SILENT NO MORE

The Brownies! The Stinkin' Brownies!

You know this is frickin ridiculous! What is going on? I think I might have just felt a piece of the sky falling. That is what I thought would happen before the Steelers would lose to the stinking Brownies this year with Mangenius in control. The only positive thing that could come out of this is that Mangenius gets to stick around another year. Maybe the Steelers can figure out what happened to their offense between now and then. Have the Steelers heads grown way out of proportion that they cannot figure out how to score a Touchdown.

Who's fault is it?
Is it Ben's fault? At the beginning of the season my praise was endless for Ben. He could do no wrong. I don't know if this civil suit is finally getting to him or what, but he cannot find an open receiver for the life of him. He continues to hold the ball too long, which has worked for him all along until the second half of this season. The sacks are piling up and his QB rating is going down.

Is it the Offensive Line's fault?
Don't know what the final numbers were, but Ben had at least 6 sacks. That is a bad number, but when you see it is against the Brownies it is unbelievable. Ben held onto the ball too long which accounted for at least half the sacks, but I will also say the line looks like a dam with a crack in it, or several cracks. They are playing horrible.

Is it the Receivers faults?
These guys aren't helping Ben out much. They are not getting open? Looking at the replays of the field they can't break free of the Brownies DBs. Once again, the Brownies. This team is at the bottom of the league in almost every category of stats available. Run Mike Wallace down field and throw it as far as possible. He will outrun the other team.

Is it the Running Backs?
Rashard didn't have any big runs, but he did have several 3, 4, and 5 yard gains. Let's see, If I add 3+4+3 that equals 10. Last time I checked 10 yards gives you a first down. That is, unless you try to pass the ball and get sacked every time you drop back. Run the freakin' ball Arians. The passing game is not working right now. If the game plan was to run the ball down the Browns throats you would have controlled the ball and would have made them want to stop playing. Instead, you decided to continue to pass it and continue to get sacked every third down. IT'S NOT WORKING, BRUCE! You have a quality running back who needs a chance to carry the load. Give it to him 30 times and see what he can do.

Is it the Defensive Line?
No, they stuffed the run and kept Brady Quinn in check most of the game.

Is it the Defensive Backs?
Without Troy Polamalu these guys continue to give up plays to horrible teams, the Chiefs, the Raiders, the Browns. Who knew the loss of McFadden would play such a huge part in this season. The Steelers definitely have some holes to fill this offseason and a quality cornerback is one. I thought William Gay would be able to fill McFadden's shoes reasonably. Maybe a little below qualitywise. But, this is ridiculous. Every team throws his way and the safeties have to cheat to his side leaving Taylor exposed. Taylor is still good, but he's getting up there too.

Is it the Safeties?
Ty Carter is a good backup, but not the quality of Polamalu. Who is? Ed Reed is the only one that comes close. The absence of Troy and his hair has proven to expose a defense that requires his big plays to make it go. Another draft need. A safety that can step in and play half as good as him. Ty Carter is old and Ryan Mundy hasn't shown much playmaking ability.

Is it the Special Teams?
I hate Josh Cribbs. The Steelers were pinned down way too much deep in their side of the field. Daniel Sepulveda is good, but he can't punt it 70 yards. The Steelers special teams were somewhat improved, meaning they didn't give up a touchdown. But, you don't change special teams players in midseason and expect results.

Is it the coaching?
Bruce Arians refuses, and I repeat refuses, to lean on the running game. The passing game is not, I repeat not working.

So... the blame for this one goes to
Bruce Arians and Ben Roethlisberger.
It is freaking cold, and ridiculously windy. Run the ball, run the ball some more, and run the ball some more. You have first round draft choice closing in on 1,000 yards. The passing game is off. Run the daggone ball until the defense gives up. But Arians wants to prove he can throw the ball and win. Uh, that's 5 losses now. It's not working. Run the ball.


The Stinking Brownies! C'mon! I think I felt another piece of the sky falling.