SB Nation User Blog: Chicago Steeler

Coach of the Year?

Chicago Steeler — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:15:56 -0000

Now here's an odd thought. Mike Tomlin for Coach of the Year.

I'm confident there will be plenty of ya'll who disagree, but let me give my reasoning.

1. Unreasonable amounts of injuries. In the past we've collapsed under the weight of injuries far less than what the team has dealt with thus far this year. Looking at the ranks of walking wounded manning the sidelines of the Steelers you could form a better team then most of the NFC West with just our injury lists. Yet Mike Tomlin has kept his troops together with the rallying cry of 'Standard of expectations do not change.' Very few teams over-come these levels of injury. Last year we lost Aaron Smith and our defense started to collapse. This year we lose Keisel, Hampton, and even Eason for a game. Now I'll grant you that Smith is likely the best player of that group, but the fact that the line has played at nearly the same high level throughout is a tribute to each man stepping up and doing his job. It speaks volumes to the practice time each is getting and the coaching that is being done throughout the organization.

Darnell Stapleton and Max Starks step in and play well when called upon. Matt Spaeth have career highs for receptions and makes no real mistakes in starting duty. Mewelde steps in and wins games.

My point is simply that the attitude the Steelers are playing with right now comes from the top, and it's obvious that all players have bought into that mindset.

2. Head Coach game-time responsibilities... One thing I was dismayed with last year, was his baffling challenge use. This year he's been right on. I've agreed with basically every challenge he's made this year. He's helped the team win from that stand point.

He also keeps his men fired up for playing even after lot's and lot's of fines. Every player continues to go 100% even after being told repeatedly from the league that they need to go 100% till they get within 20 feet of the QB. Say you want about his over the top response to Farrior's 15 roughing the passer call, but he's sending a signal to his players that they need to keep fighting, scratching, and playing violently cause that's how Steelers win football games.

Game plans. I'll admit that our offensive adaptations have been slow. But that's not his area of expertise. We do come back with good drives at the beginning of the second half almost every time. Plus we are always in it till the end, showing that we're doing something right.

3. No excuses. Here's something I love. Never an excuse even though he's given every opportunity. He came into this season and said he's excited to have this difficult of a schedule as that's how your team defines itself is by beating the best teams.

Granted, if our slump continues and we end up missing the playoffs then all of this is moot, but what he's done thus far into the season is impressive to me. His competition is mostly from rookie coaches turning around franchises and I agree that both Mike Smith and Harbaugh have done impressive things. But going from 0 expectations to over-achieving shows only so much. I point to last years Browns as proof.

I expect I'll take some ribbing for suggesting this while we're spending so much time yelling for BA and dirty Z's heads. I'm not defending those two. I think they need to leave post season. I don't believe they are right for the team. But I think the decision to keep them this year was the right one. In business you don't fire your VP of marketing a year after they grow your profits considerably from the year before. Even if arguments are that the product itself was so good it didn't matter how it was marketed, you don't change a good thing. But this year our marketing is slumping and Tomlin will be forced to respond. His 'No Excuses' mantra must stay true for his coaches as well. The injuries can not be excuses for poor performance.

What do the rest of you think. If the Steelers finish strong (and granted that's a hypothetical but it's a hypothetical that all Coach of the Year candidates share) should Tomlin have your vote for CotY?

Finally remember to go to nfl.com and vote for Aaron Smith and the rest of the Steelers playing well this year for the Pro Bowl.

Ridiculous Predictions for this week

Chicago Steeler — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:04:29 -0000

I've got a gut feeling on this weeks games. I'm gonna throw some predictions out haphazardly.

1. We'll start with the most important. I believe Steelers win this one.
2. I think they win it big. I'm calling 27-13.
3. I think Portis ends the day with 15 carries for 64 yards.
4. Jason Campbell has his first 2 interceptions.
5. Big Ben takes 3 sacks, but has a Passer Rating of 101.2
6. Holmes has a 50+ TD reception.

Why do I think this? Well point 3 has been well discussed throughout the site already so I won't enter into it much except to say that if we can stop Brandon Jacobs' bruising style, we can take Portis who tends to combine some bruising with some shifty.

Points 1+2 are obviously joined up. Here's where the feeling comes from... I may have my problems with Mike Tomlin's hiring and occasional hands off approach on the offensive side of the ball. I understand having a hands off style of management, but I think he's confusing, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" with a system that could work tremendously better. This has also been pounded to death here so I won't go into BA's deficiencies. What I love about Mike Tomlin is his ability to demonstrate a standard of expectation on the organization. Losing at home last week probably left such an awful taste in each players mouth that they'll be ready to injure people. James "Deebo/Silverback" Harrison will long snap a few heads in retribution. If Mike Tomlin left him into long snap this weekend and just lets him snap it where ever he damn well pleases and then annihilate anyone attempting to pick up the ball.

Point 4, is kind of a corollary to point 3. I think this will be the first game that Campbell is forced to try and win the game for them as the defense will be stuffing Portis all day. I think Campbell will eventually try to force a ball down field and Troy will get his 4th interception of the year. Then late in the game they'll be heaving the ball with the hopes that they can get a last minute touchdown, giving stone hands Ike a chance at the pick.

My general feeling is that without a strong pass rush Ben and the line should hold up fine. We'll see some strong drives and some drives will stall because of poor play calling. But I see us cleaning up the penalties that were called on us and with Holmes back our receivers will have more room and separation.

Point 6 stems from the thought that Washington will be overly concerned with the aptly named Washington and will shade deep coverage to his side. This will leave single coverage for Holmes, the play fake will draw a step out of the safety on Holmes' side and Ben will look to take advantage. (This play may or may not be called back by Colon holding)

What do ya'll think? Any ridiculous predictions? Finally a new statistic that needs to start being tracked:

7. Total Steelers players fines incurred in this game: $15,000

More Worried Than Ever

Chicago Steeler — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:36:58 -0000

I think I'm in the minority here. And I'm not usually a hater, so don't take this the wrong way, but that game left a bad taste in my mouth. For all the offense was more productive it sure seemed the most production still happened when Ben was running the No Huddle and calling his own plays. In the 3rd quarter we went back to huddling and running patterns for a long time that produced nothing. Not a single first down. It was back to:

1st Down: Run up the gut (where we can not get push to save our lives)

2nd and 9: 7 step drop, Heath Miller stays in to block (even though he was a monster in the passing game and could not be stopped going through the middle).

3rd and 9: (see 2nd down)

4th - At least our coverage units are much improved.

Perhaps I'm off as I don't have DVR these days I couldn't go back and review it closely. I think Ben's making better decisions on the whole but I'm not sure if he's being given the best opportunity to win by his OC. Look Ben's comfortable in this offensive system, but the play calling is not helping him. The quality of weapons on this team mean that they need to be many more quick strike plays till the defense gets back on its heels and then strike for the throat and or deeper balls. As mentioned above, I think Heath needs to run his routes. I know we need help blocking up front but can't we just 3 step drop to heath in the middle? The jags weren't rushing 7. Let our 5 line and 1 RB take care of their rushers and let one of our best weapons move the chains.

Where's the gadgets? I'm not saying they have to happen overly much like the dolphins are running, but one-two a game? I saw some amazing stuff out of Dennis Dixon this preseason and I'd like to at least have him trotted out on the field to scare the defenses into reacting.

As Tomlin says Ben loves having the keys to the car. Why not give them to him? The whole offense has played well, nay better, when he's calling the plays in the no huddle. Let him drive till he crashes (preferably while wearing a helmet this time). We're paying him Manning kind of money let's give him Manning responsibility. Most of the best QBs of the past and present get to call their own plays. Till I can see that Ben doesn't have that ability, I say we see him try.

And where for the love of all that is holy in this God forsaken world is Max Starks when Marvel gets injured? I understand that there are better men then I making these decisions but Kevin Colbert sees something in him and he's pretty damn good at this. I'm not even worried about the money he makes, I just have a hard time believing that Essex is a better option. Starks was good in 2005 and in 2007 when he was covering for Marvel. Essex has been tolerable at best in all of the playing time I've seen from him. I don't get it. I would love to hear an explanation.

Don't take this wrong. I believe in this team and organization. I think we've got a great path to the playoffs and I think the defense is playing lights out, and is one of the top 3 in the league this year. Maybe #1. I even think our offensive line has the skills to stay competitive enough to let Ben win. But I continue to question both our Offensive Coordinator and O-Line coach.

ps. I'm worried about Jeff Reed.

Steelers Best fans

Chicago Steeler — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:54:21 -0000

Steelers Best fans

On ESPN.com we loyal black and golders were voted best fans. We accept what we put on tape.

A view from the goal line

Chicago Steeler — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:09:38 -0000

Having nosebleed seats my brother and I arrived early at Heinz to snag a spot at the railing in the south end zone. This made for an interesting viewing experience. A few thoughts:

1. Seeing the field from that eye level makes you appreciate the speed of the game like never before. Holes would open and close at such rates that I don't understand how any running back can choose. By the time my eyes saw the hole it started to collapse. Likewise I'd see a LB blitz the middle and it looked for sure like they would prematurely end the life of Matt Schaub, when out of nowhere (seemingly) a RB would step up and a collision would ensue. Never have I realized how quick this all happens. AMAZING.

2. Our kick coverage looked great! Being able to see the whole field I saw all lanes covered at all times.

3. It's fun being able to see the player substitutions. At least for a nerd like myself. One interesting formation that we ran a lot had 2 TEs, 1 WR, 2 RBs. I realize that formation is not new. But what surprised me about it was the 1 WR. It was always Nate Washington. Anyone else see this? This was primarily a running formation but isn't Hines the best blocking WR in the league? I'm sure there's a reason, but it seemed odd.

4. Leftwich needs to drop to #3 on the depth chart. He looked lost out there. I realize Dix is a rookie and probably has a lot to learn, but his God given talent and athletic ability make him a better choice in my mind then Lefty.

5. In the future i need to remember to take aspirin before going to the game. Lord my head hurt from all that screaming.

6. I'm 4-0 at Heinz field so far. Just saying that they seem to play well for me and if ya'll are interested in a good season it's not a terrible idea to pay for me to be there. I'm not saying, i'm just saying.

D-Line schematics

Chicago Steeler — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:43:16 -0000

I've been reading all the posts round here and thinking more and more about the d-line for next year. It's no news to anyone that we're incredibly shallow at that position currently. Aaron goes down and our rushing defense goes from best in the league to near the bottom. And no real improvement was added in the offseason. So it left me pondering what the FO and Tomlin are doing here? So in hypothetical I tried to think of what might be going through the Steelers minds and came up with one plan that made sense to me...

Incorporation of a lot of 4-3 alignments. Especially if we pick up McFarland once he clears medical. This would give us the following d-tackles (I think) Hampton, Hoke, Smith, McFarland. For ends: Keisel, Woodley, Davis, and I think Smith could swing both positions.

With linebackers the way I see it most naturally would be to put Timmons at MLB because of his athleticism he'd be best for covering that middle zone of the cover 2. Farrior swings to Strong side OLB and Harrison takes the WOLB.

Personally I love the way the 3-4 works, but I also like making an offense prepare for both, and I could see this year as an opportunity to really confuse offenses.

What do you guys think? Again, it doesn't seem like Tomlin cares about the exact alignment so much as the philosophy. What do you guys think? Just some random football thoughts as we enter in to the long dark of spring and summer.

Picking the Season

Chicago Steeler — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:40:26 -0000

Rather than make the players go through all the toils and tribulations inherent in the regular season I figured I'd just try to take a good look at each matchup and determine the winner. Let me know what ya'll think on the games...

(1) vs. Texans WIN
While I believe the Texans are a team that are slowly rising, I don't think they'll be able to put it all together this early in the season.

(2) @ Browns (8:15) WIN
Along with most of you, I'm not sold on the resurrected Cleveland Browns. They certainly look more solid, but I think Ben can still pick them apart in the secondary, and I think our defense can confuse the hell out of DA, to force some mistakes on him. The spotlight is really on the Brownies this year and I'm betting against them showing up big in their first big contest.

(3) @ Eagles LOSE
Don't like to put this down as a loss, but am worried about getting the Eagles early in the season. When McNabb and Westbrook are both healthy that's a dangerous offense. And Jim Johnson's defense is always hard to handle, and I'm not confident our line will be rock solid. Were this game at home, I think I'd give the edge to the Steelers, but in Philly I'm going loss.

(4) vs. Ravens (8:30) WIN
The picture of a team on the decline. Many key positions are filled by players past their prime. I think the Ravens come out hard to make up for their embarrasment at Heinz last year, but get down a little early resulting in an all out collapse as Ray Ray brings the defense to one side of the sideline and refuses to associate with the Offense till they do their part.

(5) @ Jags (8:15) LOSE
Del Rio's got our number, and he's got the players to execute it.

(6) BYE
Guess I'll just drink ridiculous amounts on Saturday and sleep away the day on Sunday.

(7) @ Bengals WIN
Steelers in Ohio = Win.

(8) Giants 4:15 WIN
I'm just another guy predicting a serious hangover for the Giants this year. They've got a tough schedule and like the Steelers of 06 won the Superbowl, not by being the best team, but by being the hottest team at the time. I see them going the way of the 06 Steelers.

(9) @ Redskins 8:30 LOSE
Based on lasted year's away performances(not including Ohio). I think this game will be a mirror of the Jets game last year. A game we should totally win, but just keep shooting ourselves in the foot.

(10) Colts 4:15 WIN
Only cause it's at Heinz and by the 10th game we'll be seeing the same old wear and tear on the grass. With a slowed down offense and defense we can slog it out with them and trade punches. Coming off the stinging loss to the most racistly named team in football, I expect our boys to be at their best.

(11) Chargers 4:15 LOSE
I just don't like our OLine against that defense. I see Ben taking a pounding.

(12) Bengals 8:15 (Thursday) LOSE
More of a result of the short week then anything. As I said, I think the Chargers are going to be punching us in the face a lot, and getting back to it on Thursday's gonna be tough, I think we'll have a let down.

(13) @ Pats 4:15 LOSE*
But Silverback suplexes Evil Bill, making all right in the world.

(14) Cowboys 4:15 WIN
Sorry Terry, but I don't buy the Cowboys taking one from the Steelers on our home turf. The playoff's are taking shape and the Steelers are getting to a must win point and I think that desperation shows through. I think the Steelers go old school Cowher on the 'Boys and run, run, run, run and then playaction and Roy Williams (aka most over-rated safety ever) bites harder than Anthony Smith playing the Pats* and Pro Bowler Santonio Holmes scores an easy touchdown clenching the win.

(15) @ Ravens WIN
The Ravens have been struggling mightily (in my head) and have turned to rookie quarterback --INSERT DRAFTED QB HERE-- and he's taking poundings as Ogden is done for good and much of the rest of the team is taking the week off.

(16) @ Titans LOSE
Big tough defenses scare me. Tampa 2's like the colts, not so much. But with Haynesworth & Co breathing down Ben's neck I don't see much good coming of it.

(17) Browns WIN
See the above defense for the Cinci win. If this is indeed the game for the division I just have more faith in the pedigree of the Steelers to inch into the playoffs.

That's what I got. Resulting in a 9-7 season and a playoff birth based on winning the division. I tried not to be too much of a Homer, although I admit that it will sway me. What do you guys think?

More What Ifs

Chicago Steeler — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:36:33 -0000

Since off-season seems to be the time for it, I had a thought... What if the Steelers could go take any active player off any roster and sign him? Is there one player that would put us in the Super Bowl for sure? What position do we look for?

First thoughts are the best players in the game today offensively, Peyton Manning, Brady, Tomlinson, but I don't see any of those three being SO much better than our starting QB and RB that I'd use this fantasy pick on them. I dunno, any thoughts?

Belicheat taping since 2000

Chicago Steeler — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:21:46 -0000

In Goodell's conversation with Arlen Specter it came out that Darth Sidious, I mean Bill Belichick has been video taping defensive signals since 2000! And Goodell knew this!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/13/specter.goodell.ap/index.html

7 years of cheating does not result in a suspension? What? I always thought the penalty was too light on Belicheat, but thought the league only had evidence from 6 games. But no, they'd been breaking the rules since 2000 and Belichick gets no suspension? His excuse was that he thought it was legal. Plenty of players have used this excuse when they get over the counter supplements that end up having a banned substance, and it doesn't change them getting suspended at least 4 games.

Not liking Goodell much right now.

Final thoughts on the Jags game and my adopted players

Chicago Steeler — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:52:33 -0000

Worked up the gumption to watch the game on nfl replay last night. I've got bad news. They still lost and all remains meaningless.

I'm confident most of the good points have been made about the game but I wanted beat that dead horse for just one more post:

All in all that was a horrendously officiated game. On both sides too. But there were quite a few times that Silverback was being held on the edge pretty clearly and no flags. Hines got punched in the head out of bounds on his first long catch. Holmes may or may not of caught that ball but I'll be damned if I can see evidence to overturn it. And I think we can all agree that Mahan didn't hold a soul on the first two point conversion attempt. For those keeping score at home, two points is what we lost by.
Heath Miller. STUD. But... Some areas for improvement still. I tried to focus on him this time through the game on offensive snaps. He has a hard time fighting jams when a lineback would meet him at the line Heath tended to get driven off his route pretty easily. This could be a product of him knowing the pass wasn't coming to him but I'd like to see him shed those jams a bit quicker and fire off the line everytime into patterns. As I said last time Heath does a good job maintaining a block but he doesn't fire off the ball all that well and is usually blocking right on the line of scrimmage and never pushes his man back off the ball. Otherwise ya'll have seen him getting open enough and he's got sure hands and gets YAC everytime. Love him.
James Farrior. Slightly less studly. Potsey played better this game than he did some others. He shot the run gaps well forcing the RBs to change their attack. My problem is that when he shot the gaps he'd only partially hit the back and seldom could get a solo tackle. His gap responsibility was good so the backs didn't get too much, but something that really good inside backers do is hit the gaps and bring the back down in the backfield, not just redirect him. Oh potsey... In coverage you were killed on the Jones-Drew TD. Just burned. Now that's a tough match up but I'd like to see Potsey play the angle better to ensure a tackle after the catch. He did get the one interception that was nice. but there were a few other times when he was burnt in coverage by the backs. Greg Jones even burnt him once but had the ball bounce off his face mask.

Alright then... I'm officially letting it go now... Seriously, I'm going to let it go. I won't watch the film again later today even though I saved it on my DVR. Crud...