Is over. 10 and 6, a division title, not a bad start for a first year coach. Plus Coach Tomlin seemed to fit right in in Pittsburgh. Ben had his best year yet, even with being sacked a gazillon times and Parker would have been the NFL’s rushing leader if he hadn’t broken his leg. I’d say that was a good season. Good enough to lift expectations for next year. Based on how beat up the Steelers are I’m almost relieved that the season is over. Having to go to New England with Davenport returning kick offs is an ugly thought.
That said lets talk about the worst three plays called in the NFL this season. Up by one point with three minutes to go what do you run? NOT two runs of right tackle and a QB Sweep left!! What in the hell was that!! All you need is one first down and you win. And don’t tell me you wanted Jacksonville to use up their time out. Bull, Bull and more Bull!! It doesn’t help if there is still 2:50 on the clock!! I don’t think Tomlin wanted to go to New England either. Why has he abandon what has work all year long. Stupid, Stupid and more Stupid. During the first series Madden started out by saying “It’s now obvious that the Steelers are using the short pass to replace the running game.” And we scored. During the second quarter Madden said “The Steelers have no game plan.” It was that obvious that Tomlin had abandoned what was working. Now I know defenses adjust but it worked again later in the game. Again, I JUST DON”T GET IT!! Now in all fairness, Ben was just not sharp Saturday night. He made some untimely throws and missed some easy throws. But over all he had a great night, he can’t be held responsible for the loss, HE DOESN”T CALL THE PLAYS!!
The defense really step up Saturday night. And what do you know, they ran the run blitz almost all night. They stuffed the run and all but eliminated Taylor and Jones – Drew. In fact Garrard was the leading rusher for Jacksonville. Now we gave up a couple of long plays but that is expected when running the run blitz. Shutting down the run and 4 sacks (the most in a long time) kept us in the game. Garrard’s late run was the only real break down, and as Grandpap Tom said to me right after that play, (Yes, he was awake) “There were at least two holds on that play” and he was right. Officiating was pretty bad all night.
But it was the boring play calling and only scoring 3 points in the second and third quarters that lost the game. I called Grandpap Tom at the end of the third quarter and told him I just can’t stand it anymore am I going to bed. Now you know it has to be bad for me to go to bed during a Steelers game. Only the quick score to start the fourth quarter kept me up. My reward, the Dumbest 3 plays called in the NFL this season. I am MAD! I don’t mind saying it, I am MAD! And I’m still MAD on Monday morning.
Till next season
GUM
Monday, January 7, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
A Tale
Of Two Seasons.
It’s over, coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb. How frustrating. Sunday was like a wake. Where was the enthusiasm we are used to? A win and we would sweep the division, no small feat, now that’s something to play for. Again the defense was weak, forget that Polamalu was not in the game, they just stunk up the house. The hapless Ravens ran and passed at will. Something is very wrong. Is it the players or the coaching? Are the players and LeBeau at odds with each other? What's Up! Inquiring minds want to know!
I do think that it was a good move on Tomlin’s part to rest Ben, Hines and Polamalu. Nobody expected the Raiders to beat the Chargers. Batch played well but it is now obvious that with Willie out the offence is in big trouble. Davenport only had 27 yards and we have no one on the roaster who can bring some speed at the ends. Forget the fourth quarter mini comeback, the Ravens defense went into my favorite, the dime package, rushing only three. That insured some points. Arians has his work cut out for him this week as he prepares for another round with the Jags. Time to get creative, but I’m not counting on it.
So as you settle in Saturday night don’t be expecting too much. I know I’m not, if the Steelers win I will be the most surprised person on the planet.
Happy New Year everyone!!
Go Steelers!!!
It’s over, coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb. How frustrating. Sunday was like a wake. Where was the enthusiasm we are used to? A win and we would sweep the division, no small feat, now that’s something to play for. Again the defense was weak, forget that Polamalu was not in the game, they just stunk up the house. The hapless Ravens ran and passed at will. Something is very wrong. Is it the players or the coaching? Are the players and LeBeau at odds with each other? What's Up! Inquiring minds want to know!
I do think that it was a good move on Tomlin’s part to rest Ben, Hines and Polamalu. Nobody expected the Raiders to beat the Chargers. Batch played well but it is now obvious that with Willie out the offence is in big trouble. Davenport only had 27 yards and we have no one on the roaster who can bring some speed at the ends. Forget the fourth quarter mini comeback, the Ravens defense went into my favorite, the dime package, rushing only three. That insured some points. Arians has his work cut out for him this week as he prepares for another round with the Jags. Time to get creative, but I’m not counting on it.
So as you settle in Saturday night don’t be expecting too much. I know I’m not, if the Steelers win I will be the most surprised person on the planet.
Happy New Year everyone!!
Go Steelers!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
OUCH!
When is a win not a win? When you lose the number one running back in the NFL! Big Loss heading into the playoffs. This should cause Tomlin to rethink his game plans, I hope. Even Gumball (by the way the worst broadcast crew on TV) and company commented all night on how many times Ben has been sacked this year.
41 to 24 looks impressive on the box score, but remember it’s the Rams. They should not have scored at all. Some low percentage catches and some creative scrambling accounting for all the points on offence. Two sacks, the first since the beginning of the month, a fluke interception and some dropped passes just barley held the Rams to 24. Watching the defense is like watching water run through a sieve. I couldn’t help wondering if there are problems on defense we aren’t aware off. Two weeks in a row now the defense has been beat with draw plays on third and long it makes me wonder! I still don’t like the defensive play calling but maybe, just maybe, the play calling is being dictated by some unknown situation.
I will say it now, 10 and 5 for Coach Tomlin’s first year is impressive. Big Ben showed he belongs in the NFL and should quiet the broadcasters who thought he was a one year wonder. I just don’t see the current scheme carrying the Steelers very far into the playoffs and now with Parker on the sideline the chances of a Super Bowl look dim.
But first we need to deal with the hapless Ravens. Hay, they lost to Miami! We should clean their clock. Some how though you just know the Steelers will make it nail biting and nerve racking!
GO STEELERS!!
41 to 24 looks impressive on the box score, but remember it’s the Rams. They should not have scored at all. Some low percentage catches and some creative scrambling accounting for all the points on offence. Two sacks, the first since the beginning of the month, a fluke interception and some dropped passes just barley held the Rams to 24. Watching the defense is like watching water run through a sieve. I couldn’t help wondering if there are problems on defense we aren’t aware off. Two weeks in a row now the defense has been beat with draw plays on third and long it makes me wonder! I still don’t like the defensive play calling but maybe, just maybe, the play calling is being dictated by some unknown situation.
I will say it now, 10 and 5 for Coach Tomlin’s first year is impressive. Big Ben showed he belongs in the NFL and should quiet the broadcasters who thought he was a one year wonder. I just don’t see the current scheme carrying the Steelers very far into the playoffs and now with Parker on the sideline the chances of a Super Bowl look dim.
But first we need to deal with the hapless Ravens. Hay, they lost to Miami! We should clean their clock. Some how though you just know the Steelers will make it nail biting and nerve racking!
GO STEELERS!!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
What away
What away
to ruin a great season. What is going on, this team looks bad, terrible, ugly, disgusting. Not one sack in at least three games, maybe four, letting Jacksonville walk all over them gaining 421 total yards. At this rate we are going to be lucky if we are a wild card. Now I’m sorry to repeat my self, but, THE COACHING SUCKS! Both the defensive and offensive Coaching! No blitzes, no play action, cover two’s, empty back fields leaving Ben to fend for him self. Do not, Do not, blame the offensive line. How long do you think they can protect Ben with more people to block than blockers. With 2 minutes to go, where was the leagues #1 rusher, why on the sidelines. Sure lets the defense know what’s coming. With him in the game the defense has to stay honest. He might run, he might block, he might even be able to catch a pass coming out of the back field, but no lets keep #1 on the sideline and the back field empty. THIS IS SOOOOO FRUSTRATING!! Mike Tomlin and company better WAKE UP!! And with only two games left they better WAKE UP FAST!! It would be different if we did not know that during the first five games blitzes and play action work and work well. Did someone steal the Friggin play book or what? WAKE UP TOMLIN.
Now what a way to finish up the year, two road games, needing the Colts to lose their last two. Now the good news is its St Louis and Baltimore. Cake wakes both! Ha, Ha. First we have to play with only four days rest. No give away there. Then on to Baltimore, we beat up on them bad but that was when we still had the play book and they even lost to Miami, should be easy but with the way the coaching is going, we’ll be lucky to win one of the two.
Till next week, GO STEELERS!!
to ruin a great season. What is going on, this team looks bad, terrible, ugly, disgusting. Not one sack in at least three games, maybe four, letting Jacksonville walk all over them gaining 421 total yards. At this rate we are going to be lucky if we are a wild card. Now I’m sorry to repeat my self, but, THE COACHING SUCKS! Both the defensive and offensive Coaching! No blitzes, no play action, cover two’s, empty back fields leaving Ben to fend for him self. Do not, Do not, blame the offensive line. How long do you think they can protect Ben with more people to block than blockers. With 2 minutes to go, where was the leagues #1 rusher, why on the sidelines. Sure lets the defense know what’s coming. With him in the game the defense has to stay honest. He might run, he might block, he might even be able to catch a pass coming out of the back field, but no lets keep #1 on the sideline and the back field empty. THIS IS SOOOOO FRUSTRATING!! Mike Tomlin and company better WAKE UP!! And with only two games left they better WAKE UP FAST!! It would be different if we did not know that during the first five games blitzes and play action work and work well. Did someone steal the Friggin play book or what? WAKE UP TOMLIN.
Now what a way to finish up the year, two road games, needing the Colts to lose their last two. Now the good news is its St Louis and Baltimore. Cake wakes both! Ha, Ha. First we have to play with only four days rest. No give away there. Then on to Baltimore, we beat up on them bad but that was when we still had the play book and they even lost to Miami, should be easy but with the way the coaching is going, we’ll be lucky to win one of the two.
Till next week, GO STEELERS!!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Totally
Out Coached! There is nothing else to say. Belichick out coached Cowher over his tenure and is now starting in on Tomlin. Belichick just has our number!
The Cleveland win puts them one game back and also one more back with the tie breaker. That really puts some pressure on as the Jaguars come to town next Sunday. The Jag’s need a win to keep pace for a wild card bid and their playing some good football right now. The Steelers inability to score points is a big concern.
Lets face it the Steelers have always made it interesting and this December is no different.
Go Steelers!!
The Cleveland win puts them one game back and also one more back with the tie breaker. That really puts some pressure on as the Jaguars come to town next Sunday. The Jag’s need a win to keep pace for a wild card bid and their playing some good football right now. The Steelers inability to score points is a big concern.
Lets face it the Steelers have always made it interesting and this December is no different.
Go Steelers!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
It’s always
Fun when you beat a divisional rival. Last night was no exception. However it was not pretty. Four turnovers and you should lose, I don’t know how we didn’t. The bungles marched up and down the field all night but just could not put it in the end zone. With 249 total yards, just 36 yards fewer then the Steelers, they should have scored more. We won’t go far in the playoffs playing like that. A pleasant surprise was bring back some play action and throws to the tight ends. With Davenport out (sure hope he’s ok) Willie was in on more 3rd and short plays and was very effective! Hope Tomlin learned something. The defense only had one sack and blitzed very sparingly. What’s Up with that! I Just Don’t Get It!! Raining hard, wet and sloppy field and cold, you have to put pressure on the QB with conditions like that. I know we have some injuries, but we still have some great players on the field, Let them PLAY!
Now we have to get down too it! With New England next week, Jacksonville the next week we could end up 9 and 5 in a hurry playing like we’ve been playing! But like my sister Beth said, “You said you’d be happy if the Steelers finished 8 and 8”. And I am, its just hard to watch now that we know what they are capable of. One break, New England will be coming off a Monday Night game and working with a short week. Everyone seams to be saying that New England is going 16 and 0, lets rain all over their parade!!GO STEELERS!!!
Now we have to get down too it! With New England next week, Jacksonville the next week we could end up 9 and 5 in a hurry playing like we’ve been playing! But like my sister Beth said, “You said you’d be happy if the Steelers finished 8 and 8”. And I am, its just hard to watch now that we know what they are capable of. One break, New England will be coming off a Monday Night game and working with a short week. Everyone seams to be saying that New England is going 16 and 0, lets rain all over their parade!!GO STEELERS!!!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
I know, I know
A win is a win. But first, I do not know who is responsible, the Steelers or Allegheny County, but they should be fined by the NFL and the crucified by the fans of Pittsburgh, the turf at Heinz field is an embarrassment. Not just last night, but since it opened. And now to have it showcased on national TV, how embarrassing for the “City of Champions”! Who was the rocket scientist who came up with the idea of laying more sod on top of bad sod just hours before an NFL game.
Now for the game. It was amazing that there were only 3 total turnovers the whole game. With the rain and field I would have thought there would have been 10 or better. As bad as the field was footing really did not appear to be a problem on either side of the ball. That said the game was a real yawn. Up and down the field between the twenties all night. The only thing that kept me awake was that it was Pittsburgh playing. The comment was made that if the goal line was the twenty, it would still be 0 – 0.
I think it is important to remember that the players do not call the plays. The coaches do! On every third and short or fourth and short, THE COACHES took out one of the top running backs in the NFL and either left the backfield empty or put in Davenport. Now I like Davenport but he is no Willie! He is perfect when we are running well and Willie needs a rest or as a blocking back. Third and short and no Willie, I just don’t get it!! And what about play action? It worked so well the first five games, with passes to tight ends or to the back coming out of the backfield. Now it’s gone, I just don’t get it! And Big Ben is getting sacked more and more with each game, five last night, I just don’t get it, I JUST DON”T GET IT!
Now another easy mark, the Bungles and on Sunday Night, a great chance to shine for the Steelers and for Heinz field, I don’t know what the spread is but I’m betting the Steelers won’t cover and neither will the field.
Now for the game. It was amazing that there were only 3 total turnovers the whole game. With the rain and field I would have thought there would have been 10 or better. As bad as the field was footing really did not appear to be a problem on either side of the ball. That said the game was a real yawn. Up and down the field between the twenties all night. The only thing that kept me awake was that it was Pittsburgh playing. The comment was made that if the goal line was the twenty, it would still be 0 – 0.
I think it is important to remember that the players do not call the plays. The coaches do! On every third and short or fourth and short, THE COACHES took out one of the top running backs in the NFL and either left the backfield empty or put in Davenport. Now I like Davenport but he is no Willie! He is perfect when we are running well and Willie needs a rest or as a blocking back. Third and short and no Willie, I just don’t get it!! And what about play action? It worked so well the first five games, with passes to tight ends or to the back coming out of the backfield. Now it’s gone, I just don’t get it! And Big Ben is getting sacked more and more with each game, five last night, I just don’t get it, I JUST DON”T GET IT!
Now another easy mark, the Bungles and on Sunday Night, a great chance to shine for the Steelers and for Heinz field, I don’t know what the spread is but I’m betting the Steelers won’t cover and neither will the field.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)