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

[5-ish Finkle]

Coaching certainly isn't blameless, but I think more of it is on the players. Seems like in some of these games where they should ragdoll the opponents they're just going through the motions, as if they just needed to show up and breathe and accept their "participation win."

When facing stiffer competition they have to maintain focus and typically perform better, even if they wind up losing.

 

[belljr]

Wishing I bought those week 17 tix now.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Of course they control their own destiny. All they have to do is win 3 games and there will be a playoff game at Heinz. The problem is that after they have a game like this, they often lay an egg.

And it's the Falcons that worry me most. They're playing decently now and are playing the Packers tomorrow. They lose and really need a win next week at ome vs Pittsburgh. Classic setup for a loss.

I love getting the Falcons on a short week after a loss? (presumably) to Green Bay.

Though I agree, the KC passing game doesn't scare me a lot and we've shown what we can do to Cinci, so Matty Ice and Julio might be our biggest threat...other than ourselves.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Haley=awful

funny how he hasn't been around

 

[BigSteelThrill]

The Steelers (Mike Tomlin) gave (the players) Monday off, yet over fifty players showed up to watch watch film and workout in preparation of the the next game.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The Steelers (Mike Tomlin) gave (the players) Monday off, yet over fifty players showed up to watch watch film and workout in preparation of the the next game.

Good to hear. Perhaps this team is finally focused. I'm afraid of what Julio and Roddy will do to this secondary but I guess they could have big days and we can still win. The offense needs to stay clicking and keep getting the ball in Bell's hands.

 

[steelers1080]

The Steelers (Mike Tomlin) gave (the players) Monday off, yet over fifty players showed up to watch watch film and workout in preparation of the the next game.

Good to hear. Perhaps this team is finally focused. I'm afraid of what Julio and Roddy will do to this secondary but I guess they could have big days and we can still win. The offense needs to stay clicking and keep getting the ball in Bell's hands.

Julio got his hip banged up in the game and Roddy came in injured. My hope is that if the Steelers play physical like they did this week then we'll be able to rattle them and get their 2 best players off their game.

The biggest thing will be to get AB and Bell rolling early with a healthy dose of deep threats to Martavis to keep their D honest. We should easily win this game if the team can remain focused.

 

[Godsbrother]

Coaching certainly isn't blameless, but I think more of it is on the players. Seems like in some of these games where they should ragdoll the opponents they're just going through the motions, as if they just needed to show up and breathe and accept their "participation win."

When facing stiffer competition they have to maintain focus and typically perform better, even if they wind up losing.

I think it is a little of both but really it is mostly a factor of the NFL. Aside from one or two elite teams we see inexplicable upsets pretty much every week -- it isn't just the Steelers. The truth of the matter is that there isn't a whole lot separating the 9-5 teams from the 5-9 teams.

 

[bryhamm]

Coaching certainly isn't blameless, but I think more of it is on the players. Seems like in some of these games where they should ragdoll the opponents they're just going through the motions, as if they just needed to show up and breathe and accept their "participation win."

When facing stiffer competition they have to maintain focus and typically perform better, even if they wind up losing.

I think it is a little of both but really it is mostly a factor of the NFL. Aside from one or two elite teams we see inexplicable upsets pretty much every week -- it isn't just the Steelers. The truth of the matter is that there isn't a whole lot separating the 9-5 teams from the 5-9 teams.

I just looked at the playoff picture in the AFC. 4 teams with only 2 wins and the entire rest of the conference with at least 7 wins. Wow.

 

[3C's]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine About every selectable criteria has the Steelers making the playoffs. Cue Jim Mora...

 

[Godsbrother]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine About every selectable criteria has the Steelers making the playoffs. Cue Jim Mora...

It all starts with a win this week. Hopefully the Steelers take care of business Sunday.

 

[steelers1080]

WE CAN STILL BE THE #1 SEED!

Let's do it! All it takes is like 7 improbable things to happen. We need to win out, we need NE to lose 2 (MIA, NYJ, BUF) and DEN to lose 3 (SD, OAK, CIN).

I'm pretty sure this could happen. It's pretty much a given that we'll be the #1 seed. Denver has had it's weakness exposed and NE played close with some lesser opponents earlier in the year.

 

[Franknbeans]

Some interesting offensive numbers...

Three times, the Steelers have topped 40 points, winning all three; they have scored at least 30 on seven occasions, tying the most they’ve had in one season (1975, 1979) in team history. Their 362 points scored are 55 from breaking the franchise record of 416 in 1979.

A slew of offensive records will go by the wayside over the next three games, team and individual. Consider:

• The Steelers average 427.0 yards on offense. The team record is 391.1 in 1979.

• With two more first downs, they will break their 1995 record of 344.

• Their average of 303.2 passing yards per game dwarfs the record of 259.3 set in 2009.

• Records on the brink for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: He has 29 touchdown passes (32, which he set in 2007), 4,055 yards passing (4,328, in 2009), 339 completions (375, 2013). Roethlisberger is second in the NFL in passing yards.

• For receiver Antonio Brown: He has 105 receptions (112, Hines Ward in 2002), 11 receiving touchdowns (12, three-way tie), 1,375 yards (1,499, Brown 2013). Brown leads the NFL in receptions and yards.

• For running back Le’Veon Bell: His 71 receptions already are 20 more than the previous record for a back, 693 yards receiving (762 by a back, Ray Mathews in 1955), 1,924 scrimmage yards (2,034, Barry Foster in 1992), 1,231 yards rushing (1,690, Foster in 1992). Bell leads the AFC in rushing.

The Steelers lead the league with 33:32 of average time of possession. They are second in yards per play at 6.2, second in yards per game at 427.0, second in first downs per game at 24.6, second in passing yards per game at 303.2 and sixth in points with a 27.8 average.

 

[steelers1080]

Some interesting offensive numbers...

Three times, the Steelers have topped 40 points, winning all three; they have scored at least 30 on seven occasions, tying the most they’ve had in one season (1975, 1979) in team history. Their 362 points scored are 55 from breaking the franchise record of 416 in 1979.

A slew of offensive records will go by the wayside over the next three games, team and individual. Consider:

• The Steelers average 427.0 yards on offense. The team record is 391.1 in 1979.

• With two more first downs, they will break their 1995 record of 344.

• Their average of 303.2 passing yards per game dwarfs the record of 259.3 set in 2009.

• Records on the brink for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: He has 29 touchdown passes (32, which he set in 2007), 4,055 yards passing (4,328, in 2009), 339 completions (375, 2013). Roethlisberger is second in the NFL in passing yards.

• For receiver Antonio Brown: He has 105 receptions (112, Hines Ward in 2002), 11 receiving touchdowns (12, three-way tie), 1,375 yards (1,499, Brown 2013). Brown leads the NFL in receptions and yards.

• For running back Le’Veon Bell: His 71 receptions already are 20 more than the previous record for a back, 693 yards receiving (762 by a back, Ray Mathews in 1955), 1,924 scrimmage yards (2,034, Barry Foster in 1992), 1,231 yards rushing (1,690, Foster in 1992). Bell leads the AFC in rushing.

The Steelers lead the league with 33:32 of average time of possession. They are second in yards per play at 6.2, second in yards per game at 427.0, second in first downs per game at 24.6, second in passing yards per game at 303.2 and sixth in points with a 27.8 average.

It's possible we pass most of these records this weekend.

Also, Julio Jones took the lead for receiving yards last weekend. He's ahead by around 50 yards.

 

[3C's]

Some interesting offensive numbers...

Three times, the Steelers have topped 40 points, winning all three; they have scored at least 30 on seven occasions, tying the most they’ve had in one season (1975, 1979) in team history. Their 362 points scored are 55 from breaking the franchise record of 416 in 1979.

A slew of offensive records will go by the wayside over the next three games, team and individual. Consider:

• The Steelers average 427.0 yards on offense. The team record is 391.1 in 1979.

• With two more first downs, they will break their 1995 record of 344.

• Their average of 303.2 passing yards per game dwarfs the record of 259.3 set in 2009.

• Records on the brink for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger: He has 29 touchdown passes (32, which he set in 2007), 4,055 yards passing (4,328, in 2009), 339 completions (375, 2013). Roethlisberger is second in the NFL in passing yards.

• For receiver Antonio Brown: He has 105 receptions (112, Hines Ward in 2002), 11 receiving touchdowns (12, three-way tie), 1,375 yards (1,499, Brown 2013). Brown leads the NFL in receptions and yards.

• For running back Le’Veon Bell: His 71 receptions already are 20 more than the previous record for a back, 693 yards receiving (762 by a back, Ray Mathews in 1955), 1,924 scrimmage yards (2,034, Barry Foster in 1992), 1,231 yards rushing (1,690, Foster in 1992). Bell leads the AFC in rushing.

The Steelers lead the league with 33:32 of average time of possession. They are second in yards per play at 6.2, second in yards per game at 427.0, second in first downs per game at 24.6, second in passing yards per game at 303.2 and sixth in points with a 27.8 average.

Haley=awful

 

[steelers1080]

This offseason we gotta try to extend Decastro, Beachum, and Big Ben.

Also, it looks like time to let Keisel, Polamalu, and Cam Thomas go for additional cap space. If we sign those two linemen we'll have 4 of our 5 linemen locked up for the next 5+ years. I could easily see our line turn into one of the premier lines in the league. With the lack of talent on Defense we don't have nearly as much money being spent there right now.

 

[fred_1_15301]

This offseason we gotta try to extend Decastro, Beachum, and Big Ben.

Also, it looks like time to let Keisel, Polamalu, and Cam Thomas go for additional cap space. If we sign those two linemen we'll have 4 of our 5 linemen locked up for the next 5+ years. I could easily see our line turn into one of the premier lines in the league. With the lack of talent on Defense we don't have nearly as much money being spent there right now.

Next year's draft should essentially be all defense.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

This offseason we gotta try to extend Decastro, Beachum, and Big Ben.

Also, it looks like time to let Keisel, Polamalu, and Cam Thomas go for additional cap space. If we sign those two linemen we'll have 4 of our 5 linemen locked up for the next 5+ years. I could easily see our line turn into one of the premier lines in the league. With the lack of talent on Defense we don't have nearly as much money being spent there right now.

Next year's draft should essentially be all defense.

And as many defensive backs as possible.

 

[3C's]

I Gay.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I Gay.

If being Gay is wrong, I sure as hell don't want to be right.

 

[3C's]

1 more down, 2 more to go.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

With today's win, Ben has now beaten all 31 other NFL teams. Atlanta was the last remaining.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Also today AB broke the Steelers' record for most catches in a season (Hines Ward).

Antonio is now on pace for

131 rec

1712 yards

13 TDs

Video game ####.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

and, just because I got curious -- a longshhot, but not impossible -- Brown would need 28 catches in the final 2 weeks for the NFL record.

from PFR:

Rank     Player (age),        Rec     Year     Teams1.     Marvin Harrison (30)     143     2002     IND2.     Herman Moore (26)        123     1995     DET       Wes Welker (28)          123     2009     NWE4.     Jerry Rice+ (33)         122     1995     SFO       Cris Carter+ (30)        122     1995     MIN       Wes Welker (30)          122     2011     NWE       Calvin Johnson (27)      122     2012     DET       Cris Carter+ (29)        122     1994     MIN9.     Isaac Bruce (23)         119     1995     STL10.    Wes Welker (31)          118     2012     NWE       Brandon Marshall (28)    118     2012     CHI12.    Torry Holt (27)          117     2003     STL13.    Jimmy Smith (30)         116     1999     JAX14.    Roddy White (29)         115     2010     ATL       Andre Johnson (27)       115     2008     HOU       Marvin Harrison (27)     115     1999     IND17.    Pierre Garcon (27)       113     2013     WAS       Rod Smith (31)           113     2001     DEN19.    Jimmy Smith (32)         112     2001     JAX       Sterling Sharpe (28)     112     1993     GNB       Andre Johnson (31)       112     2012     HOU    Wes Welker (26)             112     2007     NWE    T.J. Houshmandzadeh (30)    112     2007     CIN    Jerry Rice+ (32)            112     1994     SFO    Hines Ward (26)             112     2002     PIT

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Ben needs 585 yards (292.5 per game) to break 5,000 on the season.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Best offense of the Ben era. Just a shame that the defense just isn't very good.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Best offense of the Ben era. Just a shame that the defense just isn't very good.

With that said, this offense is good enough to beat anyone. They definitely need to improve their red zone efficiency on offense but they can probably move the ball on anyone. The defense is not very good but who in the AFC is that much superior to the Steelers? The Patriots and Broncos are better but they're both beatable.

 

[Bojang0301]

Ben needs 585 yards (292.5 per game) to break 5,000 on the season.

Really feels like he's improved every year in the league. We're lucky to have him. I hope the Rooneys remember that this offseason when it comes to pay the piper. I was stuck watching the Cleveland game today and if you caught any of that I'm sure you also have my renewed enthusiasm toward Ben. Tommy Maddox and Kordell Stewart was what we had to watch before.

 

[steelers1080]

I think our defense actually played better than the score ended up showing this week. The final should have been 27+ to 13 or less. The Worilds sack was not roughing the passer and lead to an Atlanta TD instead of them punting. That would have taken all the wind out of their sails. I hope the NFL comes out and admits it was the wrong call, don't want Worilds to get gun shy. He put a huge hit into Ryan's chest, not sure what the issue was. Ryan's head snapped forward, not sure how that would happen if a helmet to helmet hit occurred, that would have sent his head backwards. It was so frustrating to see that called when our D finally got some pressure to the QB.

Also, William Gay's INT return was incredible.

 

[fred_1_15301]

So if the Steelers beat KC next week, is there any way they wouldn't make the playoffs? It seems like they would win just about all tiebreakers against other 10 win teams.

 

[steelers1080]

So if the Steelers beat KC next week, is there any way they wouldn't make the playoffs? It seems like they would win just about all tiebreakers against other 10 win teams.

I think if we beat KC we're in.

If we win out, we're the division champs.

If we lose to KC we can still make the playoffs, but we'd need help. If DEN beats CIN this week we could take their spot. If DEN beats CIN and BAL loses one of their next 2 games, we could still win the division in the final week.

Essentially we just need to beat KC and not worry about it/get some momentum going into the playoffs.

 

[steelers1080]

Also, if we win out and the Colts lose to Dallas, we could have the #3 spot! I'd much rather go to Denver than go to New England if possible.

 

[Godsbrother]

So if the Steelers beat KC next week, is there any way they wouldn't make the playoffs? It seems like they would win just about all tiebreakers against other 10 win teams.

I think if we beat KC we're in.

If we win out, we're the division champs.

If we lose to KC we can still make the playoffs, but we'd need help. If DEN beats CIN this week we could take their spot. If DEN beats CIN and BAL loses one of their next 2 games, we could still win the division in the final week.

Essentially we just need to beat KC and not worry about it/get some momentum going into the playoffs.

Amen.

 

[bryhamm]

I think our defense actually played better than the score ended up showing this week. The final should have been 27+ to 13 or less. The Worilds sack was not roughing the passer and lead to an Atlanta TD instead of them punting. That would have taken all the wind out of their sails. I hope the NFL comes out and admits it was the wrong call, don't want Worilds to get gun shy. He put a huge hit into Ryan's chest, not sure what the issue was. Ryan's head snapped forward, not sure how that would happen if a helmet to helmet hit occurred, that would have sent his head backwards. It was so frustrating to see that called when our D finally got some pressure to the QB.

Also, William Gay's INT return was incredible.

Yeah, I saw a replay of this on Mike and Mike this morning. What a terrible, terrible call.

 

[Freelove]

I think our defense actually played better than the score ended up showing this week. The final should have been 27+ to 13 or less. The Worilds sack was not roughing the passer and lead to an Atlanta TD instead of them punting. That would have taken all the wind out of their sails. I hope the NFL comes out and admits it was the wrong call, don't want Worilds to get gun shy. He put a huge hit into Ryan's chest, not sure what the issue was. Ryan's head snapped forward, not sure how that would happen if a helmet to helmet hit occurred, that would have sent his head backwards. It was so frustrating to see that called when our D finally got some pressure to the QB.

Also, William Gay's INT return was incredible.

Yeah, I saw a replay of this on Mike and Mike this morning. What a terrible, terrible call.

Yeah, that was one of those "shed a tear for what this league has become" calls. I hate those.

 

[3C's]

I think our defense actually played better than the score ended up showing this week. The final should have been 27+ to 13 or less. The Worilds sack was not roughing the passer and lead to an Atlanta TD instead of them punting. That would have taken all the wind out of their sails. I hope the NFL comes out and admits it was the wrong call, don't want Worilds to get gun shy. He put a huge hit into Ryan's chest, not sure what the issue was. Ryan's head snapped forward, not sure how that would happen if a helmet to helmet hit occurred, that would have sent his head backwards. It was so frustrating to see that called when our D finally got some pressure to the QB.

Also, William Gay's INT return was incredible.

Yeah, I saw a replay of this on Mike and Mike this morning. What a terrible, terrible call.

Yeah, that was one of those "shed a tear for what this league has become" calls. I hate those.

The only way they can make a case for that call is if they consider Worilds to have launched himself. Otherwise it was textbook. Head up, not helmet to helmet, no slamming, perfectly wrapped up.

 

[3C's]

How nasty woud this game be?

"Who out there doesn’t want to see a Steelers-Ravens III in the first round of the playoffs?," Fittipaldo wrote. "It could happen. If both teams win their final two games the Steelers would be the No. 4 seed and the Ravens the No. 5 seed. That would mean the Ravens visiting Heinz Field for a wild card game.

 

[Steeler]

Instead of being flagged that play should be the poster child for how to delivery a big hit within the rules. Same with the B.S. call in the SF/SEA game. I know Dean Blandino is going to say they were both leading with the crown of the helmet but that is not what I saw. The NFL needs to stop automatically calling these big hits as penalties. They should call blatant head shots but not all big hits... then review these types of plays after the game for fines.

 

[steelers1080]

How nasty woud this game be?

"Who out there doesn’t want to see a Steelers-Ravens III in the first round of the playoffs?," Fittipaldo wrote. "It could happen. If both teams win their final two games the Steelers would be the No. 4 seed and the Ravens the No. 5 seed. That would mean the Ravens visiting Heinz Field for a wild card game.

I would rather we won both and the Colts lost to Dallas so we could be the #3 seed. I'd much rather play in Denver than in New England.

A Ravens Steelers rematch would be pretty good though, especially with them almost losing to the Jags. They're heading down while we're heading up.

 

[Bojang0301]

How nasty woud this game be?

"Who out there doesn’t want to see a Steelers-Ravens III in the first round of the playoffs?," Fittipaldo wrote. "It could happen. If both teams win their final two games the Steelers would be the No. 4 seed and the Ravens the No. 5 seed. That would mean the Ravens visiting Heinz Field for a wild card game.

I don't want to see it neither would last beyond that game.

 

[Lutherman2112]

Bob Labriola @BobLabriola · 3h 3 hours ago
Depth chart changes for @Steelers: Tuitt now starter at RDE; CThomas is Heyward's backup; DHB is AB's backup; Blake now Gay's backup

 

[steelers1080]

Bob Labriola @BobLabriola · 3h 3 hours ago
Depth chart changes for @Steelers: Tuitt now starter at RDE; CThomas is Heyward's backup; DHB is AB's backup; Blake now Gay's backup

Pray to god that AB doesn't go down!

I feel like if he did we'd make Wheaton/Bryant/Moore the top 3, not DHB.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2300633-steelers-are-our-only-hope-for-breaking-the-afcs-patriots-broncos-logjam#articles/2300633-steelers-are-our-only-hope-for-breaking-the-afcs-patriots-broncos-logjam

Interesting article about why the Steelers are the best hope for sending someone other than the Pats and Denver to the SB.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Bob Labriola @BobLabriola · 3h 3 hours ago
Depth chart changes for @Steelers: Tuitt now starter at RDE; CThomas is Heyward's backup; DHB is AB's backup; Blake now Gay's backup

Pray to god that AB doesn't go down!

I feel like if he did we'd make Wheaton/Bryant/Moore the top 3, not DHB.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2300633-steelers-are-our-only-hope-for-breaking-the-afcs-patriots-broncos-logjam#articles/2300633-steelers-are-our-only-hope-for-breaking-the-afcs-patriots-broncos-logjam

Interesting article about why the Steelers are the best hope for sending someone other than the Pats and Denver to the SB.

This is how I see it. The Steelers offense is good enough to keep them in any game. The offense has had a few letdown games but as long as they play up to their talent during the playoffs, they will be a threat. On the other hand, I really don't see a case for how this defense can stop Brady or Manning. They don't get enough pressure on the QB and their secondary is awful. A great QB should torch this defense. With that said, the bottom line is if the defense/special teams manages to get a turnover or two, the offense is good enough to just outscore Denver or New England.

Still have to get in first though.......

 

[JoeSteeler]

any ipad friendly site to watch the game online tomorrow? I'll take a PM if anyone knows a site.

 

[Bojang0301]

Sky is falling everyone. Week 2 and Baltimore played us too tough. This is what happens when a lot of FA's and rookies take on prominent roles, takes a few weeks to adjust. Be thankful we're not going to be 0-4 by the end of the season this is at least a 9 win team and in my gut a 10 win team.

This a poor poor team, and anyone who thinks they are winning 10 games is delusional. I hope I eat my words but they are worse than last year. Absolutely pathetic embarrassing performance.

I would like an apology for calling me delusional or at very least you printing off a piece of paper with your words and eating them.

 

[irish eyes]

Sky is falling everyone. Week 2 and Baltimore played us too tough. This is what happens when a lot of FA's and rookies take on prominent roles, takes a few weeks to adjust. Be thankful we're not going to be 0-4 by the end of the season this is at least a 9 win team and in my gut a 10 win team.

This a poor poor team, and anyone who thinks they are winning 10 games is delusional. I hope I eat my words but they are worse than last year. Absolutely pathetic embarrassing performance.

I would like an apology for calling me delusional or at very least you printing off a piece of paper with your words and eating them.

Here goes, my apologies for such a pitiful statement and I am currently eating a piece of paper with those words. So you get both and I have no problem with it.

 

[Bojang0301]

With that being completed: wooooooo, playoffs!

 

[irish eyes]

With that being completed: wooooooo, playoffs!

YES!! Been too long, I'm ready for a run.

 

[irish eyes]

Haley=awful

Irish eyes=awful

 

[irish eyes]

Taking my lumps today but I don't mind.