tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18782985.post2179422502158597622..comments2023-10-30T06:09:05.585-04:00Comments on One For The Other Thumb: Admit It, You Guys Are Just Jealous of Steely McBeam...Cotterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12004631219654933477noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18782985.post-67521523909417353112007-10-25T12:24:00.000-04:002007-10-25T12:24:00.000-04:00The Bengals. This team always scares me. They DO r...The Bengals.<BR/><BR/> This team always scares me. They DO resent/idolize the Steelers and because of that always seem to come out playing hard. That's not to say they win often, but they do always put up a good fight against the Steelers. <BR/><BR/> At this point in the season, after the Denver loss, i'd say Pittsburgh needs to make a statement in it's intentions toward the post-season. If this is a championship-caliber team here in Pittsburgh it needs to start winning consistently, especially in the division.<BR/><BR/> Cinci is no slouch. They might have lost a few but they still have the core of their success available to them. The QB and recievers alone are a threat, and if they can establish the run this week it will be a challenge to the Steelers.<BR/> <BR/> I look for the Steelers to get back to basics. To run the ball, complete short, ball-control passes and play solid defense. Of course that might sound obvious but it didn't seem to happen for us last week.<BR/><BR/> Still i have my questions about Big Ben. Sure, he flashes talent and athleticism, but doesn't use those gifts as consistently as the truly great QBs in the game today. Also, he seems to be reluctant to step up as a leader. I'd like to see him be more emotionally involved in the game. Yelling at people, putting his body on the line. Just TRYING harder. Not tooo much, of course. Just more.<BR/><BR/> Our defense will be tested this week. A couple of big deficiencies have shown up in our losses and that makes me think that maybe this team is underachieving a lttle. Most of our defense is experienced. A vast majority were on the Super Bowl roster. There is no reason they should struggle, even in the face of injured starters.<BR/><BR/> And- why not play Brett Keisel at outside LB? He's got the athleticism and speed as well as plenty of smarts. A guy his size could truly ruin those short swing-pass plays and shut down the outside run. I'm sure we have more depth at end than LB. Chris Hoke could easily start at DE in any other town.<BR/><BR/> Of course, Woodley has flashed of greatness in his limited playing time and i think Timmons will be a contributor eventually. But for now finding ways to use Keisel could create some match-up problems for opposing TEs and help shut down an opponents run game. <BR/><BR/> The offensive line has also looked a little off-kilter this season. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something seems off. Maybe it's the change from Hartings to Mahan. Or the new coaching staff. Or both. Any way about it we need better play from the front five on offense.<BR/><BR/> Cinci is a dangerous team in this position- a string of losses and mounting pressure from fans- and they could put up quite a fight. I hope the Stillers are ready for it.<BR/><BR/> I know it sounds like i'm getting down on the Steelers lately, but they haven't been playing the way the could, or should. They know it. Still, i think once the few problems we have get ironed out we'll be fine. The good thing about struggling early is that we should hit our stride as the end of the season rols around. Better to be on the upswing then.<BR/><BR/> There have been A LOT of changes in Steeltown this off-season. All things considered the team has handled it all very well. If we, as fans, forget about the anomolous Pats and Colts and focus on what the Steelers have done so far there is a lot to be proud of. <BR/><BR/> A solid game this week can put us exactly where we need to be. I feel good about it, especially coming off a frustrating loss in Denver. In the long run these couple losses will do us more good than harm. Better to struggle early, be reminded that you CAN lose than go all year feeling like you're unbeatable and losing in the playoffs.<BR/><BR/> Sooooo....let those "other" guys be the media darlings. Let them run up scores, keep on winning. As long as we make the post season we'll be fine. Then it's one game at a time and regular season records mean zero.<BR/><BR/> I sure pepped myself up. Hope it helps somebody else ;-)<BR/><BR/> Go Stillers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com