✦✦✦ Official 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread &#10 (1 Viewer)

[fred_1_15301]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

Yeah sorry about that. All the signs seemed to point to a NE blowout but the Patriots defense is worse than I thought.

 

[psu007]

Well, they really seemed to round into shape at the end of last season until we lost Bell and the oline crapped the bed against the Ravens. Getting Bryant and Bell back is going to be huge, and if they can clean up some execution this offense could be downright nasty. They better figure it out, b/c I'm tired of leaving points on the field. The only thing that stopped them for 3/4 of the game was themselves.

That defense though.....

 

[Godsbrother]

Well, they really seemed to round into shape at the end of last season until we lost Bell and the oline crapped the bed against the Ravens. Getting Bryant and Bell back is going to be huge, and if they can clean up some execution this offense could be downright nasty. They better figure it out, b/c I'm tired of leaving points on the field. The only thing that stopped them for 3/4 of the game was themselves.

That defense though.....

The defense had some major breakdowns but I thought they did pretty well against the run and Shazier looked really good. Barring injury I think the Steelers defense is going to be okay. If the offense is firing on all cylinders that just might be enough...

 

[psu007]

Well, they really seemed to round into shape at the end of last season until we lost Bell and the oline crapped the bed against the Ravens. Getting Bryant and Bell back is going to be huge, and if they can clean up some execution this offense could be downright nasty. They better figure it out, b/c I'm tired of leaving points on the field. The only thing that stopped them for 3/4 of the game was themselves.

That defense though.....

The defense had some major breakdowns but I thought they did pretty well against the run and Shazier looked really good. Barring injury I think the Steelers defense is going to be okay. If the offense is firing on all cylinders that just might be enough...

Well they did improve last year as the season went on. I just hope that with a new DC they keep improving week to week.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Well, they really seemed to round into shape at the end of last season until we lost Bell and the oline crapped the bed against the Ravens. Getting Bryant and Bell back is going to be huge, and if they can clean up some execution this offense could be downright nasty. They better figure it out, b/c I'm tired of leaving points on the field. The only thing that stopped them for 3/4 of the game was themselves.

That defense though.....

The defense had some major breakdowns but I thought they did pretty well against the run and Shazier looked really good. Barring injury I think the Steelers defense is going to be okay. If the offense is firing on all cylinders that just might be enough...

Well if only one side can communicate via the headphones, I would expect some major breakdowns.

 

[Freelove]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

 

[psu007]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

Then you didn't watch the game very closely. Of course the Pats likely would have scored more, but if the Steelers would have executed and stopped getting in their own way, they could have very well won a shootout. Factor in two missed FG's, Heyward Bey dropping a sure TD and you already have 10 more points, then if they don't false start on the 1 yard line you might have 4 more. I know, whoulda coulda, shoulda, but the original point was without the self imposed mistakes, they might have really made things interesting at the end.

 

[Johnny Detroit]

Pittsburgh entered ’14 with more questions than answers. Could Big Ben and offensive coordinator Todd Haley really coexist? Who would emerge as the #2 WR? Would age along the DL and in the secondary finally catch up to the Steelers? Did they really do enough in recent drafts to warrant a return to glory? By season’s end Pittsburgh emerged as a legit playoff team going 11-5, but that was probably more due to Big Ben as opposed to having definitive yes answers to all of the above questions. Pittsburgh won the AFC North but lost in the Wildcard round. Now what?

What went right: OC Haley could coexist with Roethlisberger and Ben put up the kind of numbers one would expect from a top five QB. Ben tied for first in passing yards and the overall offense was #2 in the NFL. A rare triple play was executed as Le’Veon Bell finished #1 in the AFC in rushing and Antonio Brown led the AFC in passing yards. Pittsburgh had a +4:49 time of possession edge. The offensive line finally limited sacks. 1st year OL coach Mike Munchek made an impact. Pittsburgh allowed just 33, their lowest total in quite some time. The return game was sound, and PK Suisham converted on 29 of 32 field goals.

What went wrong: Bell did not play in the playoff loss to the Ravens and his absence was clearly felt. The run game was a non-factor and too much pressure was put on Ben, who was sacked five times. The defense was no match for Flacco, but the reality was that defensive #’s were not that good all season long. Their 33 defensive sacks represented their lowest total in 24 years. Pittsburgh allowed an abnormally high 64.5% to opposing QB’s. Teams only ran 100 yards per game on them, but their 3.5 per carry average in ’13 skied to nearly 4.4 per carry! I’ve never been a fan of how Pittsburgh replaces their talent. A case in point is that the Steelers prefer to draft lower rated developmental types at CB, bypassing many a higher rated talent. The DL and the secondary have been slow to find younger talent and it showed in ’14 with Pittsburgh having to coax DE/OLB James Harrison out of retirement. Once again the defense forced very few turnovers (21). At times this team looked like a viable Super Bowl contender but losses HOSTING lowly Tampa Bay and at Cleveland (31-10) and at the Jets showed their vulnerability.

2014 draft recap: Ryan Shazier played in nine games and started five, contributing 36 tackles. DE Stephon Tuitt started four games and had just 17 tackles and one sack. He should see significant action in ’15. WR Dri Archer has elite speed but that speed was not converted to game performance. His rookie season was disappointing. On the other hand, young WR Martavis Bryant was activated week seven and made many a downfield play, with 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight TD’s. Everyone knew he had the potential but he grew up faster than anticipated. CB Shaquille Richardson was unrated (NR) and spent time on the Steeler practice squad. OT Wesley Johnson is currently with the Jets. LB Jordan Zumwalt was on IR all season long. DT Daniel McCullers had no stats but the raw NT will get an opportunity to play this fall. TE Rob Blanchflower was cut.

ROSTER ANALYSIS AS OF SEPTEMBER 3RD:

QB: Big Ben is rated as my 4th best NFL QB.

RB: La’Veon Bell is a top ten RB. He’ll miss the 1st two games. DeAngelo Williams is a real nice 2nd option.

WR: Deep, although Martavis Bryant has been suspended games 1-4. Watch to see if rookie Sammy Coates can fill the deep threat role in his absence.

TE: Heath Miller is more than solid. Everyone else used to be more of a filler type (i.e. short use role player), but rookie Jesse James has long term growth potential.

OL: Getting better and more cohesive, but the loss of OC Maurkice Pouncey for about 10 games is a huge blow.

DL: Stephon Tuitt has more upside than current NT Steve McLendon, and reserve Daniel McCullers has potential as well. This time around, the DL is mid-pack in the NFL.

LB: Youngsters Ryan Shazier and Sam Spence are not big, but highly instinctive. There’s plenty of firepower at OLB. I like the way this unit is coming together, but it is true that they lack ILB bulk.

CB: Pittsburgh does NOT like to draft early in the secondary. William Gay and Cortez Allen have been in the system for some time, which helps, but they are not all-pro types or even close. There is little to no ready to go depth.

Safety: Troy Polamalu and his superb instincts will be sorely missed. Shamarko Thomas has some of that ability but is small. The unit as a whole is going to be extremely vulnerable in ’15.

Special Teams: Injuries have cost Pittsburgh two kickers, so they traded for Josh Scobee. Dri Archer has yet to distinguish himself as a return specialist. Bryant may end up taking that role upon his return.

Coaching: Mike Tomlin is well above average. **** LeBeau was let go. Keith Butler takes over. OC Todd Haley can be a lightning rod but his offense clicked all season long in ’14.

TEAM KEYS AS OF SEPTEMBER 3RD: Pittsburgh’s improving OL allowed just 33 sacks in ’14. I’m projecting 43 now with Pouncey out and a more difficult schedule. The run D keeps slipping. They allowed 4.4 per carry in ’14. I’m more concerned with the 64.5% pass D, which loses their long term leaders.

DID THE PRESEASON MEAN ANYTHING? No team wants to play Pittsburgh late in the season but everyone likes to play them in September and October. Pittsburgh looked bad in August in each of the last two seasons but did come on strong in the ’14 regular season. The best news is that Big Ben is ready. He took only two sacks but now with Pouncey out it could get worse, and the Steelers allowed 15 overall in August. RB Williams ran 13-63-1 and that helps ease the loss of RB Bell in games 1-2. I mused up above about rookie WR Sammie Coates. He was 10-179 and could easily be sent on deep routes at times while WR Bryant is sitting out. Really, only the OL looks out of sorts offensively. The defense has issues, especially in the secondary where Buffalo QB’s missed on only three passes. The ledger read over 70% allowed, with just one interception. LB’s Shazier and current reserve Spence combined for 46 tackles. All eyes will be on their run D which was acceptable in August. James Harrison led a sack attack that looked better than I thought they would. PK Scobee hit his two initial kicks, both short ones. Once again Dri Archer is not living up to his return potential.

STRATEGY AND BOTTOM LINE ANALYSIS: In April when the schedules came out this one stood out as being very tough. Pittsburgh has to play Indy and New England. Rivals Baltimore and Cincy avoid both teams. The Steelers open the season in less than 24 hours going to play New England. They’ll do so without RB Bell, WR Bryant, OL Pouncey and a new and limited set of defensive backs. In some ways they are lucky to face Baltimore on a Thursday. Home teams usually have a short week advantage and the Steelers need this edge, especially early in the season. The rest of the 1sthalf schedule is tricky. How will they fare at STL and at San Diego on a Monday night? Can they hold serve at home with one less day of preparation when playing Arizona and its motivated head coach Bruce Arians, who used to tutor Big Ben? The game at KC won’t be easy. They are 16-8 hosting Cincy, who will be happy that the game is not in prime time. The team has holes, but they also will have both Bell and Bryant back before going to San Diego and Big Ben will be ready to roll. 4-4 could turn into 6-4 before going to Seattle. As anyone in the northwest will tell you, the Seahawks still have not forgotten about that Super Bowl loss. They have not hosted the Steelers since that time. Games 12-15 are amazingly tough. They host revenge-minded Indy, go to Cincy (another day game and Cincy is a good December home team), host Denver and then play at Baltimore. 6-4 can easily turn into 8-7 now, and maybe worse. Pittsburgh remains on the road to close the season when they head to Cleveland. Pitt is a great last game team although they are just 2 of 5 at Cleveland lately. BOTTOM LINE: At full strength, Indy, GB, Philly and Pittsburgh have the NFL’s top four offenses, with Denver, New Orleans and Dallas also in top four conversations. Pitt will not start ’15 at full strength, but Big Ben is special. In May I implored this team to finally and firmly address needs at CB and safety with early selections. Pitt has always been more comfortable drafting projects and coaching them up over several years. I’m heavily invested in UNDER 9 wins, mainly due to the double whammy of a minus turnover ratio, coupled with a considerably tougher schedule. My 1st game by game looks had them 8-8 or 9-7. If they reach 9-7 it will be due to overachieving and playing better than they usually due during the 1st part of the season. My early watch areas are the OL and the pass D%. KEY GAME: 10/1 hosting Baltimore. Win this and Pitt is 3-1 or 2-2. Lose this and that puts extra pressure on them to overcome their scheduling disadvantages to overtake the Ravens (and maybe the Bengals). Handicapping Tips: Pitt is 6-21 ATS in road openers. That stat comes in handy sometimes, especially when the early line was New England -3 (and in some places 2.5). Pitt is also 3-14 ATS when installed as a road favorite of over 3 points. On the positive side, a trio of plusses converge in their game 12/20 hosting Denver. Ike Taylor is retired, but for health reasons couldn’t play in Denver’s high altitude. Finally they play in Pittsburgh.

TENTATIVE POWER # SET: 27 (number is reduced, but still shaky with so many key players missing early in the season)

 

[Godsbrother]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

The Pats NEVER take the foot off the gas pedal.

 

[Steeler]

I'm on my phone so I'll keep this short... somewhat optimistic about the season after last night. Don't see how the D could be worse and O needs to score more TDS but should be able to do that when Bell and Bryant get back.

Negatives: how can Boykin not get any playing time in this secondary?

Tomlin needs to stop complaining about the headsets. If it always happens shouldn't you have been prepared for it? The D looked unprepared, unprepared for the headset issue that "always" happens, terrible clock management at times - look in the mirror and fix what toy can control.

 

[[icon]]

Sucks to lose the opener, but not unexpected. Too many points left on the field.

I'm not much for moral victories, but keep in mind that this is the defending Champs on their home field. My takeaway from this game is that if we have to play these guys again in December /January with a full complement of players on offense, we can definitely win. That was a very even match up, Steelers just made too many mistakes.

Agreed 100%

I'm a DeAngelo fan (Class act all around) who was optimistic about him in your system, but damn he looked fantastic. Once Bell is back, you guys will have the best 1/2 punch in the backfield of any team in the league and it's not even close IMO. Not excited to see you guys in December.

 

[Phenomena]

Sucks to lose the opener, but not unexpected. Too many points left on the field.

I'm not much for moral victories, but keep in mind that this is the defending Champs on their home field. My takeaway from this game is that if we have to play these guys again in December /January with a full complement of players on offense, we can definitely win. That was a very even match up, Steelers just made too many mistakes.

Agreed 100%

I'm a DeAngelo fan (Class act all around) who was optimistic about him in your system, but damn he looked fantastic. Once Bell is back, you guys will have the best 1/2 punch in the backfield of any team in the league and it's not even close IMO. Not excited to see you guys in December.

Pitt has no chance in the playoffs with a defense that terrible, early season or not. They knew exactly what they had to do to stop Gronk and couldn't do it. That had nothing to do with getting in football shape; the players were simply outmatched. This defense will give up 40 to either the Pats or the Colts in the playoffs and get bounced early.

 

[Steelers4Life]

No one knows what to do to stop Gronk. The Steelers just have no one to match up with him at all.

Teams may put up 40 on the Steelers, but the Patriots didn't last night in almost ideal circumstances. But with Bell, Bryant, and possibly Pouncey back late in the season, the Steelers can put up 40 on them too. This is going to be an awesome offense in a few weeks. Just gotta win 2 out of the first 4 before Bryant is back.

The defense just has to gel a little bit to make this a scary team in the 2nd half.

 

[tangfoot]

This defense will give up 40 to either the Pats or the Colts in the playoffs and get bounced early.

9-7 at best, 3rd place in AFC North. Miss the playoffs altogether.

 

[Freelove]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

The Pats NEVER take the foot off the gas pedal.

Sorry, but it was Lewis, the utterly incompetent Bolden, and prevent D the last three+ drives. Downfield almost exclusively to get out of poor field position, then cruise control. 35-14 or 42-14 is the final score if the Pats want it to be. PIT had absolutely no answers to their ABC gameplan.

 

[Godsbrother]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

The Pats NEVER take the foot off the gas pedal.

Sorry, but it was Lewis, the utterly incompetent Bolden, and prevent D the last three+ drives. Downfield almost exclusively to get out of poor field position, then cruise control. 35-14 or 42-14 is the final score if the Pats want it to be. PIT had absolutely no answers to their ABC gameplan.

You and I have a different perspective, that's cool.

I saw a Patriots defense that wasn't very good. The Steelers screwed themselves out of a sure 13 points which had nothing to do with a prevent defense although it was tough to tell because the Steelers offense was moving the ball well all night.

Plus I could say the same thing about the Steelers-- that it was their backup RB, the utterly incompetent DHB and miscommunication in their secondary that left Gronk uncovered for several of his big plays-- but none of that matters -- it just is what it is.

The Pats would have gladly put up 40+ points in the season opener if they could have but I'm guessing they're okay with the W...

 

[fred_1_15301]

Sucks to lose the opener, but not unexpected. Too many points left on the field.

I'm not much for moral victories, but keep in mind that this is the defending Champs on their home field. My takeaway from this game is that if we have to play these guys again in December /January with a full complement of players on offense, we can definitely win. That was a very even match up, Steelers just made too many mistakes.

Agreed 100%

I'm a DeAngelo fan (Class act all around) who was optimistic about him in your system, but damn he looked fantastic. Once Bell is back, you guys will have the best 1/2 punch in the backfield of any team in the league and it's not even close IMO. Not excited to see you guys in December.

Pitt has no chance in the playoffs with a defense that terrible, early season or not. They knew exactly what they had to do to stop Gronk and couldn't do it. That had nothing to do with getting in football shape; the players were simply outmatched. This defense will give up 40 to either the Pats or the Colts in the playoffs and get bounced early.

And what exactly would this be? I'm sure every other team in football would love to know this.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

That game was never in doubt. If the Steelers had converted a few of those ops, the Pats wouldn't have taken their foot off the gas, and the garbage time TD probably isn't even part of the equation.

I doubt you were trolling anything, but it was still a bad call, and had no chance of coming through.

The Pats NEVER take the foot off the gas pedal.

Sorry, but it was Lewis, the utterly incompetent Bolden, and prevent D the last three+ drives. Downfield almost exclusively to get out of poor field position, then cruise control. 35-14 or 42-14 is the final score if the Pats want it to be. PIT had absolutely no answers to their ABC gameplan.

You and I have a different perspective, that's cool.

I saw a Patriots defense that wasn't very good. The Steelers screwed themselves out of a sure 13 points which had nothing to do with a prevent defense although it was tough to tell because the Steelers offense was moving the ball well all night.

Plus I could say the same thing about the Steelers-- that it was their backup RB, the utterly incompetent DHB and miscommunication in their secondary that left Gronk uncovered for several of his big plays-- but none of that matters -- it just is what it is.

The Pats would have gladly put up 40+ points in the season opener if they could have but I'm guessing they're okay with the W...

Agree with this and the Steelers can absolutely beat this team later in the season once their key players return. Even if the defense doesn't improve, I see no reason why the Steelers couldn't win in a shootout. I expect that we may have seen the worst game of the year for the Steelers defense.

 

[Copeman]

Did Boykin even play? I thought he was the next coming of Rod Woodson?

 

[timschochet]

I think that Bryant is going to have a monster year when he comes back.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Did Boykin even play? I thought he was the next coming of Rod Woodson?

he did not

 

[jurb26]

I'm on my phone so I'll keep this short... somewhat optimistic about the season after last night. Don't see how the D could be worse and O needs to score more TDS but should be able to do that when Bell and Bryant get back.

Negatives: how can Boykin not get any playing time in this secondary?

Tomlin needs to stop complaining about the headsets. If it always happens shouldn't you have been prepared for it? The D looked unprepared, unprepared for the headset issue that "always" happens, terrible clock management at times - look in the mirror and fix what toy can control.

I largely agree, but I'm not as optimistic. I've been watching Steeler football for a long time and I don't think I can recall a time they looked less prepared to play.

So you say the headsets go out EVERY TIME you're in NE? OK, why didn't you have a plan in case it happened again? There may have been shenanigans going on, but it's your job to be prepared. Especially when you claim it always happens.

How many times did this team line up out of position on defense, mainly the DBs? I lost count. I mean I know at at least 2 times they didn't even cover Gronk... Not covered at all. That is unacceptable. On top of that, they had no clue what to do when he moved out wide in a WR position. They left him totally uncovered 1 of those times. The other time he motioned there at the GL and you have a LB cover him? Really, a LB playing Gronk out wide in a clear pass matchup? There is no excuse for this. A S simply needs to be the matchup out there. Yeah Gronk probably beats him too but at least you have a better chance. It's your job as a coach to put players in the best chance to make plays. Again, this is just unacceptably poor preparation.

Then we have the multiple blown coverage which I can't get into without having an aneurism.

The offense did look good even w/o Bell/Bryant. Williams was the clear bright spot. That guy is just good. A tremendous vet pickup that will pay dividends all year spelling Bell. Pouncey was missed as there were some clear communication lapses on the interior, but by and large it wasn't as bad as I had thought. Ben missed a few throws he normally makes and perhaps it's a different game if he didn't.

Story of the night for me was the terrible preparation and cluster F the defense showed. The DBs looked like it was preseason game 1, not regular season week 1. It's going to be a long season if they don't correct that nonsense.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I got accused of trolling when i called a steelers upset.

34-28 without the missed field goals and DHB screwup.

Yeah sorry about that. All the signs seemed to point to a NE blowout but the Patriots defense is worse than I thought.

No worries. Just imagine how much fun the pats d line will have in practice this week with BB screaming at them to set the edge. Ditto steelers secondary lol.

 

[Kenny Powers]

D was pretty abhorrent for the most part. I dont see how the secondary could be any worse. Brady was throwing and completing passes to Edelman like he was playing Madden, and we leave their biggest weapon and best TE in the NFL uncovered multiple times. Unacceptable. The only positives were that Shazier and Allen both looked solid and Dupree had a decent start to his career.

The offense left points on the field without a doubt, but at least thats something I dont see continuing next week, let alone next month.

 

[pecorino]

Once again, a simple equation: Tomlin = bad coach. How the defense can be so unprepared, and the mismanagement of time outs. He just never learns.

 

[Godsbrother]

Once again, a simple equation: Tomlin = bad coach. How the defense can be so unprepared, and the mismanagement of time outs. He just never learns.

I don't think Tomlin is Vince Lombardi but I do think he is a good coach. Cowher and LeBeau were pretty decent coaches and had some damn good defensive players but never figured out Brady.I do agree about clock management but again that wasn't Cowher's strong suit either.

 

[pecorino]

Once again, a simple equation: Tomlin = bad coach. How the defense can be so unprepared, and the mismanagement of time outs. He just never learns.

I don't think Tomlin is Vince Lombardi but I do think he is a good coach. Cowher and LeBeau were pretty decent coaches and had some Damon good defensive players but never figured out Brady.I do agree about click management but again that wasn't Cowher's strong suit either.

So you give a free pass to the unprepared defense leaving Gronk uncovered at the 20 yard line for easy TD #1? And 10 men on the field? And not adjusting after Chandler scored on the goal line pass after a formation shift and then having Gronk repeat it for TD #4? And never adjusting to the automatic 10-yard pass to Edelman? We are supposed to just accept that's the way it is? That's a low bar.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Once again, a simple equation: Tomlin = bad coach. How the defense can be so unprepared, and the mismanagement of time outs. He just never learns.

I don't think Tomlin is Vince Lombardi but I do think he is a good coach. Cowher and LeBeau were pretty decent coaches and had some damn good defensive players but never figured out Brady.I do agree about clock management but again that wasn't Cowher's strong suit either.

I'm not going to say Tomlin is a bad coach but how the hell is clock management not near the very top of the list of things to work on as a coach? It's not just Tomlin either. So many NFL coaches suck at clock management and it just befuddles me.

 

[Godsbrother]

Bumping from page 8. It has been real quiet in this thread.

How does everyone feel about this game? I'm thinking it is going to be a close one...

 

[steelers1080]

I'm hoping it's not close and that we blow them away. But it will probably be a game won on the final drive. If we had Bell I think it'd be a blowout, now I think our bad D will let them score and our good O will score on them.

Worried Kap will break a 50+ yard TD on our rough secondary. And I really hate seeing Antwon Blake on the field.

 

[Godsbrother]

I'm hoping it's not close and that we blow them away. But it will probably be a game won on the final drive. If we had Bell I think it'd be a blowout, now I think our bad D will let them score and our good O will score on them.

Worried Kap will break a 50+ yard TD on our rough secondary. And I really hate seeing Antwon Blake on the field.

Yeah I am worried about a repeat of a Terrelle Pryor 90 yard run. Blake had a terrible game against the Pats but he was serviceable last season. Hopefully he bounces back.

Updated injury report:

Per Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, CB Brandon Boykin along with Ryan Shazkier (knee), Mike Mitchell (ankle), Landry Jones (head injury) and Will Allen (potential concussion) are all probable for the contest Sunday.

Shazier was limited in practice the past two days with a knee injury, but being listed as probable for the game will likely lead to him being in the starting lineup at kickoff Sunday.

The bad news for the Steelers is the fact Cortez Allen is listed as questionable. Allen was limited in practice Thursday with a knee injury, and being downgraded to questionable likely will result in him missing the 49ers game this week.

With Allen potentially out of the lineup, and Boykin potentially in, the Steelers' defensive backs depth chart heading into the 49ers game would be as follows: William Gay, Antwon Blake, Brandon Boykin, Ross Cockrell. Cockrell has practiced as the team's No. 3 or No. 4 cornerback the entire week and is looking to make his debut as a Pittsburgh Steeler after being signed by the team after roster cuts were made prior to Week 1.

 

[PhD]

I feel pretty good about this game. I think right now the Steelers are still able to stop RBs and running QBs much better than WRs and passing QBs. On paper this is still a good match-up for the Steelers.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Im pretty confident in a win. I hope we get up early and make Hyde less of a factor because I dont see us stopping him. West coast team playing on the road at 1PM.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Wheaton catches 6 balls this week and pitt wins in a route 34_13.

 

[PhD]

Does anyone have any insight with the shuffling of DBs? I've never seen a Steelers team seem so unsettled with who they want to start and play in the defensive backfield. Not playing Boykin at all while opening with starters who had never even played the positions?... it looks like the coaches are still preseason mode trying to answer questions after having more weeks of preseason than most other teams. There must be some stories that we aren't hearing.

 

[fred_1_15301]

When is the last time we have seen an individual defensive effort like what we have seen from Shazier today.

 

[Kenny Powers]

D looks amazing when we arent playing the cheaters.

Yeah, Shazier is tearing the roof off the sucker Funkadelic

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Roethlisberger is putting amazing touch on the deep ball so far this year.

 

[3C's]

For what it's worth, preseason means nothing, one game means nothing. Been a little disillusioned by "fans" who have been writing them off after lackluster preseasons and slow starts. They're a good team, certainly should be at least playoff contenders. Still standing by my "Ryan Shazier is a beast" comment. So far my "dream" (it was actually a dream) of Bud Dupree being steal of the draft is looking okay. Jarvis is now looking like a guy who can make plays. (mc'ds jingle) I'm loving it.

 

[fred_1_15301]

awfully quiet in here today

 

[Godsbrother]

Yesterday's game was a thing of beauty. Ben was absolutely on fire and the o-line did a fantastic job protecting him -- I don't he was ever touched.

The Antonio Brown 59 yard reception was a fantastic catch. Brown was double covered, streaking down the sideline when Ben threw it. Antonio had no idea where the ball was but he found it, made the catch and then put on a sick reverse move. I don't think the replay shows just how good of a catch that was.

The defense had a fine game yesterday. Shazier and Tuitt in particular were great. They will have setbacks along the way but I am feeling pretty confident this defense is going to be all right.

Boykin made a nice play in the end zone but didn't seem to get much action besides.

Jordan Berry looks like a big upgrade over Wing.

Pretty sure the Steelers had 4 personal fouls. I don't think they were all warranted but they can't keep giving away 15 yards.

It should be interesting to see how they rotate DeAngelo Williams when Bell gets back. Maybe Williams spells Bell on every third series?

Scobee stinks. Even his kickoffs, which I thought were supposed to be his forte, are shaky. It is early but I think the Steelers screwed the pooch on that trade.

 

[steelers1080]

When is the last time we have seen an individual defensive effort like what we have seen from Shazier today.

James Harrison in 2007?

 

[steelers1080]

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Week 1 and Week 2. After week 1 everyone was coming up to me and making fun of how the Steelers got "killed" in week 1 (live in Baltimore so it was prior to the Ravens week 1 loss). I kept saying that I was happy with losing by 7 and that if not for a couple mistakes we could have won, in Foxborough, where we never win! Without 3 of our top offensive players! I was still very excited for the season.

After week 2, I'm not sure how I'll be able to contain my hope and excitement for the season. The 49ers came off a short week, so that should be taken into consideration, but we destroyed them. They came off a dominant win over the Vikings and had the best rushing attack in week 1. We shut them down on defense and blew them away on offense. I'm still convinced that Boldin bobbled the ball in the end zone before going out of bounds and that they should only have 1 TD, but whatever.

I can't wait to see what our offense looks like after Bryant and Bell come back. When Pouncey comes back later in the season we'll be even stronger. If our Def keeps clicking I could easily see us deep in the playoffs, and at this point anything less would be a disappointment.

 

[Godsbrother]

So any speculation on who gets the axe when Bell returns? I doubt it will happen but yy candidate would be Dri Archer cause it appears his only job is to watch kickoffs go over his head.

 

[The Hank]

So any speculation on who gets the axe when Bell returns? I doubt it will happen but yy candidate would be Dri Archer cause it appears his only job is to watch kickoffs go over his head.

Ed Bouchette strongly agrees with you that Archer's days are numbered

 

[timschochet]

How good is Antonio Brown? Is it hyperbole to suggest that he's the best WR ever to don a Steelers uniform? He might be in a handful of all time greats at the position.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

How good is Antonio Brown? Is it hyperbole to suggest that he's the best WR ever to don a Steelers uniform? He might be in a handful of all time greats at the position.

Well considering that for right now he is absolutely the best WR in the game of football, which I doubt has ever been said before.

 

[3C's]

So any speculation on who gets the axe when Bell returns? I doubt it will happen but yy candidate would be Dri Archer cause it appears his only job is to watch kickoffs go over his head.

Lyons.

 

[Metallurgist]

Love me some no-huddle!

 

[fred_1_15301]

Love me some no-huddle!

When this team runs no-huddle, it's almost unfair for defenses.