The Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger Share Much Blame For Cincinnati Loss

 by Jayden Matthews (@JadyGirl7)

Well, here we are. Who would have thought that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be sitting at 0-2, yet one game down in their division? I know I didn’t.  But, again, here we are. 

I've seen a lot of blame being placed where it doesn't belong. I am sure 93.7 The Fan’s phone lines were lit up again Tuesday with the masses blaming offensive coordinator Todd Haley and head coach Mike Tomlin for this 20-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. I am sure these are the same fans that wanted Bruce Arians gone as well. To those who are playing the blame game, again you would be wrong and obviously don’t know a lot about football. 

From what I saw Monday night there is some blame to be placed on Haley's doorstep, yes. But, a lot of the blame is to be placed on our 10-year veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

Yes, you read that correctly. I am not afraid to say it because I place the blame where it should be. Sure, like most fans I was scratching my head when we ran three straight times in the first series. But, Big Ben audibled a lot Monday night and the no-huddle offense is strictly on him. He isn't infallible and he proved it Monday night. 

Big Ben completed 20 of 37 passes for 251 yards with a touchdown and a interception for only a 73.1 QB rating. According to ESPN Stats and Information, though, Big Ben overthrew his receivers a record nine times Monday night. Some of the overthrows were to wide open receivers that would have extended drives or could have had game-changing results. Like he said, "the quarterback's got to play better." - http://tinyurl.com/l6raz9t

Don’t get me wrong, I love Big Ben, and I know that this team will only go as far as Ben takes them. But there is much more blame to go around than just that laid at the feet of Haley. It has become painfully obvious that this Steelers team isn't good enough to overcome mistakes. Maybe not even one. 

There were two turnovers, including the aforementioned interception, that cut drives short, and would have resulted in difference-making scores. One was on tight end David Paulson, which wouldn't have happened if he simply had secured the ball. Big Ben's interception was high and behind Jerricho Cotchery, killing the drive deep in Bengals' territory. 

But that is Haley’s fault, right? 

There was some good in the game as well. The signing of Fernando Velasco looks to be solid. He came in and started with only a week of practice and did well. I know the OLine still has some work to do, but they looked better than they did week one and in my opinion will only get better as the season moves along. 

The receivers are showing when they get the ball in their hands they can do something with it. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders can make plays in space and combined on 11 catches for 135 yards. Cotchery had his moments also, even though he had a few balls that were overthrown as stated before. Paulson, minus the fumble, also looked solid, including in his blocking.

Felix Jones was doing well, having six rushes for 26 yards early (finishing with 10 carries for 37 yards), and may get the nod Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. The Steelers had trouble producing a solid run game otherwise, though, compiling only 44 yards. Having an NFL-low 1.0 yards per carry before contact is possibly the biggest problem. It is more (lack of) execution and personnel than anything. - http://tinyurl.com/onyrkn2

All of this just shows us that one thing that everyone "obviously" knows: we miss Heath Miller and need him back on the field. But, don't listen to Tomlin - Miller's presence would cure a few problems. - http://tinyurl.com/mgh74uo

During the game, ESPN showed a stat chart of what happens he and Big Ben connect. The stats were good, but they still didn't show what last year’s Steelers MVP actually does for the team. Heath Miller is arguably the most underrated tight end in the NFL for all he does for the Steelers. He is not only Big Ben’s security blanket, but he also is one of the best blocking TE’s in the NFL, and that will also help the OLine in the running schemes. 

I know that almost no one is thinking along these lines, but the Steelers are not out of this by any means, even if the mainstream media wants everyone to believe they are. But, there is hope.

The division is a mess right now with no one team standing out. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are in a two-way tie at the top with 1-1 records. They also, though, have the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers respectively this week, so that could change again. The Steelers have the Bears coming to town, so this could be an interesting week once again in the AFC North.

Could the division see a three-way tie at 1-2? Possibly. The Bears have shown signs that they can be beaten, and if the Steelers can contain Adrian Peterson they can defeat the Minnesota Vikings. So, it isn't all gloom and doom yet. 

But go ahead and blame just one person for the woes so far. Who knows? Maybe he'll be fired by Art Rooney II...er uh...maybe he'll retire. That hasn't happened before...has it?

Steelers Must Overcome Deficiencies Monday Night vs. Bengals

It is a bit of Pittsburgh Steelers lore that when newly hired head coach Chuck Noll addressed his team for the first time back in 1969, he told them he would be watching tapes of their play and would get back to them as to why they were mired in losing. What was the answer he was said to have given them? 

"Most of you just can't play football."

Fast forward to 2013 and we could be seeing a bit of déjà vu. - http://tinyurl.com/onyrkn2

At the close of the 2012 season, If It Ain't Steel posted several articles exploring the problems facing the Steelers as a football team and an organization. Problems that have seemed to transfer right on into 2013. 

Just one game into the season and the Steelers lose their Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, starting Buck linebacker Larry Foote and change-up running back LaRod Stephens-Howling. A bleak beginning to say the least. 

Now the Steelers have the daunting task of not only facing a division foe, but facing them with one further depleted their ranks. One who also has inside knowledge of the team. 

When the Steelers play the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, they will face former All-Pro linebacker and teammate James Harrison. Harrison and the Steelers were unable to come to a contractual agreement, causing the Silverback to eventually take less to sign with the Bengals. 

Now Harrison will be doing all he can to pay back the Steelers and help his new team get on the winning track. What are the ways in which he can help and can the Bengals win? 

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in his weekly press conference that the team was one or two “explosive” plays away from possibly winning the game. This is actually fairly true. But, it is difficult to do so when your "explosive" play guys are minimal to begin with, and too few of those types of plays are called the entire game.

The Steelers do have some talent, they aren't bereft of it as the team was in 1969, and can perform when they execute. Unfortunately, the key word there is "when."

Over the last nine games the Steelers are -10 in turnover ratio, have allowed 24 sacks and have not had a player run for more than 56 yards in a single game. So the first order of business is the OFFENSIVE LINE.

The acquisition of Fernando Velasco would seem to aid the Steelers in that department as Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review stated recently from his Twitter (@MarkKaboly_Trib) account, "I haven't heard a bad word about #Steelers center Fernando Velasco yet. Makes me wonder why the Titans cut him?"

One man's (or team's) trash...

Once the OLine decides it wants to block, it is then on the RUNNING BACKS the Steelers do have to actually grind out some yards. As offensive coordinator Todd Haley said, "We need Isaac (Redman) to bounce back and play a better game."

Whomever is the primary ball carrier, he needs to put forth an above-his-pay-grade effort because 32 yards simply won't cut it against Harrison, Michael Johnson (4.5 sacks in last five games against Steelers) and the man who may have been the defensive player of the year were it not for J.J. Watt, Geno Atkins (three sacks and a forced fumble last season vs. Steelers). 

If they're able to weather that storm, then they still must TAKE CARE OF THE BALL. As Tomlin brought out at his presser, cornerback Leon Hall intercepted a pass from Ben Roethlisberger and returned it 17 yards to score the Bengals lone touchdown in their second matchup last season. 

"We can't turn the football over and expect to win," Haley said. Protecting the football has to be a priority for anybody touching it." - http://tinyurl.com/nztj4tu

The defensive side of the equation is slightly different. Though the offense largely dictates whether or not the Steelers will win, the defense has to still be able to check the Bengals two-tight end sets, wide receiver A.J. Green and the Bengals. 

"They have two really talented guys there," Dick LeBeau said. "I would rather have three real good tight ends and no A.J. Green. I'll put it that way. It gives them a good combination."

But, A.J. Green they do have, and he torched the Steelers with 10 catches for 116 yards in their last meeting with Ike Taylor sidelined. This time Cortez Allen will be the one sidelined, so the intrepid Taylor will be needed to follow Green all night. It will also assure that Shamarko Thomas will be seen in the Nickel and possibly Robert Golden as well for a Big Nickel 4-Safety look.

Getting to quarterback Andy Dalton is imperative. Containing BenJarvus Green-Ellis is also very important. Slow the running game and force them to be one-dimensional. If the defense can do that, it will go a long way toward securing a victory. 

After all, despite the overall inept play last week, the Steelers still gave up only 229 yards of total offense in Week 1 - the third fewest in the entire NFL. Plus, Big Ben is 13-5 all-time against the Bengals. Not to mention that the Steelers are 40-23 all-time on Monday night and Tomlin is 7-1 himself. 

It may sound like a reach to refer to history to find solace in the season so far, but there may not be much else to grasp onto. Much depends on the OLine growing up fast. Then we would see the offensive restraints lessened and the offense opened up. 

But this is more than a one-game fix, and the Steelers have many deficiencies to overcome. A Bengals win, therefore, is certainly in the realm of possibility. 

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TIDBITS: Steelers injury report: CAllen, LBell, HMiller are out; Curtis Brown (illness) is doubtful.

Bengals injury report: CB Ghee, G Pollack are out; S Miles is doubtful; T Whitworth is questionable.

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Jerricho Cotchery needs 5 receptions to reach 400 for his career and 10 receiving yards for 5,000 yards.

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LaMarr Woodley has 53 career sacks. He needs one more to pass Greg Lloyd (53.5) for seventh-most sacks for a Steeler.

The Steelers Find No Safety At Home, Lose 16-9 To Titans

The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a great start Sunday when Darius Reynaud of the Tennessee Titans took the opening kickoff back a step into the end zone to kneel the ball which resulted in a safety. The Steelers led 2-0 with just three seconds off of the clock. The fastest score in the history of the NFL. 

Squeamish and/or bandwagon pom-pom waving fans should stop reading now. 

When the ensuing kickoff was taken by Antonio Brown for 16 yards to the 41-yard line, it officially ended the highlights on the day for the Steelers as they, aside from a garbage-time touchdown, did little else en route to a 16-9 loss. 

What happened next was a comedy of errors rivaling anything ever written by Shakespeare. They're the 2012 Steelers in a form of déjà vu. - http://tinyurl.com/ooyboco

All the problems that plagued the team last season reared their ugly heads again on Sunday. The offensive line was porous (five sacks, 32 yards and zero first down rushing), offense stalled from dropped passes, turnovers (fumbles and an interception), lack of its own pass rush (one sack and minimal pressure), lack of forced turnovers and too many injuries. 

The last one being in the forms of Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (ACL & MCL) and Larry Foote being done for the season. The Steelers had several other injuries as well. LaRod Stephens-Howling (knee) needing surgery and likely gone for the season also, Cortez Allen (ankle), Shaun Suisham (toe/hamstring and could be out 2-3 weeks) and Ryan Clark (knee?) all went down at one point in the game.

At some point it has to be considered more than just being "snake bit." But, ultimately the team has no one to blame but themselves. -

“That was the problem, we did it late and we couldn’t do it early enough,’’ Ben Roethlisberger said. “It was just little things here and little things there.’’ - http://tinyurl.com/pj52uu9

Big Ben connected on 21 of 33 passes for 191 yards, one touchdown and an interception for the Steelers, who came in with 10 straight victories in home openers, the longest active streak in the league. 

Last season Big Ben headed into the Titans' game poised to surpass Steelers Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw as the team's all-time leading passer. He went into Sunday's game ready to pass 30,000 yards for his career. Neither milestone was accompanied by a win. Both losses were because of lack of execution and mistakes.

"The first [fumble] was a [bad] quarterback-to-running back exchange. I never had it. Ben said he got it out slow because he was working with a new center," said Isaac Redman per Ken Laird. "We were supposed to have two tailbacks in the game. I looked up to see if we could flag Felix (Jones) on the field. They put DJ (David Johnson) at tailback." - http://tinyurl.com/puozazr

While it is true that that the exchange wasn't clean, this sounds more like an excuse than a reason. Absent is the "it's my fault and I'll make it right next time" tone. He would fumble again only to recover the second one. Was the running game affected by Pouncey going out?

"We didn't execute. They did. They had a nice plan. Our plan could've been better under the circumstances." - http://tinyurl.com/oxbf3r8

The loss of Pouncey, which Marcus Gilbert referred to as "freak play" and "no one's fault", is unmistakably a major one. He was one of the team captains and a three-time Pro bowl center. This loss is dangerous to a team who's offensive line is already held together with spit and chicken wire. 

It doesn’t get any easier for the Steelers, either, as they travel to Cincinnati Monday Night Football. Some pick the Bengals the best team in the AFC North, and if the Steelers struggled at home against Tennessee, how will they fair against a motivated James Harrison, Geno Atkins and the rest of the Bengals?

Regardless, regardless of how utterly pathetic, inept and putrid they looked, it is human nature to still try and find bright spots. 

Bad week one to be certain, but there were some positives: Troy looked like Troy, Jarvis Jones and LaMarr Woodley made some plays and the rest of AFC North lost. 

Also, the 1989 Steelers lost to the Cleveland Browns (51-0) and Bengals (41-10) by a combined 92-10. They came back to finish 9-7 and make the playoffs. They even won their wild card playoff game. Who'd they defeat? The Houston Oilers - what the Titans used to be known as. 

Steelers' Inept Play Ruins Anniversary Ceremony, Playoff Hopes in 13-10 Loss

What's an antonym for "immaculate?" Dirty? Filthy? Foul? Tainted? Unclean? Unsterile? Well, pick one, because they all fit the Pittsburgh Steelers overall performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a 13-10 loss. Here are the highlights from the game: http://tinyurl.com/d4noqw9

That's it. After that, then the opening kick, it got really ugly.

For Ben Roethlisberger and the offense, it was an utterly pathetic showing. Granted, Big Ben was 'almost dead' five weeks ago...how much did that affect his arm strength? That can't be quantified accurately, but he wasn't the Ben we know for more than a handful of plays.

As Big Ben accurately stated, "We should be (going to the playoffs) if it wasn't for me." - http://tinyurl.com/cqrn7hj

As Dejan Kovacevic, sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, tweeted on his official Twitter (@Dejan_Kovacevic) account, and with which we agree: "I love Ben, always have and have always defended him...BUT he should take a lot of the blame...not all, but A LOT." - http://tinyurl.com/cjg5y4a

Was he actually still ailing? Let's hope it's nothing else. Regardless, Big Ben deserves the brunt of the blame for the last two losses. Ben just hasn't been Ben since coming back from his injury and the difference is staggeringly obvious.

BIG BEN pre-injury:

209 - 316 passes
66.1% completion
17 TD passes
4 interceptions
QB Rating of over 100.0 and 121.1 on 3rd down with the team just under 50% on 3rd.
3 game-winning drives.

BIG BEN post-injury:

60 - 110 passes
54.5% completion
6 TD passes
4 interceptions (half of season total)
QB Rating in the 80.0's (58.6 on Sunday) and the team converting only 2 of 14 3rd downs.
3 blown chances at comebacks or game-winning drives.

The offense as a whole wet the bed and wasted a nearly brilliant defensive performance in which Cortez Allen, the Steelers Digest Player of the Week, had two interceptions and a forced fumble, the Steelers first multi-interception game in over a year (their first since Cleveland last December).

It was also a game in which the defense recorded six sacks, their most in one game all season, and where an unusually animated Troy Polamalu had his first sack since September of 2011 in a 24-0 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

But their performance couldn't offset the inept play of the offense. An offense that had actually been the ones carrying the defense in recent weeks. And as has been the case too many times this season, one wasn't enough. - http://tinyurl.com/br2thgt

The offense had far too few bright moments, Sunday and all season, and turned it over far too many times. That's a failure for both the players and the coaching staff.

No, the coaches don't throw interceptions, fumble or drop passes, but they are ultimately responsible for repetitive problems and continued insanity (insanity: doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result).

One dropped pass is a mistake, two fumbles is a pattern, and three interceptions is a habit. Or, in this case, a problem. A problem If It Ain't Steel said was needed to be avoided in our pre-game article. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/12/for-steelers-playoffs-begin-sunday.html

The players, for the little good it meant, recognized it also. "I'm not surprised at all," said running back Isaac Redman. "Turnovers at key moments of games have just crushed us all year long."

(Getty Images)
The final crushing blow was dealt once again by quarterback Big Ben who threw two interceptions in the game, the first being returned for a touchdown. For the second straight game, Big Ben threw a costly interception that led to a loss when Reggie Nelson picked him off with 14 seconds remaining and the score tied.

The Bengals (9-6) then only needed a 21-yard completion to A.J. Green to set up the game-winning field goal. This is the first time since 1981-82 that the Bengals have reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons. - http://tinyurl.com/d6jbnk7

Though he also threw a touchdown pass when he and wide receiver Antonio Brown made it rain on Adam "Pacman" Jones for a 60-yard score, the Steelers (7-8) lost for the fifth time in six games. This will be the first season since 2006 that the Steelers will enter the regular season finale with no chance of making the playoffs.

According to Steelers left tackle Max Starks, though, they'll be ready: "There won't be any quitting going into next week," he said after the game.

Next week will be it for this season, however. Time to start taking a serious look at everything and everyone. Injuries decimated this team from virtually day one, yes. But there were obvious inherent problems that need addressing.

"We have to do a better job as players of playing," said Steelers linebacker James Harrison, "and a better job as coaches of coaching."

One thing they have to absolutely do better is block. Finding a number one running back would help and they had injuries at all positions but one. But the offensive line was never completely consistent in its blocking and got progressively worse as the season went along.

In fact, we warned how bad it could get with defensive tackle Geno Atkins in town. It was expected that Ramon Foster would see him, instead he lines up over rookie David DeCastro most of the day. Atkins feasted on the youngling, having 2.5 sacks for a total of 13 this season.

The problems that need to be addressed will be discussed at length in future articles, as we have a long offseason to address them. All that is left is to salvage the season and avoid being the first losing year since 2003.

It won't take an immaculate performance against fellow cellar dwellers, the Cleveland Browns, just one that isn't the same inept showing seen lately. The standard should be a higher one.

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TIDBITS: In Mike Tomlin's post-game press conference, he announced that Baron Batch broke his arm and that Heath Miller suffered a PCL and MCL injury. Injured reserve for both for a certainty.

Curtis Brown (Achilles), Mike Wallace (hamstring), and center Maurkice Pouncey (knee-MCL) all dinged up, but status unknown. - http://tinyurl.com/c3qbr5f

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After his suspension, Rashard Mendenhall returns to have 11 carries for 50 yards. He returns to the scene of the crime (sort of) next week against the Browns. - http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh-steelers/f/c554e1aa-a4c2-431e-97b1-9ae34aa3b64b/

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Steelers 2013 opponents now set following loss to Bengals: http://sulia.com/channel/pittsburgh/f/90c0e581-dcbf-4d7a-869f-964a6142aa34/

Steelers Face Old Foe In Cleveland Sunday; Injury Updates

As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. To me that was better than being a fan of the Browns. To be a Steelers fan was to own the NFL.

You know, we always called each other a family, goodfellas. Like, you'd say to somebody: "You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a Steelers fan. He's one of us." You understand? We were Steelers fans, wise guys...

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face their oldest AFC rivals again Sunday at the Mistake by the Lake as they look to keep division and playoff hopes alive. In the last nine years, since 2004, the Steelers have won all but one game (2009) in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Steelers have, in fact, have won a total of 15 out of the last 16 meetings during that time and look to maintain their success this Sunday. If they do, they will increase their series lead on the Browns (2-8) to an all-time record of 63-56 since the rivalry began in 1950.

The soft and chewy Brownies are still my favorite rivalry. I hate the Baltimore Ravens more (especially because they took my original Browns from me), but, as far back as I can remember, the Browns were always there.

I remember them going an initial 0-16 at Three Rivers Stadium.

I remember Browns personnel sneaking dirt from Cleveland and sprinkling it onto sideline of Three Rivers trying to mojo a win...to no avail.

I remember the 51-0 blowout loss in 1988. In fact, I will never forget it.

I remember the 43-0 drubbing of the new and unimproved Browns in 1999.

And I remember the three wins by three points each in 2002 culminating in Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala's go-ahead touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion to secure the playoff win.

I simply love to hate the Browns. Even with the lopsided streak of late, I still look to the season schedule as soon as it's released and seek out the Browns games first.

This version of Paul Brown's progeny might just also be another challenge for the Steelers. The Browns always play division opponents tough and always give the Steelers all they have.

With the Steelers as banged up as they are, the Browns, who've played the Ravens closely and even beaten the Cincinnati Bengals, can't be overlooked at all.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin agrees. Even though he always makes the next opponent sound like a Super Bowl team, some of the points he made regarding them were accurate. One player in particular elicited this week's Tomlinism.

To be specific, the Browns feature a very talented and dangerous rookie running back in Trent Richardson. During the post-NFL Draft summer, a name from the Browns past, legendary running back Jim Brown, called Richardson "ordinary." He has been anything but that to Tomlin's chagrin. - http://tinyurl.com/auyxgoc

Speaking of names from the past, the Steelers looked to their past to help aid their present. It was announced late Tuesday afternoon that they had signed wide receiver Plaxico Burress to a 1-year, $925,000 contract to supplement the receiving corps.

"He's in really good physical condition based on the workout that I just saw," said Tomlin. "And obviously he's no stranger to football."

When on Sirius XM radio, Tomlin also said that Plax worked his camp with him this past offseason. Additionally, he's been working out in Florida, as Mike Wallace did during his holdout.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can still do because, taking into account his height and his hands, he's a very good red zone target and the Steelers are already working on just such packages for him. - http://tinyurl.com/bemyya2

He also sounds less like the Divo he was when he was in Pittsburgh before and in his first few years in New York. He sounds more mature and eager to contribute. Like a good fella.

"Feels great to be back, comfort level here with a lot of the guys, I'm anxious to get back to playing football," Plax said.

He also said that he doesn't think he's "been around a collection of better receivers and that says a lot....Knock some dust off the old No. 80 jerseys and let's go to work!" - http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8660452/plaxico-burress-pittsburgh-steelers-ready-get-back-field

His new and old teammates are buying into it as well.

"He's a great asset," Emmanuel Sanders pointed out. "He can stretch the field vertically and be a big red zone threat for us."

Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton also said of Plax: "He's a good locker room guy, a good guy to have around. I think he's always been misunderstood by people."

Plax will have another good locker room guy throwing the ball to him as Godfather Charlie Batch will be starting against Cleveland Sunday.

But with the loss of 2nd-string Byron Leftwich for the next few weeks, the Steelers went out and signed quarterback Brian Hoyer to provide a back up. Hoyer addressed the media before Wednesday's practice at the South Side facility. - http://tinyurl.com/bbdw6kw

Hoyer was brought in because of his football smarts and because he can pick things up quickly on limited reps, according to Tomlin. A solid signing, even if he is only going to be in Pittsburgh for about four weeks.

Without getting into too deep of an analysis, this should be another good Steelers-Browns game. They'll be ready for their longest standing rival. Save their three-year hiatus (1996-98), Steelers-Browns is also the oldest AFC rivalry.

Years ago, they were one of the best teams in the NFL. Spit-shined and polished NFL Trophies sit in their facilities. But that was before the AFL-NFL merger. In the Super Bowl era, they have no Rings.

Win or lose, though, I know I'll remember this game.

Now, go home, Cleveland, and get your fu**ing shine box.

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TIDBITS: INJURIES - Big Ben was re-examined and is improving. Was not wearing a sling on Wednesday and was even seen holding a cup of coffee in his right hand as well as talking on the phone. - http://tinyurl.com/b8lsxru

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Isaac Redman has been progressing through concussion tests, and one more is scheduled for Thursday.

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Antonio Brown and Marcus Gilbert will start individual work this week. Troy is progressing, but is still questionable at this point. None will play Sunday.

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David DeCastro, on IR-designated to return, practiced Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee.

Per the Steelers, they have 21 days from Wednesday, Nov. 21, to put DeCastro on the active roster or he has to be placed on season-ending IR. They can, however, activate him at any point during the next three weeks. - http://tinyurl.com/agrp357

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Byron Leftwich believes he hurt ribs on the Paul Kruger "last sack", per a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Per Tomlin, he "didn't see anything" in Leftwich's performance, coupled with sideline talks, to pull him from game.

Really? Not under thrown balls? Not inaccurate balls? Not overthrown balls? Not grabbing his shoulder/rib area after virtually every throw? - http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/home/118948-morning-links-11-21-12

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Marshall McFadden and Baron Batch get cut and then added to practice squad after clearing waivers. Jamie McCoy and Ryan Lee were released.

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Larry Foote was on 93.7 The Fan and took umbrage with LaMarr Woodley's tweet about signing Donovan McNabb: "(He) needs to shut up and play football." - http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/

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Speaking of Woodley... We've all seen Ray Rice waving and then wearing a Terrible Towel as he left Heinz Field Sunday. It not only upset Steeler Nation, but it upset LaMarr Woodley as well. - http://tinyurl.com/d7hfoan

Ray Rice, however, says he meant no disrespect and explains the Terrible Towel issue. - http://tinyurl.com/askk3jp

We don't care, RR, you shouldn't even be touching one.

Bengals Game Is "Must Win" For Steelers; Woodson Talks Defense

"This is a crazy season. Everybody has a couple of losses this early. We just have to pick it up and make some plays." - Mike Wallace

From your lips to God's ears.

It has been a crazy season so far. Just crazy enough to keep the playoff hopes of a 2-3 Pittsburgh Steelers squad alive. A squad that has yet to win a road game, meaning that those hopes can be elevated or dashed depending on the outcome Sunday at the Cincinnati Bengals.

So many things are needed Sunday night to overcome the team's road woes and to take advantage of there being only two AFC teams with a winning record through six weeks. And there things in all three phases of the game that need attention if the Steelers are to have a chance to win.

ALOHA, MAUALUGA:

Most all of the Bengals pressure and sacks this season have come from the front four of their defense. Those being defensive ends Michael Johnson (6'7" 270lbs) and Carlos Dunlap (6'6" 280lbs), and defensive tackles Geno Atkins (6'1" 300lbs) and Domata Peko (6'3" 307lbs).

They are all formidable and have the majority of the Bengals 20 sacks, with Atkins (six) and Johnson (five) leading the charge with 11 sacks between them...the exact number of sacks of the entire Steelers defense.

That being the case, the Steelers should look to keep middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who isn't exactly off to a great start this season, closer to the box by running up the middle again on offense.

Being able to utilize an effective (not great, just effective) middle-run game will help keep Maualuga and the rest of the linebackers out of Cover-2 and it will keep them honest. That, then will also help to keep excess pressure from that defensive line off of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In doing so, the Steelers might also look to employ some 12-personnel packages to help Max Starks and especially Mike Adams who'll have their hands full on the edges.

Exposing them down the seam can be accomplished as can getting Heath Miller singled up. I also like Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace against their defensive backs all day. When they're in the Nickel, Pacman Jones could have his power pellets gobbled up very easily by Emmanuel Sanders.

It all hinges, though, on being able to make the Bengals respect the running of Jonathan Dwyer, of whom Rashard Mendenhall said, "he's ready," and Baron Batch.

I said that they need to run it effectively up the middle, yes, but not on first down. They're running on first down has been less than stellar this season. Passing more on first downs would not only help against the Bengals, but also against whomever they play until Mendy is back and completely healthy.

One last thing to consider is that the Steelers have addressed the issue of dressing eight offensive linemen Sunday night.

If Pouncey, who's listed as questionable, dresses and John Malecki is activated from the practice squad and dresses, there are your eight. We'll know by Saturday. The O-Line, as well as the rest if the offense, was addressed by offensive coordinator Todd Haley on Thursday. - http://tinyurl.com/9r33wwb

UPDATE: Right after the Steelers got a two-week roster exemption for the suspension of rookie nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu, which will last past Ta'amu's Oct. 24 hearing, the Steelers signed G Jacques McClendon, a fourth-round draft pick in 2010 out of Tennessee by Colts, to the practice squad. They signed defensive end Corbin Bryant to roster and released tight end Jamie McCoy.

Now, just days later due to the Pouncey injury, the Steelers posted to their official Twitter sight that they've promoted center/guard John Malecki to the active roster and subsequently release Corbin Bryant. (Ed Bouchette surmises that it means Pouncey is likely out.) http://t.co/0l2DY3dJ

TREAT GINGER LIKE GILLIGAN:

Who's the best quarterback in the state of Ohio? Ben Roethlisberger. He's 14-2 in Ohio (Bengals and Browns) completing over 63% of his passes, while throwing 21 TDs with a 93.8 passer rating.

I point that out right here because of one of the things that defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau spoke of in the Coordinators Corner link provided. The fact that Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, as both LeBeau and James Harrison said, he's "accurate....can make every throw out there."

He can, though, can be confused and caused to force passes - he has thrown nine interceptions already this season. Causing the Bengals to become one-dimensional is paramount Sunday.

When Dalton throws over 35 passes and the running attempts drop, the Bengals have lost. Accept for the opening night Ravens game, when their running attempts are high, they've won. The difference in the Baltimore game was that they were in it until the Ed Reed pick six. Then the Bengals had to pass more which opened the floodgates.

Confusing him has not only led to nine interceptions this season, but also to 17 sacks. Throw in that Benjarvus Green-Ellis has also put the ball on the ground three times, forcing will be very important. Not to mention that those turnovers and sacks keeps the cornerbacks from being beaten too often.

The principal part of that equation is of course A.J. Green. Green will catch anything thrown anywhere in his radar. He is at least top three in absolutely every viable NFL wide receiver category. He's the real deal and Ike Taylor, despite his protestations otherwise, will need help over the top. If not, it will be a very long day.

As we've already written, the Steelers defense ranks 31st in 3rd down conversions allowed, but that might be balanced by the Bengals being last in the league at converting 3rd downs. Sort of the resistible force meets the moveable object.

So, that highlights Ike's and Harrison's candid statements this week, with Ike's being a touch more skewed, about the defense needing to step up make themselves accountable. That will be extremely necessary Sunday night. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2012/10/james-harrison-and-ike-taylor-talk.html

SPECIAL ED TEAMS:

Somewhere Al Everest is smiling...

In kickoff coverage, the Steelers rank 25th in the NFL with opponents starting at the 23-yard line on average. Stopping someone for a change would be a great help.

They themselves rank 16th, with an average start at the 21.6 yard-line. Chris Rainey's return average of 27.0 is tied for 12th.

Drew Butler has a net punting average of 37.3 which ranks 28th in the NFL and has suffered a blocked punt. But, the Steelers won a Super Bowl with Mitch Berger, so I won't kill Butler just yet.

Antonio Brown has had a couple of great returns called back, and so only ranks 17th in the league with an 8.0 average. Stop the penalties and he could turn that around in no time.

Putting this all together would be the recipe for finally getting into the win column on the road. According to the site http://makenflplayoffs.com/, the Steelers have a 27.2% chance of making the playoffs as of right now, meaning that losing again would be the beginning of the end. That makes this a must win game for the Steelers.

So, if they are able to bring all of this fruition, I could still see a higher scoring game. If the Steelers win, it'd be a 31-27 type of game.

TIDBITS: Speaking of the Ike Taylor vs. A.J. Green duel as I was earlier, Steelers legend Rod Woodson was on 93.7 The Fan last week and, among other things, had some advice for Ike on how he could help himself to rectify his problems this season by simply getting "back to basics." (Yo, Swag, he's one of the best all-time and is a Hall of Famer. I'd listen.) - http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/10/17/hall-of-famer-rod-woodson-examines-steelers-defensive-issues/

~

Steelers Injury Report: Mendenhall, Redman, Carter, Gilbert, Troy all ruled out for Sunday. Pouncey is questionable. Johnson and Timmons are probable.

Bengals injury report: RB Leonard doubtful; WR Binns & CB Kirkpatrick questionable; WR Hawkins, LB Muckelroy, DT Still and G Zeitler all probable.

~

If you think illegal steroids and HGH don't exist in the NFL, you're very naiv...aw, hell, you're just stupid. The Steelers aren't any better or worse regarding these things than anyone else. It's something that exists in the NFL. Period. I'll let you make any further decisions on your own: http://tinyurl.com/9f3xzzm

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Hines is a grown and single man and can do whatever...and whomever...he wants. Plus, the guy who tried this was just dumb. - http://tinyurl.com/976xv4s

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On the flip side...a feel good story of Chris Rainey and the Pounceys: "Football gave me a family." - http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49476108

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Curtain closing on Pittsburgh Steelers? - http://tinyurl.com/8tdbq8m

ESPN Video: Countdown Daily Prediction: Steelers-Bengals - http://tinyurl.com/9kledy7

Truths, Myths And Realities: The Steelers And James Harrison

Some weeks ago, Adam Schein of NFL.com wrote an article addressing what he considered to be the debunking of myths and establishing of truths. Regarding the Steelers he addressed specifically what he felt were the reasons they would be nothing more than a third-place team.

While on the surface he seemed to have covered all the main bullet points, his reasonings were so much pure speculation and conjecture that I thought I was reading satire, something akin to "The Colbert Report" rather than actual journalism. Add to that, he missed a very salient matter that was in question even a month ago.

Let's simply look at his points and see what really are truths and myths. We're also providing the link to the article so there can't be a claim that anything was taken out of context. - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82af7ec8/article/busting-myths-about-broncos-49ers-mark-sancheztim-tebow

"The Myth: Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh, and will be a top-tier contender. 

The Truth: The Steelers have issues and look like a third-place team."

After extending his respects to head coach Mike Tomlin, he said "I'm not convinced the shotgun marriage between new offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will work....Have you studied the combustible Haley and Roethlisberger through the years?"

Schein so far is exemplifying synthetic thinking by regurgitating the same rhetoric as much of the rest of the media assuming Haley's and Roethlisberger's first names are Devil Anse and Ole Ran'l. There hasn't been any actual indication, though, of a Hatfields and McCoys disagreement. Maybe they didn't have communication immediately upon Haley's arrival, but there is no rule they had to do so. 

There is, though, an NFL rule saying that the team and coaches couldn't have any football contact/connections at that time. So, the lack of contact between the two, which again was media generated, was much ado about nothing. Besides, as long as they agree that the mutual goal is to win a Super Bowl, it doesn't matter if they don't exactly get along. It's well known that former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll and quarterback Terry Bradshaw didn't exactly get along, bickering all the way to four Super Bowl wins. 

Next, Schein addresses another aspect of the offense. "Meanwhile, receiver Mike Wallace....wants Larry Fitzgerald -type money. The Steelers (wisely) won't give it to him. This situation can't be spun with the argument that Wallace knows the Steelers' system and won't be hurt by missing time -- Haley is implementing a new offense, after all."

First thing to say on that is, as we've written before, please provide that quote where Wallace said he absolutely wanted Fitzgerald money. At the same time, we know he wants to get paid. Who doesn't? Very briefly, then, let's tackle the contract aspect of this.

We've been saying for some time now that the money is there to sign Wallace. That hasn't changed. The problem is with how Wallace may be looking at the money he'd be receiving. Never overlook the all-important paragraph five in NFL contracts.

Wallace has the possibility of making, if indeed the $50 million that Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review alleges was offered to Wallace is accurate and still on the table, $20 million over two years initially and basically $50 million over five.

It's hard not to see him taking it, but Wallace may be looking at an $11 million average if his push for $55 million is also accurate. That wouldn't be smart because the back ends of the contracts is hardly ever paid. So, why look at an average when it's the signing bonus and the first two years are what matter most? Like I mentioned earlier, always consider the paragraph five money (i.e. signing bonus + 1st year/option bonus + 2nd year = 2 years, $20 mill or more).

More importantly and impactfully is what Wallace can do on the field in Haley's new offense. The beauty of what Wallace brings is that, if all else fails, Wallace can just use his speed and go long, be used as a decoy, and/or hit and exploit simple slant routes or bubble screens. Big Ben and Wallace, with a simple look or nod, can also just recreate the train station scene from the movie The Untouchables. Big Ben/Elliot Ness: "You got him?"
Wallace/George Stone: "Yeah, I got him."
Ben/Ness: "Take him!" (The GREATEST SCENE IN MOVIE MAKING HISTORY. But, I digress...)

We acknowledge that Rashard Mendenhall is still hurt and that his inability to play Sunday can affect what the Steelers can do. Don't expect the Steelers to rush him back, though they might throw a smoke screen Denver's way. - http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000058106/article/rashard-mendenhall-incredible-at-steelers-practice

We tie that into Schein's next point, which was, "Do you trust Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer? 

In a word, yes. Redman is a straight forward plodder who likes to attack, and Dwyer is pounding runner with skip and pop when given that hole. Between the two of them, and with the variables that Baron Batch and Chris Rainey behind them bring, they can collectively provide the running game the Steelers need. 

I choose to skip the comments on the offensive linemen drafted because one is gone for at least eight weeks and the other won't start in that time frame anyway. But his next point may be the most head-scratching of all he wrote.

"Receiver Hines Ward is on TV. Linebacker James Farrior has left the building. Safety Troy Polamalu is older."

Response: Hines barely played as youth was served. Potsie was off the field more than you remember. Yeah? So is everyone else. Polamalu is one who keeps himself in great shape, is known for his conditioning. Whether 26 or 31, he will be ready to play. 

Schein then addressed the entire by saying that the "Baltimore Ravens are the team to beat in the AFC North. Baltimore has a more imposing defense (even with the injury to Terrell Suggs) and a better running attack than its arch rivals in Pittsburgh."

Really? Even without Fall So Hard? Check the NFL stats again from last season, the Steelers were atop the list. While the No. 2 defense was a Harbaugh-led unit, it was the one in Garnett and Gold. Not to mention the fact that the Ravens lost key defensive players in defensive end Cory Redding, nose tackle Brandon McKinney, outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, cornerback Chris Carr and safeties Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura. 

The running attack point is arguable, but the fact is that neither team historically runs well against the other. So, that's generally a wash. In all honesty, though, both are potential 10-6 teams.

"The Cincinnati Bengals are legit....Quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green will continue to blossom in Year 2. Right now, on Aug. 1, the Steelers have more issues than the Bengals."

The first point with which we completely agree. The Bengals will only improve on last year's success and will be a team to be reckoned with this season. Dalton is a QB on the rise and Green has scary potential. The Steelers and Ravens both with have to account for the Bengals. 

The way Schein ended that last point was that "the Steelers have more issues than the Bengals." Yes, they do. One of the biggest of the issues is how much can be expected from outside linebacker James Harrison. His presence of absence is a very mighty swing of the pendulum.

We at If It Ain't Steel have questioned just how much we all may see him in the season-opening Broncos game, as well as over this year entire year. We also surmised that this could be his last full season with the Steelers. If so, his loss would be immediately felt. He has only participated in a limited capacity the last two days of practice, so this is of real concern.

As good as Chris Carter has been in the preseason at rushing the passer and causing disruptions, he isn't the clogging run stopper that is Harrison. When the Silverback wants the running back to stop, he stops. Deebo's strength, especially his lower body strength may be unmatched in the NFL right now. When he is healthy and is able to get low, basically too low for the offensive tackles to counter, the wide side of the field for the running back is simply cut off. When healthy, he is pure intimidation. Scary. He's like the NFL's version of Candyman--offensive coordinators don't even say his name five times when going over game plans the night before games. - http://youtu.be/wJMtfxU0CAU

Whenever Harrison does hang up the cleats, the Steelers will miss his run support as much as, if not more than, his pass rushing prowess. Just as he has been explosive and terrorizing force at times, at other times he has been an immovable block of granite. "Dominant" is not ever an exaggeration when describing Harrison's play over the years. Even if he is limited, therefore, in Denver Sunday night, the reality is that his 75%-80% is better than 100% from some others.

Adam Schein tried to prognosticate doom and gloom for the Steelers, and, to be precise, there are some issues that may take all season to be completely resolved. The truth, though, is that much of what he opined and that the media writes to gain website hits is speculation. They themselves are more myth than anything else. The actual reality is that the Steelers will struggle with in the early part of the season schedule. But, as they coalesce as a solid unit, this team could find enough of an identity to make a playoff run. 

Hines Ward is the REAL Man of Steel

1- Unlike Superman, HINES WARD has no weakness.

2- HINES WARD hasn't actually had to run all those yards in scoring his 84 touchdowns. Sometimes he charmed the endzone closer. Even the endzone likes his smile.

3- With all due respect to Newton's 3rd Law, there is no equal or opposite reaction to HINES WARD block.

4- Superman wears HINES WARD pajamas.

5- Three Rivers stadium wasn't actually imploded, it was leveled by a HINES WARD crushing block.

6- When Heinz Field opened in 2001 and it was realized they misspelled his name, HINES WARD graciously allowed the name to remain. He simply takes it out on opponents each sunday.

7- The sound of  a HINES WARD blindside block can even be heard in the void of outer space...where he dances with the stars.

8- Superman may be able to fly, but HINES WARD can ground him with one of his signature blocks.

9- There are 4 forms of legal execution in the U.S.: lethal injection, gas chamber, electric chair and a HINES WARD devastating block.

10- P.E.T.A. once wanted to use HINES WARD as a spokesman. That is until they saw what he does to ravens, dawgs and bengals on a regular basis.