Defenses fear him outside the pocket |
Overall, all DB's in the NFL will grab and hold beyond the guidelines. However, once you get "flagged" one time, (..."Ike Taylor"), it would seem you would learn from your mistakes. I know Ike has the physical talents to be a quote on quote "shut-down corner" but I'm just not convinced the title is appropriate. To his credit, Ike Taylor did play the Jets Santonio Holmes much better in the second half. I also feel Ike's tackling (...as with other Steeler defenders) leaves a lot to be desired. Another thing that rubs me about our DB's is when they actuall make play and break up a pass, they immediately go into a celebration taunt with their arms flailing as if to indicate, "Not on my watch". I think really good DB's don't display such "flauntings" and a fine example is you never see Polamalu go into such a display when he makes a play causing an incomplete pass.
The Steelers defense played with great effort but we are still taking some poor pursuit angles which lead to missed tackles and additional yards gained. I'm not sure if Dick Labeau is seeing this, but fortunately the overall talent can make up for some of these poor pursuit angles by compensating with their recovery speed. However, when the Steelers play better teams, these poor pursuit angles will cost us points and possible loses.
I am still waiting for Chris Rainey to begin to play like a pro. Yesterday, he almost broke clear on a put return and almost caught a pass on a screen play that would likely have him still running had he caught the ball. He is a rookie so I know he is still adjusting to the speed of the game. I think once he gets his feet(...the guy slips "alot"!), and understands his role, Chris Rainey could bring a speed factor out of the backfield in Pittsburgh we have not experienced in a long time.
Redman effect! |
Well next week we play the Raiders in Oakland and I hope we don't give their season the spark they need by playing poorly and giving up turnovers. I also hope the team has the right shoes to play on that "baseball" field. I am very proud of the Steelers play today, but am always looking for areas of improvement.
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