09/29/2013 VS Minnesota Vikings

My old reliable saving grace quote of "WHO GOT THE MOST!", is really starting to lose its bite.  I was "sulking" with another SC Steeler fan in the gym while working out to see if we could determine what seems to be the problem with the team this year.  The bottom line is it seems like a lot!!!  Even the other gym comrades whom usually enjoy the taunting Steeler fans on loses were scratching their heads over what seemed to be the dilemma with our team.  Cowboy fans continue to be relentless however, but their still "suck" just as bad but don't even realize it. They have issues.

I thought the game plan to beat the Vikings would be so easy: just stick 8 men in the box and play 3 deep on defense and make their quarterback beat us.  Who knew Matt Cassel would replace Christian Ponder and make throw after throw when necessary.  Oh I forgot, " the Steelers can't rush the passer"!  With no pass rush, even the most "average" quarterback can have an "above average day which is what Matt Cassel proceeded to do.  No pun intended but Matt Cassell is as about as average as they get; of course except when he plays the Steelers and completes 16 out 25 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and a 123.4 passer rating for the game.  The man's career passer rating is about 80!

How does a Adrian Petersen get a 138 yards rushing when everyone knows he is going to get the ball and you are stacking 8 players in the box?  I thought Polamalu was playing linebacker on Sunday he was at the line of scrimmage so much, but "All Day"(...AD) Adrian Petersen still got continual yardage after initial contact.  I admire Adrian Petersen and admit he is without a doubt the best running back in the NFL and one of the leagues' best overall players, but the Steelers really tackled poorly which is why the additional yards after contact occurred.

I was encouraged with the entry of  Le'Von Bell to the running back position. He showed good quickness getting into the holes and showed some allusiveness in avoiding tacklers.  Bell did mention that he "tweeked" his foot injury during the game so that does raise some doubts regarding his durability as a player. I still believe Felix Jones is a productive runner but did fumble in the last game and has no run the ball since.  

I still believe in our two young wide receivers have great potential but the lack of protection for Ben may limit their opportunities.  Ben still needs work on ball security in the pocket and limiting his interceptions. He already has 5 interceptions in just 4 games while he only had 8 for the entire 2012 campaign.  Fortunately, Ben seems unscathed by his mistakes(...a bit too much sometimes) believing in his big play capability.

Hopefully this bye week will give the team time to get healthier and work on some fundamentals.  I will dedicate my next post to the late great L.C. Greenwood. 

S.C. Steeler!!!