09/23/2013 VS. Bengals

I am getting a bit behind in my blogging but here goes. Pittsburgh really played better than the week 1 paltry performance against the Tennessee Titans. I had to endure a week of "trash talk" from close relatives who live there and are ardent Titan fans.  As always, I ended the trash talkin' with one question no one can rebuke, "WHO GOT THE MOST!"

 

I watch the game and the Steelers really did not look awful but just did not seem to be able to make plays on defense and offense against the Bengals.  Maybe the Bengals have improved but Pittsburgh "still" has better talent, overall but some of it may be older, now. 

 

It still appears Ben Roethlisberger has the heart of a "lion" and needs one to face the constant pressure he endures.  He rarely has a "clean" pocket to throw from.  I think he rushed and missed a few open receivers due to this constant pressure he faced the entire game.  Ben is one tough "hombre" but when you are hurried(...AND HIT!) constantly when throwing, you will miss some receivers because your body is trying to prepare to absorb the blow(s)!

 

I did some positive net runs by Felix Jones in the second half even if they were only three yards at a time.  Jones seems to have the quickness to get in the hole(...or find one) and get up the field.  Meanwhile, Redman seems to think he is a "fast" back.  Instead of just "bulling" his way into the seam, he seems to want to "dart" about as if he has the "shiftiness" to elude tacklers.  The best game I remember of Redman was against Cincinnati last year in the second half when he became grinding running using his bulk and power.

 

 

I think our two primary receivers are outstanding talents.  Antonio Brown reminds me a lot of Santonio Holmes without the pot smoking(...at least I hope). Brown may have HOF( Hall Of Fame) talent if he can secure the ball and be a bit more professional after making any kinda' play.  Emmanuel Sanders seems to want to "taunt" the defense after catches a lot like Brown.  Sanders is not the pure "playmaker" Brown is but does have good speed and seems to have heart.  I like their potential and it's obvious Roethlisberger likes to have them both available.  Ben made sure the Steeler's management secure Sanders before New England acquired him in the off-season.

 

 

 

The Steeler defense just was not able to get the Bengal's offense off the field.  Our pass rush did get near Dalton but never touched him before he threw the ball or afterwards.  Ryan Clark and Polamalu both seem healthy and active again at safety.  Jarvis Jones, the rookie out of Georgia, had really bad pursuit angles against the run but did get close to Dalton on a few occasions.  Does "close" count in the NFL?  Sometimes it does if it hurries the passer.

 

 

 

 

Overall, Steeler fans are not use to seeing a dominating defense as well as a potent/punishing running game.  There is plenty of blame to go around but this dilemma will test the current roster and coaches.

 

S.C. Steeler!!!