ClosingTime
On the Game Day Roster
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 499
- Reaction score
- 32
Hey all,
It's been a while since I've been here. (Have a 11-month old daughter now, which has taken up most of my time). But since my Steelers (and me) are coming to Foxboro this weekend I thought I'd drop by, say hello and chat a little about the game.
I really don't know what to expect out of the Steelers for this game, or any game this season. Yes they are 9-3, but have been wildly inconsistent and downright average on the road. They've run the ball extremely well in some games and been inept in others. Their OL has been decent in pass protection in some games and putrid in others. Surprisingly Ben Rothlisberger has been pretty consistent each game and certainly having his best year. With the exception of the Denver game, the defense has been dominant, but I'll give them a mulligan for that one.
But here are a few somewhat random, somewhat inebriated keys to the game...
For the Steelers...
- If Santonio Homes doesn't play I don't see the Steelers winning this game. He's their one recever who can stretch the field. If they can't they become very predictable.
- The running game is a big concern. The Steelers have struggled to run the ball against bad run defenses. The Pats run-D is probably their weak link but not what I would consider bad. The Steelers have to rush for at least 120 and control the time of possession.
- On defense, control Welker. He is the Pats run game. That and the passes out to the flats. I really am not that concerned about Moss. I mean, you have to double him most times, but the Steelrs cover the deep throws extremely well. It's the dink and dunck that can kill a 3-4.
For the Pats...
- Don't load up to stop the run. Despite Pittsburgh's rep, they are not a pound-the-rock running team. Parker is dangerous to hit you for big runs but will not gouge you for 4 yards on a consistent basis. The Steelers are committed to the run, which makes most opponents bring more up into the box and then they exploit that.
- Run the ball. The Pats haven't shown the will or ability to run the ball. The Steelers have to drop 5-6 into coverage and protect the deep ball. If Maroney can get through the front three on delayed draws, he could be a big factor.
- Dink and dunk. Run Moss on deep posts all day long and hit Welker, Watson and the RBs for short gains. Long drives kills the 3-4.
Well that's all for now I suppose. Looking forward to a good game.
Cheers
It's been a while since I've been here. (Have a 11-month old daughter now, which has taken up most of my time). But since my Steelers (and me) are coming to Foxboro this weekend I thought I'd drop by, say hello and chat a little about the game.
I really don't know what to expect out of the Steelers for this game, or any game this season. Yes they are 9-3, but have been wildly inconsistent and downright average on the road. They've run the ball extremely well in some games and been inept in others. Their OL has been decent in pass protection in some games and putrid in others. Surprisingly Ben Rothlisberger has been pretty consistent each game and certainly having his best year. With the exception of the Denver game, the defense has been dominant, but I'll give them a mulligan for that one.
But here are a few somewhat random, somewhat inebriated keys to the game...
For the Steelers...
- If Santonio Homes doesn't play I don't see the Steelers winning this game. He's their one recever who can stretch the field. If they can't they become very predictable.
- The running game is a big concern. The Steelers have struggled to run the ball against bad run defenses. The Pats run-D is probably their weak link but not what I would consider bad. The Steelers have to rush for at least 120 and control the time of possession.
- On defense, control Welker. He is the Pats run game. That and the passes out to the flats. I really am not that concerned about Moss. I mean, you have to double him most times, but the Steelrs cover the deep throws extremely well. It's the dink and dunck that can kill a 3-4.
For the Pats...
- Don't load up to stop the run. Despite Pittsburgh's rep, they are not a pound-the-rock running team. Parker is dangerous to hit you for big runs but will not gouge you for 4 yards on a consistent basis. The Steelers are committed to the run, which makes most opponents bring more up into the box and then they exploit that.
- Run the ball. The Pats haven't shown the will or ability to run the ball. The Steelers have to drop 5-6 into coverage and protect the deep ball. If Maroney can get through the front three on delayed draws, he could be a big factor.
- Dink and dunk. Run Moss on deep posts all day long and hit Welker, Watson and the RBs for short gains. Long drives kills the 3-4.
Well that's all for now I suppose. Looking forward to a good game.
Cheers