Live By The Sword, Die By The Sword...

"I'm ashamed. I told the guys I apologize."
- Big Ben

Ben giveth, Reshean Mathis taketh away. Once bitten, thrice intercepted. Or something like that, right?

Yep, despite a valiant comeback effort - posting 22 2nd half points to take the lead for a matter of minutes - the Steelers never could overcome that 21 point 1st half deficit amassed via three Big Ben interceptions and a bedshitting "Special" Teams performance. Disappointing? Yeah, sure. But sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Like it or not, the game was basically lost in the 1st half when Ben threw three (!) picks, one returned for a TD.

So who's to blame?

The Defense? I'm sure many of you would like to say - if we don't let Garrard run for 32 yards on 4th and 2 during the last drive, we win that game. And you wouldn't be wrong. But you can't wipe out the entire defensive effort because of one play that probably was the result of a holding non-call (how convenient). Aside from that run and 26 other rushing yards contributed by David Garrard, the Steelers D held the Jags "lethal" rushing attack to just 78 yards. Only 48 of which were Fred Taylor's. I'd say that's a pretty successful campaign considering last time they racked up 224 total rush yards against us. Wouldn't you?

Bruce Arians? I've heard blame laid on Arians more times than I can count this season for the Steelers shortcomings. Frankly, I think it's crap. I certainly question why he'd call a QB draw on 3rd and 6 when we need a 1st down to close out the game. But don't forget, the Offense posted 19 points in a matter of 10 minutes last night. Was none of THAT attributable to Bruce Arians? Perplexing calls at times yes, but there's no denying the growth of this Offense in 2007.

Coach Tomlin? After all, if we don't go for two twice, we would've still been tied at the end of that game even with the Scobee field goal. Ok, so that's a pretty weak argument. But I figured I'd throw it in nonetheless. Going for two was the right call both times. Unfortch we didn't make the right PLAY call either time (that one you can also pin on Arians).

"Special" Teams? Yep, not even going to defend these guys.

Big Ben? Three interceptions certainly suggests blame could rightfully be placed on Ben. But like Arians, without Ben, the Steelers probably don't come back from 28-10 near the end of the 3rd quarter. Picks aside, Ben threw the ball an unprecedented 42 times, completing 29 for 337 yards and a pair of touchdowns. You think we'd get that kind of production out of Slash? Tommy Maddox?

The refs? Larry Foote claims holding on the soon to be infamous David Garrard 32 yard draw play. Was there really holding? Probably. But you can't blame the officials for the fact that we dug ourselves in deep early. Bad calls or no calls, in either case we still needed to play at a high level to win the game, and we just didn't do enough.

I guess what I'm getting at is - it really doesn't matter who's to blame. Overall, I think Mike Tomlin said it best - "We fell short. Nothing really soothes the feeling we have right now."Amen Mike, losing sucks.

But despite last night's game, the Steelers gave us a pretty damn good year - a lot of things to be happy about (further emergence of Big Ben, Santonio, Silverback, supposed #1 Defense), and also some things to be not so happy about (Offensive Line, Special Teams, ahem ahem). 10-6, with a rookie Head Coach and rampant injuries is still pretty darn good. Hey, beats the shit out of 8-8 with a Coach who suddenly seemed uncharacteristically apathetic. So Mike Tomlin, Big Ben, Hines, Willie, Silverback, Farrior, Troy, Face Me Ike and all the rest - thanks for making my Sundays interesting. Albeit up and down, the team this year was something to look forward to each weekend.

As for One For The Other Thumb - since I don't really believe in "time off," there should be plenty of musings and photoshop goodness throughout the coming months. That said, I (like my compatriot Neal at Die Hard Steel) am going to try my damndest to take at least the next week off. We'll see how long that lasts. As an aside, any of you out in SoCal - I'll be in sunny LA (well, Hermosa Beach) starting this Thursday evening, staying 'til Sunday afternoon. So if you're in the area, and you like alcoholic beverages, you just might see me around.

Oh, and for those of you wondering what my Mom thought about our loss (admit it, that's exactly what you were wondering) - she sends her commiseration...


Bonus Photoshop for you - Obi Ben Roethlisberger...


GAME RECAPS:
[Blitzburgh Report]
[Die Hard Steel]
[Doubt About It]
[Football Braniac]
[Pierogis N'At]

A View To A Kill...

"I don't see Fred Taylor doing that to our defense twice."
- Hines Ward

It's finally here. Gameday, Steeler fans.

No doubt many of you are probably already well on your way to "preparing" for tonight's Wild Card battle with the "AFC Darkhorse" Jacksonville Jagoffs Jaguars.

I personally am extremely pumped and ready to watch Silverback, Big Snack, Troy and friends take down Fred Taylor and the Jaguars Offense, while Big Ben Godsend, San Antonio, Hines and Deuce Davenport are shredding the Jaguars Defense. Gotta love playoff time. Let's go get ourselves a ticket to Foxborough, I want the Pats for a 2nd time. This post season's theme is REVENGE and RESTORATION of PRIDE.

Leave all your gameday encouragement and team spirit here. IE - comment and tell us all why/how you think the Steelers will stick it to Jagoffville Jacksonville.

Here we go Steelers!!!!!!!

PS - Big Snack from Pierogi's N'At has assured me that the hit on Fred Taylor is out...it's only a matter of time. Silverback Attack!

Hines Ward Recommends You Drink Heavily...

"If we're not shutting running teams down, we're going to be watching in the playoffs."
- Brett Keisel

First off, before I get into anything today, let me say this - I've sensed over the last week or so that many people are, shall we say, less than optimistic about the Steelers playoff chances (not here at OFTOT of course). Some more than others (PS-click link and watch video for context of post title). I can understand why one might feel that way given the current state of Steeler affairs. But for Christ's sake, what is this, New York Jets country? Steelers fans selling their playoff tickets? No pep rally (coincidentally after KDKA's piece there will be one)? If you can't be a fan when the team is in the playoffs, good chance or not, do us all a favor and become a Patriot douchebag supporter. Because I for one don't want you giving Steeler Nation a bad name.

Still, if we don't win this game, 10 bucks says Domski will trade his Big Ben jersey for a Tom Brady jersey...[see below]...I am kidding of course.


Anyways, yesterday I highlighted the Jaguar playoff hype, and in doing so called out some of the stats that the media are shoving down our throats in order to make the point that Jacksonville is a good football team (like we didn't already know that). First, I mentioned that the Jaguars have won six of their final eight games. Then, I mentioned that over those same eight games, they averaged 32 points.

However, what I did not mention was that those six wins came against the - Titans, Chargers, Bills, Panthers, Steelers and Raiders. If you look at their games against the Bills, Panthers and Raiders (all sub .500 franchises), they scored an average of 40 points. However, if you look at their games against the Titans, Chargers and Steelers (all playoff franchises), they only scored an average of 27 points. While 27 points is not shabby by any means, it's still worth noting.

But being that it is Friday, I'm really here to talk about what the Steelers SHOULD do in order to halt these Jagoffs Jaguars in their tracks. I know I've already mentioned a couple of things this week, and I tend to be long winded. So today I'll try and keep it simple. Check it:

OFFENSE

• Don't Hurt Yourself ~ No I don't mean like injure yourself. I mean don't turn the ball over. As we all well know, turnovers generally equal losses. We just can't expect to win if we don't play disciplined. That's 1...are you timing me?


• Surprise Us ~ Believe it or not, I don't mean come out and sling the ball like we did in the '05 playoffs. I mean basically Najeh - get us some yards on the ground. I absolutely believe the Steelers can be effective throwing the ball, but when we are able to run the ball effectively, we can use play action effectively. And to me, that is huge. Life is all about balance, grasshoppers. That's 2...this is record time.


• Understand Your Sitch ~ We're down to the #3 Left Tackle, Sean Mahan is basically a large pile of dogshit, and Willie anal cavity Colon ain't exactly a pro bowler. So it is likely that Ben will have less time than normal. Plus, as discussed, Najeh may/may not be giving him much help. Hence, this may mean having some gadget plays ready. Or at least something in your back pocket to implement if needed. Prepare for everything, hope for the best. Offensive "keys"...SECURED.

DEFENSE

• As If I Have To Even Say It ~ The Jaguars have two running backs. Both are good. They ran for 224 yards last time we met...in the snow. Please someone, stop these guys. One down, two to go.


• Pressure EVERYONE ~ It's unlikely that field general David Garrard is going to take many shots down the field. Knowing that, press the Jax receivers. No 10 yard cushion. They might be bigger than you Deshea, but you can hold your own. McFadden will help. That said, if/when Garrard does try to play Brett Favre, Safeties - ye shall helpeth. Also, Silverback - David Garrard is your hot boxed lunch. Eat him alive. Two down, one more to go, are we having fun yet?


• Get Me That Ball ~ We can certainly let history repeat itself in one respect - the last time we saw the Jags, The Prophet nabbed an interception and ran it back 50 yards. We probably won't get too many balls capable of being intercepted, but when we do, it would certainly be nice to see. 11 on the year? Come on guys, you can do better. Playoffs are a great time to start. For the record, I will also graciously accept a Silverback forced fumble. Defensive "keys"...SECURED.

Overall, just play with some balls, some guts, some conviction. Show us you want to win. Show us what we've been missing the past few weeks. No one is going to cry if it looks like you tried as hard as possible and came up short.

Whatever you do, don't lose this game in your head before you even take the field. Tomlin has made damn sure you remember December 16, just as we fans do. Now if that don't sting and make you wanna right that wrong, I don't know what does.

No opponent has ever come to Heinz Field and beat the Steelers twice in one season. Do NOT let the Jacksonville Jaguars become the 1st. Protect this house.

WHO RIDE???

PS - in case you didn't click the link at the beginning, the post title is in reference to a Hines Ward, KDKA interview where he instructed us Steeler fans to come down and drink as many beverages as we can, be as loud as we can, and help them out. Unfortch, I'm separated from the Burgh as usual, but all yinz gahn dahntahn better drink plenty of Ahrns...if not for Hines, for me.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
With Steelers on Playoff Run - Fans Silent [KDKA]
Steelers of the South Try to Win Up North [Associated Press] - This one is for Notgomu
Tomlin Ecstatic [SteelCityInsider]
5 Keys for a Steelers Win Saturday [Doubt About It]
Opponent Spotlight: Fred Taylor [Die Hard Steel]
Oh Defense, Where Art Thou? [Behind The Steel Curtain]
Steelers Polamalu to Really Test Knee Today [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Have Advantage with Playoff Expertise [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Fill Gaps in Run Defense [Tribune-Review]
Taylor Has Steelers on the Run [Post-Gazette]
Something to Believe In [One For The Other Thumb]

The Jaguars Are Like, So Hot Right Now...

"It reminds me of a couple of years ago with Indianapolis. I hope it turns out that way. It's good to play a home game. That's big in the playoffs."
- Ben Roethlisberger

Hey, have you guys heard how good the Jacksonville Jaguars are? Do you know that they have won six of their last eight games? And over those eight games they have scored an average of 32 points per game? Or that David Garrard threw only three interceptions in 325 pass attempts this season? How about that Fred Taylor has averaged 120 yards per game over his last five games and is headed to his 1st pro bowl? I hear he even fathered Jamie Lynn Spears' lovechild...[see below]


Yeah, I think we've heard all this and more since the Jaguars secured a playoff spot a couple weeks back. They say that no one wants to play Jacksonville right now. Jacksonville is the AFC's equivalent of Britney Spears circa 1999, you know, because she was hot then (ironically, so were the Jags). I'll be honest, it's understandable why so many people would feel this way. No matter what I might say here this week, by no means should my thoughts be construed as a lack of respect for the Jagoffs. I understand how good of a team they can be and have been. After all, December 16 was not even three weeks ago.

But getting back to the point, the truth is - I'm not actually all that angry about the fact that no one seems to be giving the Steelers a chance, outside of us devoted Steeler fans. Frankly, I think it might be better that way. Like we discussed yesterday, the Steelers need to light a collective fire under their ass. They need to get hold of something that can motivate them. Well how about this - Not only did the Jaguars recently come into your house and knock you around for 60 minutes, but now they're getting more attention from the media than Jessica Simpson at a Dallas Cowboys game. I seem to remember a similar buzz after the Steelers beat the Bengals (which was a surprise to many) back in 2005 and were set to face the "unbeatable" Indianapolis Colts. We all know how that turned out.

Any way you slice it, this will be a tough game, yes. The Jags sure do seem to be in a better position than the Steelers. But winning streak or not, scoring machine or not, neither Jack Del Rio (as a head coach), nor David Garrard, nor Maurice Jones-Drew have ever seen the post season before. Indeed, Jacksonville has not even seen the post season yet this century. Consider that Big Ben is 5-1 as a starting QB in the post season. Add to that the fact that while few 1st year head coaches make it to the playoffs, those who do have been known to win, and things might skew a little differently.

So while it would be nice to be on a hot streak right now - we're not, and they are. Nonetheless, the more people talk about how hard it will be for the Steelers, the more motivated I think they can be. And the more motivated they are, the hungrier they are. The hungrier they are, the more lethal they are. You can do the math from there...

Now, be honest - Am I just spouting nonsense? Is any of this worth your time? Anything else you might like to discuss? I'm all ears. Oh, and Photoshop ideas are always accepted.

PS - Maybe the Mountaineers can come show the Steelers how to run the football...how many rushing yards was that last night? Something like 350? Damn.

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Jacksonville Heads to Playoffs Everyone's Darkhorse [USA Today]
Wobbly Steelers Trying to Regroup for Jags [ESPN]
Tomlin Throws Steelers For Video Loop [Tribune-Review]
Garrard Shrugs Off Playoff Hype [FloridaToday]
Broken Hand Sidelines Jags LB Peterson [Associated Press]
Big Ben's Throwing May Be Steelers Only Chance [Associated Press]
1st Year Coaches Often Win Playoff Openers [Tribune-Review]
Steelers Limp Into Playoffs with #4 Seed [Behind The Steel Curtain]
Exhaustive Jags Replay a Thorn In Steelers Side [Post-Gazette]
Jaguars a Thorn in Steelers Side [Post-Gazette]

Fight or Flight, What's It Gonna Be...

"There's no substitute for guts."
- Bear Bryant

"To succeed...You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you."
- Tony Dorsett

"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it."
- Gale Sayers

Let's be honest, the Steelers chances for playoff success this year look pretty bleak. Willie Parker is out. Aaron Smith is out. Marvell Smith is out. Max Starks is out. The team hasn't really stopped a Running Back (Pats game does not count) since Week 13, they allowed a ridiculous 47 sacks this season, AND they've only won three out of the last seven games. So what possible reason do we as fans have to believe that they can win in the playoffs, first against a team that gouged them for over 400 yards of Offense and then against a team that is 16-0? How can the team overcome such challenging circumstances?

The answer is Heart.

At the risk of sounding like a little girl here, it is Passion, Emotion, and Fire that can make the difference. This probably isn't the first time you're hearing something like this from me, but as I generally maintain - there are many many great athletes in the NFL. What separates some of the greatest from the more pedestrian is their drive and desire to win. To play as hard as they possibly can, with purpose, despite the fact that things may be going wrong left and right. Fortunately for us, the Steelers roster has plenty of this kind of character. Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, these guys have a desire to win and a commitment to their team's success that is arguably rare in today's free agency era. If you need a reminder of this, just think back to the 2005 playoffs...

Simply stated - the team has two choices. They can either look at how the deck is stacked against them and cry about it, OR they can see that effectively everyone is 0-0 now, and realize they still have the talent and gusto to win, even given all the current adversity.

I'm not saying that emotion alone can win a playoff game. All I'm saying is - if we have any hopes of winning, we had better find some passion and play like we want it. I haven't seen that side of this Steelers team consistently in a few weeks now. Get it back and we have a fighting chance. Play flat and we are dead in the water.

Remember, it's like the great Yogi Berra says - "It isn't over 'til it's over." Don't give up hope yet Steeler fans. Sometimes, when you least expect it, people can surprise you. Even football players. Cue Journey...I'll get down off my soapbox now.

What say you all?

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Steelers' Worrisome Injury List Long, Growing [Associated Press]
Steelers Finish With Top Defense [Post-Gazette]
Steelers Defense Feels New Pressure [Tribune-Review]
Starks Out Saturday, Essex To Start [Die Hard Steel]
Something To Believe In... [One For The Other Thumb]
Filling Some Big Shoes [Yahoo! Sports]