The Steelers played down to the quality of their opponent today and the Refs once again did not help. The refs once again decided that the Bills Offensive Line was made up of a bunch of all pros and didn't hold anyone, while the Steelers line, the ragtag bunch they are, held every other play.
It was truly a home field advantage today. Mendenhall ended up with about 160 yards that counted and over 200 yards including those that didn't count because of penalties. The Steelers took control finally on the final drive after Stevie Johnson dropped a sure touchdown pass.
The Steelers let the Bills in the game after some early scores in the game. It was not pretty, but it was a win.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Bills
After their thoroughly convincing win against the Raiduhs last week the Steelers head north to visit the Toronto.. I mean Buffalo Bills. The Bills are led by their current former steeler assistant coach, Chan Gailey. After a brief attempt at using a non Steeler assistant they went with Bill Cowher's advice and hired Chan Gailey. Chan was the offensive coordinator for the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, but we won't talk about that. He succeeded Mike Mularkey, and some other guy. Eventually if the Bills keep going with former Steeler assistants they're bound to get better.
The Bills are plagued by a lack of talent on defense. They do not have enough playmakers. On offense they seemed to have risen above the fact that their starting quarterback is an ex BenGal. Johnny Fitzpatrick, as I like to call him, seems to be in a groove and he has a tandem of receivers in Lee Evans and Steve Johnson that are very talented and have been clicking lately with Fitzpatrick. That's about it for them. Noone is really convinced Fitz is going to be a top quarterback in the NFL. He's been putting up some good numbers, but that may be a factor of the system rather than the player.
On the Steelers side, there was a little disappointment yesterday after the injury report came up again with Brett Keisel's name on it after earlier this week it was reported that he was 100% and raring to go. Looks like Keisel is less than 100% and is questionable for the game. Eason and Hood have done a good job in replacing the 2 veteran ends in the lineup, except for the New England game where nobody was able to put any pressure on Brady leading to him picking apart the defense.
I don't think the Steelers will allow Johnny to have the time that Tommy had.
So, the keys for this game are:
1. Keep the passing game in check
Buffalo is a pass happy team, mainly because of the 3 players mentioned above and little talent elsewhere. The Steelers secondary must contain Johnny, Lee and Steve. Did you hear that Mr. Gay. You need to keep them from completing passes. Let me reiterate Mr. Gay, The job of a cornerback is not to let them complete passes, it's to keep them from completing passes. I noticed Keanan Lewis was playing last week. Does that mean that he's again putting pressure on Gay to get some playing time. We'll see.
2. Rashard needs to get more carries
I don't think this game will depend on how many carries Mendenhall gets, but they need to get him back to early season 100 yard per game form. He's slacked off recently in yardage and his numbers would really be down if you took away a few big runs each game. Not to say he has not been productive, because he's producing tds this year, one last week, but he just needs more carries to prepare him for the stretch run. They will need his running down the stretch and after.
3. Continued strong play of Eason and Hood
Nick and Ziggy have done a good job in run support which has led to little dropoff in the defense since Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have been unable to play. Now, I want to see Ziggy put some pressure on the quarterback while continuing to defense the run. If he can start doing that he will show he is a complete player and we will have some faith that there is a long term replacement for Smith. Smith is a great player, but he can't play forever, as recent injuries have proven.
4. Polamalu needs to show more of last week's play
Troy is easily the best safety in the league right now. This year it has not been as easy to see because the highlight reel plays haven't been there every week. He has had them, just not every week. Teams are doing their best to keep him out of play. They are throwing away from him and looking him off to throw the other way. The Steelers will need some big plays from Troy to continue their march to postseason. I'm sure he's up to the task.
5. Slow the Tidal wave of penalties
I'm a slight bit slanted when it comes to my opinion of officiating, but come on. The Steelers have consistently been infrequently penalized team over the years, mainly because they are very disciplined. The league and the refs, no doubt, have conspired to make sure the Steelers don't play their hard hitting game. They got Ryan Clark for a helmet to helmet hit when he hit the guy in the thigh. Then they got James Harrison for driving Campbell into the ground when he obviously tried to pull up. If this continues there must be a summit between Mr. Rooney and the league. It is just plain ridiculous. I'm convinced that Steelers softened up a little for the Patriots game which took them right out of it from the beginning. They must continue their style of play. Let the Rooneys send a plain white envelope to them to reimburse them for the fines after the season.
The Bills are plagued by a lack of talent on defense. They do not have enough playmakers. On offense they seemed to have risen above the fact that their starting quarterback is an ex BenGal. Johnny Fitzpatrick, as I like to call him, seems to be in a groove and he has a tandem of receivers in Lee Evans and Steve Johnson that are very talented and have been clicking lately with Fitzpatrick. That's about it for them. Noone is really convinced Fitz is going to be a top quarterback in the NFL. He's been putting up some good numbers, but that may be a factor of the system rather than the player.
On the Steelers side, there was a little disappointment yesterday after the injury report came up again with Brett Keisel's name on it after earlier this week it was reported that he was 100% and raring to go. Looks like Keisel is less than 100% and is questionable for the game. Eason and Hood have done a good job in replacing the 2 veteran ends in the lineup, except for the New England game where nobody was able to put any pressure on Brady leading to him picking apart the defense.
I don't think the Steelers will allow Johnny to have the time that Tommy had.
So, the keys for this game are:
1. Keep the passing game in check
Buffalo is a pass happy team, mainly because of the 3 players mentioned above and little talent elsewhere. The Steelers secondary must contain Johnny, Lee and Steve. Did you hear that Mr. Gay. You need to keep them from completing passes. Let me reiterate Mr. Gay, The job of a cornerback is not to let them complete passes, it's to keep them from completing passes. I noticed Keanan Lewis was playing last week. Does that mean that he's again putting pressure on Gay to get some playing time. We'll see.
2. Rashard needs to get more carries
I don't think this game will depend on how many carries Mendenhall gets, but they need to get him back to early season 100 yard per game form. He's slacked off recently in yardage and his numbers would really be down if you took away a few big runs each game. Not to say he has not been productive, because he's producing tds this year, one last week, but he just needs more carries to prepare him for the stretch run. They will need his running down the stretch and after.
3. Continued strong play of Eason and Hood
Nick and Ziggy have done a good job in run support which has led to little dropoff in the defense since Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel have been unable to play. Now, I want to see Ziggy put some pressure on the quarterback while continuing to defense the run. If he can start doing that he will show he is a complete player and we will have some faith that there is a long term replacement for Smith. Smith is a great player, but he can't play forever, as recent injuries have proven.
4. Polamalu needs to show more of last week's play
Troy is easily the best safety in the league right now. This year it has not been as easy to see because the highlight reel plays haven't been there every week. He has had them, just not every week. Teams are doing their best to keep him out of play. They are throwing away from him and looking him off to throw the other way. The Steelers will need some big plays from Troy to continue their march to postseason. I'm sure he's up to the task.
5. Slow the Tidal wave of penalties
I'm a slight bit slanted when it comes to my opinion of officiating, but come on. The Steelers have consistently been infrequently penalized team over the years, mainly because they are very disciplined. The league and the refs, no doubt, have conspired to make sure the Steelers don't play their hard hitting game. They got Ryan Clark for a helmet to helmet hit when he hit the guy in the thigh. Then they got James Harrison for driving Campbell into the ground when he obviously tried to pull up. If this continues there must be a summit between Mr. Rooney and the league. It is just plain ridiculous. I'm convinced that Steelers softened up a little for the Patriots game which took them right out of it from the beginning. They must continue their style of play. Let the Rooneys send a plain white envelope to them to reimburse them for the fines after the season.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Must Win
They're sitting atop the AFC North with Baltimore, they've started off the season a respectable 6-3 and they're playing the Oakland Raiders. Sounds like a pretty good scenario to me. That is until the Pittsburgh Sports Buzz digs a little deeper.
There's no arguing that 6-3 is a record that any team wouldn't mind having at this point. Up until this year most teams would be standing in line to play the Raiders and put an automatic W on their schedule. Yes, I remember last year. But, somehow the Raiders have managed to put together a winning team or a team that has a chance to win every week. You know, that is my theory about the Pirates too. They have to eventually luck into drafting some star players and be able to get enough wins to have a winning season no matter how bad they are mismanaged.
Back to the game at hand today. The Raiders, like I said, have managed to put together a team that seems to have some talent. Al must have fallen asleep a few times and someone made some good choices. Darren McFadden is one. He is having a very good year and putting behind him the first 2 seasons where he underperformed. He's looked this year like the high draft pick he was.
The Steelers are at a Y in the road. They are at a point where a loss could really start them on a downward spiral. They need to show they can win with the players they have instead of getting down because 2 of their starting offensive linemen are out for the season and the others have been in and out with injuries. Also, two of their three starting defensive linemen have injuries that will cause them to miss significant time this season. I have a feeling Keisel will be in and out the whole season with that hamstring and Aaron Smith will be lucky to come back at all this year.
So what are the keys to the game:
1. Stop DMAC, McFadden is having a great year. The first eight games of the season I would have expected them to shut down any running back, but since Smith and the Deisel are out or at decreased effectiveness, the other guys need to step up. They need to revert back to early season form and stuff the run.
2. Average play William Gay needs to play better. Last year he got burned continuously which led to the Steelers reacquiring Bryant McFadden. Unfortunately they couldn't even hide Gay in the Nickle package. The other teams are looking for him and have again toasted him several times. Can Keenan Lewis be any worse than Gay or are you out there Deshea. Calling Deshea Townsend.
3. Antwaan needs to catch the ball. When Ben throws the ball to you in the end zone catch it. He was a good player in his first stint with the Steelers, all around talent, but not always the best receiver. That pass in the endzone should have been caught, and that's not the first one thrown to him that he couldn't hang onto.
4. Don't wait until the fourth quarter. Get off to a quick start then put the Raiders away. After the Patriots first score last week, the Steelers never got in sync. They need to score early and often. Don't let it come down to the last drive.
5. Swish. A new kicker makes me nervous. Suishman needs to get off to a good start and hit a few extra points to get him acclimated to Heinz Field.
This is a must win for the Steelers. They missed their chance to take a 1 game lead in the AFC North and with all the injuries they've endured this season it could get very ugly, similar to last season.
There's no arguing that 6-3 is a record that any team wouldn't mind having at this point. Up until this year most teams would be standing in line to play the Raiders and put an automatic W on their schedule. Yes, I remember last year. But, somehow the Raiders have managed to put together a winning team or a team that has a chance to win every week. You know, that is my theory about the Pirates too. They have to eventually luck into drafting some star players and be able to get enough wins to have a winning season no matter how bad they are mismanaged.
Back to the game at hand today. The Raiders, like I said, have managed to put together a team that seems to have some talent. Al must have fallen asleep a few times and someone made some good choices. Darren McFadden is one. He is having a very good year and putting behind him the first 2 seasons where he underperformed. He's looked this year like the high draft pick he was.
The Steelers are at a Y in the road. They are at a point where a loss could really start them on a downward spiral. They need to show they can win with the players they have instead of getting down because 2 of their starting offensive linemen are out for the season and the others have been in and out with injuries. Also, two of their three starting defensive linemen have injuries that will cause them to miss significant time this season. I have a feeling Keisel will be in and out the whole season with that hamstring and Aaron Smith will be lucky to come back at all this year.
So what are the keys to the game:
1. Stop DMAC, McFadden is having a great year. The first eight games of the season I would have expected them to shut down any running back, but since Smith and the Deisel are out or at decreased effectiveness, the other guys need to step up. They need to revert back to early season form and stuff the run.
2. Average play William Gay needs to play better. Last year he got burned continuously which led to the Steelers reacquiring Bryant McFadden. Unfortunately they couldn't even hide Gay in the Nickle package. The other teams are looking for him and have again toasted him several times. Can Keenan Lewis be any worse than Gay or are you out there Deshea. Calling Deshea Townsend.
3. Antwaan needs to catch the ball. When Ben throws the ball to you in the end zone catch it. He was a good player in his first stint with the Steelers, all around talent, but not always the best receiver. That pass in the endzone should have been caught, and that's not the first one thrown to him that he couldn't hang onto.
4. Don't wait until the fourth quarter. Get off to a quick start then put the Raiders away. After the Patriots first score last week, the Steelers never got in sync. They need to score early and often. Don't let it come down to the last drive.
5. Swish. A new kicker makes me nervous. Suishman needs to get off to a good start and hit a few extra points to get him acclimated to Heinz Field.
This is a must win for the Steelers. They missed their chance to take a 1 game lead in the AFC North and with all the injuries they've endured this season it could get very ugly, similar to last season.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The End of the Reed
Today marked the end of the road for Jeff Reed with the Steelers. Reed who has kicked numerous game winning field goals for the Steelers in his career was waived by the Steelers today. The reasons may be obvious. He's had quite a bit of trouble kicking from longer than 40 yards this year. But, Pittsburgh Sports Buzz thinks there's also something else going on behind the scenes.
Reed has had his off field incidents including the altercation with police having something to do with Public urination. Then there's the public intoxication incident. These were not highlights in his time with the Steelers.
He did not gain any favor during training camp also when he was openly critical of giving Daniel Sepulveda a chance to win the kickoff duties and before that being more than a little upset about getting the franchise tag.
Despite all this, Reed has been a fan favorite. Maybe that has something to do with his game winning field goals. He has been clutch for the Steelers until this season. He seemed to have an ability to figure out how to kick in the notoriously tricky Heinz Field crosswinds and the sloppy field. Monday night he struggled as has been the case this year. His attempt at a field goal looked like one of my drives off the number 1 fairway at Worthington Golf Club in West Virginia. He hit about 6 inches behind it and was lucky to get it off the ground.
In my keys for the off season and season the last few years when it looked like his tenure was coming to the end because of his misadventures I listed the resigning of Reed amongst the top priorities. The reasons are listed above: he has had success at Heinz Field and has been clutch in game winning situations.
I think Mike Tomlin and probably the Rooney became tired of his off season show and when his performances onfield started costing them points that spelled the end.
To his credit also I have read that he is a very charitable person. That's more than a lot of people can say and enough for me to wish him well. I'm sure he'll be picked up by another team, possibly the Bengals who just lost their kicker to a knee injury.
Reed has had his off field incidents including the altercation with police having something to do with Public urination. Then there's the public intoxication incident. These were not highlights in his time with the Steelers.
He did not gain any favor during training camp also when he was openly critical of giving Daniel Sepulveda a chance to win the kickoff duties and before that being more than a little upset about getting the franchise tag.
Despite all this, Reed has been a fan favorite. Maybe that has something to do with his game winning field goals. He has been clutch for the Steelers until this season. He seemed to have an ability to figure out how to kick in the notoriously tricky Heinz Field crosswinds and the sloppy field. Monday night he struggled as has been the case this year. His attempt at a field goal looked like one of my drives off the number 1 fairway at Worthington Golf Club in West Virginia. He hit about 6 inches behind it and was lucky to get it off the ground.
In my keys for the off season and season the last few years when it looked like his tenure was coming to the end because of his misadventures I listed the resigning of Reed amongst the top priorities. The reasons are listed above: he has had success at Heinz Field and has been clutch in game winning situations.
I think Mike Tomlin and probably the Rooney became tired of his off season show and when his performances onfield started costing them points that spelled the end.
To his credit also I have read that he is a very charitable person. That's more than a lot of people can say and enough for me to wish him well. I'm sure he'll be picked up by another team, possibly the Bengals who just lost their kicker to a knee injury.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Eight Games Down
Eight games down and the Steelers are in good position for another Super Bowl run. Or are they. Yes, and no. To look at that, Pittsburgh Sports Buzz will take a look at the last 4 years in the Mike Tomlin regime. Anyone know what Mike Tomlin's record has been after the first 8 games in those years. In 2007, his first year, he started out 6-2. That's a good start for a rookie coach. They finished up 10-6, and lost to the jags in the first round of the playoffs.
I think everybody knows what happened in 2008, but let's recap. They started off, hmm... oh yeah 6-2. Another good start and they were off to the races. They finished up 12-4, then beat the Chargers and the Ravens in the playoffs before taking care of the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. I'd say that was pretty successful.
Last year was a completely different start to the season. Their first 8 games they went, oh, I guess it wasn't so different. They started off 6-2. They again had a Super Bowl hangover season and finished up 9-7, with a 5 game losing streak in the middle of the season. They finished up strong with 3 wins, but not strong enough to get into the playoffs.
So, that leads us to this season. Another 6-2 record. As you can see from the last 3 seasons it can go either way. The injuries are mounting and the loss of Aaron Smith does not help their chances. They are the Steelers though and they made some changes in the off season to improve their depth. Look for a positive outcome this year. I am.
I think everybody knows what happened in 2008, but let's recap. They started off, hmm... oh yeah 6-2. Another good start and they were off to the races. They finished up 12-4, then beat the Chargers and the Ravens in the playoffs before taking care of the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. I'd say that was pretty successful.
Last year was a completely different start to the season. Their first 8 games they went, oh, I guess it wasn't so different. They started off 6-2. They again had a Super Bowl hangover season and finished up 9-7, with a 5 game losing streak in the middle of the season. They finished up strong with 3 wins, but not strong enough to get into the playoffs.
So, that leads us to this season. Another 6-2 record. As you can see from the last 3 seasons it can go either way. The injuries are mounting and the loss of Aaron Smith does not help their chances. They are the Steelers though and they made some changes in the off season to improve their depth. Look for a positive outcome this year. I am.
The Terrible Steelers Van
People love the Steelers. That's a known fact. Steelers fans are everywhere. They will do anything they can to be a part of the Steelers. Unfortunately for a some unfortunate fans that led to a less than pleasant end for them. Check out this article about the terrible Steelers Van. The only ones that want to be involved with the Steelers in this way are the drivers of the van.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday Night
It's the Stillers, it's Monday night and the BenGals. Watching Monday Night Countdown now and Mr. I'm the worst GM ever in football history "Matt Millen" is talking about Troy Polamalu. At least he has something right. He said Troy is the best player in Football right now. Anyway, let's get down to the keys for the game tonight.
1. Pittsburgh Sports Buzz knows the Steelers will be able to move the ball on the Gals, but when the get to the redzone they need to convert those trips into touchdowns. Don't settle for field goals and when you get down to the goal line make sure you put a little extra effort in and go for a yard past the goal line instead of an inch short.
2. Let Rashard Run. It kind of looked like the Steelers and Bruce Arians were starting to get fascinated with Ben's arm again. Rashard needs his carries to wear down the defense. He's had some rest in the last couple games, let's work him like he needs to be worked.
3. Slow down the passing fancy of the opponent. As I mentioned in my last article, the pass defense has allowed some yardage to Colt McCoy and Drew Brees. They need to tighten the screws. Troy needs a big game and an interception, sack or a couple of each.
4. Ziggy needs to play like the first rounder he was. Keep the linemen busy so Woodley and Harrison can take it to Palmer.
Looks like everyone is healthy enough to play except Aaron Smith. It'll be good to have the Diesel back.
1. Pittsburgh Sports Buzz knows the Steelers will be able to move the ball on the Gals, but when the get to the redzone they need to convert those trips into touchdowns. Don't settle for field goals and when you get down to the goal line make sure you put a little extra effort in and go for a yard past the goal line instead of an inch short.
2. Let Rashard Run. It kind of looked like the Steelers and Bruce Arians were starting to get fascinated with Ben's arm again. Rashard needs his carries to wear down the defense. He's had some rest in the last couple games, let's work him like he needs to be worked.
3. Slow down the passing fancy of the opponent. As I mentioned in my last article, the pass defense has allowed some yardage to Colt McCoy and Drew Brees. They need to tighten the screws. Troy needs a big game and an interception, sack or a couple of each.
4. Ziggy needs to play like the first rounder he was. Keep the linemen busy so Woodley and Harrison can take it to Palmer.
Looks like everyone is healthy enough to play except Aaron Smith. It'll be good to have the Diesel back.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Do you see a trend?
Pittsburgh Sports Buzz sees 2 Trends.
1. The Steelers defense suffers when Aaron Smith is out of the lineup
2. The Steelers lose when Aaron Smith is out of the lineup.
Some will argue that the Steelers still stuffed the New Orleans running game. Yes they did, I'll admit that. But let's look at the defense and the opponents game plans a little closer.
Drew Brees hasn't looked this year like he did last year. Maybe that's because New Orleans opponents have been better or maybe he's suffering from that Post Super Bowl hangover. I don't know.
I do know he's got 11 Int's compared to 11 all last year. I also know that the Steelers helped him look like he was that Super Bowl winning quarterback.
Pittsburgh Sports Buzz sees 2 Trends.
1. The Steelers defense suffers when Aaron Smith is out of the lineup
2. The Steelers lose when Aaron Smith is out of the lineup.
Some will argue that the Steelers still stuffed the New Orleans running game. Yes they did, I'll admit that. But let's look at the defense and the opponents game plans a little closer.
Drew Brees hasn't looked this year like he did last year. Maybe that's because New Orleans opponents have been better or maybe he's suffering from that Post Super Bowl hangover. I don't know.
I do know he's got 11 Int's compared to 11 all last year. I also know that the Steelers helped him look like he was that Super Bowl winning quarterback.
Reminiscent of a few years ago, the Steelers defense had several opportunities on 3rd downs to get off the field and they were not able to stop the Saints. This led to a Touchdown one time. Why? This started in the Cleveland game after Smith went out. Colt McCoy, in the second half, had some time to throw the ball. Not a lot, but he had some time and he made the Steelers pay when he threw a TD pass late in the game. The Steelers linebackers were not getting consistent pressure on McCoy in the second half and they weren't getting much on Brees throughout Sunday night's game.
The Steelers 3 Linemen are not there to rush the quarterback and rack up sacks, although they are probably some of the best 3-4 linemen to put pressure on the QB. Sacks are left up to the linebackers. The D linemen, though, are there to stop the run and tie up the O Linemen in order that the linebackers are free to shoot the gaps or go around and get to the quarterback. Yeah, Eason and Hood did a good job with the run last weekend, but they didn't do quite as good when
it came to keeping the O Linemen busy so that Harrison, Woodley, Timmons, and Farrior could get to Brees. The dropoff wasn't as noticeable when Keisel was out, but when both ends go out it is bad news. Hopefully Ziggy will step up and show that he belongs in the best Defense in the league.
The chain reaction of all this goes this way. The Defensive Ends can't tie up the offensive linemen, the offensive linemen are free to take care of the linebackers, little to no pressure is able to be put on the Quarterback, the QB has too much time to throw, the DBs and safeties look bad because they have to stay with the receivers too long. Colt McCoy puts up decent passing numbers against the Steelers and Brees looks like that Super Bowl Quarterback.
That is why the Steelers rely on Aaron Smith so much and why he is crucial to the whole defensive scheme.
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