Ironman
09-27-2009, 08:36 PM
Steelers' defense has been defined by the ability to withstand, and deny with the utmost authority. On September 27th, the Steelers failed in virtually every aspect against the Bengals when it counted. The first half was descent - Palmer wasn't effective whatsoever, and the running game was shut down. The second half resembled a high school football game. The secondary was unreliable, and inconsistent (despite Ike Taylor's valiant efforts). The defensive line, and the linebackers look overwhelmed, and outmatched. Where's the penetration? Where is the pressure? Casey Hampton had a legitimate sack, granted. But Harrison was apparently awarded one just because he looks awful intimidating. LeMarr Woodley is still nowhere to be found through three weeks. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/Q/S/LaMarrWoodley1a.jpg
Every now and then you can catch a glimpse of what they did effectively last year, but in my opinion, this defense is merely trying to mimic last year's Steel Curtain. Through three weeks I've only caught hints of what was... The intensity is gone, the tough, unbreakable, undeniable persona has worn off. The Steelers defensive is stuck in a haze. The opposing offensive linemen smelt fear in our warriors, and it reeked. The Steelers lost because they were outplayed by a mediocre team, a team that shouldn't even have been allowed in the game after the first half. Have the Steelers forgotten what it takes to be champions? Unfortunately, this season is reminding me of the '06 disaster. Now there's still plenty of games to be won or lost, but unless I see a vast improvement in demeanor, and performance, I don't see Steelers Nation proudly raising another Lombardi when all things are said and done. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/R/S/JamesFarrior1a.jpg
The Steelers are missing a crucial element to the secondary in Troy Polamalu, but football is about the 11 guys on the field, not the one's on the bench, or on the IR. It kills me to see the Steelers lose to a team like the Bengals, but it kills me even more to see the Steelers lose because they can't stop a team on fourth down (twice). Field goals are acceptable, but when they are the majority of the points produced offensively, the defense must stand strong, and induce takeaways – that has not happened. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/S/S/TroyPolamalu1a.jpg
This loss is not entirely the defense's fault. Has the offensive forgotten how to punch the ball in, or are they completely oblivious to putting up points all together? Limas Sweed's drop was an echo of his miserable rookie season, and sadly, the way we play, one play means everything. Bruce Arians' play-calling throughout the fourth quarter personifies the new Steelers. Instead of punishing, and pummeling the opponents, we accept denial, we accept that when it comes to 3rd and short, we might as well just punt the ball. Now the Steelers have shown some determination, but when the game is on the line, complacency has been our motto. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/T/S/MikeTomlin1a.jpg
I bleed black, and gold like the majority of Steeler fans, but when we lose like that, when we lose two in a row... Well let's just say that next week's game against the Chargers will represent how the Steelers intend to let this season unfold. I and will be watching very, very closely. The Ravens are playing championship caliber football, while we are playing down to our opponents, and our expectations. http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/940/bensacked.jpg
written by Brendan Borcik
SteelerAddicts.com
Every now and then you can catch a glimpse of what they did effectively last year, but in my opinion, this defense is merely trying to mimic last year's Steel Curtain. Through three weeks I've only caught hints of what was... The intensity is gone, the tough, unbreakable, undeniable persona has worn off. The Steelers defensive is stuck in a haze. The opposing offensive linemen smelt fear in our warriors, and it reeked. The Steelers lost because they were outplayed by a mediocre team, a team that shouldn't even have been allowed in the game after the first half. Have the Steelers forgotten what it takes to be champions? Unfortunately, this season is reminding me of the '06 disaster. Now there's still plenty of games to be won or lost, but unless I see a vast improvement in demeanor, and performance, I don't see Steelers Nation proudly raising another Lombardi when all things are said and done. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/R/S/JamesFarrior1a.jpg
The Steelers are missing a crucial element to the secondary in Troy Polamalu, but football is about the 11 guys on the field, not the one's on the bench, or on the IR. It kills me to see the Steelers lose to a team like the Bengals, but it kills me even more to see the Steelers lose because they can't stop a team on fourth down (twice). Field goals are acceptable, but when they are the majority of the points produced offensively, the defense must stand strong, and induce takeaways – that has not happened. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/S/S/TroyPolamalu1a.jpg
This loss is not entirely the defense's fault. Has the offensive forgotten how to punch the ball in, or are they completely oblivious to putting up points all together? Limas Sweed's drop was an echo of his miserable rookie season, and sadly, the way we play, one play means everything. Bruce Arians' play-calling throughout the fourth quarter personifies the new Steelers. Instead of punishing, and pummeling the opponents, we accept denial, we accept that when it comes to 3rd and short, we might as well just punt the ball. Now the Steelers have shown some determination, but when the game is on the line, complacency has been our motto. http://z.about.com/d/football/1/0/T/S/MikeTomlin1a.jpg
I bleed black, and gold like the majority of Steeler fans, but when we lose like that, when we lose two in a row... Well let's just say that next week's game against the Chargers will represent how the Steelers intend to let this season unfold. I and will be watching very, very closely. The Ravens are playing championship caliber football, while we are playing down to our opponents, and our expectations. http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/940/bensacked.jpg
written by Brendan Borcik
SteelerAddicts.com