We are on to Pittsburgh and the Raising of SB 53 Banner

Now that Thomas has signed I feel like the moves are done for the moment and all the focus is on the game Sunday night. I haven’t paid much attention to the Steelers this offseason, but I feel like they are going to have a really tough time winning this game. This is a better team than the one they faced late last season.

Ivan said:

Now that Thomas has signed I feel like the moves are done for the moment and all the focus is on the game Sunday night. I haven’t paid much attention to the Steelers this offseason, but I feel like they are going to have a really tough time winning this game. This is a better team than the one they faced late last season.

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I think one of their biggest issues these past few years is Big Ben is a lot worse on the road than at home. He still seems elite at home but on the road he’s awfully shaky. I can’t see them winning a big game in Foxborough.

Froob said:

I think one of their biggest issues these past few years is Big Ben is a lot worse on the road than at home. He still seems elite at home but on the road he’s awfully shaky. I can’t see them winning a big game in Foxborough.

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Agree completely, the splits are incredible.

If we can finally get on to talking some football, here's one question that will need to answered in the opening game.

The Steelers have one the best OL's in the NFL. If there was ONE question about the make up of this defense is whether we are a bit too light along the DL, with Danny Shelton being the only true fatty we have

. I think we will need Bryan Cowart to come out of the gate swinging if we are going to be consistently effective against a good running attack. Cowart, so far, has played bigger than his "mere" 300lbs. But its a very small sample. He is also the only other guy on the DL besides Guy who is a suitable DE in a 3-4 alignment. Bennett, Butler and Wise are going to be used situationally in passing or 4-3 and 4-2 alignments. Bennett's a great even a unique DLman, but he's NOT the guy you want 2 gapping against 330lb OT's So how we hold up against the Steeler's run game will be ONE key to victory.

Redman443 said:

Hopefully Gilmore can lock down Juju who just took over ABs role.

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We usually double the best WR with CB2 and give him safety help. Gilmore will probably
draw James Washington.

Ivan said:

Agree completely, the splits are incredible.

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Huh, I just took a look at Ben's home/road splits and they don't seem remarkable to me--no farther apart than Brady's. What am I missing?

Home/Away Att Comp Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int 1st 1st% 20+ Sck Rate
Home Games 321 213 66.4 2,364 7.4 75 19 7 117 36.4 28 8 98.7
Road Games 354 239 67.5 2,765 7.8 97 15 9 131 37.0 33 16 94.4

patsfaninpa said:

We usually double the best WR with CB2 and give him safety help. Gilmore will probably
draw James Washington.

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I guess we get to see if Ben is mediocre without AB or Hines ward.

Froob said:

I think one of their biggest issues these past few years is Big Ben is a lot worse on the road than at home. He still seems elite at home but on the road he’s awfully shaky. I can’t see them winning a big game in Foxborough.

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"Heh, heh, heh," says our guy working the field to press box headsets.........

.

Pittsburgh is a lot less scary on offense without Bell and Brown. Take JuJu away and the Rapist should struggle.

really excited to see what this team looks like this season....Our defense which was dominant the end of last year looks to be even better. The push that the front 7 was getting vs. Cam newton was fun to watch. They look geared to go.

and Offensively, even with Gronk Retiring I think we are more balanced this year. Great mix of running backs, and our receivers on paper look good. Just need to make it through 4 weeks without a viable tight end because I think Ben watson will be solid in that spot. But we should be fine as we have 4 running backs who can catch out the backfield

Should the Patriots be concerned Brady was a catcher and not a shortstop?

patchick said:

Huh, I just took a look at Ben's home/road splits and they don't seem remarkable to me--no farther apart than Brady's. What am I missing?

Home/Away Att Comp Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int 1st 1st% 20+ Sck Rate
Home Games 321 213 66.4 2,364 7.4 75 19 7 117 36.4 28 8 98.7
Road Games 354 239 67.5 2,765 7.8 97 15 9 131 37.0 33 16 94.4

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Is that for his entire career, PC?

I think the phenomenon is a more recent one. One that seems to have occurred over the last few seasons. I know I've heard that criticism before and I remember stats WERE involved. Plus the fact Ben's had his best games vs the Pats at home. Has he ever won at Gillette?

patfanken said:

Is that for his entire career, PC?

I think the phenomenon is a more recent one. One that seems to have occurred over the last few seasons. I know I've heard that criticism before and I remember stats WERE involved. Plus the fact Ben's had his best games vs the Pats at home. Has he ever won at Gillette?

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Nope, that was 2018 only--and 2017 looked much the same. I'm just not seeing the dramatic splits in the stats that others are talking about.

TommyBrady12 said:

Besides Smith-Shuster, Montreif, and Conner, what weapons do they have? Not nearly as scary a team as in years past...

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Never say never...the same was said last year too. Every year and every game is different and carries different challenges.

Real football this sunday night has me feeling like a kid on christmas eve, does anybody else feel like this off season flew by?

As a fanbase we tend to get over confident sometimes.

Just won the superbowl, their record is outstanding vs Pitt, especially at home.

Pitt moved on from Brown and Bell, their qb is a douchebag alleged rapist.

I’m not sleeping on them though. They had a good offseason imo with some good adds and Bush who may replace some of Shaziers lost production. They led the league in sacks last season or pretty close to it. They can get after the qb so the oline better be ready.Think the wrs with Washington and Moncrief are going to be better than some expect and McDonald is very athletic at te. And yes Connor is healthy and they can run the ball very effectively.

We’ll see how the Pats respond, yes they’ve improved in area’s too. I expect them to win because I think the Pats are a better team. Just don’t think it will be the cakewalk some are claiming.

PatsFanInVa said:

Eh. I'm getting all psyched but am trying to remember half this board will be on suicide watch by end September

Everybody remember, whatever happens in the opener. We. Lose. Games. Early.

Or very, very late.

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We're pretty good at the last one, though...

RelocatedPatFan said:

And soon it will begin. Can't wait for Sunday evening.

Shouldn't have to though. Thursday...I'd protest by not watching, but football is back!

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I'll watch, but a part of me hopes the game is a huge snoozefest and everyone is talking afterwards about how they wish it was Pats vs. Steelers like it should have been!

Gronk killed the Steelers. It will be interesting to see how much of a difference it makes without him out there.

Could you imagine this offense with edelman, Gordon, Harry, Michel, White and Gronk and then throw in Thomas for good measure.

Interesting poll at CBS Sports where they asked each team's fans who was the most annoying team.
Both Steelers and Pats identified each other as the most annoying team.
Pats overall dominated the vote with 34.7%, Cowboys 13.3% and Eagles at 9%.