Total Domination

The TV Gods were with me this weekend, the Steelers game was broadcast here in Raleigh on Fox. How sweet. With a big bowl of popcorn and a tequila sunrise by my side I settled in for a great afternoon of Steelers Dominancy. I was not disappointed!

Although the box score might not reflect it we did dominate. Total net yard 350 to 289, but most of that 289 came late in the 4th quarter when we gave up an easy touchdown. Only the second touchdown given up in three games. It just rubs me raw to see us give up all those yards late in the first half or late in the game when we have had total control the rest of the time. In the 3rd quarter the Steelers held SF to just one possession and 3 points, now if that’s not domination I don’t know what is. If it were not for the outstanding play in the first half of SF Number 22 Nate Clements the score at half time would have been 28 to 6. He was all over the place and saved two touchdowns. I’d say he was the only bright spot for SF all day. Only two sacks on the day for the Steelers. But again that does not tell the whole story, the Steelers front four kept Smith on his heals and harrying his throws all day and what about their big back Frank Gore, just 14 carries for 39 yards, now if that is not domination I don’t know what is.

The offence sure could have produced a little more. Just two TD’s and 3 FG’s. With that kind of production you lose to most teams in the NFL. You can’t count on TD’s from special teams and the defense every week. For the most part the play calling has been creative. In the past the Steelers would throw on first, run on second then take out the RB and throw on third downs. Now defenses never know what to expect, by my count (if the tequila didn’t mess up my counting to bad) it was just about 50/50 on first downs and almost the same on third down. Case in point, with less then one minute to go in the 3rd Quarter we had a third and 7, guess who was still in the game, Willie! What play did we run, Willie student body left for 3 yards. On the surface looks like a dumb play but sure tells the rest of the league something. Plus, plenty of play action and passes to tight ends. Yup, another TD to a tight end in week three, sure is a new era! Not to mention how happy it makes GUM!

First time since Cowher’s first season that the Steelers have won the first three. Way to go Coach Tomlin.

Speaking of Cowher, you may have noticed I have made no mention of Bill Cowher on CBS. (Maybe you haven’t) Well I have had to go out to watch the games and was not able to catch him. I’m not bored enough to record it and sit through a pre game show after all the action has taken place. With the TV gods on my side I sat riveted to CBS at noon and I was impressed. I think Bill did an upstanding job with good logic, concise analysis and a very good delivery. He does Pittsburgh proud. Watch out Madden!

Now it’s of to the desert and the little red birds. Their 0 and 2 on the road and 1-0 at home. GO STEELERS!!