Steelers 2011-2012 thread

[PaxtonShelby]

It's that time again folks!! We're done with week 2 of the preseason after completely hammering the vaunted Eagles, who played their starters for the entire first half. We saw a really well-played game from the Steelers tonight. Ben looked really sharp. Mendenhall, Redman and Moore looked really good, and Dwyer too. Ward, Brown, and Cotchery looked great, as we passed at will for the entire first half against the free-agent dream-team of Asomugha, Samuels, Rodgers-Cromartie and company. I think I counted 9 or 10 different guys who played on the O-line in the first 3 quarters - and they all looked decent - ( and my god... Pouncey is such a stud!!! ) and most of them played more than one position on the line during the game. Sean Kugler - the O-line coach - is the real deal. If we can avoid major injuries I think the O-line will be pretty good this year.

As good as our offense played, the real story tonight was the Steelers' Defense. They completely shut down Vick ( played the entire first half - 5 for 12, 47 yards, 3 INT - 13.5 QB rating ). Even when the 2nd team was sprinkled in, they still shut down the Eagles' offense. Vince Young looked bad and threw an INT. The Eagles scored two 4th quarter TDs, but the game wasn't anywhere near as close as the 24-14 score made it seem.

One thing I hate - is the new rule for kicking off from the 35. Every kick is deep into the endzone, and many throughout the league are going through the endzone. So a lot of drives ( probably well over 50% ) will start at the 20 after a touchback. Maybe that is actually good for the Steelers - as it will make teams drive 80 yards against our defense to score - and going 80 yards on our D is not an easy thing to do.

So let's hear what you think?

Steve-O...at the Falcons game, the guy to your left ( seat 10 ) should be Jay - really nice guy - if he's there, introduce yourselves and tell him I said hello. We have sat next to him since the 70's at Three Rivers Stadium.

[Ares]

I couldn't get into the first preseason game. I did watch the second game and thought they played well on all levels. Course calling Flozell Adams and bringing him back might be a good idea. The vaunted Eagles looked bad. With Vince looking all mad on the side line when that 3rd string QB came in and got things done. Not sure why Eagles are wasting time with Vince.

The kickoff rule is not a big deal I think. A smart team may practice trying to kick the ball higher and getting it to dropshort of goal line. Forcing a fair catch inside the 5 or a well placed shoulder hit just at the catch

[95V6]

Its going to be a great season.

[Quik83Z]

I love it!!

Before the game started, all the stupid announcers could talk about was how Philly is the "Dream Team" and then the Steelers go out and pound the $hit out of them.

[PaxtonShelby]

Ares - I hear ya about the higher, shorter kickoffs... But with the NFL trying to legislate the hard hits out of all phases of the game, I don't think kick returners getting pummelled at the 4 yard line after catching the kickoff is what they're after. I can't figure out the reason for the rule change. But like I said, I think this plays right into the hands of the Steelers - good luck to any team having to go 80 yards to score against our D on a regular basis.

[Ares]

Shoulder into mid section...works for me. I forsee footballs being caughed up.

I agree that teams will have issues against any team with very good defenses like the Steelers, Ravens. Going 80+ yards is always brutal. Which is going to make the season opener nice good slugfest.

[PaxtonShelby]

Good game tonight vs the Falcons - SteveO - I hope you and the lady had a good time!! Lots of injuries sustained and that concerns me. Hopefully Pouncey will be ok for week 1. Passing game looked great - holy cow is Antonio Brown going to give people fits!! He just needs to lose the f'n taunting / celebrations after big plays. Tomlin needs to reel that boy in - QUICK!! Defense looked pretty good - I think we'll be fine once our 1st string DBs get healthy. Linebackers look phenomenal across the board. 2 weeks to get healthy for Baltimore. What a way to begin the season - should be a real slugfest. Hopefully I'm right in thinking the Ravens' defense is a little weaker and their O-line is worse than last year. I guess we'll find out on 9/11.

[Steve-0]

Ron, we had a great time! Jenn said she was sad to leave tonight haha. Thanks for the tickets, those are awesome seats!:highfive:

[PaxtonShelby]

Ron, we had a great time! Jenn said she was sad to leave tonight haha. Thanks for the tickets, those are awesome seats!:highfive:

Glad you enjoyed yourselves Steve! :awsome: Maybe I'll run into you guys at the Moon cruise later today. I'm parked in the field to the right of the entrance ( black '94 Cobra ) and the green '66 will be there later.

[PaxtonShelby]

holy crap are the Steelers ever laying a king-sized egg today...

[White5.0]

:nono:

[PaxtonShelby]

John Harbaugh is SUCH an ass. Going for it on 4th and 1 instead of taking the chip shot field goal. And Harrison stuffs Ray Rice to turn it over on downs. First good hit of the day for us. Maybe it'll wake this team up...

[White5.0]

John Harbaugh is SUCH an ass. Going for it on 4th and 1 instead of taking the chip shot field goal. And Harrison stuffs Ray Rice to turn it over on downs. First good hit of the day for us. Maybe it'll wake this team up...


I agree...and the FAKE FIELD GOAL when up by 21 already? wtf? what a dick!!!

I'm glad harrison stuffed his ass.....I also am NOT liking the new rule where they kick off from the 35 yard line. kinda sucks

[PaxtonShelby]

You mean the 2-pt conversion. Yeah - that's the way Harbaugh is.

Ben - what's up with the horribly short throw for the INT - we were on our way in for 6.

[349Stroker]

It's all Baltimore folks....LMAO!!!

[412mustangz]

That was a disgrace!! Enough said..

[John4cam]

impressive.

[Ares]

WTF was that piss poor showing. Again they looked like they didn't showup to play mentally or something. That might have been the worst I have seem them play as a team in a long time. The O sucked, D sucked. I gave up counting how many throws from Ben got tipped at the line.

[racefan]

HEY!!!!! how about those DETROIT LIONS. Yea Babe,,,,,:pepper:

[Quik83Z]

Very disappointing performance by the Steelers....

Could be a long season if this don't improve!

[Viper_ed]

Figured I'd open this thread up and see someone blowing a donkey!

[412mustangz]

Well they improved from last week and held it together till the end, shutting out Seattle. However, they still do not seem like the steelers that we all know and love. The majority of the game seemed slow paced and there wasnt a whole alot of excitement..Maybe everyone is still bummed out about last weeks performance, including me, i dont know..

[Ares]

They were improved but I agree they still lack something. Defense looked better but even Troy looked off till he seemed to get little angry then he started doing some things again. Offense isn't going to impress me much untill they greatly improve that line. They have the talent but lack really good protection.

[PaxtonShelby]

We got the W - but I wasn't really impressed by the performance. Ben looks awful to me. Screen passes are off the mark - receivers have to adjust their routes to catch the ball. O-line can't give backs any running room and Ben is getting hit after many throws. The only runs that work are when we go wide or the back cuts back and improvises. I was not impressed with the performance of Scott or Gilbert at all. Can Willie Gay cover anybody? Lots and lots of work to be done. Like Tomlin said, we are the same team that got blasted by the Ravens last week. Lucky for us, the Titans whooped the Ravens today. The Ravens thought the Super Bowl was played last Sunday...whoops...

[PaxtonShelby]

Wow - we were lucky to beat the Manning-less and Collins-less Colts tonight...

O-line - it's a disaster even without all the injuries we had tonight. I think we're in trouble against the Texans' pretty solid D next week.

On a brighter note, at least the Bills beat the Pats today!!! :woot1:


I seriously hope that Flozell's phone ( and Max's too ) is already ringing...

[412mustangz]

Ya, we did get pretty lucky. Thank god the defense got a TD!

[Ares]

Seriously the D let fn Painter drive 80 yards. Ughhhh

Trying to forget that disaster of an O line. That was some bad playing. Not sure who it was on left that tossed Freeney(sp?) Down near end but they damn near took Bens knee out doing it.

[White5.0]

Glad we got the win after seeing Scott getting SMOKED all night by Dwight Freeney...

And IMO Antonio Brown needs to seriously shut his mouth. Sure he made some plays last night but he talks shit every. single. time. he makes a play. Take after Miller and get your ass back to the huddle after a play instead of dancing and running your mouth. You've been in the league 2 years you are not a superstar.


hopefully we can keep up the winning even if they are close. Can't wait for the titans in 2 weeks, the pats game, and the rematch with the ravens in a couple of weeks

[PaxtonShelby]

I think it was Heath Miller that threw Freeney into Ben's leg - yeah - that was a close one.

Antonio Brown - I hear ya on that one. How about after Ben threw the INT - Brown jumped over the defender rolling on the ground...without touching him!! So the defender got up and returned the INT for 20 yards or so. Ridiculous. That kid needs to have his head examined. No doubt - he has great potential - but these weekly brain-farts have got to stop.

We are SO not ready for Houston this week. I don't want to think about Tennessee yet ( remember, they beat the tar out of Baltimore ). And we are nowhere ready for the Ravens rematch at this point. The O-line is an injured disaster. They need to call Flozell and Max right away. If there isn't cap room, Ben should restructure his deal - because without those guys his career is going to be shortened - painfully...

[Cam99]

I was thinking that was saunders that jumped over that dude. The steelers look pretty terrible this year.

[Ares]

Now I know for certain that Troy is healthy as he was playing just insane lastnight.

Problem with Flozell is he won't play left side and his age comes into play. Would he stay healthy enough to play? Starks I think may have found his way back on the Steelers radar. Will be interesting to see what happens as they need more line men.

Now we come to Wallace. He said he wanted to be first to have 2000 yard season in NFL history and I'll be damned he is on pace to do it.

[PaxtonShelby]

You might be right Cam - I'm not sure now that you mention it. Besides, both Brown and Sanders are like that. Put either one in that situation and they'd both probably do the same thing. I hope they can grow up quickly - if they do they both have huge upside...

[PaxtonShelby]

Now I know for certain that Troy is healthy as he was playing just insane lastnight.

Problem with Flozell is he won't play left side and his age comes into play. Would he stay healthy enough to play? Starks I think may have found his way back on the Steelers radar. Will be interesting to see what happens as they need more line men.

Now we come to Wallace. He said he wanted to be first to have 2000 yard season in NFL history and I'll be damned he is on pace to do it.

Right on Ed - I agree with you there about Troy. Flozell stayed healthy last year - he might have another year in him?? However, I heard this afternoon that Starks got a call from the Vikings. Hopefully Tomlin also left him a message - I bet Max would stay here if given the chance, even for less money.

Wallace is such a stud - watching him outrun guys and catch up to the ball is a thing of beauty.

[John4cam]

lookin good.

[03 OW SVT]

Finally put some pts on the board in the 3rd qtr.

[White5.0]

James Farrior is getting MANHANDLED every single play

[03 OW SVT]

James Farrior is getting MANHANDLED every single play

So is Ben, offensive line is a joke.

[White5.0]

So is Ben, offensive line is a joke.

For sure....its going to take a few years to rebuild this mess of an o-line...i dont give two shits if we win. This was one of the worse games I've seen in a long time.

This bullshit where our entire offense is ben to wallace has to stop. This sure isnt the same team that I saw last year. 3 step drop and throw the damn ball...we can't be going for hail mary's every single down

A blocked field goal?!?! are you FVCKING kidding me!?

[John4cam]

When you base your offensive plays on how pathetic your o-line is.....this is the end result. The more the D is on the field the more gased they get....bad combo there.

[Cam99]

Sad season so far. I don't think I'll need to plan a superbowl party this year. Feels like a short season. They look terrible:rolleyes:

[SteelTownStang]

...offensive line is a joke.

+1... and Timmons is worth every penny of that $50,000,000 contract... NOT!

[Ares]

The O-line is just pure suck plain and simple. When Texans marched on opening drive for well over 10 minutes. I knew it was going to be bad.

[PaxtonShelby]

Didn't see any of the game...and I am glad. I had much more fun hydroplaning at BeaveRun today in the endless rain. :goodidea:

It is a long season. Hopefully this team can get it together.

Ravens are looking good tonight - their old defense continues to get the job done. Fumble return for TD...INT return for TD...

[turbo'dnotch]

The O-line is just pure suck plain and simple. When Texans marched on opening drive for well over 10 minutes. I knew it was going to be bad.+1 its a little hard for Ben to complete passes laying on his back.

[AdamantiumSilvr]

Yessiry on all that ^^^^^!!! I don't get to crazy about the Steelers unless their in the playoffs. I did watch some of the game n it could of been a blow out. They keep gettin chance after chance to come back but just flat out kept blowin it out the rear!

[412mustangz]

If only they played like this all the time...Very impresive! Go Big Ben with his injured foot and 5 TD's..They played like a team today and I hope this game was a turning point.

[Ares]

Starks looked pretty good. Glad he is back and I'm sure Ben is too.

Much improved play on offense and defense today. Hope they stay like this rest of the year.

[PaxtonShelby]

Solid effort today. That's the first time I've seen the play calling get tailored to protect Ben. Finally they got the ball out of his hands quickly. Hats off to the O-line for opening up some holes for the running game. Pretty impressive effort by a lot of guys who don't normally start - and the guys who started at different positions than normal. I give the game ball to Max Starks - didn't hear his name called all day - and that's a great thing for a left tackle.

The whole league is so competitive this year - it is amazing how teams who look terrible one week win the next week. Look at Seattle today whooping the Giants...Oakland winning in Houston...San Fran destroying Tampa Bay... Every week there are 2-3 games you'd swear were locks and the score goes the other way.

Bring on the Jaguars...

[PaxtonShelby]

Wow - today vs the Jags was not as impressive a performance as I had hoped for. Keeping MJD in check was fine. Actually, I have no problem with the Defensive effort other than the one long TD drive we gave up. But the offense is another story. They showed up for the first half and pretty much dominated. But the second half was horrible. It was like they went back to the preseason playbook. Ugh.

I'm getting tired of not knowing which team is going to show up from week to week...and from half to half. This type of inconsistency is unacceptable to me from such a veteran team.

The whole season is going to come down to the New England and Baltimore games...which are coming up soon...and at this point we are FAR from ready for those challenges.

[Ares]

2nd half was long pass, long pass, long pass, long pass. Hey did I mention long pass attempt. Think even Wallace made mention of that.

[John4cam]

2nd half was long pass, long pass, long pass, long pass. Hey did I mention long pass attempt. Think even Wallace made mention of that.


That almost made up for all those years of run up the middle, run up the middle, run up the middle. :rofl:

[Mark Aubele]

2nd half was long pass, long pass, long pass, long pass. Hey did I mention long pass attempt. Think even Wallace made mention of that.

This. I didn't think the play was particularly bad, the second half performance was one of the few times I can put blame directly on Ben, he was just flat out missing WIDE OPEN receivers. I think I counted 5 passes? Should've been 34-13. A win is a win though.

[PaxtonShelby]

I agree that Ben wasn't at his best, but the wind was whipping around pretty good, making those long passes difficult.

x2 on take the win and move on... and hope we improve enough to compete with the Pats and Ravens in a few weeks...

[Mark Aubele]

I agree that Ben wasn't at his best, but the wind was whipping around pretty good, making those long passes difficult.

x2 on take the win and move on... and hope we improve enough to compete with the Pats and Ravens in a few weeks...

:awsome:

[Ares]

Well not a bad game. Just don't like 3 points scored when they should be 7 against the Pats.

Overall I'll give them an "A' today :thmbsup:

[PaxtonShelby]

First-class butt-whoopin of the Patriots tonight. For the first time in ages, I give the play-calling an "A" - except for the last two plays before we punted for the only time the whole game - where Ben dropped back to pass and took two bad sacks. Lucky he didn't get hurt there. I give Ben, Heath, Brown, and most of all - the O-line an A+. How about those 3rd down conversions! Can't say enough about the O-line tonight - they were fantastic. Same goes for the defense all around. Good pressure on Brady at times, but most of all, UNBELIEVABLE coverage all night by Ike Taylor. No doubt he is the most underrated defensive player in the league. Troy played smart and seemed to be in Brady's head. Clark supported the run well. Hampton looked fresh and played well - did you see him run down BJGE early in the first half and smash him? Woodley - my god - he has found another gear these last few games. Hopefully his hamstring won't keep him out too long. Foote and Sylvester stepped up tonight and got the job done. Timmons - the guy is a player - he played a solid game. Lastly, the nickel/backup guys in the secondary - what a job they did tonight.

The only thing that wasn't great was Suisham. The guy is far from clutch. Hopefully that doesn't cost us a game at some point.

It isn't often that a Brady/Belicheat team only has the ball for 20 minutes in a game. For that to happen, the other team has to do everything right, and that's what happened tonight. And we did it without Hines...without Harrison...without Aaron Smith...and much of the 2nd half without Woodley. We're getting it together at the right time. Bring on the Ravens!

[Mark Aubele]

The only thing that wasn't great was Suisham. The guy is far from clutch. Hopefully that doesn't cost us a game at some point.


I love the guy, he makes tackles more than any kicker I have ever seen except for maybe Sepulveda, and his story about how he came to the Steelers is really cool. But Jesus Christ, the guy needs to figure out how to make 40+ yard kicks. He barely missed it, and he hasn't cost us a game yet, but it is only a matter of time. First kickoff out of bounds sucked too.

[95V6]

Fantasy Football has ruined my life.

Great game, would have killed to have been there.

[White5.0]

awesome game, we played really tough. As usual, Ryan Clark was laying the wood. Gotta love him.

Although the passing was working incredibly well the whole game, I wish we passed just a little bit less and had some more run plays

[Ares]

Best defense against the Pats...is a potent offense. I have zero issues with passing game the way it was. I say if they have to pass more to be effective so be it. Longer the offense can stay on field the better.

Now for those damn Ravens who well, look rather average of late. If I hear how they are the best team in the AFC one more time I may puke.

[Mark Aubele]

Best defense against the Pats...is a potent offense. I have zero issues with passing game the way it was. I say if they have to pass more to be effective so be it. Longer the offense can stay on field the better.

Now for those damn Ravens who well, look rather average of late. If I hear how they are the best team in the AFC one more time I may puke.

Totally agreed. They tried the run, never really worked well, while the passing game was picking the Pats D apart. We only punted once the entire game, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I think the Ravens' acclaim is due to their annihilation of the Steelers. Things will be different after next weekend, cannot wait.

[Silverhatch]

I have zero issues with passing game the way it was. I say if they have to pass more to be effective so be it.
To use the run constantly is a shame with the weapons on passing for the Steelers, any idiot can hand the ball off. Ben is such a great passer with unreal receivers, passing should be priorty one.

[PaxtonShelby]

I agree with everything being said here - the only thing that has upset me in the past is when we insist on running pass plays where the patterns take too long to develop - that was just getting Ben pounded time after time. Sunday was different - most of the time, Ben got rid of the ball quickly - there was no time for him to get hit. We have struggled in the past against press coverage, and that is a game the Ravens can play at times. If the O-line can hold its ground this week I like our chances. If Ben is running for his life, look out.

I like our chances this Sunday. At Bart Scott said...."CAN'T WAIT!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!"

[White5.0]

you guys are forgetting that the patriots are DEAD LAST in the league in passing defense....The ravens are ranked 3rd.

Passing all day will not work against the ravens. Ben will get pounded all game if we try that amount of passing plays against the ravens

[Mark Aubele]

you guys are forgetting that the patriots are DEAD LAST in the league in passing defense....The ravens are ranked 3rd.

Passing all day will not work against the ravens. Ben will get pounded all game if we try that amount of passing plays against the ravens

We aren't forgetting it. The pass worked against the Pats, so they continued to do it, that is all that is being said.

[John4cam]

The only thing that will beat the ravens this time around is solid D.

[PaxtonShelby]

So far the only one ruled out for Sunday is Legursky...hard to imagine Woodley recovering in time. That hammy looked pretty bad. We sure could use him, especially if Harrison can't go - we'll be thin at linebacker. I heard we might be playing some D-lineman at linebacker if necessary.

Let's hope the trainers can work some miracles this week and get our boys back on the field.

[Viper_ed]

Anyone notice that on the 1st play of the game, the Ravens get flagged for holding negating the Rice touchdown, but the very next play it is STILL 1st and 10 from the original line of scrimmage as the 1st play? WTF happened to 1st and 20???? Last I checked, holding WAS a 10 yd. penalty!

[412mustangz]

Anyone notice that on the 1st play of the game, the Ravens get flagged for holding negating the Rice touchdown, but the very next play it is STILL 1st and 10 from the original line of scrimmage as the 1st play? WTF happened to 1st and 20???? Last I checked, holding WAS a 10 yd. penalty!
Ya, I noticed that too! F*ckin BS..That last drive was rediculous, no reason the ravens shoulda been able to drive 92yds down the field..oh and Big Ben throwin that pick right to Suggs in the 3rd qtr, unacceptable!

[PaxtonShelby]

The head ref looked/officiated like he had just escaped from the local retirement home.

I'll have to let this one stew a while before I can sum it up rationally...

[John4cam]

Anyone notice that on the 1st play of the game, the Ravens get flagged for holding negating the Rice touchdown, but the very next play it is STILL 1st and 10 from the original line of scrimmage as the 1st play? WTF happened to 1st and 20???? Last I checked, holding WAS a 10 yd. penalty!

I'm glad someone else brought that up because I was scratching my head too.

Alot of mistakes on the officiating side for sure.

[A-Rex]

on running plays, if a hold happens past the line of scrimmage, then it is a spot foul. The penalty would be marked off from the spot where it occurred. Although an rxplanation from the ref would have been nice.

I saw the same thing and thought 'WTF" too. This is the only explanation I could come up with.

[Viper_ed]

on running plays, if a hold happens past the line of scrimmage, then it is a spot foul. The penalty would be marked off from the spot where it occurred. Although an rxplanation from the ref would have been nice.

I saw the same thing and thought 'WTF" too. This is the only explanation I could come up with.

OK, that's fine, but the file occurred 7 to 8 yards from the line of scrimmage. Even Collinsworth commented that if Smith didn't hold, they would of held Rice to about an 8 yard gain.

[A-Rex]

yeah - it was puzzling to me too. that was the only thing I could think of - except that the refs were idiots.

[Ares]

James Harrison was an animal and looked good. Is it me or does he look more menacing with the tinted visor? Lots of good and bad in that game but Tomlin. WTF were you doing on the last Steeler drive? Call timeout and kick the field goal or do you really not trust the kicker to try a 47 yarder?

Prevent D, gotta love it. Prevents you from winning. If they can play man against the Pats why not against the Ravens?

[A-Rex]

I think the Ravens have bigger more physical receivers than the Patsys. That might have played into it. Plus no Woodley - so you aren't getting the pass rush like you normally do.

If the Steelers could have won - they'd have the inside track on the #1 seed. Now they'll be a wild card team, unless Balt collapses.

[AdamantiumSilvr]

From what bits of the game I did watch the refs definately suck't!

[PaxtonShelby]

Nice job today in Cinci. Nice to see Willie Gay come up with the INT to help seal the deal. Really hard running by Mendenhall - he took a lot of shots and ran thru a few of them. Ben did a nice job too. With Buffalo, KC, and San Diego falling apart, our chances are looking better for securing a wild card if we can't catch the Ravens.

[412mustangz]

I sure hope tonight was the result of coming off of a bye week and that they will come back next week playing like the dominant team they are suppose to be! or else were in trouble..

[PaxtonShelby]

I hear ya JB - but at least we came out with a win - without Woodley, without Troy, and without Ben injuring his thumb any further. It was a frustrating game, but the KC defense deserves a lot of credit. They are playing at a very high level. And when we play a struggling offense, LeBeau tends to dial back the defense, knowing that the opposition will have to put together a long drive to score. It isn't fun to watch and it keeps the game close, but you have to give LeBeau the nod as he's one of the best for a reason.

Had Moore not fumbled on our way in for a score the game wouldn't have been so close. That play where Ben hit the TE for the score was a great play on both ends.

Time to put on the big-boy pants and get ready for Cincy - they really got lucky against the Browns - down by 10 in the 4th and pulled it out. If we can win the next 2 games we should have a lock on a wildcard spot. The game on Monday night in San Fran will be a tough one - the 49ers are playing well ( which says a lot about how the Ravens are playing based on how they dumped San Fran on Thanksgiving ) and will really be up for that one. Finishing up with the Rams and the Browns shouldn't be a problem, even if those games end up meaning something for us.

[412mustangz]

Wow! What a turn around from the last game! This performance was d*mn near perfect. The offense, defense and special teams all did their parts in this awesome victory!!

[PaxtonShelby]

Yep - today was a first-class arse-whoopin of the Bungles. Barring injuries, the only 4 teams I see making it to the Super Bowl are the Packers, the Saints, the Ravens, and the Steelers.

I know the 49'ers are a very good team, but I don't see them making it past the Packers or the Saints.

[PaxtonShelby]

It is complete BS that Harrison has been suspended for 1 game.

If you listen to all the idiots on the NFL Network and ESPN you'd think Harrison pulled out a gun and shot Colt McCoy in the face at close range. They are talking it up just to make Harrison and Suh their posterboys for bad behavior in the NFL.

The truth is that there was nothing wrong with the hit. Hear me out before you think about disagreeing. McCoy had tucked the ball and run out of the pocket - and at that very second all the prettyboy rules that apply to quarterbacks ( but not to Big Ben - but that is a completely separate beef I have with the league ) go right out the window, and he is treated just as a running back ( no protection ).

We all know that McCoy, in the last split-second of the play, decided to flip the ball to his safety valve receiver. Harrison was already leaving his receiver in the flat and charging toward McCoy at full speed.

What really matter is this - any "contact" that was made between Harrisons helmet and McCoy's helmet was purely incidental. Watch the replay in super slo-mo. You will see McCoy's head and the rest of his upper body go back at exactly the same time. The initial contact was not made to McCoy's helmet - it was to McCoy's entire upper body. That's how Harrison tackles. Sure - he lowers his head somewhat before impact - BUT he approaches with his arms tucked into his chest and just before impact literally explodes forward with his arms into the runner, leveling his target. That's what happened here - watch it as many times as you want - you will see that the contact made to McCoy's facemask was not the driving force of Harrison's tackle. Watching McCoy, it is like he ran full speed straight into a wall - not head first into a wall.

The only guy on TV who gets it is Herm Edwards - he said he didn't see anything wrong with the tackle.

F Goodell - I've had it with that idiot.

[Ares]

That is pretty much what I saw in the replay. Harrison just as he hit brings his arms up as he makes hit. The helmet contact was minor at best. Problem is McCoy is tiny compared to Harrison.

[PaxtonShelby]

Yep - I agree Ed - so why the heck can't the networks see it? The whole thing is truly ridiculous. And the Steelers are getting screwed because of it.

[Mark Aubele]

Gotta have a scapegoat I guess. It's all bullshit. Some idiot on the NFL network today said it was a clean hit, but he should've been suspended for 2 games. WTF? And Suh gets 2 for stomping on someone after the whistle?

[95V6]

First off I hate Mark Madden.

And if the hit was so bad why are selling McCoy knocked out pictures on nfl.com?

[PaxtonShelby]

Yeah - Madden is a tool. Talk about a face for radio!!

[95V6]

He said that Harrison is dirty player and said "what trouble will be get in 5 years after football?"

[PaxtonShelby]

Madden will have a heart attack before then - probably while he is sitting at the runway in Blush...

[PaxtonShelby]

For Troll...

Oh man - the Chargers are pasting the Ravens right now... 31-7 with 13 minutes left in the 4th quarter!!! GO BOLTS!!!

Should make for an interesting game Monday night in San Fran...

[PaxtonShelby]

Well tonight's game sure sucked...we brought a sprained gum-band to a grenade fight.

[AdamantiumSilvr]

Yeah they sure did blow it out the rear!!

[racefan]

That Tomlin is an Idiot!! If he would play his other Qbacks more often they would know the system. the steelers have always done that shit! Couch Knoll would keep bradshaw in when the team was ahead by 40 points in the 4th, and the people would bitch when bradshaw got hurt and the 2nd string qback would not know the system. You get what you pay for,,,,,,

[turbo'dnotch]

Wow...barely got by the Browns....denver wont be as easy.

[PaxtonShelby]

Tough game Sunday against the Browns - these divisional games always take their toll. Mendenhall most likely has a torn ACL, so he's done until the regular season starts next year unless he recovers at a record pace. The other injuries, hopefully, are minor.

Other than getting a first round bye, facing the Broncos is the best we could hope for in the playoffs. The Denver offense is really struggling, and we should be able to shut them down. McGahee is not a thread to run against us, especially in an offense that cannot move the ball through the air. Look for Troy to have a big game on Sunday. Denver's defense is ok, but not even in the same league as the Browns defense.

It sucks that Ryan Clark can't play in Denver due to his blood condition. He has had a fantastic season - a Pro-Bowl season in my opinion. But his health has to come first. And we really shouldn't have to worry about Denver's passing game, so that is a plus.

We have really scaled back our offense these last few games to protect the hobbled Ben. That is why we are not putting up the numbers you'd normally expect. I saw a big improvement in Ben's mobility from last week's game to yesterday's game. Look for that trend to continue this next week against the Broncos.

If we do not turn the ball over against the Broncos we will win the game - plain and simple.

The road beyond the wildcard game is another story. I'll speculate on that matchup if and when we beat the Broncos.

[John4cam]

They might go through the first round....but it doesn't look too good for the Steelers. They're so banged up. Tough to win when unhealthy. Especially when you have the caliber of teams that are in the P/O's this year.

[SteelTownStang]

They might go through the first round....but it doesn't look too good for the Steelers. They're so banged up. Tough to win when unhealthy. Especially when you have the caliber of teams that are in the P/O's this year.

Denver... no problem. New England or Baltimore... different story.

[PaxtonShelby]

Denver... no problem. New England or Baltimore... different story.

No doubt, the Pats are a tough out just because of Brady. But we dominated them earlier this year at a time when our defense was not playing as well as it is now. Should we beat Denver, I would rather play the Pats in the next round, even though that would mean the Ravens get the Texans who don't have a QB.

The Ravens are looking very strong and are much healthier than we are. Sure would be great to knock them out of the playoffs in their own house though...

Even if we find a way to make it to the Super Bowl, the Saints, to me, look to be the best team out there, with Green Bay being a close second. I know the Packers are strong, but Drew Brees is simply unconscious right now.

If we were healthy, I'd say we had as good a chance as anyone. Should make for an interesting couple of weeks.

[SteelTownStang]

No doubt, the Pats are a tough out just because of Brady. But we dominated them earlier this year at a time when our defense was not playing as well as it is now. Should we beat Denver, I would rather play the Pats in the next round, even though that would mean the Ravens get the Texans who don't have a QB.

The Ravens are looking very strong and are much healthier than we are. Sure would be great to knock them out of the playoffs in their own house though...

Even if we find a way to make it to the Super Bowl, the Saints, to me, look to be the best team out there, with Green Bay being a close second. I know the Packers are strong, but Drew Brees is simply unconscious right now.

If we were healthy, I'd say we had as good a chance as anyone. Should make for an interesting couple of weeks.

Here's my perfect AFC scenario, however, unrealistic...

PIT (5) vs. DEN (4) = PIT
CIN (6) vs. HOU (3) = CIN

PIT vs. BAL (2) = PIT
CIN vs. NEP (1) = CIN

CIN vs. PIT (home) = PIT :woot1:

... or not :dunno:

[95V6]

I think Denver is going to be a battle and by no means a cake walk.

[Mark Aubele]

I think Denver is going to be a battle and by no means a cake walk.

As long as the Tebow offense throws for 60 yards, I have a feeling we will be fine. Denver sucks, and if they weren't in the incredibly shitty AFC west, they would be watching the playoffs from their couches this weekend.

[BigMack2012Gt]

It's not looking so good!

[Silverhatch]

They look bad. Tebow is what? 3 for 8? 20 points?????

[PaxtonShelby]

Holy trainwreck Batman...we're making Tebow look like Elway...

Everybody is hurt - Keisel, Hampton, Woodley, Ben...

And Ike doesn't appear to have studied much film this week...

Even if we find a way to win this game, there is no way we can advance any further in the playoffs - we are just too dinged up.

[John4cam]

Denver... no problem.

:rofl:

[Cam99]

Just think how bad our ass whoppin would have been in NE next week. lol

[TooFast98Cobra]

Shucks lol

[Mark Aubele]

As long as the Tebow offense throws for 60 yards, I have a feeling we will be fine. Denver sucks, and if they weren't in the incredibly shitty AFC west, they would be watching the playoffs from their couches this weekend.

Jesus Christ was I wrong. Did we exchange our secondary for one from a local high school? What an embarrassment.

[turbo'dnotch]

They were just too beat up in the first string. Bens ankle was a big hinderence, what 3 sacks? for 27 yards lost? Charlie Batch should have been in by the second half at least....jmo.

[Terminated]

They were just too beat up in the first string. Bens ankle was a big hinderence, what 3 sacks? for 27 yards lost? Charlie Batch should have been in by the second half at least....jmo.

That wouldn't have done shit for the secondary that was getting burned up by a n unconventional rookie quarterback throwing bombs. No excuse for that.

[turbo'dnotch]

That wouldn't have done shit for the secondary that was getting burned up by a n unconventional rookie quarterback throwing bombs. No excuse for that.True....but if you outscore them it would have changed. 1 less int. 3 less sacks could have made a difference. not for positive but could have...

[Silverhatch]

Their secondary has been horrible for years. Its just now the offense usually scores alot to overshadow it. I don't think they watched ANY tapes.

[John4cam]

0 Sacks on Tebow. Give any QB in the league time to throw and he'll pass you dizzy. No pressure.

[SteelTownStang]

Unreal!

[mr4teth]

Hitler reacts to Tim Tebow beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC playoffs in OT - YouTube

[PaxtonShelby]

As painful as that game was....that video was FANTASTIC and made me laugh out loud about 10 times!! Thanks for sharing!!

[PaxtonShelby]

I hope we can find a way to keep Hines in Pittsburgh. He said he will restructure his contract. If he agrees to take a BIG paycut maybe we can keep him. I bet he'll come back and be able to produce at a better-than-average #4 receiver level next year. C'mon Steelers!!! Find a way to keep him on the roster for another year!!!

We were $25 million over the cap as of a week ago. Then they cut McFadden and Battle, and restructured the deals of two players ( sorry - I can't remember who... ) and those moves saved them $10 million+ per year. Hines is "only" going to make $4 million in the last 2 years of his contract...so if they restructure his deal down to around $1 million per year that would seem fair. I know he is getting older and last year was far from his best, but I think he was not 100% and he has a little left in the tank for one more year. Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part - he is BY FAR my favorite Steeler in the modern era ( since the dynasty team of the '70s ). I'm going to keep my fingers crossed in hopes that he gets to come back for another year.

[Silverhatch]

Seems like the didn't care to find a way...........
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/hines-ward-released-14-seasons-pittsburgh-233153191.html

[PaxtonShelby]

Yep - it is sad, but what else could the Steelers do. It was obvious that Hines' time was coming based on his performance last year. It happens to all players - even the great ones. Our young receivers are excellent and on the verge of greatness. Wallace will be signed, Brown is fantastic, and just wait and see how good Sanders will be. Throw in Cotchery and Heath Miller and look out. I hope Hines hangs it up and doesn't put on another uniform. I can't imagine him going to another team, especially in the AFC North.

Hines will forever be my favorite Steeler, and I was a young fan back in the days of Mean Joe, Jack Lambert, Bradshaw, Franco, Swann, Stallworth, and the others. I even worked for Andy Russell and Mike Wagner for a few years early in my career ( great guys by the way ). Hines is the classic too-short, too-slow, can't-make-it-in-this-league guy who worked his butt off for every catch and every yard, took pride in being a complete player ( no other receiver has ever been so widely known for his blocking ), and enjoyed every minute on the field. 1000 catches, leading receiver in Steeler history, 2 championships and a Super Bowl MVP, in my opinion, will put him in the Hall of Fame someday.

Thanks for everything Hines!!

Watch NOW! Hines Ward Supreme Athlete - YouTube

Hines Ward-Ultimate Career Highlights - YouTube

Hines Ward #86 Highlights "I Will Not Bow" (Steelers all-time leading receiver) - YouTube

[John4cam]

So how bout the o-line?

[95V6]

Should be an interested season....

[Silverhatch]

Canned a few more vets.