SB Nation - Limas Sweed

Ravens/Steelers: Best Rivalry in NFL?

Bruce Raffel — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:32:47 -0000

Even if you don't root for either of these teams, when they're on the tube, football fans everywhere tune in for an example of what real, old school football is really like. Hard hitting, violent action defines this rivalry and records or stats don't matter when these two teams face each other. First off, the players seem to dislike each other as much as their fan base does, as especially evidenced by the comments in the posts on both SB Nation sites when they come up on the schedule. The Pittsburgh Steelers SB Nation site, Behind The Steel Curtain, has a huge and loyal following who travel to other teams' site as well as their fans do to opponents' stadiums around the league. Conversely, Baltimore Beatdown has a passionate following that knows their football pretty well and can talk smack with any other teams' fans in the league as well.

The fact that this game has playoff implications for both teams is a plus to the tenseness of the game, but that really doesn't matter. These two teams would probably agree to meet in a sandlot and play without pads if they could. They don't care about the weather, the stats, the cameras (well they probably do care about the cameras), they just want to get out there and hit someone. Some of the most vicious hits I've ever seen in a football game have come from these games. Who won't soon forget the hit that Bart Scott put on Ben Roethlisberger that Big Ben says was the hardest he's ever been hit. Same for the shot that Hines Ward gave to Ed Reed, Ray Lewis to Rashard Mendenhall, Limas Sweed to Corey Ivy and Ryan Clark to Willis McGahee. You could keep listing other ones that made you wince when you saw and heard them live, and that doesn't include what must be going on in the trenches and the scrums after tackles.

There are other rivalries in the NFL but most of them are based on long standing history, not the specific hard hitting action that this one thrives on. The NFC East has some good rivalries and great fans, but are they the equal of the Ravens/Steelers right now? Nothing comparable in the NFC North, despite the switching of allegiance of Brett Favre from Green Bay to Minnesota. The NFC South or West? Uhhh, no. Over in the AFC, the Raiders/Chiefs was a great one, but the key word is "was." San Diego/Denver isn't even close and nothing else there is worth mentioning. The AFC South's teams haven't been around long enough to warrant inclusion in this discussion even with the hated Indianapolis Colts there. Over in the AFC East, there are some good rivalries between the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins (sorry Buffalo) but nothing to compare.

So that makes this weekend's Ravens game in Pittsburgh the best of not only the weekend, but perhaps the best of the season. Hopefully the game will live up to the hype, which it usually does, but nevertheless, it will have all the action, hitting and trash talking in advance of Sunday- and that is just with the fans!

Poll

What NFL rivalry is the best in the league right now?

Friday Injury Report: Green Bay Packers at Steelers

Brandon — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:58:59 -0000

More photos » by Amy Gutierrez - AP

10 days ago: Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) is carted off the field by emergency personnel after suffering a reported neck injury during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. The Chargers won 20-17. (AP Photo/Amy Gutierrez)

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This is one of the shortest injury lists for the Green Bay Packers I can remember, especially this late in the season, while the Steelers are missing two key players for another week.

For the Packers: Barnett and Jolly suffered their injuries last week at Chicago, and they both were able to return to the game, so I'd be surprised if they were out on Sunday. Pickett missed last week, after hurting his hamstring late in the game against the Ravens, but he expected to be ready this week based on the last quotes I've read from him. Hawk was a "rare Saturday addition" to the injury report with a sore ankle. I'm not expecting either backup LB Jeremy Thompson or CB Brandon Underwood to play, but neither was likely to do anything more than play on special teams. I'd expect everyone except Thompson, and maybe Underwood, will play.

For the Steelers: the loss of 5 time Pro Bowl S Troy Polamalu continues to be one of their biggest problems during their 5 game losing streak. Not that his absence has been the entire reason for the losing streak, but it's a big part of it. LG Chris Kemoeatu is a lesser known player, but they are better with him on the offensive line, and he's already been ruled out too. Former 2nd round pick, WR Limas Sweed is out, but he's only contributed 1 catch this season. While WR Hines Ward will play with his bad hamstring, I've heard that it's robbed him of his speed, and he's not likely to be a big factor on Sunday. Hartwig and Keisel should play.

The complete injury report is after the jump.

Player	Pos.	Injury	Friday Participation	Friday Status
Nick Barnett	LB	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
A.J. Hawk	LB	Ankle	(Not Listed)	Probable
Johnny Jolly	DE	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Ryan Pickett	NT	Hamstring	Limited Participation	Questionable
Jeremy Thompson	LB	Neck	Out	Out
Brandon Underwood	CB	Hip	Did Not Participate	Doubtful
Charles Woodson	CB	Shoulder / Not Inj. Related	Limited Participation	Probable


Player	Pos.	Injury	Friday Participation	Friday Status
Justin Hartwig	C	Knee	Full Participation	Probable
Brett Keisel	DE	Neck	Full Participation	Probable
Chris Kemoeatu	G	Wrist	Did Not Participate	Out
Troy Polamalu	S	Knee	Did Not Participate	Out
Limas Sweed	WR	Illness	Did Not Participate	Out
Hines Ward	WR	Hamstring	Full Participation	Probable

Pregame Zone Blitz: Steelers at Browns

ncoolong — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:35:57 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

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"You play. To win. The game. Hello??"

-Herm Edwards

"Playoffs?? You kiddin' me??"

-Jim Mora

"I think it's appropriate at this point to acknowledge we have an undesirable pattern of behavior, which produces a series of outcomes that are not what we're looking for."

-Mike Tomlin.

Three coaches. Three separate expressions of frustration. Only one of them is still a coach.

This is no longer about the playoffs, or title defenses. It's very simply about fixing what's wrong. It needs to be fixed for no other reason than the fact it needs to be fixed. No fan is giving up on anything, we're with our team until there isn't another game on the schedule.

We can't clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight anyway, so I'm gonna enjoy a Primetime game against a divisional opponent for what it is, and not worry about the disaster this season has become.

We've beaten Cleveland 12 straight. That streak doesn't have to end because we're 6-6.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

Opponent Web Sites/Forums

A cutesy story about lifelong Browns fan Brady Quinn getting his shot against Pittsburgh

Ryan Kelsey of Dawgs By Nature says Cleveland hates the Steelers.

So does this guy. Interesting concept, though, which Steeler do Browns fans hate the most?

Sort of older news, but an interesting thought nonetheless; Parcells to Cleveland.

Last Game

The universe seems to be sending me clear summaries of how I'm feeling after recent Steelers games. My wife was throwing up in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs game. Now, as I sat in my two-wheel drive sled, fuming mad, "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen came on the radio.

"...and I hope when I get older I don't sit ‘round talkin' ‘bout it, but I probably will. Just sittin' back, tryin' to recapture a little of the glory of...but then time slips away, leaves you with nuthin' mister, but, boring stories of Glory Days."

That pretty much wraps it up for the PZB. Resignation takes over for frustration. We just lost to the Raiders, which is as close to the modern definition of a non-playoff team as it gets. The Raiders haven't beaten a team that's gone on to the playoffs that year since they defeated Washington 16-13 in Week 11 of the 2005 season.

It doesn't seem that streak is in jeopardy now, either. I'm going to stick with the Glory Days, though. I'm going to remember last year's team, and to an extent, the 2007 team. Maybe we don't win again, and Pregame Zone Blitz turns into Pre-Draft Zone Blitz. Maybe we go 4-0 in our final four games, squeak into the playoffs, and make some noise a la 2005.

Maybe. Probably be a good idea for the team to just concentrate on winning in a short week on the road against a quietly improving Browns team. Make no mistake, though, the stars are aligned for a strong Browns showing tonight. Not that the Steelers have the luxury of this anyway, but this isn't an opponent to overlook.

Opponent Spotlight: QB Brady Quinn

Speaking of improvement...Quinn led Cleveland's offense to just 35 points in his first five games this season. In his last three, they've scored 66 points, and he's thrown 8 touchdown passes to five INTs.

His 45 attempts last week in San Diego were a little less than half than the amount of attempts he logged in his first two seasons in the league, and it marked the fourth consecutive game his attempts increased. Granted, the Browns have only one once when Quinn starts, it hasn't seemed as if Cleveland's defense has put together a winning effort in some of Quinn's best games.

Detroit wasted his brilliant 304 yard, 4-TD performance, edging out the Browns 38-37 in Week 11. Or maybe it was his defense. The Browns are in the bottom five of all major team defensive statistical categories, but more than anything, they're surrendering over 25 points per game.

Judging by Quinn's improvement over the past few games, and Pittsburgh's continued struggles in the secondary, the Browns will likely rest the vast majority of their game plan on Quinn's shoulders. It wouldn't be at all surprising to see him attack the corners (like everyone else during Pittsburgh's four game slide), particularly with rookies Joe Burnett and/or Keenan Lewis likely to see an increased role.

Quinn hasn't shown a ton so far in regards to deeper passing efficiency, but Cleveland can control the clock and keep their exploitable defense from being abused by keeping it short and simple for Quinn, and rely on the Steelers' recent fourth-quarter woes to pick up their first win over their division "rival" since 2003.

He'll always have this, though...

Steelers Spotlight: WR Limas Sweed

This really seems to be a do-or-die game for Sweed, donnit? With Ward's hamstring injury likely to hamper him, Sweed will get looks in the Steelers' base offense, and with Cleveland's secondary resembling an average junior varsity squad in both size and ability, Sweed's going to get possession routes called for him. He'll likely get deep routes called for him.

If it's not too much trouble, could someone in the huddle please tell him to catch the ball?

Santonio Holmes has become Pittsburgh's go-to receiver in stretches over the season. A big reason for that is Ward's ability to let the defense know he's still there - particularly early in the game. Pittsburgh has been counting on that spark out of the flanker position all year, and they've gotten it.

It's Sweed's chance to step up. If he's able to get into a groove and patiently work the zone the way Ward does, QB Ben Roethlisberger will see him - he's used to looking to the flanker on first and second downs. It will be Sweed's ability to draw attention away from Holmes that will have the largest impact on the Steelers' passing game.

Make no mistake, they are a pass-to-set-up-the-run-and-pass team now. Rashard Mendenhall started off well last week against Oakland, then barely saw the ball in the second quarter.

If Sweed gets hot, it could be his breakout game. If he drops more passes, it could be the beginning of the end for him.

I See You

I see you, Santonio Holmes, and not just because of your career-high 149 yards, or the fact you're about to pass the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in your career.

Ok, a lot of it is that.

But still, you've typically stepped back in this point of the season, but you are taking over the title of "Go-To-Guy" during a very poor streak of team performance. Your effort is contagious, too. If you hadn't previously shown all-out effort in blocking for your fellow wide receivers, perhaps Mike Wallace doesn't get down field to level a would-be tackler on your big reception against Oakland.

As far as the stats go, you've scored in your past two games, but haven't had less than 74 yards in your last five games. You're one of two receivers in the league to have over 15 yards per catch along with 50 first downs. The other guy is a Patriot named Moss.

Considering you're on pace for over 80 catches and over 1,300 yards going into tonight's game, you may be hearing talk of you challenging Yancey Thigpen's 12-year old single-season receiving record of 1,395.

You seem to be hitting your stride. We can See that, ‘Tone.

Key Stats

Pittsburgh has beaten Cleveland 12 straight times. The last time the Steelers lost to the Browns was in Week 5 of 2003, in the middle of the last time the Steelers lost five straight games.
Browns QB Brady Quinn has gone 126 pass attempts without throwing an INT.
Pittsburgh hasn't earned an interception in 128 straight passes against them (since Week 9 at Denver).
In the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's previous four games, its defense has surrendered 513 yards and 37 points (0-4).
Quinn has seven TDs and zero INTs in his past three games.
WR Santonio Holmes has 987 receiving yards. Hines Ward has 922, giving them 1,909 yards combined. Ward and Plaxico Burress combined for 2,654 yards in 2002.

Quick Hitters

No Brainer? Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, responding to a question about whether he would take a cautious approach with KR Clifton Smith's second concussion this season: "That's a no-brainer." Couldn't come up with a better phrase than that, coach? Smith was placed on the IR as a result of his injury.

Pregame Zone Blitz: Steelers at Ravens

ncoolong — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:15:56 -0000

After a disastrous loss to the lowly Chiefs, and Cincinnati's equally disastrous loss to the even lowlier Raiders, the Steelers find themselves in a knock-down, drag-out fight for the AFC North title and a Wild Card spot at the same time.

PZB promises not to mention the phrase "let-down game" again.

The phrases "The Hated Ravens" and "Rivalry Week" will be used liberally, though.

It's so much fun to hate the Ravens, but frankly, there's so much to these games - hence the reason one of the two of them is always on Primetime. There's the fact that last year's AFC Championship game was the most physical in the history of the event. There's the excitement of knowing from the start of the playoffs it was going to be those two teams fighting - literally - for a Super Bowl bid. There was The Bounty, Sweed's smack on Corey Ivy (wait, he's a Steeler now...more on him in a bit), Clark vs. Magahee...and that was all one game.

Now, PZB is still recovering from the stomach punch he took when the Ravens traded up to select Hardcover Boy Michael Oher in last year's draft. I don't think I can even watch the movie, but The Blind Side is probably the most enjoyable book I've ever read. And he's a Raven...damn that hurts.

Anyway...so much to this game. Gotta love The Hated Ravens and Rivalry Week.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

Opponent Web Sites/Forums

Bruce with Baltimore Beatdown sums up the Ravens position against their arch-rivals quite nicely.

Let's remember, this is the best rivalry in the NFL.

The Baltimore Sun (best local team coverage of any paper anywhere) gets the Ravens' reactions to the classic "We'll start our own towel tradition!" bit.

Steelers receivers let out a sigh of disappointment when they find out Ravens CB Fabian Washington was placed on the IR.

Jason Whitlock calls out the Ravens coaching staff in his 10 NFL Truths column (No. 7).

Last Game

SteelerWife texted me during the fourth quarter, saying we had to leave right after it was over because she just threw up in the bathroom. We were with SteelerBro and future Mrs. SteelerBro, so not admitting to her ailment was paramount.

While I wasn't physically sick, that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness was setting in. The Steelers just weren't able to put the plucky Chiefs away. From the minute Pittsburgh's special teams allowed yet another touchdown - and we got the treat of seeing yet another return man run away from a hard-charging Stefan Logan from the end zone cam - the game didn't feel right. Up until the point SteelerWife summarized the game with a few violent heaves in the bathroom of McGovern's, I felt mentally sick.

We normally turn to our quarterback in those situations. He was completing passes, but there was a fumble after a completion by Mike Wallace, there was a ball that went straight through Heath Miller's hands, there was a bad throw in the end zone that was picked off and returned nearly all the way.

Then there was a defense that clearly wasn't on the same page when Chris Chambers waltzed like an elderly man in a ballroom dancing class 60 yards down the field to set up one of the stupidest losses in team history. We were leaving the bar barely before the kick was made.

SteelerWife got sick again on the way home. She got over it. I'm not sure if the Steelers will.

Opponent Spotlight: QB Joe Flacco

Flacco's numbers in his first three games against the Steelers made him look more like JaMarcus Russell.

Granted, if you take out the three games against the Steelers, Flacco looked like a star on the rise.

So far in 2009, he's struggled a little bit more, but his overall scope of work is pretty solid. Eight interceptions are too many for any passer, and it goes a little bit into why Baltimore is 5-5. He hasn't been particularly consistent, either. His last four games, his completion percentage has gone from 80 (win) to 56 (loss) to 72 (win) to 65 (loss).

He's had Player of the Week performances (at Minnesota in Week 6, 385 yards, two touchdowns) and Russell-ian depths (at Cincinnati in Week 9, 18-for-32, 0 TDs, 2 INTs).

Baltimore's defense has been banged up for a good portion of the season. NT Haloti Ngata and DE Terrell Suggs have both missed time this year, and CB Fabian Washington was just placed on the IR. The Ravens have relied on their second year passer to carry much of the burden this year, which is a shift from standard for the defense-laden Ravens. While Flacco has received a boost from All-Purpose Machine Ray Rice (1,248 yards rushing and receiving, seven total TDs), Pittsburgh is going to have harass Flacco much like last year to nullify their own injury disadvantages.

Steelers Spotlight: QB Ben Roethlisberger

(UPDATE: Maybe none of this matters, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer is reporting Roethlisberger will not play Sunday night.)

PZB doesn't catch knees to the head very often. What happened to Roethlisberger in Week 11 looked extraordinarily uncomfortable, but Charlie Batch's Lamar Latrell impression on an out-pattern, followed by his subsequent wrist surgery, makes Roethlisberger's injury look mild by comparison.

At least, that's the impression the team gave off this week. Batch's wrist injury moved Roethlisberger's concussion from "normal" to "mild," and all signs point to Roethlisberger playing Sunday.

That's the case in most people's minds, but Jason La Canfora of NFL.com suggests Ben may bench himself. Seems like a ridiculous notion, but it's worthy of mention, because if Ben doesn't play, the Steelers go into enemy territory with Dennis "Double-D" Dixon under center.

Even funnier, if Roethlisberger doesn't play, former mild Saturday hero Tyler Palko will back Double-D up.

Stranger yet, the chairs of the NFL's concussion committee resigned this week. Is there a connection here?

The last time Roethlisberger played the week following sustaining what was believed to be a concussion was in 2006 at Oakland. The Raiders managed all of 98 yards of offense, but returned two Roethlisberger interceptions for touchdowns. One of those came in the end zone, when CB Chris Carr took it back 100 yards for the decisive score in an improbable 20-13 win.

Should we expect Roethlisberger to perform similarly Sunday? It's a matter of at least some conjecture, but he's played some of the best football of his career against Baltimore. He's also played some of his worst. What we can definitely count on is a lack of rushing game. While it's likely Roethlisberger will be under center, and while it's not the same Ravens team it was a year ago, neither team traditionally runs well against each other, and the key is typically one defense's ability to put the passer on the ground.

Steelers NEW Spotlight: QB Dennis Dixon

Operating under the assumption that Roethlisberger will not play, let's take a look at Dixon, and what we know about the man.

He decided he'd be a better quarterback than a baseball player. So he's got that going for him.

His 3-yard completion to Hines Ward (his 800th career reception) in mop-up time in Week 17 last season makes him one of the few 100 percent completion passers in NFL history. Also a nice honor to have.

What's going to be critical for Dixon, however, is the element of surprise. Teams always have to be wary of the player of which they have no actual game film. Dixon hasn't played against any NFL starting talent (just the preseason taxi squads and the Browns), but those teams haven't seen him either.

The Steelers had the advantage of disguise as well. They could have had Ben running around a bit all week just to put out the idea he's going to play, but behind closed doors, preparing Dixon to start.

Plus, film study, practice reps, preparation...that's one thing. Getting one of the best athletes in the game out on the field with nothing personally to lose (no one expects him to win this game) can be an advantage - even playing on the road.

How quiet do crowds get on the road when Ben scrambles for 17 yards on 3^rd-and-9? How tired do defenses get when he avoids a tackle, buys some time and flicks the ball off to a running back for a 12-yard gain? These all seem to be right in the wheelhouse of a third-string quarterback with all-world athletic ability.

I See You

"Corey's presence here has nothing to do with insight, and more to do with his ability to make plays in the special teams game."

-Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin

I see you, Corey Ivy. That's difficult to say, I'm not gonna lie to you. I've seen you with the Ravens several times over the years. I even saw you with the Browns. You're not someone I've seen positively yet in your career.

I see you now, though, because you've got a chance to get back in the game. There's a few coverage units that need desperate help. We allow kick return touchdowns like we're confused as to whether we're supposed to tackle or block. Our Nickel defense hasn't been great, either.

We need your help, Corey. I know, I Saw Donovan Woods last week, and he didn't exactly come through. But you're going to be the man this week. I'm going to tell you why, too. You didn't hate the Steelers after Limas Sweed laid you out in the AFC Championship game. You hated all the Ravens fans who cast you out. You hated upper management when they brought in Fabian Washington to essentially replace you. You just have to love the Steelers now. They're giving you a chance to go out and exact some level of revenge. I'm looking forward to the roar from Steeler Nation when you make a few special teams tackles, and you grab your place on this roster.

I hope you See it too, Corey. Really, I do. But we gotta watch your lowest low moment again. Sorry.

Key Stats

33 of Ravens QB Joe Flacco's last 53 passes have gone to Derrick Mason or Ray Rice.
Baltimore's offense has failed to score a touchdown in the first half of its last six games.
Rice is second among NFL running backs with 124.8 yards per game from scrimmage.
The 2009 Steelers defense is allowing 11 less rushing yards per game (69.2) than the 2008 Steelers (80.2).

Quick Hitters

I understand the sin of schadenfreude, but frankly, if anyone deserved the misery of dropping seven of his last eight, it's former Ravens coordinator now Jets head coach Rex Ryan. It's nothing against his players or Jets fans, it's the fact he had one full year of experience under a humble coach, John Harbaugh, and three games against another successful and humble head coach, Mike Tomlin, on which to build a career. Instead, Ryan acts like a complete pompous ass, getting in verbal back-and-forths with players on other teams. He calls out the Patriots before their Week 2 game, celebrates as if he won the Super Bowl when he defeating their arch-rivals, then complained after the Pats put a whipping on his team in the re-match. I have a world of respect for Harbaugh and what the Ravens have been able to accomplish. I'm glad to see, records aside, Ryan is no longer a part of this rivalry, but I sure wish the Jets were in the AFC North. I'd love to see Tomlin's reaction to anything that bloated jackhole would have to say.

Overcoming the "bump": How great teams keep winning despite setbacks

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:06 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2009, file photo, Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, left, will have to focus his team and not allow injuries to be an excuse. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

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Every NFL teams experiences a point in their season where something happens to disrupt their flow. Things are going well. The team is winning. Players are happy, flying around, looking to make plays, etc. Coaches are jovial in press conferences. Media are anointing the club, calling them "the best ever." Yippee-yippee-yay-yay!

Then, something happens.

Usually, it comes in the form of an injury. Or, sometimes, it's a team tragedy or some kind of disaster. Last season, we all saw the Houston Texans' "bump" come in the form of a hurricane that damaged their stadium, their facilities, and (for many players) their homes. The Texans never recovered from that "bump," and missed the playoffs because of a bad start.

In 2007, the our own, beloved Colts looked like they would repeat as world champions. They were 7-1 and flying high. Then, they lost Dwight Freeney for the season. They limped along for the rest of 2007, managed to finish the season 6-1 after the Freeney injury, but lost in the playoffs to the Chargers due in large part because of a lack of pass rush. In 2008, Peyton Manning's knee problems, coupled with the disasters at the defensive tackle spot, provided Indy with their "bump" very early in the NFL campaign. The team fumbled and bumbled their way through a 3-4 start. Though Indy managed to close the season on a 7-0 run, they lost in the playoffs again to the Chargers due in large part because of problems they had as a result of their "bump" early in the season (poor DT play).

Bumps for teams can sometimes be too much to handle. They can throw an entire season off track. However, it is the truly great teams that incur these bumps and, somehow, manage to win games in spite of them.

For my money, no championship team in recent memory was as injured as the 2006 Colts. They lost Brandon Stokley, Mike Doss, Corey Simon, James Mungro, and Montae Reagor for the season. Their secondary was a list of walking wounded. Bob Sanders missed virtually all the 2006 regular season (shocking, I know). Yet, despite the injuries, they persevered and won the Super Bowl.

Last season, we saw the Pittsburgh Steelers lose both their first and second round picks in the 2008 draft (Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed, respectively). They also played games in 2008 without Willie Parker, using castoff Mewelde Moore as their feature back. They lost Casey Hampton and Heath Miller for long stretches of time. Starting offensive guard Kendall Simmons was lost for the season with an Achilles injury. Steelers starters missed over 31 games in 2008 due to injuries. In Week Sixteen, they were dominated by the Tennessee Titans, and many wondered if the Steelers were as good as others said they were.

Yet, I distinctly remember seeing the Steelers hoist the Lombardi trophy this past February.

Obviously, too many injuries, or one devastating injury, can kill your football team. But just because you loose a few starters, or because some other players are down for a while, does not mean that is an excuse to lose. The great teams win despite injuries, and even though the 2009 Colts have lost some players this week, this roster is still good enough to win it all.

More importantly, with this current roster, I expect them to win it all.

I love players like Marlin Jackson and Tyjuan Hagler. But this is the NFL. Injuries happen. For eight weeks, this team has been able to get by without having a serious injury smack them upside the head. Now, they have two. We'll see how tough they are overcoming this "bump" in the coming weeks. Personally, I think they will be fine.

Pregame Zone Blitz: Browns at Steelers

ncoolong — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:17:47 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

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Fourth quarter points? Psshaw! All that means is our offense scores enough to force teams to come back. Detroit had nothing else to play for, and the fact Daunte Culpepper threw perhaps the stupidest pass I've ever seen (including high school quarterbacks) is exactly what makes them the Lions. It's tough to worry when you've got a passer the likes of Ben Roethlisberger under center (I see him, too). But, the greatest news of all, we've got Troy back. Worst news of all, Aaron Smith is out for the rest of the year. Take the good with the bad, because it's a new season, ladies and gentlemen. It starts with a visit from our old pals in Cleveland.

Here's what our opponents are saying.

Opponent Web Sites/Forums

Dawgs By Nature says we shouldn't read into anything about trade rumors involving Brady Quinn.

Quinn tells the Cleveland Plain-Dealer basically nothing about anything, including nothing about his house for sale, nothing about the $10 million he'll miss out on this year, and nothing about his future.

Our Fearless Leader Blitzburgh shows off his tap-dancing skills in an interview with Dawgs By Nature.

Look! Limas caught a pass! Sorry, kind of off-topic.

Chris Pokorny of Dawgs By Nature discusses the post-Edwards Browns receiving corps.

Last Game

"It's still not up to the level we need it to be. We let them go down the field again and make it close." - James Harrison

That sour taste remains strong after another week of missing direct contact with that last nail in the opponents' coffin. Pittsburgh rarely gets beat in Time of Possession. Detroit 32:35, Pittsburgh 27:25. Rashard Mendenhall had six carries in the second half, after a "Delicious" 65-yard first-half effort.

Are we waiting for the other shoe to drop on a season in which the Steelers can't get out of first gear, or are we waiting for the Steelers to put together a concerted four-quarter effort from everyone, coaches included?

A modicum of credit needs to be given to Detroit. While it's not likely we'll see them in the Super Bowl any time soon, they played a solid game. In fact, if it wasn't for QB Daunte Culpepper's JV-level interception, Detroit could have pulled out a huge win.

But that's what makes them the Lions.

They don't give out style points, but we certainly use them in evaluation of our teams. With a divisional showdown with the bizarre Cleveland Browns looming, Pittsburgh needs to find a way to mirror their first half performances so far, and ignore their second half results.

Opponent Spotlight: P Dave Zastudil

"The Browns beat Buffalo 6-3 in one of the all-time ugly NFL games because of Zastudil, and almost because of Zastudil alone. On nine punts, the Bills had seven return yards. Seven!" - Peter King

PMZ likes looking at punters, and the impact they have on a game. Coincidentally, Zastudil hauled off one of the best punting performances in NFL history the same game the Browns put up one of the poorest winning efforts in recent memory.

It was extremely curious how the Browns won 6-3 over Buffalo, (Best Headline Award goes to Dawgs By Nature) when QB Derek Anderson completed two - TWO - passes in fair weather conditions. But looking at Zastudil's performance, it's no surprise. If you want to produce no offense, turn the ball over and generally do nothing significant with the football, you better punt well, or you're going to lose by 30.

Zastudil was the only reason Cleveland was even within four scores, let alone won the game. He leads the NFL with 18 punts inside the 20, and he's tied for the lead with 30 punts. With the struggles the Browns are having offensively, it's a good bet he'll be on the field a bunch, and he has shown the ability to affect the game on his own.

But hey, at least Zastudil's not in Detroit!

Pittsburgh has struggled in the punt return phase, with Stefan Logan averaging 7.4 yards per return, 27^th in the NFL. This is the only area in which Cleveland holds a strong advantage, and if Pittsburgh wants to avoid the upset, Logan will have to break a return or two, and create decent field position.

Steelers Spotlight: SS Troy Polamalu

"You know, I really enjoy watching my brothers play out there. I really feel like I'm out there anyway. I ride the emotional roller-coaster of wins and losses if I play or not." - Troy Polamalu

The most anticipated return in Pittsburgh since the Stanley Cup is expected Sunday when the Browns come to town. Granted, to get there, the Steelers had to lose another indispensible defensive player, but what the loss of Aaron Smith does to the Steelers, at least Polamalu's return will hide it somewhat.

Putting it nicely would be to say Cleveland's offense is not moving the ball very well. To put it accurately would be to say their offense is the worst in the league. The play they've gotten from Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson at quarterback has been grossly lacking, and that has caused serious disruption in the 1-2 rushing attack of Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison.

Polamalu isn't necessary to slow down this offense in most regards, but his inclusion will nullify any confidence the Browns may have received when they learned of Smith's injury.

There's a certain amount of game-planning teams will have to do when Polamalu is on the field. He affects both the pass and run offensive plans, but the lack of Smith, and Cleveland's lack of passing attack likely will equal a steady diet of "run-left" kinds of plays.

That presents a problem for Pittsburgh. While Quinn, Anderson and their C-list group of receivers have produced next to nothing so far this season, the running game has produced two 100-yard rushers the past two weeks. Harrison had 121 yards against Cincinnati in Week 4, and Lewis put 117 on the Bills in Week 5. Polamalu will be stationed at the line for much of the game, and should expect a physical contest. With the platoon of Travis Kirschke, Nick Eason and rookie Ziggy Hood holding down Smith's left defensive end position, the Browns are libel to run to that side. Polamalu will help shore that potential gap up.

I See You

I see you, Ben Roethlisberger. It isn't just your career-high 73.8 percent completion rate, it's that smirk we saw on your face after throwing your second interception that was returned for a touchdown this season. The confidence you displayed in yourself, seeing you own up to a mistake, is inspiring. More of what we really loved was how you showed your young receivers you believe in them. Limas Sweed's drop woes continued, but your first pass attempt was to him on his first play since the drop against Cincinnati. Granted, he's probably got to catch that slant as well, but you went back to him. Mike Wallace joined the fun, dropping what would have been a 71-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. You could have doghoused him too, and just gone to Ward, Holmes and Miller as you had been all game, but you see the value in involving as many receivers as possible. The more confidence they have in themselves, the better they are. You went back to Wallace, who beat CB William James (the guy who took your out route to the house earlier) as badly as any corner has ever been beaten, and got his first career touchdown.

The confidence you have in your receivers makes them better, and it's as much a factor in your ridonkulous completion percentage as your own ability. It's also a big reason why the Steelers are 3-2 without their best defensive player.

Key Stats

Pittsburgh has won the battle of time of possession in nine of their last 11 games
Pittsburgh is 2-0 in those games (Dallas in 2008 and Detroit in 2009)
James Harrison has forced 18 fumbles in his last 36 regular season starts.
Cleveland (11), Oakland (9.8) and St. Louis (6.8) are combining to average 3 points per game less than 2008 league-low Cincinnati (12.8)

Quick Hitters

Thankfully, He Doesn't Play for Us: I would have paid good money to witness the conversation between Bly and Singletary. Good money.

What's Going On In Bravo Company, Matthew?: A classic Col. Nathan Jessup quote to the Cleveland Browns for their most recent PR disaster. My favorite is the sarcasm-laced comment from the league about never having the need to implement rules about players without pads getting hit by players with pads. Only the Mangenius...

I Am Not Talking About No Fine: Chad Ochocinco gets hit hard, and Ray Lewis gets fined. It's kind of a double-win, huh?

Would the Pittsburgh Steelers benefit from cutting Stefan Logan?

Blitzburgh — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:21 -0000

I know this is a subject that many of us disagree on, so I write this somewhat hesitantly. But I personally think the Pittsburgh Steelers would be better off cutting Stefan Logan. Or at least deactivating him for a few weeks. I'll offer up five reasons why I think that, and would then love to hear your thoughts about the subject.

Let's leave aside the fact that Logan had a costly miscue in last Sunday's game against the Chargers. For the record, I too think it was bogus that he wasn't whistled down. But when you keep churning your legs and aren't being pushed backwards, that call is in play. Anyway, irregardless of that gaffe, I still think the Steelers could get near the same, if not more, production from Santonio Holmes as a punt returner. Remember, Holmes' punt returns in the Dallas game and the playoff game against San Diego were huge, huge plays that propelled the team to victory. Logan has been impressive. He's been much better than what we've been accustomed to, and I agree, it's probably only a matter of time before he broke one for a touchdown. Still, he hasn't made an immediate impact as a punt returner through the first quarter of the season. And we know there's at least one option with big-play potential for when we need a spark from special teams (Holmes), and a trustworthy returner to make clean fair catches when the situation doesn't merit taking any unnecessary chances (M. Moore).
What about kick returns? Logan also been very solid returning kicks. He's averaging a healthy 26.8 yards per return, good for 8th in the league for returners with at least 6 returns. That's nothing to sneeze at, but say we downgraded to only 20 or 22 yards per return - with the way this offense is humming, I'm not sure that's a devastating downgrade. Here's where I'd like to see Joe Burnett factor in. The rookie cornerback from Central Florida was a 1st Team All American as a kick and punt returner last year. I think he has a knack for finding small crevices and making guys miss in open space. I see returning as more of an art than merely requiring blazing speed. Why would 49ers and one-time Steelers return man Allen Rossum still be able to rip off touchdowns at the age of 34? I've noticed Burnett playing on other special teams units. He hasn't been noticeably great or terrible, but if he's earned the right to see the field at all, my vote would be to let him have his crack at returning.
Roster spots. Here's one example of how the roster spot could be used a bit more effectively, perhaps. Chris Kemoeatu, who arguably had his best game as a professional last Sunday, has been limited in practice this week with an ankle injury. Might it make sense to activate Kraig Urbik this week as insurance? Or how about another example? What about some new, fresh blood on defense? Not sure who that candidate might be, but again, that's an area where I think more value could be added.
As for Logan's potential use in offensive packages - like for example, the play we looked at where the Steelers were in a four-bunch set with Logan remaining at the line of scrimmage as an outlet option. Well, his speed and shiftyness in open space is intriguing. But we already have one speedster that's been wowing us so far through the first four games of his rookie year. That'd be Mike Wallace, and I'd vote for finding ways to get him even more involved rather than trying to force a look or two to Logan each week.
Finally, I'd argue that it's more important that we work Limas Sweed in to the rotation and give him a few more chances to see if he can overcome his jitters sooner rather than later. On a similar note, if the team would like extra insurance at wide receiver, it'd be easier to keep six wide receivers active and get McDonald activated if Logan's spot was free.

Just a few thoughts from me on the subject. Yours?

Under further review: When the defense stepped up, the Bengals took advantage

Kirkendall — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:59:40 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

2 months ago: Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is lifted in the air by Anthony Collins (73) after Benson scored on a 23-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won the game 23-20. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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If you took every thing you knew about the Cincinnati Bengals, while applying every bit of team history that you've observed during the Mike Brown era, then the Bengals win over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday would seem almost foreign. For example, the team's first quarter was an alarming effort at self-destruction. Cedric Benson rushed the football four times for no-yards. Carson Palmer attempted three passes -- two to Coles, one to Henry -- falling incomplete. Kyle Cook missed a block on Casey Hampton, who sacked Palmer. Evan Mathis was called for a false start and Anthony Collins lined up off the line of scrimmage, penalizing the Bengals five yards.

Willie Parker rushed for 53 yards on nine carries while Ben Roethlisberger completed seven of nine passes for 99 yards and a touchdown -- a 149.5 passer rating. By the time the first quarter ended, the Steelers had a 10-0 lead, time of possession nearing 11 minutes and seven recorded first downs. The Bengals had just over four minutes of possession, no first downs and actually lost 20 yards with only one recorded yard on offense -- which was lost on the next play.

This was the first quarter. This was why I said the Bengals had a big DOA stamped on the mid-field team logo. Even though a ten-point deficit is manageable, the score clearly didn't show the team's immense struggle on both offense and defense. Over 17 minutes had passed before Carson Palmer completed his first pass of the game. Over 17 minutes had passed before the Bengals recorded their first first down of the game. Nearly 19 minutes had passed before Cedric Benson recorded more than one yard rushing on the ground. Even though the Bengals would later punt on their fourth possession, when Phil Simms called the drive successful, based on what happened in the first quarter, he was absolutely right in his assessment.

Afterwards, the Bengals offense and defense steadily improved. After the team's fourth straight punt to start the game, the offense went three-and-out only once, punted twice, missed a field goal and scored on three of the final five possessions; two touchdowns in the final ten minutes of the game. Defensively, the Bengals went into shutdown mode in the second half, forcing a pick-six, a missed field goal and two punts. They allowed a 11-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. However, aside from that, with a bit of luck (dropped passes for example) the Steelers offense was largely ineffective.

When the Bengals were hit with a mountain of adversity, they climbed that mountain and won the game. It was foreign to see this after so many times witnessing the Bengals pack it in, following their collective sigh with there's always next week. This team is far different with their motivations and heart.

Did the offense line really play well? You could make the argument that the Bengals offense was as dreadful or successful as the offensive line was. On many of the early tackles by the Pittsburgh Steelers during rushing downs was a result of the line's inability to reach the second level. Pittsburgh's defensive line did a good job holding up the Bengals offensive line from getting in the linebackers way. James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons were on fire early as a result. However, I also noticed that the Bengals offensive line was often a step slow when Steelers linebackers shot through the gaps. Andrew Whitworth, who ended up playing as well as anyone on the team, still struggled with a defender making an inside move.

Aside from the sack allowed to Casey Hampton, Kyle Cook went largely unnoticed. However, after watching the game a second time, he struggled against the massive defensive tackle. So much so that the Bengals decided to only call two rushing plays up the middle, and an additional two off the right guard. Of those four rushing plays, the Bengals gained two yards. Were they trying to protect Cook by not making Hampton a factor in the game? It would be reasonable to think so. However, there really was no reason to run up the gut into the heart of the Steelers defense when the edges were wide open.

The Bengals ran behind Andrew Whitworth six times for 51 yards on Sunday; including a 23-yard touchdown run by Benson. He's not the only reason that Benson averaged 8.5 yards-per-rush when rushing off the left edges. Mathis was solid, as was Dennis Roland, Daniel Coats and J.P. Foschi. Anthony Collins' side saw a good measure of success also, with six runs gaining 23 yards, which included runs of nine and eight yards. As offensive linemen go, the team's left side of the line dominated the Steelers most of the game. Benson found holes, picking up chucks of seven yards three times, an eight-yard as well as the 23-yard touchdown run.

Furthermore, the Bengals were impressively solid defending against the nasty Pittsburgh pass rush. Hampton recorded a sack early in the game and James Harrison recorded a sack in which the Bengals didn't lose a yard when Harrison dropped Palmer at the line of scrimmage. Aside from that, Palmer was only hit two more times and remained on his feet the rest of the game. Some could argue that he panicked when he didn't need to, forcing throws before the receivers went into their breaks. When that happened, the pass visibly sailed over the receivers' heads, typically down the right sidelines. However, it's the survive to fight another day mentality. If you're uncomfortable, throw the pass away preventing a sack or an interception. After watching what happened last year, as well as the interceptions early this season, I think I'll take passes thrown away every time. Once Palmer understands that his line is holding up well, he'll develop more confidence to make plays. For the time being, it didn't hurt the team.

Palmer on third down.
Att	Comp	Pct.	Yards	TD	INT
10	3	30%	12	0	0

Palmer on fourth down.
Att	Comp	Pct.	Yards	TD	INT
2	2	100%	16	0	0

When momentum was too hard to define. Every football game is based on momentum. It's that invisible ghost that defines the game, which isn't entirely out of the hands of mere mortals. The Steelers had it early. The Bengals took it late. But when did the Bengals truly turn the tide, taking advantage of the momentum with a Paul Brown Stadium crowd that was noticeably loud? We have several instances.

We could go as far back as the 1:15 mark in the second quarter. The Steelers were leading 13-0 when Pittsburgh lined up fourth-and-four at the Bengals 35-yard line. At this point, if the Steelers take a 20 point lead into the lockerroom, the Bengals have a slight to zero chance. Ben Roethlisberger took the snap and felt immediate pressure from the Bengals' star pass rusher, Antwan Odom. Roethlisberger was forced to roll out to his left, where Jonathan Fanene, who had a tremendous game, wrapped the quarterback's legs. Ben doesn't go down easy. And he didn't here. While standing upright, rather than risking a quarterback sack, threw the football away. The Bengals offense took possession with a minute left in the half and managed a field goal. What could have become a 20-point deficit, turned into a 10-point deficit heading into the lockerroom. After stopping the Steelers on fourth down and after scoring a field goal, you have to wonder how much the players used that.

On the Steelers first possession of the second half, after hitting Heath Miller for five yards and after Hines Ward was called for his second offensive pass interference (which I simply noted as thanking the football gods for currying favor with the Bengals), Santonio Holmes sprinted off the line of scrimmage and kept going. Roethlisberger expected Holmes to run a hook-route and threw it as such. Johnathan Joseph watched Roethlisberger all the way. After allowing a second quarter 51-yard pass to Mike Wallace, Joseph tried to redeem himself all game. If it wasn't for his good hits, or sure tackles, it was the interception that Joseph returned to the endzone, giving the Bengals the first touchdown in the game.

After a long kickoff return, the Steelers start their second second-half possession on the Bengals 40-yard line. Momentum was nearly crushed when Roethlisberger hit a wide open Limas Sweed in the endzone. Sweed's natural enemy, the ground, knocked the football out of his hand, preventing the easy touchdown. On the next play, Jeff Reed missed a 52-yard field goal attempt.

Even though Sweed dropped the easy touchdown pass and Reed missed the field goal attempt, the Bengals didn't take advantage, going three-and-out; actually run-run-pass-punt. The Steelers went 75 yards on 11 plays on the ensuing drive, finishing the drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Roethlisberger. Rey Maualuga was carted off and whatever momentum the Bengals built, was dying (if not dead).

Then the Bengals performed their best fourth quarter performance since Carson Palmer engineered a 24-point fourth quarter, throwing three interceptions against the Baltimore Ravens in 2004.

Times each wide receiver was targeted

Receiver	Target	Catches	Yards	TD
Chad Ochocinco	11	5	54	0
Andre Caldwell	9	6	52	1
Laveranues Coles	7	5	34	0
Chris Henry	3	1	19	0
Brian Leonard	2	1	11	0
Cedric Benson	2	1	5	0
Daniel Coats	1	1	8	0
	35	20	183	1

Breaking down the quarters. The game was never out of reach in terms of the score. In terms of the performance, it was dreadful early. When it mattered most, Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson came through in the fourth quarter. Both scored touchdowns and recorded their strongest quarter. Furthermore, the defense rose as well, limiting Willie Parker and Ben Roethlisberger to their worst quarters in the game.

Carson Palmer

	Att	Comp	Yard	TD	INT	Rating
1st	3	0	0	0	0	39.6
2nd	13	7	81	0	0	72.9
3rd	4	3	6	0	0	77.1
4th	17	10	96	1	0	94.2
	37	20	183	1	0	76.7

Cedric Benson

	Att	Yards	Avg.	TD
1st	4	0	0	0
2nd	4	18	4.5	0
3rd	4	16	4.0	0
4th	4	42	10.5	1
	16	76	4.8	1

Ben Roethlisberger

	Att	Comp	Yard	TD	INT	Rating
1st	9	7	99	1	0	149.5
2nd	10	6	81	0	0	85.5
3rd	9	7	81	0	1	64.5
4th	3	2	15	0	0	78.5
	31	22	276	1	1	95.6

Willie Parker

	Att	Yards	Avg.	TD
1st	9	53	5.9	0
2nd	5	19	3.8	0
3rd	6	14	2.3	0
4th	5	7	1.4	0
	25	93	3.7	0

Pittsburgh Steelers Struggle Defensively Late In Game For Second Consecutive Week

Blitzburgh — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:45:00 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

2 months ago: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with an official during their 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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Let's take a look at how the defense played in Pittsburgh's 23-20 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. For the second consecutive week, the Steelers defense played very well at times, bended but were not broken at other times, then ultimately succumbed down the stretch and gave up game winning touchdown drives in the game's final minutes.

Like last week, the Steelers came out of the gates with a bang - on both offense and defense. While Pittsburgh was racking up yards en route to a 13-0 lead, the Bengals were pathetic early. That's partly because they were just out of sync and perhaps a bit too jazzed up for this one. But it's also a product of the Steelers playing tenacious, and more importantly, smart football on defense.

Here were the Bengals first four drives:

Early Game Success of Steelers D (First 3 CIN Drives)
Time of Possession	Drive Began	# of Plays	Yards Gained	Result
1:40	PIT 49	3	-5	Punt
1:27	CIN 22	3	-5	Punt
1:25	CIN 22	3	-10	Punt

Bengals fans were beginning to boo by this point, but both their first and second drives featured penalties of 5 yards. On the 2nd drive, the five yard flag counterfeited a 9 yard completion to Ocho Cinco that could have gotten the Bengals going a bit. Anyhow, we'll discuss later how the Steelers offense missed a golden opportunity to run away with this one during this stretch of the game, but let's move on to the defense's next series. I'd classify this one under the 'bend but don't break' mold.

Bengals Find Taste of Success on 4th Drive
Time of Possession	Drive Began	# of Plays	Yards Gained	Result
6:05	CIN 10	11	47	Punt

Rather than starting at their own 23, the Bengals were penalized again on the kickoff return that began their fourth offensive series of the game. Down 13-0, the Bengals desperately needed to at least turn the field position wise, or better yet for them, come away with points to settle the team down.

Here were the first 10 plays of the series before their drive came screeching to a halt due to a 10 yard holding penalty.


Play #	Result
1	9 yard pass
2	7 yard pass*
3	2 yard run
4	7 yard run
5	2 yard run*
6	2 yard run
7	Incomplete pass
8	21 yard pass*
9	7 yard run
10	6 yard run*

* Denotes play that picked up 1st down

On that 10th play - another bruising run by Cedric Benson for first down yardage, the Bengals were penalized 10 yards for holding and were faced with 2nd and 13 from the Steelers 43 yard line rather than 1st and 10 from the Pittsburgh 27. The Bengals didn't convert and were forced to punt it away. The offense was showered with boos from the restless home crowd, even though they had just mounted a very impressive and balanced drive - a statement series that showed the Bengals weren't going to roll over dead despite trailing big early. Side note - that's bad football knowledge and support from that fanbase. Sorry, it is. Your team just showed some heart, why are you booing them.

Anyway, the Bengals did in fact flip the field on the Steelers, pinning them down inside the 20 at their own 14. The Steelers then answered with an impressive 12 play drive that traveled 51 yards. It ended though with the Steelers failing to convert a 4th and 4 from the Bengals 35 with 1:15 left in the 1st half. The drive featured a nice mix of runs and throws - 5 runs and 7 passes - and even saw the Steelers pick up a 3rd and 2 with the running game (3 yard run by FWP). We can debate the decision to go for it there or to punt it away, but the bottom line is that the Bengals offense got back on the field and got another opportunity to establish some momentum before the half.

They did just that and got on the scoreboard with a field goal as time expired. Palmer completed passes of 19, 8, 6 and 11 yards on the drive and cut the lead to 13-3 heading in to intermission.

The Bengals then cut the lead to 13-9 with a pick-6 of Ben Roethlisberger on the opening series of the 2nd half. Now, after roughly 31 minutes of football that saw the Steelers largely dominate, Cincinnati was more than in business. Stefan Logan had a huge return to put the Steelers right back in Bengals territory following the interception return, but a dropped pass by Limas Sweed on what would have been a touchdown, then a missed 52 yard field goal attempt by Jeff Reed, and all of a sudden the Bengals have the ball near midfield and only down 4 points.

To their credit, the Steelers defense rose up on this series. Props to William Gay for his fine play on Laverneus Coles on 3rd and 1. The Bengals were forced to punt after going 3 and out. The Steelers then answered with a beautiful scoring drive of their own that should have been enough to help them hold on to the lead and escape with a victory. Sure, the offense had other chances later in the game to do just that, but this was a crucial scoring drive that stretched the lead back to 11 points late in the 3rd quarter. Championship caliber teams hold 11 point leads with 18 minutes left - sometimes they do so by just putting more points on the board and making it impossible to catch up; most all other times they're able to rely on their defense to hang on even without giving them extra help.

Steelers' 3rd Qtr Touchdown Drive
Play #	Result
1	1 yard run
2	6 yard pass
3	16 yard pass
4	2 yard run
5	21 yard pass
6	-2 yard run
7	18 yard pass
8	9 yard pass
9	10 yard run
10	3 yard run
11	1 yard TD run

A huge, huge drive by the Steelers there. Mike Wallace's toughness and sure hands were on full display, Hines Ward made another important play, Willie Parker looked great, the play calling was unpredictable and effective, and it looked like the Steelers were going to be okay after increasing their lead to 11 points at 20-9 with about 3:00 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Things looked even better after the Steelers defense then held the Bengals to a 3 and out on the ensuing possession. If you rewatch the tape of the game, you'll notice how quickly the Bengals send out their punting unit on the 4th down play where they executed a fake punt to perfection. It didn't lead to points - Pittsburgh held the Bengals to just 7 yards after the well designed and executed 21 yard fake punt. But the play had to have made the Steelers coaching staff livid. Credit to Cincinnati for drawing that one up and pulling it out at just the right time. Credit the Steelers defense as well though for buckling down and not giving up a 1st down. Shayne Graham missed from 52 yards out and the score remained at 20-9.

The Bengals then forced a 3 and out after Mike Wallace came up just 1 yard shy on a 3rd and 7 conversion. Wallace actually fought hard for those 6 yards, but a Bengals blitz forced Big Ben to get rid of the ball quickly and the Bengals secondary successfully brought down the emerging rookie out of Ole Miss before he got the necessary 1st down yardage.

This is the time in the game when the wheels came off for the Steelers defense. And to their immense credit, the point in the game when the Bengals offense really started firing on all cylinders. They played nearly flawless football for the final 12:45 of the game when they got the ball back at their own 15 yard line down by 11.

Bengals' First 4th Qtr Touchdown Drive
Play #	Result
1	14 yard pass
2	14 yard pass
3	17 yard gain via penalty
4	8 yard run
5	Sacked for 0 yards
6	9 yard pass
7	23 yard TD run

That was way too easy for Cincinnati. Only James Harrison's sack of Palmer, his first of the season by the way, stood in the way of the Bengals executing a flawless offensive drive. Even still, the sack was a smart read by Palmer as he stepped up in the pocket and took a minimal loss (0 yards) rather than forcing something or losing 5 or 6 yards.

The Steelers defense saved its worst series of the game for the finale though, after the offense was unable to close out the game on their ensuing possession. After picking up one 1st down to start the series, the Steelers got a little too vanilla with their play calling, running Parker twice in a row on 1st and 2nd down before Big Ben was sacked on 3rd down during a play that I thought had the Steelers receivers running too far down the field given the circumstances.

The Bengals forced the punt and got the ball back on their own 29 yard line with 5:14 seconds left. It should be noted also that the Bengals got out to the 29 thanks to a 17 yard punt return of Daniel Sepulveda's 51 yard line-drive spiraling punt. The Bengals then embarked on a game-winning drive that was both really impressive on their part and very, very troubling if you're a Steelers fan. Here's what happened.

Bengals' Game Winning Touchdown Drive
Play #	Result
1	3 yard run
2	17 yard pass
3	5 yard pass
4	8 yard run
5	9 yard pass
6	1 yard run
7	Incomplete pass
8	8 yard pass
9	Incomplete pass
10	5 yard pass*
11	Incomplete pass (spiked ball)
12	Incomplete pass
13	Incomplete pass
14	11 yard pass*
15	Incomplete pass (spiked ball)
16	4 yard TD pass

* Denotes successful 4th down conversion

Again, give credit to the Bengals offense for hanging tough early, putting their early struggles behind them and delivering a knockout punch to the Steelers late after being given too many opportunities by the Steelers offense, special teams, and arguably even coaching decisions. It's a mighty fine line between winning and losing in this league. We saw that last year and we're seeing it again this year. Through three weeks though, we're unfortunately coming out on the short end of the stick, whereas we won more than our fair share of tightly contested games last season.

We did so in 2008 with a defense that defended every blade of grass for an entire 60 minutes of football. Through three weeks of the 2009 season, the Steelers defense is playing hard and not at all far from playing at an elite level. But tremendous quarterback play from our opposition, a lack of turnovers or big plays from pressuring the quarterback, and an inability to keep teams from embarking on long, time consuming drives with short to intermediate pass attempts all are contributing to the drop off in play that we're seeing so far from this year's defense.

That can, and likely will, change as the season progresses. The weather will turn, making it harder for offenses to execute so precisely; bodies will get banged up, opening up opportunities for our resilient and usually more violent defense to bang on people; and frankly, we'll get a bit luckier when it comes to creating turnovers. Fumbles might bounce our way more fortuitously, defenders will hold on to would-be interceptions, and more favorable matchups against less experienced and capable quarterbacks will allow Pittsburgh to make those 'splash' plays that helped us so enormously during last year's run to Lombardi Trophy number six.

Stay patient and remain loyal. This is a marathon, not a spring. There's lots to be excited about, plenty to kibbitz and passionately agree and disagree about, and there's an important lesson to be learned from what we've been treated to through just three weeks - this is the NFL, where nothing's given, things change dramatically from week to week and month to month, and if your team is going to ascend to the top and emerge victorious come February, it's never, EVER going to be easy.

Go Steelers!

Final Practice/Injury Report: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

Kirkendall — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:35:26 -0000

Cincinnati Bengals

OUT	Questionable	PROBABLE
CB David Jones (foot)	DT Jonathan Fanene (illness)	RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
T Andre Smith (foot)	DE Michael Johnson (illness)	WR Chris Henry (quadricep)
	G Nate Livings (knee)	CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle)
		DE Antwan Odom (not injury related)

Pittsburgh Steelers

OUT	PROBABLE
S Troy Polamalu (knee)	S Tyrone Carter (thigh)
	LB James Harrison (illness)
	WR Limas Sweed (foot)
	LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
T Andre Smith (foot)	OUT	OUT	OUT
CB David Jones (foot)	DNP	LP	LP
RB Cedric Benson (ankle)	DNP	LP	FP
WR Chris Henry (quadricep)	DNP	LP	FP
CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle)	LP	LP	FP
G Nate Livings (knee)	LP	LP	LP
DT Jonathan Fanene (illness)	--	DNP	DNP
DE Michael Johnson (illness)	--	--	DNP
DE Antwan Odom (not injury related)	--	--	DNP

STEELERS	WED	THUR	FRI
S Tyrone Carter (thigh)	DNP	LP	FP
S Troy Polamalu (knee)	DNP	DNP	DNP
DE Aaron Smith (not injury related)	DNP	--	--
WR Hines Ward (scared of Keith Rivers)	DNP	--	--
WR Limas Sweed (foot)	FP	FP	FP
LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)	FP	FP	FP
LB James Harrison (illness)	--	--	DNP

DNP - Did Not Practice
LP - Limited Participation in Practice
FP - Full Participation in Practice