The State of the Steelers (1 Viewer)

[Steelers4Life]

Nice win by the Bengals. Did a great job taking advantage of turnovers and winning a game they probably shouldn't have won, which is what good teams are capable of doing on "off"days. The Steelers ran the ball well, stopped Rudi Johnson, and put a ton of pressure on Palmer, but it just wasn't enough to overcome the turnovers. I'm still annoyed that Colclough muffed that punt... If he catches it or doesn't touch it at all, the Steelers are up 3 with 10 minutes left with a running game the Bengals weren't stopping and a defense that had really begun to dominate the line of scrimmage. Oh well - Palmer made two nice passes and that was that.

I didn't think they lost enough talent in the offseason to really have an impact, but a few key pieces they lost haven't been replaced yet. Bettis played a key role gaining tough yards and keeping Parker fresh, and while they don't miss Randle El at WR, they DO miss him in the return game.

Ben's not himself right now, and that's a concern. Most people seem to forget how he carried the offense through the playoffs TO the Super Bowl because he was terrible in that game. That's fine. I don't know if it's because of his offseason wreck or the appendectomy or if his subpar play in the Super Bowl got into his head a little, but his throws are off and his decision making has been poor. Lots of big plays have been there, but he just hasn't made the plays. And it's not only big plays; it's the 8 yard patterns that keep the chains moving. He's missing everything. He hasn't had enough practice time with his receivers this year, and the entire offense is suffering because he's missing open guys.

I've got a slight concern over the running game only because I don't want to see Parker try to be a 25+ touch guy every week. Haynes has a propensity for fumbling that showed up again yesterday at the worst possible time, and unless they give Davenport a chance to earn a role on the offense as more than a cheerleader, I don't know where Parker's relief is going to come from. The offensive line is the same as it was last year, and while they haven't started off as well as I'd have hoped, they'll get there soon.

No concerns whatsoever with the defense, really. The defense did a nice job yesterday and didn't play anywhere nearly as bad as the score would indicate. They really deserve better right now, because aside from 2 nice drives in the 2nd quarter, the Bengals offense didn't do much yesterday aside from 2 1-play short TD drives after the turnovers. The thing is, that's all the Bengals needed. Hopefully they'll get an added boost after the bye week if Polamalu can start playing his normal game again... they've protected him a lot the last 2 weeks.

Punt and kickoff returning is a major concern right now, and they're really missing Randle El's stability back there on punts. I don't understand why they drafted Willie Reid as a great return man and haven't made him active yet. If they think he's that good, they need to find a place for him. I think Colclough's muff may have opened the door for him.

It's a long season, but the Steelers are in a hole. Let everyone who hates the Steelers rejoice! It's not a big deal to us fans... it's expected. It's not one that they can't dig themselves out of yet. In 1995, they were 3-4 after 7 games, and they were 7-5 after 12 games last year. We'll see how they respond in 2 weeks.

 

[BlueOnion]

In 1995, they were 3-4 after 7 games, and they were 7-5 after 12 games last year. We'll see how they respond in 2 weeks.

Heck, even last year they were left for dead in late November, early December.

 

[JuniorNB]

In 1995, they were 3-4 after 7 games, and they were 7-5 after 12 games last year. We'll see how they respond in 2 weeks.

Heck, even last year they were left for dead in late November, early December.

While it's true that a Cowher team can never be counted out, one big difference between this year's team and last year's is that they looked a whole-lot better last year.You never see Cowher teams get manhandled like Jacksonville did last week.I think that Pittsburgh may find themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time. It seems like the other teams in the division are on the waqy up and Pittsburgh may be in decline.

 

[Steelers4Life]

In 1995, they were 3-4 after 7 games, and they were 7-5 after 12 games last year. We'll see how they respond in 2 weeks.

Heck, even last year they were left for dead in late November, early December.

While it's true that a Cowher team can never be counted out, one big difference between this year's team and last year's is that they looked a whole-lot better last year.You never see Cowher teams get manhandled like Jacksonville did last week.I think that Pittsburgh may find themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time. It seems like the other teams in the division are on the waqy up and Pittsburgh may be in decline.

I agree that the Bengals are on the rise... that was obvious last year.I'm not quite as sold on the Ravens considering they were 3 Browns yards away from losing in Cleveland. If Frye doesn't throw that pick, no is really thinking much about the Ravens today, and none of their opponents have even won a game yet.The Browns? Well, the have nowhere to go BUT up.It's definitely possible that they miss the playoffs if things don't turn around. It's way too early to write them off yet, at least in my opinion.

 

[trogg78]

That game is a blowout if Rich Braham plays.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

This team reminds me of the 2002 Titans. They started off 1-4 and finished 11-5 and made it to the AFC Championship game (ironically by beating the Steelers).

The division certainly looks tougher (except for Cleveland), but I don't think the Ravens truly have the goods this year. They are much improved and will be competitive, but I suspect a 9-7 season out of them.

 

[beavers]

I think the Steelers play better under adversity.

This is my take... When the Patriots won the Super Bowl, they had a target on themselves. They won some and loss some but didn't look like the defending Super Bowl champs. Then, when teams lost their focus on the Pat's, boom, they are back winning another Super Bowl. I am a little concerned that we are 2 behind Baltimore and Cincy. But, I believe they will bounce back. Big Ben needs to find his groove.

Those who are haters, keep writing the Steelers off. We like it better that way.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Personally, I think the Steelers will be fine. With a defense like that, you're going to win games.

The schedule early isn't exactly a piece of cake (see the Philadelphia Eagles).

 

[Franknbeans]

They'll be fine. Ben has to get his head back in the game and Cowher has to stop giving Colclough punt returns. If he doesn't muff that punt yesterday, this thread never happens. Enjoy it Bengals!

 

[Godsbrother]

My two biggest concerns are Big Ben's decision making and the complete lack of a return team. I think Ben will come around, he is too good of a QB not to. He just needs to remember that he doesn't have to win the game by himself.

The return game is really a concern. Neither Holmes nor Colclough look like they have any idea of what they're doing back there. They obviously miss Randel El and Quincy Morgan. They drafted Willie Reid to return punts and he looked pretty good in preseason, they need to activate him.

 

[Steelers4Life]

My two biggest concerns are Big Ben's decision making and the complete lack of a return team. I think Ben will come around, he is too good of a QB not to. He just needs to remember that he doesn't have to win the game by himself.The return game is really a concern. Neither Holmes nor Colclough look like they have any idea of what they're doing back there. They obviously miss Randel El and Quincy Morgan. They drafted Willie Reid to return punts and he looked pretty good in preseason, they need to activate him.

As I said in my post, agreed on all counts.I'll just say that it's frustrating that even when Ben makes the right decision, his throws aren't consistently accurate. He's also had a few costly drops, like Nate Washington in the endzone yesterday. I threw a pillow across the room when he did dropped that laser from Ben on their 2nd to last drive. If he catches that, they go for 2 and might only need a field goal to tie rather than a TD when they get the ball back.

 

[Godsbrother]

I certainly don't like that we're 1-2 and both Cincy and Baltimore are 3-0 but I think it is too early to worry about that. The Bengals and Ravens are going to lose some games along the way and if the Steelers can straighten themselves out and play like we know they can then things will work out.

If they can't straighten things out then it won't matter...

 

[fenwah]

Personally, I think the Steelers will be fine. With a defense like that, you're going to win games.The schedule early isn't exactly a piece of cake (see the Philadelphia Eagles).

The Bengals/Ravens/Steelers all have a tough schedule since they have to play each other twice. I'm more concerned with the Bengals schedule for the remainder of the year...it's brutal.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

I agree with your assessment. I think the two biggest issues are the special teams play and Roethlisberger's struggles, and you covered those in depth. I absolutely cannot figure out why Colclough is back there returning punts. If you want to put him back there as the off-side guy on kickoff returns, that's OK since Morgan has departed and you need some experience back there, but I just don't see him as a return threat. (At least not to the opposing team.) I agree that this game performance should help get Reid into the game.

Another problem on special teams is the kick coverage. It's been OK and the Steelers have laid some big hits, but it's not nearly as tight as it was last season. Bringing back Iwouma and cutting loose St. Pierre could help there.

I think Roethlisberger took a small step forward this week -- I thought he looked OK for much of the game, but there were some glaring errors and more missed throws than usual. A couple of those bad throws were magnified by the success the running game was having at the time.

I think the running backs are in generally good shape with Haynes spelling Parker but I do think that we need to establish definitively who the big back is going to be. We could have used a pounder against JAX last week and we just didn't have one between Davenport being so new to the team and Staley being ineffective and inactive.

The defense is solid. Even with Polamalu ailing, they're playing well and getting good pressure. The coverage teams are making some pretty good plays. The zone gets a little soft on 3rd down at times, especially 8-10 yards down the field, but other than that, the defense is doing an outstanding job keeping us in games and bailing out the offense.

Normally, I hate the early bye but this year I think it's coming at exactly the right time to give the team a chance to tighten up.

 

[Jagov]

The D is solid and playing at the level you would expect from Super Bowl champs.

Ben needs to pick it up a notch, but he'll need help from the WRs (too many drops) and the OC.

Cowhead needs to get the Special Teams fixed before the Charger game or the season may be lost.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Personally, I think the Steelers will be fine. With a defense like that, you're going to win games.The schedule early isn't exactly a piece of cake (see the Philadelphia Eagles).

The Bengals/Ravens/Steelers all have a tough schedule since they have to play each other twice. I'm more concerned with the Bengals schedule for the remainder of the year...it's brutal.

The Steelers have it really rough through week 7, then gets considerably easier. The season is long....not panic time. Stay the course, as long as the course means Coke never taking another punt and Ben spending 12 hours a day figuring out wtf is wrong with him. Hoping it's just he's gt a mental thing still from his surgey and that the bye week will take care of it, but we'll see.

 

[crowe1130]

The D is solid and playing at the level you would expect from Super Bowl champs.Ben needs to pick it up a notch, but he'll need help from the WRs (too many drops) and the OC.Cowhead needs to get the Special Teams fixed before the Charger game or the season may be lost.

This is a very . My thoughts exactly on all three fronts. Offense: Ben looks rusty, but I think he'll be fine. Defense has been solid, even though they've been put in one bad situation after another by the offense and special teams. Special teams has been horrendous. Didn't expect to miss ARE this much. They'd better get someone on the field who knows you don't field a punt by catching it above your head with your hands.

 

[elcohiba]

Any comments regarding Cedric Wilson would be appreciated. He's a on our WW.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Any comments regarding Cedric Wilson would be appreciated. He's a on our WW.

Not much to say at this point. I'm not sure that he's getting open consistently at all, and he's had a few drive killing drops.He was the target on Ben's long INT yesterday, but he stepped on Marvel Smith's ankle and underthrew him by 20 yards.

 

[ravnzfan]

Personally, I think the Steelers will be fine. With a defense like that, you're going to win games.

The schedule early isn't exactly a piece of cake (see the Philadelphia Eagles).

The Bengals/Ravens/Steelers all have a tough schedule since they have to play each other twice. I'm more concerned with the Bengals schedule for the remainder of the year...it's brutal.

the rewards for winning the division!the difference in the schedule for the 3 teams:

Cincy....plays NE home and @ Indy

Pittsburgh....Miami home and @ Jax (went 1-1)

Baltimore....@Tenn and home vs Buff

as usual, the other 14 games remain the same

I though the 3 would hold serve against each other @home, plus take Clev twice, for identical 4-2 division records---I thought the 3 were that even

Cincy won against us the same way @home in '04, and caused a 1 1/2 yr tailspin---I don't expect the Steelers to react the same way

all the division games will be brutal, as Cleveland showed it doesn't role over for anyone...they have some nice young talent in Frye, Edwards and Winslow---but need some help in the running game

Pitts will have to go into Cincinnati and take 1 there for this to happen----I still see them in the 10-6 area, as they'll straighten themselves out soon enough...they most always do!

 

[Doctor Detroit]

This team reminds me of the 2002 Titans. They started off 1-4 and finished 11-5 and made it to the AFC Championship game (ironically by beating the Steelers).

The division certainly looks tougher (except for Cleveland), but I don't think the Ravens truly have the goods this year. They are much improved and will be competitive, but I suspect a 9-7 season out of them.

I like this comparison. They have a few issues and with Rotherzburgler not completely healthy yet and a long off-season filled with stuff related to the Super Bowl, I think expecting a bit of a hangover is reasonable. They are 1-2 but losing to Jacksonville there and anywhere to the Bengals this early in the season is not a failure. JAX looks like the real deal and Cincinnati is the new Colts and thus a regular season beast. Pittsburgh fans obviously expect a lot but the reality is that in this era of the NFL it's pretty damn tough to be dominating game to game, yet season to season.

Week 5's trip to SD is an important game but after that the schedule evens out. Getting Denver at home, KC at home, and having only tough trips to Carolina, to Atlanta and to Cincinnati in week 17 which could be a throw away game anyway, I think they will be right there when the playoffs are near. I said at the beginning of the year that the Ravens would finish second in this division but I'm not comfortable with that pick yet. I think Baltimore has to beat the Steelers in Baltimore and maintain their current momentum. With all the talent, experience, and good coaching the Steelers have they will have their say in the end.

In the end it will come down to their last three games. If they are say 8-5 going into those games you have to like their chances based on what we've seen from Cowher teams in the past. If I were a Steelers fan I think I'd be a little disappointed but not worried at this point. This is a very good team.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Interesting bit of news I heard this morning that Cowher has had three other teams start the year at 1-2, all three have made the playoffs. Probably none of the three had two teams ahead of them at 3-0 though. But take a look at Cincy's and Baltimore's schedules...they are just as tough as the Steelers. It's a long season, I'd much rather see the Steelers peak in November/December/January than September. I think the bye comes at a good time, two weeks to prepare for a very good Chargers team on the road. Hopefully that will get Polamalu healthy and Ben more time get his act together.

 

[nightshift]

My two biggest concerns are Big Ben's decision making and the complete lack of a return team. I think Ben will come around, he is too good of a QB not to. He just needs to remember that he doesn't have to win the game by himself.The return game is really a concern. Neither Holmes nor Colclough look like they have any idea of what they're doing back there. They obviously miss Randel El and Quincy Morgan. They drafted Willie Reid to return punts and he looked pretty good in preseason, they need to activate him.

GB,These last 2 games were Ben's pre-season and it shows. Both games, he's made some bad choices and thrown some ducks. Holmes & Colclough stink. No one really wanted to punt to us with Randle El back there. We need to regain that and I think you hit it right. We need Fast Willie Reed returning for us! 2 weeks to prepare for SD and the Steelers better bring their A game with them.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Agree with you guys. Roethlisberger has been making very poor decisions with the ball, which is the antithesis of what made him so successful early in his career. He's trying way too hard to make plays down field when he should be looking to keep the chains moving. The interception he threw yesterday on the deep ball was inexcusable. You just don't throw that pass.

He's also hanging his receivers out to dry with these high balls. He's got to stop overthrowing - although Nate and Santonio didn't do him any favors yesterday by dropping balls they could have held on to.

 

[apalmer]

Have to agree with the general tone here. There are some issues, but no reason to panic. I think the big factor with Ben is that he has to be weaker than he is used to. All the stuff he's been through, laying in bed, etc. saps your strength. Right now he's seeing things that his mind knows he can do based on past performance. Trouble is, he's just enough weaker that the ball doesn't get there quite fast enough (or far enough) and he gets the INT instead of the completion. Hopefully, the next two weeks lets him get back to full strength (assuming he doesn't have an attack of tonsilitis and need more surgery).

I think everyone within 200 miles of the Burgh has the same reaction to the punt returner; let's just hope Cowher doesn't feel like he needs to prove he's right by keeping Colclough back there.

 

[ImTheScientist]

They'll be fine. Ben has to get his head back in the game and Cowher has to stop giving Colclough punt returns. If he doesn't muff that punt yesterday, this thread never happens. Enjoy it Bengals!

You listen to too much ESPN

 

[jon_mx]

I don't see the Steelers making the playoffs. Right now it looks like NE, Baltimore, Cincinnatti, Indianapolis, San Diego and Denver are the playoff teams. Jacksonville and Pittsburg, close but no cigar.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I don't see the Steelers making the playoffs. Right now it looks like NE, Baltimore, Cincinnatti, Indianapolis, San Diego and Denver are the playoff teams. Jacksonville and Pittsburg, close but no cigar.

I'd bet against Cincinnatti and Pittsburg making the playoffs, they'd need to get teams first.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Do you want honesty about the state of the steelers or do you want a thread for steeler fans to tell themselfs everthing will be ok?

My take (non steeler fan): You were 2 weeks in a row. You are the third best team in your OWN division. That does not make for an easy time making the playoffs.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

I don't see the Steelers making the playoffs. Right now it looks like NE, Baltimore, Cincinnatti, Indianapolis, San Diego and Denver are the playoff teams. Jacksonville and Pittsburg, close but no cigar.

Jacksonville>>>>>>>NE, Baltimore, Denver, San Diego at least.Pittsburgh has put itself in a tough spot, but no reason to believe they can't right the ship

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I don't see the Steelers making the playoffs. Right now it looks like NE, Baltimore, Cincinnatti, Indianapolis, San Diego and Denver are the playoff teams. Jacksonville and Pittsburg, close but no cigar.

Jacksonville>>>>>>>NE, Baltimore, Denver, San Diego at least.Pittsburgh has put itself in a tough spot, but no reason to believe they can't right the ship

why cause Jax beat Pitt and superbowl favorite Dallas?? Three weeks into the season. Jax is not that much better than the teams listed.

 

[TheLaw]

My two biggest concerns are Big Ben's decision making and the complete lack of a return team. I think Ben will come around, he is too good of a QB not to. He just needs to remember that he doesn't have to win the game by himself.The return game is really a concern. Neither Holmes nor Colclough look like they have any idea of what they're doing back there. They obviously miss Randel El and Quincy Morgan. They drafted Willie Reid to return punts and he looked pretty good in preseason, they need to activate him.

I expect Ben and the offense to be much improved after this needed BYE week. There just werent enough reps in the pre-season for Ben and Hines. While Ben's numbers were bad yesterday, it seemed that the 1st pick sailed on him and the final pick was just being forced. It happens.I wholeheartedly agree that Willie Reid should be back there returning punts. I watched him tear up PSU in the Orange Bowl first hand and was excited we replaced Randal El with him. There is no reason for Colclough to be out there. He muffed a punt against Miami and has had problems inthe past. Yes, he is fast, but he simply cannot handle the pressure it seems. Also, he is what, the #4CB now? He was lucky to make the team IMO.It's game 3. The Defense held the Jags to 9 points. Of Ben's now 6 losses, 3 came weeks after he did not previously start. I expected a JAX loss, they are a good team on both sides of the ball. That being said, it was a winnable game. Against CIN that muffed punt was the single biggest play of the ballgame. The Steelers had all the momentum after manhandling Palmer and the line during the series, only to muff it all away. With the ball at the 10 the Steelers could have run plenty of time off the clock. Good win by CIN as they scored immediately after Steelers mistakes, but it doesnt have me worried at this point.

 

[menobrown]

The play of the Steelers thus far is not a reason to induce panic. They lost at Jacksonville in a game Ben was obviously not ready to play. As for yesterday it was simply all about the turnovers. I wonder if/when a Cowher coached team has won a game commiting 5 turnovers?

The defense has played great and they have done so with an unhealthy Polamalu which should change after the bye week rest. That being said I still wonder why Cowher so often goes to a 3 man rush in obvious passing situations because the D gets picked apart in these situations. On offense Ben simply needs to play better. To be fair to him his #2 WR, Ced, should be a #3 or #4 WR in this league but he's as good a WR as ARE is so it's not as if we dropped off in that department. The main thing for this team period is cutting down the turnovers and Ben's decison making which often go hand in hand.

I'm not really worried about the play of the Steelers but I am worried about the record. We are 1-2 and will be underdogs in SD for our next game. If the Bengals defeat the Pats this weekend it's going to be extremely tough to dig out of that hole if we go 1-3.

 

[nightshift]

I don't see the Steelers making the playoffs. Right now it looks like NE, Baltimore, Cincinnatti, Indianapolis, San Diego and Denver are the playoff teams. Jacksonville and Pittsburg, close but no cigar.

PITTSBURGH. Get it right. We'll be fine. A lot of games left to play yet. Way too early to count the SB champs out. Defense is working great, FWP is doing good, Kicking game is okay - just need to sharpen Ben up a bit and get FWR doin' returns.