Steelers

[SteelerSteve]

You have faith?! Wow. That's great. So do I, but that doesn't mean that there aren't MANY problems that go beyond the offensive line. In my opinion, YOU are the "ignorant homer" here. Every Steeler fan and their mother is crying about the O-line right now, after that embarrassing loss to the Jets. Why not jump on that wagon to explain it?! I'm not saying that their O-line ISN'T a concern, but it certainly isn't their ONLY one! Hey, I like Parker too, and yea...he's having a great year, but watch the games and tell me he doesn't get stuffed too regularly at the line! Of course, alot of that can be blamed on the line, but let's face facts here. Parker is a small, speed back. His frame isn't designed to push defenders back and get the tough yards! His stats are good, because in most games he'll break a long one, but in the games that doesn't happen his stats look mediocre. I'm not saying he shouldn't be the starter in Pittsburgh, because he IS a threat to break that long one at anytime, but they could use a big bruising back in those short situations when they just need someone who can move the pile. Parker doesn't offer that. Davenport is a start, but he's not the answer.

There's nothing wrong with being a homer, which I definitely am. But an "ignorant" homer?! That I am definitley NOT!

Both of you have good points. I feel more of a tendency to want to blame the O-line because it sucks never seeing Ben having a consistent pocket in which to throw, but I also think that they need to find a better balance in distributing the carries between Davenport and Parker. Najeh has shown flashes of being a powerful runner and along with willie's speed I can see why we are one of the best statistical running teams. The thing is though that it seems like while we do put up alot of yards running in general, it seems they dont come consistently. There will be a 20 yard burst here and there, but he will get stuffed quite a bit.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

Both of you have good points. I feel more of a tendency to want to blame the O-line because it sucks never seeing Ben having a consistent pocket in which to throw, but I also think that they need to find a better balance in distributing the carries between Davenport and Parker. Najeh has shown flashes of being a powerful runner and along with willie's speed I can see why we are one of the best statistical running teams. The thing is though that it seems like while we do put up alot of yards running in general, it seems they dont come consistently. There will be a 20 yard burst here and there, but he will get stuffed quite a bit.

Just curious-what do you think of Mike Thomlin so far?

Personally-I like Dungy, and his assistants that are HC's as well.

 

[Triggerfish]

Just curious-what do you think of Mike Thomlin so far?

Personally-I like Dungy, and his assistants that are HC's as well.

To be honest, right now I'm kinda on the fence with Tomlin. I think he has some good ideas offensively, and I like the fact that he seems to have faith in his players. He's given Ben a chance to shake off the stigma of being a "caretaker QB", and I think so far Ben has handled it well. Tomlin seems to be a pretty likeable guy, and seems to relate well to the players as well as the front office, which is an important quality to have.

I do have some concerns about his lack of emotion and energy on the sideline. Pittsburgh is a team that needs to come out with intensity and keep that up throughout the game. Often you see them come out looking flat, and obviously we've seen what can happen it that scenerio. So, sometimes I question his ability to be a motivator. I also worry that he's shown some signs of being pretty damn stubborn when it comes to sticking with his ideas. I think it's important to stand behind your decisions, but it takes a bigger person to admit when things didn't go the way you thought. I think this was also a problem with Cowher throughout his years as HC, but I hope Tomlin is willing to LEARN from his mistakes.

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

Is Hines Ward playing hurt? He looked awful slow, and couldn't get off the ground. He needs to drop about 30 lbs, or better yet, retire.

And I'm not just saying this because he's a douchebag. Honest.

Actually he is hurt. His knee is still injuried and he can't change direction very well.

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

Corn, I haven't seen the Steelers play a game,I've just seen high,or low lights. But it seems to me that they play DOWN to there level of competition, or come out flat sometimes. They're going to have to over come that some how, which can be hard because its something they can't practice like tackling.

The tackling will be fine. That was a one game fluke and not a trend. The Steleers are a weird team in that they can beat anyone and lose to anyone. I along with some frined have said that same thing for years.

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

You have faith?! Wow. That's great. So do I, but that doesn't mean that there aren't MANY problems that go beyond the offensive line. In my opinion, YOU are the "ignorant homer" here. Every Steeler fan and their mother is crying about the O-line right now, after that embarrassing loss to the Jets. Why not jump on that wagon to explain it?! I'm not saying that their O-line ISN'T a concern, but it certainly isn't their ONLY one!

I have been concerned with the O line for many many weeks. The Jets game did not shed any light on my concerns. I did not jump on the bandwagon at all. There are other issues for sure. I think the issues with Parker come in that he is not a good back to play behind a poor O line. He needs room to run and is not very good at manufacturing yards. He may just be the wrong back for the state of affairs. With a little room, and I mean a little, he can be dangerous.

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

Just curious-what do you think of Mike Thomlin so far?

Personally-I like Dungy, and his assistants that are HC's as well.

Tomlin seems very sharp so far IMO. He seems willing to fix things that are broken, but at the same time, he doesn't make emotional decisions. My biggest complaint with Cowher was that he was too emotional. There were times he would challenge plays or go for it on 4th down etc, and it was obviously just an emotional call. Players can be emotional. I believe a coach must remain level headed in all circumstances and Tomlin seems to do that. I also like Tomlin's passion and attention to detail. maybe I've been fooled, but I think the guy is going to be very successful.

He is of the Dungy line, but I don't see him as a Dungy guy. He seems a bit more hard nosed IMO. In addition, he seems to realize that he can learn a lot from Lebeau who has a very different defensive philosophy. I am hopeful he can combine to 2 most successful defensive schemes in the league and create something more flexible and new.

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

I do have some concerns about his lack of emotion and energy on the sideline. Pittsburgh is a team that needs to come out with intensity and keep that up throughout the game. Often you see them come out looking flat, and obviously we've seen what can happen it that scenerio. So, sometimes I question his ability to be a motivator.

I don't think a coach's job is to motivate on game day. Motivation comes during the preparation week. In this respect, his sideline emotion can't be judged as how good of a motivator he is. I think his calm sideline dememor is a positive.

 

[Triggerfish]

I don't think a coach's job is to motivate on game day. Motivation comes during the preparation week. In this respect, his sideline emotion can't be judged as how good of a motivator he is. I think his calm sideline dememor is a positive.

I can agree on that in some respect. I'm not saying the guy should be running around throwing his arms wildly on the sideline. Obviously I don't know what kind of a motivator he is in the locker room and during practice sessions, but for SOME reason the Steelers have been flat, and relatively void of intensity. To me, it seemed to start in the second half of the Baltimore game and has carried on through the last few games. Of course, you can't put ALL of the blame on Tomlin for that, but he needs to get these guys' heads in the game somehow. Don't you think they've been lacking that spark the last few weeks? I'm just curious if others see it, or it's just me.

I still believe they can turn it around and have a legitimate shot this year. Of course, it's gonna be a huge feat for ANYONE to get by the Pats this year, but stranger things have happened. Who would have thought they would come from 6th seed, playing on the road against those tough opponents, with referees practically TRYING to give the game away to the opposing team, and STILL manage to come out on top in the end? In the NFL , anything is possible. :rocker:

 

[SteelerSteve]

Just curious-what do you think of Mike Thomlin so far?

Personally-I like Dungy, and his assistants that are HC's as well.

So far I have liked everything Tomlin has done so far, he seems to be very energetic and seems to coach in an inquisitive manner learning from what they did wrong and trying to correct the problem. I think the defense could use an emotional leader like Joey Porter was in the past, because they do seem to come out flat. It always seems like they rebound from a loss in a big way though and I am hoping to see them crush the dolphins and throw Beck around so badly that Joe Smith rolls over in his grave lol

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I like Tomlin. Seems to have a level head. I wish him limited success.

 

[SteelerSteve]

I like Tomlin. Seems to have a level head. I wish him limited success.

Ummmm. Thanks

 

[He Ban Me]

Let me ask you true FB fans: There's plenty of talk about the Colts (more than plenty about the Pats). The Steelers are officially (and for now) 2nd in AFC behind you guys. What are your thoughts about the 2007 Pats vs. the 2007 Steelers match-ups?

My thoughts are: I don't know what to think. Personally, I feel that the loser of the 12/9 game gets the advantage in the potential Jan/? game. Either way, I don't see a blow out.

Will Palmolive and Holmes be healthy for the 12/9/07 game? Regardless of the next two outings, I think you folks have a shot. You must have a full compliment of players though. Worried about another potential beat down by Del Rio's boys??

 

[JimmyCrackCorn]

Worried about another potential beat down by Del Rio's boys??

Jags always play us tough and match up well. Short answer for me is yes.