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

[Godsbrother]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a mediocre football team. There, I said it.

Mediocre is probably being too generous.

I expected the defense to be bad and they didn't let me down but the offense was putrid last night and that surprised me. Ben was off, the o-line was a joke, bad turnovers and costly penalties. The offense was terrible.

I'll chalk a little bit up to a short week on the road but my lord they stink. This looks like the worst Steelers team since 1999.

Short week. Ravens might have been playing with extra (like always vs Steelers) due to the Rice event. Hard to say. It's only week 2. Good to see irish still has the team spirit.

I know it is only week 2 but they have a lot to fix.

 

[3C's]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a mediocre football team. There, I said it.

Mediocre is probably being too generous.

I expected the defense to be bad and they didn't let me down but the offense was putrid last night and that surprised me. Ben was off, the o-line was a joke, bad turnovers and costly penalties. The offense was terrible.

I'll chalk a little bit up to a short week on the road but my lord they stink. This looks like the worst Steelers team since 1999.

Short week. Ravens might have been playing with extra (like always vs Steelers) due to the Rice event. Hard to say. It's only week 2. Good to see irish still has the team spirit.

I know it is only week 2 but they have a lot to fix.

That wasn't really directed at you. Just a general statement.

 

[Bojang0301]

The D is in need of work. I'm not sure if the league has passed by Lebeau's D but it is coupled with the fact that they don't have all the right parts to fill it. Jones looks like a bust. It may be smart at somepoint to swing Shazier outside where he can use he speed to develop as a rusher and use a combo at ILB. Cam Thomas is already showing why the Bolts let him go. He was getting blown up all night. They NEED to address the NT position. They've ignored it since they let Hampton go and it's killing then two years straight. I still don't think they are as far off as others around here. It was a bad game but I still think there are enough bright spots to turn it around. Mike Mitchell is pressing and needs to get comfortable and Justin Browns fumble seemed to just end the game all at once as they couldn't get another sustained drive the rest of the night. I think you'll see this team grow in the coming weeks as they get to play some middling NFC South teams.

 

[Franknbeans]

They need to start Tuitt and let him take his lumps. Cam Thomas is not an answer.

 

[Steeler]

The inability to stop the run is a trend that continues from last year and I don't see how that will be easily fixed. The d line was getting blown off the ball all night and the linebackers and secondary can't tackle that well.

So I'm going to take this opportunity to salute Hampton, A Smith and Keisel... they were the foundation for some pretty damn good defenses for a long time.

 

[Fiddles]

That last offensive drive before the half looked like they just gave up. Didn't look like anyone was fighting for yards or had any urgency. Bell probably the exception. For some reason a few years later I was really missing ward last night. Ravens D kicked our entire ### and we just took it. No fire. We coulda used Steve smith in that department.

 

[Copeman]

While there is a lot of blame to be thrown around, I think the biggest blame goes to the defensive line. No pressure=QB can throw at will and opposing offensive lines can open big holes for the run game. That all leads to the rest of the defense being hung out to dry. I do want to add that Mitchell isn't impressing much. He plays with intensity, but hasn't really shown much, and the penalties he are taking are not helping.

 

[3C's]

Cam Thomas isn't the answer. And seems like McClendon isn't either. Gilbert getting pushed back in pass pro.

My dream 1st 3 rounds as of now (jumping the gun a "bit"):

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB
Spencer Drango T
Danny Shelton DT

 

[Gianluca]

Is anyone else sick seeing the blank stare on Tomlin's face when the camera zooms in on him? Not even last night, I am talking about all the time! Makes me miss Cowher grabbing someone by the face mask and spit flying as he's coaching them up. Tomlin just stares with a blank look on face over and over again...it's really quite amazing. I know he's uber passionate yet to not even blink is some crazy control on his behalf.

 

[Copeman]

Worilds hasn't been lighting the world on fire either.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I have a bad feeling about Sunday's game. I'm not looknig forward to getting slaughtered 2 straight weeks on prime time.

 

[steelers1080]

I think Sunday's game will be a rough one. If we get destroyed maybe we'll make some changes for the better?

The main problem with our defense is the lack of QB pressure. Pressuring the QB leads to negative plays and turnovers and we hardly pressured Flacco at all or Hoyer in the second half. The difference in our D from first half against cleveland to second half was astounding.

I think we have some talented personel, maybe we just need some new innovative blitzes from Coach Dad.

Also, it seems like signing people to long term deals means they can't do their job anymore. Gilbert looked like crap out there and Allend couldn't tackle to save his life. Back to the basics guys. Stay on your assignment and make the tackle/block when it counts.

 

[Godsbrother]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

 

[NCCommish]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

 

[Godsbrother]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

 

[NCCommish]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

Very true plus it's Sunday Night on national TV everyone gets up a bit more for that I would think. And let's be honest you guys have a winning record against us by a good margin IIRC. No one taking this game lightly around here.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

I feel like if they try to play ball control offense, we're going to see a litany of three and outs and stalled drives. I have zero confidence in the OL to open holes against this fearsome front 7. I'd rather they go no huddle and run a lot of quick timing routes, at least early on. Keep Ben upright by getting the ball put quick and let the Steelers receivers make plays. Quick outs, screens, gadget plays - throw anything and everything at them. I feel like our receivers vs. Carolina's backfield is the lesser of two evils. If they do play a mix, I hope I am wrong, but I feel like it will be a mismatch up front.

Defensively, Steelers are getting no pass rush and I think stacking the box and running some exotic blitzes might be the only way to get to Newton. If that means leaving the CBs on an island, so be it. If Cam sits in the pocket and picks the defense apart, hats off to him.

Just one guy's opinion. Of course, losing the penalties would be an awfully big help.

 

[NCCommish]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

I feel like if they try to play ball control offense, we're going to see a litany of three and outs and stalled drives. I have zero confidence in the OL to open holes against this fearsome front 7. I'd rather they go no huddle and run a lot of quick timing routes, at least early on. Keep Ben upright by getting the ball put quick and let the Steelers receivers make plays. Quick outs, screens, gadget plays - throw anything and everything at them. I feel like our receivers vs. Carolina's backfield is the lesser of two evils. If they do play a mix, I hope I am wrong, but I feel like it will be a mismatch up front.

Defensively, Steelers are getting no pass rush and I think stacking the box and running some exotic blitzes might be the only way to get to Newton. If that means leaving the CBs on an island, so be it. If Cam sits in the pocket and picks the defense apart, hats off to him.

Just one guy's opinion. Of course, losing the penalties would be an awfully big help.

IIRC Newton completed 8 of 10 against the blitz when we played Detroit.

 

[belljr]

sad day today for the first time in my dynasty league I drop the Steelers defense

 

[Godsbrother]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

I feel like if they try to play ball control offense, we're going to see a litany of three and outs and stalled drives. I have zero confidence in the OL to open holes against this fearsome front 7. I'd rather they go no huddle and run a lot of quick timing routes, at least early on. Keep Ben upright by getting the ball put quick and let the Steelers receivers make plays. Quick outs, screens, gadget plays - throw anything and everything at them. I feel like our receivers vs. Carolina's backfield is the lesser of two evils. If they do play a mix, I hope I am wrong, but I feel like it will be a mismatch up front.

Defensively, Steelers are getting no pass rush and I think stacking the box and running some exotic blitzes might be the only way to get to Newton. If that means leaving the CBs on an island, so be it. If Cam sits in the pocket and picks the defense apart, hats off to him.

Just one guy's opinion. Of course, losing the penalties would be an awfully big help.

Hey EG,

I said possess the ball, it doesn't matter if we do it by running the ball or through the air with screens and quick outs/slants. The one mistake I think they made last week though was never attempting a few long passes. The short passing game is great but you need to keep the defense honest. The Steelers never did that and the Ravens quickly realized that and brought everyone up.

 

[steelers1080]

One thing of note, Big Ben said in an interview this week that he's in more pain than he was all of last year from the hit he took from Upshaw. That probably had a lot to do with his innaccuracy after that major hit. He looked sharp on the first drive.

Gives me hope that if he can heal some before sunday night he can look crisp again and if Antonio doesn't leave and take our momentum with him then maybe we can put up some points.

On the flipside, if Ben takes a hard hit from the Carolina D then he could revert to being wildly innaccurate again...

 

[Plorfu]

One thing of note, Big Ben said in an interview this week that he's in more pain than he was all of last year from the hit he took from Upshaw.

To be fair, Ben would say he thinks he lost 346 quarts of blood from a mosquito bite.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

I feel like if they try to play ball control offense, we're going to see a litany of three and outs and stalled drives. I have zero confidence in the OL to open holes against this fearsome front 7. I'd rather they go no huddle and run a lot of quick timing routes, at least early on. Keep Ben upright by getting the ball put quick and let the Steelers receivers make plays. Quick outs, screens, gadget plays - throw anything and everything at them. I feel like our receivers vs. Carolina's backfield is the lesser of two evils. If they do play a mix, I hope I am wrong, but I feel like it will be a mismatch up front.

Defensively, Steelers are getting no pass rush and I think stacking the box and running some exotic blitzes might be the only way to get to Newton. If that means leaving the CBs on an island, so be it. If Cam sits in the pocket and picks the defense apart, hats off to him.

Just one guy's opinion. Of course, losing the penalties would be an awfully big help.

IIRC Newton completed 8 of 10 against the blitz when we played Detroit.

He'll complete even more if he's allowed to hang out back there and scan the field for 14 seconds like Flacco did and Hoyer did in the second half of week 1. Steelers are generating zero pressure, they need to do SOMETHING, GD it.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I also think that we lose this week but I am trying to temper the pessimism a little. This defense is a work-in-progress with a lot of new players and I think it is going to get better but it is going to take time. The key for now is that the offense has to pick up the slack until it does.

The offense has talent and they can score on anyone when they have their act together. In my opinion it was the offense that crapped the bed against Baltimore. I'll give them a pass considering it was a short week, on the road, playing against a divisional opponent that was emotional charged and could not afford to start 0-2 at home. But this week there is no excuse -- they have had 10 days to get ready for the Panthers. They need to come out swinging.

My only source of optimism is the matchup.

The defense has been soft against the run, no question. However, I think part of the reason (other than mediocre play by the D-line) for that is that they're committing numbers back to try to prevent the big plays that haunted them last season and cover up speed deficiencies in the secondary. The fact that Newton is not the world's most accurate QB and the fact that Carolina doesn't have the league's best receiving corps means I think (hope) that they'll be a little more likely to leave their corners on an island than they were last week and hope Cam cannot beat us with his arm.

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground. I believe they need to open the offense up big time, lots of no-huddle, lots of spread sets, and let Ben sling it 45 times. Turn the game into a shootout. I have way more confidence in Ben and Antonio pulling out a 37-34 win than I do in the Steelers winning the war in the trenches and grinding out a 13-10 game.

Well coming at this as a Panther fan I have to disagree. Our receiving corps is actually better than last year. Benjamin can play and Olsen is looking fantastic. Avant is still the sure handed precise route runner and we have enjoyed Cotch so far. Cam was basically a pocket passer last week against a pretty good D line and had a 100 rating while completing a ton of passes against the blitz. If he isn't going to get pressure he will make your day long. If you go one on one with Benjamin and Olsen they will make your day long. And if you end up one dimensional just slinging it around the park this D has the ability to punish you heavily for it.

I feel a bit lucky to be catching you guys at this point. This team has too much talent not to put it together before all is said and done. I just don't think it will be this week and I'll take that.

Unfortunately I agree. The Steelers defense has been generating very little pressure and the DBs aren't good enough to cover for any length of time. The defense also does not force turnovers, ever.

If the Steelers have any chance it will be up to the offense to possess the ball and score when they get in redzone. Not feeling too good about this game but then again this is the NFL and anything can happen.

I feel like if they try to play ball control offense, we're going to see a litany of three and outs and stalled drives. I have zero confidence in the OL to open holes against this fearsome front 7. I'd rather they go no huddle and run a lot of quick timing routes, at least early on. Keep Ben upright by getting the ball put quick and let the Steelers receivers make plays. Quick outs, screens, gadget plays - throw anything and everything at them. I feel like our receivers vs. Carolina's backfield is the lesser of two evils. If they do play a mix, I hope I am wrong, but I feel like it will be a mismatch up front.

Defensively, Steelers are getting no pass rush and I think stacking the box and running some exotic blitzes might be the only way to get to Newton. If that means leaving the CBs on an island, so be it. If Cam sits in the pocket and picks the defense apart, hats off to him.

Just one guy's opinion. Of course, losing the penalties would be an awfully big help.

Hey EG,

I said possess the ball, it doesn't matter if we do it by running the ball or through the air with screens and quick outs/slants. The one mistake I think they made last week though was never attempting a few long passes. The short passing game is great but you need to keep the defense honest. The Steelers never did that and the Ravens quickly realized that and brought everyone up.

Oh, I am ALL for taking shots downfield. The more, the better. With the spread/no huddle, there are going to be some deep looks open, it's up to Ben to make the throws.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Anybody else going to the game this week?

 

[3C's]

I think Sunday's game will be a rough one. If we get destroyed maybe we'll make some changes for the better?

The main problem with our defense is the lack of QB pressure. Pressuring the QB leads to negative plays and turnovers and we hardly pressured Flacco at all or Hoyer in the second half. The difference in our D from first half against cleveland to second half was astounding.

I think we have some talented personel, maybe we just need some new innovative blitzes from Coach Dad.

Also, it seems like signing people to long term deals means they can't do their job anymore. Gilbert looked like crap out there and Allend couldn't tackle to save his life. Back to the basics guys. Stay on your assignment and make the tackle/block when it counts.

What changes for the better do you have in mind? You think the staff isn't putting their best options out there? There's been a ton of changes from this point last year. With changes comes growing pains.

They say guys are missing gap assignments. Case in point. http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Chalk-Talk---Steelers-vs-Ravens/599a0483-9284-4389-889d-7497eeec6f8a

 

[Godsbrother]

I think Sunday's game will be a rough one. If we get destroyed maybe we'll make some changes for the better?

The main problem with our defense is the lack of QB pressure. Pressuring the QB leads to negative plays and turnovers and we hardly pressured Flacco at all or Hoyer in the second half. The difference in our D from first half against cleveland to second half was astounding.

I think we have some talented personel, maybe we just need some new innovative blitzes from Coach Dad.

Also, it seems like signing people to long term deals means they can't do their job anymore. Gilbert looked like crap out there and Allend couldn't tackle to save his life. Back to the basics guys. Stay on your assignment and make the tackle/block when it counts.

What changes for the better do you have in mind? You think the staff isn't putting their best options out there? There's been a ton of changes from this point last year. With changes comes growing pains.

They say guys are missing gap assignments. Case in point. http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Chalk-Talk---Steelers-vs-Ravens/599a0483-9284-4389-889d-7497eeec6f8a

Yep and this is why I think in time they will get better. In the meantime the offense needs to pick up the slack.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Anybody else going to the game this week?

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Anybody else going to the game this week?

We are debating going to this

 

[3C's]

I think Sunday's game will be a rough one. If we get destroyed maybe we'll make some changes for the better?

The main problem with our defense is the lack of QB pressure. Pressuring the QB leads to negative plays and turnovers and we hardly pressured Flacco at all or Hoyer in the second half. The difference in our D from first half against cleveland to second half was astounding.

I think we have some talented personel, maybe we just need some new innovative blitzes from Coach Dad.

Also, it seems like signing people to long term deals means they can't do their job anymore. Gilbert looked like crap out there and Allend couldn't tackle to save his life. Back to the basics guys. Stay on your assignment and make the tackle/block when it counts.

What changes for the better do you have in mind? You think the staff isn't putting their best options out there? There's been a ton of changes from this point last year. With changes comes growing pains.

They say guys are missing gap assignments. Case in point. http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Chalk-Talk---Steelers-vs-Ravens/599a0483-9284-4389-889d-7497eeec6f8a

Yep and this is why I think in time they will get better. In the meantime the offense needs to pick up the slack.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I have a bad feeling about Sunday's game. I'm not looknig forward to getting slaughtered 2 straight weeks on prime time.

It sure does feel nice being wrong time and time again

 

[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.

10 wins my ###

Remaining on the schedule:TB @ Home

@ Jacksonville

@Cle

HOU @ home

@NYJ

KC @ Home

So then we would need two or three from the other games which we could take one from Cincy and Baltimore at home plus Indy or Tennessee. I don't think we beat NO even at home or Atl but this isn't a terrible schedule and I think it is a realistic thought.

You're probably right. I'm just emotional after a horse#### effort against our arch rivals.

Any over reactions the other way around tonight?

 

[fred_1_15301]

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.

10 wins my ###

Remaining on the schedule:TB @ Home

@ Jacksonville

@Cle

HOU @ home

@NYJ

KC @ Home

So then we would need two or three from the other games which we could take one from Cincy and Baltimore at home plus Indy or Tennessee. I don't think we beat NO even at home or Atl but this isn't a terrible schedule and I think it is a realistic thought.

You're probably right. I'm just emotional after a horse#### effort against our arch rivals.

Any over reactions the other way around tonight?

Take a look at my latest post in the game thread

 

[The Lung]

This is the best I've felt about the running game since The Bus / FWP tandem in 2005. Nine years it took them to find the right RBs and OL combination. HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO!!! \/

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Offensively, Carolina's front 7 is phenomenal. I can't imagine we're going to have much success moving the ball on the ground.

Stay tuned for more spot-on predictions and analysis ahead of next week's tilt with the Bucs!

 

[fred_1_15301]

I don't want to get ahead of myself because there were a few injuries on defense but this team should be 4-1 in a couple weeks. Then again, Carolina was supposed to beat them so you just can't take anything for granted in this league. I wasn't in love with the play calling at first but in hindsight it was actually the perfect plan for such an aggressive defense. Also, by throwing those quick routes in the first half, I feel like they had Carolina on their toes and could really open things up in the 2nd half. Great day to be a Pittsburgh sports fan!

 

[3C's]

sad day today for the first time in my dynasty league I drop the Steelers defense

Must have been the motivation they needed.

 

[3C's]

Cam Thomas isn't the answer. And seems like McClendon isn't either. Gilbert getting pushed back in pass pro.

My dream 1st 3 rounds as of now (jumping the gun a "bit"):

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB

Spencer Drango T

Danny Shelton DT

Speaking of wrong analysis. Big Steve was a force last night. Tunch and Wolf have been singing his praises. One lackluster game (Ravens) and I'm writing him off.

 

[3C's]

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.

and now? 2-1 and a run of winnable games coming up. 10 wins is very doable if they can be consistent.

 

[3C's]

Of course last night came at big expense on the defensive side. Not really looking forward to Blake starting...or even seeing a lot of time. And if someone else goes down. They can get by w/o Jones and/or Shazier for a bit. I'd think Jones makes it back fairly quick but Shazier is a concern. Happy that Spense is there though.

Also, Moore supposedly is healthy but Justin Brown still got the snaps. I like it.

 

[3C's]

Of course last night came at big expense on the defensive side. Not really looking forward to Blake starting...or even seeing a lot of time. And if someone else goes down. They can get by w/o Jones and/or Shazier for a bit. I'd think Jones makes it back fairly quick but Shazier is a concern. Happy that Spense is there though.

Also, Moore supposedly is healthy but Justin Brown still got the snaps. I like it.

Just fired up twitter. Jarvis says he's okay and should be ready next week. Shazier left in a brace but not the heavy type that restricts motion.

 

[Godsbrother]

What a fantastic effort by the Steelers on all three phases. They have a string of winnable games but can take nothing for granted. We have seen all too often how they can lose to seemingly inferior teams early in the season and it costing them the playoffs. Let's just take care of business and we could be looking at a 6-2 start in the first half of the season.

Tough break for Ike -- most likely played his last down as a Steeler.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Just fired up twitter. Jarvis says he's okay and should be ready next week. Shazier left in a brace but not the heavy type that restricts motion.

Soooo...they put a band-aid on it?

Offense looked way, way better than I figured it would vs. that front 7 last night. Not surprisingly, it played a a good deal better when playing no huddle.

I honestly can't think of any good reason, particularly now given the injuries on D, that they don't just go all "Manning/Dungy Era Colts." Your defense isn't dependable enough at present to hope to win close, low scoring affairs....so don't try to get into those types of games. Try and score 35+every game(you will fall short most weeks, of course, but try anyway. Don't take your foot off the gaddam pedal) and just rush the passer like mad on D, with the goal of keeping teams under 28 points. Yeah, your defense is going to give up plays on occasion doing this. It's okay. Your offense will be applying the pressure all game long, so you will have to trust that your elite QB will bail you out when you get beat.

As good as this pass offense looks when they allow Ben to call the plays from the hurry up it should absolutely have little trouble generating points and opening up the running game, even if the OL turns out to be merely "average"(It sure worked last night, and that's no chump defense). An added bonus would be that if it does perform at a productive enough level, the softest part of the D(the run defense, at present) shouldn't get exposed nearly as much if their opponents are playing catchup and being forced to pass. Even with sub-standard DBs, if opponents are consistently behind and you are married to the "blitz the hell out of the QB" paradigm you are going to eventually get sacks and turnovers.

 

[3C's]

Just fired up twitter. Jarvis says he's okay and should be ready next week. Shazier left in a brace but not the heavy type that restricts motion.

Soooo...they put a band-aid on it?

Offense looked way, way better than I figured it would vs. that front 7 last night. Not surprisingly, it played a a good deal better when playing no huddle.

I honestly can't think of any good reason, particularly now given the injuries on D, that they don't just go all "Manning/Dungy Era Colts." Your defense isn't dependable enough at present to hope to win close, low scoring affairs....so don't try to get into those types of games. Try and score 35+every game(you will fall short most weeks, of course, but try anyway. Don't take your foot off the gaddam pedal) and just rush the passer like mad on D, with the goal of keeping teams under 28 points. Yeah, your defense is going to give up plays on occasion doing this. It's okay. Your offense will be applying the pressure all game long, so you will have to trust that your elite QB will bail you out when you get beat.

As good as this pass offense looks when they allow Ben to call the plays from the hurry up it should absolutely have little trouble generating points and opening up the running game, even if the OL turns out to be merely "average"(It sure worked last night, and that's no chump defense). An added bonus would be that if it does perform at a productive enough level, the softest part of the D(the run defense, at present) shouldn't get exposed nearly as much if their opponents are playing catchup and being forced to pass. Even with sub-standard DBs, if opponents are consistently behind and you are married to the "blitz the hell out of the QB" paradigm you are going to eventually get sacks and turnovers.

Obviously (see what I did there?) the size of the brace is no indication and we'll have to wait for test results. Hopefully it's just another booboo.

 

[infantsam]

DeCastro is a bulldozer. He and Pouncey owned the interior and just killed Kuechly and the Panthers D-line. They got a bit of pressure from the outside but really for Ben this must be like vacation compared to previous years.

So much but so much :( from the D injuries.

 

[3C's]

Everyone talking Champ Bailey. Couldn't be worse than the current options. On the other hand, Ike might only be out about 6-8 weeks. Could come back after the bye.

 

[3C's]

DeCastro is a bulldozer. He and Pouncey owned the interior and just killed Kuechly and the Panthers D-line. They got a bit of pressure from the outside but really for Ben this must be like vacation compared to previous years.

So much but so much :( from the D injuries.

A bit early but I'm seeing Pro Bowl this year for him, finally.

 

[Godsbrother]

Everyone talking Champ Bailey. Couldn't be worse than the current options. On the other hand, Ike might only be out about 6-8 weeks. Could come back after the bye.

At this point why not bring him in and kick the tires?

 

[NCCommish]

You guys played a great game and we never looked like we got on track. Your defense got it together one week too early and our oline looked terrible against them. I think our D got wore down but regardless nice job by Brown and Ben. Congrats.