✦✦✦Official 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Thread (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

Congrats on a big win last night, Stillers fans. That was a butt-whipping. Ben's putting himself into MVP consideration.

One thing said upthread, though, has me mystified......I can understand thinking Suggs & Harbaugh are dooshes (hell, I'm a FAN and they make me cringe), but.......Flacco? How in the world does he inspire anything but yawns from opposing fans?

I think a lot of it is more jabs to Raven fans than it is actually hate towards Flacco. After the Ravens SB win in '12, I read a lot of "MVP Flacco is clearly better than Ben" type chest thumping. granted, he did have a very nice postseason and set himself up for one hell of a payday.

But, c'mon.

I don't hate Flacco. I just hate losing to Flacco. also, #### him and his unibrow.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, two guys who may not pull a lot of stats -- but who looked very good to me last night on Defense -- Steve McClendon and Antwon Blake. It's nice to see questionable players settle into solid roles.

Who would have thought halfway through the season that Blake, McCain, and Gay would be their three best corners, by a substantial margin.

 

[Godsbrother]

Also, two guys who may not pull a lot of stats -- but who looked very good to me last night on Defense -- Steve McClendon and Antwon Blake. It's nice to see questionable players settle into solid roles.

Who would have thought halfway through the season that Blake, McCain, and Gay would be their three best corners, by a substantial margin.

Ike is supposed to be re-evaluated today and has been practicing in a limited capacity for a few weeks so there is chance he could be activates this week.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, two guys who may not pull a lot of stats -- but who looked very good to me last night on Defense -- Steve McClendon and Antwon Blake. It's nice to see questionable players settle into solid roles.

Who would have thought halfway through the season that Blake, McCain, and Gay would be their three best corners, by a substantial margin.

Ike is supposed to be re-evaluated today and has been practicing in a limited capacity for a few weeks so there is chance he could be activates this week.

That would be fantastic.

 

[3C's]

Also, two guys who may not pull a lot of stats -- but who looked very good to me last night on Defense -- Steve McClendon and Antwon Blake. It's nice to see questionable players settle into solid roles.

Who would have thought halfway through the season that Blake, McCain, and Gay would be their three best corners, by a substantial margin.

Ike is supposed to be re-evaluated today and has been practicing in a limited capacity for a few weeks so there is chance he could be activates this week.

That would be fantastic.

Indeed. Not sure if McCain is hurt. Seemed to be dinged up towards the end Sunday. Troy P, Shazier and Shamarko out this week. Will Allen in again this week.

 

[steelers1080]

Anyone worried about this week? Because I definitely am. Our defense has had some issues with containing mobile QBs and on special teams we let Jacoby return it 108 yards last week. Harvin is at least as good at returning kicks.

Also, could our Defense actually be better with Will Allen in? It simplifies the look on the back end, while the x-factor is gone there is less of a chance of blown assignments.

 

[Godsbrother]

Anyone worried about this week? Because I definitely am. Our defense has had some issues with containing mobile QBs and on special teams we let Jacoby return it 108 yards last week. Harvin is at least as good at returning kicks.

Also, could our Defense actually be better with Will Allen in? It simplifies the look on the back end, while the x-factor is gone there is less of a chance of blown assignments.

It may be blasphemy but I think you may be right.

As far as this week goes I think we should be handle Vick and the Jets offense okay. Vick isn't near as dangerous of a runner as he used to be and he is a turnover machine.

I do worry about a let down but at Tomlin's news conference he brought up the issue even before being asked. That tells me that he is aware of the Steelers habit of playing down to the level of their opponents and is taking steps to prevent it from reoccurring. At least I hope he is.

 

[C & C]

Cleveland is favored and the stadium is going to be rocking this week. The Browns are banged up on defense but I'm not getting a good feeling about this one. The Browns running game is impressive and Hoyer is playing well. I think the Steelers are going to have to put up 30 to win.

I think I'm at the stage where I won't be surprised if they get blown out or if they crush the Browns (or any other team for that matter). The Steelers are continually inconsistent.

For the most part, I'm still sticking with this. I am surprised they won those three games in a row. But they're going to have to win the next 2/3 for me to shake off that inconsistent (playing down to their opponent) feeling.

BTW, nice call on the 30 points necessary in the Browns game Godsbrother.

 

[JoeSteeler]

James Harrison does push-ups with Pouncey on his back (NSFW language)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-sports-minute/james-harrison-does-push-ups-with-maurkice-pouncey-on-his-back-043913713.html

 

[ThaPenguin]

James Harrison does push-ups with Pouncey on his back (NSFW language)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-sports-minute/james-harrison-does-push-ups-with-maurkice-pouncey-on-his-back-043913713.html

In the best shape of his life.

 

[Godsbrother]

Well who do you want to win tonight -- Bengals or Brownies?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

browns.

 

[Godsbrother]

Yeah I think so too. I think the Bengals are still the team to beat in the division and I would rather be ahead of the Bengals when we played them than behind and needing a sweep. On the other hand I can't say that the Browns losing would break my heart either.

In any case I hope they beat the hell out of each other.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

bengals are undefeated in the division, that's my only line of thinking in caring who wins. But yes, a brawl game living people limping wouldn't break my heart.

 

[Riversco]

In the past 10 years, the Steelers have finished the season with a winning road record 3 times. Those 3 years also happen to the be the 3 years they went to the Super Bowl.

The other 7 teams looked great at home at times but suffered some embarrassing losses to bad teams on the road.

Its like they are one of two teams. You either get the road warriors that go to the Bowl, or pretenders. But the way to judge the Steelers appears to be how they do away from Heinz. If they go out next week and lose to the Jets in New York, that's the pretender team.

Its early but this is exactly what I was talking about. From year to year, the Steelers are one of two teams. The Bowl version wins on the road. The pretender version is the type that looks unbeatable at home but inexplicably looks awful on the road even to very bad teams.

 

[Bojang0301]

In the past 10 years, the Steelers have finished the season with a winning road record 3 times. Those 3 years also happen to the be the 3 years they went to the Super Bowl.

The other 7 teams looked great at home at times but suffered some embarrassing losses to bad teams on the road.

Its like they are one of two teams. You either get the road warriors that go to the Bowl, or pretenders. But the way to judge the Steelers appears to be how they do away from Heinz. If they go out next week and lose to the Jets in New York, that's the pretender team.

Its early but this is exactly what I was talking about. From year to year, the Steelers are one of two teams. The Bowl version wins on the road. The pretender version is the type that looks unbeatable at home but inexplicably looks awful on the road even to very bad teams.

It's really a fair point you present. If this team rolls over to the Jets I will not be pleased but still have hopes for playoffs and the division. Coming off the Ravens is always tough and there are a lot of injuries on D. No excuse to this point though.

 

[hammerva]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

 

[Bojang0301]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

How many SB's to get off of Tomlin's nuts? He's one of the top 5 best coaches in the league. Been to multiple SB's, hasn't had a single losing season. I know the standard is always SB or bust and these games are extremely disappointing but they happen to a lot of teams. They've been operating with a major deficiencies in the pass rush and young players playing a lot of crucial roles as well as free agents coming in and adjusting to the system. I think they've done quite well to this point.

 

[JoeSteeler]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

pretty sure this happens with every team

 

[hammerva]

No it happens with every average 8-8/fighting for wild card team. Real teams that want to be taken seriously in the playoffs don't look at 1-7 teams as nothing and give such a half ### effort. Fact is fact nobody plays down to the level of their opponents than the Steelers

 

[Bojang0301]

No it happens with every average 8-8/fighting for wild card team. Real teams that want to be taken seriously in the playoffs don't look at 1-7 teams as nothing and give such a half ### effort. Fact is fact nobody plays down to the level of their opponents than the Steelers

Really dude? Ben lost this one just like he won the last two.

 

[Faust]

Steelers used James Harrison in red-zone offense, almost catches TD

 

[The Lung]

Looks like the real version of the team showed up today.

 

[irish eyes]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

How many SB's to get off of Tomlin's nuts? He's one of the top 5 best coaches in the league. Been to multiple SB's, hasn't had a single losing season. I know the standard is always SB or bust and these games are extremely disappointing but they happen to a lot of teams. They've been operating with a major deficiencies in the pass rush and young players playing a lot of crucial roles as well as free agents coming in and adjusting to the system. I think they've done quite well to this point.

In what league is he one of the best 5 coaches, that is comical. Lovie Tomlin or mike smith interchangeable. He will come Tuesday with his rehearsed press conference sounding dopey as usual. But no excuse as to WHY bell is taken out inside the 5

 

[Bojang0301]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

How many SB's to get off of Tomlin's nuts? He's one of the top 5 best coaches in the league. Been to multiple SB's, hasn't had a single losing season. I know the standard is always SB or bust and these games are extremely disappointing but they happen to a lot of teams. They've been operating with a major deficiencies in the pass rush and young players playing a lot of crucial roles as well as free agents coming in and adjusting to the system. I think they've done quite well to this point.

In what league is he one of the best 5 coaches, that is comical. Lovie Tomlin or mike smith interchangeable. He will come Tuesday with his rehearsed press conference sounding dopey as usual. But no excuse as to WHY bell is taken out inside the 5

Ok I invite you to list your top 5.

Edit to add: He probably pulled Bell inside the 5 because he's not running your fantasy team and probably allows Haley to have autonomy over the offense for good or bad. And a lot of coaches give dopey/stupid PC's because after you do enough of them you know the press, the fans and the scrutiny are fickle and you only owe your team and FO answers on your decisions.

 

[3C's]

Like clockwork. Bad performance and the typical negative ninny shows up.

 

[Bojang0301]

Mitchell seems like kind of a head case. I'm on the fence about that signing. He got what he deserved from Mangold today.

 

[Faust]

Who helped Jets upset Steelers? Justin Bieber, of course

 

[fred_1_15301]

I'm glad I missed today's game. I did DVR it but looks like an easy delete.

 

[Godsbrother]

Looks like the real version of the team showed up today.

Where have you been the last few weeks?

 

[pghrob]

Commentors at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette online sports page shared a stat that I have been unable to verify about Mike Tomlin having the worst win/loss record playing on the road against team's with a winning percentage of .200 or less. Anybody know where that stat query can be run or checked?

Eta: This is the actual quote of the comment "Tomlin 1-8 when playing on the road against teams with a winning percentage below .200."

 

[Godsbrother]

So how many games a year do you think the Steelers just choke away with these awful/below average opponents. It has to be 3 a year. Given how they are always fighting in the 7, 8, 9, 10 wins range that is equally irrating

It has to be a coaching issue that they play so bad against teams below them

How many SB's to get off of Tomlin's nuts? He's one of the top 5 best coaches in the league. Been to multiple SB's, hasn't had a single losing season. I know the standard is always SB or bust and these games are extremely disappointing but they happen to a lot of teams. They've been operating with a major deficiencies in the pass rush and young players playing a lot of crucial roles as well as free agents coming in and adjusting to the system. I think they've done quite well to this point.

In what league is he one of the best 5 coaches, that is comical. Lovie Tomlin or mike smith interchangeable. He will come Tuesday with his rehearsed press conference sounding dopey as usual. But no excuse as to WHY bell is taken out inside the 5

Way too easy to pin this loss on the coaching staff. I wasn't thrilled with the play calling but Ben was poop yesterday-- forced the first pick and the second interception was one of the worst throws I've ever seen him make. A.B. fumbled twice, Suisham shanks a 23 yard FG, etc. The defense actually settled down and played a nice game in the final 3 quarters.

The coaches definitely deserve criticism but even an average performance out of Ben & A.B. and the Steelers win that game. Let's hope they bounce back next week.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The good news is that if this team makes the playoffs, there will be little opportunity for them to play down to the level of their opponent.

 

[Faust]

Who helped Jets upset Steelers? Justin Bieber, of course

Ben Roethlisberger: Don't blame Justin Bieber for Steelers loss

 

[belljr]

How does this make news?

so he is a blackhawk steelers fan?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

D McCullers getting his first start on MNF vs the Titans.

Do we get the Jekyll Steelers or the Hyde Steelers this week?

 

[belljr]

If they lose to the titans I'm out damn it

 

[Blick]

I just hope they don't throw to linebackers in goal to go situations this week.

 

[Godsbrother]

I just hope they don't throw to linebackers in goal to go situations this week.

Wait a minute are you saying you would rather have LeVeon Bell in at the goalline than James Harrison? That's just silly talk.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I just hope they don't throw to linebackers in goal to go situations this week.

Wait a minute are you saying you would rather have LeVeon Bell in at the goalline than James Harrison? That's just silly talk.

McCullers up the middle.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I just hope they don't throw to linebackers in goal to go situations this week.

Wait a minute are you saying you would rather have LeVeon Bell in at the goalline than James Harrison? That's just silly talk.

McCullers up the middle.

This I actually want to see. He could just put the ball in his ear so he doesn't fumble.

 

[Godsbrother]

Which team shows up tonight? I have no idea -- the Steelers have been an awful road team but I'm betting Ben finally gets a win in Tennessee in a close one.

Steelers: 30, Titans: 24

 

[Blick]

TEN shouldn't be able to hang. Therefore, I predict 20 - 17 Steelers, but it could go either way.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

81-4 Steelers.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Steelers win by over 14 tonight and I'm one of the more pessimistic fans of this year's team.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I don't care what happens the rest of this game. Gay should be cut immediately for letting this happen.

 

[hammerva]

Another week against a ####ty team another half ### effort. This is the same Titans team that lost to the Redskins. But this is the same Steelers that lost to the Bucs and Jets and probably should have lost to the Jaguars

Can't wait until this team is 7-7 or 8-6 and people are wondering why this team is always in this situation fighting for the last wild card spot

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

this team makes me want to punch orphans in the face

 

[belljr]

Blount left field early. Many are saying he has a poor attitude. See ya later

 

[Godsbrother]

Blount left field early. Many are saying he has a poor attitude. See ya later

Yeah except the Steelers have absolutely no one behind Bell as a potential backup. Blount will get some form of punishment from the team and is likely cut in the offseason but I don't think he is going anywhere right now.