It used to be I felt I always had a pretty good finger on the pulse of what was going on with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This year’s team, however, has me a bit perplexed. Whereas in the past, you could count on the Steelers to put forth a solid effort in games like the one they had Sunday – meaningless in every way except for pride – now, even that is not guaranteed.
The Steelers laid down like dogs against the Ravens Sunday.
In fact, the guys who actually took the field looked like players attempting to get through the game without getting hurt.
There were some notable exceptions. James Harrison played hard as usual, as did Tyrone Carter and some others. But generally, the Steelers looked like they were going through the motions in this one.
Heck, nose tackle Casey Hampton got caught offsides, one two occasions, despite the fact he lines up directly over the ball.
I know Baltimore rookie QB Troy Smith is a cagey guy, but you can’t tell me that he’s already learned the nuances of changing his cadence to draw players offsides.
And the tackling, as it has been the past month and a half, was atrocius once again.
This team has all the looks of a team that is just happy to make the playoffs, one that will be one-and-done in the postseason.
© I think we need to put out and APB on that player who torched Penn State a few years ago in a bowl game for Florida State.
He’s either gone missing, or that was somebody else in Willie Reid’s uniform that day.
Reid looks like a bust as a return man and he doesn’t offer enough as a wide receiver to warrant a roster spot as a wide receiver. It looks like a wasted third-round draft pick.
© The Steelers didn’t get much of a chance to learn a whole lot about their new-look running game in this one as they fell behind early.
Najeh Davenport had 27 yards on just 12 carries, while rookie Gary Russell had just six carries, gaining 20 yards.
Hey, what better time to find out if you can run the ball than in the first round of the playoffs?
© If there was one positive to Sunday’s game, it was that Baltimore failed to record a sack. That’s just the second time this season the Steelers did not allow a sack, with the other being against Cincinnati Dec. 2.
Of course it does make you wonder – again – how much of the protection problems the Steelers have had this season are the line and how much should be laid at the feet of Ben Roethlisberger.
If it’s not Roethlisberger’s fault, then we’re to believe that Trai Essex, who played about three and a half quarters at left tackle after Max Starks was injured, did a good job on Terrell Suggs. I don’t know if I’m ready to make that leap of faith.
© How much better is LaMarr Woodley going to be next season when he actually figures out what he’s doing?
Woodley gets himself out of position in the run game and has missed some tackles this season because of it, but he sure can rush the passer.
© The most shocking thing about the Ravens rushing for 180 yards in this game was that Baltimore really should not have been much of a passing threat.
Smith was 16 of 27 for 171 yards and was a rookie playing in just his third game. Of course the Steelers helped him out by dropping a couple of interceptions, including one by Ike Taylor that Smith threw right to him.
Had Taylor caught that ball – I know, it’s a stretch – he would have been gone for about a 90-yard touchdown. Instead, he dropped it and Baltimore kicked a field goal at the end of the first half. That was the difference between the Steelers going into the locker room down 17-14 instead of 20-7.
Taylor needs to spend the offseason working hard to improve his hands – again. You can’t drop the easy ones.
© Even though the Steelers have made the playoffs, this is a team in need of a serious offseason makeover.
It lacks defensive playmakers and the offensive line just isn’t that good.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Monday's notes
Since there's no newspaper Tuesday, I'll give you a brief rundown of what happened Monday:
The Steelers have signed Verron Haynes, as expected, to replace Willie Parker, who was placed on IR. Parker had surgery over the weekend to help hasten the repair of his broken leg and is expected to be back in time for mini-camp.
Haynes could see some time as a third-down back and on special teams, but Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell are expected to see the bulk of the carries.
Carey Davis will see time as a third-down back as well.
Tomlin said he does not expect to rest any starters Sunday at Baltimore unless they are really hurting. The team wants the No. 3 seed and could still lock that up with a San Diego loss and a Pittsburgh win.
Marvel Smith could miss the rest of the season. He won't be back this week, for sure.
The Steelers have signed Verron Haynes, as expected, to replace Willie Parker, who was placed on IR. Parker had surgery over the weekend to help hasten the repair of his broken leg and is expected to be back in time for mini-camp.
Haynes could see some time as a third-down back and on special teams, but Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell are expected to see the bulk of the carries.
Carey Davis will see time as a third-down back as well.
Tomlin said he does not expect to rest any starters Sunday at Baltimore unless they are really hurting. The team wants the No. 3 seed and could still lock that up with a San Diego loss and a Pittsburgh win.
Marvel Smith could miss the rest of the season. He won't be back this week, for sure.
Friday, December 21, 2007
What we learned, St. Louis
The loss of running back Willie Parker for the season is a big one, but it’s not something that has to be a season-killer for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Head coach Mike Tomlin famously said earlier this season he was going to run Parker “until the wheels came off.”
The wheels are now off and the training wheels should also be gone from the Pittsburgh offense.
With Parker out, the Steelers should turn to Ben Roethlisberger to carry the offense, for better or worse. He’s a franchise quarterback and should be treated as such. If he has to throw the ball 35 or 40 times, then so be it.
Najeh Davenport and Carey Davis did a credible job against St. Louis of providing a running game, breaking tackles and getting extra yardage. But it’s doubtful the Steelers will be able to count on getting that kind of production out of that duo on a regular basis.
Besides, the Steelers didn’t beat St. Louis, 41-24, because of the 151 yards Davenport and Davis combined for on the ground – though it helped. The Steelers beat the Rams because Roethlisberger was 16 of 20 for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
He hit the Rams with some long passes early and forced St. Louis from bringing their safeties down to the line of scrimmage.
Without Parker, the Steelers may not be as balanced offensively, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Roethlisberger had a perfect passer rating against the Rams, the third time in his four-year career that he’s accomplished that rare feat. That, by the way, is the same number of perfect passer ratings that Peyton Manning has in his career.
© The ironic thing about Parker’s injury was that when reporters were asking players about their preference between playing on grass or artificial turf, Parker was the only player I spoke to who said he preferred an artificial surface.
© Speaking of Davenport, the coaching staff had to be out of its mind to send him out there on special teams after Parker’s injury.
Davenport was very slow to get up after a third quarter punt. He gingerly made his way to the sideline favoring his foot after the play.
I know it difficult to change those kind of things on the fly, but somebody had to realize that it wasn’t a good idea for the starting tailback to be out there covering kicks.
© Another aside to Parker’s injury: Many of the players didn’t know what was wrong or that he was lost for the season.
Parker’s best friend on the team, wide receiver Nate Washington, had to be told by reporters that Parker had broken his leg. Washington was speaking about Parker in terms of him possibly being available next week.
Guard Kendall Simmons told me after the game that he didn’t know in the first half.
“I knew Najeh was getting the ball a lot and I saw the running backs coach (Kirby Wilson) walking by on the sidelines in the second quarter and he told me what happened. I didn’t know anything was wrong.”
That kind of tells you what kind of vacuum these guys are in on game days.
© I wrote it last week and I’m doing so again this week, Max Starks should be a priority signing for this team.
Starks was the team’s best offensive lineman Thursday night and is really settling in as a left tackle.
He’ll command a big salary, but given this team’s offensive line problems, they can’t possibly allow both he and left guard Alan Faneca to leave in the offseason.
© Another post-game aside: On the bus after the game, linebacker James Harrison got on long after most of the other players and there were no seats available.
He looked around, pointed at rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda and pointed to an empty seat beside another player. Sepulveda got up and moved.
© Harrison and several other players needed IVs during the track meet at Edward Jones Dome. It was that kind of game.
© Rams running back Steven Jackson is the kind of dynamic player that would put the Steelers over the top in terms of closing the gap with Indianapolis and New England.
He had the power to run through tackles and the speed to sprint past defensive backs.
Jackson even made St. Louis’ makeshift offensive line look good.
© I loved the call by Tomlin for the fake punt in the first quarter. I would have liked it even if it had failed.
St. Louis’ offense was as close to being at full strength as its been all season. Tomlin knew the Rams were going to score points.
He coached accordingly.
© Santonio Holmes had four catches for 134 yards, but it was Hines Ward who had the big night.
Ward had a 19-yard catch on third-and-18 in the first quarter and a pair of catches on third down during a fourth quarter field goal-drive that allowed the Steelers to move the chains and put the game away.
In fact, Ward’s two catches for 19 yards in the fourth quarter were the only two completions the Steelers had or needed.
© The Steelers have now allowed 47 sacks this season and are close to setting a new benchmark for sacks allowed.
But as we saw in this game, the line is not solely to blame.
Roethlisberger’s biggest fault is that he holds the ball always looking to make a play. It’s what makes him so dangerous as a quarterback. It’s one of those things the Steelers will just have to live with.
Head coach Mike Tomlin famously said earlier this season he was going to run Parker “until the wheels came off.”
The wheels are now off and the training wheels should also be gone from the Pittsburgh offense.
With Parker out, the Steelers should turn to Ben Roethlisberger to carry the offense, for better or worse. He’s a franchise quarterback and should be treated as such. If he has to throw the ball 35 or 40 times, then so be it.
Najeh Davenport and Carey Davis did a credible job against St. Louis of providing a running game, breaking tackles and getting extra yardage. But it’s doubtful the Steelers will be able to count on getting that kind of production out of that duo on a regular basis.
Besides, the Steelers didn’t beat St. Louis, 41-24, because of the 151 yards Davenport and Davis combined for on the ground – though it helped. The Steelers beat the Rams because Roethlisberger was 16 of 20 for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
He hit the Rams with some long passes early and forced St. Louis from bringing their safeties down to the line of scrimmage.
Without Parker, the Steelers may not be as balanced offensively, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Roethlisberger had a perfect passer rating against the Rams, the third time in his four-year career that he’s accomplished that rare feat. That, by the way, is the same number of perfect passer ratings that Peyton Manning has in his career.
© The ironic thing about Parker’s injury was that when reporters were asking players about their preference between playing on grass or artificial turf, Parker was the only player I spoke to who said he preferred an artificial surface.
© Speaking of Davenport, the coaching staff had to be out of its mind to send him out there on special teams after Parker’s injury.
Davenport was very slow to get up after a third quarter punt. He gingerly made his way to the sideline favoring his foot after the play.
I know it difficult to change those kind of things on the fly, but somebody had to realize that it wasn’t a good idea for the starting tailback to be out there covering kicks.
© Another aside to Parker’s injury: Many of the players didn’t know what was wrong or that he was lost for the season.
Parker’s best friend on the team, wide receiver Nate Washington, had to be told by reporters that Parker had broken his leg. Washington was speaking about Parker in terms of him possibly being available next week.
Guard Kendall Simmons told me after the game that he didn’t know in the first half.
“I knew Najeh was getting the ball a lot and I saw the running backs coach (Kirby Wilson) walking by on the sidelines in the second quarter and he told me what happened. I didn’t know anything was wrong.”
That kind of tells you what kind of vacuum these guys are in on game days.
© I wrote it last week and I’m doing so again this week, Max Starks should be a priority signing for this team.
Starks was the team’s best offensive lineman Thursday night and is really settling in as a left tackle.
He’ll command a big salary, but given this team’s offensive line problems, they can’t possibly allow both he and left guard Alan Faneca to leave in the offseason.
© Another post-game aside: On the bus after the game, linebacker James Harrison got on long after most of the other players and there were no seats available.
He looked around, pointed at rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda and pointed to an empty seat beside another player. Sepulveda got up and moved.
© Harrison and several other players needed IVs during the track meet at Edward Jones Dome. It was that kind of game.
© Rams running back Steven Jackson is the kind of dynamic player that would put the Steelers over the top in terms of closing the gap with Indianapolis and New England.
He had the power to run through tackles and the speed to sprint past defensive backs.
Jackson even made St. Louis’ makeshift offensive line look good.
© I loved the call by Tomlin for the fake punt in the first quarter. I would have liked it even if it had failed.
St. Louis’ offense was as close to being at full strength as its been all season. Tomlin knew the Rams were going to score points.
He coached accordingly.
© Santonio Holmes had four catches for 134 yards, but it was Hines Ward who had the big night.
Ward had a 19-yard catch on third-and-18 in the first quarter and a pair of catches on third down during a fourth quarter field goal-drive that allowed the Steelers to move the chains and put the game away.
In fact, Ward’s two catches for 19 yards in the fourth quarter were the only two completions the Steelers had or needed.
© The Steelers have now allowed 47 sacks this season and are close to setting a new benchmark for sacks allowed.
But as we saw in this game, the line is not solely to blame.
Roethlisberger’s biggest fault is that he holds the ball always looking to make a play. It’s what makes him so dangerous as a quarterback. It’s one of those things the Steelers will just have to live with.
Monday, December 17, 2007
What we learned, Jacksonville
Sunday was an opportunity for the Steelers to show they belonged in the conversation when talking about the big boys in the NFL.
They failed miserably.
Not only that, but Jacksonville's victory over the Steelers put those two teams on a collision course for a first-round meeting in the playoffs as well, something that can't be too pleasing for anybody who watched the Jags dismantle the Pittsburgh defense Sunday.
The Steelers did very little in that game that showed why they should be favored in a possible rematch. The were beaten physically.
Mike Tomlin said Monday he was upset with the offense's early struggles because he felt the Steelers would have been able to run the ball on Jacksonville. After a slow start, they did have some success doing that. But some of the running was fluky.
The Steelers certainly didn't beat the Jaguars at the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball.
© Things won't be any easier this week against St. Louis.
The Rams' offensive line is a weak point, but Steven Jackson is one of the best running backs in the NFL and he's healthy and on a roll.
Considering the Steelers will be playing without Clark Haggans and Travis Kirschke, that won't be easy.
Actually, the loss of Kirschke will be bigger than Haggans.
Eason proved earlier this season to be a weak link in a game in which he played in place of injured Aaron Smith, which prompted the Steelers to go with Kirschke at that spot in the following game and when Smith was lost for the season.
And Haggans really hasn't been playing that well, so getting Woodley on the field could be a positive. At least he's a playmaker.
Opponents have been paying James Harrison more attention, giving him the double teams and allowing Haggans to rush the passer one-on-one. He's not winning those battles.
© Troy Polamalu is taking some heat for a couple of missed tackles against the Jaguars. But he was very disruptive in that game and certainly wasn't the only guy whiffing on Fred Taylor.
It was also Polamalu's first game in nearly a month, so I'm willing to give him a bit of a pass.
He was also responsible for the Steelers' first touchdown, coming up to tackle David Garrard inches short of the sticks when it looked like Garrard had a sure first down on a scramble.
The Jags bungled the ensuing punt and the Steelers got great field position and scored.
Nobody else on that team could have made that play.
© That's one of the problems with the Steelers' defense right now. If Harrison isn't making plays and forcing turnovers, they're not getting them from anywhere else.
Maybe Woodley can be that guy.
© In a way, it was good to hear that Marvel Smith's back was bothering him. I'd hate to think he would have played as badly as he did Sunday without a reason.
The Steelers are going to have a very tough decision to make at season's end. They had planned to allow Max Starks to walk at the end of the season as a free agent.
They may want to rethink that position.
According to some estimates, they'll be $18 million under the 2008 salary cap. They want to extend Ben Roethlisberger's contract this offseason, and that will eat up roughly $4 to $5 million of that – though it could be less if they get creative with the signing bonus.
That will leave them with a good deal of money to sign free agents, with offensive linemen being the top priority. And bringing Starks back – with Smith's back now a concern – should be a priority.
The team won't re-sign Alan Faneca and will take a young lineman in the draft to help fill that spot at left guard. But Starks could be one of their top five offensive linemen returning in 2008. Then again, he's probably one of their top five right now and they're not playing him.
© The Steelers need a better complimentary running back to pair with Willie Parker as well.
They liked Maurice Jones-Drew in the draft last year, but the Jags took him in the second round.
Jones-Drew isn't a big guy, but he's a hard-nosed runner capable of being a short-yardage back and a third-down threat. That's what this team is missing.
Jones-Drew is also a solid return man, something else this team needs.
They failed miserably.
Not only that, but Jacksonville's victory over the Steelers put those two teams on a collision course for a first-round meeting in the playoffs as well, something that can't be too pleasing for anybody who watched the Jags dismantle the Pittsburgh defense Sunday.
The Steelers did very little in that game that showed why they should be favored in a possible rematch. The were beaten physically.
Mike Tomlin said Monday he was upset with the offense's early struggles because he felt the Steelers would have been able to run the ball on Jacksonville. After a slow start, they did have some success doing that. But some of the running was fluky.
The Steelers certainly didn't beat the Jaguars at the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball.
© Things won't be any easier this week against St. Louis.
The Rams' offensive line is a weak point, but Steven Jackson is one of the best running backs in the NFL and he's healthy and on a roll.
Considering the Steelers will be playing without Clark Haggans and Travis Kirschke, that won't be easy.
Actually, the loss of Kirschke will be bigger than Haggans.
Eason proved earlier this season to be a weak link in a game in which he played in place of injured Aaron Smith, which prompted the Steelers to go with Kirschke at that spot in the following game and when Smith was lost for the season.
And Haggans really hasn't been playing that well, so getting Woodley on the field could be a positive. At least he's a playmaker.
Opponents have been paying James Harrison more attention, giving him the double teams and allowing Haggans to rush the passer one-on-one. He's not winning those battles.
© Troy Polamalu is taking some heat for a couple of missed tackles against the Jaguars. But he was very disruptive in that game and certainly wasn't the only guy whiffing on Fred Taylor.
It was also Polamalu's first game in nearly a month, so I'm willing to give him a bit of a pass.
He was also responsible for the Steelers' first touchdown, coming up to tackle David Garrard inches short of the sticks when it looked like Garrard had a sure first down on a scramble.
The Jags bungled the ensuing punt and the Steelers got great field position and scored.
Nobody else on that team could have made that play.
© That's one of the problems with the Steelers' defense right now. If Harrison isn't making plays and forcing turnovers, they're not getting them from anywhere else.
Maybe Woodley can be that guy.
© In a way, it was good to hear that Marvel Smith's back was bothering him. I'd hate to think he would have played as badly as he did Sunday without a reason.
The Steelers are going to have a very tough decision to make at season's end. They had planned to allow Max Starks to walk at the end of the season as a free agent.
They may want to rethink that position.
According to some estimates, they'll be $18 million under the 2008 salary cap. They want to extend Ben Roethlisberger's contract this offseason, and that will eat up roughly $4 to $5 million of that – though it could be less if they get creative with the signing bonus.
That will leave them with a good deal of money to sign free agents, with offensive linemen being the top priority. And bringing Starks back – with Smith's back now a concern – should be a priority.
The team won't re-sign Alan Faneca and will take a young lineman in the draft to help fill that spot at left guard. But Starks could be one of their top five offensive linemen returning in 2008. Then again, he's probably one of their top five right now and they're not playing him.
© The Steelers need a better complimentary running back to pair with Willie Parker as well.
They liked Maurice Jones-Drew in the draft last year, but the Jags took him in the second round.
Jones-Drew isn't a big guy, but he's a hard-nosed runner capable of being a short-yardage back and a third-down threat. That's what this team is missing.
Jones-Drew is also a solid return man, something else this team needs.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Roethlisberger will play
Ben Roethlisberger's sore right shoulder kept him out of practice a couple of days this week, but it won't be enough to keep him out of a big game against Jacksonville.
Roethlisberger is champing at the bit to get another shot at the Jags, who embarrassed him last season, shutting the Steelers out in Jacksonville.
The Steelers will also have Troy Polamalu back for this one.
BTW, the reason for no power rankings this week has been a busy shopping week since I have two games in four days to cover next week.
But the power rankings look something like this:
1. New England (13-0)
2. Indianapolis (11-2)
Everybody else except Miami
32. Miami.
Roethlisberger is champing at the bit to get another shot at the Jags, who embarrassed him last season, shutting the Steelers out in Jacksonville.
The Steelers will also have Troy Polamalu back for this one.
BTW, the reason for no power rankings this week has been a busy shopping week since I have two games in four days to cover next week.
But the power rankings look something like this:
1. New England (13-0)
2. Indianapolis (11-2)
Everybody else except Miami
32. Miami.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
What we learned: New England
Sorry this was so late, but apparently there was a problem with blogspot.
But that does allow me to talk about the latest Steelers news, which is the fact Aaron Smith is out for the year with a torn biceps.
That's bad news for the Steelers, who face a very physical Jacksonville team this week.
© After playing the Steelers in a semi-conventional way in the first half of their game Sunday, the Patriots adjusted at halftime and went back to their game plan from 2002.
New England threw the ball on 25 consecutive plays against the Steelers in that game, a 30-14 Patriots’ victory, was strangely reminiscent of Sunday’s 34-13 win at Gillette Stadium.
New England had quarterback Tom Brady drop back to pass on 33 consecutive plays. That’s right, the Patriots dropped back to pass 33 consecutive times, including their first 26 plays of the second half.
Until their final possession of the game, when they were just trying to burn some clock, Tom Brady attempted to pass on every play, throwing 25 times and scrambling for a four-yard gain on another.
It was a game plan that rendered the strength of the Pittsburgh defense, its front seven, totally useless.
For most of the game, Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton stood on the sidelines watching. Backup defensive end Nick Eason got more snaps in the second half than Hampton did as Pittsburgh countered by playing a lot of nickel.
And Brady was getting rid of the ball so quickly, the Steelers rarely even pressured him.
In fact, the Steelers failed to register a sack Sunday and had just four pressures.
That’s not going to get it done.
Perhaps getting Troy Polamalu back for a possible rematch in the playoffs – Playoffs? Did you say playoffs? – will make a difference.
With Polamalu back, the Steelers can play more dime, with Tyrone Carter coming in as the deep safety and William Gay staying on the sidelines. And Pittsburgh can also go with its big nickel as well, with a line of Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith, Hampton and Chris Hoke.
In fact, I’m not sure why we didn’t see that formation Sunday. Hampton and Hoke may have been able to use their bulk to push the pocket up in Brady’s face.
What the heck, nothing else the Steelers did Sunday worked.
© Actually, the reason the Steelers didn’t use the big nickel was because they didn’t want to take linebackers James Harrison and Clark Haggans off the field.
OK, they didn’t want to take Harrison off the field.
© As big a game as Sunday’s matchup was, it’s not nearly as big as this week’s game against Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is a team that could quite possible come to Heinz Field in the playoffs in the opening round.
And the Steelers have to prove they can be effective against the Jacksonville defense, which totally shut Pittsburgh down in a meeting last season.
In fact, a victory by the Steelers Sunday would drop the Jaguars into a tie with Cleveland for the top wildcard spot in the AFC.
Not to mention, Sunday’s loss puts the Steelers just a game ahead of Cleveland in the AFC North standings.
Given that the Browns finish up with games at home against Buffalo and San Francisco sandwiched around a game at Cincinnati, Cleveland could very well finish at 11-5.
Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over Cleveland, but a loss to Jacksonville would also be the Steelers’ fourth conference loss and open the possibility that they could fall to the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.
San Diego has a 7-3 conference record and still has to host Detroit and Denver before finishing up its season at Oakland in three very winnable games.
And, of course, the fourth seed in the playoffs – should it win its playoff opener – stands a good shot of having to go to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots, who will be coming off a bye.
You want to delay that trip as long as possible.
© The Steelers used Ike Taylor to shadow Randy Moss all over the field Sunday.
Taylor didn’t have bad coverage on Moss a couple of times, but still gave up the reception.
Moss is that good.
© Brady is that good as well.
© Willie Colon had his hands full with Mike Vrabel all day long. The rest of the line actually played pretty well, but Colon struggled with Vrabel’s quickness to the outside.
© The Steelers should continue to use Willie Parker the way they did Sunday for the remainder of this season.
Many times, they passed when they should have run and ran when they should have passed. And Parker was able to get outside more Sunday than he had all season.
Then again, the Steelers outrushed the Patriots, 181 to 22, and it didn’t make a difference.
When you can’t punch the ball in from inside the 10, you don’t deserve to win.
In fact, the Steelers were 0-for-3 in the red zone Sunday and lost by 21 points. You do the math.
© Wouldn’t you have liked to have seen the Steelers try a gadget play or two – I mean other than an end around with an empty backfield on fourth-and-goal from the one – as the Patriots did?
But that does allow me to talk about the latest Steelers news, which is the fact Aaron Smith is out for the year with a torn biceps.
That's bad news for the Steelers, who face a very physical Jacksonville team this week.
© After playing the Steelers in a semi-conventional way in the first half of their game Sunday, the Patriots adjusted at halftime and went back to their game plan from 2002.
New England threw the ball on 25 consecutive plays against the Steelers in that game, a 30-14 Patriots’ victory, was strangely reminiscent of Sunday’s 34-13 win at Gillette Stadium.
New England had quarterback Tom Brady drop back to pass on 33 consecutive plays. That’s right, the Patriots dropped back to pass 33 consecutive times, including their first 26 plays of the second half.
Until their final possession of the game, when they were just trying to burn some clock, Tom Brady attempted to pass on every play, throwing 25 times and scrambling for a four-yard gain on another.
It was a game plan that rendered the strength of the Pittsburgh defense, its front seven, totally useless.
For most of the game, Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton stood on the sidelines watching. Backup defensive end Nick Eason got more snaps in the second half than Hampton did as Pittsburgh countered by playing a lot of nickel.
And Brady was getting rid of the ball so quickly, the Steelers rarely even pressured him.
In fact, the Steelers failed to register a sack Sunday and had just four pressures.
That’s not going to get it done.
Perhaps getting Troy Polamalu back for a possible rematch in the playoffs – Playoffs? Did you say playoffs? – will make a difference.
With Polamalu back, the Steelers can play more dime, with Tyrone Carter coming in as the deep safety and William Gay staying on the sidelines. And Pittsburgh can also go with its big nickel as well, with a line of Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith, Hampton and Chris Hoke.
In fact, I’m not sure why we didn’t see that formation Sunday. Hampton and Hoke may have been able to use their bulk to push the pocket up in Brady’s face.
What the heck, nothing else the Steelers did Sunday worked.
© Actually, the reason the Steelers didn’t use the big nickel was because they didn’t want to take linebackers James Harrison and Clark Haggans off the field.
OK, they didn’t want to take Harrison off the field.
© As big a game as Sunday’s matchup was, it’s not nearly as big as this week’s game against Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is a team that could quite possible come to Heinz Field in the playoffs in the opening round.
And the Steelers have to prove they can be effective against the Jacksonville defense, which totally shut Pittsburgh down in a meeting last season.
In fact, a victory by the Steelers Sunday would drop the Jaguars into a tie with Cleveland for the top wildcard spot in the AFC.
Not to mention, Sunday’s loss puts the Steelers just a game ahead of Cleveland in the AFC North standings.
Given that the Browns finish up with games at home against Buffalo and San Francisco sandwiched around a game at Cincinnati, Cleveland could very well finish at 11-5.
Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker over Cleveland, but a loss to Jacksonville would also be the Steelers’ fourth conference loss and open the possibility that they could fall to the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs.
San Diego has a 7-3 conference record and still has to host Detroit and Denver before finishing up its season at Oakland in three very winnable games.
And, of course, the fourth seed in the playoffs – should it win its playoff opener – stands a good shot of having to go to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots, who will be coming off a bye.
You want to delay that trip as long as possible.
© The Steelers used Ike Taylor to shadow Randy Moss all over the field Sunday.
Taylor didn’t have bad coverage on Moss a couple of times, but still gave up the reception.
Moss is that good.
© Brady is that good as well.
© Willie Colon had his hands full with Mike Vrabel all day long. The rest of the line actually played pretty well, but Colon struggled with Vrabel’s quickness to the outside.
© The Steelers should continue to use Willie Parker the way they did Sunday for the remainder of this season.
Many times, they passed when they should have run and ran when they should have passed. And Parker was able to get outside more Sunday than he had all season.
Then again, the Steelers outrushed the Patriots, 181 to 22, and it didn’t make a difference.
When you can’t punch the ball in from inside the 10, you don’t deserve to win.
In fact, the Steelers were 0-for-3 in the red zone Sunday and lost by 21 points. You do the math.
© Wouldn’t you have liked to have seen the Steelers try a gadget play or two – I mean other than an end around with an empty backfield on fourth-and-goal from the one – as the Patriots did?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The guarantee
Anthony Smith guaranteed a win Sunday over the Patriots.
Hey, why not. Everybody else this season has blown smoke up New England's collective behind, talking about how great they are and how it's so awesome to get a chance to get to be on the same field as such a fantastic display of talent.
Smith's comments are certain to be bulletin-board material for the Patriots, who love that kind of thing.
But he's also put the onus on himself and the rest of the defense to step up with a big game.
Hey, why not. Everybody else this season has blown smoke up New England's collective behind, talking about how great they are and how it's so awesome to get a chance to get to be on the same field as such a fantastic display of talent.
Smith's comments are certain to be bulletin-board material for the Patriots, who love that kind of thing.
But he's also put the onus on himself and the rest of the defense to step up with a big game.
Week 13 Power rankings
1. New England (12-0) If they can get by the Steelers this week, it could be smooth sailing the rest of the way in the regular season.
2. Indianapolis (10-2) The win over the Jags was more impressive in my eyes than Dallas' win over Green Bay.
3. Dallas (11-1) The Cowboys are playing well, but the defense has holes.
4. Pittsburgh (9-3) Need to let Big Ben open things up because the running game is struggling.
5. Green Bay (10-2) Brett Favre played very poorly before getting hurt at Dallas.
6. Jacksonville (8-4) Among the league's elite.
7. Tampa Bay (8-4) That was an impressive win last week with the backup QB in.
8. Seattle (8-4) The Seahawks are coming on strong.
9. San Diego (7-5) The Chargers could make a run.
10. Cleveland (7-5) Tough loss last week at Arizona.
11. N.Y. Giants (8-4) Eli Manning still makes too many mistakes.
12. Tennessee (7-5) A different team with Albert Haynesworth in the lineup.
13. Minnesota (6-6) Can you win with just a running game? Apparently so.
14. Arizona (6-6) The injuries continue to mount.
15. Buffalo (6-6) An amazing 6-6.
16. Detroit (6-6) Fading fast.
17. Philadelphia (5-7) McNabb comes back this week.
18. Chicago (5-7) Still in the playoff hunt in the NFC.
19. New Orleans (5-7) A division title is out now, but still could be a wild card.
20. Denver (5-7) Too inconsistent to matter.
21. Washington (5-7) If you can't win an emotional game like last week …
22. Baltimore (4-8) Showed a little something last week, but still too many knuckleheads.
23. Houston (5-7) When five wins is your benchmark, you're a bad franchise.
24. Carolina (5-7) Just off this year.
25. Cincinnati (4-8) There's no toughness on this team at all.
26. Oakland (4-8) Two wins in a row.
27. St. Louis (3-9) Playing better now that Steven Jackson is back.
28. Kansas City (4-8) Turns out, the Chiefs are who we thought they were.
29. N.Y. Jets (3-9) OK, so you beat the Dolphins.
30. San Francisco (3-9) Just awful.
31. Atlanta (3-9) Can Bobby Petrino be fired after one season?
32. Miami (0-12) Slip sliding away.
2. Indianapolis (10-2) The win over the Jags was more impressive in my eyes than Dallas' win over Green Bay.
3. Dallas (11-1) The Cowboys are playing well, but the defense has holes.
4. Pittsburgh (9-3) Need to let Big Ben open things up because the running game is struggling.
5. Green Bay (10-2) Brett Favre played very poorly before getting hurt at Dallas.
6. Jacksonville (8-4) Among the league's elite.
7. Tampa Bay (8-4) That was an impressive win last week with the backup QB in.
8. Seattle (8-4) The Seahawks are coming on strong.
9. San Diego (7-5) The Chargers could make a run.
10. Cleveland (7-5) Tough loss last week at Arizona.
11. N.Y. Giants (8-4) Eli Manning still makes too many mistakes.
12. Tennessee (7-5) A different team with Albert Haynesworth in the lineup.
13. Minnesota (6-6) Can you win with just a running game? Apparently so.
14. Arizona (6-6) The injuries continue to mount.
15. Buffalo (6-6) An amazing 6-6.
16. Detroit (6-6) Fading fast.
17. Philadelphia (5-7) McNabb comes back this week.
18. Chicago (5-7) Still in the playoff hunt in the NFC.
19. New Orleans (5-7) A division title is out now, but still could be a wild card.
20. Denver (5-7) Too inconsistent to matter.
21. Washington (5-7) If you can't win an emotional game like last week …
22. Baltimore (4-8) Showed a little something last week, but still too many knuckleheads.
23. Houston (5-7) When five wins is your benchmark, you're a bad franchise.
24. Carolina (5-7) Just off this year.
25. Cincinnati (4-8) There's no toughness on this team at all.
26. Oakland (4-8) Two wins in a row.
27. St. Louis (3-9) Playing better now that Steven Jackson is back.
28. Kansas City (4-8) Turns out, the Chiefs are who we thought they were.
29. N.Y. Jets (3-9) OK, so you beat the Dolphins.
30. San Francisco (3-9) Just awful.
31. Atlanta (3-9) Can Bobby Petrino be fired after one season?
32. Miami (0-12) Slip sliding away.
Monday, December 03, 2007
What we learned, Cincinnati (again)
The Cincinnati Bengals must have read the quotes from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Anthony Smith about how he was going to light them up if they came across the middle.
I have never seen a less-inspired effort from a group of wideouts in my 15 years of covering the NFL.
Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry could not have played a weaker game than the one they played here Sunday night.
At one point, Henry laid down like a baby getting ready to take a nap after catching a pass over the middle with Smith bearing down on him.
And Cincinnati’s last offensive play of the game was Johnson backing out of bounds for a 13-yard gain rather than fighting for extra yardage when the Bengals needed 17 yards on fourth down to keep their fading hopes alive.
I guess Johnson was just trying to get an early start on his offseason.
© Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer may throw a prettier pass, but I’ll take Ben Roethlisberger on my team anytime over Palmer.
Don’t get me wrong, Palmer is a good quarterback. But Roethlisberger is a football player.
The next time Palmer drops his shoulder and dives into the end zone from four yards out to score, going over a defender to get there, let me know.
© The Steelers had a lot of success against the Bengals by rushing three and dropping eight into coverage.
That won’t work next week against New England.
The key to beating the Patriots is putting pressure on Tom Brady and forcing him out of his comfort zone. He’s way too accurate and patient to allow him to sit back and look for the open receiver.
© Look for the Patriots to employ a similar game plan to the one they did in 2002 against the Steelers when they came out and didn’t even attempt to run the ball.
© I know, we’re supposed to be talking about the Cincinnati game here, but I’m just getting a jump on the national media, who will begin hyping the Pittsburgh-New England game immediately after the Patriots put the Ravens away Monday night.
That moment will come when New England scores its first points because there’s no way Baltimore’s popgun offense will be able to keep up.
© Tyrone Carter has played well in place of strong safety Troy Polamalu, Max Starks was admirable in his replacement of left tackle Marvel Smith and Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington were OK in place of wide receiver Santonio Holmes.
There, we gave those guys the praise the deserve for filling in for injured starters the past two weeks.
But the Steelers will need all of their starters when they line up to play the Patriots.
Word is, all will be ready to go Sunday.
© Najeh Davenport apparently had some numbness in his foot in the hours leading up to Sunday’s game, which was why he was inactive and rookie Gary Russell got a shot to play.
© Roethlisberger pass to Hines Ward during the Steelers’ final touchdown drive, zipping the ball in between two defenders, was a thing of beauty.
So was Ward holding onto the ball after getting popped.
If the Cincinnati receivers weren’t taking notes, they should have been.
© I thought the Bengals would come in and give the Steelers stiffer competition.
I guess they weren't who we thought they were.
I have never seen a less-inspired effort from a group of wideouts in my 15 years of covering the NFL.
Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry could not have played a weaker game than the one they played here Sunday night.
At one point, Henry laid down like a baby getting ready to take a nap after catching a pass over the middle with Smith bearing down on him.
And Cincinnati’s last offensive play of the game was Johnson backing out of bounds for a 13-yard gain rather than fighting for extra yardage when the Bengals needed 17 yards on fourth down to keep their fading hopes alive.
I guess Johnson was just trying to get an early start on his offseason.
© Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer may throw a prettier pass, but I’ll take Ben Roethlisberger on my team anytime over Palmer.
Don’t get me wrong, Palmer is a good quarterback. But Roethlisberger is a football player.
The next time Palmer drops his shoulder and dives into the end zone from four yards out to score, going over a defender to get there, let me know.
© The Steelers had a lot of success against the Bengals by rushing three and dropping eight into coverage.
That won’t work next week against New England.
The key to beating the Patriots is putting pressure on Tom Brady and forcing him out of his comfort zone. He’s way too accurate and patient to allow him to sit back and look for the open receiver.
© Look for the Patriots to employ a similar game plan to the one they did in 2002 against the Steelers when they came out and didn’t even attempt to run the ball.
© I know, we’re supposed to be talking about the Cincinnati game here, but I’m just getting a jump on the national media, who will begin hyping the Pittsburgh-New England game immediately after the Patriots put the Ravens away Monday night.
That moment will come when New England scores its first points because there’s no way Baltimore’s popgun offense will be able to keep up.
© Tyrone Carter has played well in place of strong safety Troy Polamalu, Max Starks was admirable in his replacement of left tackle Marvel Smith and Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington were OK in place of wide receiver Santonio Holmes.
There, we gave those guys the praise the deserve for filling in for injured starters the past two weeks.
But the Steelers will need all of their starters when they line up to play the Patriots.
Word is, all will be ready to go Sunday.
© Najeh Davenport apparently had some numbness in his foot in the hours leading up to Sunday’s game, which was why he was inactive and rookie Gary Russell got a shot to play.
© Roethlisberger pass to Hines Ward during the Steelers’ final touchdown drive, zipping the ball in between two defenders, was a thing of beauty.
So was Ward holding onto the ball after getting popped.
If the Cincinnati receivers weren’t taking notes, they should have been.
© I thought the Bengals would come in and give the Steelers stiffer competition.
I guess they weren't who we thought they were.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Goodbye Danny
We've probably seen the last of Dan Kreider in a Steelers uniform as the eight-year vet went on the disabled list with a knee injury Thursday.
Kreider has been phased out of the Pittsburgh offense this season in favor of Carey Davis, who's a better runner and receiver out of the backfield.
But the Steelers still used Kreider when they wanted to line up and punish opponents or late in games when they were milking the clock.
But Kreider is an unrestricted free agent after this year and his knee injury was his third injury this season in limited playing time. Running into brick walls head first for eight years will do that to a guy.
It was good while it lasted for Kreider, a true class act.
And yes, that was former Steelers fullback John Kuhn lead-blocking for Green Bay Thursday night.
Kreider has been phased out of the Pittsburgh offense this season in favor of Carey Davis, who's a better runner and receiver out of the backfield.
But the Steelers still used Kreider when they wanted to line up and punish opponents or late in games when they were milking the clock.
But Kreider is an unrestricted free agent after this year and his knee injury was his third injury this season in limited playing time. Running into brick walls head first for eight years will do that to a guy.
It was good while it lasted for Kreider, a true class act.
And yes, that was former Steelers fullback John Kuhn lead-blocking for Green Bay Thursday night.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Week 12 Power Rankings
1. New England (11-0) Survived a scare against Philadelphia.
2. Dallas (10-1) Will beat Green Bay this week because it's in Dallas.
3. Green Bay (10-1) I think the Packers are a better all-around team than Dallas, but they have to play the Cowboys in Big D.
4. Indianapolis (9-2) Starting to get healthy.
5. Pittsburgh (8-3) Survived in the mud. Face a good test this week with Cincinnati.
6. Jacksonville (8-3) This team is really playing well, but has to travel to Indy this week.
7. San Diego (6-5) Don't forget about the Chargers.
8. Seattle (7-4) Found a way to win on the road.
9. Cleveland (7-4) The defense is playing better, but still isn't where it needs to be.
10. Tampa Bay (7-4) Tampa's defense is playing very well.
11. N.Y. Giants (7-4) The annual second-half swoon may be starting.
12. Detroit (6-5) Needs to right the ship.
13. Tennessee (6-5) In the same boat as Detroit.
14. Philadelphia (5-6) Could sneak into the playoffs in the NFC.
15. Minnesota (5-6) No QB, but it might not matter in the NFC.
16. Chicago (5-6) Why does anybody kick to Devin Hester if they don't have to.
17. Houston (5-6) Still not ready for prime time.
18. Denver (5-6) This team just can't seem to bring it all together.
19. New Orleans (5-6) The Saints could still make a playoff push.
20. Washington (5-6) How do you lose to a team that fails to record a first down in the second half?
21. Arizona (5-6) How do you lose to San Francisco twice?
22. Buffalo (5-6) The Bills could win seven or eight games this season by default because the rest of the divison is so bad, or they may not win again. It's that close.
23. Cincinnati (4-7) The offense is getting healthy. If they only had a defense.
24. Kansas City (4-7) That loss to the Raiders will haunt them.
25. Carolina (4-7) How do you fail to win a home game in more than a year?
26. Baltimore (4-7) The wheels have come off.
27. Oakland (3-8) A commitment to Justin Fargas.
28. San Francisco (3-8) Is Fank Gore finally healthy? If so, they could play a spoiler role.
29. Atlanta (3-8) Bobby Petrino could be one and done in Atlanta if the right college program comes calling.
30. St. Louis (2-9) If Bulger comes back, this is as dangerous a two-win team as there is in the league.
31. N.Y. Jets (2-9) Forget the win against the Steelers coming out of their bye, the Jets are who we thought they were.
32. Miami (0-11) The Dolphins have problems and they are great.
2. Dallas (10-1) Will beat Green Bay this week because it's in Dallas.
3. Green Bay (10-1) I think the Packers are a better all-around team than Dallas, but they have to play the Cowboys in Big D.
4. Indianapolis (9-2) Starting to get healthy.
5. Pittsburgh (8-3) Survived in the mud. Face a good test this week with Cincinnati.
6. Jacksonville (8-3) This team is really playing well, but has to travel to Indy this week.
7. San Diego (6-5) Don't forget about the Chargers.
8. Seattle (7-4) Found a way to win on the road.
9. Cleveland (7-4) The defense is playing better, but still isn't where it needs to be.
10. Tampa Bay (7-4) Tampa's defense is playing very well.
11. N.Y. Giants (7-4) The annual second-half swoon may be starting.
12. Detroit (6-5) Needs to right the ship.
13. Tennessee (6-5) In the same boat as Detroit.
14. Philadelphia (5-6) Could sneak into the playoffs in the NFC.
15. Minnesota (5-6) No QB, but it might not matter in the NFC.
16. Chicago (5-6) Why does anybody kick to Devin Hester if they don't have to.
17. Houston (5-6) Still not ready for prime time.
18. Denver (5-6) This team just can't seem to bring it all together.
19. New Orleans (5-6) The Saints could still make a playoff push.
20. Washington (5-6) How do you lose to a team that fails to record a first down in the second half?
21. Arizona (5-6) How do you lose to San Francisco twice?
22. Buffalo (5-6) The Bills could win seven or eight games this season by default because the rest of the divison is so bad, or they may not win again. It's that close.
23. Cincinnati (4-7) The offense is getting healthy. If they only had a defense.
24. Kansas City (4-7) That loss to the Raiders will haunt them.
25. Carolina (4-7) How do you fail to win a home game in more than a year?
26. Baltimore (4-7) The wheels have come off.
27. Oakland (3-8) A commitment to Justin Fargas.
28. San Francisco (3-8) Is Fank Gore finally healthy? If so, they could play a spoiler role.
29. Atlanta (3-8) Bobby Petrino could be one and done in Atlanta if the right college program comes calling.
30. St. Louis (2-9) If Bulger comes back, this is as dangerous a two-win team as there is in the league.
31. N.Y. Jets (2-9) Forget the win against the Steelers coming out of their bye, the Jets are who we thought they were.
32. Miami (0-11) The Dolphins have problems and they are great.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What we learned, Miami
I tried to post this Monday night at Heinz Field, but apparently, the rain delayed the posting.
© We had a Lawrence Timmons sighting on defense Monday night and the rookie replaced, of all people, Troy Polamalu in the nickel defense.
Timmons made some plays, too, picking up a couple of tackles and recovering a fumble.
That team rookie of the year award is still hanging in the balance.
© Then again, punter Daniel Sepulveda may have wrapped it up with his effort against the Dolphins.
Sepulveda punted five times and all five were downed inside the Miami 20 with no returns thanks to excellent hang time.
Considering Miami’s only real chance to score Monday night would have come on a return by Ted Ginn, that was huge.
© A win is a win is a win, but that one was as ugly as any of the Bill Cowher era.
The Pittsburgh Steelers slogged through a 3-0 win against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field Monday night.
Many will blame the sloppiness of the game on the turf at Heinz Field, which was re-sodded following Saturday’s Pitt game here. But the field actually held up well after the rain stopped.
The problem was that the rain didn’t stop all that much. And no matter what kind of surface you have, when you get about three inches of rain in the course of a day, the field is going to be treacherous.
Anybody remember the famous Terry Bradshaw slide against the Houston Oilers at Three Rivers Stadium during which Bradshaw spun round and round as he slid on the soaking wet turf? That was on Astroturf.
Monday night’s game could have been played on the finest surface known to man, but unless it was going to be played indoors, it wasn’t going to matter.
© Willie Parker carried the ball 24 times for 81 yards, but I didn’t see too many carries where he could have gotten more.
Parker’s game is cutting and going and in this game, that wasn’t going to be possible. He was sticking the ball up in the middle against the Dolphins defense and getting what he could, even breaking some tackles.
That was a great effort.
© Hines Ward is a mudder, pure and simple.
© If James Harrison doesn’t make the Pro Bowl this season, it’s a crime. He’s been that good.
© Larry Foote and James Farrior were also outstanding Monday night. They spent more time in the Miami backfield than Dolphins’ running back Ricky Williams, who was knocked from the game in his return from an 18-month suspension after just six carries.
© Marvel Smith’s sore back kept him out of this game and Max Starks started at left tackle in his place. Starks looked much better at left tackle in this game than he did in the preseason.
Of course he was playing for a contract in this one, showing that he can be a serviceable offensive tackle in this league.
Starks, by the way, also deflected the Dolphins’ field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, a three-pointer that would have been nullified anyway by a delay of game penalty.
© It’s hard to believe, but Ben Roethlisberger was 18 of 21 for 165 yards passing in this game, completing 15 in a row at one point to tie his own team record.
Of course none of those passes were more than 10 yards downfield as Roethlisberger’s long pass before the Steelers’ game-winning drive was a 15-yard completion to – egads – Dan Kreider.
© We had a Lawrence Timmons sighting on defense Monday night and the rookie replaced, of all people, Troy Polamalu in the nickel defense.
Timmons made some plays, too, picking up a couple of tackles and recovering a fumble.
That team rookie of the year award is still hanging in the balance.
© Then again, punter Daniel Sepulveda may have wrapped it up with his effort against the Dolphins.
Sepulveda punted five times and all five were downed inside the Miami 20 with no returns thanks to excellent hang time.
Considering Miami’s only real chance to score Monday night would have come on a return by Ted Ginn, that was huge.
© A win is a win is a win, but that one was as ugly as any of the Bill Cowher era.
The Pittsburgh Steelers slogged through a 3-0 win against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field Monday night.
Many will blame the sloppiness of the game on the turf at Heinz Field, which was re-sodded following Saturday’s Pitt game here. But the field actually held up well after the rain stopped.
The problem was that the rain didn’t stop all that much. And no matter what kind of surface you have, when you get about three inches of rain in the course of a day, the field is going to be treacherous.
Anybody remember the famous Terry Bradshaw slide against the Houston Oilers at Three Rivers Stadium during which Bradshaw spun round and round as he slid on the soaking wet turf? That was on Astroturf.
Monday night’s game could have been played on the finest surface known to man, but unless it was going to be played indoors, it wasn’t going to matter.
© Willie Parker carried the ball 24 times for 81 yards, but I didn’t see too many carries where he could have gotten more.
Parker’s game is cutting and going and in this game, that wasn’t going to be possible. He was sticking the ball up in the middle against the Dolphins defense and getting what he could, even breaking some tackles.
That was a great effort.
© Hines Ward is a mudder, pure and simple.
© If James Harrison doesn’t make the Pro Bowl this season, it’s a crime. He’s been that good.
© Larry Foote and James Farrior were also outstanding Monday night. They spent more time in the Miami backfield than Dolphins’ running back Ricky Williams, who was knocked from the game in his return from an 18-month suspension after just six carries.
© Marvel Smith’s sore back kept him out of this game and Max Starks started at left tackle in his place. Starks looked much better at left tackle in this game than he did in the preseason.
Of course he was playing for a contract in this one, showing that he can be a serviceable offensive tackle in this league.
Starks, by the way, also deflected the Dolphins’ field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, a three-pointer that would have been nullified anyway by a delay of game penalty.
© It’s hard to believe, but Ben Roethlisberger was 18 of 21 for 165 yards passing in this game, completing 15 in a row at one point to tie his own team record.
Of course none of those passes were more than 10 yards downfield as Roethlisberger’s long pass before the Steelers’ game-winning drive was a 15-yard completion to – egads – Dan Kreider.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Week 11 Power rankings
1. New England (10-0) Rolling right along.
2. Dalls (9-1) Struggled against Washington at home, but won.
3. Green Bay (9-1) The best team nobody is talking about.
4. Indianapolis (8-2) Banged up but found a way to win.
5. Jacksonville (7-3) Getting healthy at the right time.
6. Steelers (7-3) Should be angry after last week's debacle.
7. N.Y. Giants (7-3) Losing Kiwanuka for the season will hurt.
8. Seattle (6-4) Starting to turn it on now that Alexander is out.
9. Cleveland (6-4) The Browns are 6-2 against everyone in the league that doesn't wear black and gold.
10. Tampa Bay (6-4) Playing outstanding defense.
11. Detroit (6-4) We'll find out how good they are on Thanksgiving against Green Bay.
12. San Diego (5-5) Something's just not right with this team.
13. Denver (5-5) Don't look now, but here come the Broncos.
14. Arizona (5-5) The defense is playing great.
15. Philadelphia (5-5) A 23-point underdog at New England!
16. Houston (5-5) Andre Johnson is back and so is the passing offense.
17. Tennessee (6-4) Struggling without Haynesworth in the middle. Young's passing is erratic.
18. Washington (5-5) A middle-of-the-road team.
19. Buffalo (5-5) How will the Bills respond to last week's whooping?
20. Kansas City (4-6) May wish they hadn't made that Michael Bennett trade.
21. New Orleans (4-6) Just when you thought the Saints had righted the ship …
22. Chicago (4-6) Injuries have made this a lost season.
23. Minnesota (4-6) Maybe it's the o-line, but I think I could go for 100 for the Vikings.
24. Baltimore (4-6) Upon further review, the Ravens should be lower. Nah.
25. Carolina (4-6) Bill Cowher could be coaching here by the beginning of January.
26. Cincinnati (3-7) Fading, fading, fading.
27. Atlanta (3-7) Maybe Steve Bartkowski can come out of retirement.
28. St. Louis (2-8) The Rams won, but struggled against the hapless 49ers.
29. N.Y. Jets (2-8) Played their game of the season against the Steelers.
30. Oakland (2-8) Maybe the NFL should leave the Bay area.
31. San Francisco (2-8) That's eight losses in a row.
32. Miami (0-10) The Dolphins have now lost 13 straight dating back to last season.
2. Dalls (9-1) Struggled against Washington at home, but won.
3. Green Bay (9-1) The best team nobody is talking about.
4. Indianapolis (8-2) Banged up but found a way to win.
5. Jacksonville (7-3) Getting healthy at the right time.
6. Steelers (7-3) Should be angry after last week's debacle.
7. N.Y. Giants (7-3) Losing Kiwanuka for the season will hurt.
8. Seattle (6-4) Starting to turn it on now that Alexander is out.
9. Cleveland (6-4) The Browns are 6-2 against everyone in the league that doesn't wear black and gold.
10. Tampa Bay (6-4) Playing outstanding defense.
11. Detroit (6-4) We'll find out how good they are on Thanksgiving against Green Bay.
12. San Diego (5-5) Something's just not right with this team.
13. Denver (5-5) Don't look now, but here come the Broncos.
14. Arizona (5-5) The defense is playing great.
15. Philadelphia (5-5) A 23-point underdog at New England!
16. Houston (5-5) Andre Johnson is back and so is the passing offense.
17. Tennessee (6-4) Struggling without Haynesworth in the middle. Young's passing is erratic.
18. Washington (5-5) A middle-of-the-road team.
19. Buffalo (5-5) How will the Bills respond to last week's whooping?
20. Kansas City (4-6) May wish they hadn't made that Michael Bennett trade.
21. New Orleans (4-6) Just when you thought the Saints had righted the ship …
22. Chicago (4-6) Injuries have made this a lost season.
23. Minnesota (4-6) Maybe it's the o-line, but I think I could go for 100 for the Vikings.
24. Baltimore (4-6) Upon further review, the Ravens should be lower. Nah.
25. Carolina (4-6) Bill Cowher could be coaching here by the beginning of January.
26. Cincinnati (3-7) Fading, fading, fading.
27. Atlanta (3-7) Maybe Steve Bartkowski can come out of retirement.
28. St. Louis (2-8) The Rams won, but struggled against the hapless 49ers.
29. N.Y. Jets (2-8) Played their game of the season against the Steelers.
30. Oakland (2-8) Maybe the NFL should leave the Bay area.
31. San Francisco (2-8) That's eight losses in a row.
32. Miami (0-10) The Dolphins have now lost 13 straight dating back to last season.
Monday, November 19, 2007
What we learned, Jets
People will look at the seven sacks registered by the New York Jets in their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday and point the finger solely at the offensive line.
And to be sure, the offensive line deserves the blame for at least half of the sacks and pressures against Ben Roethlisberger in New York’s 19-16 overtime win.
But Roethlisberger and the wide receivers have to shoulder some of the blame as well.
Roethlisberger is believing in his ability to scramble and keep plays alive perhaps too much.
Instead of getting rid of the football on a four or five count, Roethlisberger tried to keep plays alive too much against a Jets defense Sunday that was using its ends to keep him hemmed in and bringing pressure via stunts and blitzes from different points. The Jets also spied Roethlisberger with a linebacker or lineman in the middle of the field to keep him in the pocket.
So on several occasions when Roethlisberger couldn’t find somebody open downfield, he began to move around in the pocket and ran himself into pressure and/or sacks.
There were also times when Roethlisberger stood in the pocket – such as on the Jets’ second sack of the game – where the quarterback had plenty of time to throw the ball, but couldn’t find anyone open downfield.
The offensive line can’t be blamed in those situations.
Considering the success New York had with that defense, the Steelers had better expect to see more of it the remainder of this season.
© All of that said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some changes up front when the Steelers line up to play Miami next Monday night.
Chris Kemoeatu and Max Starks on the right side can’t be any worse than what we’ve seen this season out of Willie Colon and Kendall Simmons.
And at some point, you’ve just got to send a message.
© For all of the talk from the Steelers in the week leading up to it, it was obvious that they took the New York Jets lightly.
It’s probably only human nature that it happens. But you had better believe that it won’t happen anytime soon again.
© The run defense, for the first time in the past two seasons, was awful.
And it’s hard to figure out why.
Despite a 56-yard completion off a flea-flicker on his first pass, Kellen Clemens didn’t break 100 yards passing until the fourth quarter.
So with little threat of the pass, the Steelers still allowed the Jets to run for 151 yards, mainly because they missed tackle after tackle.
© Willie Parker continues to have problems with his footing. And on the turf at Giants Stadium, there was no real reason for it.
Everybody likes to complain about the field conditions at Heinz Field, but Parker, apparently, is struggling with his footing everywhere.
He’s also doing a little too much dancing at the line of scrimmage instead of just hitting the ball up in there.
The Steelers went with Najeh Davenport a little more than usual against the Jets and he had more success because he did just find a seam and hit it.
Parker may be thinking a little too much instead of just allowing his natural ability to take over.
Tomlin said earlier this season that he will run Parker until the wheels come off. It’s possible that is in the process of happening.
© If you were to forced to pick an MVP for the Steelers, Jeff Reed would have to do. Reed kept the ball out of Leon Washington’s hands on kickoffs most of the day with some perfectly placed pop-up kicks and was perfect on three field goal attempts in a tough place to kick.
© Santonio Holmes looked fine after the game after getting his ankle rolled up on in the fourth quarter on a short pass play.
But Troy Polamalu looked very banged up in the locker room. Polamalu was walking very stiffly and appeared to have some kind of leg injury.
© That 33-yard punt return that Washington had to set up New York’s game-winning score was as much punter Daniel Sepulveda’s fault as it was the coverage unit’s. Sepulveda hit a short line-drive kick that allowed Washington to catch the ball on the run.
© You could also credit some poor play calling in that situation.
Parker ran for three yards on first down and Roethlisberger was sacked for a six-yard loss on second down that moved the ball back to the 14.
On third down and 14, the Steelers ran a draw with fullback Carey Davis, who has just a handful of carries all season.
That’s a give-up play. And in overtime, when all the opponents needs is a field goal to win, you can’t run a give-up play deep in your own territory.
Even if Sepulveda hit a 45-yard punt and Washington called for a fair catch, the Jets were going to get great field position.
And to be sure, the offensive line deserves the blame for at least half of the sacks and pressures against Ben Roethlisberger in New York’s 19-16 overtime win.
But Roethlisberger and the wide receivers have to shoulder some of the blame as well.
Roethlisberger is believing in his ability to scramble and keep plays alive perhaps too much.
Instead of getting rid of the football on a four or five count, Roethlisberger tried to keep plays alive too much against a Jets defense Sunday that was using its ends to keep him hemmed in and bringing pressure via stunts and blitzes from different points. The Jets also spied Roethlisberger with a linebacker or lineman in the middle of the field to keep him in the pocket.
So on several occasions when Roethlisberger couldn’t find somebody open downfield, he began to move around in the pocket and ran himself into pressure and/or sacks.
There were also times when Roethlisberger stood in the pocket – such as on the Jets’ second sack of the game – where the quarterback had plenty of time to throw the ball, but couldn’t find anyone open downfield.
The offensive line can’t be blamed in those situations.
Considering the success New York had with that defense, the Steelers had better expect to see more of it the remainder of this season.
© All of that said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some changes up front when the Steelers line up to play Miami next Monday night.
Chris Kemoeatu and Max Starks on the right side can’t be any worse than what we’ve seen this season out of Willie Colon and Kendall Simmons.
And at some point, you’ve just got to send a message.
© For all of the talk from the Steelers in the week leading up to it, it was obvious that they took the New York Jets lightly.
It’s probably only human nature that it happens. But you had better believe that it won’t happen anytime soon again.
© The run defense, for the first time in the past two seasons, was awful.
And it’s hard to figure out why.
Despite a 56-yard completion off a flea-flicker on his first pass, Kellen Clemens didn’t break 100 yards passing until the fourth quarter.
So with little threat of the pass, the Steelers still allowed the Jets to run for 151 yards, mainly because they missed tackle after tackle.
© Willie Parker continues to have problems with his footing. And on the turf at Giants Stadium, there was no real reason for it.
Everybody likes to complain about the field conditions at Heinz Field, but Parker, apparently, is struggling with his footing everywhere.
He’s also doing a little too much dancing at the line of scrimmage instead of just hitting the ball up in there.
The Steelers went with Najeh Davenport a little more than usual against the Jets and he had more success because he did just find a seam and hit it.
Parker may be thinking a little too much instead of just allowing his natural ability to take over.
Tomlin said earlier this season that he will run Parker until the wheels come off. It’s possible that is in the process of happening.
© If you were to forced to pick an MVP for the Steelers, Jeff Reed would have to do. Reed kept the ball out of Leon Washington’s hands on kickoffs most of the day with some perfectly placed pop-up kicks and was perfect on three field goal attempts in a tough place to kick.
© Santonio Holmes looked fine after the game after getting his ankle rolled up on in the fourth quarter on a short pass play.
But Troy Polamalu looked very banged up in the locker room. Polamalu was walking very stiffly and appeared to have some kind of leg injury.
© That 33-yard punt return that Washington had to set up New York’s game-winning score was as much punter Daniel Sepulveda’s fault as it was the coverage unit’s. Sepulveda hit a short line-drive kick that allowed Washington to catch the ball on the run.
© You could also credit some poor play calling in that situation.
Parker ran for three yards on first down and Roethlisberger was sacked for a six-yard loss on second down that moved the ball back to the 14.
On third down and 14, the Steelers ran a draw with fullback Carey Davis, who has just a handful of carries all season.
That’s a give-up play. And in overtime, when all the opponents needs is a field goal to win, you can’t run a give-up play deep in your own territory.
Even if Sepulveda hit a 45-yard punt and Washington called for a fair catch, the Jets were going to get great field position.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Week 10 rankings
1. New England (9-0) Nothing to say here.
2. Dallas (8-1) Looking strong for the top seed in the NFC, though Green Bay is playing well too.
3. Pittsburgh (7-2) A top-five offensive and defensive team and Ben Roethlisberger is playing as well as any QB in the league. The special teams could be a downfall if not fixed.
4. Indianapolis (7-2) If Freeney is indeed out for four weeks, the Colts could be in trouble.
5. Green Bay (8-1) And to think, Brett Favre was actually thinking about retirement.
6. Jacksonville (6-3) Found a way to win two of three without Garrard, who should be back this week.
7. N.Y. Giants (6-3) There's just something missing with Eli Manning.
8. Tennessee (6-3) Teams are forcing Vince Young to throw on them. He has precious few receivers to get the ball to.
9. San Diego (5-4) Philip Rivers needs to play better.
10. Cleveland (5-4) The Browns are better, but not ready to handle the big boys yet.
11. Detroit (6-3) Stumbled in the desert last week.
12. Seattle (5-4) Still need to play better on the road.
13. Tampa Bay (5-4) The bye came at a perfect time for a banged-up team.
14. Washington (5-4) This is a Jekyl and Hyde team to be sure, but so are a lot of teams in the teens.
15. Buffalo (5-4) The win streak ends this week at New England.
16. Arizona (4-5) This team could make a push for the playoffs in the second half.
17. New Orleans (4-5) All the momentum they acquired by winning four in a row was lost last week.
18. Philadelphia (4-5) Is the old Donovan McNabb back?
19. Denver (4-5) Dominated the Chiefs without Larry Johnson.
20. Chicago (4-5) Don't count the Bears out in the NFC just yet.
21. Kansas City (4-5) Johnson's out and they now have big trouble at QB. Not a good sign.
22. Houston (4-5) Should finally get Andre Johnson back.
23. Carolina (4-5) John Fox has to be on the hot seat. Bill Cowher anyone?
24. Cincinnati (3-6) Two of three wins have come against the Ravens.
25. Baltimore (4-5) Remember when people thought the Ravens were still good?
26. Atlanta (3-6) Believe it or not, the Falcons have won two in a row.
27. Minnesota (3-6) In trouble without Adrian Peterson.
28. Oakland (2-7) If they combined both teams on the Bay, they still wouldn't have a QB.
29. San Francisco (2-7) Putrid offense.
30. St. Louis (1-8) Starting to get healthy.
31. N.Y. Jets (1-8) Only hope of another win comes against Miami.
32. Miami (0-9) Challenging for the spot of the worst team in history.
2. Dallas (8-1) Looking strong for the top seed in the NFC, though Green Bay is playing well too.
3. Pittsburgh (7-2) A top-five offensive and defensive team and Ben Roethlisberger is playing as well as any QB in the league. The special teams could be a downfall if not fixed.
4. Indianapolis (7-2) If Freeney is indeed out for four weeks, the Colts could be in trouble.
5. Green Bay (8-1) And to think, Brett Favre was actually thinking about retirement.
6. Jacksonville (6-3) Found a way to win two of three without Garrard, who should be back this week.
7. N.Y. Giants (6-3) There's just something missing with Eli Manning.
8. Tennessee (6-3) Teams are forcing Vince Young to throw on them. He has precious few receivers to get the ball to.
9. San Diego (5-4) Philip Rivers needs to play better.
10. Cleveland (5-4) The Browns are better, but not ready to handle the big boys yet.
11. Detroit (6-3) Stumbled in the desert last week.
12. Seattle (5-4) Still need to play better on the road.
13. Tampa Bay (5-4) The bye came at a perfect time for a banged-up team.
14. Washington (5-4) This is a Jekyl and Hyde team to be sure, but so are a lot of teams in the teens.
15. Buffalo (5-4) The win streak ends this week at New England.
16. Arizona (4-5) This team could make a push for the playoffs in the second half.
17. New Orleans (4-5) All the momentum they acquired by winning four in a row was lost last week.
18. Philadelphia (4-5) Is the old Donovan McNabb back?
19. Denver (4-5) Dominated the Chiefs without Larry Johnson.
20. Chicago (4-5) Don't count the Bears out in the NFC just yet.
21. Kansas City (4-5) Johnson's out and they now have big trouble at QB. Not a good sign.
22. Houston (4-5) Should finally get Andre Johnson back.
23. Carolina (4-5) John Fox has to be on the hot seat. Bill Cowher anyone?
24. Cincinnati (3-6) Two of three wins have come against the Ravens.
25. Baltimore (4-5) Remember when people thought the Ravens were still good?
26. Atlanta (3-6) Believe it or not, the Falcons have won two in a row.
27. Minnesota (3-6) In trouble without Adrian Peterson.
28. Oakland (2-7) If they combined both teams on the Bay, they still wouldn't have a QB.
29. San Francisco (2-7) Putrid offense.
30. St. Louis (1-8) Starting to get healthy.
31. N.Y. Jets (1-8) Only hope of another win comes against Miami.
32. Miami (0-9) Challenging for the spot of the worst team in history.
Monday, November 12, 2007
What we learned, Cleveland (again)
Some things just seem to be destined to happen.
The sun rises. The seasons change. The Steelers beat the Browns.
That's why, even when the Browns were up 21-6 against the Steelers Sunday, there was little doubt Pittsburgh was going to win the game.
Cleveland is, well, Cleveland. You knew the Browns would find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
© I liked seeing big Chris Kemoeatu in there at fullback down by the goal line.
What I didn't like was the pass Willie Parker threw on second and goal with Kemoeatu in there.
With Max Starks at tight end and Kemoeatu at fullback, there were precious few options for Parker to throw to on that play.
© Once again, Ben Roethlisberger proves why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, even though he doesn't get credit for it.
The Steelers are winning games because of him this season, just as they did down the stretch in 2005 and in the second half of last season.
© Alan Faneca spoke up in the huddle when the Steelers needed a score to go ahead, yelling at his teammates to get them going. Most of what Faneca said is unprintable, but the message was received.
So much for all the bozos out there who thought Faneca would be mailing it in this season, his final one in Pittsburgh.
© Heath Miller is a better tight end than Kellen Winslow, even though it will be Winslow who joins Antonio Gates in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl.
Unforuntately, the Pro Bowl voters only look at catches as the measure of a tight end. Milller may be the best all-around tight end in the AFC, if not the NFL.
© Braylon Edwards' TD catch in the second quarter was an outstanding play. But if Edwards hadn't made it, you wouldn't have known he played Sunday.
He did nothing else.
© James Harrison continues to be a force. That's two more fumbles he forced against the Browns, giving him five in the past two games.
Joey Porter will be coming back to town later this season. Steelers fans should cheer him. Had he not declined so much in the past couple of seasons, Mike Tomlin may not have cut him and Harrison would not be starting right now.
© I usually don't comment on things that happen in other games, but I did watch the San Diego-Indianapolis game Sunday night.
First, Antonio Cromartie's second quarter one-handed interception of Peyton Manning was perhaps the best defensive play I've seen in some years.
Second, people who were giving Indianapolis the No. 2 seed in the playoffs may have been a bit premature.
If the playoffs began right now, the Steelers would be No. 2 based on a better conference record than Indianapolis.
The Steelers will be favored in all but one of their final six games this season. Indianapolis will be favored in all of its final six games. But you never know.
The sun rises. The seasons change. The Steelers beat the Browns.
That's why, even when the Browns were up 21-6 against the Steelers Sunday, there was little doubt Pittsburgh was going to win the game.
Cleveland is, well, Cleveland. You knew the Browns would find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
© I liked seeing big Chris Kemoeatu in there at fullback down by the goal line.
What I didn't like was the pass Willie Parker threw on second and goal with Kemoeatu in there.
With Max Starks at tight end and Kemoeatu at fullback, there were precious few options for Parker to throw to on that play.
© Once again, Ben Roethlisberger proves why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, even though he doesn't get credit for it.
The Steelers are winning games because of him this season, just as they did down the stretch in 2005 and in the second half of last season.
© Alan Faneca spoke up in the huddle when the Steelers needed a score to go ahead, yelling at his teammates to get them going. Most of what Faneca said is unprintable, but the message was received.
So much for all the bozos out there who thought Faneca would be mailing it in this season, his final one in Pittsburgh.
© Heath Miller is a better tight end than Kellen Winslow, even though it will be Winslow who joins Antonio Gates in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl.
Unforuntately, the Pro Bowl voters only look at catches as the measure of a tight end. Milller may be the best all-around tight end in the AFC, if not the NFL.
© Braylon Edwards' TD catch in the second quarter was an outstanding play. But if Edwards hadn't made it, you wouldn't have known he played Sunday.
He did nothing else.
© James Harrison continues to be a force. That's two more fumbles he forced against the Browns, giving him five in the past two games.
Joey Porter will be coming back to town later this season. Steelers fans should cheer him. Had he not declined so much in the past couple of seasons, Mike Tomlin may not have cut him and Harrison would not be starting right now.
© I usually don't comment on things that happen in other games, but I did watch the San Diego-Indianapolis game Sunday night.
First, Antonio Cromartie's second quarter one-handed interception of Peyton Manning was perhaps the best defensive play I've seen in some years.
Second, people who were giving Indianapolis the No. 2 seed in the playoffs may have been a bit premature.
If the playoffs began right now, the Steelers would be No. 2 based on a better conference record than Indianapolis.
The Steelers will be favored in all but one of their final six games this season. Indianapolis will be favored in all of its final six games. But you never know.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Update on Clark
After talking to Ryan Clark today and seeing him in the locker room the past couple of weeks, I can only come to the conclusion that it may be weeks or even months before he's ready to play football again.
The spleen problem he has – which was brought on by playing football in high altitudes while carrying the sickle cell trait – is a painful one and Clark is still struggling to move around in everyday life.
It's a difficult situation, especially considering what a good guy Clark is and how well-liked he is by his teammates. You can only hope that he gets well enough to move on from this setback.
The spleen problem he has – which was brought on by playing football in high altitudes while carrying the sickle cell trait – is a painful one and Clark is still struggling to move around in everyday life.
It's a difficult situation, especially considering what a good guy Clark is and how well-liked he is by his teammates. You can only hope that he gets well enough to move on from this setback.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Week 9 Power Rankings
1. New England (9-0) It wasn't necessarily pretty, but the Pats won in Indianapolis.
2. Indianapolis (7-1) You can't blow a 10-point lead with nine minutes and change remaining in the game, even to New England.
3. Dallas (7-1) Big game with the Giants looms. Dallas should win.
4. Pittsburgh (6-2) Should head to New England in a month with just two losses in what will be billed as the next game of the century.
5. Green Bay (7-1) Winning a road game is difficult following a Monday night road game. But the Packers did it.
6. Tennessee (6-2) I like how this team is playing defense.
7. N.Y. Giants (6-2) I'm not sold on this team just yet. But the record is good.
8. Detroit (6-2) Jon Kitna predicted 10 wins before the season and everyone laughed. Who's laughing now?
9. Jacksonvile (5-3) That was a blip on the radar last week. This is still a good team.
10. Cleveland (5-3) We'll see just how far the Browns have come this week. I still expect a two touchdown-win by the Steelers this week.
11. New Orleans (4-4) Could end up winning the NFC by the time it's all said and done.
12. Tampa Bay (5-4) The defense dominated against a good Arizona offense.
13. Washington (5-3) That was not how I expected the Skins to rebound from the New England loss, but at least they won.
14. San Diego (4-4) What the heck was that against Minnesota? We'll chalk it up to the wildfires.
15. Kansas City (4-4) Tough loss last week. Even tougher considering Larry Johnson was injured.
16. Seattle (4-4) Still the best team in an awful division.
17. Buffalo (4-4) Maybe the win over the Ravens two weeks ago wasn't all that strange.
18. Baltimore (4-4) This season could really get away from Brian Billick fast.
19. Carolina (4-4) The Panthers finally lost one on the road last week. Now maybe they'll get their first home win.
20. Arizona (3-5) Need a win this week in the worst way.
21. Houston (4-5) Better than they were last season, but the Texans are still struggling.
22. Minnesota (3-5) Will only go as far as Adrian Peterson can take them.
23. Philadelphia (3-5) This has turned into a lost season in Philadelphia.
24. Denver (3-5) The defense is awful and now Cutler is out.
25. Cincinnati (2-6) Should draft all defensive players this year.
26. Chicago (3-5) Maybe they fixed things over the bye, but I doubt it.
27. Oakland (2-6) Slipping back into a familar role.
28. Atlanta (2-6) May not have many wins left on the schedule.
29. San Francisco (2-6) I can't believe they're still this bad and New England gets their first-round draft pick.
30. N.Y. Jets (1-8) Nearly pulled off the upset last week.
31. St. Louis (0-8) Didn't lose last week because they were on the bye.
32. Miami (0-8) See above.
2. Indianapolis (7-1) You can't blow a 10-point lead with nine minutes and change remaining in the game, even to New England.
3. Dallas (7-1) Big game with the Giants looms. Dallas should win.
4. Pittsburgh (6-2) Should head to New England in a month with just two losses in what will be billed as the next game of the century.
5. Green Bay (7-1) Winning a road game is difficult following a Monday night road game. But the Packers did it.
6. Tennessee (6-2) I like how this team is playing defense.
7. N.Y. Giants (6-2) I'm not sold on this team just yet. But the record is good.
8. Detroit (6-2) Jon Kitna predicted 10 wins before the season and everyone laughed. Who's laughing now?
9. Jacksonvile (5-3) That was a blip on the radar last week. This is still a good team.
10. Cleveland (5-3) We'll see just how far the Browns have come this week. I still expect a two touchdown-win by the Steelers this week.
11. New Orleans (4-4) Could end up winning the NFC by the time it's all said and done.
12. Tampa Bay (5-4) The defense dominated against a good Arizona offense.
13. Washington (5-3) That was not how I expected the Skins to rebound from the New England loss, but at least they won.
14. San Diego (4-4) What the heck was that against Minnesota? We'll chalk it up to the wildfires.
15. Kansas City (4-4) Tough loss last week. Even tougher considering Larry Johnson was injured.
16. Seattle (4-4) Still the best team in an awful division.
17. Buffalo (4-4) Maybe the win over the Ravens two weeks ago wasn't all that strange.
18. Baltimore (4-4) This season could really get away from Brian Billick fast.
19. Carolina (4-4) The Panthers finally lost one on the road last week. Now maybe they'll get their first home win.
20. Arizona (3-5) Need a win this week in the worst way.
21. Houston (4-5) Better than they were last season, but the Texans are still struggling.
22. Minnesota (3-5) Will only go as far as Adrian Peterson can take them.
23. Philadelphia (3-5) This has turned into a lost season in Philadelphia.
24. Denver (3-5) The defense is awful and now Cutler is out.
25. Cincinnati (2-6) Should draft all defensive players this year.
26. Chicago (3-5) Maybe they fixed things over the bye, but I doubt it.
27. Oakland (2-6) Slipping back into a familar role.
28. Atlanta (2-6) May not have many wins left on the schedule.
29. San Francisco (2-6) I can't believe they're still this bad and New England gets their first-round draft pick.
30. N.Y. Jets (1-8) Nearly pulled off the upset last week.
31. St. Louis (0-8) Didn't lose last week because they were on the bye.
32. Miami (0-8) See above.
What we learned: Baltimore
While all the hype this weekend in the NFL surrounded the Colts and Patriots, there was an important game being played in Pittsburgh Monday night.
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed Monday night’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens to prove that they could slay the dragon.
The dragon, in this case, was a Baltimore team that dominated the Steelers 58-7 last season, whipping them in every facet of the game.
There will be bigger games for this team down the road. A game at New England and one against a Jacksonville team that physically manhandled the Steelers last season come to mind. And then there’s the playoffs – that’s right, I said it.
But consider Monday night’s 38-7 domination of the Ravens a big hurdle that has been crossed.
© If there is a quarterback in the NFL playing better than Ben Roethlisberger right now, I don’t know who it is.
There, I said it – I guess I’m into making statements tonight at 2:44 a.m.
That includes Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
If you gave Roethlisberger Brady weapons or offensive game plans, he’d be putting up crazy numbers right now too. Think Randy Moss could get open with Roethlisberger scrambling around, buying extra time?
Roethlisberger could have thrown 10 touchdown passes against the Ravens Monday. He could have piled up 400 yards passing.
But because the Steelers have some class, he didn’t. And it’s been that way for much of this season.
© Roethlisberger is OK, by the way. He banged his hip and shoulder in the third quarter on a hit from Terrell Suggs, but is fine after the initial shock.
Roethlisberger, if you haven’t figured it out yet, is a bit of a hypochondriac. You never really know if he’s near death or ready to come back into the game.
© OK, now we can get to James Harrison.
That was one of the most dominant games I’ve seen a defensive player have in 15 seasons of covering the NFL, bar none.
Harrison was unblockable, unstoppable and unflappable.
All right, he was flapped a little by the media throng that waited by his locker after the game.
Harrison, you see, is not a guy who particularly likes to talk to the media. In fact, he likes to try to intimidate those who are easily intimidated by a guy who’s built like a brick wall and owns a stare that could stop traffic.
But really, Harrison’s a pretty shy guy. He can also be funny when he wants to be.
He also happens to be a pretty good NFL linebacker, one who likely earned himself a spot in the Pro Bowl Monday night.
© Part of the reason Harrison felt he was so effective was that the coaching staff took him off of two of the three special teams coverage units.
He claimed to be fresher. Of course he was still out there covering punts as we saw when he body slammed Ed Reed, forcing a fumble.
No, he didn’t recover that one.
© Were there any Ravens that Hines Ward didn’t put on their behinds?
Just asking.
© It would do the Steelers well to play with that same swagger and ferocity when they play the Patriots later this season.
We saw a little bit of that from the Colts against the Patriots and they didn’t necessarily handle that physical style of play very well.
Heck, even Jeff Reed was going after people Monday night.
© Of the teams in the AFC North, the Ravens might be in the most trouble.
The Steelers, Browns and Bengals all have a quarterback they can build around. Baltimore, on the other hand, does not.
And the defense is getting old, as is left tackle Jonathan Ogden. In fact, Ogden isn’t getting old. He is old.
The Ravens should have let him stay in retirement and started the rebuilding process this season rather than prolonging the process another year.
© The resurgent Browns are up next. Considering the Steelers have won all four of their home games by at least 20 points, there’s no reason to believe the Steelers won’t dominate them at Heinz Field as well.
Derek Anderson may be a nice story in the NFL right now. And sure, he’s playing well, as are Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. But how are the Browns going to run the football? How are they going to stop the run? How are they going to slow down Roethlisberger?
They aren’t.
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed Monday night’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens to prove that they could slay the dragon.
The dragon, in this case, was a Baltimore team that dominated the Steelers 58-7 last season, whipping them in every facet of the game.
There will be bigger games for this team down the road. A game at New England and one against a Jacksonville team that physically manhandled the Steelers last season come to mind. And then there’s the playoffs – that’s right, I said it.
But consider Monday night’s 38-7 domination of the Ravens a big hurdle that has been crossed.
© If there is a quarterback in the NFL playing better than Ben Roethlisberger right now, I don’t know who it is.
There, I said it – I guess I’m into making statements tonight at 2:44 a.m.
That includes Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
If you gave Roethlisberger Brady weapons or offensive game plans, he’d be putting up crazy numbers right now too. Think Randy Moss could get open with Roethlisberger scrambling around, buying extra time?
Roethlisberger could have thrown 10 touchdown passes against the Ravens Monday. He could have piled up 400 yards passing.
But because the Steelers have some class, he didn’t. And it’s been that way for much of this season.
© Roethlisberger is OK, by the way. He banged his hip and shoulder in the third quarter on a hit from Terrell Suggs, but is fine after the initial shock.
Roethlisberger, if you haven’t figured it out yet, is a bit of a hypochondriac. You never really know if he’s near death or ready to come back into the game.
© OK, now we can get to James Harrison.
That was one of the most dominant games I’ve seen a defensive player have in 15 seasons of covering the NFL, bar none.
Harrison was unblockable, unstoppable and unflappable.
All right, he was flapped a little by the media throng that waited by his locker after the game.
Harrison, you see, is not a guy who particularly likes to talk to the media. In fact, he likes to try to intimidate those who are easily intimidated by a guy who’s built like a brick wall and owns a stare that could stop traffic.
But really, Harrison’s a pretty shy guy. He can also be funny when he wants to be.
He also happens to be a pretty good NFL linebacker, one who likely earned himself a spot in the Pro Bowl Monday night.
© Part of the reason Harrison felt he was so effective was that the coaching staff took him off of two of the three special teams coverage units.
He claimed to be fresher. Of course he was still out there covering punts as we saw when he body slammed Ed Reed, forcing a fumble.
No, he didn’t recover that one.
© Were there any Ravens that Hines Ward didn’t put on their behinds?
Just asking.
© It would do the Steelers well to play with that same swagger and ferocity when they play the Patriots later this season.
We saw a little bit of that from the Colts against the Patriots and they didn’t necessarily handle that physical style of play very well.
Heck, even Jeff Reed was going after people Monday night.
© Of the teams in the AFC North, the Ravens might be in the most trouble.
The Steelers, Browns and Bengals all have a quarterback they can build around. Baltimore, on the other hand, does not.
And the defense is getting old, as is left tackle Jonathan Ogden. In fact, Ogden isn’t getting old. He is old.
The Ravens should have let him stay in retirement and started the rebuilding process this season rather than prolonging the process another year.
© The resurgent Browns are up next. Considering the Steelers have won all four of their home games by at least 20 points, there’s no reason to believe the Steelers won’t dominate them at Heinz Field as well.
Derek Anderson may be a nice story in the NFL right now. And sure, he’s playing well, as are Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. But how are the Browns going to run the football? How are they going to stop the run? How are they going to slow down Roethlisberger?
They aren’t.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Who's in, who's out
Ryan Clark has been declared out for Monday's game against the Ravens as he continues to struggle to recover from his spleen problem. I saw him in the locker room this week and he still doesn't look like himself.
Jerame Tuman is out as well with a sprained back.
Aaron Smith hasn't practiced all week and it's looking like he won't play, either. The Steelers will practice Saturday, so there's still a chance Smith could play, but he has to get on the field first.
Alan Faneca missed practice Friday with a back problem, but is probable to play.
For Baltimore, tight end Daniel Wilcox is out, while cornerback Chris McAlister is doubtful. McAlister has been limited at practice all week and it's looking like he won't play.
Samari Rolle is questionable and missed practice Friday with an illness.
Tight end Todd Heap has also been limited at practice this week and remains questionable.
Jerame Tuman is out as well with a sprained back.
Aaron Smith hasn't practiced all week and it's looking like he won't play, either. The Steelers will practice Saturday, so there's still a chance Smith could play, but he has to get on the field first.
Alan Faneca missed practice Friday with a back problem, but is probable to play.
For Baltimore, tight end Daniel Wilcox is out, while cornerback Chris McAlister is doubtful. McAlister has been limited at practice all week and it's looking like he won't play.
Samari Rolle is questionable and missed practice Friday with an illness.
Tight end Todd Heap has also been limited at practice this week and remains questionable.
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