Steelnation
Footballguy
Steelers 28 - Jags 17
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Steelers underdogs at home vs a WC.... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter BoltBacker
- Start date
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
Read on the scout board that Tomlin has had the game from a few weeks ago where Jax beat PIT playing on nonstop loop at the Steelers complex all week.
Maroney=Speed
Footballguy
Tomlin is a smart coach. If I was the team on the road and favorite I would not be happy.Unless I had Brady as my QB.
Steelnation
Footballguy
Keys to a Steeler victory:
1) For the love......PROTECT BEN
2) Gap control
3) Troy needs to just go out there and play, I can not tell you how many times he has over pursued and missed tackles this year.
This is not a result of injury I just think Troy is trying to step his game up and he is over analyzing everything.
4) Don't give up any big ST plays
Win or lose I commend Tomlin on winning the division and hosting a home game in the playoffs.
NOW LETS GET IT ON!
1) For the love......PROTECT BEN
2) Gap control
3) Troy needs to just go out there and play, I can not tell you how many times he has over pursued and missed tackles this year.
This is not a result of injury I just think Troy is trying to step his game up and he is over analyzing everything.4) Don't give up any big ST plays
Win or lose I commend Tomlin on winning the division and hosting a home game in the playoffs.
NOW LETS GET IT ON!
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
Wow, were up to 15 now. Shweet.All 15 Jags fans will be watching this one.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
An article on the game from Jaguars.com
Five starters are gone from the lineup. Three of them were premium players.
The Steelers began losing players at midseason, when starting safety Ryan Clark was lost for the season to an illness. He was replaced, of course, by the now infamous Anthony Smith. I think we all know how that turned out.
Starting fullback Dan Kreider was next to hit the exit button. A big loss? Well, it didn’t appear that way on the surface, but the Steelers’ running game has always employed a lead blocker and much of the Steelers’ inability to run between the tackles can be traced to Kreider’s absence.
About the same time Kreider went bye-bye, left tackle Marvel Smith began experiencing back problems that caused him to miss four games. Smith underwent back surgery last week and his absence has become the most major of problems for the Steelers, since his backup, Max Starks, was lost for the season this past Sunday with a knee injury. Trai Essex, an untested third-year player who has been active for only two games this season, the last two, steps in at left tackle against the Jaguars on Saturday night.
Defensive end Aaron Smith was lost for the season the week of the Jaguars’ first trip to Pittsburgh. He is the team’s best defensive lineman. Some Steelers think he’s the team’s best defensive player. His loss has been devastating, mostly because the Steelers don’t have a Rob Meier to take his place. That’s the biggest difference between the Steelers and the Jaguars. The Jags have depth; the Steelers don’t.
The crowning blow was the loss of running back Willie Parker two weeks ago. At the time, he was the league’s leading rusher. He was one half of a very effective one-two punch and gave quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the balance any quarterback needs. The Steelers don’t have that balance now and Roethlisberger is expected to throw the ball 40 times or more on Saturday.
Yeah, the Steelers are a mess. They were touched up for 28.5 points per game in the last four weeks of the season, and the Jaguars ran over them for 224 yards rushing three weeks ago. It was a day of such embarrassment for a proud franchise that it caused rookie coach Mike Tomlin to order all TV sets at Steelers headquarters this week to show continual replay of the game.
This is a game the Jaguars should win. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. Heinz Field’s soft playing surface would even seem to favor the Jaguars. The Steelers, however, maintain one and probably their only distinct advantage: They are the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A long time ago, in what now seems to have been another lifetime, I covered that team and I remember a day when the Steelers won a road game despite a horrible performance. After the game, Joe Greene was asked how the Steelers were able to win despite having played so poorly. Greene looked up at us, paused for dramatic effect and then said: “We won because we are the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
It’s the only thing the Steelers will have going for them this Saturday: their pride, their tradition, their mystique. That’s the Jaguars’ true opponent.
Here are 10 things the Jaguars have to do to win on Saturday.
1. Hold onto the ball—One interception nearly cost the Jaguars the last game. Ball security is job one.
2. Rush the passer—It’s likely to be all Ben all the time, and that puts a premium on the pass-rush.
3. Run the ball—The Steelers will load up against it. If the Jaguars are able to run with any semblance of the success they had against the Steelers on Dec. 16, the Jaguars could win comfortably.
4. Play with poise—The Steelers are a playoff-experienced team. The Jaguars are not. Poise in the playoffs is critical. The Jaguars have to find it early in this game.
5. Get a lead—It would keep the Steelers from gaining momentum.
6. Win the QB battle—The team that does usually wins, and that’s especially true in the playoffs. Postseason performance is the true mark of a quarterback.
7. Be special—Jaguars special teams played horribly in the last meeting between the two teams. The Steelers have had major problems on special teams this season and the Jaguars should enjoy a major advantage in this aspect of the game.
8. Win the physical battle, again—The Jaguars are the more physical team. This should be a given.
9. Beware Holmes—Santonio Holmes is the Steelers’ home-run hitter. He has the kind of speed and athletic talent that should be feared and respected.
10. Seize the moment—This is the Jaguars’ portal to so many good things. This is a game that could deepen the roots of professional football in Jacksonville. This is a game that could truly earn the Jaguars national respect. A win would likely send the Jaguars to New England for a chance to make history. A loss would ruin everything.
Five starters are gone from the lineup. Three of them were premium players.
The Steelers began losing players at midseason, when starting safety Ryan Clark was lost for the season to an illness. He was replaced, of course, by the now infamous Anthony Smith. I think we all know how that turned out.
Starting fullback Dan Kreider was next to hit the exit button. A big loss? Well, it didn’t appear that way on the surface, but the Steelers’ running game has always employed a lead blocker and much of the Steelers’ inability to run between the tackles can be traced to Kreider’s absence.
About the same time Kreider went bye-bye, left tackle Marvel Smith began experiencing back problems that caused him to miss four games. Smith underwent back surgery last week and his absence has become the most major of problems for the Steelers, since his backup, Max Starks, was lost for the season this past Sunday with a knee injury. Trai Essex, an untested third-year player who has been active for only two games this season, the last two, steps in at left tackle against the Jaguars on Saturday night.
Defensive end Aaron Smith was lost for the season the week of the Jaguars’ first trip to Pittsburgh. He is the team’s best defensive lineman. Some Steelers think he’s the team’s best defensive player. His loss has been devastating, mostly because the Steelers don’t have a Rob Meier to take his place. That’s the biggest difference between the Steelers and the Jaguars. The Jags have depth; the Steelers don’t.
The crowning blow was the loss of running back Willie Parker two weeks ago. At the time, he was the league’s leading rusher. He was one half of a very effective one-two punch and gave quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the balance any quarterback needs. The Steelers don’t have that balance now and Roethlisberger is expected to throw the ball 40 times or more on Saturday.
Yeah, the Steelers are a mess. They were touched up for 28.5 points per game in the last four weeks of the season, and the Jaguars ran over them for 224 yards rushing three weeks ago. It was a day of such embarrassment for a proud franchise that it caused rookie coach Mike Tomlin to order all TV sets at Steelers headquarters this week to show continual replay of the game.
This is a game the Jaguars should win. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. Heinz Field’s soft playing surface would even seem to favor the Jaguars. The Steelers, however, maintain one and probably their only distinct advantage: They are the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A long time ago, in what now seems to have been another lifetime, I covered that team and I remember a day when the Steelers won a road game despite a horrible performance. After the game, Joe Greene was asked how the Steelers were able to win despite having played so poorly. Greene looked up at us, paused for dramatic effect and then said: “We won because we are the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
It’s the only thing the Steelers will have going for them this Saturday: their pride, their tradition, their mystique. That’s the Jaguars’ true opponent.
Here are 10 things the Jaguars have to do to win on Saturday.
1. Hold onto the ball—One interception nearly cost the Jaguars the last game. Ball security is job one.
2. Rush the passer—It’s likely to be all Ben all the time, and that puts a premium on the pass-rush.
3. Run the ball—The Steelers will load up against it. If the Jaguars are able to run with any semblance of the success they had against the Steelers on Dec. 16, the Jaguars could win comfortably.
4. Play with poise—The Steelers are a playoff-experienced team. The Jaguars are not. Poise in the playoffs is critical. The Jaguars have to find it early in this game.
5. Get a lead—It would keep the Steelers from gaining momentum.
6. Win the QB battle—The team that does usually wins, and that’s especially true in the playoffs. Postseason performance is the true mark of a quarterback.
7. Be special—Jaguars special teams played horribly in the last meeting between the two teams. The Steelers have had major problems on special teams this season and the Jaguars should enjoy a major advantage in this aspect of the game.
8. Win the physical battle, again—The Jaguars are the more physical team. This should be a given.
9. Beware Holmes—Santonio Holmes is the Steelers’ home-run hitter. He has the kind of speed and athletic talent that should be feared and respected.
10. Seize the moment—This is the Jaguars’ portal to so many good things. This is a game that could deepen the roots of professional football in Jacksonville. This is a game that could truly earn the Jaguars national respect. A win would likely send the Jaguars to New England for a chance to make history. A loss would ruin everything.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
I agree with this. Marvel Smith was really ineffective. I don't know much at all about Essex, but I don't see how he could be any worse than Smith was a few weeks ago.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
A hat as motivation. Really?
CrossEyed
Footballguy
Missed the hat. What was it?
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
It was just a fedora.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Maybe on the oustide, but inside the hat it read "Mike Tomlin's Mom Wears Army Boots".Those guys are toast...
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
Coach, Coach....
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
From the Post-Gazette, I read gametime decision. Wonder what condition he'll be in.....
Franknbeans
Footballguy
Polamalu, Rossum questionable for playoff game
By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, January 4, 2008
Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and return specialist Allen Rossum practiced today, but are questionable for Saturday's AFC Wild Card playoff game against Jacksonville at Heinz Field. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he would make a "game-time decision" regarding whether Polamalu (knee) and Rossum (hamstring) would play against the Jaguars.
"If he does play, there will be no excuses," Tomlin said of Polamalu. "The standard of expectation won't change. If he's going, he's going and it won't be one of those things, 'Well, he was playing injured.' It is what is. If he's well enough to play, those will be the standards."
Polamalu has missed five games this season with injuries, including the season finale at Baltimore, and Tomlin noted that the Pro Bowl pick plays a vital role.
"He's very important, not only in terms of what we want to do against the Jaguars but in terms of what we do," Tomlin said. "He's a Pro Bowl-caliber player and he's a big part of what we do defensively."
By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, January 4, 2008
Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and return specialist Allen Rossum practiced today, but are questionable for Saturday's AFC Wild Card playoff game against Jacksonville at Heinz Field. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he would make a "game-time decision" regarding whether Polamalu (knee) and Rossum (hamstring) would play against the Jaguars.
"If he does play, there will be no excuses," Tomlin said of Polamalu. "The standard of expectation won't change. If he's going, he's going and it won't be one of those things, 'Well, he was playing injured.' It is what is. If he's well enough to play, those will be the standards."
Polamalu has missed five games this season with injuries, including the season finale at Baltimore, and Tomlin noted that the Pro Bowl pick plays a vital role.
"He's very important, not only in terms of what we want to do against the Jaguars but in terms of what we do," Tomlin said. "He's a Pro Bowl-caliber player and he's a big part of what we do defensively."
ChrisHenrysDD
Footballguy
I wasn't feeling too good about this one until just about every talking head on ESPN started fellating Jacksonville. And the last time I checked, I think 75% of the betting public was on J-ville. I think Gerrard's lack of playoff experience shows and the Steelers win this game.
21- 10 Steelers.
21- 10 Steelers.
The Pitbull
Footballguy
This game is easy money. The Steelers are going to roll over the Jags.
How much did you put down on them? I'm sure it's substantial since it's easy money. Did you bet the house?
Sheriff66
Footballguy
That is how I felt, begining of the week I was not optimistic, but as the week has gone on I think everyone around town has been feeling the surge.
I have not seen one person say they think the Steelers will win this game, quite frankly, I love it I think LeBeau comes up with a way to slow down the Jags ground game, and the Steelers show some pride tonight.....
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
per E Bouchette, Chris Hoke may see some time at DE tonight , which IMO is long overdue. He will act as a better anchor than those cupcakes Kirschke or Bailey
Sheriff66
Footballguy
Baby New Year
Footballguy
Steelers better pick it up this time, or they're getting waxed again just like that last game. It's gut check time.
CrossEyed
Footballguy
This could make a huge difference in slowing down Taylor and Jones-Drew. Good decision.
Sheriff66
Footballguy
This is true, but I feel they step up tonight, and hearing Hoke is going to get some time at end tells me they are going to try and force Gerrard to win this one.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
Wouldn't you think this was the plan with or without different personnel in for the Steelers?Sheriff66 said:
Sheriff66
Footballguy
Yes
I was expecting some run blitzes tonight, Troy coming down in the box more, but with Hoke in there I think they are going to play it more straight up.
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Baby New Year
Footballguy
That #1 defense in the league ain't lookin' all that great......
Baby New Year
Footballguy
I actually feel really bad for the Steelers. But, it was bittersweet because I got points off that last sack and turnover.
Don't worry, Pitt, the Pats will maybe get revenge for you.
Don't worry, Pitt, the Pats will maybe get revenge for you.
Jiggyonthehut
Footballguy
BUMP 
Great game, better than I anticipated.
Great game, better than I anticipated.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Pats will smoke the Jags......
You anticipated how good a football game will be to watch? Maybe you can do projections for Joe next year. 1-5 Teal Towels for each game.It's the playoffs; it's too evenly matched physical teams. Of course it was a great game.BUMPGreat game, better than I anticipated.
BoltBacker
Footballguy
Ouch.
Rough one to watch, I really thought PIT was going to pull this game out. Good call Jags fans. I just hate it when the talking heads on ESPN are right.
Rough one to watch, I really thought PIT was going to pull this game out. Good call Jags fans. I just hate it when the talking heads on ESPN are right.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
Me too, just not tonight.
switz
Footballguy
No, I think I've seen enough of Ben to know what I was talking about. He didn't do anything until the Jags started getting complacent with their lead. He couldn't carry the team.You may not be a Steeler hater but you sure haven't followed them if you honestly believe that Ben cannot carry a team on his back. He may not have reached elite status yet but he's pretty damn close. He's definitely a top 5 qb in the league and not many people would contest that at this point. He most certainly can win a game without a running attack. However, you probably won't see that tomorrow night because quite frankly the team is just out of bullets at this point. I do think we'll still see a great game out of Ben....Wow... two year old stats when the Steelers running game was a threat, AND what the defense game planned for...Then a pretty even split with a still strong running game is used as evidence that the Steelers are really good at passing without a running game...I don't see how people can still have this perception.
Right now the Steelers have ZERO threat from the RB position. Roth will not have the benefit of the Jags preparing to stop the run, the FOCUS of the D will be on the pass... HUGE difference from two years ago...
Its obvious Switz is a Steeler hater. Hes proven that before. His comments should mean nothing.
With that said, I am not very confident about the Steelers chances against the Jags. They are a very physical team and I think the Steelers are in for a very rough game. If the same Steeler defense shows up as last week, the Jags are going to manhandle the Steelers. If the Steelers can "relearn" how to tackle, block, and run, however, there is no way the Jags beat them at home. Should make for a very fun Saturday night though......I'm a Steeler hater because I don't think as much of Ben Roth as you do? puh-leaze.... I have no strong feelings either way regarding the Steelers. I simply don't see them winning this game for the reasons stated. You can disagree with those reasons, but my reasoning is not based on any vendetta, dislike, hatred etc. of the Steelers... just observations.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I don't think Jacksonville grew complacent at all, especially on the Steelers last scoring drive. While Ben dug himself a hole in the first half, he did bring the team back from an 18-point deficit and had them ahead with about 2 minutes left. After getting that lead the Steeler special teams allowed Jacksonville to start their drive on the 49 yard line and the defense allowed them to go down the field and kick the game winning field goal.I am not sure what more you wanted the guy to do other than to run out there and play special teams and defense in the 4th quarter.
switz
Footballguy
If you don't think the Jags grew complacent I'm not sure what game you watched. They played with much less intensity after the first half, and didn't deserve to win the game the way they played in the second half.As for what Ben could've done more? Maybe not throw 3 INTs and fumble the game away.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Well trying to determine whether a defense plays complacently or with less intensity is pretty subjective in my opinion so I'm not sure it's worth even debating. You feel the jags were complacent and I feel Ben was in a groove and playing great football. I'm fine with that. I've seen enough of Ben to know that he's a great qb who certainly can carry a team on his back. I also know that he's human and can make mistakes. The Jags game did nothing to alter my opinion. If anything, it strengthened it.....
Godsbrother
Footballguy
So you actually think the Jags were complacent as the Steelers were driving for the go ahead score in the 4th quarter? You must be
I was at the game, three rows behind the Jags bench, and believe me they weren't celebrating anything early in the 4th quarter.As far as Ben's 3 picks go I agree he didn't play very well in the 1st half -- the point, which you completely missed apparently, was that despite those mistakes he put the Steelers ahead with 2 minutes left in the game. Football is a team game and the special teams & defense did not hold up their end.As far as the fumble goes, please take a look at the video and tell me whose fault that was. He was hit from the blind side as McCray blew by Essex and Davenport.I am not giving Ben a pass -- he forced a few passes which resulted in 3 costly turnovers but he DID bring them back from an 18 point deficit and gave his team the lead. All the defense had to do was hold them for 2:00 at home for the victory -- something they weren't able to do.By the way, weren't you the genius that thought the Steelers were only going to score 3 points against the Jags?
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switz
Footballguy
Nope, in the third quarter there was a noticeable decline in intensity by the Jags. But after the Steelers scored twice, the Jags started stiffening up. My point was, that Ben wasn't able to really do anything until the Jags started getting complacent. You can defend Ben all you want, but any unbiased observer could tell the Jags relaxed alot in the second half.So you actually think the Jags were complacent as the Steelers were driving for the go ahead score in the 4th quarter? You must beI was at the game, three rows behind the Jags bench, and believe me they weren't celebrating anything early in the 4th quarter.
Yep, and at the end of the first half they had 7 points, and it would have stayed that way had the Jags not let up a bit.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
Godsbrother
Footballguy
And if my aunt had a **** she would be my uncle.AhrnCityPahnder said:switz said:
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
How did you determine that the Jags collectively as a team "relaxed" in the 2nd half??? I'm a biased observes so go ahead and humor me.No really how did you determine that?switz said:Nope, in the third quarter there was a noticeable decline in intensity by the Jags. But after the Steelers scored twice, the Jags started stiffening up. My point was, that Ben wasn't able to really do anything until the Jags started getting complacent. You can defend Ben all you want, but any unbiased observer could tell the Jags relaxed alot in the second half.So you actually think the Jags were complacent as the Steelers were driving for the go ahead score in the 4th quarter? You must beI was at the game, three rows behind the Jags bench, and believe me they weren't celebrating anything early in the 4th quarter.
Yep, and at the end of the first half they had 7 points, and it would have stayed that way had the Jags not let up a bit.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Well it's better than supporting a new team after your team loses......
