It's a hump day which can mean only one thing.....This is your Pittsburgh Steelers mid-week report. The Steelers playoff hopes are on life support as they travel to Maryland to face the Baltimorons for the second time in 3 weeks. The Steelers need a win to keep the drive alive as they've lost 2 in a row, both in the division. The injuries continue to mount. Adams, Colon, Starks, Woodley, and Leftwich didn't practice. The good news is that Troy and AB did. It's still not known if they'll be able to play this week and, if so, will it be enough to help get the Steelers back in the win column. Rookie Kelvin Beechum (who?) will start in place of Adams at right tackle. That's bad news for all you Heath Miller fans as he'll continue to be asked to stay home and help block, especially after the way the Ravens got after Leftwich last time, and Charlie Batch is under center again this week. It's been a tumultuous week for the black-n-gold. Coach Cliche continues to cut off his nose to spite his face with the way he fumbled the running back situation in the Cleveland game. He's looking to save face by naming JDog the starter and dropping Mendy down to third string. However, Cliche continues to suffer from indecision. He can't decide whether Sanders or Butterfingers Wallace will start at wide receiver this week. Something has definitely got to be done to spark this offense. They've only scored 1 TD in each of the last 3 games, scoring 17 points in the 2 games Ben has missed, with 14 punts and 11 turnovers. Ugh! The penalties have to go, too! The Steelers have the 5th most penalty yards in the NFL at 715. The one saving grace has been the way the D has come on, of late. The secondary has held opposing QB's to under 200 yards per game the last 6 games in a row. That's a great statistic but they have to get after the ball and make something happen. If they're going to do that, this week would be a good time to start. Remember, you gotta want it, to win it. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
SLAP SHOTS
Fed up with
the NHL lockout? Apparently the Feds are, too as federal mediators are going to
now work with both the NHL and NHLPA to hammer out a deal. Will the Feds put
the Fed in fed up? Only time will tell. The only thing that time has told us
since the lockout began is that both sides are not showing a lot of
flexibility. It’s like a game of chicken on skates. The league has canceled
games through December 14. Why don’t they get commissioner Gary Bettmen and
NHLPA head Donald Fehr into the rink and have them throw off the gloves and
settle this like men? Meanwhile, Sid continues to discuss the possibility of
playing overseas. It seems the longer this drags on, the more likely Sid’s
threats become a reality. And the longer this goes on, the more a likelihood
the season is canceled becomes a reality, as well. Get a deal done, already. It’s
a great day for hockey. Go Pens!!!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
50-YARD LINE
Ugh! Your Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a Thanksgiving hangover, losing to the Cleveland Clowns 20-14. This is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
The Good-It truly is hard to find anything good about losing to a 2-8 team. The defense did look good, though. Timmons had a pick 6. There were 4 sacks. Harrison looked a little like his old self with 1 sack and 4 tackles for loss. Worilds played in place of Woodley and had 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. You win as a team, you lose as a team but the defense really can't be blamed for this one. Keep after it and get ready for next week!
The Bad-I hate to point the finger at the 3rd string quarterback but Charlie Batch was bad. Charlie was 20 of 34 with 3 interceptions for 199 yards and a 38.7 rating. Some people will complain that Charlie looked rusty because he never plays. Sorry, there's a reason Charlie never plays and it was on display today. If he still had it, he'd be a starting quarterback elsewhere. Too bad there wasn't much of a running game, either to help him out.....
The Ugly-The reason there wasn't much of a running game? You have to hold onto the football in order to have a running game. These running backs must have spent too much time hanging out with Butterfingers Wallace this week. Seriously, can anyone hang onto the ball? The only thing the Steelers were able to win today was the turnover battle and I don't mean that in a good way. Whatsamatter Steelers? Are you afraid of the ball?
The Steelers playoff hopes continue to fade as the season fades. With this loss, the Steelers fall to 6-5. All of their losses have come in conference and they now have 2 losses in the division going into next week's game against the Baltimorons in Baltimore. The Baltimorons have a late game today. The Bungles are now tied with the Steelers at 6-5. The Clowns continue to bring up the rear at 3-8.
Back to the old drawing board, guys. Get it together or get out! Go Steelers!!!!!!
The Good-It truly is hard to find anything good about losing to a 2-8 team. The defense did look good, though. Timmons had a pick 6. There were 4 sacks. Harrison looked a little like his old self with 1 sack and 4 tackles for loss. Worilds played in place of Woodley and had 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. You win as a team, you lose as a team but the defense really can't be blamed for this one. Keep after it and get ready for next week!
The Bad-I hate to point the finger at the 3rd string quarterback but Charlie Batch was bad. Charlie was 20 of 34 with 3 interceptions for 199 yards and a 38.7 rating. Some people will complain that Charlie looked rusty because he never plays. Sorry, there's a reason Charlie never plays and it was on display today. If he still had it, he'd be a starting quarterback elsewhere. Too bad there wasn't much of a running game, either to help him out.....
The Ugly-The reason there wasn't much of a running game? You have to hold onto the football in order to have a running game. These running backs must have spent too much time hanging out with Butterfingers Wallace this week. Seriously, can anyone hang onto the ball? The only thing the Steelers were able to win today was the turnover battle and I don't mean that in a good way. Whatsamatter Steelers? Are you afraid of the ball?
The Steelers playoff hopes continue to fade as the season fades. With this loss, the Steelers fall to 6-5. All of their losses have come in conference and they now have 2 losses in the division going into next week's game against the Baltimorons in Baltimore. The Baltimorons have a late game today. The Bungles are now tied with the Steelers at 6-5. The Clowns continue to bring up the rear at 3-8.
Back to the old drawing board, guys. Get it together or get out! Go Steelers!!!!!!
50-YARD LINE
Here we go Steelers, here we go! It's Steelers-Clowns at 1:00 today at the Mistake by the Lake. It looks like good football weather today as there's only a high of 40 degrees in Cleveland and a 30% chance of snow. This could be a good chance for the Steelers to get their mojo workin' and get back in the win column. Keys to today's game. 1)The Steelers have won 10 of the past 11 at the Mistake by the Lake. Charlie Batch gets the start at QB today and with the way things are going, Ben Jr. may have to suite up soon. We need the Steelers to control the ball with a good running game today and take pressure off of Charlie. The Clowns D is ranked 24th against the run, but lookout! Former Clowns #1 pick defensive tackle Phil Taylor is expected back today from injury. Score early, score often, score BIG! Run, run, run! 2)The Steelers aren't the only team to suffer from the dropsies. The Clowns are 3rd in the league with 26 dropped passes. The Steelers D needs to continue to separate the Browns from the football. Another good way to produce drops is by getting after rookie QB Brandon Weeden and forcing him into bad throws. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD! 3)The Browns have lost 4 straight to the Steelers, scoring only 2 TD's. Don't look ahead to next week's re-match with the Baltimorons. Another division and conference loss could spell the end of the Steelers playoff hopes. Meanwhile, playing the Steelers is as close to a playoff game as the Clowns will ever get. Get that mojo back and make the Browns black and blue. Go Steelers!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
50-YARD LINE
Happy Hump
Day! It’s time for your Steelers mid-week report. Once again, the Steelers have
more questions than answers, injury-wise, this week. I seem to remember someone blogging about the
lack of depth and how the Steelers were an injury or two away from disaster….Ben,
Leftwich, and Cotchery are out. AB, Troy, Redman and Gilbert are question marks.
Good news, #1 pick David DeCastro has been cleared for practice. Could he be
too little, too late? Charlie Batch is your starting QB this week. Charlie is
5-2 as a starter and we’re playing the 2-8 Cleveland Clowns at the mistake by
the lake this week. Charlie has a new backup in Brad Hoyer (who?) and will have
a new/old target in Plaxico Burress. We’ll see if Plax can return to his old
form or if there was a reason that he was signed off of the street. Watch out
for the trap game! Don’t look ahead to the re-match with the Baltimorons.
Cleveland rookie QB Brandon Weeden has thrown 11 TD’s and 12 INT’s this season
with a 70.3 passer rating. The Steelers D has held opposing QB’s to under 200
yards passing 5 games in a row. That’s all well and good but their rookie
running back Trent Richardson looks like he’s the real deal, rushing for 670
yards for a 3.7 yard average and 5 TD’s. Don’t sleep on this team. We can’t
afford any more losses in the AFC or in our division. Get rested, get prepared,
and get after it! Go Steelers!!!!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
It’s
Thanksgiving, a time to reflect and give thanks for that which your thankful. I
thought I’d take the time at blackngoldnat to reflect on that which my favorite
sports teams should be thankful.
1)The
Steelers-Coach Cliché should be thankful that he inherited so many of Coach
Chin’s players. How else do you think he would win one Super Bowl and make a
trip to another? He should also be thankful that the Cleveland Clowns are in
the AFC North. That’s a guaranteed 2 wins a season.
2)The
Pirates-Bottom Dollar Bob should be thankful that fireworks and bobbleheads
aren’t as expensive as major league talent. He should also be thankful that the
fireworks and bobbleheads are never arbitration eligible.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
50-YARD LINE
Well, your Pittsburgh Steelers have to pick themselves up and dust themselves off. In the first of 3 straight division games the Steelers came out on the short end against the Baltimorons, 13-10. This is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
1)The Good-What's good about a 13-10 home loss to your biggest rival? The fact that the Steelers play the Cleveland Clowns next week at the Mistake by the Lake. Back the to drawing board, guys!
2)The Bad-How about 5 of 17 on 3rd down conversions. You can't score points if you don't move those sticks. You might want to work on that this week.
3)The Ugly-Sure he's rusty and got banged up but Byron Leftwich was ugly tonight. He went 17 of 38 for 201 yards, a 5.3 yard average, with an interception and a 50.4 passer rating. He was clearly hurting towards the end. Surely Byron's play will continue to fuel the argument to play Charlie Batch, instead. Another honorable mention this week goes to Mike "Butterfingers" Wallace. He lost a fumble that led to a Baltimoron field goal. Gee, wasn't it a 3 point difference in this game? Would he have held onto the ball if it was a bag of cash? Just wondering.
With the victory, the Baltimorons are now 2 games up in the lead for the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Bungles were victorious and the Clowns remained the Clowns. Let's hope they do so next week, too.
Re-group and get your heads on straight for the road trip to Cleveland. We can still do this. Go Steelers!!!!!!
1)The Good-What's good about a 13-10 home loss to your biggest rival? The fact that the Steelers play the Cleveland Clowns next week at the Mistake by the Lake. Back the to drawing board, guys!
2)The Bad-How about 5 of 17 on 3rd down conversions. You can't score points if you don't move those sticks. You might want to work on that this week.
3)The Ugly-Sure he's rusty and got banged up but Byron Leftwich was ugly tonight. He went 17 of 38 for 201 yards, a 5.3 yard average, with an interception and a 50.4 passer rating. He was clearly hurting towards the end. Surely Byron's play will continue to fuel the argument to play Charlie Batch, instead. Another honorable mention this week goes to Mike "Butterfingers" Wallace. He lost a fumble that led to a Baltimoron field goal. Gee, wasn't it a 3 point difference in this game? Would he have held onto the ball if it was a bag of cash? Just wondering.
With the victory, the Baltimorons are now 2 games up in the lead for the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Bungles were victorious and the Clowns remained the Clowns. Let's hope they do so next week, too.
Re-group and get your heads on straight for the road trip to Cleveland. We can still do this. Go Steelers!!!!!!
50-YARD LINE
Here we go Steelers, here we go! It's Ravens week. Are you pysched? Your Pittsburgh Steelers darn well better be. This is the game they circle the minute the schedule comes out. The Steelers look to feast on some bird this week but not turkeys, instead it will be Ravens. Keys to tonight's division matchup at the Big Ketchup Bottle. 1)As you may have heard, Ben is out this week and Byron Leftwich will be under center. Steeler fans are holding their collective breath over this decision as Byron may have a big arm but he's got a big windup to go with it. The Baltimorons are probably licking their chops over this. The Steelers played KC flatter than a potato pancake last week. If they play down to their level of competition when they play the bad teams, conventional wisdom would say that this week they'll play up to their level of competition against the 7-2 Baltimorons. Todd Haley said he is going to game plan to Byron's strengths. The Raisins' secondary is banged up so look for Byron to go deep this week. Mike Wallace better leave his butter fingers at home and be ready! 2)The Steelers need to control both sides of the ball. Mendy gets the start at running back today. We need the O-Line to knock the Baltimorons into next week and create holes for the running game. The Raisins have the 26th ranked D in the league. The Steelers need to score early, score often, and score BIG! Carve up these turkeys like a Butterball! 3)The Steelers are 0-4 vs. the Baltimorons when Ben is injured. Their QB Flacco has only averaged 179.7 yards per game with 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on the road this year. However, the last 2 years he's pulled out come-from-behind victories in Pittsburgh. The D needs to get in Flacco's grill and ruffle his feathers. Remember, 5 of the past 6 meetings between these teams were decided by 3 points. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD! This one is for the AFC North lead. Go out and knock the stuffing out of the Baltimorons. Go Steelers!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
50-YARD LINE
It’s Hump Day and that can only mean one thing. This is your
Pittsburgh Bumblebee…..er Steelers mid-week report. That Bumblebee remark is in
reference to the throwback unis the Steelers will be sporting at the Big
Ketchup Bottle this Sunday night against the Baltimorons. Injury update.
Considering the Steelers are the walking wounded this week, it might be easier
to list the healthy players but I’ll give it a shot with the injured players,
anyway. As I’m sure you’re aware, Ben is out with a shoulder and a rib. Byron
Leftwich gets the start with Charlie ready in the bullpen. I would think Batch’s
delivery would be better suited for the quick-pass offense of Todd Haley but
Tomlin gives Leftwich the nod. Clark, AB, Mendy, Gilbert and Sylvester are all
question marks. Troy is doubtful. We really need everyone to step up their game
this week as it’s a big division battle and it’s important to the Steelers
playoff hopes to sweep the division. The Steelers are 4-1 the last 2 years
without Ben. The lone loss came against the Baltimorons. Harrison said that the
D took a step back in the KC game. They gave up an average of 4.6 yards per
rush, the majority of those came at the Steelers left side. Harrison, you talk
the talk, now walk the walk. Where have you been all season? Also, Hood and
Woodley better be ready for the Baltimorons to come at you. This is a copycat
league, you know. The good news is that the Baltimorons have been giving up 132
yards rushing per game since RayRay went down. Let’s see the o-line and the
running game step up and run all over them. Win one for Ben! Let’s Go
Steelers!!!!!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
50-YARD LINE
Put one in the W column for your Pittsburgh Steelers. A win is a win, no matter how you get it. This is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
The Good-The only thing good about tonight is the victory. A 1-7 team played tonight but it was the Steelers that looked like the 1-7 team, not KC. We'll take it any way we can get it. Timmons gets honorable mention for coming up with the pick in OT to set up the winning field goal by Suisham.
The Bad-Ben injured has throwing shoulder. Yes, he's a drama queen and may miss time due to Mrs. Ben's pregnancy but it's still bad. We have 3 straight division games coming up, 2 against the Baltimorons. Suck it up, Ben. We need you.
The Ugly-What was ugly about tonight's game? Oh, let me count the ways. There were missed tackles and missed opportunities. Wallace lets another touchdown sail through his hands. True, he did make up for it with a touchdown reception later in the drive but that could be deemed a gift by the refs. There was the fact that we spotted KC 10 points and had to go to OT to pull out the win. There's the fact that there was almost another QB fumble run back for a TD for the second week in a row. When are the Steelers ever going to learn to play to the whistle? Oh, and don't let me forget the fact that our backup QB, Leftwich, has a windup in his delivery like he should be playing for the Pirates, not the Steelers. What's up with that, Byron? You've been in the league how long and you still have that ugly windup?
Again, a win is a win. Here is the way the AFC North shakes out after this weekend. 1)The Baltimorons are 7-2 after winning. 2)The Steelers pick up the win and go to 6-3. 3)The Bungles get a victory to move to 4-5 4)The Clowns had a bye and remain 2-7.
Big game coming up at the Big Ketchup Bottle Sunday night versus the Baltimorons. Beware of the bumblebees as the Steelers will be wearing those atrocious throwback unis again. I hope they put the Baltimorons into anaphylactic shock and we get the win. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
The Good-The only thing good about tonight is the victory. A 1-7 team played tonight but it was the Steelers that looked like the 1-7 team, not KC. We'll take it any way we can get it. Timmons gets honorable mention for coming up with the pick in OT to set up the winning field goal by Suisham.
The Bad-Ben injured has throwing shoulder. Yes, he's a drama queen and may miss time due to Mrs. Ben's pregnancy but it's still bad. We have 3 straight division games coming up, 2 against the Baltimorons. Suck it up, Ben. We need you.
The Ugly-What was ugly about tonight's game? Oh, let me count the ways. There were missed tackles and missed opportunities. Wallace lets another touchdown sail through his hands. True, he did make up for it with a touchdown reception later in the drive but that could be deemed a gift by the refs. There was the fact that we spotted KC 10 points and had to go to OT to pull out the win. There's the fact that there was almost another QB fumble run back for a TD for the second week in a row. When are the Steelers ever going to learn to play to the whistle? Oh, and don't let me forget the fact that our backup QB, Leftwich, has a windup in his delivery like he should be playing for the Pirates, not the Steelers. What's up with that, Byron? You've been in the league how long and you still have that ugly windup?
Again, a win is a win. Here is the way the AFC North shakes out after this weekend. 1)The Baltimorons are 7-2 after winning. 2)The Steelers pick up the win and go to 6-3. 3)The Bungles get a victory to move to 4-5 4)The Clowns had a bye and remain 2-7.
Big game coming up at the Big Ketchup Bottle Sunday night versus the Baltimorons. Beware of the bumblebees as the Steelers will be wearing those atrocious throwback unis again. I hope they put the Baltimorons into anaphylactic shock and we get the win. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
50-YARD LINE
Here we go, Steelers, here we go! Your Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 1-7 KC Chiefs tonight on Monday Night Football at the Big Ketchup Bottle. Keys to tonight's game. 1)The Chiefs have a league-high 29 turnovers. For a Steelers team that only has 4 interceptions and 4 fumbles recovered, this could be just what the doctor ordered. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD! 2)Don't nap on these Chiefs, though. Running back Jamaal Charles is 4th in the AFC in rushing with 634 yards. The Chiefs are 3rd overall with 149.9 yards per game. Don't look ahead to next week's game. Beware the trap game! 3)Coach Mike Tomlin hasn't lost at home on MNF, going 6-0. The last time the Steelers lost at home on Monday night was 10/14/91, under Chuck Noll. The Steelers have won 6 of their last 7 on Monday night. Since the 2nd half of the Cincy game on 10/21, the Steelers have outscored their opponents 61-35. Score early, score often, score BIG! The Bungles and Baltimorons both won yesterday. Good news for Clowns fans, they didn't lose, either. That's because they had a bye. The Steelers need a win to keep pace. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
HALFTIME
We're at the half way point of the NFL season. Time to look at your Pittsburgh Steelers through 8 games.
Offense-Ben Roeghlisberger is quietly putting together one of his finest seasons. He's also being mentioned in the MVP conversation, rightfully so. Ben is 5th overall with a 101.1 passer rating, has thrown 16 touchdowns against only 4 picks. So far, the Ben-Todd Haley experiment seems to be working. The Steelers are 10th in the league with 262.4 passing yards per game. Although the run game started slow, it has really picked up of late thanks to a punishing offensive line. The Steelers have moved up to 21st in the league with 104.9 yards per game. The injury bug hasn't kept the running backs down as there's always someone ready to step in and step up. The offense still seems to have problems sometimes getting bogged down and settling for field goals. The good news is that the receivers are working their way through the case of the dropsies that they had earlier in the season. Heath Miller is having a Pro Bowl season, leading the team with 6 touchdowns. Things are looking up, offensively. Barring any major injuries, the offense looks like it's only just begun to scratch the surface of what they can do.
Defense-This unit certainly didn't start out on the right foot this season. They carried an alarming trend of giving up 4th quarter leads into this campaign. The fact that they only have 4 interceptions and 14 sacks hasn't helped matters. But, they are ranked number overall against the pass, giving up just 174 yards per game. The rushing defense is 7th in the league with 88.6 yards per game. The defense has been decimated by injuries but have players that are starting to come into their own and help out on D, Keenan Lewis, Will Allen, Cortez Allen. Ike Taylor is starting to get his swag on and Ryan Clark and Larry Foote have really stepped up their games this season to help replace players who are either injured (Troy, Harrison, Woodley) or have moved on (Farrior, Smith). The Giants game was a real shot in the arm to boost the D's confidence and keep them moving in the right direction.
Special Teams-Special teams could be extra special if they'd lay off the penalties so guys like Rainey, Brown and now Sanders could break a few off. Until they get that straightened out, we'll have to merely sit and wander what could have been. Shaun Suisham is putting together a solid season, making 17 of 18 field goal attempts. We'll need his leg as the season goes on and the weather gets colder.
Disappointments-This "award" goes to the outside linebacker tandem of Harrison and Woodley. True, they've both been working through injuries this year. However, Harrison has been virtually invisible. That means teams can concentrate on double-teaming Woodley. True, he is tied for the team lead with 3 sacks. But really, 3 sacks? He's only on a pace for 6, at that rate. In the 3-4 defense, it's the outside linebackers' job to put pressure on the quarterback and bring him down, creating sacks and turnovers. Hopefully, these 2 can get healthy and get after it!
Looking at the last 8 games, the Steelers only play 2 against a team with a winning record, the Baltimorons, twice. If they can keep their heads together, not play down to the level of competition, and sweep their division, they have a clear road to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The second half starts tomorrow night when all eyes will be watching Monday Night Football from the Big Ketchup Bottle. Go out and start the second half off right. Go Steelers!!!!!!
Offense-Ben Roeghlisberger is quietly putting together one of his finest seasons. He's also being mentioned in the MVP conversation, rightfully so. Ben is 5th overall with a 101.1 passer rating, has thrown 16 touchdowns against only 4 picks. So far, the Ben-Todd Haley experiment seems to be working. The Steelers are 10th in the league with 262.4 passing yards per game. Although the run game started slow, it has really picked up of late thanks to a punishing offensive line. The Steelers have moved up to 21st in the league with 104.9 yards per game. The injury bug hasn't kept the running backs down as there's always someone ready to step in and step up. The offense still seems to have problems sometimes getting bogged down and settling for field goals. The good news is that the receivers are working their way through the case of the dropsies that they had earlier in the season. Heath Miller is having a Pro Bowl season, leading the team with 6 touchdowns. Things are looking up, offensively. Barring any major injuries, the offense looks like it's only just begun to scratch the surface of what they can do.
Defense-This unit certainly didn't start out on the right foot this season. They carried an alarming trend of giving up 4th quarter leads into this campaign. The fact that they only have 4 interceptions and 14 sacks hasn't helped matters. But, they are ranked number overall against the pass, giving up just 174 yards per game. The rushing defense is 7th in the league with 88.6 yards per game. The defense has been decimated by injuries but have players that are starting to come into their own and help out on D, Keenan Lewis, Will Allen, Cortez Allen. Ike Taylor is starting to get his swag on and Ryan Clark and Larry Foote have really stepped up their games this season to help replace players who are either injured (Troy, Harrison, Woodley) or have moved on (Farrior, Smith). The Giants game was a real shot in the arm to boost the D's confidence and keep them moving in the right direction.
Special Teams-Special teams could be extra special if they'd lay off the penalties so guys like Rainey, Brown and now Sanders could break a few off. Until they get that straightened out, we'll have to merely sit and wander what could have been. Shaun Suisham is putting together a solid season, making 17 of 18 field goal attempts. We'll need his leg as the season goes on and the weather gets colder.
Disappointments-This "award" goes to the outside linebacker tandem of Harrison and Woodley. True, they've both been working through injuries this year. However, Harrison has been virtually invisible. That means teams can concentrate on double-teaming Woodley. True, he is tied for the team lead with 3 sacks. But really, 3 sacks? He's only on a pace for 6, at that rate. In the 3-4 defense, it's the outside linebackers' job to put pressure on the quarterback and bring him down, creating sacks and turnovers. Hopefully, these 2 can get healthy and get after it!
Looking at the last 8 games, the Steelers only play 2 against a team with a winning record, the Baltimorons, twice. If they can keep their heads together, not play down to the level of competition, and sweep their division, they have a clear road to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The second half starts tomorrow night when all eyes will be watching Monday Night Football from the Big Ketchup Bottle. Go out and start the second half off right. Go Steelers!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
EXTRA POINTS
The NHL and the NHLPA are meeting again today. Sid is
attending along with Pens’ player rep Craig Adams. Could we see the beginning
of a thaw on both sides? Let’s hope so.
I’m tired of keeping my Penguins gear on ice.
50-YARD LINE
It’s hump
day and that can only mean one thing. It’s time for your Pittsburgh Steelers
mid-week report. Let’s look at the injury list. Rainey and AB are out. Let them
heal up and get ready for the division games that are on the horizon. Troy and
Gilbert are also out but are expected to play the Baltimorons the following
week. Sylvester is also out. It will be
news when he’s healthy. Mendy is a question mark. That’s ok because Redman and
Dwyer are both probable. The Steelers have won 3 straight. During that winning
streak, they’ve also had a rusher run for over 100 in each game, the first time
since ’07. The running game is averaging 155 yards per game in the last 3. The way
the offensive line has been bulldozing opponents, they could stick anyone back
there and they’d run for 100 yards. And how about the D? Congrats to Ike for
being named AFC defensive player of the week. During the 3-game winning streak,
opponents are averaging only 26 yards in the 4th quarter. The Steelers
have the #1 ranked pass defense. They are also ranked #1 in fewest yards
allowed and fewest passing yards. Way to step up! Please remember though, watch out for the trap
game. Don’t look ahead to the division games. Don’t play down to the level of
competition against the 1-7 Chiefs. This is a Monday night game at the Big
Ketchup Bottle. The Steelers ought to be licking their chops and feast on these
Chiefs. Go Steelers!!!!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
50-YARD LINE
V is for victory and it was nice to see the Steelers in their victory formation as they defeated the New York Giants in Jersey today 24-20. This is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
The Good-There were quite a few good things today for the Steelers. Keenen Lewis had a strong game with 3 passes defended. He's really come on strong of late for the Steeler D. Issac Redman had a career game. He had 26 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown. Mike Wallace had a crucial drop but made up for it with a game-changing 51 yard touchdown reception. The best of the Good goes to the Steelers defense which came up HUGE when they had to today. Ike Taylor had an interception. Lawrence Timmons and LaMar Woodley both had sacks and Woodley forced a fumble late in the game (by the way, you want to fall on those fumbles, guys). The defense forced 3 straight 3 and outs in the 4th quarter and held the Giants to just 182 total yards. Is the Steelers D back? Only time will tell but they seem on their way. Great game, guys!
The Bad-I'd like to give it to the officials. Seriously, how can Ryan Clark be given a hit to the head penalty to Victory Cruz and later the announcers said Cruz had bruised ribs from that hit? Since when are the ribs in the head area? Like I said, I'd like to give it to the officials. However, great teams don't complain about the calls, they just win the ball game. So the Bad this week goes to the dreaded penalties, again. 6 penalties isn't bad. 6 penalties for 119 yards is. Too many personal foul penalties can cost you a game and they almost did. Tighten up or it will haunt you!
The Ugly-Hands down the Ugly goes to Coach Cliche's decision to reinvent the wheel, again. Why you don't kick a field goal to tie and it up wipe the slate clean is beyond me. Why you don't try to the trick field goal with your $100 million QB, instead of the kicker is ludicrous. It seems to me that the Steelers win in spite of their coach, not because of him. Ride your playmakers like rented mules, coach!
Your AFC North standings are as follows: 1)Baltimorons are 6-2 with a win today 2)Steelers are 5-3 after their win 3)The Bungles fall to 3-5 with a loss 4)The Clowns continue to be the Clowns at 2-7 with a loss.
The Steelers are at the Big Ketchup Bottle next week to take on the 1-7 KC Chiefs. Look out for the trap game! Don't play down to your level of competition on this one. Have a safe flight home, get a good night's rest and get ready to go for 4 in a row next week. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
The Good-There were quite a few good things today for the Steelers. Keenen Lewis had a strong game with 3 passes defended. He's really come on strong of late for the Steeler D. Issac Redman had a career game. He had 26 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown. Mike Wallace had a crucial drop but made up for it with a game-changing 51 yard touchdown reception. The best of the Good goes to the Steelers defense which came up HUGE when they had to today. Ike Taylor had an interception. Lawrence Timmons and LaMar Woodley both had sacks and Woodley forced a fumble late in the game (by the way, you want to fall on those fumbles, guys). The defense forced 3 straight 3 and outs in the 4th quarter and held the Giants to just 182 total yards. Is the Steelers D back? Only time will tell but they seem on their way. Great game, guys!
The Bad-I'd like to give it to the officials. Seriously, how can Ryan Clark be given a hit to the head penalty to Victory Cruz and later the announcers said Cruz had bruised ribs from that hit? Since when are the ribs in the head area? Like I said, I'd like to give it to the officials. However, great teams don't complain about the calls, they just win the ball game. So the Bad this week goes to the dreaded penalties, again. 6 penalties isn't bad. 6 penalties for 119 yards is. Too many personal foul penalties can cost you a game and they almost did. Tighten up or it will haunt you!
The Ugly-Hands down the Ugly goes to Coach Cliche's decision to reinvent the wheel, again. Why you don't kick a field goal to tie and it up wipe the slate clean is beyond me. Why you don't try to the trick field goal with your $100 million QB, instead of the kicker is ludicrous. It seems to me that the Steelers win in spite of their coach, not because of him. Ride your playmakers like rented mules, coach!
Your AFC North standings are as follows: 1)Baltimorons are 6-2 with a win today 2)Steelers are 5-3 after their win 3)The Bungles fall to 3-5 with a loss 4)The Clowns continue to be the Clowns at 2-7 with a loss.
The Steelers are at the Big Ketchup Bottle next week to take on the 1-7 KC Chiefs. Look out for the trap game! Don't play down to your level of competition on this one. Have a safe flight home, get a good night's rest and get ready to go for 4 in a row next week. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
50-YARD LINE
Rah, rah, ree, hit him in the knee. Rah, rah, rass, hit him in the other knee. Your Pittsburgh Steelers travel to New Jersey today to take on the defending Super Bowl champion New York football Giants. First, we'll look at the injury report, then the keys to the game. Woodley, Redman, and Clark are expected to play. Yay! Dwyer and Mendy are doubful. Bummer. Troy, Gilbert and Sylvester are out. Boo. Now somebody hand me the keys. 1)Ben takes on Eli Manning for only the 3rd time since they were both drafted in '04. They are 1-1 against each other. The 2004 draft class is the only draft to produce 2 QB's who have won multiple Super Bowls (Ben and Eli). The Giants offense is 3rd in the league in points per game with 29.2. They're 4th in total yards at 397 per game. Eli has only been sacked 7 times this season. The Steelers O-Line has kept been clean the past 2 games. The Steelers offense is 1st in the league in 3rd down conversions at 51.9%. Ben's passer rating on 3rd downs is 117. Of course, Eli gets more publicity because A)he's a Manning and B)he plays in New York. Look for Ben to accept the challenge and one-up his counterpart this week. Big Ben is going to strike gold! 2)The Giants D is 24th overall. They're allowing 4.6 yards per carry, 19th vs. the run. They're 26th against the pass. Score early, score often, score BIG! 3)The Giants have won 6 of 7. The Steelers have won 2 in a row. We need playmakers to come up big on D this week. We haven't heard much from Harrison and Woodley.
This week would be a good time for them to speak up. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD. Keep in mind weather could be a factor, too. I don't want to hear the Steelers complain that they had to travel on gameday. The Giants had to live in the storm all week. My thoughts and prayers are with those that were hit by Sandy.
Another big factor for this week's game and beyond is the behavior of the players. Last week we saw Antonio Brown backpedal into the end zone on a touchdown that was called back by ANOTHER penalty by the (not so)special teams. We also saw Alameda Ta'amu reinstated after his DUI and multiple charges. This week, when Ta'amu was being interviewed in the locker room upon his return, an unidentified Steelers player could be heard shouting out "Tell them to kiss your ass, Ta'amu". When did the Steelers become so unruly? They're arrogant, undisciplined divas and Coach Cliche has no control over them. True, Cowher's guys were no choir boys but this is ridiculous. This week would be a good week for Tomlin to stop being a player's coach and just be a coach. This team needs to stop acting like a bunch of thugs and act like a professional football team. Get it together, already.
Here we go Steelers!!!!!!
This week would be a good time for them to speak up. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD. Keep in mind weather could be a factor, too. I don't want to hear the Steelers complain that they had to travel on gameday. The Giants had to live in the storm all week. My thoughts and prayers are with those that were hit by Sandy.
Another big factor for this week's game and beyond is the behavior of the players. Last week we saw Antonio Brown backpedal into the end zone on a touchdown that was called back by ANOTHER penalty by the (not so)special teams. We also saw Alameda Ta'amu reinstated after his DUI and multiple charges. This week, when Ta'amu was being interviewed in the locker room upon his return, an unidentified Steelers player could be heard shouting out "Tell them to kiss your ass, Ta'amu". When did the Steelers become so unruly? They're arrogant, undisciplined divas and Coach Cliche has no control over them. True, Cowher's guys were no choir boys but this is ridiculous. This week would be a good week for Tomlin to stop being a player's coach and just be a coach. This team needs to stop acting like a bunch of thugs and act like a professional football team. Get it together, already.
Here we go Steelers!!!!!!
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