Last Weeks Result

• Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 0
• Record: 4-1
• Standings: Sole possession of 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

While I expected a win against Seattle, I was not expecting a shut out against one of the better offenses in the NFL. The Steeler defense exposed some fundamental weaknesses in the Seattle offense. The Seahawks don’t seem to have much of an interior running game and Alexander was really a non-factor in this game. The wrist may have been bothering him, but to be honest Shaun has not been the same back for several years. In addition, the Steelers went with no blitzing and a cover 2 scheme that completely confused Matt Hasselbeck. From the Seahawks perspective, I am sure that they will look into adjustments to prevent them from being shut out again. However, what this shows me from the Steelers side is that they were able to successfully break down film on an opponent and come up with a game plan to put their players in a position to win. > more <

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.) > more <

Last Weeks Result

• Pittsburgh 37, San Francisco 16
• Record: 3-0
• Standings: Sole possession of 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

Sorry about the delay in getting anything up this week. I was lucky enough to attend the match up between the 49ers and Steelers this week and it has been hard to get a review written up. I love visiting the Steel city and taking in a Steelers game live is something every Steelers fan should try to do.

And now for the game. This was another game that was probably closer than the final score showed. In fact, this game marked the first time this season that the Steelers have trailed this season. San Francisco drove the opening kickoff deep into Steeler territory before stalling and settling for a field goal. The ensuing kick off was returned by a touchdown by Allan Rossum and the rout was on… Well, not quite. The first half of this game was as competitive as any the Steelers have been in. It really wasn’t until the interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that this game seemed out of reach for the 49ers. > more <

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. > more <

Last Weeks Result

• Pittsburgh 34, Cleveland 7
• Record: 1-0
• Standings: Tied for 1st in AFC North

Last Weeks Game Recap

While most people thought the Steelers would be able to handle the Browns, no one predicted that this game would be as one sided as it was. Was this a function of the Steelers dominating in this game, or more the Browns struggling? While I feel that it was some of both, I think the Browns looked absolutely dreadful. The Browns made too many mistakes to ever have a chance in this game. When they weren’t making mistakes, they just weren’t playing that well.

When the Steelers were on defense, they played just like I thought they would. There were no running lanes for Jamal Lewis. The running game was taken away from the Browns early on because they were behind so quickly, but Lewis only managed 35 yards on 11 carries. The secondary played well, but did let up the most yards to the tight end as I had feared. There seems to be a gap in the Steelers defense that can be exploited by a good tight end and Kellen Winslow is one of the best. The Steelers allowed 6 out of 14 third down conversions, which is probably a bit better than they have done in the past.

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Game Preview

This is a category 2 game according to my rankings. The Steelers have more talent on both sides of the ball than the Browns. However, this game is in Cleveland and is their home opener. The Steelers have dominated this series really and as of late this has not been a rivalry; it has been a one sided ass-whooping.

However, the biggest mistake that the Steelers can do is to take this game lightly. The Steelers start with a new coach, a new offensive system and a lot of unknowns to be honest. On offense, the Browns will not be able to effectively establish a running game against the Steelers. This puts the game in Charlie Frye’s hands, which is a bit risky. If Charlie can deliver the ball to the tight end effectively, they will be able to move the ball. Historically, the tight ends have killed the Steeler defense.

On the other side of the ball, if the Steelers can establish a running game, the Browns defense will struggle. For all the talk of 4-wides and a wide open offense, I think that the Steelers offense will try to pound the ball in this game and tire out the defense. Also, an effective running game is going to open up things down the field for Big Ben.

I think this is a good opener for Pittsburgh. It is a level 2 game in my rankings and a win here will inspire confidence as well as put the Steelers on the right path for play-off hopes.

GO STEELERS!

Every single team in the NFL has a chance to win the superbowl this year. Some teams may be favored more to do it, while for other teams it may just seem like hope. However, year in and year out in the NFL, there is a team that rises from no where to be a serious contender. The 2006 New Orleans Saints are a perfect example.

At the beginning of the season, it is always interesting to sit down with the schedule and mark up the wins and losses that you project for your team. I am going to try a bit of a different theory in breaking down the 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead of giving a win-loss projection, I am going to split the games into one of four categories. As the season progresses, it will be easy to see whether the Steelers are going to exceed expectations or fall below them. Bear with me, as I explain below.

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I originally had planned on not getting too specific with my favorite team. However, I will be keeping the closest eye on this team. Therefore, I will be doing weekly capsules of the 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers. To get things started, here is an overview.
Last Year Summary:
A year after winning the Super Bowl after the 2005 season, seemingly nothing went right for the Steelers in 2006. Starting, with the most famous motorcycle crash of all time in the pre-season (did you know that Ben wasn’t wearing a helmet?) and continuing on throughout the season. Besides Ben’s noggin busting up the windshield of an elderly ladies Chrysler, there was Ben’s appendicitis, Hines Ward’s hamstring and the cloud of indecision over Bill Cowher’s future with the team.

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