Steeler's officially done for 2006 (1 Viewer)

[Cleavage Connoisseur]

The Steelers are tied at 2-5 with the following teams in the AFC.

Buffalo

Cleveland

Houston

Tennesse

Oakland

They only have a better record in the AFC than the 1-6 Miami dolphins ! Ouch !

Verron Haynes hopped to the sideline toward the end of the PIT-OAK game -- early indications from the Steelers are that the injury may be season-ending. Center Jeff Hartings also left the game in the second half and did not return. Coach Cowher said that Hartings could miss an extended period of time.

http://news.steelers.com/article/70890/

QUOTE

Notes: Running back Verron Haynes and linebacker Arnold Harrison were both injured and according to Cowher could be done for the year. Center Jeff Hartings was also injured and could be out for an extended period of time according to Cowher.

Is it safe to say that we can stick a fork in them ? I think so

They still have to play Baltimore twice, Denver, and Carolina & Cincy on the road.

 

[JimBob2232]

When did Detroit move to the AFC?

 

[Sopranos]

Batch is their only hope..Yes that is what i said

 

[Cleavage Connoisseur]

When did Detroit move to the AFC?

Sorry. Fixed.

 

[Chase Stuart]

There have been 40 Super Bowl winners. Through seven games...

Seven were 7-0

Sixteen were 6-1

Two were 5-1-1

Twelve were 5-2

Two were 4-3

One was 3-4

IBTfirst'Steelerswerethefirst6seedtowintheSuperBowl.

 

[Steelers4Life]

IBTfirst'Steelerswerethefirst6seedtowintheSuperBowl.

Nice!Definitely a frustrating year. Hey, we took the glory last year and enjoyed every minute of it, so these threads are a lot easier to take. I wish they were going to at least get a shot in the playoffs of defending the title, but that's looking to be a long shot - to put it kindly.Too many turnovers, terrible play from Roethlisberger, and inconsistent play from every unit except the linebackers. A rash of injuries have pretty much been the cherry on top.Oh well. At least we can know that these losses won't take any bite away from the late season games against the Ravens and Bungles.

 

[pizzatyme]

As a Colts fan, I look forward to the Steelers playing the spoiler role the rest of the way. Every win against an AFC opponent only helps the Colts chances of HFA for the playoffs.

Now, will the Colts take advantage of it? I'll answer my own question to get a head start on you Colts/Manning haters, no way, the Colts are still the Colts come playoff time.

 

[Irish]

The Steelers are tied at 2-5 with the following teams in the AFC.

Buffalo

Cleveland

Houston

Tennesse

Oakland

They only have a better record in the AFC than the 1-6 Miami dolphins ! Ouch !

Verron Haynes hopped to the sideline toward the end of the PIT-OAK game -- early indications from the Steelers are that the injury may be season-ending. Center Jeff Hartings also left the game in the second half and did not return. Coach Cowher said that Hartings could miss an extended period of time.

http://news.steelers.com/article/70890/

QUOTE

Notes: Running back Verron Haynes and linebacker Arnold Harrison were both injured and according to Cowher could be done for the year. Center Jeff Hartings was also injured and could be out for an extended period of time according to Cowher.

Is it safe to say that we can stick a fork in them ? I think so

They still have to play Baltimore twice, Denver, and Carolina & Cincy on the road.

Losing Hartings will probably be a good thing, he has been terrible this year. On a good note, bump up FWP with Haynes being out. Parker will be in on more 3rd downs and catch more passes. The Steelers season so far can be summed up by poor play as a whole unit from their OL, not being able to put pressure on the qb, and Ben's turnovers especially in the red zone. I forgot poor special teams play as well. But, I'll still be waving my Terrible Towel every Sunday.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

The Steelers are tied at 2-5 with the following teams in the AFC.

Buffalo

Cleveland

Houston

Tennesse

Oakland

They only have a better record in the AFC than the 1-6 Miami dolphins ! Ouch !

Verron Haynes hopped to the sideline toward the end of the PIT-OAK game -- early indications from the Steelers are that the injury may be season-ending. Center Jeff Hartings also left the game in the second half and did not return. Coach Cowher said that Hartings could miss an extended period of time.

http://news.steelers.com/article/70890/

QUOTE

Notes: Running back Verron Haynes and linebacker Arnold Harrison were both injured and according to Cowher could be done for the year. Center Jeff Hartings was also injured and could be out for an extended period of time according to Cowher.

Is it safe to say that we can stick a fork in them ? I think so

They still have to play Baltimore twice, Denver, and Carolina & Cincy on the road.

That superbowl XL victory was so sweet. I'm still a bit euphoric over it. Seriously. This stinker season doesn't hurt nearly as bad as it would if it were any other year.

 

[3MTA3]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

 

[norton17]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

 

[meanjoegreen]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get that impression from Cowher at all.

 

[3MTA3]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get that impression from Cowher at all.

Then maybe I'm missing it on TV, I just don't see it.

 

[Black&Gold]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I agree. Cowher is gone after this season. Ben's injuries didn't help. Early drops from the WRs didn't help.(Although they seem to be coming around). The O-Line has been bad. And don't get me started on the Special teams. The Steelers played better than the other team in 3 of their 5 loses. The Jags spanked them in Jacksonville and I don't know what happened this week. They weren' outplayed, but the sure didn't deserve it either. They outplayed Cinci, Sand Diego, and Atlanta. They beat themselves.(Penalties and FUMBLES/INTS). My 2 cents.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get that impression from Cowher at all.

Then maybe I'm missing it on TV, I just don't see it.

He has the same facial expressions and fire he has had on the sidelines that he always had. I don't think the Steelers should have played Ben this weekend, and I think Ben should have been pulled when it was clear he just wasn't right. Batch is a good backup, and should have played.

 

[skidboot]

Sad and Pathetic display of Football so far this year by the Steelers.

I'm a huge Steelers fan and I've been really, really disappointed.

Turnovers....Good teams don't turn it over. We do it on a weekly basis. Killer turnovers.

The team has been out of sync all season.

Looks to me that Hartings has finally hit the wall. Gonna be interesting to see what Okobi can do in there.

Walter was 5-14 for 51 yds with an INT and we lost.......says enough for me.

Credit goes to the Raiders Defense. They really came to play and did a helluva job.

 

[Franknbeans]

Now the haters can rejoice

 

[Godsbrother]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I hear this a lot but I think this is impossible to tell from watching the sideline on TV. The one thing I can assure you is that Cowher, like pretty much every football coach, hates losing.The problems for the Steelers this season has been sloppy, non-physical and undisciplined play. I think you can place blame both the coaching staff and players for that.

 

[meanjoegreen]

I hear this a lot but I think this is impossible to tell from watching the sideline on TV. The one thing I can assure you is that Cowher, like pretty much every football coach, hates losing.

I think some of the talk probably comes from the fact he hasn't resigned his contract, and he has a new house in Raleigh where his wife is. People love to speculate. He looks the same as he always does on the sideline with that chin stuck out, and spitting as he is yelling.

 

[gman74]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

better hope they take brady quinn. you need a real qb

 

[Godsbrother]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

better hope they take brady quinn. you need a real qb

Ben played a dreadful game yesterday but it all starts with the o-line. I hope for God's sake the Steelers do something to improve their line next season because it sux. They can't run or pass block...

 

[Chase Stuart]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

better hope they take brady quinn. you need a real qb

Ben played a dreadful game yesterday but it all starts with the o-line. I hope for God's sake the Steelers do something to improve their line next season because it sux. They can't run or pass block...

Before yesterday's game, my Steelers friend said the Steelers OL has actually been playing well, and the rest of the team is the reason they were 2-4. Do you disagree with that, or was the OL just horrible yesterday?

 

[PsychoMan]

big ben doesn't seem able to "manage" those games quite like he used to

 

[MSULions]

Now the haters can rejoice

 

[Idiot Boxer]

There are many reasons the Steelers are 2-5.

Primary among them are turnovers. They've given away 3 games. Fumbles and T.O.s on the special teams are clearly lack of focus and coaching issues. I don't care if we get a single return yard until we prove we can handle the ball.

Its impossible to say how much impact a motorcycle accident, appendectomy and concussion have set Big Ben back, but he's clearly NOT himself. Only in the Chiefs game did we really see this the true Big Ben.

The O-line is playing for crap. I'm still that we traded up for Holmes when Mangold would have helped us much more.

This team reminds me a little of the 6-10 team of a few years ago. A good amount of talent, but injuries and mistakes causing some big issues. After that 6-10 year we grabbed Big Ben. Interesting to see who we can get next year...but I'd definitely be looking o-line.

Now, I'm not throwing in the towel completely (though losing to the Raiders is bad), but at this point I'd be happy for them to start addressing the problems and building for next year. Stop the turnovers. Improve play on both lines. Back to basics...

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get this impression at all. I just think the team lost some of its hunger, and has been making egregious errors that are costing them games. Roethlisberger has been making bad decisions, and forcing the ball, especially in the red zone, and it's killing them. Cowher actually stopped a practice midway through a week or two ago and blasted the team for lack of effort, then started the entire practice over again. He hasn't lost interest, but it seems some of the players are shell-shocked.Hey, it just isn't their year. They're not "officially" done, but for all intents and purposes, they are. Normally, this would be killing me, but I guess the Bill Simmons 5-year moratorium of griping about your team after you win a title is legit.

 

[JohnnyU]

Now the haters can rejoice

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[bryhamm]

There are many reasons the Steelers are 2-5.

Primary among them are turnovers. They've given away 3 games. Fumbles and T.O.s on the special teams are clearly lack of focus and coaching issues. I don't care if we get a single return yard until we prove we can handle the ball.

Its impossible to say how much impact a motorcycle accident, appendectomy and concussion have set Big Ben back, but he's clearly NOT himself. Only in the Chiefs game did we really see this the true Big Ben.

The O-line is playing for crap. I'm still that we traded up for Holmes when Mangold would have helped us much more.

This team reminds me a little of the 6-10 team of a few years ago. A good amount of talent, but injuries and mistakes causing some big issues. After that 6-10 year we grabbed Big Ben. Interesting to see who we can get next year...but I'd definitely be looking o-line.

Now, I'm not throwing in the towel completely (though losing to the Raiders is bad), but at this point I'd be happy for them to start addressing the problems and building for next year. Stop the turnovers. Improve play on both lines. Back to basics...

Amen. I think compounding the problem is that the pass protection is breaking down quickly and Ben flips into panic mode too soon (ala how Kordell used to play).

 

[Evilgrin 72]

big ben doesn't seem able to "manage" those games quite like he used to

If anything, the games the last few weeks should show everyone just what a big impact his play has on the success of this team, positive or negative. When he's on, they are very tough to beat. When he makes mistakes and forces the ball, they get beaten, even in a game where the defense allows less than 100 yards of total offense.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

better hope they take brady quinn. you need a real qb

Ben played a dreadful game yesterday but it all starts with the o-line. I hope for God's sake the Steelers do something to improve their line next season because it sux. They can't run or pass block...

Before yesterday's game, my Steelers friend said the Steelers OL has actually been playing well, and the rest of the team is the reason they were 2-4. Do you disagree with that, or was the OL just horrible yesterday?

They've been up and down, but more down than up. Yesterday was terrible.

 

[nightshift]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I hear this a lot but I think this is impossible to tell from watching the sideline on TV. The one thing I can assure you is that Cowher, like pretty much every football coach, hates losing.The problems for the Steelers this season has been sloppy, non-physical and undisciplined play. I think you can place blame both the coaching staff and players for that.

Agreed. Especially Big Ben. UNEXCUSABLE. I realize he led them to a 4th quarter scoring drive, but this is another game that he lost. That's right, I said he lost. I think he's had one too many blows to the head this year. He is making bad decisions and what's worst, he slow in making them.Cowher has to put him on a short leash right now. It maybe still possible to salvage the season, but it will require a highly disciplined team. Also, defense has to get it together. That run of 15 yard stupid penalties has to end now. FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS!

 

[corpcow]

Batch is their only hope..Yes that is what i said

I don't understand this talk. If the season is lost, then stick with the QB of your future - which is obviously Ben. Batch may win you a few more games, but do you want him under center in the playoffs and/or Super Bowl? The fact is Ben looked great the past two weeks (he was great against KC which I was at) until he got hurt last week. Only caught the first half of the game, and he didn't look great, but then Oakland defense isn't as bad as everyone thought... hell, they did a better job against Leinart than Chicago did!

 

[Godsbrother]

If Pitsburgh ends up with a top draft pick they are going to go straight back to being super bowl contenders next year

better hope they take brady quinn. you need a real qb

Ben played a dreadful game yesterday but it all starts with the o-line. I hope for God's sake the Steelers do something to improve their line next season because it sux. They can't run or pass block...

Before yesterday's game, my Steelers friend said the Steelers OL has actually been playing well, and the rest of the team is the reason they were 2-4. Do you disagree with that, or was the OL just horrible yesterday?

I think the o-line has had one really good game against KC. They played OK against Miami, Atlanta and Cincinnati but were absolutely horrible against Jacksonville, San Diego and Oakland. The Steelers are 2-5 because they keep turning the ball over, they are having trouble running the ball, the defense has had lapses where they couldn't get off the on 3rd downs and the special teams is one of the worst in the NFL.The Steelers have some decent skill players -- they need to bolster their o-line to give them time to get the job done.

 

[corpcow]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get this impression at all. I just think the team lost some of its hunger, and has been making egregious errors that are costing them games. Roethlisberger has been making bad decisions, and forcing the ball, especially in the red zone, and it's killing them. Cowher actually stopped a practice midway through a week or two ago and blasted the team for lack of effort, then started the entire practice over again. He hasn't lost interest, but it seems some of the players are shell-shocked.Hey, it just isn't their year. They're not "officially" done, but for all intents and purposes, they are. Normally, this would be killing me, but I guess the Bill Simmons 5-year moratorium of griping about your team after you win a title is legit.

I mean, yes, Ben has played bad, but can't we cut him a LITTLE slack? He did go through a LOT in the past 4 months

 

[JohnnyU]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get this impression at all. I just think the team lost some of its hunger, and has been making egregious errors that are costing them games. Roethlisberger has been making bad decisions, and forcing the ball, especially in the red zone, and it's killing them. Cowher actually stopped a practice midway through a week or two ago and blasted the team for lack of effort, then started the entire practice over again. He hasn't lost interest, but it seems some of the players are shell-shocked.Hey, it just isn't their year. They're not "officially" done, but for all intents and purposes, they are. Normally, this would be killing me, but I guess the Bill Simmons 5-year moratorium of griping about your team after you win a title is legit.

I mean, yes, Ben has played bad, and can we cut him? He did go through a LOT in the past 4 months

Fixed.

 

[SigEp316]

couldn't happen to a better team...unless it was the Raiders.

It both team were the suck....well, I would be just giddy

 

[roadkill1292]

Now the haters can rejoice

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Still need 2 more losses before I can relax, though. These guys have a way of coming back from the dead.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get this impression at all. I just think the team lost some of its hunger, and has been making egregious errors that are costing them games. Roethlisberger has been making bad decisions, and forcing the ball, especially in the red zone, and it's killing them. Cowher actually stopped a practice midway through a week or two ago and blasted the team for lack of effort, then started the entire practice over again. He hasn't lost interest, but it seems some of the players are shell-shocked.Hey, it just isn't their year. They're not "officially" done, but for all intents and purposes, they are. Normally, this would be killing me, but I guess the Bill Simmons 5-year moratorium of griping about your team after you win a title is legit.

I mean, yes, Ben has played bad, but can't we cut him a LITTLE slack? He did go through a LOT in the past 4 months

I'm not killing him. For the last 3 years, he's been the best QB this team has had since the 70s. He just has to get his head together, that's all.

 

[FF Dude]

That sound you heard was all the bandwagon fans from last year falling off the bus.

That smell is the smell of concession now that true Steeler fans have finally realized their season is over.

 

[bryhamm]

That sound you heard was all the bandwagon fans from last year falling off the bus.That smell is the smell of concession now that true Steeler fans have finally realized their season is over.

That cheesy grin you see is fans of other teams who are doing poorly as well, but continue to focus on the Steelers struggles.

 

[SigEp316]

That sound you heard was all the bandwagon fans from last year falling off the bus.That smell is the smell of concession now that true Steeler fans have finally realized their season is over.

That cheesy grin you see is fans of other teams who are doing poorly as well, but continue to focus on the Steelers struggles.

They're the defending Super Bowl champs....of course their crappy season is going to be the focus My team is doing poorly...but I knew that going in. The Stillers on the other hand...had "hopes and dreams"

 

[Evilgrin 72]

That sound you heard was all the bandwagon fans from last year falling off the bus.That smell is the smell of concession now that true Steeler fans have finally realized their season is over.

You can't win 'em all. Luckily I can still pop in my 2005 DVD and relive the glory whenever I want to soothe my tattered nerves.

 

[corpcow]

Is it me or does it seem like Cowher has just lost all interest in seeing his football team win. He just doesn't have the bite he had before the SB win. It like, hey I got my SB ring, I'm pretty much HOF guaranteed, there not much left I need to prove. And I think that's translating straight to the team.

I don't get this impression at all. I just think the team lost some of its hunger, and has been making egregious errors that are costing them games. Roethlisberger has been making bad decisions, and forcing the ball, especially in the red zone, and it's killing them. Cowher actually stopped a practice midway through a week or two ago and blasted the team for lack of effort, then started the entire practice over again. He hasn't lost interest, but it seems some of the players are shell-shocked.Hey, it just isn't their year. They're not "officially" done, but for all intents and purposes, they are. Normally, this would be killing me, but I guess the Bill Simmons 5-year moratorium of griping about your team after you win a title is legit.

I mean, yes, Ben has played bad, and can we cut him? He did go through a LOT in the past 4 months

Fixed.

Ouch. A few losses and you already forgot that he got you to the Super Bowl last year? (Or did we forget about the Immaculate Tackle?)

 

[corpcow]

I'm not killing him. For the last 3 years, he's been the best QB this team has had since the 70s. He just has to get his head together, that's all.

I agree... but I don't think he does that if he's benched. Imagine if YOU faceplanted into a windshield and nearly died and then had your appendix taken out. They probably rushed him back too soon, but I suspect it was to have a game under their belt for the division game against Cincy. You struggle a few weeks until finally putting together two nice games before you take a big hit and get a concussion. And then manage to come back the following week (again, maybe it wasn't a good idea) and struggle. If the season *IS* lost, then let Ben deal with the adversity on the field because it will make him a better QB in the long run. And if it's not, well, I think your only chance in making a playoff run is with him behind center.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think a lot of people forget that Ben is only halfway into his third season and is only 24 years old. He's accomplished a lot in his first two seasons but he still has some learning to do.

He is best QB the Steelers have had since Bradshaw and the idea of benching him is silly.

 

[NinerK]

.

That superbowl XL victory was so sweet. I'm still a bit euphoric over it. Seriously. This stinker season doesn't hurt nearly as bad as it would if it were any other year.

Maybe this is what the PITT players are feeling this year?

 

[walkwithme]

The Steelers were not looking at this from the big picture here. Ben should not have played this week due to the concussion and I don't care if he said he was ok, of course he is going to say he is ok to play what player wouldn't. The NFL has players playing with injured spleens enduring the pain so why shouldn't he right? If Ben is supposed to be your QB for 10 years your team was already 2-4 there was no reason to rush him back against the Raiders come on now. If you don't have faith in your backup QB to win a game against the Raiders a team with little to no offense, then why the heck do you have a backup at all, throw Hines in there just kidding. Maybe the Steelers didn't want to create a QB controversy if Batch played decent.

 

[Urine_Idiot]

That sound you heard was all the bandwagon fans from last year falling off the bus.That smell is the smell of concession now that true Steeler fans have finally realized their season is over.

That wind you feel is from those same (non-bandwagon) steeler fans doing this: Hey as a Pats fan, I feel for you guys and what you now have to go through with this sort of BS...

 

[Godsbrother]

The Steelers were not looking at this from the big picture here. Ben should not have played this week due to the concussion and I don't care if he said he was ok, of course he is going to say he is ok to play what player wouldn't. The NFL has players playing with injured spleens enduring the pain so why shouldn't he right? If Ben is supposed to be your QB for 10 years your team was already 2-4 there was no reason to rush him back against the Raiders come on now. If you don't have faith in your backup QB to win a game against the Raiders a team with little to no offense, then why the heck do you have a backup at all, throw Hines in there just kidding. Maybe the Steelers didn't want to create a QB controversy if Batch played decent.

Ben received clearance from the Steelers medical staff to play. If you trust them and Ben looked okay in practice then I don't see how you can justify sitting your #1 QB, especially when you are 2-4 and need a win badly.If you think Batch is the better QB then he should be the starter and not Ben.

 

[Sleeper 43]

Time to waive those towels boys and I'm refering to the white ones.