BACK IN BLACK (and Gold)
This past weekend the Steelers seemed to be back in full swing. The high-powered offense produced the best numbers we have seen this season from the Steelers. They were able to put up a miraculous 43 points on their way to a win against their non-conference opponent, the San Francisco 49ers. This effort was led by running back DeAngelo Williams who was able to pick up 3 rushing touchdowns. With all this said we need to keep in mind that the Steelers are still missing their star running back, Le'Veon Bell, and star wide receiver, Martavis Bryant, due to suspensions. This makes the 43-18 domination of the 49ers even more incredible. It seems from here that the only place the Steelers can go is up.
Additionally, there were several other bright spots in the course of this game. The main one being veteran star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben was named AFC offensive player of the week for his incredible feat of 369 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. It seemed as if Ben was simply automatic with his passes on Sunday. He rarely missed a receiver, going an incredible 21-27 through the air.
This performance was coupled with a nearly career high game from star receiver Antonio Brown. Brown put up 195 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. This was only one yard shy of his career high single game receiving mark. Watching Brown this Sunday was simply put, a thing of beauty. Brown and Ben have been arguably the best quarterback and wide receiver duo in the NFL this season. Whenever Ben has targeted Brown, the Steelers have gained 328 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is nothing short of incredible.
All these performances put together led to a huge jump in the power rankings for the Steelers. In one week they were able to jump from 13th in the power rankings to 4th. This is clearly marking the Steelers as one of the most lethal teams in the NFL. All in all, after their less than stellar performance in week one, THE STEELERS ARE BACK BABY!!
Nevertheless, they have another chance to prove themselves this week against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have been struggling lately in the ground game. Additionally, newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles is still getting used to the St. Louis offense. With all this said, the Steelers should have no problem coming out with a victory this week. If they are able to put out half the performance of last week then it should be an easy win.
This week also marks the return of starting running back, Le'Veon Bell, to the lineup. Bell was one of the top running backs in the league last season, and was ranked #1 overall in most polls this upcoming season. Therefore, he is without a doubt the player to watch this week. Bell should have no problem posting breakout numbers like last season. It will be exciting to see a spark added to an already flaming offense.
Overall, all that is left to do now is sit back, relax, and cheer for another STEELERS VICTORY!!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Redemption Week
It is perhaps the day that all Steelers fans look forward to, opening day at Heinz Field! A day that promises to bring nothing less than a fantastic football game filled with hard hits and incredibly loud fans. It's almost as if I I'm there right now.
This week the Steelers have an incredibly important game. The less than stellar 0-1 start against the Patriots last week has the team and the fans hungry for redemption. Nevertheless, this game is by no means an easy win. The Steelers are up against the 1-0 San Francisco 49ers. This team showed extreme promise in their win last week with newly acquired running back, Carlos Hyde. Hyde posted two touchdowns on his way to a memorable night and an overall top play from last weekend.
This obviously shows where the Steelers have been focusing their practice time on, stopping the run game. In general, Steelers have been having more intense defensive practices in order to try to improve from their pitiful defensive performance last week. As the season progresses it is definitely worth the time to pay attention to how the defense adjusts with their new offensive coordinator.
In other news, Le'Veon Bell has been getting several first team practice reps in route for his week 3 return. This is a saving grace for Steeler nation. The addition of Bell will not only improve the run game, but the passing game as well. Last year, Bell was one of Big Ben's leading targets in dump down passing situations. This is a factor that the Steelers could definitely use whenever Ben is under pressure.
During this upcoming game, the player to watch is Cody Wallace. Wallace is replacing the injured All Pro center Maurkice Pouncey for the time being. After last week's average performance, fans are looking for Wallace to step it up. If this does not happen, then Wallace faces the threat of being replaced by new addition Doug Legursky. Surely this competition will inspire Wallace to provide the pass protection and run blocking that the Steelers need. In Wallace we trust!
With all this said the Steelers still face a daunting task this week. If they were to start off 0-2, it would surely diminish the possibility of making the playoffs. It would not be an impossible task. However, it would surely make the road to get there much more troublesome. All in all, the Steelers are still the better team. They are the 6 point favorite this weekend over the 49ers. We just need to hope that they can get the job done.
As the practice week comes to a close, all that fans can do now is wait. They can wait for a glorious Steeler victory on Sunday!!!!!! HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!!
It is perhaps the day that all Steelers fans look forward to, opening day at Heinz Field! A day that promises to bring nothing less than a fantastic football game filled with hard hits and incredibly loud fans. It's almost as if I I'm there right now.
This week the Steelers have an incredibly important game. The less than stellar 0-1 start against the Patriots last week has the team and the fans hungry for redemption. Nevertheless, this game is by no means an easy win. The Steelers are up against the 1-0 San Francisco 49ers. This team showed extreme promise in their win last week with newly acquired running back, Carlos Hyde. Hyde posted two touchdowns on his way to a memorable night and an overall top play from last weekend.
This obviously shows where the Steelers have been focusing their practice time on, stopping the run game. In general, Steelers have been having more intense defensive practices in order to try to improve from their pitiful defensive performance last week. As the season progresses it is definitely worth the time to pay attention to how the defense adjusts with their new offensive coordinator.
In other news, Le'Veon Bell has been getting several first team practice reps in route for his week 3 return. This is a saving grace for Steeler nation. The addition of Bell will not only improve the run game, but the passing game as well. Last year, Bell was one of Big Ben's leading targets in dump down passing situations. This is a factor that the Steelers could definitely use whenever Ben is under pressure.
During this upcoming game, the player to watch is Cody Wallace. Wallace is replacing the injured All Pro center Maurkice Pouncey for the time being. After last week's average performance, fans are looking for Wallace to step it up. If this does not happen, then Wallace faces the threat of being replaced by new addition Doug Legursky. Surely this competition will inspire Wallace to provide the pass protection and run blocking that the Steelers need. In Wallace we trust!
With all this said the Steelers still face a daunting task this week. If they were to start off 0-2, it would surely diminish the possibility of making the playoffs. It would not be an impossible task. However, it would surely make the road to get there much more troublesome. All in all, the Steelers are still the better team. They are the 6 point favorite this weekend over the 49ers. We just need to hope that they can get the job done.
As the practice week comes to a close, all that fans can do now is wait. They can wait for a glorious Steeler victory on Sunday!!!!!! HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Offense is Important, but Defense Wins Championships
This title just about sums up the Steelers' season opener against the Patriots. Although their offense was far from perfect, it was their defense that seemed to ruin their chances of ever winning the game. From the eyes of a dedicated NFL fan it seemed as if the entire Steelers defense had never played with each other before. Several miscommunications resulted in or contributed to three Patriots touchdowns. On one specific play, Rob Gronkowski, the tight end for the Patriots, simply caught the ball and walked into the end zone. WHERE WAS THE COVERAGE?! This play in particular was not simply a lack of communication. It was a lack of football knowledge in general. This leads Steelers fans to question the young and hopefully upcoming defense. Can they actually get it done this year?
As of right now, the Steelers are flashing one of the youngest defenses in the league. This lack of veteran experience could possibly be the root of all their problems. With the retirement of Steelers long time safety Troy Polamalu, it seems as if no one has stepped up to the plate and filled the defensive leadership role. This is coupled along with the fact that the Steelers have a new defensive coordinator this year. This transition most likely isn't helping the situation at all.
However, Thursday night's game was not a total loss of hope for Steeler fans. The offense did in fact show some promise. They beat the Patriots in rushing, passing, and overall yards. The only falter appeared to be that they could never find the end zone.
Without a question, the breakout player for the Steelers this game was DeAngelo Williams. The Steelers picked up the long time Carolina Panther and veteran running back in the offseason. The hope was that he could provide a running game for the Steelers during Le'Veon Bell's two game suspension. This is precisely what he did! Williams looked as if he had just taken a gulp from the fountain of youth. Defenders were simply unable to stop him. His quick cuts and massive strength allowed him to run over and juke defenders at the same time. All these factors taken into consideration make him the Steelers player of the week.
Nevertheless, this is partly due to the fact that nobody else shined for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger had a less than stellar performance throwing for only one touchdown, late in the game, along with a poorly thrown interception.
Overall, this performance was just truly one to forget for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who knows, perhaps it was the lack of air in the Patriots footballs that caused the Steelers to lose. Whatever the case may be, there were very few positives to take away from this game for the Steelers. At this point it appears that their only option is to regroup over the long week they have ahead. Perhaps they need to focus their practices on defense a little more, because as of right now the Steelers are never going to win that championship this year.
This title just about sums up the Steelers' season opener against the Patriots. Although their offense was far from perfect, it was their defense that seemed to ruin their chances of ever winning the game. From the eyes of a dedicated NFL fan it seemed as if the entire Steelers defense had never played with each other before. Several miscommunications resulted in or contributed to three Patriots touchdowns. On one specific play, Rob Gronkowski, the tight end for the Patriots, simply caught the ball and walked into the end zone. WHERE WAS THE COVERAGE?! This play in particular was not simply a lack of communication. It was a lack of football knowledge in general. This leads Steelers fans to question the young and hopefully upcoming defense. Can they actually get it done this year?
As of right now, the Steelers are flashing one of the youngest defenses in the league. This lack of veteran experience could possibly be the root of all their problems. With the retirement of Steelers long time safety Troy Polamalu, it seems as if no one has stepped up to the plate and filled the defensive leadership role. This is coupled along with the fact that the Steelers have a new defensive coordinator this year. This transition most likely isn't helping the situation at all.
However, Thursday night's game was not a total loss of hope for Steeler fans. The offense did in fact show some promise. They beat the Patriots in rushing, passing, and overall yards. The only falter appeared to be that they could never find the end zone.
Without a question, the breakout player for the Steelers this game was DeAngelo Williams. The Steelers picked up the long time Carolina Panther and veteran running back in the offseason. The hope was that he could provide a running game for the Steelers during Le'Veon Bell's two game suspension. This is precisely what he did! Williams looked as if he had just taken a gulp from the fountain of youth. Defenders were simply unable to stop him. His quick cuts and massive strength allowed him to run over and juke defenders at the same time. All these factors taken into consideration make him the Steelers player of the week.
Nevertheless, this is partly due to the fact that nobody else shined for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger had a less than stellar performance throwing for only one touchdown, late in the game, along with a poorly thrown interception.
Overall, this performance was just truly one to forget for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who knows, perhaps it was the lack of air in the Patriots footballs that caused the Steelers to lose. Whatever the case may be, there were very few positives to take away from this game for the Steelers. At this point it appears that their only option is to regroup over the long week they have ahead. Perhaps they need to focus their practices on defense a little more, because as of right now the Steelers are never going to win that championship this year.
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