tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86943396051941669922024-03-06T07:28:04.676-02:00Steel Curtain RisingHard Hitting Analysis of Steelers FootballKThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.comBlogger1474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-45328429547717469362014-10-31T10:16:00.001-02:002014-10-31T10:16:49.572-02:00Irrespective of Mike Mitchell's Groin Injury, Steelers Need to Play Shamarko<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Mike Mitchell was limited with a groin injury. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> II<br />
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimwexell/status/527904545134116864">October 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
As Jim Wexell’s tweet indicates, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Michael+Mitchell&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Mitchell</a></strong>’s practice participation was limited due to a groin injury. While that is certainly bad news for a defense that’s still finding its legs, there could be an upside should Mitchell be a no-go.<br />
<ul>
<li>Losing Mitchell would be a blow to the defense on several fronts.Mitchell, who forced fumbles in back-to-back games, is just finding his place in the defense</li>
<li>The secondary is already operating at minus-1 starter, with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylIk20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ike Taylor</a></strong> out</li>
<li>Losing Mitchell would rob the defensive backfield of a veteran presence, with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaBr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brice McCain</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlakAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antwon Blake</a></strong> moving into starting roles</li>
</ul>
But every loss creates an opportunity, as <b>Steelers Nation</b> discovered one Sunday in Baltimore 10 years ago when <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MaddTo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tommy Maddox</a></strong> got hurt and in came <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>. And that brings us to the subject of today’s story, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomSh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shamarko Thomas</a></strong>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyk_SMYRNFJ9c_egd_YCvoR1nWPleAgl-Ue-WImWoGxk8MPvDWZcR2X_jBQUWoIO_tDDJkSWL1mht_ctnwJYqiNV8T1Xy4V6jVRQ-ECN4O5-hv2cax40q2V3ZNPMVZuJMm4bifC-CRG14/s1600/Shamarko+Thomas+workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Shamarko Thomas, safety, Pittsburgh Steelers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyk_SMYRNFJ9c_egd_YCvoR1nWPleAgl-Ue-WImWoGxk8MPvDWZcR2X_jBQUWoIO_tDDJkSWL1mht_ctnwJYqiNV8T1Xy4V6jVRQ-ECN4O5-hv2cax40q2V3ZNPMVZuJMm4bifC-CRG14/s1600/Shamarko+Thomas+workout.jpg" height="133" title="Sharmarko Thomas" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Of all the players on the Steelers 2014 roster, perhaps there is none more mystifying that Thomas.</li>
</ul>
Start with the fact that the Steelers traded their 3rd round 2014 pick to move up to get him in 2014. The Steelers <i><u><b>don’t </b></u>trade future draft picks</i>. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NollCh20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chuck Noll</a></strong> did it. Once. And he regretted it. The team had to sweat out their chance to pick <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StalJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Stallworth</a></strong> as a consequence. The Emperor swore he’d never do it again. And he didn’t. Neither did <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong>.<br />
<ul>
<li>But the Steelers did it with Thomas.</li>
</ul>
Whether it was <b>Mike Tomlin</b>, <b>Kevin Colbert</b> or <b><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LakeCa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carnell Lake</a></strong></b> who pushed for the trade, at least at the outset, Thomas showed them enough to vindicate their decision. The Steelers immediately put worked him into the defense, having him cover in the slot. But then came the 0-4 start, the return of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Will+Allen&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will Allen</a></strong>, and Thomas getting injured.<br />
<ul>
<li>Thomas got healthy again, but saw little to no action on defense after his return.</li>
</ul>
Big things were expected of Thomas heading into 2014, but it when Mitchell was held out of OTA’s, Will Allen took his spot. And with the Steelers thin at corner, the word came that they would not use him to cover in the slot.<br />
<ul>
<li>Thus far in 2014, Thomas has played mainly (if not exclusively) on special teams.</li>
</ul>
Which is where he got hurt a few weeks ago. Word his he’s ready to return. Which is good for him. Now that he’s healthy again, the Steelers need to find a way to work him into the defense. Thomas was drafted to replace <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong>. And while evaluations of Polamalu’s performance vary, this could easily be his final year.<br />
<ul>
<li>The Steelers must find out what Thomas really has. </li>
</ul>
They seem reluctant to do that using their nickel or dime packages. Perhaps Mitchell’s injury will force their hand. If that’s the case, it would change the unfortunate nature of Mitchell’s injury, but just might a young prospect necessary playing time.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-21617715232963628622014-10-30T10:42:00.002-02:002014-10-30T10:42:11.485-02:00James Harrison Provides Steelers Nation with a Valuable ServiceIt’s been a good week for <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong>. By his own admission, Harrison has come along slowly since coming out of “retirement” in the wake of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneJa05.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jarvis Jones</a></strong> injury. But each week he appeared to get closer to the quarterback.<br />
<ul>
<li>Still, Steelers Nation wondered, is this all Debo has left?</li>
</ul>
In the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/roethlisberger-steelers-offense-explode-colts-522-yards-6-touchdowns.html" target="_blank">Steelers win vs. the Colts</a>, Silverback struck gold, registering his first sack of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LuckAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Luck</a></strong>. Things improved by mid-week, as the Elias Sports Bureau took away Troy Polmalu’s sack and credited it to Harrison, giving him two on the day and giving him 15 two-sack games as a Pittsburgh Steeler – <a href="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com.ar/2014/10/wednesday-news-notes_29.html" target="_blank">more than any other Steelers</a> save for <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LaMarr Woodley</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GildJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Gildon</a></strong>.<br />
<ul>
<li>James it appears, still has something left in the tank.</li>
</ul>
While that’s good to see, it is not nearly as important as the service that Harrison performed for Steelers Nation. <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/10166/james-harrison-finding-his-way-after-coming-out-of-retirement" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Brown of ESPN</a> asked Harrison about the middling ranking that the Steelers defense currently has.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lD960Okf9SQx6FPLhrNlxUmkJs2xUnj_cI3TvfY54vKXQt9QpktFSKkIE2_12N77XRn9NkQXJ1Cow0LMd7q7slBDarbDZFziBnUxAIfla8_biHpWQqVbI43kRfvOLDoECvCW5Mrg1P4/s1600/Tomlin+Harrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="James Harrison, Mike Tomlin" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lD960Okf9SQx6FPLhrNlxUmkJs2xUnj_cI3TvfY54vKXQt9QpktFSKkIE2_12N77XRn9NkQXJ1Cow0LMd7q7slBDarbDZFziBnUxAIfla8_biHpWQqVbI43kRfvOLDoECvCW5Mrg1P4/s1600/Tomlin+Harrison.jpg" height="200" title="James Harrison" width="150" /></a></div>
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Harrison was quick to admit that the Steelers have issues on defense which needed to be fixed, but he minced no words when it came to the issue of “the game passing by”<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong>, commanding:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's nothing about Dick LeBeau is getting too old. You've got a bunch of <i><u>idiots</u></i> that don't know what they're talking about when they say that so I do take it a little personal. [Emphasis added]</blockquote>
<br />
Thank you James, thank you very much.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
Let’s concede that there are kernels of truth behind the arguments put forth by the “Fire Tomlin,” “Fire Haley,” “Fire LeBeau,” “Fire Colbert,” and “Fire the Rooneys” crowed that has dominated Steelers Nation during the 5-3 start to the 2014 season.<br />
<ul>
<li>Until the Colts game, the Steelers offense has preformed under par</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> has perhaps had <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/ben-roethlisberger-steelers-offense-red-zone-audible-autonomy-haley-arians-whisenhunt.html" target="_blank">too much autonomy in the Steelers offense</a></li>
<li>The Steelers have again “played down to the competition” an unsavory Tomlin trait</li>
<li>Some of the Steelers draft decisions/methodology does deserve greater scrutiny</li>
<li>Perhaps LeBeau is trying to do too much with the talent he has</li>
</ul>
But one of the most preposterous suggestions is that somehow the NFL has cracked the ZoneBlitz and/or that Dick LeBeau suddenly forgot how to breakdown an offense. As Scott Brown observed the Steelers defense’s drop comes after “playing it at an absurdly high level for the better part of a decade.”<br />
<br />
Dick LeBeau could decide to hang it up after this year. The man is 77 after all, although he doesn’t look it. But if he does, he’ll be doing so while stepping down as one of the game’s greatest defensive geniuses ever.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-53239767860348098912014-10-28T11:18:00.000-02:002014-10-28T11:18:00.601-02:00Steeler Report Card for Victory Over Colts @ Heinz FieldTaken from the grade book of a teacher whose student just greatly outstripped his expectations, here is the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Report%20Card" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers report card </a>for the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/roethlisberger-steelers-offense-explode-colts-522-yards-6-touchdowns.html" target="_blank">victory over Andrew Luck's Indianapolis Colts</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Steelers, report card, colts, grades, heinz field" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" title="Steelers Report Card vs. Colts" /></a></div>
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<b>Quarterback</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BradTe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terry Bradshaw</a></strong>. <strong>Joe Montana</strong>. <strong>Tom Brady</strong>. And now, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>. Ben made history in a number of ways vs. the Colts. He joined the exclusive 100 wins in 150 starts club. He became the first NFL quatarterback to throw for 500 yards twice. He threw 6 touchdowns. He completed 81% of his passes (with at least 3 drops). He threw no pics, and was never sacked. Really, you can't get better than that. <b>Grade: A+</b><br />
<br />
<b>Running Backs</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> had another 100 plus yards from scrimmage game. Sure his rushing average along what <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></strong>’s might have been "low" but the fact is the Steelers ran the ball when they needed to. And both backs, in addition to <strong>Will Johnson</strong>, caught it when thrown to them. <b>Grade: A-</b><br />
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<b>Tight Ends</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong> had 7 catches for 112 yards, and was old Mr. Reliable. His 45 yard reception set up the Steelers 3rdtouchdown. And of course Miller iced the game on 4th and inches. Miller did have a drop, which could have been costly, but other than that he was pretty damm good. <b>Grade: A-</b><br />
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<b>Wide Receivers</b><br />
Here's a telling stat. Ben Roethlisberger had cracked the century mark in passing by the end of the first quarter and he had yet to target <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong>. Martavis Bryant, in just his second NFL game, is already making opposing NFL defensive coordinators take note as he now has 7 catches and 3 touchdowns. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong> redeemed himself with 5 catches on 5 targets and 1 touchdown. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong> caught balls for 2 catches for 33 yards including a critical third down conversion. Darrius Heyward Bey had a nice catch, but coughed up the ball. Of Ben's 522 yards 455 went to the receivers. <b>Grade: A</b><br />
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<b>Offensive Line</b><br />
49 pass attempts zero sacks. The Colts tried everything they could to pressure Ben Roethlisberger, from sending 3 men to rushing 7. Nothing worked. The Steelers offensive line turned in a pass blocking performance that was as solid as anyone has ever seen. Perhaps run blocking could have been better, but 49 drop backs and zero sacks? Let's not nit picky. <b>Grade: A</b><br />
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<b>Defensive Line</b><br />
The first task of a <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong> defensive line is to shut down the run. The Colts rushed 10 times, and three of those were from <strong>Andrew Luck</strong>. No one on the defensive line put up gaudy stats, but <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong> and <strong>Cameron Heyward</strong><br />
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both got their hands on passes, and Heyward appeared to have two sacks negated by penalties.<b> Grade: B+</b><br />
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<b>Linebackers</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong> had his first sack for the Steelers since the closing day of the 2012 season. <strong>Lawrence Timmons</strong> stumbled early, but was key in getting pressure on luck. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoriJa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Worilds</a></strong> had a monster game, and completely dominated the right side of Indy’s line, even if the stat chart doesn’t give him full credit. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShazRy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Shazier</a></strong> looked good in his first game back from injury. <b>Grade: B+</b><br />
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<b>Secondary</b><br />
From a pure statistical perspective, it seems almost impossible to say that the secondary was anything but bad on a day when the opposing quarterback threw for 400 yards. But while numbers do not lie, they sometimes fail to tell the full story, and this is one of those. Yes, the Colts moved the ball well and scored a lot of points. But <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=William+Gay&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Gay</a></strong>’s interception put 6 points on the board for the defense. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong> helped pressure Luck, and <strong>Antwon Blake</strong>’s leaping end zone interception ended any chance of a comeback. <b>Grade: B-</b><br />
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<b>Special Teams</b><br />
The Steelers continue to get little out of their return game, although Brown did have one nice run back. The coverage units gave up one long punt return and some decent kickoff returns. While neither of these were a factor in the game, this is something to keep an eye on. Beyond that, a solid afternoon for the special teams.<b> Grade: B</b><br />
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<b>Coaching</b><br />
Perhaps this game should serve as a lesson to fans. Calls from Steelers Nation for the Rooneys to fire Todd Haley, Dick LeBeau and Mike Tomlin have been frequent and loud.<br />
<br />
Clearly and thankfully such negativity isn’t reaching the locker room.<br />
<br />
<b>Todd Haley </b>deployed his best game play to date as Steelers offensive coordinator and his players executed it to perfection. The Steelers dominated time of possession, protected their quarterback, went vertical when they needed to, ran enough to keep the defense honest, and put up 51 points on the scoreboard.<br />
<br />
<b>Dick LeBeau</b> was far more aggressive in rushing the passer than he’s been all year, and while Luck did do damage with his arm, there were numerous occasions where he was hurried and/or his pass disrupted and those occasions resulted in big differences in the final outcome.<br />
<br />
Credit <b>Mike Tomlin</b> for keeping his team focused enough to pull this off, and for keeping his foot on the gas pedal till the very end. <b>Grade: A</b><br />
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<b>Unsung Hero Award</b><br />
SO many players could qualify for this. The Unsung Hero Award is reserved for the player who does “the little things” which often get missed by the press and public at large, but ultimately prove to be difference makers. The Steelers beat the Colts largely because they were the more physical team, and one player who helped establish that, and establish that early was none other than <b><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Vince+Williams&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vince Williams</a></strong></b>, who actually lead the linebackers in tackles. And for that Williams is the <b>Unsung Hero </b>of the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/roethlisberger-steelers-offense-explode-colts-522-yards-6-touchdowns.html" target="_blank">victory over the Colts</a>.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-41928589183278233032014-10-28T11:17:00.000-02:002014-10-28T11:17:00.588-02:00Ben Roethlisberger y Los Steelers dieron la sorpresa al aplastar a los Colts por 51 a 34 Semana 8<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Una noche para la historia en Heinz Field</i></span><br />
<br />
Creo que no me equivocaré si sostengo que acabamos de ver el mejor partido de lo que va de esta temporada regular.<br />
<ul>
<li>La mejor ofensiva de la liga contra un equipo acorralado, con la espalda contra la pared, jugando ante su público.</li>
</ul>
Tampoco estaré mal si digo que <b>Indianápolis Colts</b> vs.<b> Pittsburgh Steelers</b> ya es un clasicazo construido sobre la base de aquella victoria acerera de postemporada, aquella tarde en la que Ben tackleó y evitó la derrota y este juego que nos ha dejado a todos, propios y extraños, con una mueca de incredulidad en los rostros.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdQYhj6HgsN6Suyy__royeg-zTRBhvvdG9gnIkvWiGpd_fvS2i4p9gyEwUJs-54YgRoauNoOS511zkCNip8Cb-3SiykfOJT2tPVgFd7KA12ChLquBYcJ6mCjTHId8eZMviV8jc8YYNaI/s1600/Ben+Brown+Records.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ben Roethlisberger, records broken, Colts, espanol" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdQYhj6HgsN6Suyy__royeg-zTRBhvvdG9gnIkvWiGpd_fvS2i4p9gyEwUJs-54YgRoauNoOS511zkCNip8Cb-3SiykfOJT2tPVgFd7KA12ChLquBYcJ6mCjTHId8eZMviV8jc8YYNaI/s1600/Ben+Brown+Records.jpg" height="133" title="Ben Roethlisberger Records Broken vs. Colts" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Y es que los Steelers no habían podido hacer pie todavía en las virtudes de su juego. Sólo habíamos visto destellos, trazos de juego virtuoso que se agotaba y decepcionaba. Debo decir también que ahora, NADIE pedirá la cabeza de Coach <b>Todd Haley</b>, ni del Coach <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong> ni tampoco durante esta semana. El fanático suele ser (solemos ser), en este sentido, tan oportunistas como ingratos.<br />
<ul>
<li>Y es que estaba claro que el problema de la inconsistencia de los Steelers estaba en sus cabezas. No en sus habilidades técnicas.</li>
</ul>
Tal vez el lunes pasado esta ofensiva dió una muestra de todo lo era capaz de lograr con sus veteranos y con todos sus novatos, todo ellos jóvenes muy talentosos.<br />
<br />
Puede suceder que las estadísticas no reflejen muy fielmente el resultado del partido.<br />
Pero en este caso el lector interesado puede tener una idea acabada de lo sucedido analizando las estadísticas. Y aquí señalo algunas que me parecen significativas:<br />
<ul>
<li>Conversión de terceros intentos: PIT 61% - IND 50% (Los Colts sólo habían permitido que sus oponentes convirtieran el 26 % entrando a este partido)</li>
<li>Jugadas. PIT: 81 (39:43 en tiempo de posesión) - IND: 57 (20:17)</li>
<li>Series ofensivas: 11 (apenas 3 punts) - 13</li>
<li>Yardas totales: 639 - 448</li>
<li>Yardas por aire: 522 - 385</li>
<li>Pases completos/intentos: 40/49 (81%) - 26/45 (57%)</li>
<li>Capturas permitidas: 0 - 2 (Los Colts ranqueaban 3° en la liga en el rubro capturas de mariscal)</li>
<li>Turnovers: 2 por lado</li>
<li>En red zone, anotación/intentos: 5/6 - 1/3</li>
<li>TD de los equipos especiales: 1 - 0 </li>
</ul>
Para doblegar a la primera ofensiva de la liga, los Steelers tenían que ser mejor ofensiva. Ser implacables. Extender el desempeño de los 88 segundos del final del segundo cuarto del lunes por la noche pasado, a los 58 minutos del resto del partido.<br />
<ul>
<li>El juego se ganó en varios aspectos: la Línea Ofensiva, la línea defensiva y linebackers, y en el cuerpo de receptores y el QB.</li>
</ul>
La línea ofensiva permitió una comodidad al QB pocas veces vista. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> tuvo el tiempo necesario para que sus receptores se desplegaran en el downfield. Fue prácticamente intocable. En un pase a <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> contó con unos sorprendentes 7 segundos para dejar que el receptor corra su ruta.<br />
<ul>
<li>Por otra parte fue especialmente efectivo lanzando profundo, ya que completó 8 de 11 pases para 209 yardas y 2 TD en pases de más de 15 yardas.</li>
</ul>
También fue solvente lanzando bajo presión ya que completó 6 de 9 pases, para 111 yardas y 2 TD.<br />
En semanas anteriores la Nación Steeler fue testigo de una llamativa falta de coordinación con sus receptores, en especial con <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Brown</a></strong> y <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong>. Esta semana han corregido con creces esa deficiencia.<br />
<br />
Hay que agregar que la defensiva visitante no tuvo una de sus mejores tardes. A la falta de efectividad para contener y capturar al QB, hay que sumarle la facilidad que cedieron a la ofensiva para que sus receptores recibieran absolutamente desmarcados en varias ocasiones.<br />
<br />
Pero el juego aéreo desplegado por Ben fue tan asombroso que empalideció las nada despreciables 117 yardas terrestres del dúo LaGarrette Blount (21) - <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong>. En efecto, el N° 26 acarreó para 92 yardas y atrapó 6 de 7 balones para completar 56 yardas.<br />
<br />
Cinco receptores atraparon para más de 50 yardas y 4 de ellos anotaron touchdowns. En este festival de juego aéreo, hasta el FB <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Will+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Will Johnson</a></strong> también cumplió su parte al recibir dos pases de 11 yardas para 1er y 10.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Presión, presión y más presión</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
La defensiva de los Steelers entró al juego demostrando que se dobla pero no se quiebra: en la primera serie ofensiva de Indianapolis solo permitieron 3 puntos.<br />
<ul>
<li>Debido a que los locales se despegaron tempranamente en el marcador, los Colts se vieron obligados a abandonar casi por completo el juego terrestre.</li>
</ul>
La mejor ofensiva de la liga se vió limitada (si es que pasar 385 yds se puede llamar limitada) gracias a la presión que impuso la línea defensiva acerera junto al cuerpo de linebackers sobre el pasador, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LuckAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Luck</a></strong>, llegando a presionar hasta con 7 jugadores.<br />
<br />
Las cargas llegaban por fuera y por el centro. Aunque sólo fue capturado un par de veces, Luck fue golpeado, presionado y derribado en muchas ocasiones.<br />
<br />
Claro que cuando la presión no llegaba a tiempo y Luck pasaba, había un amplio espacio, por donde correr luego de la atrapada. La secundaria Steeler mostró debilidades sobre todo por el lado de <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cortez Allen</a></strong> quien fuera sentado y reemplazado por <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlakAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antwon Blake</a></strong> quien finalmente terminó interceptando un pase que puso fin al partido.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=William+Gay&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Gay</a></strong> fue el máximo tackleador del equipo y devolvió una intercepción para TD.</li>
</ul>
Se ha vencido a un equipo sólido, de primer nivel, con marca de 5-2, que aún hoy conserva el primer lugar en toda la liga en yardas totales, con el pasador más prolífico de la temporada y el mejor receptor en yardas, T. Y. Hilton.<br />
<br />
No es que los Steelers se aprovecharon de los Colts en una mala tarde.<br />
Los Colts con su ofensiva marcaron números que en cualquier otra circunstancia, hubieran sido suficientes para llevarse la victoria ante cualquier oponente.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Los Steelers fueron mejores. Durante los 60 minutos. Frente a una gran ofensiva que nunca se entregó. Los Steelers fueron mejores que uno de los mejores en su mejor momento.</i></li>
</ul>
Lo que comenzó a esbozarse hace 6 días frente a los Houston Texans, terminó por estallar hoy.<br />
Un equipo consistente cuya ofensiva colaboró con la defensiva convirtiendo TDs.<br />
Con una confianza tal que les permitió anotar 7 puntos en 4to y 1.<br />
Una confianza que parece no estaba allí hace 7 cuartos.<br />
Una confianza que revivió a un equipo que estaba latente, invernando. Que fue madurando a jugadores como <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> hasta que estuvieran a punto para ingresar al campo y sorprender.<br />
<br />
<i>El Mariscal de campo tal vez más ignorado y subestimado de la liga, hoy está en boca de todos con los récords batidos. </i><br />
<i>Y no es justamente por esos récords que Ben es Ben. O no sólo por eso. </i><br />
<i>Ben es quien es, porque salió a jugar en una pierna, con un entablillado en su tobillo tan rígido que apenas le permitía caminar. </i><br />
<i>Ben es Ben porque siguió jugando con su naríz rota, porque arriesga su físico porque no se entrega, porque nunca dá por terminadas las jugadas.</i><br />
<i>Para nosotros Ben era Ben aún antes de los records batidos. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Que se sepa...</i><br />
<br />
El Dr. de Acero<br />
<br />
<i>Para leer mas sobre los <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers en español</a></b>, hagan <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">clic acá</a>.
</i>Gustavo Vallejoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045270883719470291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-48396800521714849782014-10-27T10:45:00.002-02:002014-10-27T10:45:06.402-02:00Roethlisberger, Steelers Offense Explode vs. Colts, Win 51-34The story on the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> during the 2014’s first six weeks focused on what this team was <i><b>not</b></i>. The Steelers weren’t disciplined. They didn’t rush the passer. Their offense had star performers, but couldn’t get it together. They couldn’t deliver in the <span style="color: red;"><b>Red Zone</b></span>. They failed to close games. Their secondary struggled etc….<br />
<br />
The Steelers <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-defeat-houston-texans-heinz-field-monday-night-football-73-seconds.html" target="_blank">Monday Night win over the Houston Texans</a> shook up that narrative a bit, but behind the glow of their 21 points in 73 second scoring surge, lay all of the same nagging inconsistencies.<br />
<ul>
<li>Besides, even if their record stood at 4-3, who had they really beaten, anyway?</li>
</ul>
The Indianapolis Colts, led by superstar <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LuckAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Luck</a></strong>, figured force the Steelers back into that “win-lose-win-lose” pattern that’s plagued them all year.<br />
<br />
Instead, <b>Mike Tomlin</b> turned the tables during the Steelers 51 to 34 victory, and in doing so the <b>2014 Pittsburgh Steelers</b> might just have flashed a glimpse of what they can be….<br />
<br />
<b>Steelers Offense Makes Statement</b><br />
<br />
The Pittsburgh Steelers began 2013 by going 2-6 and closed the year going 6-2 and during the back stretch of the season, the Steelers offense was supposed to have emerged as a legitimate power. <br />
<br />
Pittsburgh’s offense was only supposed to get more potent in 2014. Tomlin brought <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MuncMi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Munchak</a></strong> in to stabilize the offensive line. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></strong> arrived to provide depth behind <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong>. The Steelers bolstered their receiving corps. Ben and Todd were finally getting along.<br />
<ul>
<li>By any measure, with the exception of the Carolina game and the first half vs. Cleveland, the Steelers offense regressed 2014.</li>
</ul>
Receivers couldn’t get in sync with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>. The Red Zone became the Dead Zone. The offensive line was OK, but nothing special. Roethlisberger’s autonomy was called into question. The Steelers offense put up consecutive, twin 10 point performances against terrible defenses.<br />
<ul>
<li>Lots of finger pointing, at least outside the Steelers locker room ensued. </li>
</ul>
<b>Todd Haley</b> needed to be fired. So did Mike Tomlin. People questioned Tomlin and Colbert’s drafting abilities. But few could agree on the problem, everyone seemed to implicitly understand that the lion’s share of the solution fell on one person’s shoulders: Ben Roethlisberger.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIinnTXzYlQGuIj6IuVJXqnT7phY9ZMhg6aHbslW_8tbfER_NoyF1e2MUeYLjguLkTPYkfq7IYNAY2Maix2_RdGEG6nfdqNd6BOMVHQHr188OQ77PJv7F0-SWbf_XIumRRrzknBFtTaA4/s1600/Ben+Brown+Records.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ben Roethlisberger, 522 yards, 6 touchdowns, Colts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIinnTXzYlQGuIj6IuVJXqnT7phY9ZMhg6aHbslW_8tbfER_NoyF1e2MUeYLjguLkTPYkfq7IYNAY2Maix2_RdGEG6nfdqNd6BOMVHQHr188OQ77PJv7F0-SWbf_XIumRRrzknBFtTaA4/s1600/Ben+Brown+Records.jpg" height="133" title="Ben Roethlisberger's Record Performance vs. Colts" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Roethlisberger entered the Colts game as a good quarterback who simply wasn’t up to par with the Brady’s, Mannings, Brees, Rivers and Lucks of the league.<br />
<ul>
<li>By the end of the game, Roethlisberger confirmed once again he is very much an elite quarterback.</li>
</ul>
This is one case where numbers provide a telling truth:<br />
<ul>
<li>522 yards passing</li>
<li>6 touchdowns</li>
<li>the first NFL quarterback to throw for 2 500 yard games (the other was vs. Green Bay in 2009)</li>
<li>ZERO interceptions in 49 pass attempts</li>
<li>100 career victories in 150 starts</li>
</ul>
For one game at least, Ben Roethlisberger ended the struggling and stumbling and brought the Pittsburgh Steelers offense together.<br />
<br />
The offense in fact, functioned like a well oiled machine. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong> redeemed himself by catching the day’s first touchdown pass. Rookie <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> caught 2 touchdowns in his second NFL game. <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong></strong></b></a><b><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong></b> caught everything thrown at him, including 2 TD’s. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong> returned to his role as “Mr. Reliable.”<br />
<ul>
<li>Despite all of the fireworks in the air, Bell managed 92 yards on the ground and another 56 receiving. </li>
</ul>
Previously, the Steelers offense had simply hinted at something better. Vs. the Colts, the Steelers offense displayed that it was capable of executing with lethal effectiveness.<br />
<br />
<b>Defense Doesn't Dominate, but Does Disrupt</b><br />
<br />
Most of the attention and praise after a victory like this will focus on the offense, as it should. But the defense deserves a good word too.<br />
<ul>
<li>YES, the defense gave up 34 points</li>
<li>YES, the defense allowed a 400 yard passing game</li>
</ul>
So clearly, the Steelers defense didn’t deliver a dominating performance worth of the Steel Curtain of old. But if the Steelers defense didn’t dominate, it did disrupt.<br />
<br />
The stat ledger says that the Steelers only <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong> sacked Andrew Luck. But they were far from the only Steelers to get to Luck.<br />
<br />
Cam Heyward had at least two sacks negated by penalities. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> had another. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoriJa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Worilds</a></strong> laid numerous hits on Luck. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShazRy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Shazier</a></strong> got into the act as did <strong>Brett Keisel</strong>. Yes, Luck threw for 400 yards, but he most often did so under duress.<br />
<br />
The Steelers defense also made its share of splash plays. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=William+Gay&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Gay</a></strong> toasted Andrew Luck for a quick six; <strong>Antwon Blake</strong> made a leaping end zone interception, and the Steelers forced a safety.<br />
<br />
<b>“<span style="color: blue;"><i>We were not taking our foot off the gas.</i></span>”</b> -Mike Tomlin<br />
<br />
At several points in 2014, the Steelers late-game play calling has come into question. But when asked why he threw the ball on 4th and inches late in the game – a throw which resulted in Heath Miller’s touchdown” Tomlin explained that he had no intention of taking the foot off the gas pedal.<br />
<ul>
<li>The strategy was wise vs. the Colts, and it is a philosophy which the entire team must embrace moving forward.</li>
</ul>
Three years ago the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2011/10/steelers-puncture-patriots-25-17.html" target="_blank">New England Patriots came to town in week 8</a>, and Pittsburgh pulled off an upset, only to drop one at home on the succeeding <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2011/11/steelers-choke-ravens-fly-to-23-20.html" target="_blank">Sunday Night to the Ravens</a>.<br />
<br />
It’s 2014 now, the Steelers have just beaten an AFC Contender, and the Baltimore Ravens are coming to town – on Sunday night no less.<br />
<ul>
<li>Against the Colts, for the first time all season, the Pittsburgh proved that their potential lies somewhere beyond 8-8.</li>
</ul>
But to get there, they must not take their foot off the gas pedal.<br />
<br />
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<br />KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-39321189079646181152014-10-26T16:00:00.005-02:002014-10-26T16:00:49.793-02:00Steel Curtain Rising Offers Apologies to Direct TV South AmericaIt’s time for Steel Curtain Rising to step forward and take one on the chin. Time to say “mea cupla.” About 40 minutes ago we published a post lambasting <b>Direct TV South America</b> for screwing Steelers fans. Viewing their programming guide, it seemed that the channel was not showing the Steelers-Colts game, and instead opted to show the Texans-Patriots Colts twice.<br />
<br />
And while they <b>Texans-Colts</b> game <i>does</i> appear twice on their <b>NFL Sunday Ticket </b>programming guide, that has nothing to do with the Steelers game.<br />
<ul>
<li>Because of course, the Steelers and Colts are playing at 4:30 Eastern. </li>
</ul>
Yep. Quick glance at the Steelers Media Guide confirmed that after some suggestions from friend on Twitter about checking seeing what FOX Sports was showing independent of NFL Sunday ticket.<br />
<ul>
<li>I fired first, and then asked questions. That was very bad on my part.</li>
</ul>
So I’ve deleted my previous, deleted all of the rants on Twitter, and now I’ll tender my apology to <b>Direct TV South America</b> and whoever manages the <b>NFL Sunday Ticket</b>. The truth is that while there have been service issues in the past, its been several years since s a programming error or issues has prevented me from seeing the Steelers game.<br />
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So you guys have done your part, and I was very wrong to call you out w/o checking the facts first. You have my apologies.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-50459994834876259772014-10-26T10:00:00.000-02:002014-10-26T10:00:04.988-02:00Steelers (Latest) Gamble on Offensive Line to be Tested vs. ColtsTime will tell whether the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-roster-practice-squad-ventrone-wesley-johnson-shamarko-thomas.html" target="_blank">Steelers decision to cut Wesley Johnson</a> will come back to <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/11/steelers-roster-offensive-line-legursky-urbik-injuries.html" target="_blank">haunt them the way cutting Kraig Urbik or letting Doug Legursky</a> go did, but the first test will come today vs. the Colts.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GilbMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marcus Gilbert</a></strong>, by all accounts, will not suit up due to NFL concussion protocols. And that is as it should be. However, it leaves the Steelers in a bind, once again, at offensive tackle. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Mike+Adams&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Adams</a></strong> will start in Gilbert’s place and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BeacKe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelvin Beachum</a></strong> will stay in his normal spot at left tackle.<br />
<ul>
<li>Dan Rooney had better say an extra decade on his rosary beads in hopes that neither man gets hurt.</li>
</ul>
When <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-defeat-houston-texans-heinz-field-monday-night-football-73-seconds.html" target="_blank">Beachum went down briefly vs. the Texans</a>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PounMa20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maurkice Pouncey</a></strong> was set to move to left tackle with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WallCo20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cody Wallace</a></strong> taking over at center. That’s because the Steelers have no other offensive tackles on their roster, now that Johnson is gone.<br />
<ul>
<li>If the last several season have made anything clear, is that offensive line depth is necessity, not a luxury.</li>
</ul>
The Steelers of course found this out, again, the hard way on <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/09/steelers-lose-titans-16-9-pouncey-acl-mcl-roster-gamble.html" target="_blank">opening day 2013</a>. They rolled the dice, and came up short, very short. Now they’re doing it again. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhimGu20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guy Whimper</a></strong> was available and could have been resigned. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VentRo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ross Ventrone</a></strong> could have been cut, but perhaps <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomSh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shamarko Thomas</a></strong>’ lingering injury prevented that.<br />
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Either way, the Steelers are left hoping lighting doesn’t strike in the same place it has – many times, in the past. The franchise has invested heavily in the draft to provide <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> with quality protection, yet they still seem willing to gamble further down the depth chart.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-18210134149941777102014-10-24T10:56:00.003-02:002014-10-24T11:05:14.725-02:00Colbert, Tomlin, Steelers Made Correct Call on LaMarr Woodley<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Raiders lose LaMarr Woodley for the year - <a href="http://t.co/DptePxnLlD">http://t.co/DptePxnLlD</a> <a href="http://t.co/KcFmwGGIGq">pic.twitter.com/KcFmwGGIGq</a><br />
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftDiamonds/status/525129195811139584">October 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
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To put it mildly, critiquing <b>Mike Tomlin</b> and <b>Kevin Colbert’s </b>decision making is in vogue now within <b>Steelers Nation</b>. And, truth be told, some of the personnel decisions the two men have made are open to question (Who exactly decided to <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2012/04/steelers-draft-alameda-taamu-in-4th.html" target="_blank">trade up to get Alameda Ta’Amu</a>, for example?)<br />
<ul>
<li>But when it comes to <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LaMarr Woodely</a></b>, Colbert and Tomlin called this one spot on.</li>
</ul>
NFL Draft Diamonds couldn’t have chosen a more apt photo. A year ago the Steelers suffered their latest <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/10/steelers-raiders-loss-21-18-terrelle-pryor-roethlisberger.html" target="_blank">meltdown at Oakland’s Black Hole</a>, and as you can see, Woodley was rushing Terrell Pryor. Which is what the Steelers had in mind when they <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com.ar/2011/08/lamarr-woodley-vs-lloyd-porter-gildon.html" target="_blank">resigned him to 6 year 61.5 million dollar contract </a>in 2011.<br />
<ul>
<li>As Tony Defeo of <i><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014/3/19/5526058/lamarr-woodley-free-agency-contract-sacks" target="_blank">Behind the Steel Curtain</a></i> has pointed out, at the time it looked like an incredibly wise decision.</li>
</ul>
Woodley, put simply, was a sack machine. At that point in his career, Woodley’s sacks-per-game pace far outstripped Steelers legends such as <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Greene</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeL.00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">L.C. Greenwood</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2008/07/greg-lloyds-departure-is-now-ten-years.html" target="_blank">Greg Lloyd</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PortJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joey Porter</a></strong>, or <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong>. And it continued that way for a while. Woodley opened up 2011 on a tear, with 9 sacks in the first 8 games, including two drops of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BradTo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Brady</a></strong> in the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2011/10/steelers-puncture-patriots-25-17.html" target="_blank">Steelers upset of the Patriots</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>But that’s when Woodley suffered his first soft tissue injury.</li>
</ul>
It’s been downhill ever since. 2012? Ruined by injury. 2013? Ruined by injury. By the 2014 off season, <b>Kevin Colbert </b>and<b> Mike Tomlin</b> had seen enough and made the collective decision to bite the bullet. The Steelers cut <strong>LaMarr Woodley</strong>, but it’s a move that’s <a href="http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/pittsburgh-steelers/" target="_blank">costing them $5.6 million against their 2014 salary cap and 8.6 million in 2015</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>But it was clearly the correct move.</li>
</ul>
Woodley was a total bust in Oakland, massing all of 5 tackles in six games. Yes, he’d moved from outside linebacker to defensive end, but these are numbers that do not lie.<br />
<br />
<b>Time to Take Our Own Medicine</b><br />
<br />
Regular readers are familiar with Steel Curtain Rising’s <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Watch%20Tower" target="_blank">Watch Tower</a></b>, which analyzes the job done by those who cover the Steelers. The chief focus on the Watch Tower is to seek to understand what makes the press tick – what gets covered (or not covered) by who and why. But, truth be told, the Watch Tower does like to play a little bit of “gottacha” now and then, pointing out when journalists get things wrong.<br />
<ul>
<li>Well, Steel Curtain Rising got this one wrong, and in a big way.</li>
</ul>
In our 2014 Steelers Free Agent Focus run up, Steel Curtain Rising reviewed the pro’s and con’s of keeper or cutting Woodley. And while we correctly read the tea leaves which indicated the Steelers were going to cut him, <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/02/steelers-lamarr-woodley-salary-cap-dead-money-colon-injury.html" target="_blank">our final conclusion was</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Curtain’s call is that the Steelers stick with Woodley for one more year, but the Steelers themselves seem inclined to take the cap hit move on.</blockquote>
It’s time for the Watch Tower to take its own medicine -- there’s a reason why Colbert and Tomlin get paid to do what they do and this is just a non-commercial fan site. They were right on Woodley, I was wrong.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span><br />
<br />KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-29013332019789239412014-10-23T10:11:00.007-02:002014-10-23T10:11:49.587-02:00Steelers Report Card for Win vs. Texans @ Heinz FieldTaken from the grade book of a teacher who has become more than a little gun shy of rewarding the upsides of a very sporadic student, here is the <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Report%20Card" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card</a></b> for the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-defeat-houston-texans-heinz-field-monday-night-football-73-seconds.html" target="_blank">victory over the Houston Texans at Heinz Field</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers, Report Card, Texans, Grades" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" title="Steelers Report Card vs. Texans" /></a></div>
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<b>Quarterback</b><br />
Statistically speaking, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> had a strong night, with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a solid 265 yards passing. While those numbers are solid, Roethlisberger again put the ball on the ground, and missed on a key throw when the team was trying to kill the clock. These types of mistakes are becoming too common. <b>Grade: B</b><br />
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<b>Running Backs</b><br />
For two straight years, no running backs were selected in the NFL Draft. If <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> and <strong>DeMarco Murray</strong> continue to produce at the level they’re producing that will change. Bell only had 57 yard rushing, but two long receptions by him sparked the Steelers first two scores. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></strong> only managed 9 yards on 7 carries, but made a critical grab. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchDr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dri Archer</a></strong> had one nice run and one poor run. <b>Grade: A</b><br />
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<b>Tight Ends</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong> only had one catch but it was good for 13 yards and effectively positioned the Steelers for their first score. Miller got no more catches or targets, however he was held back to block far more frequently than in the past.<b> Grade: B</b><br />
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<b>Wide Receivers</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> is making his case as one of the NFL’s best receivers, with another 9 catch performance which included some tough ones. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong> had two targets and no catches. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> made good in the end zone on his first NFL catch. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywDa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darrius Heyward-Bey</a></strong> had one catch for 17 yards and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong> had two catches including a touchdown. Overall a good night for the receivers, but they’re still somewhat out of sync with their quarterback.<b> Grade: B-</b><br />
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<b>Offensive Line</b><br />
<strong>Mike Adams</strong> stepped in for concussed <strong>Marcus Gilbert</strong>, and did an admirable job. Overall the line performed well and contained JJ Watt. Run blocking could have been more consistent. <b>Grade B-</b><br />
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<b>Defensive Line</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu_-Q77ALLIkT1qR-C_WkSIXohc8CZFIlRQDNxfQ_OCYwsLr8JTD8E8gyIAZqjkf7s6JsZ-ZqZ1VoqZtrlQgL_ei905PvFqFvqwC0AplTQorNjcMVqbkmpDGWLhYAPZc_vRr2URT0WKY/s1600/Kesiel+Beardception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Brett Keisel, interception, Steelers vs. Texans, Monday Night Football" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu_-Q77ALLIkT1qR-C_WkSIXohc8CZFIlRQDNxfQ_OCYwsLr8JTD8E8gyIAZqjkf7s6JsZ-ZqZ1VoqZtrlQgL_ei905PvFqFvqwC0AplTQorNjcMVqbkmpDGWLhYAPZc_vRr2URT0WKY/s1600/Kesiel+Beardception.jpg" height="185" title="Brett Keisel Interception vs. Texans" width="200" /></a>This unit got a new look, as <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TuitSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephon Tuitt</a></strong> got his first start and <strong>Daniel McCullers</strong> saw his first NFL action. McCullers looked good in his playing time, as did Tuitt. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cameron Heyward</a></strong> helped set up the Steelers first touchdown by stopping <strong>Arian Foster</strong>. The real hero of the unit was <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong>, who batted away two passes and took caught the deflection to set up the Steelers 3rd TD in 0:73 seconds. The line struggled in the first quarter, but bounced back quite well. <b>Grade: B</b><br />
<br />
<b>Linebackers</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> was everywhere, getting one sack making two tackles for a loss, and laying in another quarterback hit. <strong>Jason Worilds</strong> forced a fumble and had a strong night. <strong>Arthur Moats</strong> got in a quarterback pressure while <strong>James Harrison</strong> got in 3, although Harrison’s roughing the passer penalty helped Houston make a run at coming back in the end. <b>Grade: B</b><br />
<br />
<b>Secondary</b><br />
For the second straight week, <strong>Michael Mitchell</strong> forced a fumble and appears to be settling in on the defense. <strong>Brice McCain</strong> started at corner, and his name was not heard much during the night – which is good in this case. <strong>William Gay</strong> was solid. <strong>Cortez Allen</strong>, however struggled at times. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong> recovered a fumble but gave Houston a free timeout with his goal line leap. <b>Grade B-</b><br />
<br />
<b>Special Teams</b><br />
<strong>Shaun Suisham</strong> was perfect on the night place kicking and his kickoffs had good depth. The Steelers got nothing from their kick return game, although Brown’s punt return helped spark the Steelers first touchdown. <strong>Brad Wing</strong> had a solid night punting, and for the first time all year, managed to pin Houston down deep. The kick return coverage team was excellent. The unit did give up a fake punt. The final on-sides kick was touch and go, although there is an “X-Factor” that goes with on sides kicks. <b>Grade: B</b><br />
<br />
<b>Coaching</b><br />
Let’s be honest, the Steelers looked dazed and confused at the beginning of the game. During the first quarter it looked like the Steelers would not only lose their first home at on Monday Night Football since 1991, it had the makings of a blow out.<br />
<br />
But to <b>Mike Tomlin’s</b> credit, the Steelers did not flinch. First the defense buckled down, then the offense got on the board in workman like fashion, and then it exploded.<br />
<br />
<strong>Dick LeBeau</strong>’s defense is not going to be a Steelers-shut down unit. He sacks, turnovers and, at the end of the talent, to do that. But perhaps it is capable of growing into a bend-but-don’t break group, which isn’t so bad.<br />
<br />
While <b>Todd Haley's</b> offense was “above the line” it still has issues, as suggested by its 5-14 effort on third downs and inability to put the game completely out of reach, either by scoring, or by burning out the clock. The reverse turned pass by Brown worked, but was touch and go. The Steelers can’t afford such risks vs. the Colts. Grade: C+<br />
<br />
<b>Unsung Hero Award</b><br />
The Steelers sputtered badly to start the game, but the defense quickly bore down. The Texans efforts to rally at the beginning of the second half were halted in large part but a couple of big stops from a linebacker who might be making his last start. If it is, he redeemed some of his early missteps and more with those tops and a fumble recovery, and for that <b><strong>Sean Spence</strong> </b>is the <b>Unsung Hero</b> of the win over the Texans.<br />
<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-64626691803998696562014-10-23T10:11:00.005-02:002014-10-28T10:58:31.176-02:00Un temporal de 88 segundos para los PittsburghSteelersSemana 7<br />
<br />
En el <b>Monday Night Football</b>, por la 7° jornada de la temporada regular 2014 de la NFL, se encontraron en Heinz Field, dos equipos con marca de 3-3: los <b>Houston Texans</b> y los <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b>.<br />
<br />
Los primeros mostrando como carta de presentación el juego terrestre comandado por <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FostAr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arian Foster</a></strong>, con poco más de 128 yardas de promedio por partido que lo colocaban 9° en el ranking general de la NFL.<br />
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Los Acereros, en cambio, ranqueaban 4° en ese rubro, con una de sus apuestas fuertes: <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong>.<br />
Sin embargo, los Steelers habían mostrado una verdadera falta de regularidad, intercalando sucesivamente, semana tras semana, victorias con derrotas, aún contra equipos de menor categoría.<br />
<br />
La decepción en la Nación Acerera era superlativa: Coach <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> expresó el sentir de los fans al denominar como “floja” a la defensiva de la escuadra que alguna vez dirigió.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Por cierto que nosotros solemos prestar atención a la “música de ascensor”, sobre todo si los que la ejecutan son el dúo Cowher-<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardHi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hines Ward</a></strong>.</i></li>
</ul>
Sin embargo, no creo que sus palabras hayan querido ofender a nadie sino más bien, mojar la oreja de un equipo que se mostraba falto de carácter y convicciones para que expusiera el corazón en la cancha.<br />
<br />
Desafortunadamente, el inicio del partido mostró el peor perfil de los Steelers: los Texans llevaron adelante tres series ofensivas anotadoras (dos GdeC y un TD) acumulando 160 yardas totales mientras que las 3 series iniciales de los locales fueron punt, fumble perdido y punt.<br />
La visita, que se caracterizaba por iniciar tibiamente los partidos, ganaba prematura pero merecidamente por 13 a 0 al promediar el 2do cuarto.<br />
<br />
Es que restando 2:28 por jugar en la primera mitad, viene la jugada que tal vez cambió el curso del partido: <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> capturó al QB <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Fitzpatrick</a></strong> (la única captura del partido) en la yarda 22 de Houston y la defensiva detuvo por primera vez a la ofensiva forzando un despeje.<br />
3 y fuera.<br />
<br />
El restante minuto y 46 segundos del 2do cuarto fue de lo más intenso e increíble que ví en todos los años que sigo a los Steelers.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Football total</i></li>
</ul>
Apoyados en una defensiva que dió un cambio tan sorprendente como inesperado, la ofensiva se sacudió el óxido, rompió el maleficio de la zona roja y comenzó a anotar puntos.<br />
<br />
Muchos puntos:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Pase profundo de <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> atrapado por el novato <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> quien en una sola jugada completó su primera atrapada y su primer TD de su carrera en la NFL.</i></li>
<li><i>Pase de 3 yardas de <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> atrapado por <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong></i></li>
<li><i>Pase de 2 yardas de Big Ben a Le’Veon Bell</i></li>
</ul>
21 puntos en 88 segundos.<br />
<br />
La segunda mitad fue más equilibrada, mostrando unos Steelers más afianzados. A la ofensiva produjeron series importantes que incluyó una en la que, si bien terminó en punt, pudieron avanzar desde la yarda 1 hasta pasada la propia yarda 30. En otras dos sumaron 6 puntos producto de dos goles de campo de <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/s/suishsha01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaun Suisham</a></strong> (No se convalidó un TD de <b>Antonio Brown</b> por considerarse que el jugador pisó la línea blanca con la punta de sus pies. Fallo muy polémico).<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cerdos volando en el cielo de Heinz Field</i></b><br />
<br />
Durante este MNF ocurrieron sucesos poco frecuentes en esta campaña de los Steelers.<br />
Sin pretender ser irónico, la ofensiva atacó.<br />
<br />
Aprovechó las oportunidades producidas por la defensiva. Todas y cada una de ellas. De los 3 turnovers se obtuvieron 17 puntos. Tan importante como los puntos anotados fue la capacidad que tuvieron para consumir el tiempo del reloj durante la segunda mitad, permitiendo controlar el juego y asegurar el resultado.<br />
<ul>
<li>Asimismo la línea ofensiva controló, hasta cierto punto, la amenaza que representaba para <b>Big Ben</b>, el DE J. J. Watt, líder en capturas de los Tejanos.</li>
<li>Un ítem negativo para anotarle a esta escuadra fue el bajo porcentaje de conversión de terceros intentos. Apenas el 35%</li>
</ul>
Por el lado de la defensiva, esta provocó 3 cambios de posesión.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Este fue el hecho más significativo de la noche ya que ni detuvieron el ataque terrestre ni el aéreo. </i></li>
</ul>
En efecto, permitieron 393 yardas totales, 132 por tierra y 261 por aire. Esto significa que los Texans acumularon más yardas que los Acereros, y que en realidad fue un partido de una paridad absoluta.<br />
<br />
La secundaria sigue jugando de manera inconsistente porque permite que el adversario concrete jugadas grandes por aire de manera que si se tratara de equipos más competitivos (como lo son los próximos dos rivales por venir, los Colts y los Ravens) se comprometería seriamente el resultado.<br />
Lawrence Timmons se va transformando en un estandarte de esta defensiva con sus 63 tackles combinados (45 en solo), líder de los Steelers y el 6° mejor de la liga.<br />
<br />
Hay por delante dos rivales de fuste. <b>Indianapolis</b> y <b>Baltimore</b>, ambos con marcas de 5-2.<br />
En el duelo contra los Colts, la historia favorece ampliamente a los Steelers (14-6 en temporada regular, 5-0 en postemporada y 9-2 cuando se disputa en Pittsburgh).<br />
<br />
Pero la historia está en los libros. El presente de los Acereros es bastante más pobre que esa historia.<br />
Pero los partidos no se pierden hasta que se pierden. Y la Nación Steeler confía. La confianza será lo último que perdamos.<br />
<br />
El Dr de Acero<br />
<br />
Para leer mas sobre los <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers en español</a></b>, hagan <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">clic acá</a>.Gustavo Vallejoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045270883719470291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-48296352683827441832014-10-22T00:41:00.002-02:002014-10-22T00:41:21.111-02:00Confidence: The Key to Turning the Steelers Victory over Houston into Something More...The 3-3 <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> hosted the 3-3 <b>Houston Texans </b>at <b>Heinz Field</b> last night on <b>Monday Night Football </b>in a game that Steelers Nation had hoped would provide a little clarity to what has been a topsy-turvy season. <br />
<br />
Instead, the Steelers found themselves out scored 23 to 9 during 58:47 minutes of the game, while outscoring the Texans 21-0 during the intervening 1:13.<br />
<ul>
<li>Yes, when you add those totals, up, the Steelers come out on top 30-23.</li>
</ul>
The win improved he Steelers to 4-3, but the importance boosting the Steelers “W” tally by one will pale in comparison if <b>Mike Tomlin</b> ensures that this win boosts the team’s confidence.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe2ajertrq-51LUYnKFEQ5ckWa_lDOTi7VoUPtsZAlouvE_H-1p4a-Ev0eK2GldZ8ZH3mUaMYUvIkiED_HxysT_r1QEn8G9ze6VyMN-04ZCnrjUp9Xc-6ICscwgDfHkz7ZU5TNozdK_I/s1600/Don't%2BCount%2BSteelers%2BOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday Night Football, Texans," border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe2ajertrq-51LUYnKFEQ5ckWa_lDOTi7VoUPtsZAlouvE_H-1p4a-Ev0eK2GldZ8ZH3mUaMYUvIkiED_HxysT_r1QEn8G9ze6VyMN-04ZCnrjUp9Xc-6ICscwgDfHkz7ZU5TNozdK_I/s1600/Don't%2BCount%2BSteelers%2BOut.jpg" height="200" title="Steelers Defeat Texans Monday Night Football" width="200" /></a><b>A Question of Confidence</b><br />
<br />
Confidence. Here’s how Webster’s defines the word: “A feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something.”<br />
<br />
Confidence can be a curious concept. Sometimes, people come to it naturally. In 1969 a young rookie lined up for his first foray into <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NollCh20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chuck Noll</a></strong>’s dreaded Oklahoma Drill with a chip on his shoulder. A few minutes later the entire offensive line lay discarded to the side, while the young rookie remained standing, hungry for more.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeJo02.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joe Greene</a></strong>’s natural confidence grew in proportion to his unnatural abilities.</li>
</ul>
While his example inspires, Greene is the exception and not the rule.<br />
<br />
Confidence is something which most often must be built, particularly on the team level, and especially in football the ultimate team sport. In football, confidence can’t completely compensate for a lack of ability, but the right dose of confidence can propel a team far beyond the limits of how far its talent is supposed to take it. (See the <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2010/06/1989-pittsburgh-steelers.html" target="_blank">1989 Steelers</a></b>.)<br />
<br />
On the flip side, the absence of confidence will utterly devastate a football team. (See Steelers secondary’s poor play during <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/12/sifting-through-rubble-of-steelers-2009.html" target="_blank">2009 losing streak</a>.)<br />
<ul>
<li>The question of confidence is particularly important to the 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers.</li>
</ul>
<i><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-opinions-reactions-news-updates/2014/10/14/6968411/steelers-report-card-week-6-cleveland-browns" target="_blank">Behind the Steel Curtain</a></i> editor Neal Coolong offered this takeaway from the Steelers loss to the Browns:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Cam Heyward and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpenSe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Spence</a></strong> were dominant in this game early. The defense, as we've probably forgotten thanks in part to a complete meltdown in the second quarter, was playing very well early. Six plays run for -8 yards, and a defensive front-seven that looked powerful against a good offensive line. It seemed like the big play to <strong>Jordan Cameron</strong> really shook the defense up. They didn't play with the same sense of confidence after that.</blockquote>
Coolong’s right. While talent is an issue (see <strong>Cam Thomas</strong> getting blocked to kingdom come here), After the field goal fiasco, the Steelers played as they were the Little Engine the Couldn’t.<br />
<br />
<b>Before the Frantic 73 Seconds…</b><br />
<br />
Steelers began playing the Texans as the same confidence-challenged unit that struggled for 3 quarters against the Browns. <b>Arian Foster</b> had 99 yards in the blink of an eye. <strong>Brad Wing</strong> was getting a work out. Truth be told, the Steelers were lucky to only be down 7 at the end of the first quarter. It looked to be a long night.<br />
<ul>
<li>The short hand version of this story would have you believe that the Steelers did nothing until suddenly springing to life at the tail end of the 2nd quarter. </li>
</ul>
Truthfully, that’s not quite what happened. <br /><br />First, the defense went into “Bend but don’t break” mold, and forced the Texans to settle for two field goals. Second, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> began to get into a bit of a groove. Throwing from his own 14 he hit Le’Veon Bell who exploded for 43 yards. The Steelers couldn’t convert this into a touchdown, but they got on the board 3 three.<br />
<br />
Next, the defense did its part, as <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cameron Heyward</a></strong> held Roster for a 2 yard loss and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> sacked <strong>Ryan Fitzpatrick</strong>. The two minute warning stuck, and Houston had to punt….<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdRuUi_1YronsNDaxvbflSBaAKllaQkvIP9vYFBKxvxeSo3kLllBcwQsDTW2r6MypYm75MimEdKbrU_EvJIKs5GRCUJEWbmhYInuvuMiQdFb7A_ucAjBh_xIrBMrzHFKhXZia3TH8iMA/s1600/Brown+TD+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Steelers, Antonio Brown, Touchdown Pass, Texans, Red Zone" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdRuUi_1YronsNDaxvbflSBaAKllaQkvIP9vYFBKxvxeSo3kLllBcwQsDTW2r6MypYm75MimEdKbrU_EvJIKs5GRCUJEWbmhYInuvuMiQdFb7A_ucAjBh_xIrBMrzHFKhXZia3TH8iMA/s1600/Brown+TD+Pass.jpg" height="200" title="Antonio Brown Touchdown Pass Texans" width="200" /></a><b>73 Frantic Seconds of Steelers Football<br /></b><br />
Regardless of how the 2014 turns out, the final 1:22 of the second quarter vs. Houston will go down as one of the most eventful 82 second bursts in Steelers history.<br />
And so it should.<br />
<br />
Teams do not score 21 points in the space of 73 seconds. Forget about football teams – basketball teams are not supposed to score so quickly. But it happened.<br />
<ul>
<li>Roethlisberger found rookie <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> in the end zone</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> pitching a touchdown of his own to veteran <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong></li>
<li>Jason Worilds forced a fumble</li>
<li>Sean Spence recovered it</li>
</ul>
And For a second straight week, <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></b> made a play that 36 year old defensive lineman are not “supposed to make.”<br />
<br />
That’s 1 week’s worth of highlights in less that 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
<b>...After the 73 Frantic Seconds</b><br />
<br />
The poetic way to spin the story would be to say that after going on its scoring binge, the Steelers methodically closed out the game, and that after the 21 barrage the final result was never in doubt.<br />
<ul>
<li>But this was a football game, not a Hollywood movie, and these are the 2014 Steelers.</li>
</ul>
The truth is the remainder of the game offered both reasons for Steelers fans to hope and worry.<br />
In two more red zone opportunities the Steelers settled for two more field goals<br />
The outcome was in doubt late in the game<br />
<br />
But to put that into context, one must also accept that <b>Antonio Brown</b> was robbed of a touchdown when his feet were clearly in bounds. And the Steelers defense did end one Texan possession when <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Michael+Mitchell&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Mitchell</a></strong> forced a fumble, a welcome sight for a turnover starved defense.<br />
<br />
Remember, Houston’s rally was aided by a failed end zone shot when a run or a high percentage short pass could have kept the clock running and by a foolish roughing the passer call by <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
Neither factor serves as an excuse, but both issues are correctable.<br />
<br />
<b>Tomlin’s Test</b><br />
<br />
At the end of the day, the real meaning of this win has yet to be decided. 21 points in 73 is nice, but the Steelers aren’t going to score 3 touchdowns in 73 seconds against the Colts and Ravens. Neither are they going to score 3 touchdowns in 146 seconds against Indy and Baltimore.<br />
<br />
By the time those teams arrive at <b>Heinz Field</b>, the ink on that impressive stat will have long since dried.<br />
<br />
You can’t catch lighting in a bottle. Instead, the key to sustaining the win over the Texans lies in looking at what made it possible: Confidence.<br />
<ul>
<li>The confidence allows a quarterback to lop a ball 35 yards down field with the faith that his receiver will both be there and make the play</li>
<li>The confidence that drives a defender to make a play on the ball, because he knows even if he can’t recover it, his teammate will</li>
<li>The confidence that young players like <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCuDa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel McCullers</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TuitSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephon Tuitt</a></strong> gain from seeing that staying in their gaps and sealing their corners, really can shut down an All-Pro rusher</li>
</ul>
Ultimately, it’s about the confidence it takes to look at being down by 2 scores early and believing – knowing you fight back if you can remain focused.<br />
<br />
If <b>Mike Tomlin</b> can use this game to coax this kind of confidence out of his young team, then the importance of this victory can grow beyond a single “W.” <br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-88778067762304794762014-10-21T02:27:00.000-02:002014-10-22T00:10:15.658-02:00Steelers Defeat Houston Texans 30-23 @ Heinz Field - Rapid ReactionThe <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> hosted the <b>Houston Texans</b> at <b>Heinz Field</b> facing as much of a “must win” situation as any 3-3 team could face. While the Black and Gold were officially favored, Houston had going for it: <br />
<br />
their zone rushing scheme with <strong>Adrian Foster</strong> would test Pittsburgh’s shaky run defense<br />
JJ Watt had scored more touchdowns his season than the Steelers offense had in the last two games<br />
the Steelers were facing accusations from <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> that they’d gone soft and were a finesse team<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt66qEuOAYjFOzZfWbxfbJp_iV1INNAwQpI_AXWfmyXdeoygvZX87b9-wm29xB2-lN9m9w2lc64gWjvcdyAMJ37B86krEFvP6HmSs3IS6vIC9iugzD57FH016TJykQTjMTZDuWvcOA5E8/s1600/Brown+TD+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Steelers, Texans, Antonio Brown, Pass" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt66qEuOAYjFOzZfWbxfbJp_iV1INNAwQpI_AXWfmyXdeoygvZX87b9-wm29xB2-lN9m9w2lc64gWjvcdyAMJ37B86krEFvP6HmSs3IS6vIC9iugzD57FH016TJykQTjMTZDuWvcOA5E8/s1600/Brown+TD+Pass.jpg" height="200" title="Steelers Defeat Texans, Antonio Brown" width="200" /></a></div>
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For the first 28 minutes it looked like <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardHi00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Hines Ward</b> </a>and Cowher were right. The Texans were running at will, and the Steelers were settling for field goals. Yet, just inside the two minute warning, the Steelers showed why you never take your foot off of the gas pedal.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> gained 9 yards on a punt return – not huge but not something that’s happened frequently</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> hit <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell </a></b>for 28 yards, then hit rookie <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> for 35 in the end zone</li>
<li>Houston fumbled the kickoff and the <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoriJa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Worilds</a></strong> forced a Peterson fumble with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpenSe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sean Spence</a></strong> recovering</li>
<li>Antonio Brown then threw to <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong> for a touchdown</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong> got a hand on a pass which bounced off of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> and back to Keisel for an interception</li>
<li>Two plays later, Roethlisberger was hooking up with Brown for 7 more</li>
</ul>
Truthfully the Steelers would find fewer moments of glory in the second half, as the offense only managed 6 points (although Brown got screwed out of a touchdown), but the defense held the Texans to 10 points, and the Steelers walked away with a 30 to 23 victory.<br />
<br />
The Steelers most certainly need to raise their game vs. the Colts and then again vs. Baltimore. But for a team that limped to a 3-3 record and was facing a hostile fan base, the Steelers got a much needed victory to begin their 3 game home stand.<br />
<br />
It’s already 1:16 am here in Buenos Aires, and work looms tomorrow morning. Check back for more later.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-9014915254749715462014-10-20T10:09:00.001-02:002014-10-20T10:09:24.138-02:00Watch Tower: Pittsburgh Media Puts Tomlin's Talent Evaluation Skills Under MicroscopeThe <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>’s <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">first loss at Cleveland since 2009</a> sent the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> soul searching. While <b>Steelers Nation</b> searches for a scapegoat, the Watch Tower shines its light on more level-headed attempts to discern “what’s wrong” and uncovers something interesting about practice reporting requirements.<br />
<br />
<b>Tomlin as a Talent Evaluator Under the Microscope</b><br />
<br />
It used to be that the Steelers press corps fanned the flames of fan passion in Steelers Nation. Often times that makes good business sense, as nothing sells newspapers – or generates web hits, like a fire and brimstone article filled with bad news.<br />
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During the 1990’s, when seemingly every off season was punctuated by an exodus of premium free agents (think of <strong>Chad Brown</strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThigYa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yancey Thigpen</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rod Woodson</a></strong>’s departures), and fans were treated to a steady stream of “The Sky is Falling in Pittsburgh” themed articles.<br />
<br />
It got to the point where, during the 1999 off season, <b>Tom Donahoe</b>, who had great press relations, told a reporter that one of the things he loved about his job was proving the press wrong. (Of course the 1999 season was a disaster, and cost Donahoe his job, but that’s another story.)<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, the tone of the Pittsburgh press has shifted over the last decade or so. <br />
<ul>
<li>If anything reporters push back against knee-jerk reactions on the part of the fan base.</li>
</ul>
Still, the 2014 Steelers are not playing very good football, and two reporters have opted to looks past the “Fire Tomlin,” “Fire Haley,” “Fire LeBeau” and “Fire Colbert” brigades in hopes of offering a more reason-based analysis of what ails the Steelers.<br />
<br />
<b>ESPN’s</b> Scott Brown was the first to move in that direction, making his effort in response to one of the weekly “Why Hasn’t Rooney Fired Everyone Already” questions in his <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/9886/pittsburgh-steelers-mail-is-todd-haley-gone-if-steelers-lose-next-three-games" target="_blank">weekly Steelers Mail Bag</a>. After indicating that he think <b>Mike Tomlin’s</b> job is safe – barring a total meltdown – Brown makes an interesting observation:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Steelers would also have to take a hard look at their drafting process. Whatever the setup is in regard to Kevin Colbert and Tomlin doesn't appear to be working. The Steelers have made too many questionable draft picks since the two have been together. I think the Steelers would be wise to give Colbert the final say -- there appears to be 50/50 split between him and Tomlin -- and give him ownership the draft.</blockquote>
Whether Brown has sources to base this upon or he’s simply offering his own opinion (the Watch Tower speculates it’s the second) is unknown. But Mike Tomlin’s ability as a talent evaluator, and perhaps his drafting philosophy, is open to question.<br />
<br />
During his first season, Tomlin pushed for <strong>Sean Mahan</strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RossAl99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Allen Rossum</a></strong>, in addition to pushing to draft <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpaeMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt Spaeth</a></strong> in the third round and pushing for the team to pick <strong>Daniel Sepulveda</strong> in the 4th round. Three out of four moves were disasters, and Spaeth, while OK, hasn’t produced at the level you expect out of a third round pick.<br />
<br />
Beyond that, it is hard to peg a specific personnel move that has a clear Tomlin footprint on it, other than the <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorMe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mewelde Moore</a></strong> free agent signing, which was excellent.<br />
<br />
A day later, Alan Robinson took a look at the same question, albeit from a slightly different angle. He and the staff at the <i><a href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/6900630-74/tomlin-cowher-draft#axzz3GYjfKU6B" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Tribune Review</a></i> took a long look at the first eight drafts of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> and <b>Tom Donahoe</b> and compared those to the results of the first 7 drafts of <b>Mike Tomlin</b> and <b>Kevin Colbert</b>.<br />
<br />
Robinson renders his verdict this way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The answer: At comparative stages of the draft picks' careers, the Tomlin/Colbert drafts of 2007 and '10 were the best two, but the Cowher/Donahoe drafts were generally better from top to bottom and produced more star-caliber players.<br />
And except for the 2010 draft that yielded <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PounMa20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maurkice Pouncey</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoriJa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Worilds</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong>, the Tomlin/Colbert drafts have declined since the first draft in 2007 yielding <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LaMarr Woodley</a></strong>.</blockquote>
By assigning points to players based on playing time and performance – and punishing player washouts, the <b>Cowher-Donahoe</b> drafts amassed 302 points while the Tomlin-Colbert drafts only ended up with 258.<br />
<br />
One can quibble with <a href="http://triblive.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=mjOL97MqMzTQa2R6109SRZM5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAmCvoRjtZgIPoEFhaSqUCodYFvYJtLALTVU4xRnIdl0TQd75FFq0wwMGY0lFLj3Tq2CntTQg573rVzOhfe3dIuoe$SE7JovEZhFAnhYfMRaAg--&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=PTR-SteelersDraft-101914.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robinson’s methodology</a> – <strong>Charles Johnson</strong> for example gets 11 points starting, but that ignores the fact that his performance was below what one would expect and need out of a first rounder. Likewise, undrafted rookie free agents are not taken into account, and undrafted rookie free agents have played a tremendous part in Colbert’s personnel success under both Cowher and Tomlin.<br />
<br />
Still, the Watch Tower has called the professional press on the carpet time and time again for not delivering these sorts of analytical pieces which are a staple on sites like Behind the Steel Curtain (full disclosure I also write for BTSC.)<br />
<br />
The Tribune Review turned out an excellent one here – kudos to you Alan Robinson.<br />
<br />
<b>A Closer Look Inside the Steelers Practice Facility </b><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-practice-coverage-media-restrictions-tuitt-mcain-rushing-attack-prisuta.html" target="_blank">last edition of the Watch Tower</a> asked whether the Steelers PR team was combating the storm of negativity in Steelers Nation by loosening practice reporting requirements. This week, after Mike Tomlin implied that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaBr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brice McCain</a></strong> would replace <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cortez Allen</a></strong>, Dale Lolley reported that McCain in fact was running with the first time.<br />
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Then <a href="http://nflfromthesidelines.blogspot.com.ar/2014/10/wednesday-news-notes.html" target="_blank">he observed</a>, “There were some other changes in the lineup, but due to practice reporting requirements, I cannot report them without confirmation from the players.”<br />
<br />
Reporters are allowed to observe practice, and have a shot at interviewing them as they walk from practice to the locker room, which is when reporters would get a chance to get confirmation from a player.<br />
<br />
That of course doesn’t explain the fact that reporters are suddenly reporting details about <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TuitSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephon Tuitt</a></strong>’s interceptions and/or Matavias Bryant’s drops (as <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1464240-rookie-tales?s=68" target="_blank">Jim Wexell </a>did last week), but it does shed some light on the restrictions under which beat writers work.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-83469529854860620932014-10-19T11:11:00.000-02:002014-10-19T11:11:00.112-02:00Does Ben Roethlisberger Have Too Much Autonomy?<i><span style="color: blue;">“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most despised in Steelers Nation of them all?”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">“Why Todd Haley, of course.”</span></i><br />
<br />
The Pittsburgh Steelers might 3-3, but the natives in Steelers Nation are getting mightly restless. While there are no shortages calls for the heads of <b>Mike Tomlin</b>, <b><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong></b> and even <b>Kevin Colbert</b>, no Steeler has been vilified more than <b>Todd Haley</b>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Haley’s offense’s twin 10 point performances against two terrible defenses leave him open to plenty of criticism. </li>
</ul>
His seemingly will-nilly “Today pass, tomorrow run” play calling in the <b><span style="color: red;">Red Zone</span></b> would begin any list. But if Haley does deserve some blame, then it’s fair to ask if too many fingers might be pointed in his direction.<br />
<br />
And to begin answering that question, perhaps its best to take a look back in time, way back in time…<br />
<br />
<b>October 21st, Steelers @ Broncos</b><br />
<br />
Fans remember <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com.ar/2013/07/steelers-tomlin-rookie-broncos-loss.html" target="_blank">Mike Tomlin’s first trip to Denver</a> for the injury that exposed <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClarRy20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Clark</a></strong>’s sickle cell trait. It was also Tomlin’s second loss, and the beginning of a trend which would make Bruce Arians, rightly or wrongly, one of the most unpopular figures in Steelers Nation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDHA5m1_Zykwc9NOjEymMVGP6S0ABLusURV6TzTnz9yZ3CLvNNF3IEc3xu6ArzQIkQM8UzVeVaxkLf7zOAz67t2p8i8Txvgjh_abxoa9us8EsMSxouV0VM_1stUlKmwW-UUVsqnhpbB4/s1600/Roethlisberger+Throwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Arians, Todd Haley, Ken Whisenhunt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDHA5m1_Zykwc9NOjEymMVGP6S0ABLusURV6TzTnz9yZ3CLvNNF3IEc3xu6ArzQIkQM8UzVeVaxkLf7zOAz67t2p8i8Txvgjh_abxoa9us8EsMSxouV0VM_1stUlKmwW-UUVsqnhpbB4/s1600/Roethlisberger+Throwing.jpg" height="320" title="Ben Roethlisberger 2014" width="252" /></a></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhisKe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ken Whisenhunt</a></strong> deserves credit for overseeing <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger’s</a></b> formative years, but in doing so he kept Ben on a short leash. <a href="http://www.si.com/more-sports/2007/10/30/big-ben1105" target="_blank"><b>Bruce Arians</b> changed that</a>, bringing him into the game planning process, and giving him greater freedom on the field.<br />
<br />
The 2007 Denver Broncos had the NFL’s 30th rated run defense. The Steelers, with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Willie+Parker&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Willie Parker</a></strong> in top form, <a href="http://newsok.com/pittsburgh-plans-to-attack-broncos-defense-with-the-running-game/article/3152156" target="_blank">planned to exploit that weakness</a>. Ben made no secret about that, "I told the wide receivers I'll get my throws in before practice,” Roethlisberger said. "It might be the last throwing I do all week.”<br />
<ul>
<li>Yet when all was said and done the Steelers had called 3 rushing plays in the first quarter, Roethlisberger threw 2 picks, and the Steelers lost 31 to 28.</li>
</ul>
The site <a href="http://www.steelersfever.com/editorials/0770.html" target="_blank">Steelers Fever</a> pointed out that the common thread in the Steelers two losses that year was Roethlisberger throwing for over 30 passes.<br />
<ul>
<li>Fans focused their <a href="http://blackandgoldworld.blogspot.com.ar/2007/10/arians-puts-play-calling-criticism-on.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">anger on Arians</a>, despite the fact that Roethlisberger, pointing to Denver crowding the box, had changed run plays into passes at the line of scrimmage.</li>
</ul>
And perhaps that overlooked fact was the beginning of a trend that appears troublesome today….<br />
<br />
<b>From Ben Buddy Buddying with Bruce to Ben Bubby Buddying with Todd?</b><br />
<br />
2007 is a long, long time ago. <b>Ben Roethlisberger </b>and the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> have won a lot of games since then not the least of which includes <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/02/steelers-win-super-bowl-xliii-steel.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl XLIII</a></b>. <b>Bruce Arians</b> remained a lighting rod for controversy through it all for his refusal to use a fullback, being too pass happy, and for Ben taking too many sacks.<br />
<ul>
<li>The Steelers biggest victory since <b>Super Bowl XLV</b> was undoubtedly the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2011/10/steelers-puncture-patriots-25-17.html" target="_blank">mid-season upset of the New England Patriots</a>.</li>
</ul>
Sadly, things have gone downhill since then, but one of farthest reaching events of the day occurred on the sideline when Patriots offensive coordinator <b>Bill O'Brien</b> called out <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BradTo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Brady</a></strong> on the sideline.<br />
<br />
Gerry Dulac of the <i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</i> has said that it was that scene that convinced <b>Art Rooney II</b> to force Mike Tomlin’s hand in firing <b>Bruce Arians</b>. Rooney’s exact reasons forcing Arians out are unknown, but Rooney’s concern about Ben taking too much punishment is well documented; it’s also well-known that Arians had zero inclination to push Ben to change.<br />
<ul>
<li>Rooney, it appears thought that Ben was just a little too cozy with his offensive coordinator.</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2012/02/todd-haley-bryant-mcfadden-arnz-battle.html" target="_blank">Mike Tomlin hired Todd Haley</a>, a coach not always known for his ability to work and play well with others. Ben and Haley talked the talk about getting along in 2012, but none other than <i>Steelers Digest</i> editor Bob Labriola <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/06/roethlisberger-haley-media-coverage-relationship.html" target="_blank">outed the tension</a> between the two.<br />
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Hints of Ben-Todd stories appeared in 2013, but nothing ever came of them as the Steelers offense improved, and indeed carried the team on the back end of its 6-2 finish.<br />
<br />
2013 has arrived, and network commentators have gone at great pains to say how well Ben and Haley are getting along, and how the level of trust between the two has grown.<br />
<ul>
<li>Which may be a problem.</li>
</ul>
Over on <b>Jim Wexell’s</b> <i>Inside the Steel City</i> site “Matt C. Steel” has been issuing a steady, progressive and scathing <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1458942-want-discipline-run-the-ball?s=68" target="_blank">critique of the Steelers offense</a>. While Steel is critical of <b>Todd Haley</b>, he backs up his arguments with detailed analysis of the play calling.<br />
<br />
In synthesis, Steel shows how the Steelers and Roethlisberger are best when balancing the pass and the run, and using play action from under center instead of the empty backfield sets and shotgun formations.<br />
<br />
After the narrow <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-jaguars-17-9-recap-stats-brice-mccain-history-jacksonville.html" target="_blank">victory over Jacksonville</a>, Steel <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1460814-steelers-offense-hasn-t-learned-a-thing?s=68" target="_blank">went a step further</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That ability to make something happen on play-action when the initial play isn't there is why I believe he is one of the greatest play-action quarterbacks of all time. His propensity to want to hold the ball and try to make a play in a pass heavy, empty backfield/shotgun-heavy offense is why I believe he will likely never lead a top-5 scoring offense. He'll make plays in those situations every now and then. But those situations are a ticking, drive-stalling time bomb. <i>Every coach and coordinator since <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> left seems to want to appease the $100 million man</i> who so badly wants to be viewed and treated in the same fashion as <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannPe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peyton Manning</a></strong> and Tom Brady. No one seems to be willing to tell the franchise what is best for him. [Emphasis added]</blockquote>
Steel may have been the first to voice such thoughts in print, but he is hardly alone.<br />
<br />
Neal Coolong of <i>Behind the Steel Curtain</i> pointed out that, <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">vs. Cleveland</a>, Roethlisberger changed numerous plays at the line of scrimmage, and <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-film-room/2014/10/15/6981171/steelers-film-review-breakdown-analysis-cleveland-browns-2014" target="_blank">his film review showed</a> that at least one of those played right into the Browns hands.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/jason-la-canfora-roethlisberger-haley-may-be-too-close-now/" target="_blank">Jason La Canfora</a> of CBS Sports went a step further:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now that they’ve become much closer, and there’s a whole lot of trust there, some people around the league are like, ‘Is there too much trust? Is Todd deferring too much to Ben?’ And too many decisions are being made at the huddle or right at the line of scrimmage, and that has something to do with the lack of offense. I think those are valid questions to ask.</blockquote>
It is hard to really assess Canfora’s arguments without knowing who “some people around the league” are, but a pattern has emerged.<br />
<br />
<b>Tomlin’s Tight Rope to Walk</b><br />
<br />
Clearly, and offense cannot succeed when the offensive coordinator and the quarterback are at each other’s throats. Steelers fans with long memories will recall the days of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrisBu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bubby Brister</a></strong> and <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2010/02/chuck-noll-hires-joe-walton-end-begins.html" target="_blank">Joe Walton</a>, or of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StewKo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kordell Stewart</a></strong> and Ray Sherman and/or <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2012/06/steelers-kordell-stewart-career-slash.html#Kordell1998" target="_blank">Kordell and Kevin Gilbride</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>No easy answer to this situation exists.</li>
</ul>
<b>Ben Roethlisberger</b> is a successful quarterback precisely <i><u><b>because</b></u></i> of his ability to improvise and his ability to make plays under the gun (see <b>Super Bowl XLIII</b>.)<br />
<br />
But it also seems to be clear that Ben is truly at his best when he can do that, but with someone who can and will occasionally say “No” to him.<br />
<br />
<b>Mike Tomlin’s</b> duty is find a way to strike that balance. The Steelers success or failure the remainder of 2014 will hinge on his ability to do so.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-24234395802740620292014-10-16T10:09:00.000-02:002014-10-16T10:09:00.696-02:00Steelers Suffer Practice Squad Roster; Tuitt Likely to Start, McCullers to get Helmet...<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/steelers">@steelers</a> sign DE
Ethan Hemer, DB Jordan Sullen & OL Adam Gettis to PS; release WR Derek
Moye & place CB Shaq Richardson on PS/IR List.<br />
—
Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteelersPRBurt/status/522378295287877632">October
15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-2014-roster-wesley-johnson-ross-ventrone-kraig-urbik-offensive-line.html" target="_blank"><b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> gamble with <strong>Wesley Johnson</strong></a> coupled with additional injuries suffered <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">during the loss to Cleveland</a> have forced additional roster changes.<br />
<br />
To replace <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VentRo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ross Ventrone</a></strong> on the practice squad the Steelers signed defensive back <b>Jordan Sullen</b>. To provide additional insurance now that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McLeSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steve McLendon</a></strong> is injured, the Steelers signed defensive end <b>Ethan Hemer</b>. Taking <a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnWe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" target="_blank">Johnson’s</a> space, figuratively, is offensive lineman <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GettAd00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Gettis</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
The moves cost <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoyeDe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derek Moye</a></strong> his spot on the practice squad and also forced <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-draft-cornerback-shaquille-richardson-5th-round-video.html" target="_blank">5th round pick S<b>haquille Richardson</b></a> to the injured reserve list, ending his season before it began.<br />
<br />
<b>For Good or For Ill, Defensive Line Shake Up Coming</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-draft-tuitt-mitchell-rookies-notre-dame-2nd-round-history.html" target="_blank">2nd round pick out of Notre Dame Stephon Tuitt</a> should get his first start this week vs. the Texans. <br />
<ul>
<li>As <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1464240-rookie-tales?s=68" target="_blank">Jim Wexell</a> has pointed out, if <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TuitSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephon Tuitt</a></strong> starts, he'll be the first Steelers defensive lineman to start since <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HampCa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Casey Hampton</a></strong> in the <a href="http://%3Ca%20href%3D%22/#PSPatsAFCChamp1">2001, AFC Championship Game – Yes, Special Team IS Part of the Game Too...</a>" target="_blank">2001 AFC Championship game</a>.</li>
</ul>
As <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomCa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cam Thomas</a></strong> has shown he is no <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodAl99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Al Woods</a></strong> both fans and the press have been calling for Tuitt to get more time. Thomas however will start at nose tackle, but Dan McCullers will likely be activated this week as he is the lone nose tackle.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-615116488013519352014-10-15T10:27:00.000-02:002014-10-15T10:27:56.532-02:00Tomlin Must Lead Cortez Allen Reclamation Project<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Tomlin said CB Brice McCain might get more snaps in part "because of the inconsistent play of others." Think CB Cortez Allen heard that?<br />
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) <a href="https://twitter.com/DVEMike/status/522073045134245888">October 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<br />
Once upon a time there was a <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> cornerback, whom both the team and <b>Steelers Nation </b>admired as a rookie. This corner, however, failed to crack the starting line up in his second year, only breaking through to the other in his third season. Going into year four, the team gave him a big contract – only to see him struggle.<br />
<ul>
<li>We’re talking about <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cortez Allen</a></strong>, right?</li>
</ul>
Well, yes, Cortez could be the unnamed Steelers corner above, but it’s actually <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TaylIk20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ike Taylor</a></strong>. Taylor’s story and Allen’s story are similar, there’s no perfect parallel. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> began using Taylor to shadow the opponents best receiver during the Steelers ’05 Super Bowl run, and it was Taylor’s interception that recaptured the momentum for the Steelers in <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/09/super-bowl-xl-steelers-defeat-seahawks-.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl XL</a></b>.<br />
<br />
That was all in Taylor’s third season. Allen first memorable play of his 3rd season was <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/09/vikings-beat-steelers-34-27-london-0-4.html" target="_blank">missing a tackle vs. Minnesota in London</a>. He did come back to make a <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2013/12/steelers-defeat-packers-leveon-bell-lambeau-afc-playoff-race.html" target="_blank">big pick six vs. Green Bay</a>, but it <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=William+Gay&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Gay</a></strong> was the Steelers most consistent corner in 2013.<br />
<br />
But, like Taylor before, him the Steelers choose to <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/09/steelers-cortez-allen-contract-5-years-depth-roster-keenan-lewis.html" target="_blank">keep Allen off of the free agent market </a>prior to his fourth season, only to see him struggle. Bill Cowher’s reaction was to bench Taylor for 5 games in 2006.<br />
<ul>
<li>Now, <b>Mike Tomlin</b> is unambiguously threatening a similar fate for Allen.</li>
</ul>
Over one Behind the Steel Curtain, site editor Neal Coolong argues that such a benching might be beneficial to Allen’s development.<br />
<br />
<b>Allen Reclamation Project</b><br />
<br />
Player development is a curious concept (and one that can’t be explored fully here.) Sometimes players show incredible flashes as rookies but then are seen no more. Other times a player can tinker on the edge of obscurity, only to emerge as a solid starter or even superstar (think <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong>.)<br />
<ul>
<li>Cortez Allen showed those flashes as a rookie and as a “sophomore.”</li>
</ul>
In the final couple of games of the 2012 season, Allen almost single handedly doubled the Steelers turnover total. This was after a rookie season that saw him get time in the team’s <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2011/10/steelers-puncture-patriots-25-17.html" target="_blank">upset victory of the New England Patriots</a>.<br />
<br />
But Allen’s development since those moments has been anything consistent. Opposing teams unhesitatingly target him, and with the exception of the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/09/steelers-loss-buccaneers-penalties-lebeau-recap-summary.html" target="_blank">Tampa Bay</a> and Jacksonville games, Allen’s given them no reason to regret it.<br />
<br />
When Allen got <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">beaten badly by Cleveland’s</a> <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CameJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan Cameron</a></strong> <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeTr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trent Green</a></strong> suggested that he should have had safety help. Reporters asked Mike Tomlin if that was the case, and Tomlin flat out denied it, laying full responsibility at Allen’s feet.<br />
<ul>
<li>While the prospect of benching Allen might win popular approval in Steelers Nation, it’s a dubious move in terms of football merit.</li>
</ul>
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaBr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brice McCain</a></strong> is the new “next man up” at corner, and while <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-jaguars-17-9-recap-stats-brice-mccain-history-jacksonville.html" target="_blank">McCain has legitimately earned his 15 minutes of fame</a> as a nickel back, there’s nothing to indicate he’s ready to start.<br />
<br />
Instead of benching Allen, Tomlin should make Allen’s development his personal project. Tomlin entered the league as a defensive backs coach, so he knows the tricks to the trade. While Tomlin shouldn’t and couldn’t devote excess 1-1 time with Allen, Tomlin does need to closely monitor the situation via defensive backs coach <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LakeCa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carnell Lake</a></strong> and defensive coordinator <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
With the cupboard bare behind him, and Ike Taylor aging, it isn’t a question of the Steelers wanting to get Cortez Allen’s development back on track, it’s a question of them needing to. This is necessary not only to salvage something from 2014, but for the good of 2015 and beyond.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-45139283949592312182014-10-13T22:46:00.001-02:002014-10-13T22:46:16.519-02:00NY Jets Sign Steelers Wesley Johnson Off of Waivers<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Jets claimed OL (center/guard) Wesley Johnson off waivers from Steelers to replace the injured Brian Winters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nyj?src=hash">#nyj</a><br />
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMehtaNYDN/status/521774341789605888">October 13, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
Once upon a time the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> rolled the dice by cutting a promising young offensive lineman. A suspension of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> and an injury to <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeftBy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Byron Leftwich</a></strong> didn’t leave the much choice. The Steelers had planned to cut <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatcCh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlie Batch</a></strong>, but they needed to keep him.<br />
<br />
But this young lineman had made so much progress that he’d outpaced the incumbent starting center, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HartJu20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Hartwig</a></strong>, whom <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PounMa20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maurkice Pouncey</a></strong> had displaced.<br />
<ul>
<li>That young lineman was <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UrbiKr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kraig Urbik</a></strong>, who got claimed by Buffalo and went on to make 44 starts for the Bills while the Steelers struggled on offensive line.</li>
</ul>
The Steelers didn't get much long term value out of their <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/04/steelers-2009-draft-at-glance.html" target="_blank">2009 Draft</a>. The <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/04/steelers-kevin-colbert-draft-record-2008-2009-nlf-lewis-wallace.html" target="_blank">rest of the NFL did</a>, however, and Urbik started the trend.<br />
<br />
Something similar could be afoot with the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-2014-draft-class-picks-grades-shazier-tuitt-colbert.html" target="_blank">Steelers 2014 draft</a>. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomSh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shamarko Thomas</a></strong>’ hamstring injury forced the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-roster-practice-squad-ventrone-wesley-johnson-shamarko-thomas.html" target="_blank">Steelers to cut 5th round pick <strong>Wesley Johnson</strong></a> to make room for <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VentRo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ross Ventrone</a></strong>. The idea was that the Steelers would resign Johnson to the practice squad.<br />
<ul>
<li>The New York Jets had other ideas, and claimed him off of waivers. </li>
</ul>
While <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnWe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wesley Johnson</a></b> never played a down for the Steelers, he’d shown a lot of promise, particularly with his ability to play all 5 line positions, and made <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhimGu20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guy Whimper</a></strong> expendable. [Knock on wood] the Steelers have had better luck this far with offensive line injuries, but offensive line depth has been an issue throughout the Tomlin era.<br />
<br />
That depth just got a little thinner.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-82600942012960525192014-10-13T13:37:00.003-02:002014-10-13T22:48:33.200-02:00Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for Loss @ ClevelandTaken from the grade book of a teacher who wonders why he’s getting Special Ed level performance out of a student who should at least be average, there is the <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Report%20Card" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card</a></b> for the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">loss at Cleveland</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers, Report Card, Grades, Loss, Cleveland Browns" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP03klI7fusmUbEh5Ri6Actd0EJ8IDk7pHfVi1YRHMwwIHcRcqUXKNCB-6_v2ySbjdUykmSbr9DVWLPoPaKvS-sdyqMze_boftLDiiywab7hFyWuIsaIejSuLJLomCY5ey-A4BkMYi9wM/s1600/2014+Grading+Scale.png" title="Steelers Report Card Loss @ Cleveland" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Quarterback</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> is in a funk. For two straight games now, he’s simply been off. Yes, he got screwed with an interception that wasn’t a pick. Yes, his receivers did little to help him in some cases. But in other cases he was simply off as his 50% completion rate suggests. Ben may not bear all of the blame for this team’s offensive ineptitude, but he is the focal point on that side of the ball. <b>Grade: D</b><br />
<br />
<b>Running Backs</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> put together a nice day rushing the ball and caught another 4 passes for 23 years. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></strong> also ran well, as did <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchDr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dri Archer</a></strong>. The Steelers offensive was terrible, but you can’t really put that on the running backs. <b>Grade: B</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tight Ends</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong> caught two passes for 19 yards, <strong>Matt Spaeth</strong> as usual did not get targeted, neither did <strong>Michael Palmer</strong>. Miller missed a key block in the red zone, which was costly. <b>Grade: C-</b><br />
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<b>Wide Receivers </b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong> had a great game. The same cannot be said for the rest of the receiving crops, who looked like they’d never met Ben Roethlisberger let alone played with him before. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong> managed 4 catches on 11 targets. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Brown</a></strong> had 2 catches. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong> had 1 including a touchdown, although he missed one he should have had. Something is a miss here. <b>Grade: D+</b><br />
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<b>Offensive Line</b><br />
Ben Roethlisberger was sacked twice, although both of those came at inopportune moments. Overall the line play was solid, although better run blocking in the red zone was necessary. One might also suggest the unit should have been more dominant given Cleveland’s thin defensive line. For the second straight week, <strong>Kelvin Beachum</strong> committed a penalty that moved the Steelers out of a goal line situation. <b>Grade: C-</b><br />
<br />
<b>Defensive Line</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cameron Heyward</a></strong> led the group and was a force early on but faded a bit. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong> had a strong game. <strong>Stephon Tuitt</strong> saw his first significant action and came away with a tackle. The quality of the run defense dropped with <strong>Steve McLendon</strong> out. Overall this unit’s performance was strong, but far from spectacular. <b>Grade: C</b><br />
<br />
<b>Linebackers</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> continues to be this unit’s most consistent player and lead the team in tackles. <strong>Jason Worilds</strong> had two tackles behind the line of scrimmage. <strong>Arthur Moats</strong> was invisible, and outplayed on the stat sheet by <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrJa23.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Harrison</a></strong>. <strong>Sean Spence</strong> had seven tackles and a QB hit. But there were no sacks, no splash plays, no game changers in sight. <b>Grade: D</b><br />
<br />
<b>Secondary </b><br />
After two strong games <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cortez Allen</a></strong> looked like an amateur. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong> was out of place a on a number of key plays as was <strong>Michael Mitchell</strong>, who did have two touchdown saving hits. Overall this until was plagued by the wrong-place, wrong time syndrome when the team could least afford it. <b>Grade: F</b><br />
<br />
<b>Special Teams</b><br />
The Steelers coverage units were strong, but for the sixth straight week, Pittsburgh saw nothing from its return game. <strong>Brad Wing</strong> knocked off some long punts, but the Steelers couldn’t seem to pin the Browns down deep. However, this unit failed in the most basic of its functions, bumbling a should be automatic field goal when Wing mismanaged a perfect snap. That served as the catalyst Cleveland needed. Unacceptable. <b>Grade: F</b><br />
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<b>Coaching</b><br />
Something is going on with these Steelers and it isn’t good. Realistically, the Steelers have 9-7ish talent, but their consistent 10 point offensive efforts speak more to a team with 4-12, 5-11ish talent.<br />
<br />
While the defense should not get a free ride for giving up two horrendous long plays, they were playing without 4 starters, and this unit was expected to struggle. While <strong>Dick LeBeau</strong>’s defense might have better talent than it displayed yesterday, this group is in no way qualified to carry the team, which is what the offensive performance is demanding.<br />
<ul>
<li>And the offense really is a mystery.</li>
</ul>
The Steelers have an a franchise quarterback, an All Pro wide out, a tight end who, although he may be beginning to decline, is still one of the best in the game, and a budding running back. The team has invested heavily in the offensive line.<br />
<br />
Yet, the Steelers offense can only manage 10 points against weak defenses.<br />
<br />
That’s a performance worth more of <strong>Mark Malone</strong>, <b>Weegie Thompson</b>, <strong>Walter Abercrombie</strong> and <strong>Preston Gothard</strong> as opposed to one turned in by Roethlisberger, Brown, Bell and Miller.<br />
<br />
In the past, <b>Todd Haley’s </b>units ranged from solid to averge in the Redzone. Now it’s the dead zone. Something’s not right, not right at all, and at the end of the day blame lies with<b> Mike Tomlin</b> and <b>Todd Haley</b>. Right now, their performance is way, way below the line. <b>Grade: F</b><br />
<br />
<b>Unsung Hero Award</b><br />
On a day when nothing seemed to be going right after the first 15 minutes, <b>Brett Keisel</b> showed how it was done, but running down <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CameJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan Cameron</a></strong> on a 42 yard pass. Defensive lineman are not supposed to make plays that far down field, but Keisel’s heart and effort, if nothing else, provided an example to the rest of the team of the type of effort that will be necessary if the Steelers are to avoid a season-dooming tail spin and for that <b>Brett Keisel </b>wins the <b>Unsung Hero Award</b> for the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-lose-browns-31-10-stats-recap-meltdown-todd-haley-offense-inept-redzone-failure.html" target="_blank">loss at Cleveland</a>.<br />
<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-82519785675034156682014-10-13T13:37:00.001-02:002014-10-13T13:37:13.794-02:00Devastadora derrota para los Pittsburgh Steelers en su visita a Cleveland por 31 a 10Por la 6° jornada de la temporada regular de la NFL los <b>Acereros de Pittsburgh </b>cayeron de manera inapelable frente a sus eternos rivales de división los <b>Cleveland Browns</b>, quienes se tomaron revancha de la ajustada derrota que sufrieron en la semana de apertura de la temporada en <b>Heinz Field</b>.<br />
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En esta ocasión les tomó sólo un cuarto realizar los ajustes necesarios para hacer desaparecer del juego al equipo visitante y pasar a dominar el resto del juego.<br />
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<b>Los Steelers en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos</b><br />
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Recibe un traumatismo de cráneo grave, pero sobrevive (PIT 27-CLE 24). Es llevado inmediatamente a un hospital y debido a la gravedad de su lesión cerebral a su ingreso en el departamento de emergencias, <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/09/steelers-espanol-contra-ravens-acereros.html" target="_blank">presenta un paro cardíaco (PIT 6- BAL 26)</a>.Pero debido a su juventud y la pronta asistencia recibida se recupera y estabiliza. Más aún, hasta mejora, dentro de la gravedad que <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/09/steelers-espanol-panthers-acereros-semana-3-ataque-terrestre.html" target="_blank">entraña su condición (PIT 37-CAR 19)</a>.<br />
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Pero las complicaciones no tardan en aparecer: una infección respiratoria relacionada con el respirador agrava su condición y otra vez,<a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-espanol-buccaneers-acereros-jaguars-falla.html" target="_blank"> amenaza su vida (TB 27-PIT 24)</a>. En los días siguientes su función respiratoria mejora sensiblemente, la gasometría arterial tiende a normalizarse y optan por retirar el respirador aunque la<a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-espanol-acereros-jaguars-resumen-browns-allen-roethlisberger.html" target="_blank"> fiebre persiste (PIT 17-JAX 9)</a>.<br />
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Los médicos sin embargo, saben de la fragilidad del estado del paciente y aguardan en “expectativa armada”. Se recibe del laboratorio el informe que identifica un germen intrahospitalario aislado de los cultivos sanguíneos.<br />
<ul>
<li>Mal pronóstico. </li>
</ul>
La presión arterial comienza a descender, el enfermo entra en shock séptico, los riñones dejan de funcionar correctamente y debe ser conectado nuevamente al respirador. Lamentablemente, el médico a cargo hace el diagnóstico de “Falla Multiorgánica” en donde varios sistemas vitales comienzan a presentar claudicación de su funcionamiento (CLE 31-PIT 10).<br />
<ul>
<li>El futuro de este paciente está francamente comprometido. El enfermo está en peligro…</li>
</ul>
Así se encuentra hoy el equipo de Pittsburgh: Delicado, seriamente enfermo, en cuidados intensivos, con falla de varios sistemas y con pronóstico reservado.<br />
<br />
<b>Al partido de los Steelers le sobraron 3 cuartos</b><br />
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El primer cuarto fue absolutamente para los Steelers (como lo había sido la primera mitad en la semana 1 en Pittsburgh)<br />
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Por tierra los Acereros corrieron 57 yardas mientras que Cleveland -1; por aire fue 16 a -7; yardas totales 73 a -8; 5 primeros downs contra ninguno de los Browns. El tiempo de juego se repartió en 11:53 para Pittsburgh y 3:01 para los Browns. Claro dominio de la visita a ambos lados del balón.<br />
Claramente los acereros querían establecer el juego terrestre, tanto así fue que la segunda serie ofensiva se conformó por 10 jugadas, todas ellas por tierra. En efecto, de las primeras 28 jugadas acarrearon en 22 de ellas.<br />
<br />
Pero si se avanza por tierra hay que atravesar la zona roja y es aquí en donde las cosas comenzaron a complicarse (En esta temporada los Steelers tuvieron 16 posesiones en la zona roja, convirtiendo 7 TD, 6 goles de campo, con un magro 43.8% de efectividad para obtener 7 puntos ranqueando N° 26 en toda la Liga en este rubro).<br />
<ul>
<li>En 1er y goal desde la yarda 7 , tomó 3 acarreos avanzar 4 yardas. Gol de Campo: 3 puntos en lugar de 7</li>
</ul>
En la tercera serie ofensiva los hombres de acero avanzaron el balón hasta la yarda 17 quedando el recurso de Gol de campo de 35 yardas. El holder <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WingBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brad Wing</a></strong> falló en sostener el ovoide e impidió que <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/s/suishsha01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaun Suisham</a></strong> pueda patear: 0 punto en lugar de 3<br />
<ul>
<li>Pensando el partido retrospectivamente creo que es allí en donde cambió el momentum del juego</li>
</ul>
Y ya estaban jugando el 2° cuarto. Como en La Cenicienta, para los Steelers habían dado ya las 12 y la magia había terminado.<br />
<br />
En la siguiente serie ofensiva los Browns en apenas 1:51 minuto, recorrieron 68 yardas en 5 jugadas para que el RB <strong>Isaiah Crowell</strong> ingresara acarreando por fuera a la end zone y anotara los primeros 7 puntos.<br />
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<b>Es interesante observar esta jugada.</b><br />
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Cleveland dispuso 2 TE sobre el lado derecho de la línea, mientras que Pittsburgh ubica a sus tres linieros, a los OLB y a <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PolaTr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Troy Polamalu</a></strong> amenazando con carga, Mike Mitchell detrás, en la end zone y <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlleCo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cortez Allen</a></strong> cubriendo casi en la misma línea que el TE externo derecho. <br />
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Con el desarrollo de la jugada y el desplazamiento de la OL arrastrando a linieros y linebackers (que quedan involucrados y atrapados en el tumulto al atacar verticalmente la línea o bloqueados por los TEs) hacia la derecha, Allen nunca llegó a cubrir al corredor Crowell. Teniendo en cuenta que este tipo de jugada se repite como marca registrada de la ofensiva de los Browns, tal vez si Allen hubiese formado más abierto habría llegado a cerrar el camino el acarreador y podido evitar así el TD. 7 a 3.<br />
<br />
Luego de que la ofensiva visitante fracasara en conseguir el 1er intento y se viera forzada a despejar, la defensiva fue testigo privilegiada de cómo luego de 3 jugadas y gracias a un pase de 51 yds, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HoyeBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Hoyer</a></strong> descargó con el TE <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CameJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan Cameron</a></strong> para sumar otros 7 puntos en el marcador. 14-3<br />
Luego de 2 primeras series ofensivas con -8 yardas totales, ahora los Browns conseguían 128 yardas y 2 TD en las 2 series restantes.<br />
<br />
<b>Un segundo cuarto fatal </b><br />
<br />
Mientras los Steelers conseguían solo despejes, ahí estaba la implacable ofensiva marrón oliendo la sangre de su presa: en 11 jugadas recorrieron 85 yardas para que el corredor <strong>Ben Tate</strong> ingresara por el centro a la end zone llevando el marcador a un desesperanzador 21 a 3 para los locales.<br />
<br />
En el 2do cuarto mientras que los Pittsburgh Steelers recorrieron 108 yardas totales y no anotaron puntos, los Browns sumaron 210 yardas y anotaron 21 puntos<br />
<br />
En toda la primera mitad los de negro obtuvieron sólo un gol de campo. Las restantes series ofensivas arrojaron como resultado: 4 punts, 1 turnover por downs, y fin de la primera mitad.<br />
Así de pobre.<br />
<br />
<b>Grandes jugadas se necesitan </b><br />
<br />
Con la urgencia de lograr, no ya una, sino varias jugadas grandes, la primera serie acerera comenzó de manera poco prometedora en la propia yarda 6.<br /><br />
El máximo avance de esta serie fue a la yarda 30 de Cleveland lo que aseguraba al menos un intento de gol de campo de 47 yds. Pero la línea ofensiva se vió doblegada en 2 jugadas consecutivas permitiendo la captura sucesiva de <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> que terminó retrocediendo hasta la yarda 37, fuera ya de distancia para Suisham. 12 jugadas, 57 yardas, 6:03 minutos y punt. Otra vez. No big play at all.<br />
<br />
Sin embargo las grandes jugadas estarían reservadas para Hoyer y compañía: acarreo de Crowell para 24 yardas y pase largo al TE N° 81 <strong>Jim Dray</strong> para 31 . En 3er y 7 Mike Mitchell aborta la marcha local cerca de la zona roja aurinegra, dando un gran golpe a Jordan Cameron que fuerza un pase incompleto. Cleveland debe conformarse con un gol de campo. 24 a 3<br />
<br />
Las desventuras de la ofensiva de Pittsburgh aún no terminaban cuando un pase de Ben es desviado en la línea de golpeo y es interceptada por <strong>Buster Skrine</strong>. Aunque la recepción fue dudosa los árbitros no hallaron evidencia incontrastable para revertir el fallo.<br />
<br />
Ya en plena debacle del equipo, la defensiva acerera cedió, a través de sendas infracciones, 1eros y 10 en dos oportunidades, permitiendo el 4° y último TD anotado por Ben Tate acarreando desde la yarda 1. 31 a 3<br />
<ul>
<li>Las jugadas grandes para Pittsburgh llegaron demasiado tarde en el 4to cuarto, cuando la historia estaba sellada: </li>
</ul>
MichaelMitchell, que esta tarde golpeó fuerte, hizo soltar el balón a Crowell quien había encontrado un enorme callejón por dónde correr, que finalmente recuperara C. Allen. Lamentablemente, la ofensiva entregó el balón luego de un pase incompleto a Markus Wheaton en 4to y 9.<br />
Ben Roethlisberger finalmente completó un pase con <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong> (luego de 2 intentos anteriores en las que el receptor soltara el balón en otras tantas oportunidades)<br />
<br />
31 a 10 final<br />
<br />
<b>Las claves para que los Steelers ganen el partido </b><br />
<br />
El analista de Steelers.com, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IlkiTu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tunch Ilkin</a></strong> delineaba cuáles serían las claves defensivas del partido si los Steelers querían llevarse la victoria.<br />
<ul>
<li>Cubrir el espacio exterior, sobretodo durante los acarreos.</li>
</ul>
Presionar el bolsillo de Hoyer por el centro antes de permitir que el pasador escapara hacia los costados y cuando este lograba rollar hacia afuera más de 10 yardas desde la línea, en jugadas de play action, multiplicar los recursos defensivos en la secundaria.<br />
<br />
La defensiva no pudo lograr ninguno de los 3 objetivos clave:<br />
<br />
Los corredores acarrearon por fuera de los tackles o entre estos y los guardias, donde sea que se abriera el espacio. El primer TD de Crowell es una buena muestra del fracaso en la cobertura de estas jugadas.<br />
<br />
Hoyer fue capturado sólo en una oportunidad. La carga solía llegarle por afuera y no por el centro. Solo en unas pocas oportunidades la presión logró que fallase el pase.<br /><br />
Por otra parte Hoyer ganó el cotejo completando sólo 8 pases! Cuando se desplazaba hacia atrás más de 7 ó 9 yardas sea dentro o fuera del bolsillo, lograba el tiempo necesario para que sus receptores, principalmente el TE Jordan Cameron (3 rec de 5 intentos para 102 yds y 35 de promedio. 1TD)<br />
<br />
<b>Un equipo que no logra grandes jugadas</b><br />
<br />
La ofensiva mostró grandes déficits.<br />
<ul>
<li>Fue llamativa la falta de encuentro entre Ben y M. Wheaton: fue objetivo en 11 oportunidades y atrapó el balón en 4 ocasiones.</li>
</ul>
Ben Roethlisberger solo completó la mitad de sus pases con un promedio de 5,4 yds por pase.<br />
Lance Moore pareció despejar todas las dudas y suspicacias de por qué no entraba al campo en más oportunidades ni participaba del juego: atrapó 1 (para TD) de 6<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong> participó poco del juego.<br />
<br />
Es curioso cuando el RB es tu segundo mejor receptor en un juego. Sin Wheaton, sin Moore, sin Miller, las opciones y posibilidades del equipo se reducen de manera significativa (la semana anterior recibieron pases 11 jugadores diferentes)<br />
<br />
El ataque terrestre fue muy importante durante el primer cuarto, luego, simplemente se desvaneció. Sin embargo se lograron 138 yds por tierra: <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></b> 82 yds, <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></b> 27 y <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchDr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dri Archer</a></strong>, 24.<br />
<br />
La línea ofensiva salvo excepciones brindó poca protección al QB, sobretodo en las dos capturas consecutivas que dieron por terminada una marcha probablemente anotadora. Bajaron dramáticamente el número de infracciones, lo cual es una buena noticia.<br />
<br />
No lograron convertir a partir del fumble obtenido en el 4to cuarto, y entregaron el balón (INT) a los Browns quienes sí sacaron 7 puntos.Hay un problema mayúsculo con la ofensiva en la zona roja. Simplemente no pueden anotar touchdowns. No lo hacen.<br />
<ul>
<li>Los equipos especiales también están en baja. </li>
</ul>
Dri Archer, si bien corre bien en la ofensiva, no es eficiente devolviendo patadas: 21 yds por devolución. Brad Wing cometió un blooper durante el segundo intento de gol de campo que restó 3 puntos al marcador y que además también pudo haber sido la causa del cambio del momentum del partido. Afortunadamente bajaron el número de infracciones.<br />
<br />
Tampoco generan grandes jugadas.<br />
<br />
<b>Epílogo</b><br />
<br />
Los Steelers caminan en la cuerda floja.<br />
Están desbalanceados: un día juega bien la ofensiva pero no la defensiva. Al domingo siguiente alreves.<br />
<ul>
<li>Otras veces, como hoy. la falla es múltiple. En todas las líneas.</li>
<li>Hoy me preguntaba desde Twitter si es posible decir que esta temporada está perdida.</li>
</ul>
Con 3 -3 es difícil aseverar semejante predicción, pero no me refiero al récord, sino al equipo.<br />
Es un equipo zombie. Pero con gran potencialidad, con grandes jugadores.<br />
<br />
¿Será cuestión de madurez de equipo? Si es así, solo resta esperar.<br />
<br />
Otros muchos en redes sociales, apuntan furiosos al plantel de entrenadores. No lo sé.<br />
No estoy en condiciones de abrir juicio sobre los entrenadores. En una hipotética discusión con ellos no podría siquiera empezar a hablar. De manera que nunca me atrevería a pedir sus renuncias.<br />
<br />
Sí veo y no entiendo la selección de muchas llamadas.<br />
<ul>
<li>Coach<b> Mike Tomlin </b>es un entrenador ganador y tiene ya un Super Bowl en su vitrina.</li>
</ul>
Mal entrenador no ha de ser…<br />
<br />
El Dr de Acero<br />
<div>
<br />
Para leer mas sobre los <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">Steelers en español</a> escrito por el Dr. de Acero, <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Steelers%20en%20espa%C3%B1ol" target="_blank">cliquen acá</a>. </div>
Gustavo Vallejoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17045270883719470291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-83449314509161000192014-10-13T01:07:00.001-02:002014-10-13T01:09:20.957-02:00Browns Bludgeon 31-10, Send Steelers Soul SearchingThe <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> traveled to <b>Cleveland</b> and for the first time in half a generation their historic rival <b>Browns</b> were the favorites. Ever since LeBron James decision to return home, the press has wanted to write the story of a <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-brown-preview-cleveland-rivalry-afc-north-hoyer-roethlisberger-history-tomlin.html" target="_blank">sports-fueled rust belt revival</a> at the mistake by the Lake.<br />
<ul>
<li>Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers, this one went exactly according to the script.</li>
</ul>
There’s really no way to sugar coat this, because if anything, the score of 31 to 10 makes it look closer than it really was. No folks, that’s not a misprint.<br />
<br />
<b>Steelers Strong, for a Quarter….</b><br />
<br />
After the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-jaguars-17-9-recap-stats-brice-mccain-history-jacksonville.html" target="_blank">Jacksonville win</a>, <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1460366-just-my-opinion?s=68" target="_blank">Jim Wexell</a> observed that the Steelers appeared to be playing tight. And the razor thin margin of victory over one of the league’s bottom feeders vindicates him. The Steelers he argued, need the win to boost their confidence as much as anything else.<br />
<ul>
<li>It appears they got it. For a while at least.</li>
</ul>
All week leading to the Browns game, the Steelers said and presumably did all of the right things. The Steelers wouldn’t be surprised by Cleveland’s no-huddle. The Steelers run defense would be ready. This was going to be a tough game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XaONhwgyGCPgaMp7T4nhalPrZu69mifR39FhZEhZ0G95Bg8VcV3uvSLqmNZ0FbAT6iWbwMignRvqYEaceYS1pNTM1SJJCnUxy7OST5bwsvRNIhyGQiJIDMH7ZRDijN3rrlxi__NMtMs/s1600/Leveon+Bell+Browns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Le'Veon Bell, Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Redzone" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XaONhwgyGCPgaMp7T4nhalPrZu69mifR39FhZEhZ0G95Bg8VcV3uvSLqmNZ0FbAT6iWbwMignRvqYEaceYS1pNTM1SJJCnUxy7OST5bwsvRNIhyGQiJIDMH7ZRDijN3rrlxi__NMtMs/s1600/Leveon+Bell+Browns.jpg" height="180" title="Le'Veon Bell vs. Cleveland Browns" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And for one quarter, the lived up to their words.<br />
<br />
When the first quarter ended, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cameron Heyward</a></strong> was putting <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HoyeBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Hoyer</a></strong> on his back, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TimmLa99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence Timmons</a></strong> was making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and the Steelers were running the ball at will….<br />
<ul>
<li>Except in the red zone that is.</li>
</ul>
A week ago the Steelers seemed intent on passing at all costs inside the 20. In Cleveland <b>Todd Haley </b>channeled his inner <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NollCh20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chuck Noll</a></strong>, and attempted to ram it in there.<br />
<ul>
<li>Following the opposite of his instincts didn’t work.</li>
</ul>
Still, 3 points is better than no points, as the Steelers themselves would so eloquently demonstrate a short while later. Indeed, the Steelers defense forced a 3 and out and on their next possession the Steelers marched from the 50 to the 17 in workman like fashion. On third a 3, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> tried to hit <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong>, but Wheaton couldn’t hold on to the ball. Then things fell apart. Literally.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WingBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brad Wing</a></strong> took a perfectly fine snap and bobbled it. Shaun Susiham never even had a chance at it.</li>
</ul>
Cleveland took over on downs. They also took over complete control of the game with 13:36 to play.<br />
<br />
<b>Browns Bludgeon Steelers for 3 Quarters</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes self confidence can be a fragile thing. With the Steelers, that certainly seems to be the case. Whatever confidence, and the extra focus that brings, the Steelers earned with a win in Jacksonville, was lost with the bobbled snap.<br />
<br />
Cleveland owned the next three quarters of football, lock stock and barrel.<br />
<br />
How bad was it? Consider:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KeisBr20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brett Keisel</a></strong> made a tackle on a 42 yard reception. Yes, Brett Keisel was the closet man downfield.</li>
<li>The Browns lost their starting center and had no back up, yet still managed 4.2 yards per carry</li>
<li>Down 31 to 3, deep into the fourth quarter, the Steelers had 8 chances from inside the 20, and turned over on downs</li>
</ul>
Fans who’ve been clamoring for the Steelers to lean more on their running game, got their wish. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></strong> both got plenty of touches and looked strong doing it. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArchDr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dri Archer</a></strong> looked strong as well.<br />
<br />
But it was all for naught, as Ben Roethlisberger found zero rhythm with any receiver not named <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong>. Markus Wheaton had 11 targets but made four catches. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorLa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lance Moore</a></strong>, who has complained about lack of carries, missed throws he should have had. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Brown</a></strong> made some nice throws, but missed some others.<br />
<br />
The Steelers defense deserves, perhaps, some credit for limiting the Browns to 10 points in the second half. And had the Steelers offense done its part in the first half, playing down 21 to 14 and that might have been enough.<br />
<ul>
<li>But the defense is a work in progress, and injuries to <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McLeSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steve McLendon</a></strong> and Brett Keisel did not help. Still the effort there was below the line.</li>
</ul>
Nor did the Steelers get any help form special teams, of any form or fashion. Cleveland, in contrast, managed to down punts deep in Pittsburgh territory with regularity.<br />
<br />
The Steelers truly did fail in all three phases of the game.<br />
<br />
<b>Road from Here?</b><br />
<br />
The road for the Steelers only gets tougher, as the Steelers next will face the Texans, the Colts, and the Ravens. The Steelers thus far, with the exception of the Carolina game, have played below where their talent should take them.<br />
<br />
Victory in the next three weeks will require the opposite.<br />
<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-4549501665593009592014-10-12T11:11:00.000-02:002014-10-12T11:11:00.112-02:00Watch Tower: Steelers PR Team Combating Negativity in Steelers Nation?Going into week 6 the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> stand at 3-2, but by all accounts it’s a shaky 3-2. But regardless, the Watch Tower has plenty of material to shine its light onto including the Steelers lifting the lid on practice activities and the Steelers running game.<br />
<br />
<b>Steelers Combat Negativity by Loosening Practice Reporting Restrictions?</b><br />
<br />
Credited members of the Steelers press corps are allowed to observe Steelers practices. <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CowhBi20.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Cowher</a></strong> did manage to cut back on that during the 1997 season when he moved <strong>Carnell Lake</strong> from safety to corner, but <b>Dan Rooney</b> has stood firm on open practices otherwise.<br />
<ul>
<li>Permission to enter practices comes with some restrictions, however.</li>
</ul>
Media members cannot shoot video, nor can they report on specifics. Access is intended to help them develop their stories during the week, but the information they can actually share is limited for the obvious reason.<br />
<br />
So it was in early in the 2010 season, with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong> serving his suspension, <strong>Byron Leftwich</strong> injured, that Ed Bouchette of the <i><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10249/1085513-100.stm" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Post Gazette</a></i> reported that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DixoDe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dennis Dixon</a></strong> and not <strong>Charlie Batch</strong> had been taking snaps as the first team quarterback.<br />
<br />
The Steelers reprimanded Bouchette, who responded by publishing the guidelines which he must follow as a practice observer on <a href="http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports-town/steelers/104855-ed-steelers-emphasize-media-constraints" target="_blank">PG Plus</a>. That in turn drew national coverage via Gregg Rosenthal on NBC’s <i>Pro Football Talk</i>, who did a <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/09/steelers-miffed-about-report-that-dixon-took-first-team-practice-reps/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watch Towerish piece</a> on the entire incident.<br />
<br />
Bouchette didn’t appear overly worried by the reprimand, quipping on PG Plus that he couldn’t report how many snaps <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RandAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antwaan Randle El</a></strong> was taking at quarterback, after Dixon’s injury.<br />
<ul>
<li>Nonetheless, specific news out of Steelers practices has been sparse. Until this week.</li>
</ul>
<b>Jim Wexell</b> started things off on <i><a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1461505-mccain-reverting-to-old-form?s=68" target="_blank">Steel City Insider</a></i>, in discussing <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaBr99.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brice McCain</a></strong>. McCain, as Tomlin acknowledged, had an excellent week of practice leading up to the Jaguars game. Wexell began by detailing McCain’s pick in practice the week before playing Jacksonville, and then supplied a little surprise:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So perhaps one of two interceptions during Wednesday's practice will serve the same purpose this Sunday in Cleveland.<br />
"Hey, man, I hope it's true," said <strong>Robert Golden</strong>, who intercepted a pass Wednesday at the goal line and sped down the sideline in a play that would've gone 100 yards had it not been whistled dead for practice purposes.</blockquote>
That’s two reports of two separate players making interceptions during practice – you don’t see that often. At all. Wexell didn’t stop there, however. He also reported an interception that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TuitSt00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephon Tuitt</a></strong> that made of a <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GradBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bruce Gradkowski</a></strong> pass.<br />
<br />
That wasn’t the only article where Wexell shared practice insights. Following the Jaguar’s game, Wexell insisted that what was holding the Steelers offense back was <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1460366-just-my-opinion?s=68" target="_blank">lack of a tall receiver</a>, and he commented that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martavis Bryant</a></strong> “appears lost most of the time.” While these types of general comments are more common, they far from every day fair.<br />
<ul>
<li>One might be tempted to think that Wexell’s unique in this category.</li>
</ul>
After all, his <i>Steel City Insider</i> site is a paid site, and his far less known than the mainstream publications (which is a shame because it’s so damm good, and that’s only based on the free articles.) He’s also a writer for <i>Steelers Digest</i>, so one might think he’s got greater leeway.<br />
<ul>
<li>However, he wasn’t the only reporter providing practice specifics.</li>
</ul>
Scott Brown of<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/9668/steelers-stephon-tuitt-makes-big-play-in-practice" target="_blank"> ESPN also reported Tuitt’s interception</a> turned pick six, which begs the question of whether or not the Steelers press office has loosened the reigns on practice reporting. Its no secret that, 3-2 notwithstanding, the reaction in Steelers Nation has been raw with cries of “Fire <b>Mike Tomlin</b>” “Fire <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeBeDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick LeBeau</a></strong>” “Fire <b>Todd Haley</b>” and/or “Fire <b>Kevin Colbert</b>” common place.<br />
<br />
Could the Steelers PR team be attempting to turn that around by leaking positive news? The Watch Tower wants to know.<br />
<br />
<b>Fresh Approach to Plea for Steelers to Rush the Ball</b><br />
<br />
Historically, the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers </b>have been a rushing team. <b>Art Rooney II </b>went as far as to say the ability to run the ball was one of the franchise’s foundations.<br />
<ul>
<li>As the NFL has turned pass happy, debate of the place and meaning of “Steelers Football” in todays game has ensued.</li>
</ul>
There are the traditionalists, who argue that a true Steelers team is one that can rush the ball. Mike Prisuta countered the traditionalists when he was still with the <i><a href="http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_610121.html#axzz3FqfSnQ00" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Tribune Review</a></i> just days after <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/02/steelers-win-super-bowl-xliii-steel.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl XLIII</a></b> arguing:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now that it ended the way it ended, we can officially put to rest the archaic, romantic and mostly inaccurate notions that 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust smashmouth is, was and always will be "Steeler Football," and that any other approach betrays the franchise's "identity."</blockquote>
Mike Prisuta pointed to the paltry rush attack the Steelers presented during the game, and while acknowledging that <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrFr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franco Harris</a></strong> had been <b>Super Bowl IX</b>’s, reminded everyone that it was <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwanLy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lynn Swann</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BradTe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terry Bradshaw</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardHi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hines Ward</a></strong> who were next MVP’s.<br />
<br />
While the traditionalists haven’t gone away, Ben Roethlisberger has certainly established himself as the focal point of the Steelers offense. Most challenges to that have been based more in sentiments of “The way things should be” (in terms of the modern game) as opposed to the way things are.<br />
<br />
However, “Matt C. Steel” has challenged this notion on Wexell’s <i><a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1458942-want-discipline-run-the-ball?s=68" target="_blank">Steel City Insider</a></i> page by taking a fresh approach. Steel Curtain Rising’s editorial policy is not to steal another writer’s thunder, and we won’t do it here.<br />
<br />
But the synthesis of Steel’s argument is that unlike in year’s past, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> and <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></b> give the Steelers a potent rushing attack. And Steel uses quantitative data to show that the Steelers are incredibly effective when using play action, and rushing from traditional, non-shot gun formations.<br />
<br />
Steel <a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1460814-steelers-offense-hasn-t-learned-a-thing?s=68" target="_blank">doubled down on his arguments</a> following the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-jaguars-17-9-recap-stats-brice-mccain-history-jacksonville.html" target="_blank">Jacksonville victory</a>, and while his arguments might not be quite air tight, they’re very good and worth a read.<br />
<br />
<b>Link Sharing in Vogue?</b><br />
<br />
The Watch Tower has observed and questioned the practice of the Pittsburgh’s two major dailies of not linking to past stories. The move makes no sense on a number of levels, both in terms of keeping readers on your page and in terms of SEO.<br />
<ul>
<li>In contrast, ESPN aggressively links to past posts.</li>
</ul>
Scott Brown went a step further after the Jacksonville game, by linking to other,<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/9590/big-ben-shows-appreciation-for-antonio-brown" target="_blank"> non-ESPN sites</a>, which is a rarity. That’s a refreshing development, although he does like to the<i> Post-Gazette</i> and <i>Pittsburgh Business Journal</i> instead of linking to fan sites.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. To read more analysis of the media that cover the Steelers, </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Watch%20Tower"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">click here </span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">to read more from</span> </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/search/label/Watch%20Tower"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising's Watch Tower</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">.</span> </div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-77457454926073079012014-10-11T23:11:00.000-02:002014-10-11T23:11:38.387-02:00Steelers Promote Ross Ventrone from Practice Squad, Cut Wesley Johnson<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
“<a href="https://twitter.com/SteelersPRBurt">@SteelersPRBurt</a>:
Steelers promoted S <strong>Ross Ventrone</strong> to their active roster and released OL Wesley
Johnson.” -- surprise cut of 5th rounder<br />
— James C Wexell
(@jimwexell) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimwexell/status/521024646444228608">October
11, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><o:p></o:p></div>
With <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomSh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shamarko Thomas</a></strong> ailing, the <b>Pittsburgh Steelers</b> have
made their second major roster move since the beginning of the season. To
replace Thomas on the roster, the Steelers have promoted practice squad player
<b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VentRo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ross Ventrone</a></b>, who is a Pittsburgh native who made it to the league in 2010 as
an undrafted rookie free agent out of Villanova.<br />
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<br />
From there, Ventrone was signed and cut 29 times by the Patriots over the next
two years, until the two sides parted ways for good in 2012.<br />
<ul>
<li>The Steelers signed him to a futures contract in 2012 but cut him in training
camp and again in 2013.</li>
</ul>
Ventrone did make the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/08/steelers-2014-practice-squad-roster-draft-moye-richardson-blanchflower.html" target="_blank">Steelers practice squad</a>, however and will likely see special
teams action this week vs. the Browns.<br />
<br />
To make room for Ventrone, the Steelers cut <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-draft-wesley-johnson-5th-round-video-center.html" target="_blank">2014 fifth round pick Wesley Johnson</a>. The decision to cut <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnWe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wesley Johnson</a></strong> amounts to a minor surprise, as the Steelers thought
enough of him to keep him on their 53 man roster. Assuming he clears waivers,
he’ll likely join the practice squad, with fellow <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-2014-draft-class-picks-grades-shazier-tuitt-colbert.html" target="_blank">2014 Draft class</a> member and <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/05/steelers-draft-cornerback-shaquille-richardson-5th-round-video.html" target="_blank">5th round pick Shaquille Richardson</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-67897568022477133552014-10-10T10:10:00.000-02:002014-10-10T10:10:00.303-02:00Kaboly's Wrong; Willie Parker's '08 Comments, Brown's Record Not Analogous <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib">@MarkKaboly_Trib</a> I think this has been blown out of proportion. I love the pass to AB, wished we did it in TB to win. We won let's move on<br />
— Terry Fletcher (@TerryinSoCalif) <a href="https://twitter.com/TerryinSoCalif/status/519867524859834368">October 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
Let’s begin with some clarifications. Steel Curtain Rising isn’t crazy about <b>Mike Tomlin’s </b>agreeing with <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>’s request to keep <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" target="_blank">Antonio Brown’s</a></b> record. But the play worked. The <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2014/10/steelers-jaguars-17-9-recap-stats-brice-mccain-history-jacksonville.html" target="_blank">Steelers beat the Jaguars</a>. And there’s whole hearted agreement with Terry Fletcher that it’s time to move on.<br />
<ul>
<li>But Mark Kaboly’s argument is flawed, and that must be discussed.</li>
</ul>
Writing on the<i> Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s</i> <a href="http://blog.triblive.com/steel-mill/2014/10/07/kaboly-roethlisberger-did-what-he-was-supposed-to-do-tomlin-didnt/#axzz3FhTNAVf4" target="_blank">Steel Mill Blog</a>, Kabloy commends Ben for sticking up for his teammate and criticizes Tomlin for agreeing. Kaboly makes all of the relvant arguments – that winning should be enough, the team doesn’t need distractions, and suggests Tomlin undermines his trademark “style points don’t matter.”<br />
<br />
That’s all fine and fair game. Even if one feels this has become “much to do about nothing” Kabloy’s on solid ground so far. But then he makes this argument:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The year was 2008 and running back <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Willie+Parker&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Willie Parker</a></strong> told the media on a Wednesday that he thought the team was getting away from Steelers football by throwing the ball too much.<br />
The next day, Tomlin called a press conference.<br />
Now, Tomlin never called an impromptu press conference before that day and he never called one since.<br />
Full disclosure – the quote which appears next actually came before the two paragraphs above]<br />
I especially remember “every day I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing titles. Willie (Parker’s) comments could be construed as selfish …”</blockquote>
<br />
Kaboly’s essential point is that Tomlin missed a chance to send the message home that team comes first. And on the surface he’s picked a<a href="http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_602428.html#axzz3FeF5uWCY" target="_blank"> pretty powerful quote out of the past</a>.<br />
<br />
But Kabloy’s also taking the quote out of context (he might actually be misquoting Tomlin, but we’ll leave that for the Watch Tower) on a number of counts. First, <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com.ar/2008/12/parkers-comments-on-steelers-football.html" target="_blank">Willie Parker’s comments</a> came in mid-December a week after the<a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2008/12/want-to-understand-meaning-of-cowboys.html" target="_blank"> Steelers had beaten Dallas</a> and right before an all important show down with Baltimore.<br />
<ul>
<li>Willie Parker’s comments were ill-timed, to say the least.</li>
</ul>
Parker was making some pretty pointed comments about <b>Bruce Arians</b>’ offense, and doing so in a season when his health and production had greatly declined. (Thank God for <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorMe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mewelde Moore</a></strong> – the unsung hero of the ’08 Super Bowl team.) What he said then was clearly premeditated, whereas Tomlin’s decision was made spontaneously during a game.<br />
<br />
Kabloy’s making a valid point by indicating that Tomlin has potentially jeopardized the “team first mentality.” But he’s mixing apples and oranges in trying to compare it to Willie Parker’s comments of Decmeber 2008.<br />
<br />
‘Nuff said. Time for Steelers Nation to move on.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-63842112681818630182014-10-09T10:09:00.000-02:002014-10-09T10:09:00.290-02:00Steelers Brown Matchup in Cleveland Season-Defining Game for BothA hot college quarterback drafted in the first round upstaged by a cast-off that no one else wanted….<br />
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Optimism replacing pessimism in a town that has struggled in perpetual football purgatory….<br />
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A one-time division dominator now unsure of its identity shakiness lurking into the place of a long-faded strut….<br />
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The scenario above accurately depicts the run up to the Steelers-Browns rematch in Cleveland. The interesting thing is that the same statements were basically true before the teams first duel in 2008.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeDe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derek Anderson</a></strong> was the upstart who supplanted <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/Q/QuinBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brady Quinn</a></strong>. Optimism was the watch word in Cleveland in September 2008, as the Browns had finished 10-6 and just outside the playoff bubble the season before.<br />
<br />
And while “Shaky” may not have been an accurate description of the Steelers heading into week 2 of 2008 (the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2008/09/steelers-manhandle-houston-texans-38-to.html" target="_blank">Steelers after all had manhandled Houston</a> in week 1), Pittsburgh had ended 2007 on a thud, as <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2008/01/self-inflicted-wounds-lead-to-playoff.html" target="_blank">Jacksonville became the first NFL team in history</a> to defeat the Steelers twice in Pittsburgh.<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Steelers Digest</b> </i>Editor Bob Labriola joined the off season chorus of off season writers who warned that the Browns were bouncing back.</li>
</ul>
When the history of the 2008 season is written, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be remembered as <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/02/steelers-win-super-bowl-xliii-steel.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl XLIII</a></b> Champions, the Browns for their 4-10 finish, and the team’s first game was a <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2008/09/steelers-victory-over-browns-reveals.html" target="_blank">ho-hum 10-6 affair</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Wait a minute? The eventual Super Bowl Champions only managed a 4 point victory over a 4-12 bottom feeder.</li>
</ul>
There are several morals to this backstory, all of which are relevant to the 2014 Steelers second AFC North road game.<br />
<br />
In January, <b>Steelers Nation</b> smirked as the Brown executed yet another off season upheaval. Yet 10 months later, the Cleveland Browns are the AFC North team with the mojo. They almost beat Pittsburgh in the opener, came from behind to beat New Orleans, played Baltimore to a photo finish, and scored 26 unanswered points to come back from 28-3.<br />
<br />
What’s more <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HoyeBr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Hoyer</a></strong>’s quiet competence is rapidly relegating Johnny Manzel’s “Johnny Football” bravado to irrelevance, while the Steelers find themselves arguing about whether Mike Tomlin was right or wrong to assent to <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></strong>’s request to keep <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/player_search.fcgi?search=Antonio+Brown&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></strong>’s record alive.<br />
<br />
With Cincinnati atop the <b>AFC North</b>, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland are now fighting to see who can stay out of the basement.<br />
<ul>
<li>We already know the story the media wants to write – The Browns are on the rise.</li>
</ul>
And the truth is, they’ve lent plenty of cause to this claim. Cleveland is playing with confidence, while Pittsburgh struggle for consistency.<br />
<ul>
<li>But that’s also where lesson of the ’08 game comes into play. </li>
</ul>
Overarching narratives are nice, the stories the spawn help us make sense out of unrelated events. But at the end of the day, the yarns that NFL writers and modern day bards such as the late Steve Sabol spin are ultimately reactions which are utterly dependent on the 45 men who write the real story on the gridiron. Case in point:<br />
<ul>
<li>Who exactly had the Dallas Cowboys at 4-1 at this point in the season?</li>
</ul>
The Browns entered 2008 as AFC North favorites in many parts. The Steelers traveled to Cleveland and fought tooth and nail for every inch, and every yards. They made plenty of mistakes. But time and time again, <b>Mike Tomlin</b> refused to coach scared, and placed his faith in the men on the field.<br />
<ul>
<li>At the end of the night, his team rewarded him with a 4 point victory.</li>
</ul>
<i><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behind the Steel Curtain</a></i> Editor Neal Coolong has said that this game will define the 2014 season for both the Browns and the Steelers. He’s probably right. The winner will occupy second place in the AFC North, the loser last place.<br />
<br />
The Browns have home field advantage. Thanks to LeBron James, they have the Cleveland rust belt revival story to rally behind. A historic division rival who has owned them for more than a decade is coming to town and now looks vulnerable….<br />
<ul>
<li>You can imagine the editors at ESPN.com and MMQB have the story templates already queued. </li>
</ul>
And it makes sense. The smart football money would be on Cleveland this week. The Browns have some objective advantages and the subjective intangibles seem to be on their side.<br />
<br />
But there’s a reason why we actually play games. The <b>Pittsburgh Steelers 2014 story</b> is still largely unwritten. The Browns may be favored, but the opportunity is still there if the Steelers can muster the discipline and consistency needed to seize it.<br />
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694339605194166992.post-43467907918079953682014-10-08T10:22:00.000-02:002014-10-08T10:22:00.698-02:004 Random Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers....Let’s start things off with some Random Thoughts about the Steelers….<br />
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…The Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2 and heading to Cleveland where they’ll face the upstart 2-2 Cleveland Browns. The NFL odds makers are favoring the Browns, and within Steelers Nation there’s a palpable sensation that the “other foot is about to drop.” The only time yours truly can remember a similar sensation is in 1998, when the team started 2-0 but was a decidedly lackluster 2-0.<br />
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…Let’s credit <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antonio Brown</a></b> with the most controversial reception ever made by a Pittsburgh Steeler. Seriously, the <b><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2012/12/pittsburgh-steelers-immaculate-reception-franco-harris-anniversary.html" target="_blank">Immaculate Reception</a></b> has nothing on this.<br />
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For a team that’s been shaky “Getting cute” can cost you – remember no further back than to that 1998 season. On Monday Night Football in early November, the <a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/2009/12/steelers-vs-packers-history.html#PGGB98" target="_blank">Steelers led the Packers 27-3</a> early in the 4th quarter when Ray Sherman thought he’d get smart on the goal line. For the first time all season, in came <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TomcMi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Tomczak</a></strong> under center, split wide went <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StewKo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kordell Stewart</a></strong>. Ball is snapped, fumbled, Green Bay recovers – and Bret Favre almost rallies for a victory.<br />
<ul>
<li>But that didn’t happen here.</li>
</ul>
Honestly, since it worked so what? With one caveat. Let’s hope that Mike Tomlin veto’s any other <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Roethlisberger</a></b> requests to keep records alive, because opposing coaches have duly noted this, and will scheme accordingly.<br />
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…Much has been made of the fact that Todd Haley called 6 passing plays in 6 Red Zone situations, despite having the services of <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Le'Veon Bell</a></strong> and <b><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00.htm" target="_blank">LeGarrette Blount</a></b> at his disposal. Haley has taken a lot of heat, and justifiably so.<br />
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However, Aristotle observed that shifting from one form of government to another is as hard as breaking a habit. While traditional “Steelers football” would have the Steelers punch it in from short range, the fact is that since 2008 the Steelers haven’t had the offensive line to execute like that on the goal line.<br />
<ul>
<li>Now the Steelers might have the horses up front to do that.</li>
</ul>
But perhaps the Steelers coaching staff is in a place where they must unlearn the habits picked up and practice for so long.<br />
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…<b><a href="http://pit.scout.com/story/1460366-just-my-opinion?s=68" target="_blank">Jim Wexell</a></b> suggests that what’s really keeping the Steelers from being a dynamic offense is the lack of a tall receiver. That creates a bit of a problem as Matavis Bryant has yet to dress, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoyeDe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derek Moye</a></strong> is on the practice squad and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WheaMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Markus Wheaton</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Brown</a></strong>’s growth spurts have ended.<br />
<ul>
<li>But the Steelers might have a solution in house.</li>
</ul>
They’ve got a guy who is 6’7” whose been on every opening day active roster. His name is <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpaeMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt Spaeth</a></strong>. Yes, Matt Spaeth. Seriously. Spaeth hasn’t caught the ball much, but his touchdown-to-catch ratio (gotta love those cottage industry sabre metrics) is 18.5%, higher than <strong>Antonio Brown</strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillHe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Miller</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WardHi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hines Ward</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CunnBe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bennie Cunningham</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StalJo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Stallworth</a></strong> or even <strong><a href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwanLy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lynn Swann</a></strong>’s.<br />
<ul>
<li>Seriously, if <strong>Michael Palmer</strong> can be a legit Red Zone target, why not Spaeth? Why not split him wide and try to run a fade pattern? </li>
</ul>
If it’s true that Spaeth didn’t impress was a starter in 2010 when Miller was hurt, he actually did quite well catching the ball before that point in his career. It is worth a try.<br />
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<span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Thanks for visiting. </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;"> to check out the rest of </span><a href="http://steelcurtainrising.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 85%;">Steel Curtain Rising</span></a><span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 85%;">. <span style="color: #3333ff;">Or... <a class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" href="https://twitter.com/SteelCurtainRis">Follow @SteelCurtainRis</a></span></span>KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407272159389023362noreply@blogger.com0