This is the first of what will be a few blogs on the 2011 NFL Draft. Some blogs will focus specifically on the Steelers, while some will focus on the entire NFL or the AFC North. In this installment, the focus will be on the Pittsburgh Steelers biggest needs and who might be available to fill those needs.
Now, the two biggest needs for the Steelers is Cornerback and Offensive Line. IMHO, Cornerback is the biggest need. We didn't lose the Super Bowl because our offensive line couldn't blog (they weren't outstanding in the Super Bowl, but they weren't awful either). I feel the biggest reason we lost was because our corners couldn't cover the Green Bay Packers wide receivers.
Our biggest need in free agency, whenever it begins, is to resign Ike Taylor. He may have stone hands, but if he could catch he would be playing wide receiver. When he is covering the other team's top wideout, that player normally doesn't have a big impact on the game.
However, the falloff between Ike Taylor and the other Corners on the Steelers roster is large. Neither Bryant McFadden or William Gay are #1 Corners, and honestly both are barely #2 Corners.
Now the Steelers currently hold the 31st pick in the Draft. I really don't think there will be a Corner at #31 that would be worth our first round pick. Maybe we get lucky and Jimmy Smith of Colorado falls to that spot.
If the Steelers do decide that they want or need to grab a Cornerback in the first round of the Draft, I think they would trade up to do so. And the only option I see is us trading up for Smith. Otherwise, we would have to trade up into the top ten to get Prince Amukamara of Nebraska or Patrick Peterson of LSU....but I don't think we have the ammunition to do that, nor would we want to give up that much in draft picks and/or players to snag one of the top two.
This is why I think in the first round we will grab an Offensive Lineman, and try to get a Cornerback in the second round. So we could see the Steelers take Brandon Harris (Miami Fl.), Aaron Williams (Texas), Ras-I Dowling (Virginia), Curtis Brown (Texas). Trading up in the second round is a possibility to get one of them.
Now I am going to look at the offensive line prospects the Steelers might take with their first round pick.
Mike Pouncey, Gaurd, Florida (Yes, Maurkice's twin brother)
Dereck Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Gabe Carmini, OT, Wisconsin
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Now to take just about any of these players would require a trade up in the Draft. It's unlikely that any fall to us at pick #31. However, if there were ever a year that the Steelers trade up to get a guy who can be the future of their offensive line, I think this would be the year.
The Steelers have weapons on offense like they never really have before. Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, Rashard Mendenhall, Antonio Brown, Antwaan Randle El.
However, those players can't make plays if the offensive line cannot block. Mendy can't run through holes that aren't there. While Ben Roethlisberger is great at making plays after shoving off a defender, he would be even more effective if he actually had time to throw down field without having linebackers and linemen hanging all over him.
So many Steelers fans say that if Ben had Tom Brady's offensive line he'd be putting up those types of stats. The Steelers need to protect him. He's tough and resilient, but if he keeps taking all these hits it will wear on him. These injuries he's played with over the years; broken nose, broken foot, sprained AC joint (basically a dislocated shoulder), broken thumb, etc., they will eventually get to the point where he misses significant time.
We were very lucky to go 3-1 without Big Ben during his suspension. The defense played huge against Atlanta. We won the Titans game because of a kick return for a TD and our defense. We dominated the Buccaneers who weren't a bad team this year, but I feel that they overachieved. But we lost to the Ravens because our offense doesn't really go without Ben Roethlisberger.
Other Steelers draft needs: defensive line, inside linebacker.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
My End of Season Review
Okay, it's been a few weeks and I think that I am finally in a place emotionally after the disappointing Super Bowl loss to the Green Bay Packers that I can finally write this blog.
First, I would love to congratulate the Green Bay Packers on their fine performance in winning Super Bowl 45. Another congrats to their quarterback, Aaron Rogers, on the MVP award...he deserved it.
I am very proud of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the season that they had. They started the season without Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games and went 3-1, damn near went 4-0. Most people felt that the Steelers would go 2-2 at best in that stretch.
As a team, they went 12-4 on the season. They won the AFC North. Most people had them pegged for third in the AFC North and out of the playoffs.
In the playoffs, they came back against the Baltimore Ravens from a fourteen point deficit to go on to host the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game.
Then they beat the Jets to get to Super Bowl 45. And they damn near came back to win the Super Bowl!
Maurkice Pouncey, the rookie first round draft pick, won the starting Center job and then played well enough to get voted to the Pro Bowl.
Ben Roethlisberger came back from his suspension and did a good job of taking care of the ball, well until Super Bowl 45.
Rookie wideouts Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown broke out and made big plays throughout the season, and came up big in the playoffs.
Rashard Mendenhall had an excellent season, further cementing himself as the feature back on this football team.
The future is bright. The Steelers will be back in the Super Bowl, maybe as soon as Super Bowl 46. I don't expect a drop off like in years past. I think this team is going to come back hungrier than ever and ready to rip the shreds every team that stands in their way.
Soon I will be making blogs on the 2011 NFL Draft. Lets hope the owners and players hammer out this CBA so there can be a season uninterrupted in 2011.
First, I would love to congratulate the Green Bay Packers on their fine performance in winning Super Bowl 45. Another congrats to their quarterback, Aaron Rogers, on the MVP award...he deserved it.
I am very proud of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the season that they had. They started the season without Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games and went 3-1, damn near went 4-0. Most people felt that the Steelers would go 2-2 at best in that stretch.
As a team, they went 12-4 on the season. They won the AFC North. Most people had them pegged for third in the AFC North and out of the playoffs.
In the playoffs, they came back against the Baltimore Ravens from a fourteen point deficit to go on to host the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game.
Then they beat the Jets to get to Super Bowl 45. And they damn near came back to win the Super Bowl!
Maurkice Pouncey, the rookie first round draft pick, won the starting Center job and then played well enough to get voted to the Pro Bowl.
Ben Roethlisberger came back from his suspension and did a good job of taking care of the ball, well until Super Bowl 45.
Rookie wideouts Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown broke out and made big plays throughout the season, and came up big in the playoffs.
Rashard Mendenhall had an excellent season, further cementing himself as the feature back on this football team.
The future is bright. The Steelers will be back in the Super Bowl, maybe as soon as Super Bowl 46. I don't expect a drop off like in years past. I think this team is going to come back hungrier than ever and ready to rip the shreds every team that stands in their way.
Soon I will be making blogs on the 2011 NFL Draft. Lets hope the owners and players hammer out this CBA so there can be a season uninterrupted in 2011.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Counted Out
Before this season even started, most people outside of Steeler Nation counted this football team out. Very few pundits picked the Steelers to win the division, much less win the AFC North.
They traded away Santonio Holmes. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six, and then just four games. Everyone thought at best the Steelers would go 2-2 in those first four games. Instead we went 3-1.
We lost our right tackle before the season even began. We were starting a rookie at center. Then we lost our left tackle for the season. The offensive line really wasn't very improved from last season when the Steelers missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
But look at us now. We went 12-4 during the regular season, won the AFC North and got the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Then we faced the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. All the talk was about Joe Flacco and his 4-2 (at that time) playoff record, all those games coming on the road. The Ravens defense was so "great". So many people figured the Ravens would win that game. But what happened? The Steelers punched them in the mouth and took their lunch money.
After that game, most people were saying the Steelers would lose to the Patriots. However, the next day the New York Jets beat the Patriots. Oh my! Now the Jets were coming to Pittsburgh for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
While a lot of the media was picking the Steelers, there were plenty of people saying the Jets would win. Steelers haters, New York media, some other members of the media. The Jets beat the "mighty" Patriots, they beat the Steelers in the regular season. No way the Steelers would win. If the Patriots' offensive line couldn't protect Tom Brady, no way Ben Roethlisberger would be able to do anything, especially against the Jets secondary.
Ben's stats were not pretty. They often are not. However, he extended plays and got positive yardage on plays that easily could have gone for a loss. It's those hidden yards that don't show up in the box score. If not for those plays, the Steelers could have easily lost the game.
Now the Steelers head to Dallas, Texas to play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 45. I am sure a ton of people are going to pick the Packers to win the game. They have all the "sexy" players: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Charles Woodson. The media is going to gravitate towards them.
And you know what? That is fine with me. The Steelers thrive on being the underdog. Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley (who has a sack in every playoff game of his career), Ziggy Hood. I would take this group of guys over anyone, including the Green Bay Packers.
So go ahead, pick against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will dominate the line of scrimmage. They will stop the run. The offense will grind out the tough yards. You've been picking against them all season, and they have been proving you wrong.
Seven will be heaven!
They traded away Santonio Holmes. Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six, and then just four games. Everyone thought at best the Steelers would go 2-2 in those first four games. Instead we went 3-1.
We lost our right tackle before the season even began. We were starting a rookie at center. Then we lost our left tackle for the season. The offensive line really wasn't very improved from last season when the Steelers missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
But look at us now. We went 12-4 during the regular season, won the AFC North and got the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Then we faced the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. All the talk was about Joe Flacco and his 4-2 (at that time) playoff record, all those games coming on the road. The Ravens defense was so "great". So many people figured the Ravens would win that game. But what happened? The Steelers punched them in the mouth and took their lunch money.
After that game, most people were saying the Steelers would lose to the Patriots. However, the next day the New York Jets beat the Patriots. Oh my! Now the Jets were coming to Pittsburgh for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
While a lot of the media was picking the Steelers, there were plenty of people saying the Jets would win. Steelers haters, New York media, some other members of the media. The Jets beat the "mighty" Patriots, they beat the Steelers in the regular season. No way the Steelers would win. If the Patriots' offensive line couldn't protect Tom Brady, no way Ben Roethlisberger would be able to do anything, especially against the Jets secondary.
Ben's stats were not pretty. They often are not. However, he extended plays and got positive yardage on plays that easily could have gone for a loss. It's those hidden yards that don't show up in the box score. If not for those plays, the Steelers could have easily lost the game.
Now the Steelers head to Dallas, Texas to play the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 45. I am sure a ton of people are going to pick the Packers to win the game. They have all the "sexy" players: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Charles Woodson. The media is going to gravitate towards them.
And you know what? That is fine with me. The Steelers thrive on being the underdog. Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley (who has a sack in every playoff game of his career), Ziggy Hood. I would take this group of guys over anyone, including the Green Bay Packers.
So go ahead, pick against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will dominate the line of scrimmage. They will stop the run. The offense will grind out the tough yards. You've been picking against them all season, and they have been proving you wrong.
Seven will be heaven!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Jets want to become the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very rich history in the National Football League.
They have won six Super Bowls, the most of any team in the NFL. They have won a total of seven conference championships. Twenty division championships. They have been to the playoffs a total of twenty-six times.
They have a ton of former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Then you hear "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" you think of the Steelers.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin).
The Jets have a history also. It's not nearly as rich as that of the Steelers.
They have won their division only four times. They have never actually won a conference championship game. When they won Super Bowl III, their only Super Bowl win, it was as the winners of the American Football League.
Since 1969, the New York Jets have has a total of twelve full time head coaches.
Their current head coach has brought a true identity to the Jets. They are, for the most part, loud and brash. They run the ball and they play stout defense. Does that sound like another team we all know of, other than the loud and brash part?
Rex Ryan is building a force in the Jets. He is using a lot of the same blueprint that the Steelers used to build their current team.
This team leans on the running game and defense to win games. Mark Sanchez is being a game manager. He is making the throws that they ask him to make, not trying to do too much. That's what the Steelers did with Ben Roethlisberger.
One thing the Jets have done that is different from the Steelers is that they have filled out a lot of the holes on their roster with free agents and trades. Part of that is because in New York there is a "win now" attitude and the Jets didn't have the time to do it through the draft.
So they traded for wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. They traded for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. They signed free agent linebackers Bart Scott and Jason Taylor.
However, if the Jets want to maintain their success, they need to restock through the draft. The Jets will resign either Edwards or Holmes, but I doubt they can resign both players. Antonio Cromartie is also going to be an free agent after this season, but the Jets drafted his "replacement" in Kyle Wilson in the first round of last year's draft.
I expect the Jets to be a big player in the AFC for a long while to come. Their history isn't all that impressive, but they should be changing that in the future under Rex Ryan.
After we win this game on Sunday, it will become personal for Rex Ryan and the Jets. The Steelers will have a new postseason nemesis, and that will be the Jets from New York.
They have won six Super Bowls, the most of any team in the NFL. They have won a total of seven conference championships. Twenty division championships. They have been to the playoffs a total of twenty-six times.
They have a ton of former players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Then you hear "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" you think of the Steelers.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin).
The Jets have a history also. It's not nearly as rich as that of the Steelers.
They have won their division only four times. They have never actually won a conference championship game. When they won Super Bowl III, their only Super Bowl win, it was as the winners of the American Football League.
Since 1969, the New York Jets have has a total of twelve full time head coaches.
Their current head coach has brought a true identity to the Jets. They are, for the most part, loud and brash. They run the ball and they play stout defense. Does that sound like another team we all know of, other than the loud and brash part?
Rex Ryan is building a force in the Jets. He is using a lot of the same blueprint that the Steelers used to build their current team.
This team leans on the running game and defense to win games. Mark Sanchez is being a game manager. He is making the throws that they ask him to make, not trying to do too much. That's what the Steelers did with Ben Roethlisberger.
One thing the Jets have done that is different from the Steelers is that they have filled out a lot of the holes on their roster with free agents and trades. Part of that is because in New York there is a "win now" attitude and the Jets didn't have the time to do it through the draft.
So they traded for wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. They traded for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. They signed free agent linebackers Bart Scott and Jason Taylor.
However, if the Jets want to maintain their success, they need to restock through the draft. The Jets will resign either Edwards or Holmes, but I doubt they can resign both players. Antonio Cromartie is also going to be an free agent after this season, but the Jets drafted his "replacement" in Kyle Wilson in the first round of last year's draft.
I expect the Jets to be a big player in the AFC for a long while to come. Their history isn't all that impressive, but they should be changing that in the future under Rex Ryan.
After we win this game on Sunday, it will become personal for Rex Ryan and the Jets. The Steelers will have a new postseason nemesis, and that will be the Jets from New York.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What to look for: AFC Championship Game
It's set. The New York Jets are coming back to Pittsburgh. They are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The last time these two teams met, just weeks ago, the Jets left with their first ever win in the state of Pennsylvania by a score of 22-17.
Here is a preview of some key match-ups for Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Darrelle Revis/Antonio Cromartie
This match-up will be big. Revis basically shuts down one side of the field. Cromartie isn't a shutdown corner like Revis, but he is a very gifted CB who can make big plays.
Last time these two teams met, Revis covered Hines Ward while Cromartie covered Mike Wallace. Whichever player Revis covers, consider him out of the game, that is how good Revis is.
The key in this match-up is Ben Roethlisberger's pump fake and ability to extend a play. The pump fake could easily fake Cromartie, who often relies on his athletic ability and speed to make plays. He's been burned on stop-and-go routes throughout his career because he will try to jump the route. Add Ben's pump fake, and Cromartie can be burned by the speedy Mike Wallace.
Roethlisberger's ability to extend a play is what can undo Revis. Not even the best corner can cover a wide receiver for 10 seconds. If Ben breaks containment, all hell can break loose and Revis can lose his coverage.
Steelers Offensive Line vs. Jets Front Seven
The Steelers' offensive line has had trouble protecting Ben. The Jets like to blitz. They didn't do much blitzing versus the New England Patriots, but I fully expect them to go back to their normal ways against the Steelers.
Jonathon Scott is a backup left tackle. Flozell Adams has played fairly well. Ramon Foster and Trai Essex have both started at guard during the regular season. The best player on the offensive line is rookie center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Steelers offensive line is going to have to pickup not only the defensive line, they can and will send any combination of linebackers and defensive backs. If the line can't give Ben Roethlisberger a little protection, he might just get demolished.
Also, the line needs to seal off run lanes for Rashard Mendenhall. He may not get a ton of yards, however we need him to get some chunks to keep the defense honest.
Heath Miller vs. Eric Smith/Brodney Pool
In the last meeting, Heath Miller wasn't available due to a concussion. He can be an ex-factor in this game. He is big and powerful when he has the ball in his hands and he's faster than DB's think he is. He is truly a mismatch, especially in the red zone. He wouldn't have dropped the two balls thrown to his backup Matt Spaeth in the first meeting between these two.
Mark Sanchez vs. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu wasn't active for the first meeting with the Jets. Polamalu is a game changer on this defense. He didn't really do anything against the Ravens, but that is because Joe Flacco stayed away from him throughout the game.
Sanchez is going to have to do a good job of knowing where Polamalu is before every snap, but that might not do much good. But if he can find Polamalu after the snap, he could have success by just staying away from him.
James Harrison/LaMarr Woodley vs. Jets' Offensive Line
Harrison and Woodley are pass rushing terrors, but the Jets' offensive line has done a good job of protecting Sanchez in the playoffs. But if anyone in the NFL can get past the protection, it's this duo. If they can pressure Sanchez, he will make mistakes. Throw the ball too early, loft a pass that's an easy interception. Get into his head, make him hear footsteps that aren't even coming.
Steelers' Corners vs. Braylon Edwards/Santonio Holmes
Bryant McFadden's availability for this game is up in the air at the moment after Ike Taylor took him out in the game against the Ravens. We really need McFadden because Edwards and Holmes are both big play makers.
The Steelers know all about Santonio Holmes, they gave him away to the Jets. The Super Bowl 43 Most Valuable Player will want to show the Steelers that they shouldn't have traded him away and take the Jets to the Super Bowl.
Braylon Edwards also has a history with the Steelers. He used to play for the division rival Cleveland Browns. Edwards has made some big catches in the playoffs for the Jets. We make fun of him for dropping passes, but he hasn't done that at all in the playoffs.
Our secondary is going to have to be playing their best ball. Both of these receivers can gain separation, unlike Baltimore's receivers.
Lawrence Timmons vs. LaDanian Tomlinson
Timmons lead the Steelers in tackles this past season. Tomlinson had a career rebirth in New York. Tomlinson is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by a touchdown catch last week against the Patriots. When Tomlinson leaves the backfield, I expect Timmons to be in coverage on Tomlinson at least somewhat. Either in a zone or man-to-man and then handing him off to a safety. This should be a fun match-up to watch.
Here is a preview of some key match-ups for Sunday's AFC Championship Game:
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Darrelle Revis/Antonio Cromartie
This match-up will be big. Revis basically shuts down one side of the field. Cromartie isn't a shutdown corner like Revis, but he is a very gifted CB who can make big plays.
Last time these two teams met, Revis covered Hines Ward while Cromartie covered Mike Wallace. Whichever player Revis covers, consider him out of the game, that is how good Revis is.
The key in this match-up is Ben Roethlisberger's pump fake and ability to extend a play. The pump fake could easily fake Cromartie, who often relies on his athletic ability and speed to make plays. He's been burned on stop-and-go routes throughout his career because he will try to jump the route. Add Ben's pump fake, and Cromartie can be burned by the speedy Mike Wallace.
Roethlisberger's ability to extend a play is what can undo Revis. Not even the best corner can cover a wide receiver for 10 seconds. If Ben breaks containment, all hell can break loose and Revis can lose his coverage.
Steelers Offensive Line vs. Jets Front Seven
The Steelers' offensive line has had trouble protecting Ben. The Jets like to blitz. They didn't do much blitzing versus the New England Patriots, but I fully expect them to go back to their normal ways against the Steelers.
Jonathon Scott is a backup left tackle. Flozell Adams has played fairly well. Ramon Foster and Trai Essex have both started at guard during the regular season. The best player on the offensive line is rookie center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Steelers offensive line is going to have to pickup not only the defensive line, they can and will send any combination of linebackers and defensive backs. If the line can't give Ben Roethlisberger a little protection, he might just get demolished.
Also, the line needs to seal off run lanes for Rashard Mendenhall. He may not get a ton of yards, however we need him to get some chunks to keep the defense honest.
Heath Miller vs. Eric Smith/Brodney Pool
In the last meeting, Heath Miller wasn't available due to a concussion. He can be an ex-factor in this game. He is big and powerful when he has the ball in his hands and he's faster than DB's think he is. He is truly a mismatch, especially in the red zone. He wouldn't have dropped the two balls thrown to his backup Matt Spaeth in the first meeting between these two.
Mark Sanchez vs. Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu wasn't active for the first meeting with the Jets. Polamalu is a game changer on this defense. He didn't really do anything against the Ravens, but that is because Joe Flacco stayed away from him throughout the game.
Sanchez is going to have to do a good job of knowing where Polamalu is before every snap, but that might not do much good. But if he can find Polamalu after the snap, he could have success by just staying away from him.
James Harrison/LaMarr Woodley vs. Jets' Offensive Line
Harrison and Woodley are pass rushing terrors, but the Jets' offensive line has done a good job of protecting Sanchez in the playoffs. But if anyone in the NFL can get past the protection, it's this duo. If they can pressure Sanchez, he will make mistakes. Throw the ball too early, loft a pass that's an easy interception. Get into his head, make him hear footsteps that aren't even coming.
Steelers' Corners vs. Braylon Edwards/Santonio Holmes
Bryant McFadden's availability for this game is up in the air at the moment after Ike Taylor took him out in the game against the Ravens. We really need McFadden because Edwards and Holmes are both big play makers.
The Steelers know all about Santonio Holmes, they gave him away to the Jets. The Super Bowl 43 Most Valuable Player will want to show the Steelers that they shouldn't have traded him away and take the Jets to the Super Bowl.
Braylon Edwards also has a history with the Steelers. He used to play for the division rival Cleveland Browns. Edwards has made some big catches in the playoffs for the Jets. We make fun of him for dropping passes, but he hasn't done that at all in the playoffs.
Our secondary is going to have to be playing their best ball. Both of these receivers can gain separation, unlike Baltimore's receivers.
Lawrence Timmons vs. LaDanian Tomlinson
Timmons lead the Steelers in tackles this past season. Tomlinson had a career rebirth in New York. Tomlinson is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, evidenced by a touchdown catch last week against the Patriots. When Tomlinson leaves the backfield, I expect Timmons to be in coverage on Tomlinson at least somewhat. Either in a zone or man-to-man and then handing him off to a safety. This should be a fun match-up to watch.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Armageddon
Armageddon, that's the word that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs used to describe this game in an interview last week. In the end, he was correct, it was Armageddon for the Baltimore Ravens' season.
Suggs had an excellent game. Three sacks and a forced fumble that lead to a touchdown for the Ravens. But it was not enough. Nothing could deter Ben Roethlisberger from leading the Steelers back from a 14-point deficit at half time to win the game 31-24.
Sacked six times in the game, some would become gun shy. They'd throw the ball away too quickly or get happy feet. But not Big Ben. He stood tall in the pocket, moved around to bide time. He was himself, clutch. Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback at fourth-quarter comebacks since John Elway, the quarterback who holds the record for most fourth quarter/overtime comeback wins in NFL history.
The defense played a big part in this game. The defense held the Ravens to 17 points. They harassed Joe Flacco all day. They forced a fumble and got an interception. He was sacked five times and hit a few other times.
This game was exactly what football is supposed to be. Tough, rough, hard hitting. This game was what I expected, close. These teams are almost mirror images of each other. It was another classic. Steelers-Ravens III lived up to the hype. This is what a rivalry is supposed to be.
In the end, the Steelers were celebrating another postseason win. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was crying on the sidelines. The Ravens can now book their vacation plans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent them home from the playoffs once again. The Steelers are now 3-0 all time against the Ravens in the playoffs.
The Steelers are now, once again, playing for a shot at the Super Bowl. This will be their fifth AFC Championship Game appearance since 2001. Mike Tomlin's second appearance in the AFC Championship Game (1-0).
They await the winner of the New York Jets-New England Patriots game. If the Patriots win, the Steelers will travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts. If the Jets win, they will travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost to both teams this season at home, so either way, the Steelers will be looking to extract revenge.
Wave your Terrible Towels, Steeler Nation! Pittsburgh's one game away from the Super Bowl!
Suggs had an excellent game. Three sacks and a forced fumble that lead to a touchdown for the Ravens. But it was not enough. Nothing could deter Ben Roethlisberger from leading the Steelers back from a 14-point deficit at half time to win the game 31-24.
Sacked six times in the game, some would become gun shy. They'd throw the ball away too quickly or get happy feet. But not Big Ben. He stood tall in the pocket, moved around to bide time. He was himself, clutch. Ben Roethlisberger is the best quarterback at fourth-quarter comebacks since John Elway, the quarterback who holds the record for most fourth quarter/overtime comeback wins in NFL history.
The defense played a big part in this game. The defense held the Ravens to 17 points. They harassed Joe Flacco all day. They forced a fumble and got an interception. He was sacked five times and hit a few other times.
This game was exactly what football is supposed to be. Tough, rough, hard hitting. This game was what I expected, close. These teams are almost mirror images of each other. It was another classic. Steelers-Ravens III lived up to the hype. This is what a rivalry is supposed to be.
In the end, the Steelers were celebrating another postseason win. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was crying on the sidelines. The Ravens can now book their vacation plans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have sent them home from the playoffs once again. The Steelers are now 3-0 all time against the Ravens in the playoffs.
The Steelers are now, once again, playing for a shot at the Super Bowl. This will be their fifth AFC Championship Game appearance since 2001. Mike Tomlin's second appearance in the AFC Championship Game (1-0).
They await the winner of the New York Jets-New England Patriots game. If the Patriots win, the Steelers will travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts. If the Jets win, they will travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost to both teams this season at home, so either way, the Steelers will be looking to extract revenge.
Wave your Terrible Towels, Steeler Nation! Pittsburgh's one game away from the Super Bowl!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Steelers-Ravens III: It Won't Be A Pillow Fight
The Pittsburgh Steelers now know who they will face in the AFC Playoffs Divisional Round, and that team is the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens.
Lets take a look at how these two teams compare.
Regular Season Stats
Ravens Offense # 22
Steelers Defense # 2
Ravens Passing Offense # 20
Steelers Passing Defense # 12
Ravens Rushing Offense # 14
Steelers Rushing Defense # 1
Ravens Scoring Offense # 16
Steelers Scoring Defense #1
Steelers Offense # 14
Ravens Defense # 10
Steelers Passing Offense # 14
Ravens Passing Defense # 21
Steelers Rushing Offense # 11
Ravens Rushing Defense # 5
Steelers Scoring Offense # 12
Ravens Scoring Defense # 3
Steelers Turnovers +17
Ravens Turnovers +7
Time of Possession:
Steelers 32:24
Ravens 31:20
We know that these two teams play a hard-hitting brand of defense. When you hear "Pittsburgh" and 'Baltimore" that's the first thing that comes to mind. They both run 3-4 defenses. They both have dynamic play making safeties in Ed Reed for Baltimore and Troy Polamalu for the Steelers.
This game will be violent. And as Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin says, the team who is the most violent will win.
In the last meeting, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his nose broken. A few years ago, Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall had his shoulder broken on a hit by Ravens' middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
Hines Ward has knocked out Ed Reed on special teams. James Harrison caused an Ed Reed fumble with a vicious hit on a punt return.
It's likely that there will be blood.
One thing I have noticed in the past couple of seasons is that when these teams meet, the game normally hinges on a big defensive turnover.
In 2008, James Harrison strip-sacked Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco, and the Flacco fumble was returned for a touchdown by LaMarr Woodley. That was the turning point of the game.
In the AFC Championship Game rematch later that season, the Ravens were looking to drive down the field late and take a win. Joe Flacco threw an interception on that drive to Troy Polamalu who returned it for a touchdown to ice the Steelers' berth in Super Bowl XLIII.
This season in Baltimore, Troy Polamalu came unblocked off the edge and strip-sacked Joe Flacco. Woodley returned the fumble to the Steelers nine yard line, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass that won the game.
So on Saturday afternoon, I am expecting this game to be won on a big defensive play. Harrison sacking Flacco and causing a fumble. A Troy Polamalu interception or sack. A fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The one place where I am honestly scared is special teams. Our kick coverage has given up a few big run backs. Most notably to the Jets on the opening kickoff. If we don't allow that, we beat the Jets. We have to avoid a big special teams gaffe.
The Ravens have quite the record on the road in the Playoffs. Under Joe Flacco they are 4-2. The Ravens are 0-2 against the Steelers all-time in the Playoffs. Joe Flacco is 0-1 against the Steelers in the Playoffs.
In the end, the Steelers will pull out the win. The betting line is Steelers by three, which is the customary points you get with a home game. It's fitting, because the teams split the season series 1-1 with each winning by three points on the road.
Steelers 20
Ravens 13
Lets take a look at how these two teams compare.
Regular Season Stats
Ravens Offense # 22
Steelers Defense # 2
Ravens Passing Offense # 20
Steelers Passing Defense # 12
Ravens Rushing Offense # 14
Steelers Rushing Defense # 1
Ravens Scoring Offense # 16
Steelers Scoring Defense #1
Steelers Offense # 14
Ravens Defense # 10
Steelers Passing Offense # 14
Ravens Passing Defense # 21
Steelers Rushing Offense # 11
Ravens Rushing Defense # 5
Steelers Scoring Offense # 12
Ravens Scoring Defense # 3
Steelers Turnovers +17
Ravens Turnovers +7
Time of Possession:
Steelers 32:24
Ravens 31:20
We know that these two teams play a hard-hitting brand of defense. When you hear "Pittsburgh" and 'Baltimore" that's the first thing that comes to mind. They both run 3-4 defenses. They both have dynamic play making safeties in Ed Reed for Baltimore and Troy Polamalu for the Steelers.
This game will be violent. And as Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin says, the team who is the most violent will win.
In the last meeting, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his nose broken. A few years ago, Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall had his shoulder broken on a hit by Ravens' middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
Hines Ward has knocked out Ed Reed on special teams. James Harrison caused an Ed Reed fumble with a vicious hit on a punt return.
It's likely that there will be blood.
One thing I have noticed in the past couple of seasons is that when these teams meet, the game normally hinges on a big defensive turnover.
In 2008, James Harrison strip-sacked Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco, and the Flacco fumble was returned for a touchdown by LaMarr Woodley. That was the turning point of the game.
In the AFC Championship Game rematch later that season, the Ravens were looking to drive down the field late and take a win. Joe Flacco threw an interception on that drive to Troy Polamalu who returned it for a touchdown to ice the Steelers' berth in Super Bowl XLIII.
This season in Baltimore, Troy Polamalu came unblocked off the edge and strip-sacked Joe Flacco. Woodley returned the fumble to the Steelers nine yard line, and Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass that won the game.
So on Saturday afternoon, I am expecting this game to be won on a big defensive play. Harrison sacking Flacco and causing a fumble. A Troy Polamalu interception or sack. A fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The one place where I am honestly scared is special teams. Our kick coverage has given up a few big run backs. Most notably to the Jets on the opening kickoff. If we don't allow that, we beat the Jets. We have to avoid a big special teams gaffe.
The Ravens have quite the record on the road in the Playoffs. Under Joe Flacco they are 4-2. The Ravens are 0-2 against the Steelers all-time in the Playoffs. Joe Flacco is 0-1 against the Steelers in the Playoffs.
In the end, the Steelers will pull out the win. The betting line is Steelers by three, which is the customary points you get with a home game. It's fitting, because the teams split the season series 1-1 with each winning by three points on the road.
Steelers 20
Ravens 13
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