2007 Steelers - Week #3 San Fransisco 49ers

Last Weeks Result

• Pittsburgh 26, Buffalo 3
• Record: 2-0
• Standings: Sole possession of 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

While this game was really not as close as the final score (believe it or not), the first half had me a little anxious. The Steelers were able to drive the field 4 times in the first half and only come away with field goals each time. They had scoring drives in the first half of 58 yards, 73 yards, 56 yard and 57 yards, yet were only up by 12 points at half time. Then the Steelers allowed a long kick off return to start the second half to put the Bills in scoring range, as they started their first drive at the 32 of the Steelers. After giving up a few running plays, the defense finally held and the Bills settled for a short field goal from the 5 yard line. Suddenly the score was 12-3 and after dominating on both sides of the ball, the Bills found themselves clawing their way back into the ball game.

However, the Steelers offense answered right back on the ensuing drive and finally punched the ball into the end zone, thereby crushing any hope for the Bills. The box score on this game shows the domination in my opinion. The Bills were 0 for 3 on 4th down and only 5 for 13 on 3rd down. In comparison the Steelers were 11 for 16 on third down for nearly 70%. The Steelers gained nearly double the number of yards the Bills gained (420 to 222). The Steelers sacked Losman 4 times, while the Bills only brought down Ben one time. What kept this from being a laugher is that the Bills did take care of the ball and actually won the turnover battle. The only other area that the Bills beat the Steelers was in special team returns.

All units receive high marks for this game in my opinion. The offense gets knocked down a little for the inability to punch the ball in the endzone and the special teams gets knocked down for the coverage. The aggressive play calling in the second half is outstanding. I don’t like teams to run up the score by any means, but too often I have seen the Steelers of old shut down the offense too early and go into “turtle mode.”

I had this as a level 1 game or rather a game that the Steelers should have easily won, which they did. So far as a team, there is not a lot to fault with the Steelers overall. Bigger tests are coming though…

Game MVP

Mike Tomlin. The aggressive play calling in the second half was outstanding. In two games, this team has been well prepared. I am not seeing stupid penalties and I am not seeing conditioning problems.

Game Grades

• Offense: B+. The only disappointment here was the inability to get the ball in the endzone in the first half.
• Defense: A. The defense did give up a few more running yards than I would have liked to see, but to keep them out of the endzone all game long was outstanding, especially with the great field position that the Bills had at times.
• Special Teams: B-. Nothing wrong with the return team, but the coverage was horrendous and was the only reason that the Bills had any life at all.
• Coaching: A. I am so impressed with this coaching staff so far. Steeler fans got so used to turtle ball, that the killer mentality in the second half was truly a shock. The offensive play calling was varied and distributed the ball everywhere.
• Overall: B+

Season (Composite) Grades

• Offense: B
• Defense: A-
• Special Teams: B+
• Coaching Staff: A
• Overall: B+

Next Up: San Francisco 49ers

This is a huge game for the Steelers, because I will be at the game in person. My last game at Heinz field was a disappointing loss to the Bengals last year. I absolutely do not want to leave the stadium with that empty feeling again this year. It is the only home loss which I have attended.

Besides my selfish reasons for needing a victory, this should be a decent test for the Steelers. I had this as a level 2 game in my rankings and I feel that is about right. The 49ers have found ways to win in both of their games this season and come into Heinz Field undefeated. They are definitely an up and coming team and the worst thing that the Steelers can do is take them lightly.

The Steelers have a more experienced team then the 49ers right now. The Steelers core has been intact with few modifications for several years and these players have a good feel for their teammates. Therefore, this should be a victory for the Steelers as long as the game is played cleanly. However, if the Steelers get sloppy with the ball or falter on special teams, the 49ers will make them pay.

On offense the 49ers have not really come together as of yet. Frank Gore is an outstanding back, but the Steelers generally do well in containing running backs, even of his caliber. The Steelers will force Alex Smith to beat them. Smith has the potential to make plays and generally is best outside of the pocket. While he will run with the ball, he is always looking down field as well. The tight end, Vernon Davis, is a dangerous threat and hopefully the Steeler defense will keep track of him well. He can exploit some of the softer spots in this defense.

On defense the 49ers have been very good. They have a lot of talent on that unit and it is starting to get more cohesive every week. It is advantageous that the Steelers schedule has this game early, because this defense has the feel of being dominating as the weeks progress. It is still the toughest defense that the Steelers will have faced to date. The Steelers need to attack it in a similar manner to the previous weeks. Distribute the ball, mix pass and run, and find the weaknesses in coverage and running lanes.

The true measure of the coaching staff is starting. Now teams have game film on which to base their adjustments and game plans. This is not an easy game and the 49ers can not be taken lightly. While their offense is not explosive, they have been able to stay in the games and win.

Final Score Prediction

Pittsburgh 21

San Fransisco 13