookies too much, following that old-school "sit behind a veteran for a year" technique, and there's nothing wrong with that, but as a rookie, it will be easier to break in at DE than, say, safety or left tackle. Now we pretty much just have to watch and see if this guy will be able to take over in the future.
There's one other concern I have on defense. LaMarr Woodley. I've been trying to keep track of him and find an explanation for his lack of QB pressure. James Harrison managed to get his defensive player of the week award, but Woodley looked lost against Detroit. Post Game Heroes broke down Woodley's performance against San Diego, and from their analysis, he hasn't been generating pressure because he hasn't been called to rush in that many plays. That wasn't always the case in Detroit. He was trying to get pressure, especially late in the game, and he wasn't even pushing his tackle at all. It's hard to tell what it is that's holding him back. Is he injured? Is he out of shape? I don't know, but it had better improve sometime soon.
I think the Lions game showed us that the Steelers can't overlook anyone this year. They beat Detroit, but they nearly gave up another late drive. Now we have the Browns, and the Browns are certainly not a scary team, but every game matters.
I'd start to break down what the Browns bring to the table but I still can't do it with a straight face. Their only offensive weapon is a kick returner and I don't know if I can name one of their DBs off the top of my head. I guess they'll drop a few less passes as a team with Braylon Edwards now screwing up with the New York Jets, but if that's really the highlight of their team so far... It's tough to think the Steelers will have to make a game out of this one.
Even still. Every game matters. Steelers need to play well to win.
Here We Go.
First thing's first, Troy Polamalu returns this week. It's still only the Browns, but I'm nervous when Troy isn't in the game. I'm kind of hoping this fixes the second-half defense issue. I know it's a bit much to hope for, but Penguins fans remember last year when Sergei Gonchar returned to the powerplay unit. One player CAN have a heck of an impact.
Unfortunately, one player returning to the defense comes at the loss of another. We won't be seeing Aaron Smith until next preseason. Losing #91 won't be as big of an issue as people will make it out to be. Everyone talks about how underrated Aaron Smith is, and while I believe he doesn't get half the attention he deserves, I also think that he's so underrated he's starting to become overrated. He isn't the cornerstone of the Steelers' defense. He's good, but he's aging and he's replaceable. The Steelers actually already prepared for something like this, way back in April...
Enter Ziggy Hood. This is your shot, kid. First round pick, getting a chance to play DE around some of the best defensive players in the league? Let's see what you've got. It's what you're here for, now show us you can deliver.I'm not expecting Hood to get a 5-sack game or anything. Ideally, he'll step in and we won't hear much about Jamal Lewis this week. I know the Steelers don't usually play their rookies too much, following that old-school "sit behind a veteran for a year" technique, and there's nothing wrong with that, but as a rookie, it will be easier to break in at DE than, say, safety or left tackle. Now we pretty much just have to watch and see if this guy will be able to take over in the future.
There's one other concern I have on defense. LaMarr Woodley. I've been trying to keep track of him and find an explanation for his lack of QB pressure. James Harrison managed to get his defensive player of the week award, but Woodley looked lost against Detroit. Post Game Heroes broke down Woodley's performance against San Diego, and from their analysis, he hasn't been generating pressure because he hasn't been called to rush in that many plays. That wasn't always the case in Detroit. He was trying to get pressure, especially late in the game, and he wasn't even pushing his tackle at all. It's hard to tell what it is that's holding him back. Is he injured? Is he out of shape? I don't know, but it had better improve sometime soon.
I think the Lions game showed us that the Steelers can't overlook anyone this year. They beat Detroit, but they nearly gave up another late drive. Now we have the Browns, and the Browns are certainly not a scary team, but every game matters.
I'd start to break down what the Browns bring to the table but I still can't do it with a straight face. Their only offensive weapon is a kick returner and I don't know if I can name one of their DBs off the top of my head. I guess they'll drop a few less passes as a team with Braylon Edwards now screwing up with the New York Jets, but if that's really the highlight of their team so far... It's tough to think the Steelers will have to make a game out of this one.
Even still. Every game matters. Steelers need to play well to win.
Here We Go.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Week 5 Preview
So this week we get to watch the Steelers play the Lions. Yawn city. The only thing worth taking note of is that Troy Polamalu will likely be healthy enough to play. Of course, this is on par with a minor league scrimmage game, and Troy could probably use another week or two to get back to 100% and the Steelers should still roll through a few easy games.
The only other storyline for this game is Larry Foote hosting the team he won two Superbowls with. The only way that could have less impact is if Mitch Berger were talking about it. So let's take a look around the rest of the league this week. The quarter-season mark is usually where QBs get benched and coaches get fired, so surely we'll find something good to talk about.
Right now the Ravens and Bengals are tied for 1st in the AFC North, but only Cincinnati is impressive with it. This team is supposed to be awful but here they are in contention with probably the two best teams in the NFL. The Browns are still a joke.
Indianapolis takes on Tennessee tonight. Isn't this supposed to be a marquee matchup? How has Tennessee not won yet? It's no surprise that the Colts are 4-0, and they seem ready to cruise to 5-0. How long until Vince Young is back in at QB?
No one has a clue what the deal is with the AFC West. Denver is undefeated, San Diego is sitting at .500. Bizarre division. Chargers will still win it and make their Superbowl bid this year.
Who really cares about the NFC? I'm rooting for New Orleans, but it's tough to care about teams that have nothing to do with the Steelers. In another story, the Redskins' next loss will be Jim Zorn's last game as a head coach. Mark it.
I'll go more into the Detroit/Pittsburgh matchup tomorrow.
Here We Go.
The only other storyline for this game is Larry Foote hosting the team he won two Superbowls with. The only way that could have less impact is if Mitch Berger were talking about it. So let's take a look around the rest of the league this week. The quarter-season mark is usually where QBs get benched and coaches get fired, so surely we'll find something good to talk about.
Right now the Ravens and Bengals are tied for 1st in the AFC North, but only Cincinnati is impressive with it. This team is supposed to be awful but here they are in contention with probably the two best teams in the NFL. The Browns are still a joke.
Indianapolis takes on Tennessee tonight. Isn't this supposed to be a marquee matchup? How has Tennessee not won yet? It's no surprise that the Colts are 4-0, and they seem ready to cruise to 5-0. How long until Vince Young is back in at QB?
No one has a clue what the deal is with the AFC West. Denver is undefeated, San Diego is sitting at .500. Bizarre division. Chargers will still win it and make their Superbowl bid this year.
Who really cares about the NFC? I'm rooting for New Orleans, but it's tough to care about teams that have nothing to do with the Steelers. In another story, the Redskins' next loss will be Jim Zorn's last game as a head coach. Mark it.
I'll go more into the Detroit/Pittsburgh matchup tomorrow.
Here We Go.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Closer than it should have been. Steelers win!
Well that wasn't exactly easy on the nerves at the end there. But how nice was the first half, watching the Steelers steamroll the Chargers en route to a 28-0 lead, and seeing the Steelers go up half a game on the Bolts? That could come in handy later. Let's recap:
1. Yes, the San Diego run defense is awful, but they made Rashard Mendenhall finally look like a first round draft pick. He was decisive, fast, and tough to bring down. That's what the proverbial "Steeler football" is about.
2. The offensive line showed up again. It's been a few games now. Is it time to admit that they might be good? I'd love to see them play that well against a more formidable defense.
3. I see we have opened up the old Whisenhunt bag of tricks. Twice. The play that stands out is Moore's TD pass to Heath Money Miller late in the game (Looked an awful lot like Bettis to Tuman. Just sayin') but earlier, if you recall, Santonio Holmes took the ball on a reverse and was pretty clearly looking at someone downfield to throw to. Whoever he was looking at (we'll assume Hines Ward) was covered and he tucked the ball in and ran. Good decision, good option play. Related: How sweet of a pickup was Mewelde Moore that offseason?
4. There aren't words for how awesome Ben Roethlisberger is.
5. Not everything was sunshine and lollipops last night. How about this 4th quarter defense that has been absolutely porous for three weeks? Getting a team down 28-0 in a half should translate to an easy victory. Not with the Steelers. No, they have to bring every game down to the wire, it seems. For the first time in a long time, it was the offense that made up for the defense's shortcomings to hold onto this shootout win. At some point this is going to have to be fixed. If LeBeau can't work up a scheme without Polamalu covering everybody at once, it's not going to get easier. (That's a lie. We play Detroit and Cleveland the next two weeks. Things are getting easier already).
6. Special teams' absolute failure. Yeah, Jeff Reed made his field goal. There is more to special teams than kicking, however. First's thing's first: If you are Stefan Logan and you are fielding a punt with a huge-gantic lead late in the game, how do you not fair catch the ball? You're trying to run out the clock. Get your offense on the field to hand the ball off. There is no excuse for trying to run back that punt. Logan made a bad decision there and the Chargers capitalized. (By the way, no respect for anyone that blames the refs for not whistling it dead. If you blame the refs, you're making excuses. Play better football).
7. In addition to Logan's colossal decision-making failure, how about not even trying to cover an onside kick? A team with a tough offense and bad defense needs a few scores in five minutes and they are about to kick off. What do you THINK they're going to do? Kick it deep and just hand over the ball to you? No! Why Ryan Mundy and Patrick Bailey are the only players with a shot at that kick is beyond me. In that situation, your front line is Ward, Miller, Moore, Holmes, maybe even Dan Sepulveda, and anyone whose first name isn't Limas or Ike.
So the Steelers did pull off the win and they're one game behind in the AFC North. Nevertheless, there are a lot of adjustments to be made, especially regarding this late-game defense, which was supposed to be the Steelers' specialty last season. We have two games up next against Detroit and Cleveland, then Minnesota and our bye week. The Lions and Browns should be easy wins (Then again, so should Cincy have been) and by the time those are out of the way, Troy should be healthy again. The Steelers need to use these next two weeks to tune up their defensive game and get a few more wins under their collective belt. Stay the course.
Here We Go
1. Yes, the San Diego run defense is awful, but they made Rashard Mendenhall finally look like a first round draft pick. He was decisive, fast, and tough to bring down. That's what the proverbial "Steeler football" is about.
2. The offensive line showed up again. It's been a few games now. Is it time to admit that they might be good? I'd love to see them play that well against a more formidable defense.
3. I see we have opened up the old Whisenhunt bag of tricks. Twice. The play that stands out is Moore's TD pass to Heath Money Miller late in the game (Looked an awful lot like Bettis to Tuman. Just sayin') but earlier, if you recall, Santonio Holmes took the ball on a reverse and was pretty clearly looking at someone downfield to throw to. Whoever he was looking at (we'll assume Hines Ward) was covered and he tucked the ball in and ran. Good decision, good option play. Related: How sweet of a pickup was Mewelde Moore that offseason?
4. There aren't words for how awesome Ben Roethlisberger is.
5. Not everything was sunshine and lollipops last night. How about this 4th quarter defense that has been absolutely porous for three weeks? Getting a team down 28-0 in a half should translate to an easy victory. Not with the Steelers. No, they have to bring every game down to the wire, it seems. For the first time in a long time, it was the offense that made up for the defense's shortcomings to hold onto this shootout win. At some point this is going to have to be fixed. If LeBeau can't work up a scheme without Polamalu covering everybody at once, it's not going to get easier. (That's a lie. We play Detroit and Cleveland the next two weeks. Things are getting easier already).
6. Special teams' absolute failure. Yeah, Jeff Reed made his field goal. There is more to special teams than kicking, however. First's thing's first: If you are Stefan Logan and you are fielding a punt with a huge-gantic lead late in the game, how do you not fair catch the ball? You're trying to run out the clock. Get your offense on the field to hand the ball off. There is no excuse for trying to run back that punt. Logan made a bad decision there and the Chargers capitalized. (By the way, no respect for anyone that blames the refs for not whistling it dead. If you blame the refs, you're making excuses. Play better football).
7. In addition to Logan's colossal decision-making failure, how about not even trying to cover an onside kick? A team with a tough offense and bad defense needs a few scores in five minutes and they are about to kick off. What do you THINK they're going to do? Kick it deep and just hand over the ball to you? No! Why Ryan Mundy and Patrick Bailey are the only players with a shot at that kick is beyond me. In that situation, your front line is Ward, Miller, Moore, Holmes, maybe even Dan Sepulveda, and anyone whose first name isn't Limas or Ike.
So the Steelers did pull off the win and they're one game behind in the AFC North. Nevertheless, there are a lot of adjustments to be made, especially regarding this late-game defense, which was supposed to be the Steelers' specialty last season. We have two games up next against Detroit and Cleveland, then Minnesota and our bye week. The Lions and Browns should be easy wins (Then again, so should Cincy have been) and by the time those are out of the way, Troy should be healthy again. The Steelers need to use these next two weeks to tune up their defensive game and get a few more wins under their collective belt. Stay the course.
Here We Go
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Week 4: Big Day
The Steeler game tonight is huge and I don't need to tell you that. I meant to do kind of a Week 4 preview last night but I got wrapped up in the Pens game. So here's the lazy version, and it's the game that matters most this week that isn't happening in Heinz Field.
Baltimore @ New England.
Baltimore is undefeated. I mean they haven't played anyone of significance, but they look nearly unstoppable anyway. And with the Steelers sitting at 1-2, we can't afford for Baltimore to win another game before we do. Well, we CAN, but being down 3 games to the Ravens is a tough hole to climb out of.
This will not often be said on this blog. But go Patriots.
Here We Go.
Baltimore @ New England.
Baltimore is undefeated. I mean they haven't played anyone of significance, but they look nearly unstoppable anyway. And with the Steelers sitting at 1-2, we can't afford for Baltimore to win another game before we do. Well, we CAN, but being down 3 games to the Ravens is a tough hole to climb out of.
This will not often be said on this blog. But go Patriots.
Here We Go.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Now that it's blown over a little...
..Let's take a look at what this loss means and what went wrong.
1. First thing's first, Limas Sweed is looking more and more like a bust in important moments. I want him to succeed for the team's sake, but he is proving we can't count on him.
2. Ben Roethlisberger is still amazing. He threw one interception because Holmes ran the wrong way (Don't believe me? Ben didn't even look for a target. He took the snap and threw the ball to a spot. That's a timing play and Tone was breaking downfield instead of being where the ball was going) and it's hardly the QB's fault if the defender manages to run it back. Beyond that, his passes were all just about perfectly on target. His mobility is as strong as ever and when he gets outside the pocket we should just start expecting TDs.
3. What was with the early penalties on Hines Ward? Refs sending him a message perhaps? I don't know what that was about, but congratulations to the man for picking up his 10,000th career yard.
4. You've all heard about the defensive collapse and I'm sure you don't want me to make you re-live it either. Let's face it, the short passing game is destroying the defense. Teams have taken note and we can expect it to work all season. Our normally dominant pass-rushers won't have time to get any pressure if the secondary can't take care of those short inside routes. San Diego is probably going to run this system on every single snap next week. Antonio Gates and Darren Sproles as middle/underneath options? Yikes.
5. This season is looking like a test for Tomlin. We saw how he handled success for two years, but how will he handle a potential losing streak? Will he be able to focus his team and rebound? Obviously I say yes, but I have nothing to back that with.
6. Also, yeah, Tomlin went for it on 4th and 4 and didn't make it. Shut up about it already. If the Steelers convert that, Mike Tomlin is a genius who plays aggressively early to win. But they didn't so now Tomlin is a fool who makes bad decisions and may not be able to lead a football team. Let's get some consistency here, guys.
All things considered, this isn't panic mode yet. The Steelers are only 1-2. They could still mathematically finish 14-2 and the playoffs aren't in jeopardy until loss #5 or 6, really. This will not be an easy season, but has anyone ever had that luxury? All we can do is stay loyal and root for the Steelers to pull through.
Here We Go.
1. First thing's first, Limas Sweed is looking more and more like a bust in important moments. I want him to succeed for the team's sake, but he is proving we can't count on him.
2. Ben Roethlisberger is still amazing. He threw one interception because Holmes ran the wrong way (Don't believe me? Ben didn't even look for a target. He took the snap and threw the ball to a spot. That's a timing play and Tone was breaking downfield instead of being where the ball was going) and it's hardly the QB's fault if the defender manages to run it back. Beyond that, his passes were all just about perfectly on target. His mobility is as strong as ever and when he gets outside the pocket we should just start expecting TDs.
3. What was with the early penalties on Hines Ward? Refs sending him a message perhaps? I don't know what that was about, but congratulations to the man for picking up his 10,000th career yard.
4. You've all heard about the defensive collapse and I'm sure you don't want me to make you re-live it either. Let's face it, the short passing game is destroying the defense. Teams have taken note and we can expect it to work all season. Our normally dominant pass-rushers won't have time to get any pressure if the secondary can't take care of those short inside routes. San Diego is probably going to run this system on every single snap next week. Antonio Gates and Darren Sproles as middle/underneath options? Yikes.
5. This season is looking like a test for Tomlin. We saw how he handled success for two years, but how will he handle a potential losing streak? Will he be able to focus his team and rebound? Obviously I say yes, but I have nothing to back that with.
6. Also, yeah, Tomlin went for it on 4th and 4 and didn't make it. Shut up about it already. If the Steelers convert that, Mike Tomlin is a genius who plays aggressively early to win. But they didn't so now Tomlin is a fool who makes bad decisions and may not be able to lead a football team. Let's get some consistency here, guys.
All things considered, this isn't panic mode yet. The Steelers are only 1-2. They could still mathematically finish 14-2 and the playoffs aren't in jeopardy until loss #5 or 6, really. This will not be an easy season, but has anyone ever had that luxury? All we can do is stay loyal and root for the Steelers to pull through.
Here We Go.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
I am going to punch a baby
Limas Sweed.
Ball in his hands. In the end zone.
You don't drop that ball, Limas. You just don't.
There is no excuse for that kind of second half collapse. The Steelers have to find a way to stop the quick passing game. Limas Sweed needs to shape up.
I don't even know. I need a drink.
Ball in his hands. In the end zone.
You don't drop that ball, Limas. You just don't.
There is no excuse for that kind of second half collapse. The Steelers have to find a way to stop the quick passing game. Limas Sweed needs to shape up.
I don't even know. I need a drink.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Jay Cutler. Steelers lose.
I hate to do this, but the Steelers really did play well enough to win. Except for one. One player could have won the game, and didn't, while his Bears counterpart did. That player is Jeff Reed.
He knows it too.
Now I love Jeff Reed and I hate to blame him for a loss, and since I have a personal policy of not blaming the referees (not that that was an issue today) I need throw blame somewhere else. So in honor of this loss, I am making a new declaration: Jay Cutler is a Steeler-killer. Two years ago he tore it up against the Steeler defense and looked like an all-pro on Sunday night. Today wasn't quite the same but he still outplayed the Steeler defense.
I wasn't counting, but it seemed like the Steeler defense would get a guy or two in on Cutler only to miss him or just barely get a hand on him and see him escape to complete a pass, usually for a first down. I wonder if this is what it feels like to play Ben Roethlisberger? Either way, Jay Cutler more or less had his way with the defense today.
Did the lack of Troy Polamalu affect the defense's performance? Yes. Is it fair to use that as an excuse? Maybe. Cutler was finding the middle of the field wide open all day. Sometimes you wondered if the Steelers had simply forgotten to put in a replacement for 43. Still, I'd like to think that the defense can still win games without one or two players.
Speaking of, the Packers handled Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler handled the Steelers, and Cincinnati went into Lambeau Field today and came out with a win. Next week the Bengals are on the clock. Normally, as a Steeler fan, you kind of don't think about this game. But considering the chain I just mentioned, this matchup becomes a bit more interesting.
That's for another day though. One positive we can take from this Bears game is the improvement of the running game. Anyone else notice a few more holes opening up? Notice Parker breaking a few nice runs? Mendenhall improvising for a first down? All imprivements, and hopefully next week we can see even more from them.
Now there's a week to prepare for the Bengals. Bring it.
He knows it too.I wasn't counting, but it seemed like the Steeler defense would get a guy or two in on Cutler only to miss him or just barely get a hand on him and see him escape to complete a pass, usually for a first down. I wonder if this is what it feels like to play Ben Roethlisberger? Either way, Jay Cutler more or less had his way with the defense today.
Did the lack of Troy Polamalu affect the defense's performance? Yes. Is it fair to use that as an excuse? Maybe. Cutler was finding the middle of the field wide open all day. Sometimes you wondered if the Steelers had simply forgotten to put in a replacement for 43. Still, I'd like to think that the defense can still win games without one or two players.
Speaking of, the Packers handled Jay Cutler, Jay Cutler handled the Steelers, and Cincinnati went into Lambeau Field today and came out with a win. Next week the Bengals are on the clock. Normally, as a Steeler fan, you kind of don't think about this game. But considering the chain I just mentioned, this matchup becomes a bit more interesting.
That's for another day though. One positive we can take from this Bears game is the improvement of the running game. Anyone else notice a few more holes opening up? Notice Parker breaking a few nice runs? Mendenhall improvising for a first down? All imprivements, and hopefully next week we can see even more from them.
Now there's a week to prepare for the Bengals. Bring it.
Week 2 Gameday: Chicago Bears
Three years ago, today's game between the Steelers and Bear would be likened to a boxing match between two brick walls. Last time these two teams met, we all saw an iconic image of Jerome Bettis running over Brian Urlacher for a touchdown in what may be the epitome of the proverbial "smash-mouth football" game.
Neither Jerome Bettis nor Brian Urlacher will be making an appearance in the game today. As Steeler fans, we can take some solace in the fact that Urlacher will not be playing (though it's never good to see a player of his style lose a year of his career). Does the loss of Urlacher mean the Steelers will be able to run the ball?
Probably not. With the run game in its current state, the Bears could probably line up in a nickel or dime defense the whole game and still hold Willie "I can be tackled by a housefly" Parker to negative yards. And why wouldn't they? The Steelers' success on offense is all about the passing game now.
In fact, Ben Roethlisberger and Jay Cutler have totally changed both of these franchises (though for better or for worse remains to be seen in Cutler's case). Roethlisberger is doing his best to become his idol, John Elway, in engineering comeback after comeback after comeback. Jay Cutler... isn't. He's expected to be the savior of the Bears franchise, but his only game so far was a pretty poor showing. One game means nothing though, and he's going to do his best to rebound against the Steeler defense.
I'll put my money on the QB with the rings. Go Steelers.
Here We Go.
Neither Jerome Bettis nor Brian Urlacher will be making an appearance in the game today. As Steeler fans, we can take some solace in the fact that Urlacher will not be playing (though it's never good to see a player of his style lose a year of his career). Does the loss of Urlacher mean the Steelers will be able to run the ball?
Probably not. With the run game in its current state, the Bears could probably line up in a nickel or dime defense the whole game and still hold Willie "I can be tackled by a housefly" Parker to negative yards. And why wouldn't they? The Steelers' success on offense is all about the passing game now.
In fact, Ben Roethlisberger and Jay Cutler have totally changed both of these franchises (though for better or for worse remains to be seen in Cutler's case). Roethlisberger is doing his best to become his idol, John Elway, in engineering comeback after comeback after comeback. Jay Cutler... isn't. He's expected to be the savior of the Bears franchise, but his only game so far was a pretty poor showing. One game means nothing though, and he's going to do his best to rebound against the Steeler defense.
I'll put my money on the QB with the rings. Go Steelers.
Here We Go.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Where do we stand?
So right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a 7-way tie for first place in the AFC with the Broncos, Ravens, Jets, Colts, Patriots and Chargers. None of the other AFC teams really strike fear into opponents save for the Titans. Today we'll take a look at our AFC competition and try to figure out where the Steelers really stand among their peers.
1. The Tennessee Titans
We all know the Titans are a solid football team. Kerry Collins is somehow getting it done at QB, the running game is strong and their defense is still an excellent unit even with the loss of Albert Haynesworth. Playing in the AFC South is no easy task. They won't be the team they were in 2008, but they're still a contender. The good news is, they're out of our way for the regular season and we're a game and a half ahead right now.
2. The Denver Broncos
Denver struggled to beat Cincinnati and won on a fluke tipped pass for a touchdown. Joke.
3. The New York Jets
The Steelers won't play the Jets in the regular season, so this is less of an issue, but they could compete for a wildcard spot with Rex Ryan and the Jets' new defense. If Mark Sanchez holds it together at QB, this team looks good on paper. Again, not our problem until the postseason, assuming they make it to the end.
4. The Indianapolis Colts
Another team not on the Steelers' schedule, but the Colts will presumably take another division title and lose their first playoff game. I believe Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL (Brady barely calls any of his own plays) but since they aren't on our schedule, I'm only concerned with a playoff appearance, which they'll get to pretty easily for something like the 9th straight year, and then proceed to combust regardless of who they play.
5. The New England Patriots
Buffalo came so close to toppling this behemoth to open the season, but alas, Tom Brady worked his magic and wins with 13 points in two minutes. We won't see them in the regular season, but you can bet the road to the Superbowl will undoubtedly include a battle with the Patriots. I know, shocking. I'll alert the media.
6. The San Diego Chargers
This could be San Diego's year. Rather, it needs to be San Diego's year. They're a great, talented team that has just not managed to get their Superbowl yet. Time is running out for this team, and it's pretty much now or never to get their defense in order and make a run for the title. We'll see the Chargers in a few short weeks and I think that will be one of the more telling games of the season. It doesn't help their case that they almost lost to the Raiders on opening weekend, but then again they were 0-2 last season and put together their run at the end. This is a dangerous team.
7. The Baltimore Ravens
Okay, who are we kidding? When the schedule came out, Steeler fans and Ravens fans immediately circled two games: The two against each other. This rivalry has transcended the rest of the NFL. No game is quite as big, as meaningful as a matchup between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The rest of the league got a taste of that when the rivalry reached the AFC Championship. The rest of the conference was insignificant. All that mattered was whether the Steelers or Ravens came out on top. That's what it's like every time we play them. If Joe Flacco can put together a game against the Steelers (as good as he is, he hasn't done that yet), the Ravens could be poised to finally take over the division, which would probably lead to a Superbowl in Baltimore. That is just unacceptable. Don't believe me? How did you feel suring the AFC Championship? Did you think that it was really the Superbowl? That the team that won the AFC would win it all? I think everyone kind of got that impression. The Steelers are the only thing standing between Baltimore and the Superbowl. Let's keep it that way.
The rest of the AFC competition is pretty thin. Chiefs, Raiders, Texans, Jaguars, Bills, Dolphins, Browns, Bengals. Any games we play against those teams, you've probably decided are going to be pretty simple wins.
Bears on Sunday, no Brian Urlacher. Not that we'll be doing any running anyway.
Here We Go.
1. The Tennessee Titans
We all know the Titans are a solid football team. Kerry Collins is somehow getting it done at QB, the running game is strong and their defense is still an excellent unit even with the loss of Albert Haynesworth. Playing in the AFC South is no easy task. They won't be the team they were in 2008, but they're still a contender. The good news is, they're out of our way for the regular season and we're a game and a half ahead right now.
2. The Denver Broncos
Denver struggled to beat Cincinnati and won on a fluke tipped pass for a touchdown. Joke.
3. The New York Jets
The Steelers won't play the Jets in the regular season, so this is less of an issue, but they could compete for a wildcard spot with Rex Ryan and the Jets' new defense. If Mark Sanchez holds it together at QB, this team looks good on paper. Again, not our problem until the postseason, assuming they make it to the end.
4. The Indianapolis Colts
Another team not on the Steelers' schedule, but the Colts will presumably take another division title and lose their first playoff game. I believe Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL (Brady barely calls any of his own plays) but since they aren't on our schedule, I'm only concerned with a playoff appearance, which they'll get to pretty easily for something like the 9th straight year, and then proceed to combust regardless of who they play.
5. The New England Patriots
Buffalo came so close to toppling this behemoth to open the season, but alas, Tom Brady worked his magic and wins with 13 points in two minutes. We won't see them in the regular season, but you can bet the road to the Superbowl will undoubtedly include a battle with the Patriots. I know, shocking. I'll alert the media.
6. The San Diego Chargers
This could be San Diego's year. Rather, it needs to be San Diego's year. They're a great, talented team that has just not managed to get their Superbowl yet. Time is running out for this team, and it's pretty much now or never to get their defense in order and make a run for the title. We'll see the Chargers in a few short weeks and I think that will be one of the more telling games of the season. It doesn't help their case that they almost lost to the Raiders on opening weekend, but then again they were 0-2 last season and put together their run at the end. This is a dangerous team.
7. The Baltimore Ravens
Okay, who are we kidding? When the schedule came out, Steeler fans and Ravens fans immediately circled two games: The two against each other. This rivalry has transcended the rest of the NFL. No game is quite as big, as meaningful as a matchup between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The rest of the league got a taste of that when the rivalry reached the AFC Championship. The rest of the conference was insignificant. All that mattered was whether the Steelers or Ravens came out on top. That's what it's like every time we play them. If Joe Flacco can put together a game against the Steelers (as good as he is, he hasn't done that yet), the Ravens could be poised to finally take over the division, which would probably lead to a Superbowl in Baltimore. That is just unacceptable. Don't believe me? How did you feel suring the AFC Championship? Did you think that it was really the Superbowl? That the team that won the AFC would win it all? I think everyone kind of got that impression. The Steelers are the only thing standing between Baltimore and the Superbowl. Let's keep it that way.
The rest of the AFC competition is pretty thin. Chiefs, Raiders, Texans, Jaguars, Bills, Dolphins, Browns, Bengals. Any games we play against those teams, you've probably decided are going to be pretty simple wins.
Bears on Sunday, no Brian Urlacher. Not that we'll be doing any running anyway.
Here We Go.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Steelers win, but at what price?
I'm not usually very superstitious about sports. But one thing that just has an alarming consistency is the Madden Curse. If you're unfamiliar, every player that appears of the cover of the year's Madden game gets injured the following season. And this year, Troy Polamalu was on the cover of Madden 2010.
Polamalu out 3-6 weeks with an MCL sprain. That's a huge blow to this defense. And that couldn't have been more evident than when Kerry Collins picked apart the Steelers D in the last minute of the half and Justin Gage scored a TD. Justin Gage? Are you serious?
Though that brings me to the point that the Steelers' two minute drill is as lethal as ever (Yeah, Ward fumbled, but that's his first fumble since maybe his high school days so I'll give him that one). Of course, watching Ben carve up the Tennessee secondary late in the game reminds us all of the offensive success that eludes the Steelers on the ground.
News flash: The offensive line still sucks. No one could run. Moore, Parker, and Mendenhall all finished with maybe the worst rushing stats they could. Everyone who keeps saying that Rashard Mendenhall isn't living up to his hype is pretty much ignoring the O-line. Unless your name starts with Barry and ends with Sanders, you have to have blocking to get yards. You might get lucky once or twice, but when three defenders just walk right past your linemen, you're going to spend a lot of time on the ground.
So now that I've told you everything you already know, let's discuss something no Steeler fan wants to admit: The Steelers probably should have lost that game. Remember Rob Bironas missing two FGs from 31 and 37? Those are so makable it's unbelievable that he missed two. If he makes either, Tennesse wins 13-10 with no OT. How lucky are the Steelers that one of the league's better kickers missed two easy ones? But hey. A win is a win is a win. All that matters is that the Steelers are a game and a half ahead of Tennessee in the AFC. That could be big later in the season.
Let's also give some major props to Mike Wallace for wrestling the 3rd WR spot from Limas Sweed. I really didn't expect much from him this season, and I thought I'd be right when I saw Ben throw a ball way too short and Wallace didn't adjust to the route. He could have pretty easily come back to the pass, but he didn't and I figured, "Oh well, he's a rookie." But then he made up for it when he came with a big (though admittedly not incredibly complicated) catch in overtime to pretty much seal a successful FG and a win.
Bit of an area of concern: Seemed like a few too many defenders just forgot how to tackle. Hoping that's just first-game rust and it'll wear off in a hurry.
Next week we've got the Bears. I still don't know what to really expect yet from the Bears' offense with Jay Cutler at the helm, but I think we can safely assume Willie Parker won't get a 100-yard game with three TDs. If the defense adjusts to the loss of Polamalu and they just start tackling a little bit better, Pittsburgh should win another ugly, low-scoring game.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Here We Go.
Polamalu out 3-6 weeks with an MCL sprain. That's a huge blow to this defense. And that couldn't have been more evident than when Kerry Collins picked apart the Steelers D in the last minute of the half and Justin Gage scored a TD. Justin Gage? Are you serious?
Though that brings me to the point that the Steelers' two minute drill is as lethal as ever (Yeah, Ward fumbled, but that's his first fumble since maybe his high school days so I'll give him that one). Of course, watching Ben carve up the Tennessee secondary late in the game reminds us all of the offensive success that eludes the Steelers on the ground.
News flash: The offensive line still sucks. No one could run. Moore, Parker, and Mendenhall all finished with maybe the worst rushing stats they could. Everyone who keeps saying that Rashard Mendenhall isn't living up to his hype is pretty much ignoring the O-line. Unless your name starts with Barry and ends with Sanders, you have to have blocking to get yards. You might get lucky once or twice, but when three defenders just walk right past your linemen, you're going to spend a lot of time on the ground.
So now that I've told you everything you already know, let's discuss something no Steeler fan wants to admit: The Steelers probably should have lost that game. Remember Rob Bironas missing two FGs from 31 and 37? Those are so makable it's unbelievable that he missed two. If he makes either, Tennesse wins 13-10 with no OT. How lucky are the Steelers that one of the league's better kickers missed two easy ones? But hey. A win is a win is a win. All that matters is that the Steelers are a game and a half ahead of Tennessee in the AFC. That could be big later in the season.
Let's also give some major props to Mike Wallace for wrestling the 3rd WR spot from Limas Sweed. I really didn't expect much from him this season, and I thought I'd be right when I saw Ben throw a ball way too short and Wallace didn't adjust to the route. He could have pretty easily come back to the pass, but he didn't and I figured, "Oh well, he's a rookie." But then he made up for it when he came with a big (though admittedly not incredibly complicated) catch in overtime to pretty much seal a successful FG and a win.
Bit of an area of concern: Seemed like a few too many defenders just forgot how to tackle. Hoping that's just first-game rust and it'll wear off in a hurry.
Next week we've got the Bears. I still don't know what to really expect yet from the Bears' offense with Jay Cutler at the helm, but I think we can safely assume Willie Parker won't get a 100-yard game with three TDs. If the defense adjusts to the loss of Polamalu and they just start tackling a little bit better, Pittsburgh should win another ugly, low-scoring game.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Here We Go.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Steelers will run a 4-3 defense in 2010
I'm pretty confident in it. (I could be recapping another meaningless preseason game or talking about the roster cuts, but neither of those ideas are unique, surprising, or really all that interesting at this point)
Anyway, as we all know, Casey Hampton's contract expires after the 2009 season. If the Steelers haven't re-signed him yet, it's unlikely they will. Hampton agreed in the Post Gazette. It isn't likely he'll be a Steeler much longer. And when you consider that the 3-4 defense starts up front with the nose tackle, how do you run it successfully without Big Snack?
Answer: You don't. You don't run a 3-4 anymore. A lot of Steelers purists will probably be outright offended at this idea, but those people are stupid people that don't realize Pittsburgh won 4 Superbowls on the strength of a 4-3 defense.
Right now, the Steelers' front seven consists of Smith-Hampton-Keisel and Woodley-Timmons-Farrior-Harrison. Without Hampton, that leaves a big hole at NT (literally). Rather than try and find another lineman of Hampton's caliber, which would be close to impossible, why not just put two guys in his spot? Ziggy Hood is a Steeler for a reason, and it probably isn't his Hampton-like size and speed. So if Hood is one replacement, who is the second? How about moving Aaron Smith a little bit more to the inside where he can continue to dominate the run game.
That leaves a hole at left defensive end. Related: Does everyone like LaMarr Woodley for his pass coverage or his ability to rush? Last I checked he had a lot more sacks than interceptions. He played DE in college. He's big and he's physical. He's just the kind of guy we all want in the backfield on every play. If he moves to end, his talent will be put to use sealing that edge and forcing traffic into Smith and Hood. We can assume Keisel will remain where he is, considering he just singed a 5-year extension.
So that leaves our linebacking corps to be Timmons-Farrior-Harrison. Honestly, are you complaining? Farrior will continue to be the smart, solid tackler in the middle while he's flanked by two freak athletes in Timmons and Harrison that can do whatever they want, be it rush, cover, or just beat people to death. That front seven will continue to be dominant enough that a lot of us will forget how much we relied on Casey Hampton this long.
Oh yeah, and Chris Hoke is still around, but he doesn't really wow you either. Solid backup, not good enough to be the centerpiece of the best defense in football.
Opener Thursday night. Gonna be an intense game. Don't forget to remind all the Ravens fans you know that their team backed out of this game because they didn't want to play the Steelers first thing.
Still planning on moving Fullmetal Football to PSN and blog there about Pitt as well, likely in different columns. Not sure when I'll be able to post again or even what the blog will look like when I do. I wish this had been resolved during offseason, but we'll deal.
Here We Go.
Anyway, as we all know, Casey Hampton's contract expires after the 2009 season. If the Steelers haven't re-signed him yet, it's unlikely they will. Hampton agreed in the Post Gazette. It isn't likely he'll be a Steeler much longer. And when you consider that the 3-4 defense starts up front with the nose tackle, how do you run it successfully without Big Snack?
Answer: You don't. You don't run a 3-4 anymore. A lot of Steelers purists will probably be outright offended at this idea, but those people are stupid people that don't realize Pittsburgh won 4 Superbowls on the strength of a 4-3 defense.
Right now, the Steelers' front seven consists of Smith-Hampton-Keisel and Woodley-Timmons-Farrior-Harrison. Without Hampton, that leaves a big hole at NT (literally). Rather than try and find another lineman of Hampton's caliber, which would be close to impossible, why not just put two guys in his spot? Ziggy Hood is a Steeler for a reason, and it probably isn't his Hampton-like size and speed. So if Hood is one replacement, who is the second? How about moving Aaron Smith a little bit more to the inside where he can continue to dominate the run game.
That leaves a hole at left defensive end. Related: Does everyone like LaMarr Woodley for his pass coverage or his ability to rush? Last I checked he had a lot more sacks than interceptions. He played DE in college. He's big and he's physical. He's just the kind of guy we all want in the backfield on every play. If he moves to end, his talent will be put to use sealing that edge and forcing traffic into Smith and Hood. We can assume Keisel will remain where he is, considering he just singed a 5-year extension.
So that leaves our linebacking corps to be Timmons-Farrior-Harrison. Honestly, are you complaining? Farrior will continue to be the smart, solid tackler in the middle while he's flanked by two freak athletes in Timmons and Harrison that can do whatever they want, be it rush, cover, or just beat people to death. That front seven will continue to be dominant enough that a lot of us will forget how much we relied on Casey Hampton this long.
Oh yeah, and Chris Hoke is still around, but he doesn't really wow you either. Solid backup, not good enough to be the centerpiece of the best defense in football.
Opener Thursday night. Gonna be an intense game. Don't forget to remind all the Ravens fans you know that their team backed out of this game because they didn't want to play the Steelers first thing.
Still planning on moving Fullmetal Football to PSN and blog there about Pitt as well, likely in different columns. Not sure when I'll be able to post again or even what the blog will look like when I do. I wish this had been resolved during offseason, but we'll deal.
Here We Go.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Times are changing, verily.
So I didn't get a chance to watch the Bills game too intently, considering I was in the middle of a fantasy draft, and oh, by the way, I just moved into college and still haven't gotten a routine in place for Steeler games.
In relation to my moving into college, I've joined the Pitt Sports Network and I'm trying out as a broadcaster/blogger. If all goes as planned, this blog will be moved to PSN and I may also cover the Pitt Panthers. I just don't have the ability right now to work for PSN and run my own Steeler blog in the meantime. This should help explain the no updates and hopefully get things rolling for the regular season.
Oh yeah, football:
The Steelers rocked the Bills' world last night. I think we all knew that. The first team is ready for the regular season. No doubt.
In relation to my moving into college, I've joined the Pitt Sports Network and I'm trying out as a broadcaster/blogger. If all goes as planned, this blog will be moved to PSN and I may also cover the Pitt Panthers. I just don't have the ability right now to work for PSN and run my own Steeler blog in the meantime. This should help explain the no updates and hopefully get things rolling for the regular season.
Oh yeah, football:
The Steelers rocked the Bills' world last night. I think we all knew that. The first team is ready for the regular season. No doubt.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Yawn. Steelers lose.
Individual analysis:
Stefan Logan is pretty beast. Reminds me of Darren Sproles returning kicks.
Double D went out with a shoulder injury. Not sure what to make of it.
Jeff Reed missed two FGs. Weird. He's keeping his job anyway. Piotr Czech is nobody, though his kickoffs pretty reliably go to the corners of the field.
Tony Hills needs to update his resume.
Bruce Davis seems kind of lazy on the field. That doesn't bode well for him. I won't be surprised if he doesn't make the cut.
Team analysis:
The Redskins starting defense absolutely handled the Pittsburgh offensive line. Not sure if they're just much improved of is the Steelers are still bad at that.
What a sloppy game as far as penalties go. Way too many. Tomlin will have that corrected, sure enough.
Buffalo Bills in a week. Hopefully Ryan Clark kills T.O. Still just waiting it out for the regular season.
Stefan Logan is pretty beast. Reminds me of Darren Sproles returning kicks.
Double D went out with a shoulder injury. Not sure what to make of it.
Jeff Reed missed two FGs. Weird. He's keeping his job anyway. Piotr Czech is nobody, though his kickoffs pretty reliably go to the corners of the field.
Tony Hills needs to update his resume.
Bruce Davis seems kind of lazy on the field. That doesn't bode well for him. I won't be surprised if he doesn't make the cut.
Team analysis:
The Redskins starting defense absolutely handled the Pittsburgh offensive line. Not sure if they're just much improved of is the Steelers are still bad at that.
What a sloppy game as far as penalties go. Way too many. Tomlin will have that corrected, sure enough.
Buffalo Bills in a week. Hopefully Ryan Clark kills T.O. Still just waiting it out for the regular season.
Preseason Gameday 2: Washington Redskins
Ah, the NFC East. Easily my least favorite division.
A little bit of news was made about Ben stubbing his toe or something. Word is that it isn't fatal. Who even cares if he plays or not tonight? It's still preseason. I'm still far more interested in the development of guys like Dennis Dixon and Limas Sweed. We still don't know anything, really, about Frank Summers or Isaac Redman. Redman scored twice against... who again?
In any case, Steeler fans should probably be invading FedEx field, though it's still the preseason. It's worth remembering that Penguins fans regularly find their way into Verizon Center to boo the Crapitals.
Back to football. Brett Favre looks weird in purple. Michael Vick is going to look weird on a football field Thursday. Let's hope no Steelers look weird in a cast or anything after the game tonight.
Here We Go
UPDATE: Ben is inactive. Fine. Let's see how the first team offense looks with Batch/Dixon running the show. I know I'd love to get Double D that experience.
A little bit of news was made about Ben stubbing his toe or something. Word is that it isn't fatal. Who even cares if he plays or not tonight? It's still preseason. I'm still far more interested in the development of guys like Dennis Dixon and Limas Sweed. We still don't know anything, really, about Frank Summers or Isaac Redman. Redman scored twice against... who again?
In any case, Steeler fans should probably be invading FedEx field, though it's still the preseason. It's worth remembering that Penguins fans regularly find their way into Verizon Center to boo the Crapitals.
Back to football. Brett Favre looks weird in purple. Michael Vick is going to look weird on a football field Thursday. Let's hope no Steelers look weird in a cast or anything after the game tonight.
Here We Go
UPDATE: Ben is inactive. Fine. Let's see how the first team offense looks with Batch/Dixon running the show. I know I'd love to get Double D that experience.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Inevitable.
Packers = Stunned.
Pic shamelessly hijacked from vikingvigil.com or jkracker.wordpress.com. Not sure, Google images is a little funky.
Pic shamelessly hijacked from vikingvigil.com or jkracker.wordpress.com. Not sure, Google images is a little funky.
Monday, August 17, 2009
It's been a few days.
Most of the excitement of there being Steeler football has worn off, considering it's still preseason. There's not really much even to say about the game last week. Steelers played well enough to win. If they looked sloppy, maybe they were a little rusty. If they looked good, maybe it was the Cardinals being rusty. No one knows much about how the team is really doing, but there are a few things we actually can take away from the game:
Other good news, I saw the Browns' preseason game and they are as flat and sloppy as they've ever been. Mark off two wins if you haven't already. Cleveland sucks.
- Donovan Woods knows how to tackle people. Certainly doesn't hurt him as he tries to make the team.
- Daniel Sepulveda is a hundred times better than Mitch Berger.
- Limas Sweed needs more practice but he looks like he's got a good hold on the #3 WR spot.
- Dennis Dixon can throw the football. He led his receivers pretty well and the fact that he didn't take off running says he's going through his reads, at least to some extent. If he doesn't overtake Chaz Batch this season, next season it'll be his.
Other good news, I saw the Browns' preseason game and they are as flat and sloppy as they've ever been. Mark off two wins if you haven't already. Cleveland sucks.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Liveblog: Cardinals @ Steelers
So here we go. Just watching the pregame on ESPN. I love Monday Night Football. Now just chilling watching the Pats play the Eagles. And by "watching" I mean "sleeping through."
8:03 PM- Jon Gruden is infinitely better than Tony Kornheiser. Like I've heard him talking and I haven't even thought about killing a baby yet.
8:09 PM- ESPN said Heath Miller isn't playing tonight but he's lining up in the slot. Good move. Put Heath out there and see who covers him. And the disciplined Arizona defense goes offsides before we can even see where this is going.
8:13 PM- Oh imagine that, Heath makes the catch, takes a hit, and hangs on. Mendenhall > Parker.
8:15 PM- Oh yes. Sepulveda is back. Mitch Berger can go die in a hole. Rolle is a noob and fair catches the punt. Patrick Bailey will make his once-a-game-kill-someone-play later, I suppose.
8:17 PM- William Gay's first play as a full time starter and he stays on Anquan Boldin and breaks up the play. Solid.
8:24 PM- LaMarr Woodley just humiliated Levi Jones. Sack. Punt. Bring on the second team offense.
8:27 PM- Nope, Ben comes out again and scrambles around vintage Ben style and pick up some yardage. Batch gets a safety there. Dixon scores.
8:30 PM- Limas Sweed just made the kind of catch people make when they REALLY want a spot. Who's Nate Washington again?
8:42 PM- Totally forgot to watch the game because I had to get pepperoni bread out of the oven and I am absolutely baffled at the Eagles signing of Michael Vick. One athletic running threat QB isn't enough? Need a left-handed one? Is this to punish Eagles fans who call for McNabb's benching every year?
8:50 PM- Anquan Boldin thinks he's Randy Moss. And he's wrong.
8:55 PM- Sweed outruns some joke DB, spins around, and makes the catch. Nate Washington drops that pass. Sweed shows us he came to play.
9:01 PM- Why did ESPN just cut to commercial? I definitely saw the defense lining up for the next snap. Or am I just not paying attention?
9:08 PM- Donovan Woods playing a nice defensive series. Solid tackling.
9:15 PM- The Roethlisberger commercial for those shoes at Dick's is still awesome.
9:19 PM- I love Daniel Sepulveda. How long has Andre Frazier been on the team?
9:22 PM- Being a defensive back and getting your arm pinned down by the receiver is pass interference this season. And how many times can they tell us Donte Stallworth has been suspended? He got suspended like a month ago. Why is it news today?
9:47 PM- Double D is looking pretty nice airing the ball out.
10:24 PM- The game is actually still going, but it's hard to comment on it when you know none of these guys will play in the regular season. Kind of nice to see Pitt players like Palko and Stephens-Howling, etc. Anyway I'm closing down this post for the night. Analysis tomorrow or whatev.
8:03 PM- Jon Gruden is infinitely better than Tony Kornheiser. Like I've heard him talking and I haven't even thought about killing a baby yet.
8:09 PM- ESPN said Heath Miller isn't playing tonight but he's lining up in the slot. Good move. Put Heath out there and see who covers him. And the disciplined Arizona defense goes offsides before we can even see where this is going.
8:13 PM- Oh imagine that, Heath makes the catch, takes a hit, and hangs on. Mendenhall > Parker.
8:15 PM- Oh yes. Sepulveda is back. Mitch Berger can go die in a hole. Rolle is a noob and fair catches the punt. Patrick Bailey will make his once-a-game-kill-someone-play later, I suppose.
8:17 PM- William Gay's first play as a full time starter and he stays on Anquan Boldin and breaks up the play. Solid.
8:24 PM- LaMarr Woodley just humiliated Levi Jones. Sack. Punt. Bring on the second team offense.
8:27 PM- Nope, Ben comes out again and scrambles around vintage Ben style and pick up some yardage. Batch gets a safety there. Dixon scores.
8:30 PM- Limas Sweed just made the kind of catch people make when they REALLY want a spot. Who's Nate Washington again?
8:42 PM- Totally forgot to watch the game because I had to get pepperoni bread out of the oven and I am absolutely baffled at the Eagles signing of Michael Vick. One athletic running threat QB isn't enough? Need a left-handed one? Is this to punish Eagles fans who call for McNabb's benching every year?
8:50 PM- Anquan Boldin thinks he's Randy Moss. And he's wrong.
8:55 PM- Sweed outruns some joke DB, spins around, and makes the catch. Nate Washington drops that pass. Sweed shows us he came to play.
9:01 PM- Why did ESPN just cut to commercial? I definitely saw the defense lining up for the next snap. Or am I just not paying attention?
9:08 PM- Donovan Woods playing a nice defensive series. Solid tackling.
9:15 PM- The Roethlisberger commercial for those shoes at Dick's is still awesome.
9:19 PM- I love Daniel Sepulveda. How long has Andre Frazier been on the team?
9:22 PM- Being a defensive back and getting your arm pinned down by the receiver is pass interference this season. And how many times can they tell us Donte Stallworth has been suspended? He got suspended like a month ago. Why is it news today?
9:47 PM- Double D is looking pretty nice airing the ball out.
10:24 PM- The game is actually still going, but it's hard to comment on it when you know none of these guys will play in the regular season. Kind of nice to see Pitt players like Palko and Stephens-Howling, etc. Anyway I'm closing down this post for the night. Analysis tomorrow or whatev.
Preseason Gameday 1: Arizona Cardinals
Tonight will be the first time we see the Steelers take the field since winning it all in February. And they're playing the same team two games in a row, oddly enough. (The Penguins also play the Red Wings in their own preseason next month, but that's not nearly as odd).
It's only a preseason game and we won't see much of the starters, but hey, if you can't get at least a little excited for this, why are you reading a Steeler blog? There will be plenty to enjoy until the 4th quarter, and then you just get to watch the desperation of men trying as hard as they can to give themselves a career even though it will ultimately be futile for most.
I just hope Arnold Harrison makes it to the regular season. For real. I'm liveblogging the game tonight with a friend of mine. Going to try a few different styles of covering games this preseason just to see what works best.
Here We Go.
It's only a preseason game and we won't see much of the starters, but hey, if you can't get at least a little excited for this, why are you reading a Steeler blog? There will be plenty to enjoy until the 4th quarter, and then you just get to watch the desperation of men trying as hard as they can to give themselves a career even though it will ultimately be futile for most.
I just hope Arnold Harrison makes it to the regular season. For real. I'm liveblogging the game tonight with a friend of mine. Going to try a few different styles of covering games this preseason just to see what works best.
Here We Go.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Could the times be changing?
Technical post.
This blog has been active for roughly a month and I may be moving it to one of a few colleagues' websites. None of that matters right now though, as the Steelers play in two days and that is so much more important. I think I'll be doing a liveblog for it and seeing how that goes. Gotta figure out how best to share the game with everyone before the regular season starts.
This blog has been active for roughly a month and I may be moving it to one of a few colleagues' websites. None of that matters right now though, as the Steelers play in two days and that is so much more important. I think I'll be doing a liveblog for it and seeing how that goes. Gotta figure out how best to share the game with everyone before the regular season starts.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Football is Back
Just finished up watching the Hall of Fame game between the Bills and Titans (Oilers?). The highlight? Tennessee has some rookie punter that's pretty quick on his feet.
I'd post a Youtube but none are up yet, obviously, the NFL is pretty lame about that and it'd be down by tomorrow anyway.
Cardinals come to town Thursday night. Bring it.
UPDATE: NFL.com probably won't remove their own video. Probably.
I'd post a Youtube but none are up yet, obviously, the NFL is pretty lame about that and it'd be down by tomorrow anyway.
Cardinals come to town Thursday night. Bring it.
UPDATE: NFL.com probably won't remove their own video. Probably.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Training Camp Battles With a Twist!
The twist being, I'm actually going to say how I think each matchup will end.
Here We Go.
- The 3WR spot- I don't understand why everyone thinks there is a competition here. Limas Sweed is one year better after a crappy rookie season (and WRs have those a lot) and by all accounts he is greatly improved from last year. Besides, who is he up against? Shaun McDonald wasn't even good enough for Detroit to keep him. Mike Wallace is a rookie (and suddenly I guess everyone forgot how disappointing Sweed's rookie year was?) and who else is even on the roster? Martin Nance? Is that the guy's name? Sweed gets this position, no sweat.
- Cornerback- This is the position I worry about the most, and that's not saying much because I'm actually not worried about any of the other ones. McFadden is gone so it looks like it's up to Deshea Townsend, William Gay, and Keenan Lewis for this. Whoever wins it wins it, and whoever doesn't gets the nickel spot. I don't have really high hopes for Keenan Lewis this season, not while Deshea's experience and Gay's familiarity with the defense are ahead of him. I'm actually not too sure of where Deshea will end up. He played the nickel position well, but maybe Lewis makes a run for that and Deshea is relegated to safety? Hey, it could happen. I can't really predict what will happen between Townsend and Lewis, but I'm pretty confident that William Gay wins the starting CB gig.
- Backup QB- This is going to be my favorite matchup to watch during the preseason (one week away oh my god.) I think Dennis Dixon is really going to give Chaz Batch a run for his money. Batch is old, and while backup QBs can play well into their 60s, it seems (See: Vinny Testaverde), Dixon has a lot more upside and he is pretty clearly the backup of the future. It's also worth noting all this wildcat nonsense that's so trendy in the NFL today. Will Bruce Arians fall in love with it like so many other coordinators? If he does (and I hope he doesn't) then he has the athlete to try it with in Dennis Dixon. Tough one to predict. I bet Dixon looks better in preseason but Batch hangs around at least for the start of the year as Ben's backup.
- Running Backs- Carey Davis is gone. Let's just get that out of the way right now. He's not impressive as a runner, a blocker, or a receiver, and now we have the talent on the roster to make him expendable. It seems a foregone conclusion that Frank Summers will get the short yardage carries, Mewelde Moore will continue 3rd-down-back production, and Mendenhall and Parker will be splitting time. I expect Mendenhall to start to phase Willie out. Parker is in the last year of his contract and there are more pressing issues as far as re-signing players. If you ask me, Willie isn't that impressive of a back anyway, and Mendenhall is the future. Let Parker play out this season and sign some jobber deal next spring if he stays healthy.
- Offensive Line- We might as while say every position is up for grabs. Max Starks probably has his spot solidified, but everyone else is prime for replacement. I don't even know what to say about them. No predicitons.
- Defensive Line- Not so much competition here. Smith-Hampton-Keisel once again form a blocker-swallowing line and that probably isn't going to change. Ziggy Hood will be in the mix, but mostly as a rotational player as they get him set up to replace one of the big three in the next year or two. So far Hood has played both end and tackle in the 3-4 during camp and it's nice to know he has some position flexibility.
- Backup LB- This has no bearing on anything, but I want everyone to remember that Keyaron Fox is a suitable backup, and I just pray that Arnold Harrison doesn't get his season cut short with a knee injury again. I don't know if I can stand to see him being carted off the field in tears again.
Here We Go.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Surprise Guest at Training Camp
From Steelers.com
"Watching practice on Saturday was former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. Shanahan, who is no longer coaching, said he never went to another team’s training camp and took advantage of the opportunity to come and watch the Steelers for a few days."Oh really? Mike Shanahan in the house? I mean I like Mike Shanahan but why would he pick the Steelers to come watch in training camp? He doesn't have any connections to the black and gold.
Maybe it's a sign. Maybe Shanahan wants to be Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator. Maybe the Steelers are considering firing Arians and hiring a guy who has coached guys like Steve Young and Ben's idol, John Elway, leading some of the most prolific offenses in recent memory.
Yeah, right. It's fun to dream though.
(Probably a post detailing my opinons on Bruce Arians at some point in the future, as well as camp battles that I think are more interesting than just the third WR spot that's being talked about to death)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Heath Locked Up
Here's an article. I assume you've already read the details so I'll skip all that and just get to my thoughts.
Let me just get this out of the way: Heath Miller is my favorite player. He blocks better than most of the lineman in Pittsburgh and drops about as many passes as Hines Ward. Great hands, always falls forward, punishes defenders, and when Ben throws a pick you can usually count on Heath to make the tackle. What a complete football player. He'd probably play middle linebacker if the coaches asked him to and he'd probably be good at it.
This is the NFL where a "great" TE is actually a WR that lines up next to the O-line. Antonio Gates. Dallas Clark. Jason Witten. Tony Gonzalez. These guys are known as pass catchers. Maybe not so much with Tony Gonzalez, but certainly Gates and Clark. And Jason Witten might me my favorite Cowboy, putting him somewhere above herpes and below dentist appointments in terms of things I like.
But this is Heath's big payday. I believe him to be the best all around TE in the league, and ironically I wish more plays were drawn up for him to catch passes. But he takes as much satisfaction in burying a linebacker as he does converting a 3rd-and-6, or so it would seem by the amount of celebtrating you get from him. Not a big talker. Definitely a team player. Probably smart enough to make this signing bonus last the rest of his life if he retired tomorrow. Now, for Miller, it's all about playing football. He's to the point in his life most NFL players dream of when they're little kids. Couldn't be happier for him.
I'm glad the Steelers see the same thing in Heath that I do and I'm excited for him to be a part of the future here in the 'Burgh.
Training Camp is just about underway. Time to get this party rollin'.
Let me just get this out of the way: Heath Miller is my favorite player. He blocks better than most of the lineman in Pittsburgh and drops about as many passes as Hines Ward. Great hands, always falls forward, punishes defenders, and when Ben throws a pick you can usually count on Heath to make the tackle. What a complete football player. He'd probably play middle linebacker if the coaches asked him to and he'd probably be good at it.
This is the NFL where a "great" TE is actually a WR that lines up next to the O-line. Antonio Gates. Dallas Clark. Jason Witten. Tony Gonzalez. These guys are known as pass catchers. Maybe not so much with Tony Gonzalez, but certainly Gates and Clark. And Jason Witten might me my favorite Cowboy, putting him somewhere above herpes and below dentist appointments in terms of things I like.
But this is Heath's big payday. I believe him to be the best all around TE in the league, and ironically I wish more plays were drawn up for him to catch passes. But he takes as much satisfaction in burying a linebacker as he does converting a 3rd-and-6, or so it would seem by the amount of celebtrating you get from him. Not a big talker. Definitely a team player. Probably smart enough to make this signing bonus last the rest of his life if he retired tomorrow. Now, for Miller, it's all about playing football. He's to the point in his life most NFL players dream of when they're little kids. Couldn't be happier for him.
I'm glad the Steelers see the same thing in Heath that I do and I'm excited for him to be a part of the future here in the 'Burgh.
Training Camp is just about underway. Time to get this party rollin'.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Roethlisberger in a Bit of a Jam
Oh good.
Everyone has already heard all about this. Every Steeler fan thinks it's nonsense, and every Browns/Ravens fan believes it as natural law. Bengals fans don't believe anything because there are no such things as Bengals fans.
Of course I think it's ridiculous, and it seems just a little bit too convenient that the woman filing the suit is only mentioning it now. Let's take a look at why:
Not that it will likely be a distraction, considering it's totally stupid. With any luck the court system will see it the same way and we can get on with football.
...Is it preseason yet?
Everyone has already heard all about this. Every Steeler fan thinks it's nonsense, and every Browns/Ravens fan believes it as natural law. Bengals fans don't believe anything because there are no such things as Bengals fans.
Of course I think it's ridiculous, and it seems just a little bit too convenient that the woman filing the suit is only mentioning it now. Let's take a look at why:
- The incident allegedly happened in July 2008, approximately one year ago. That sounds like enough time for any sort of physical investigation to be moot.
- She waits for Roethlisberger to win another Superbowl and make a big public appearance at a celebrity golf tournament, just so his name is fresh in everyone's minds and everyone is aware he has a lot of money.
- She claims that everything has been covered up by hotel staff, going as far as claiming someone on the staff befriended her parents, persuaded them to give him a key to her house, snuck in while she was hospitalized for depression, erased files on her computer pertaining to the attack, staged the moon landing in her basement, and coordinated 9/11 with the U.S. Government.
Not that it will likely be a distraction, considering it's totally stupid. With any luck the court system will see it the same way and we can get on with football.
...Is it preseason yet?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
First post!
Hi everyone. I'm a Steeler fan from Pittsburgh, born and raised. I've been reading a few blogs for a while, and I've decided to start one.
This blog will focus on Steeler football, but I watch the whole NFL, pretty much. I also watch the Penguins but this isn't a hockey blog.
This isn't really the opportune time to start a blog (see you in preseason) but the name came to me today and I wanted to snag it while I was thinking about it.
Oh yeah, the name. Fullmetal Football. Not a Fullmetal Jacket reference. It's just a blog about Steeler football.
I'll post when something happens.
This blog will focus on Steeler football, but I watch the whole NFL, pretty much. I also watch the Penguins but this isn't a hockey blog.
This isn't really the opportune time to start a blog (see you in preseason) but the name came to me today and I wanted to snag it while I was thinking about it.
Oh yeah, the name. Fullmetal Football. Not a Fullmetal Jacket reference. It's just a blog about Steeler football.
I'll post when something happens.
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