I know I haven't been around much this week and I apologize. I'm having computer problems and am now using my third laptop this week - my trusty old Mac - since both of the Dells that work gave me have crapped out.
Anyway, it's Ravens Week and there has been plenty of news, but sometimes you just have to chase the news and get by.
@ Ben Roethlisberger's injury has changed plenty of people's opinions about the Steelers, but I'm not so sure it should.
Sure, Roethlisberger's injury comes at an inopportune time, with the Steelers playing Baltimore twice in the next three weeks.
But I haven't been sold on this Baltimore team all season, particularly on the road, where the Ravens have not played well.
Also, I think Todd Haley will adjust his playcalling to do what Byron Leftwich does best, so I don't know that the injury to Roethlisberger is a killer - unless he doesn't return this season.
@ I don't expect Antonio Brown to play again this week - and that is a problem.
Kansas City was able to double Mike Wallace a lot and leave Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery in single coverage. Sanders and Cotchery didn't win those matchups much.
Perhaps the weather had an affect, but there were plenty of times when everyone was covered up - including the play on which Roethlisberger was injured.
Sanders and Cotchery have to win those matchups - especially considering the Ravens will be down to their fourth and fifth corners with both Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith out.
@ Rashard Mendenhall will be back this week and will start for the Steelers.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers utilize their backs will all three healthy this week.
I expect Isaac Redman to be used in short-yardage and on third downs, while Jonathan Dwyer could get a series here or there to spell Mendenhall.
Mendenhall gives the Steelers something the other two don't - speed.
@ The onus is going to be on the offensive line to block things up well for the Steelers while Roethlisberger is out.
The Steelers will also rely on their running game a little more.
The player who could be hurt the most without Roethlisberger is Heath Miller. Miller may be asked to do a little more blocking to help protect the immobile Leftwich.
Any thoughts on Polamalu?
ReplyDeletei like our chances. Our O-line and RBs need to step it up. Ravens have been weak against the run and Ngata is banged up
ReplyDeleteRun it down their throat. NO MERCY
Isn't it nice to have an OC who recognizes it's pointless to try and fit square pegs into round holes and also will tailor his game plan to the strengths of the players who are playing?
ReplyDeletedo you think haley will have 2 of the 3 (mendy/dwyer/redman) in the backfield at the same time so the defense can't key on just one guy?
ReplyDeleteobviously, leftwich needs to play well for them to win. but, this game hinges on the OL. to score enough points to win, the steelers need to be able to run the ball well and give leftwich plenty of time to thhhhhrrrrooooowwwww the ball.
think they did that a few times in the preseason, both redman and dwyer in the backfield. And this is the first time all three backs are healthy so it is a possibility....
ReplyDeletewe need to pull all tricks to beat the ravens
What is the deal with Troy's calf? It's been two months since he's played..You'd think his leg would have to fall off before he misses this much time. If it's been lingering for this long who's to say he ever comes back. Will play 1 game, re-aggravate and then here we go again. He's worth the wait for sure, but he makes too much money to be watching the games in his sweatpants from the side.
ReplyDelete