This blog will contain thoughts and info on the Pittsburgh Steelers and what ever else I have on my mind . HERE WE GO STEELERS ...HERE WE GO!!!



Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Grades and thoughts on the Steelers win against the Buccaneers

Offense … A-

Well lets start this weeks grades and thoughts off with the offense and Charlie Batch...You have to feel good for the guy...Think about it... He was an after thought in training camp getting little if any meaningful reps with the starters or second string for that matter. He never once complained ...never had a real shot in the preseason... If Byron Leftwich does not get hurt in the last preseason game during what was going to be his last playing time of the night ..Batch would have been cut from the team ..Then he takes a back seat to Dennis Dixon being that Batch did not get much work with the team in camp or preseason and Dixon did have a pretty good preseason ...but then Dixon hurts his knee and Batch goes from the last in line to the man in command ...He comes out against the Buccaneers and throws an interception right off the start ...A younger less seasoned QB may have went into the tank at that point not Batch though ...the very next drive he throws a bomb to WR Mike Wallace for a 46 yard TD ...and then another 41yard TD to Wallace ...and a nine yard TD to WR Hines Ward in the end zone to end the half with 3 TD passes and by the time the Steelers ended the half they were up 28 to 6 and Steelers Nation took over Tampa as the Terrible towels filled the air ...it then became like a home game..Batch ended the game with a passers rating of 106.5 ...12 of 17 passing for 186 yards and 3 Tds and 2 Ints The offensive line did great protecting Batch not giving up any sacks and opening up the running game for Rashard Mendenhall who had another great game rushing for 143 yards on 19 attempts and a TD ...He averaged 7.5 yards a carry that's a great average, Mendenhall is really turning into a good back if he keeps this up he has to be mentioned as a top 5 Rb in the league!

DEFENSE...A-
The Defense played another outstanding game ...Only giving up a TD late in the fourth when the game was already well in hand and the back ups where in ...This Defense is something special ...They came out after the very first Batch interception and set the tone causing the Buccaneers to go 3 and out and kick the field goal...Ryan Clark had a fumble recovery ….Brett Keisel had his first interception and returned it 79 yards for a TD...The Steelers D sacked the QB 4 times and Lawrence Timmons led the team in tackles again ... the coaches called another brilliant game... Every one on the defense continued to play to the high standard they have set this year and barring a lot of injuries this may be the best defense that the league has seen in awhile...They are so physical and have so many play makers that you have a hard time praising them all....they held another team under 14 points giving up just 13...This Defense can be summed up in one word and that's AWESOME !!!

Special teams ...B+

Daniel Sepulveda only punted one time but it was a beauty going 62 yards and getting the steelers out of a field position jam...He is becoming one of the best ...Jeff Reed was 5 for 5 on extra points and had a 24 yard field goal ...The coverage teams never let anything major get pass them and the return team did OK but I would of like to seen them break more long ones .
The Good ...
Charlie Batch and the offense as a whole

The Bad...
Not much bad but the interceptions

The Ugly...
Not much ugly when you win 38 to 13

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Monday Night Football pick

Well Its time for another Monday night ...I`ve been on a cold streak on Mondays 0-3 but tonight will try and pick my first Monday winner of the year ...by the way my record against the spread  on  Sunday`s games is 11-1 so I hope to bring some of that mojo to my pick tonight...and remember these picks are for amusement only so don`t blame me if you owe your bookie and he breaks your knee caps ... now without further ado here's my pick for tonight....

If I was a betting man I would take ...

The Chicago Bears + 3 at home against the Green Bay Packers...I just have a feeling that the bears will play the packers tough at home and Jay Cutler will have the offense putting up points under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz...I also think the packers will miss Ryan Grant in their running game so the bears will focus on defending the pass...and the bears are playing at home...so there you have it and don`t forget where you got it...
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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Keys to Steeler`s victory at Tampa Bay and My Picks of the week.


On Offense : The Steeler`s Offense must improve by great strides this week especially in the passing game. Charlie Batch must make some plays through the air and his receivers need to help make these plays and cut down on the drop passes . Batch has to play a smart game and take what the defense gives him and not try and force things . The last thing the Steelers need is to turn the ball over with bad decisions by Batch . The Steelers need to pass to keep Tampa honest on defense other wise they with just stack up their defense against the run. It should help the Steelers that Batch had a whole week to practice with the starters and he knows the playbook as well as anyone. It should also help that starting safety for The Buccaneers Tanard Jackson is out for the rest of the year with a suspension . The offensive line will be helped with the return of Max Starks at left tackle but may be hindered by the loss of Trai Essex at right guard we shall see if Doug Legursky can fill in for him with out a problem...I think he is more then capable...That being said its very important that the offensive line protects Batch no matter what combination is in there as the coaches will probably be sending in a bunch of different players to help fight the heat and keep everyone as fresh as possible in the 90 degree
Tampa heat... The running game needs to remain strong and I feel they should have no problem running the ball on Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have given up a 4 yard average per run this season so far, so Mendenhall and the running game should have another big game.

On Defense : This ones easy just continue playing the smash mouth ,lights out football that they have been playing . The defense should even be fresher and more stout with nose tackle Casey Hampton back in the line up. Keep the turn overs and sacks coming! Tampa is starting a young inexperienced Qb and the Steelers defense and coach LeBeau have a pretty good record against inexperienced Qbs...They need to confuse him and hit him hard and often and force him to make mistakes and you know they will...The Buccaneers have only averaged 3.3 yards a run so the Steelers should have no problems shutting down any running threat of the Buccaneers.

The Steelers should be fine this week as long as they don't overlook the Buccaneers and stay focused .

Now for my picks of the week ...Last Sunday I went 4-0 so I hope you took my advice ...that makes me 7-1 for the season so far ...lets keep this hot streak going! Remember these picks are for amusement only so don't bet the kids college savings on them!

If I was a betting man I would take :

Titans +3 over the Giants...Titans defense and Chris Johnson come back strong on Giants and their soft
defense $$$$

Steelers -3 over the Buccaneers ...Do I really need to give a reason $$$

Eagles -3 over Jacksonville …. Vick too much for weak Jag Defense $$

Minnesota -11.5 over the Lions....Vikings go back to the running game against lousy Lions$


Well that's the picks for week 3 and as always have a great STEELERS Sunday and HERE WE GO STEELERS! Spread the word about the blog and leave comments .

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Grades and thoughts on the Steelers win against the Titans


DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!     A+

Wow! What a Defensive performance the Steelers put on Sunday. The job they did collectively as a group shutting down Chris Johnson and the Titans was one of the best I have ever seen. So many players played great ,that many could make a case for defensive player of the NFL this week. I mean do you pick James Harrison ,who had a great game with 11 tackles ...2 sacks...2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery … Troy Polamalu who had another outstanding game with 6 tackles ...3 for a loss ... another interception to stop a scoring drive ...and a leaping tackle over the Titans o-line at the snap of the ball that was beyond belief … was it Lamarr Woodley ...he had 4 tackles ...a sack ...interception and a forced fumble... was it Lawrence Timmons with 15 total tackles ...1 for a loss ...and a forced fumble...
Timmons is really living up to the All Pro caliber player the Steelers coaches thought he would become and more...The list of players that had outstanding play for the Steelers D Sunday goes on and on ...they force 7 turn overs ...3 interceptions ...4 fumbles... 4 sacks and only gave up 11 points not to mention held Chris Johnson to 16 carries for a total of 34 yards and his longest run was 11 yards... that's no small feat against a back like Johnson . The whole Defense gets player of the game if you ask me with too many great efforts to mention ...LeBeau and company called another great game .Did I mention that they forced Vince Young to the bench ...you just got to love The Steeler defense!

Offense  D-

I'm going to try to make this as short as possible ...The passing game was just pathetic with 43 total passing yards between the two Qbs ...and the few good passes they made were dropped or nullified by penalties ...the offensive line gave a good effort considering the circumstances but could not play with any togetherness due to the many line up changes there was at so many positions...Mendenhall may not of had his best game but gave a workman's effort and earned every yard he got with 69 total yards ...The Steelers offense can't go anywhere but up from here . The offense kept the turnovers and major mistakes to a minimum so I wont give them an F

Special Teams  B+

The reverse kickoff return to Antonio Brown at the start of the game worked like a charm and went for an 89 yard TD and help take the crowd out of the game early... great call by the coaches ...It would end up being the only TD of the game for the Steelers so that makes it even more crustal....Jeff Reed went 4 of 4 for field goals and Sepulveda had a pretty good day punting although I thought he could have had less touch backs into the end-zone and more inside the 10 … I really like the way the return teams are coming and S.Sylvester may be the Steelers new special teams ace if he keeps it up.

The Good
The Whole Steelers defense ...Beating up on Chris Johnson and the Titans all day long.

The Bad

The Steelers offense....Its got to get much better than this.

The Ugly

The Steelers Passing game ...43 total passing yards...Wow that's ugly!!!



Well another week and another win lets keep it going! 2-0 and headed to Tampa Bay!

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday Night Football pick

Well after a bad first Monday night of picks 0-2 I`m looking to rebound with a big Saints win against the 49ers ...I just don`t think the 49ers can put up the points the Saints high powered offense can...so my pick is take the Saints -6 over the niners ... Brees VS Smith enough said...I should have my thoughts on the Steelers game sometime  tomorrow and remember these picks are for amusement only ...but of course if you win I do expect a tip ...

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Keys to Steeler`s victory Vs. Titans and My Picks of the week.

 
On Offense:The coaches must let Dixon play a little more his style and not so tight and safe...I think they have to roll him out and let him do his thing...Try play action and take off if need be...Dixon must still play smart and especially in the red zone...but its time to turn him loose a little bit. The offensive line must control the line of scrimmage and give Dixon time in the pocket and open some holes for the running game...Mendenhall must start off where he left off last week and continue to be a big play RB ...The Steelers must not turn over the ball and should try for a big play early to take the crowd out of the game...If they get an early lead that will make it much rougher on the titans.

On Defense: The Steelers must stop Chris Johnson and that's easier said then done ...but they have done it before ...holding him under 100 yards both times they have played him... Everyone must stay in their gaps and not over run the play and  be sure not to get caught up in the play when he uses his cut back moves...they all have to play very discipline . The Steelers must shut down the run and force Vince Young to try and win the game...If this happens Young will surely blow up under the pressure and make more then a few mistakes ....that's  when the defense can turn up the heat and cause some turnovers ...the steelers will need to win the battle of turnovers on the road to win.

Now for my picks of the week ...Last Sunday I went 3-1 against the spread not bad for opening weekend ... Remember my picks are for amusement only so don't blame me if you bet the house and lose.


If I was a betting man I would take:

Cincinnati + 2.5 over the Ravens ...Cincy comes back strong at home and exposes Ravens weak secondary and proves that if the Jets had half an offense Baltimore would be 0-2.$$$$

The Colts - 5 over the Giants ...Peyton schools Eli once again $$$

The Steelers +5 over Titans ... you know i can`t pass up the Steelers getting points Steeler D shows up big time$$ dog of the week

Houston-2.5 over the Redskins  ...Houston shows everyone they are the real deal.$

Well there you have week #2 picks and remember  Amusement Only .


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HERE WE GO STEELERS AND HAVE A GREAT STEELER SUNDAY!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Grades and thoughts on the Steelers win vs falcons

Here are some of my general thoughts and grades of week ones win against the Falcons….
  Offense C+
Dennis Dixon started out a little rough …it seemed as though he may have had a case of the nerves the first few drives. Some of his passes where low and short…and he did have an interception that stopped a key drive and could of had a couple more if they had not been dropped…I think the Steelers coaches played it a little too safe with him at the beginning and could have rolled him out more and used the play action pass more…That being said I feel he had a much better second half hitting some key passes to Hines Ward and Mike Wallace
 The Steelers offensive line seemed much more physical then last years and I think a lot of that has to do with new offensive line coach Sean Kugler and his style of coaching. Maurkice Pouncey was impressive in his first start at center and you could really tell the difference. He seems to be even better then anyone could have expected.
    The Steelers running game was led by Rashard Mendenhall who had 22 carries for 120 yards including the 50 yard TD run in overtime. Mendenhall really stepped up and looks to becoming a top all pro running back  .I really liked the way the Steelers used both Mendenhall and Redman in the backfield.
What else can you say about Hines Ward …the guy just never slows down. He continues to be a clutch WR in his 13th season and had a key block on Mendenhall`s game winning TD…Not to mention he had 6 catches for 108 and helped Dixon calm down and showed what a true leader he really is …that’s why I have to say he was the player of the game.
The offensive grade would have been higher if they would have came away with more TDs instead of having to settle for field goals.

DEFENSE A-

 Overall I felt the Defense played a great game.  They held the falcons to a 2.3yard average per rush…25 rushes for 58 yards that’s a very good game and not many teams are going to win against them if they keep that up. Lawrence Timmons seems to becoming a all pro LB. He had 9 tackles and 2 assists. Lamarr Woodley and James Harrison each had a sack. Troy Polamalu made another great interception for the ages . I m telling you, at the game it seemed as though no one was covering the wide out …Troy was at least 10 Yards from the play …I was yelling someone better get on the wr, there’s no one covering him…No wonder Ryan thought he was wide open when he threw it…Then here comes Polamalu out of no where and makes a spectacular catch for the interception and drags his feet to stay in bounds. Troy has unbelievable closing speed  …Truly the best I have ever seen… he fools QBs all the time because there seems like theres no way he can make the play from where he is on the field and yet he makes the play most of the time. Like a cartoon or video game his skills seem out of this world…He is truly a once in a lifetime player so lets enjoy him while we can…because there will never be another like him.
 I was a little concerned with how many catches they let White have 13 for 111 but in the end it meant little and the Dbs seem improved from last season. Overall Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau called another good game ...The defense never gave up a TD and gave up only 9 points total and that’s always a good thing

Special teams B-

Jeff Reed was 3 of 5 including a 52 yard make but also had a 55 yard miss and a potential game winner of 40 yards missed…His kick offs seemed much improved but you have to make a 40 yard field goal   that being said he usually makes that automatic
Daniel Sepulveda punted 5 times for a net average of 46.8 net average. He had a good game and got the steelers out of a deep hole late in the game with a perfect punt of 54 yards with no return at the falcons 21 There was no big returns on the steelers so that is an improvement from last year and their return team was average and had no major mishaps.

The Good …
   Hines Ward 6 Catches for 108 Mr. Reliable… the ageless wonder.

   Maurkice Pouncey, a rookie playing like a future all-pro.   

   Troy Polamalu making a super interception in clutch situation of the game

   Daniel Sepulveda clutch punt at the end of the 4th quarter

   Lawrence Timmons 11 tackles and playing his best football yet

The Bad…
  Jeff Reed missing 40-yard field goal at the end of regulation
 
The Ugly…
  The Steelers only converted 4 of 14 on 3rd down that must be better in the future if they want to be a Championship caliber team.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Monday Night Football picks

On slate for tonights action  are two Monday night games ...So with out further ado here they are

If I was a betting man I would take :

 The NY Jets - 1 over Baltimore ...The jets open their new home tonight and the crowd and the weather may be a factor...I think the Jets D may shake up Flacco and Baltimores D may show some age.

The Chargers - 4.5 over KC .... The Chargers are a far better team then the KC not much more to say..

and as always these picks are for amusement  only so don`t blame me if you lose your house...

I should have my thoughts on the Steelers win Sunday up soon!

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Keys to Steeler victory Vs. Falcons and My Picks of the week.

On Offense :  The Steelers must walk a fine line with the play calling...be careful but don't play too conservative that they become predictable.

The Steelers must eliminate turn overs. They can not afford to give the ball up to the Falcons . Dixon must make smart decisions with the ball and not make the same mistakes that he made in the preseason in Denver,especial in the red zone...throw the ball away if need be ,and live to fight another day.

Mendenhall needs to step up and carry the load... The Steelers need him to show he is the big time RB they drafted him to be and by all means hold on to the ball. I feel Mendenhall will be just fine this season and really show he is an every down back if need be.

On Defense:   The Steelers must shut down the falcons run game and RB Michael Turner. I feel the Steelers will be up to the task on this phase of the game. They also must shut down TE Tony Gonzalez So a good game by Lb Lawrence Timmons is a must.
If the Defense does these two things that will put pressure on Qb Matt Ryan and  then Defensive coordinator
Dick LeBeau can work his magic and start to turn up the heat on the young Qb and that's when we must get the turnovers on defense...I think the defense will be more then ready to accomplish all these things.

With that being said remember I am a die hard Steeler fan and think that they will win every week !!!
And remember my picks are for amusement only so don't blame me if you bet the house and lose.



If I was a betting man I would take:


The Steelers + 1.5 Steelers home underdogs cant pass that up! Pick of the week$$$$

The Giants – 6 The G men too much for the Panthers to handle $$$

Miami -3 Dolphins should have no problem with the Bills and banged up offense $$

Bangals + 5 Cincys D too tough for aging Patriots upset of the week $ Hope IM WRONG ABOUT THIS ONE !!!



Well there you have it and remember folks Amusement Only .



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HERE WE GO STEELERS !!! and have a great Steeler Sunday!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Can you feel it?

The summer days get a little shorter and you can feel it...As August fades into September the air gets a little crisper ...You take a deep breath and you can smell it flowing through the changing leaves...As you exhale you smile...Football season is in the air!


With every new football season comes a fresh clean slate...A new beginning ...Everyone is a contender once again. Last season means nothing. The off season is in the rear view mirror and we are driving forward on a new journey...destination unknown .

Optimism fills the air and even the worst team from last year has high hopes and big dreams and who's to say any different...Who would have thought that the New Orleans saints would be Super bowl champs last season. For every NFL fan hope springs eternal and anything is possible at this time of year.

Enjoy this part of the season while it last because the slate does not stay clean long. The journey is long and you never know what exactly lies in the road ahead...Will the ride be smooth ? Will the road be full of unexpected turns and pot holes? Do we have enough good spare tires in case of flats?
Do we have enough gas in the tank to get where we need to be ? Time will tell and just like any journey our destination  will become clearer as we go .

As for now though the glass is half full ...the car has a full tank and we are on our way and anything is possible...Lets hope that Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers keep their eyes on the road and their hands upon the wheel and our next destination is another Super bowl championship!

Now let me give you my prediction for the record of the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers . I believe the Steelers will weather the storm of Big Ben and his four game suspension and finish the season as AFC north division champs with a 12 - 4 record and will make the playoffs and be in the hunt for another Super Bowl...Now remember optimism fills the air this time of year and anything is possible....and did I mention hope springs eternal... Lets all enjoy the ride of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 season!

Don't forget to leave a comment or give your prediction on the Steelers record and vote on the new poll I have up!!! Spread the word about my blog and thanks for visiting !

QUOTES

It doesn't hurt to be optimistic. You can always cry later. ~Lucimar Santos de Lima


When the world says, "Give up,"

Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.  ~George Iles
 
A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. ~Harry Truman

Friday, September 3, 2010

Decisions...Decisions...Decisions..! Who to keep? and who to cut?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of tough decisions and choices to make by the start of the 2010 season. It all starts September 4th ,that's the date all teams must have their game day rosters cut down to 53. Who to keep and who to cut? Decisions and choices are never as simple as they seem and even the simplest ones can effect the future and destiny of yourself and others...(just look at Big Ben's bad choices and decisions this off season if you need an example) So they should be made thoughtfully and with an eye on the effects they have on  the future of yourself and others . The steelers decisions and choices September 4th will directly effect the future of the 2010 steelers season and beyond. You never know who the next star may be...James Harrison now an NFL star and Defensive MVP of the league in 2008, was cut by the steelers a number of times and may have not  gotten another chance had it not been for a weight lifting accident by then starter Clark Haggans in 2004.  The steelers called Harrison back... weeks before that call he had almost decided to give up his dream of the NFL and get a job as a truck driver like his father...sure glad he didn't make that Choice! He made the right Decision trying one more time with the steelers... I think his100 yard interception return in Super bowl XLIII win is just a little proof..Think about if the steelers would have cut fast Willie Parker a virtual unknown player who never even started in college and  not only made the team but made the Pro Bowl ...he also made the longest run from scrimmage in a super bowl with his 75 yard TD to help win in super bowl XL. So you just never know what your choices and decisions may bring so try to think things through and lets hope we all make the right choices and decisions and the future is bright.... Here are just a few decisions the steelers may have to make along with a few quotes on decision and choices....tell me what you think and dont be afraid to leave a comment or follow my blog


Who do the steelers keep on the O line? Do we  start Pouncey and let Hartwig go?

I say start Pouncey and let Hartwig go or trade him ...That way Pouncey does not have to worry about looking over his shoulder and none of Hartwig`s friends will have much to say ...let Legursky be the back up. I keep Adams at right tackle for now. Tony Hills makes the team this year.

Do the steelers keep the young wide receivers Brown and Sanders?
Will Logan make the team as a re-tuner?

I keep these two on the roster if Battles must go so be it. Logan I cut...Brown or Sanders can be re turners.

Do You Keep Dwyer?
Yes at this point I don't think he makes it to the practice squad  ...he`s shown to much good stuff.

Do you try and fit Worilds ,Gibson,and Sylvester on the 53 man roster.?
Yes I think they are all too good to let slide


QUOTES:

The roads we take are more important than the goals we announce. Decisions determine destiny
~ Frederick Speakman

 Life is the sum of all your choices. ~Albert Camus

Choices are the hinges of destiny. ~Attributed to both Edwin Markham and Pythagoras

It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. ~Tony Robbins


You are the person who has to decide. Whether you'll do it or toss it aside; you are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you'll lead or will linger behind. Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are ~Edgar A. Guest