2007 Steelers - Week #5 Seattle Seahawks

Last Weeks Result

• Arizona 21, Pittsburgh 14
• Record: 3-1
• Standings: Sole possession of 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

In writing about a loss, there are two tendencies I want to avoid. First of all, there is a tendency to justify or make excuses for the loss. Just to set the record straight, the Arizona Cardinals flat out beat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arizona had injury woes, turn overs and other situations that they were able to overcome. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers were not able to do the same. The second tendency is to give a straight game report card of F for all phases of the game. In my way of thinking, both of these things disrespect the Arizona Cardinals and they deserve credit for this win.

Several things stand out about the Steelers offense in this game that are disturbing. Pittsburgh seemed to continually be in 3rd and longs. And by long, I mean 20+ yards. It is not surprising that the Steelers were only 5 of 15 on 3rd downs. Some of these 3rd and longs were created by the outstanding play of the Arizona defense, in both sacking Ben and getting penetration into the backfield on running plays. However, the miscues in handing the ball off and the continual penalties was inexcusable. I thought that Ben actually played a pretty good game. His ability to stay alive in the pocket continues to impress me. He is also putting some air under his long throws that he used to struggle with in the past. His first touchdown throw to Holmes was perfect and he just barely overthrew Nate Washington on another long ball seemingly. (In looking at the replay it looks like Nate slowed up slightly.)

There is a rapport developing between Holmes and Ben that is very encouraging. Cedrick Wilson was an absolute disappointment in this game. Neither Washington or Wilson were able to create separation from the defender, but Washington at least made some plays and seemed to be prepared to play. Wilson was awful. The offensive line could not match the intensity and physical level of play of the Cardinals, which is very disappointing as well. I don’t think the pass protection was terrible as most of the pressure and sacks can be attributed to great coverage by the Cardinals. But the offensive line was generally blown back in the running game. They played soft and paid the price for it.

The defense played decent. In essence they gave up 14 points, which is not terrible. However, when it was gut check time, they failed miserably. In the fourth quarter, when it is only a 7 point game, a championship defense has to make the stop and give the offense a chance to win the game. Instead, they let the Cardinals drive the field and increase the lead to 14 points, including letting up a 4th down conversion and a rushing touchdown. Again, the Cardinals had the physical edge at this point. As for special teams, it would be too easy to make them the scape goat for this game. They certainly didn’t help matters. I am not as frustrated that they gave up the punt return as I am that they gave it up after having to re-punt because of a penalty.

When all is said and done, I think this loss has got to lay at the feet of the coaches. The team was ill prepared, undisciplined and overall less ready to play football than the Arizona Cardinals. I am getting more and more worried as the season goes on that the Steeler coaching staff is not doing a good enough job of preparing for their upcoming opponent. In my projections this was a level 2 game, which is a close game that the Steelers should have won. At the quarter point of the season, the Steelers are 3-1 which seems good to project out to a 12-4 record. However, in my projections, I figure that the Steelers have only played level 1 and level 2 games, with a much harder schedule to come. So instead of projecting a 12-4 season, my projections are suddenly 7-9 unless the Steelers can win some of their upcoming harder games.

Game MVP

Santonio Holmes. I really don’t think anyone else was even in the running. I feel that Holmes was the only Steeler that left a positive impression on me after this game. After having an average rookie season, Holmes has quickly turned into a legitimate top tier receiver.

Game Grades

• Offense: C- - Both Holmes and Heath Miller played well. The pass blocking was decent and Ben played well besides a few mistakes. The offensive line was extremely soft on running the ball.
• Defense: C - Except for the final drive in the fourth quarter the defense played well enough. However, that last drive was inexcusable.
• Special Teams: C - I could really beat up on the special teams for giving up the punt return, but besides that, this unit did its job. I am more upset about the penalty than the touchdown.
• Coaching Staff: D- - I was really disappointed with the composure of the players. Too many penalties, players not prepared and not enough fire in the team has got to be laid at the coaches feet.
• Overall: - D+
  

Season (Composite) Grades

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

Next Up: Seattle Seahawks

For the most part, these are the same teams that met two years ago in the Superbowl. Seattle is a perennial playoff team and so far they seem to be positioning themselves to get back again this year. I have this as a level 3 game, which (in my estimation at least) makes it the toughest game of this young season. Coming off of a disappointing loss, it is important that the Steelers regroup and play well against a good team that is always competitive.

On offense for the Steelers, it is important to score on big plays. It is possible to move the ball on Seattle, but they stiffen up in the red zone and don’t give up a lot of points. The Steelers on offense have shown a good combination of taking underneath stuff, but also going up top. Ben has really improved on his deep ball. He has really developed confidence with Santonio Holmes and knows that if he puts enough air under the ball, Holmes will almost always be fast enough to run under it.

The Steelers also need to re-establish themselves as a physical team, especially on offense. I think that this will be an emphasis this week and that Parker will be more effective in this game. I think that the Steelers will be able to move the ball fairly well against this defense, but it is crucial that they finish drives. Field goals alone will not win this game.

On defense, the Steelers will be tested. Seattle runs the west coast offense to perfection and the Steelers have struggled in the past with good west coast teams. The defense needs to be very balanced in their commitment to the run and the pass. If they play too aggressive on the underneath throws, Hasselbeck will make them pay by going over the top. The Steelers need to be aware of Shaun Alexander, but need to focus more on containment. I don’t believe that he will produce alot of yards up the middle, but he is a dangerous cut back runner. The Steelers have to clog up the middle with their three linemen and allow the line backers to make plays on the cut backs and screens.

This has the makings of a good game. I would hope that we are to the time of year, where teams start playing good football. It was frustrating to see the mistakes by Pittsburgh last week and the previous games were pretty one sided. I am hoping for a well played game that is free of stupid mistakes on both sides. This is an interesting match up that I would like to see played out straight up.

Final Score Prediction

Pittsburgh 24

Seattle 21