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  • Mike Tomlin Press Conference (highlights)
  • 5 AIN’T ENOUGH #117: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OFFENSE?
  • Penguins might need a coaching change?
  • The Thin Yellow Line
  • Steelers Offense vs Chargers Defense
  • Divisional Round: Steelers vs Chargers
  • Alex Semin: Embarrassing….
  • 5 AIN’T ENOUGH #116: ARIANS MUST GO
  • Your Wife Will Love It
  • CNNSI NFL Playoff Picks

Mike Tomlin Press Conference (highlights)

By Dagger | January 6, 2009

Highlights from Mike Tomlin’s Press Conference today.  Transcription props to Steelcityinsider aka Scout.com

What do you do to better your chance of scoring touchdowns this time and what did they do to keep you out of the end zone?

They did a nice job of executing and we didn’t. There’s no hocus pocus or secret formula for getting the ball in the end zone. We’ve got to execute better. We’ve got to put our guys in better position to capitalize on the field position. Those are some of the things we’re working on as a staff right now. And those are some of the things we’ll work on later in the week with the players. But it’s just that simple. It’s about putting together a rock-solid plan, working it and then going out and performing it. We won’t do anything differently this week that we’ve done in any of the other weeks in preparation for the game. We’ve just got to let it all come together a little better than it did the last time because I think we were maybe 0-3 in goal-to-go situations in that football game. That’s life. Thankfully, we were able to win.

(Our Take:  I put most of the blame here on the Steelers penalties.  One TD was called back due to a penalty and a number of nice drives were killed by flags.)

Ron Rivera was relatively new the last time you faced them. Can you talk about the changes he’s brought to that defense?

They appear to be playing similar to how I thought they played at that time. I thought that they pressured us extremely well that day. They stepped up and played pretty good situational defense and to me, that’s a sign of solid defensive play. When the field got short, they made us kick field goals. They had a fourth-and-one stop. All of those are signs pointing to solid defense. This is not Ron’s first rodeo. Ron has done it as a coordinator before, and on big stages. We respect those guys and we expect them to do similar things on Sunday.

Is this team as good as any in terms of winning the battle of field position?

They are. They are because they have a great offense. They have very few three-and-outs. It starts there. And then of course, they’ve got great punting. You’ve got a big-time chance of having to work the long field when you play these guys because, coupled with that, Rivers doesn’t turn the football over very often. All that adds up to a long field that you have to navigate.

(Our Take:  Their punter might have been their MVP last weekend.  Don’t be surprised to see the Steelers pinned inside their own 10 yard line a few times.)

How do things change when Tomlinson is in the game versus Sproles and does that take up some practice time?

I think the last time we prepared for these guys, I tried to talk myself into believing it was different. I don’t think it’s any different at this point. They’ve got a power-running game when both guys are in there. They’ll attack you on the perimeter when both guys are in there. Both guys are equally dangerous in the screen game and their willingness to run the screens. I think at this point, they’re calling plays regardless of who the tailback is.

(Our Take:  I hope LT plays.  I’d much rather face a banged up LT at 75% than a fully healthy Sproles all game long.  The more carries an injured LT gets, the better)

How ready is Ryan Clark.

I think he’s going to be fine and ready to participate in the game, as is everyone. I didn’t talk about injuries, quite frankly, because we’ve got a clean bill of health. It’s the first time in a long time. Ryan’s going to be fine. Carey Davis is going to be fine. James Harrison, James Farrior are going to be fine. And Ben (Roethlisberger) is going to be fine. Those are the guys that had circumstances that the off week, the bye, worked in our favor. We were able to get those guys the rest and recuperation that they needed. We practiced yesterday and everybody participated fully, which is good. We’ve got a hotly contested battle waiting for us.

Did Rivers change anything after his last game here, or was Rivers’ game here the last time just a bad day execution wise?

I haven’t noticed anything different. Thankfully, we have a good defense. We’ve made a lot of good quarterbacks have bad days. We can’t rest on what we’ve done in the past. Hopefully, we create that kind of atmosphere for him again on Sunday. Time will tell in that regard. You can’t make a snap judgement on what he’s capable of based on what happened in that football game. It was a hostile environment. We played well that day. The weather conditions were what they were. We were able to win the football game.

(Our Take:  Up until the Colts game, the Chargers hadn’t played anyone of consequence over the last month.  Rivers has looked good of late because he’s going up against the Chiefs, Raiders, etc….)

How much of a help is it that you’ve seen this team already or is it harder to beat a team twice in a year?

I don’t subscribe to that. Just because that’s how that last game unfolded, it’s no indication of how this game is going to unfold. We’re different in some ways than the last time we played them. We’re playing with people that we didn’t play with the last time. This is the first time around with Heath Miller. It’s the first time around for some corners. They’re playing with some people who didn’t play, or had different roles the last time we played them. It gives you a little window in terms of the physical matchup because you got to watch guys compete against one another, first hand. But it’s no indication of how this game is going to unfold. We don’t take it as such.

Does the overtime, sudden-death system need to change?

I don’t worry about that. The rules are what they are. How we conduct our business is what it is. Everybody’s aware of it so you play to it. I think you can spend a lot of time crying over spilled milk. The reality is, our setup is what it is. You understand the lay of the land and you have to play to it. It’s no different than a few weeks ago when people were talking about division winners getting a home playoff game. It is our system, you’ve got to embrace it and that’s what I choose to do.

(Our Take:  Dumb answer.  The reporter asked for you opinion on college vs pro overtime structure.  This is the side of Tomlin that I find annoying.  Trying to be too cute, too much of a toughguy, too many cliche’s, no personality.  Ask another coach if they like the NFL overtime platform and see how they respond.  A simple “well, I’d like to see both teams get the ball to decide the game but the current system IS WHAT IT IS and that’s what we’re stuck with….or something of that nature.)

What are they doing better, differently or both than the last time you played them?

I don’t know that they’re doing anything differently. They were in some close football games. At this point, they’ve won more than they’ve lost. Good teams do that. That’s why I’ve made a conscious effort not to measure anything. It’s just a complete effort. Good teams find a way to win. This is the ultimate parity league. They were an 8-8 football team going into the playoffs. But there’s not much difference between being 8-8 and 11-5 or 12-4. You look at some of the games, their first two games of the season could have gone either way and possibly should have gone a different direction. We won the game by one point. That game is one that you could look at that should have gone another way. This is a good football team. They were a good football team then, they’re a good football team now. They’re finding ways to win games when their back is against the wall. They come back and find a way to win against Kansas City. The Bucs were up on them down in Tampa and they’re trying to get into the playoffs. They don’t blink, they find a way to win. They’re a good football team. They’re well-coached. They’ve got guys who have been there an done that. A bunch of those guys were in the AFC Championship game last year. They won’t be in awe of what they see when they come out of that tunnel on Sunday.

(Our Take:  Again, aside for the playoff game, look at the last few teams they have beaten. Bums.)

Who are your main concerns with them rushing the passer?

Anybody that they send. It’s Tuesday. I tend to be negative on Tuesday. I tend to get better later in the week. Shaun Phillips is a guy who’s reputation proceeds him as a pass rusher. I think Jyles Tucker is a guy who’s gaining a reputation league-wide in terms of what he can do to get after a passer. I think Jamal Williams is very disruptive, even though he might not have the sack totals to indicate it. I think any time you get that big in the middle of a defense with the kind of vertical push he puts on the pocket, he allows some of those edge guys to do what they do. Those are three guys that highlight what they are able to do in terms of getting to the quarterback, but we respect them all.

Have you made any kind of adjustments to how you approach your goal-line situations since that game?

I think that was the game we discovered Gary Russell as a potential short-yardage and goal-line runner. And that’s been solid for us. We don’t pretend that it’s something mystical. We’ve just got to formulate good plans, call good plays and execute them.

(Our Take:  Odd, every Steeler fan worldwide discovered Gary Russell’s potential as a short-yardage guy almost a full year ago. hmmm)

Is there a sense of smelling the goal line?

Sure. But he has a similar personality in the middle of the field. I just think it’s who he is as a runner. He runs behind his pads. Very rarely is he knocked back. He’s got a nice center of gravity. He’s a competitor. He’s been doing a nice job for us in those areas and not only in those areas, but I think he’s been doing a nice job as a kick returner to.

Is part of the problem with Sproles finding him behind the line and how do you combat that?

You don’t because he’s not going to grow between now and Sunday. We’d better find him. With Sproles, I think when I look at him, I think about guys like Warrick Dunn, who I worked with. They’re not as much small as they are short. To consider them small is naive. These guys legs run through contact. They finish off runs. They’re powerful people. He just happens to be short, but not small by any means, similar to James Harrison, if you will.

Will you use more of a screen game, particularly on second and third down?

Potentially. That’s what we’re working on right now. But I wouldn’t necessarily tell you guys as I sit here today.

(Our Take:  “Coach Tomlin, will you please spill the beans on your offensive gameplan? ” Is that question serious? Dumb question.)

Do you get the idea that the players are still upset about the way last season ended and are they motivated by that?

I think that’s so far in our rearview that we’re a different team. We are. Some of the key components are different. Some of the roles are different. We just focus on what we are here in ‘08. I don’t know that it’s a motivating factor. I just think that having an opportunity that’s in front of us right now is motivation enough for all of us. We’re in the final eight, the final four in the AFC. Everybody in front of us we’ve played before. We’ve got a big-time opponent this weekend. It’s awesome. It should be great motivation.

Is there a mental edge having won the first game?

You can trick yourself into believing that. You can also trick yourself into believing that you don’t because it’s tough to beat somebody twice or so forth. I’m not worried about that stuff.

(Our Take:  I think this can go both ways.  You can go into the game overconfident or go into the game knowing that the other team was right there with you for 4 QTRS and anybody could have walked away with a W in Week 11.)

Do you go into games thinking your going to have to double the big nose tackles or do you go in hoping your center can handle him?

You go in acknowledging that if your going to have any success moving the football, you’re doubling him. That’s what kind of guy he is.

They’re a good third-down offense, you’re a good third-down defense, what do you remember about that in the first meeting?

They hurt us a couple of times with some screens. We had a pretty good day for the most part, but the screens were significant. It kind of woke us up to that fact and since that time it’s continued to be a weapon for them. The thing that makes them unique on third downs is that they have unique matchups for people. Vincent Jackson is a vertical threat who happens to be very big and strong. I talked about what Gates is as a matchup issue. Couple that with their ability to dump the ball to backs and the quarterback makes good decisions and it’s going to be one of those rubber meets the road settings. It’s going to be fun.

Has the schedule served you well in that each week you were the marquee matchup?

I think it has. Is it going to be significant? We’ll see. But no question I think that it has. I think that confidence is born out of rising up in the face of adversity. We’ve had a bunch. We’ve had some stiff competition. We’re in a pretty decent position because we had some success against that competition. I think with that, builds confidence. I think we’re a confident bunch. Hopefully, it leads to production for us on Sunday.

Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

5 AIN’T ENOUGH #117: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OFFENSE?

By admin | January 6, 2009

Show Link:  http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/5AE_117.mp3

Show Topics:
1. Offense: 2007 vs 2008
2. Why the Offense switched?
3. Why the Steelers are the Steelers worst enemy?
4. Preliminary thoughts on San Diego Chargers game
5. Why the Steelers must prepare Byron Leftwich?

–
Lance Williams

Topics: Steelers | 5 Comments »

Penguins might need a coaching change?

By Dagger | January 6, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a real big slide right now and there are rumors that their coach may be on the chopping block if the team doesn’t turn things around.  Perhaps Jules Winnfield could right the ship and get the Pens back into playoff contention…….

Topics: NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins | 1 Comment »

The Thin Yellow Line

By i-Maque | January 6, 2009

Have you ever wondered how they get that yellow line on the football field to show approximately how far the offense has to go to get a first down? Well, gentle readers, wonder no more! The following video reveals the secrets to the world!

HT to Gizmodo

Topics: College Football, Football, NFL, Random Musings | No Comments »

Steelers Offense vs Chargers Defense

By Dagger | January 4, 2009

I think the best way to breakdown the upcoming game vs San Diego is to look back at the matchup from Week 11. Thanks to ProFootballFocus.com for the player participation info and their complilation of stats from the game.

Penalties

Hines Ward was called for 3

Santonio Holmes was called for 1

Sean McHugh was called for 1

Darnell Stapleton was called for 1

Willie Colon was called for 1

Passing Offense

Take a look at the Steelers passing offense vs the Chargers.  Where the ball was thrown, how successful they were, and how many yards were racked up in each target area.  Passes completed right at the line of scrimmage were dump-offs and screens.  (fyi, Big Ben was blitzed on 38% of his dropbacks)

Who did the Steelers pick on in the passing game?

Quentin Jammer was thrown at 7 times….and he gave up 4 completions.

Stephen Cooper was thrown at 5 times…and he gave up 5 completions.

Eric Weddle was thrown at 5 times….and he gave up 5 completions.

Antoine Cason was thrown at 4 times….and he gave up 4 completions.

Antonio Cromartie was thrown at 4 times…and he have up 2 completions.

Matt Wilhelm was targeted 3 times….and he have up 3 completions.

Paul Oliver was targeted 3 times….and he gave up 3 completions.

Clinton Hart was targeted 3 times….and he gave up 1 completion.

Shaun Phillips was targeted 3 times….and he gave up 3 completions.

Jyles Tucker was targeted 2 times….and he gave up 1 completion.

Running Game:

Where they ran the ball, how many attempts, and how many yards…

Who carried the rock?

Willie Parker had 25 carries for 115 yards….a 4.6 average….and an estimated 67 yards after contact.

Mewelde Moore had 1 carry for -1 yard.

Gary Russell had 2 carries for 10 yards….a 5.0 average….and an estimated 7 yards after contact.

Player Participation

*Sean McHugh was at FB for 5 plays and was on the field for 24% of the offensive snaps (mostly at TE).

*Mewelde Moore participated in 26% of the offensive plays.

*Limas Sweed saw 9 snaps.

*Carey Davis saw 8 plays.

Steelers Offensive Drive Chart

Topics: Steelers | 14 Comments »

Divisional Round: Steelers vs Chargers

By Dagger | January 4, 2009

These 2 teams faced eachother in Week 11 with the Steelers squeaking out an 11-10 victory.  I would have liked to have seen the Dolphins come into town for Game 1 but avoiding the Colts is a nice break for the Steelers.  The Chargers certainly won’t be an easy matchup but at least with the Chargers, their QB is “sackable”, their top RB is hurt, their best receiving option is hurt, their kicker is a bit banged up, and during Round 1 vs Indy their top 2 outside Linebackers were injured.

What can we learn from Week 11?  Let’s start off with the positives and negatives of a rematch with SD.

POSITIVES

+Parker ran for 115 yards last time we played them

+Big Ben was 31/41 for 308 yards

+Heath Miller didn’t play last time but we still moved the ball well on offense

+Ward caught 11 balls, Spaeth had 6, Holmes had 5, Moore had 5, etc…

+The Steelers only got to Rivers 2 times in Week 11 but Rivers is much more “sackable” than the Manning and his quick passing game is.  QB pressure wouldn’t have been a huge asset for us against Indy, against SD it will be.

+We picked off Rivers two times and held him to 164 yards passing

+We held LT to 57 yard rushing and held Gates to 10 yards receiving

+We beat the Chargers in Week 11 despite being called for 115 yards worth of penalties (that’s a ton!)  FYI: the Chargers were only flagged twice…for 5 penalty yards

NEGATIVES

-The Chargers were able to sack Ben 4 times in Week 11

-The Chargers have a solid secondary, a great DT in J. Williams, and some nice pass rushers

-The Chargers have seen our defense and they might be better prepared to counter our schemes in a rematch

-If their punter plays out of his mind again we will be facing awful field position all game long, and we know how much our offense struggles to move the football….we don’t need to be starting every drive inside our own 10

-Our coverage teams are solid but what are the chances we repeat week 11’s dominance and keep Sproles to 1 yard in total Punt Returns and 29 yards total in Kickoff Returns?

-The Chargers are HOT.  Their team is playing well and Rivers is playing better now than he was in Week 11

-Last time we played them, they missed a Field Goal.  If they make that FG we might have lost the game.

=============================

We will be getting you ready for the game all week long but let’s repeat our playoff mantra one more time in case any of our readers forgot where we stand on our Steeler playoff push:

This Steeler team has a defense that is capable of beating ANYONE.  This Steeler team has an offense that is capable of losing to ANYONE.  The Steeler defense must play near perfect football for the next few weeks because any slip-up by the D will most likely result in an insurmountable deficit for our offense to overcome.  For example….Sproles returns a kick for a TD, Rivers puts 2 TD drives together but for the most part the Steelers D holds the Chargers in check.  Is our offense capable of putting up 21 points?  Before you scream “YES! Of course they are!”  Remember that our avg points per game is only 21 points (good for 20th in the NFL….the worst number of all the remaining playoff teams).  Take away the games we pounded Houston and Cleveland and the offensive numbers look much, much worse.

In summary, pray to God the defense plays out of their minds.  This is an offense that loses in playoff game 1, yet this is a defense that wins the Super Bowl with ease.  It’s a Kick/Punt Coverage team that wins the Super Bowl….and a Kick/Punt return unit that should be playing on Saturday at your local high school.  Where does all this leave us?  Who the heck knows.  Part of me wouldn’t be surprised to see a loss to the Chargers, another part of me wouldn’t be surprised to see a 6th Super Bowl headed our way.  Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Topics: Steelers | 5 Comments »

Alex Semin: Embarrassing….

By Dagger | January 3, 2009

Washington Cap Alexander Semin badmouthed Sidney Crosby a few weeks ago and was talking an amount of smack that is simply unwarranted from a guy who has never shown any consistency at the NHL level.  He talks a big game, let’s see how tough he is on the ice:

Topics: NHL, Washington Capitals | 3 Comments »

5 AIN’T ENOUGH #116: ARIANS MUST GO

By Dagger | January 3, 2009

Click Link to Listen: http://media. libsyn. com/media/wtcb/5AE_116. mp3

Show Topics:
1. Why Bruce Arians must Go?
2. Seasonal Offensive Grades
3. Seasonal Defensive Grades
4. Whose the best opponent for the Steelers
5. Will Arians stay committed to the running game in the playoffs?

–
with Lance Williams

Topics: Steelers | 7 Comments »

Your Wife Will Love It

By i-Maque | January 3, 2009

Introducing the Wunder Boner

This is almost on par with the AYDS commercial.

Topics: Random Musings | No Comments »

CNNSI NFL Playoff Picks

By Dagger | January 2, 2009

I like Arizona, San Diego, Philly, and Baltimore this weekend.

Topics: NFL, Steelers | 10 Comments »

Steelers Run Defense Slipping?

By Dutch | January 1, 2009

OK, I eliminated all runs in 3rd down and long situations, as well as situations like 2nd and 20.  I wanted to see if the run defense is truly slipping over the last 5 games.

1-10-NE 26  (2:45) 34-S.Morris left guard to NE 34 for 8 yards
2-2-NE 34  (2:12) 34-S.Morris up the middle to NE 37 for 3 yards
3-3-NE 44  (:47) (Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk right guard to NE 45 for 1 yard
1-10-NE 40  (11:43) 34-S.Morris up the middle to NE 42 for 2 yards
2-10-PIT 30  (9:53) (Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk up the middle to PIT 26 for 4 yards
4-1-PIT 21  (8:56) 34-S.Morris left guard to PIT 19 for 2 yards
2-4-NE 33  (1:25)  33-K.Faulk up the middle pushed ob at PIT 26 for 41 yards
2-7-PIT 23  (:51) 34-S.Morris right guard to PIT 9 for 14 yards
1-10-NE 47  (14:48) 34-S.Morris left guard to PIT 47 for 6 yards
1-10-NE 35  (2:41) (Shotgun) 34-S.Morris up the middle to NE 38 for 3 yards
1-10-NE 30  (11:29) (Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk left tackle to NE 35 for 5 yards
1-10-NE 47  (10:38) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk right guard to for 13 yards
2-10-PIT 24  (5:00) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 33-K.Faulk right tackle  for 9 yards
1-10-PIT 39  (1:27) (Shotgun) 42-B.Green-Ellis up the middle to PIT 38 for 1 yard

2-10-DAL 29  (14:48) 23-T.Choice right tackle to DAL 32 for 3 yards

1-10-DAL 35  (11:53) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 39 for 4 yards

1-10-DAL 47  (10:34) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 50 for 3 yards

2-7-DAL 50  (9:52) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice left guard to PIT 49 for 1 yard

1-10-PIT 42  (8:30) 23-T.Choice right tackle to PIT 40 for 2 yards

1-10-DAL 5  (3:17) 23-T.Choice right guard to DAL 7 for 2 yards

1-10-DAL 34  (13:03) 23-T.Choice left end to DAL 45 for 11 yards

1-10-DAL 45  (12:21) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 47 for 2 yards

1-10-DAL 25  (2:36) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice left guard to DAL 35 for 10 yards

2-1-DAL 44  (2:00) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 46 for 2 yards 1-10-DAL 33  (13:54) 23-T.Choice left guard to DAL 34 for 1 yard
2-9-DAL 34  (13:19) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo scrambles left guard to DAL 40 for 6 yards
3-3-DAL 40  (12:35) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice right guard to PIT 38 for 22 yards
2-10-PIT 25  (11:05) 23-T.Choice left tackle to PIT 13 for 12 yards
1-10-PIT 13  (10:28) 23-T.Choice up the middle to PIT 12 for 1 yard
1-10-DAL 39  (5:58) 23-T.Choice left end to DAL 40 for 1 yard
2-10-PIT 10  (4:44) 23-T.Choice right tackle to PIT 7 for 3 yards
1-10-DAL 3  (12:20) 23-T.Choice right guard to DAL 5 for 2 yards
1-10-DAL 40  (7:15) 23-T.Choice right tackle to DAL 41 for 1 yard
1-10-DAL 14  (10:58) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 14 for no gain
1-10-DAL 15  (1:58) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 17 for 2 yards

21 carries on 1st or 2nd down, and 3rd down and short.

21 carries = 4.3 Yards per rush allowed. 1 Full yard above their overall average.

1-10-BAL 39  (15:00) 33-L.McClain left tackle to BAL 40 for 1 yard

2-9-BAL 40  (14:23) (No Huddle) 23-W.McGahee right tackle to BAL 40 for no gain
1-10-BAL 43  (10:22) 33-L.McClain left guard to BAL 47 for 4 yards
2-11-BAL 42  (9:34) 33-L.McClain up the middle to BAL 49 for 7 yards
3-4-BAL 49  (8:55) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 5-J.Flacco scrambles left end for 5 yards
1-10-PIT 46  (8:23) 33-L.McClain right guard to PIT 44 for 2 yards
2-8-PIT 44  (7:44) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain right guard to PIT 43 for 1 yard
3-7-PIT 43  (7:07) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain left guard to PIT 43 for no gain
2-10-PIT 43  (14:55) 23-W.McGahee left tackle to PIT 40 for 3 yards
1-10-BAL 23  (5:39) 33-L.McClain left guard to BAL 29 for 6 yards
2-4-BAL 29  (5:08) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain left tackle to BAL 34 for 5 yards
1-10-BAL 34  (4:31) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain up the middle to BAL 43 for 9 yards
1-10-BAL 46  (3:42) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain up the middle to BAL 49 for 3 yards
1-10-PIT 22  (2:00) 33-L.McClain right guard to PIT 20 for 2 yards
1-10-BAL 35  (13:53) 33-L.McClain left guard to BAL 43 for 8 yards
2-8-BAL 44  (8:44) (No Huddle) 33-L.McClain left guard to BAL 48 for 4 yards
1-10-PIT 16  (7:34) 33-L.McClain left guard to PIT 12 for 4 yards
2-6-PIT 12  (6:55) 33-L.McClain right guard to PIT 10 for 2 yards
2-7-BAL 25  (14:15) 23-W.McGahee right guard to BAL 28 for 3 yards
1-10-BAL 25  (9:23) 33-L.McClain left end to BAL 28 for 3 yards
1-10-BAL 47  (8:03) 33-L.McClain left guard to PIT 43 for 10 yards
1-10-PIT 43  (7:22) 23-W.McGahee left guard to PIT 40 for 3 yards
1-10-PIT 29  (5:54) 33-L.McClain left guard to PIT 28 for 1 yard
2-9-PIT 28  (5:14) 33-L.McClain right tackle to PIT 27 for 1 yard

24 carries 3.6 Yards per rush

2-4-TEN 26  (14:25) 28-C.Johnson up the middle to TEN 26 for no gain
1-10-TEN 3  (10:29) 28-C.Johnson right tackle to TEN 4 for 1 yard
1-10-TEN 5  (5:56) 25-L.White left guard to TEN 9 for 4 yards
2-10-TEN 43  (4:12) 28-C.Johnson right tackle to PIT 49 for 8 yards
1-10-PIT 28  (:58) 28-C.Johnson left guard to PIT 33 for -5 yards
1-10-PIT 39  (12:50) 25-L.White right tackle to PIT 34 for 5 yards
1-10-TEN 20  (5:34) 28-C.Johnson left tackle to TEN 23 for 3 yards
2-7-TEN 23  (5:00) 28-C.Johnson left tackle to TEN 34 for 11 yards
2-1-TEN 43  (3:50) 28-C.Johnson up the middle to TEN 45 for 2 yards
1-10-PIT 44  (2:37) 28-C.Johnson left tackle to PIT 37 for 7 yards
2-3-PIT 37  (2:02) 25-L.White right guard to PIT 37 for no gain
1-10-TEN 8  (13:12) 28-C.Johnson left end to TEN 10 for 2 yards
1-10-PIT 37  (3:24) 25-L.White right tackle to PIT 30 for 7 yards (43-T.Polamalu,
2-3-PIT 30  (2:48) 25-L.White up the middle to PIT 30 for no gain
1-10-PIT 13  (1:29) 25-L.White right tackle to PIT 13 for no gain
1-10-TEN 42  (11:30) 28-C.Johnson right end to TEN 43 for 1 yard (91-Aa.Smith).
2-9-TEN 43  (10:52) 28-C.Johnson right guard to 50 for 7 yards
1-10-TEN 21  (6:29) 25-L.White right tackle to TEN 22 for 1 yard
2-9-TEN 22  (5:48) 25-L.White left guard to TEN 32 for 10 yards
1-10-TEN 32  (5:08) 25-L.White left guard to TEN 38 for 6 yards
2-4-TEN 38  (4:28) 25-L.White up the middle to TEN 39 for 1 yard
4-1-PIT 21  (5:12) 28-C.Johnson left guard for 21 yards
3-3-TEN 39  (3:42) 25-L.White up the middle to TEN 47 for 8 yards
1-10-TEN 47  (2:50) 28-C.Johnson up the middle to TEN 47 for no gain
2-10-TEN 47  (2:45) 25-L.White right guard to TEN 49 for 2 yards

25 carries 4 yard per carry

1-10-CLE 20  (9:47) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 23 for 3 yards
2-7-CLE 23  (9:15) (Shotgun) 35-J.Harrison up the middle to CLE 23 for no gain
2-5-CLE 40   16-J.Cribbs up the middle to CLE 46 for 6 yards
1-10-CLE 46  (6:44) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to PIT 45 for 9 yards
2-1-PIT 45  (6:09) 47-L.Vickers up the middle to PIT 43 for 2 yards
1-10-PIT 43  (5:33) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to PIT 37 for 6 yards
2-4-PIT 37  (4:57) (Shotgun) 31-J.Lewis right guard to PIT 36 for 1 yard
1-10-CLE 9  (:51)  31-J.Lewis up the middle for 1 yard
2-9-CLE 10  (:14) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 12 for 2 yards
3-5-CLE 12  (15:00) (Shotgun) 31-J.Lewis right tackle to CLE 23 for 11 yards
1-10-CLE 5  (7:37)  31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 18 for 13 yards
1-10-CLE 18  (7:05) (Shotgun) 16-J.Cribbs left tackle to CLE 19 for 1 yard
1-10-CLE 27  (:27) (Shotgun) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 30 for 3 yards
1-10-CLE 17  (14:55) 31-J.Lewis left tackle to CLE 23 for 6 yards
2-8-CLE 22  (8:32) 31-J.Lewis right guard to CLE 23 for 1 yard
1-10-CLE 30  (5:31) 31-J.Lewis left guard to CLE 35 for 5 yards
1-10-CLE 44  (3:30)  31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 45 for 1 yard
1-10-CLE 20  (9:41) 31-J.Lewis left tackle to CLE 33 for 13 yards
1-10-CLE 21  (4:24) . 31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 22 for 1 yard
2-9-CLE 22  (3:48) 31-J.Lewis left guard to CLE 24 for 2 yards
4-4-CLE 27  (2:32) (Shotgun) 31-J.Lewis up the middle to CLE 31 for 4 yards

21 carries = 4.2 yards per rush

Summary:

Topics: Steelers | 5 Comments »

5 Aint Enough: Episode 115

By admin | January 1, 2009

CLICK LINK TO LISTEN: http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/5AE_115.mp3

Show Topics:

*Steelers vs. Browns game Grades

*Will Big Ben be healthy for the Divisional round of the playoffs?

*Is the Steelers Run Defense beginning to breakdown?s

*Did Tomlin error by playing Big Ben?

*Will Arians stay committed to the running game in the playoffs?

*Is Fast Willie Parker back?

*Keys to a successful playoff run?

Remember to Check out 5AE # 93 with Jim Wexell : http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/5AE_93.mp3

Call in line: 206-202-4468

Master Feeds for all the shows on Whatchatalkinbout.com

Topics: Steelers, podcast | 2 Comments »

NFL Regular Season Final Numbers

By Dutch | December 31, 2008

Topics: NFL, Steelers | 1 Comment »

Mike Tomlin Press Conference (highlights)

By Dagger | December 31, 2008

The Mike Tomlin Press Conference (transcription from from Scout.com aka Steelcityinsider)

Opening statement:

We just finished what has been a productive day for us with our team. I met with them this morning and talked about what we’re trying to get done with this bye week and that’s quite simply to get better individually and collectively. We identified some areas where we were deficient in from a technical standpoint. Individually, we met with our position coaches and had a great deal of individual time to work on their development. I’m a true believer that we need to sharpen our swords for the battles that await us and that we’re capable getting better for the battles that await us. We had an opportunity to compete, Steelers against Steelers, pass under pressure, third downs, an opportunity to get some work in those areas. I thought it was very productive. With that, we’ll come in here and do a similar thing tomorrow.

(Our Take:  I don’t think you can get better this time of year, maybe freshen up in a few areas but turning around the running game or fixing the OL will have to wait for the offseason.  You are what you are at this point in the season.  Getting an extra week to heal up and study film on the Colts, Dolphins, and Chargers is probably the biggest advantage for the team/coaches this week.)

How do you fight losing the edge with a week off?

Just that way. Just kind of the program we prescribed for the team this week, minute details that we can improve specifically the things that we do, and positionally, technically. That’s why we structure the practices the way we have done it where defensive linemen spend a lot of time with John Mitchell working on their skills, etc. And then you get an opportunity to bring it all together and compete. Quarterbacks get a chance to work with receivers on their timing. Coverages are working together defensively. That’s the only way to do and that’s how we’re approaching it.

(Our Take:  Part of the “fight” against losing the edge took place this past weekend.  I don’t like resting players as I think they need the live game reps, so getting the starters in for 2 and 3 QTRS against the Browns was a good thing.  Sure Ben got banged up but the decision made by Tomlin was the right one. Getting that playing time in will help keep them sharp.  Getting 2.5 weeks rest this time of year and being thrown into the playoff fire with that much rust vs a team clicking on all cylinders like Indy or SD is a recipe for disaster.)

Can you give us an update on Ben?

He’s doing better. He’s starting the process of taking the battery of tests that come after one sustains a concussion. I don’t know where we are in regards to those tests. We have less urgency this time around because we don’t play on Sunday, quite honestly. We held him out today like we did a lot of veteran players, guys like James Farrior and so forth. We will proceed slowly with him because we have that luxury. But we feel comfortable with where he is relative to Sunday and where he’s capable of being next week in preparation for our game.

(Our Take:  Ben hasn’t been playing well lately.  He has thrown together some great comebacks and some good game-winning drives but he’s not playing GREAT football right now.  Odd decision making, INTs, sacks, fumbles, etc….He’s winning games and that’s all that really matters but I don’t think the concussion will “knock him off his game” or anything like that since he was playing average to begin with.  If he was playing the best ball of his career I’d be a bit more worried.  If he comes back to live game action and looks a bit “off” it would actually look like status quo to most of our eyes as he really hasn’t been all that sharp lately anyways.  Here’s hoping the concussion knocked some of the cobwebs out and he’s ready to take his game to the next level for the postseason run.)

Hindsight being 20-20, do you wish you had taken him out earlier?

Does it really matter? We don’t have that luxury. We don’t live in that world. I never second-guess the decisions that we make. We’re thoughtful in the process of coming to those decisions and when we make them, we live with them. That’s what we’re doing in this instance.

If they give him the go ahead, do you still have to talk to him and be convinced yourself that he’s fine?

Usually my feelings are one and the same with theirs. They’re going to err on the side of caution. There’s never been a circumstance in the two years that I’ve been here where they’ve given the green light on somebody, I’m comfortable with it.

Has your experience last year going into the playoffs helped you this year?

I’ll let you know after next weekend. Experience is only good if you get better. We were one-and-done a year ago and we’re trying not to be that this year.

(Our Take:  Like we have said before, the Steelers defense is so good, we can beat anyone.  Our offense is so average–and at times well well well below average–that we could lose to anyone.  Odd situation we have.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see us win the Super Bowl….at the same time I wouldn’t be surprised if we got our wish and played Miami in Game 1 and we ended up losing that matchup.)

Did you like what you saw of (Sean) McHugh last week and will you use more of the I formation?

It really depends on who we’re playing and how the chips stack up. We’re unable to develop a game plan at this point because we don’t know who our opponent is. He’s shown us some skill sets that lend itself to that style of football and that’s why we went out and acquired him when we did. He’s been a good component for us. The extent of which we use that will be determined by a lot of things. Some of them are a question mark at this point.

(Our Take:  Puhlease.  When was the last time Bruce Arians created an offensive gameplan with the goal of exploiting the oppositions weaknesses?  We’ll run out of the singleback formation and we’ll pass out of the bunch.  On short-yardage we’ll go left guard.  We won’t see more than 1 screen, we won’t see any trick plays, Ben will get sacked a few times, we’ll come out in shotgun on 3rd and 2, etc….That’s your offense.  You don’t “screw around” with new formations and personnel groupings in the playoffs.  We haven’t seen the Steelers Wildcat since preseason….were we saving it all year until now?  I doubt it.  I’m not a believer in Arians and I don’t think he has anything up his sleeve and I don’t think he has some sort of master plan ready to unleash on the rest of the playoff field.  While we’re on the topic of offense….we need to PASS to get the lead and then RUN to seal the deal.  Remember how we shocked Indy and Denver in 2005?  We need to follow that gameplan this postseason.)

Will you use these three days to do a little bit of practice against your possible opponents?

We won’t. We have a luxury that we’ve pretty much seen everybody we would play anyway, whether it’s this season or late in the year last season, whether it’s Denver (?) and of course, we haven’t seen Miami. We played those teams a year ago later in the year. We’re familiar with them. There will be very few surprises from that standpoint when we find out who we play.

(Our Take:  We’re 2 weeks away from our next game so the players don’t need to be practicing for specific opponents, I agree with that.  However, the coaching staff better be preparing for possible opponents.)

From your first year to your second year, what are the areas you feel you have improved the most?

I’m not in the evaluation mode. I’m just trying to play to win today. That’s where I’m at. Maybe when it’s all said and done - and hopefully that’s a month from now - I can sit back and look at those things. I’m a doer, not an evaluator.

Your experience last year, does it go without saying that’s helped you?

You would think so. Hopefully I’m better again next year and the year after and the year after. I know Dick LeBeau has that mentality and he’s 50 years in. I think it goes without saying that hopefully we’re getting better. If we’re not, we’re not real smart.

On having Byron Leftwich as a backup?

Byron has been a blessing for us, he really has. That’s one of the things you do think about when you look around and see that guy who has franchise quarterback experience, playoff starting quarterback experience. He’s been the guy. Those shoes are comfortable to him. He’s one of the guys when things happen and you look around and you’re going to send him into the game, he doesn’t have that far away look. He’s been there and done that. He loves that opportunity to do that for this team. I think this team has been very comfortable with him when he gets called upon. It’s been a tremendous blessing to have him on this football team. Aside from what he does inside the white lines when he’s called upon, he’s very good as a teammate. He’s very good at practice. He’s very good in the locker room.

(Our Take:  Byron has been a real solid addition to the team.  How crazy is it that he couldn’t get a job this offseason?  I’d love to have him come back next year as the #2 QB but he’s clearly interested in finding a place where he can compete for the starting job.  I don’t blame him one bit.  There are some awful QBs out there and somebody will give him a shot this offseason.  If Ben goes down in the playoffs I’m confident that Byron could come in and we really wouldn’t be putting ourselves in a dire situation. He’s fully capable of taking over and closing out a game or leading the team from behind to get the W.)

How’s Ryan Clark?

He’s progressing nicely. He’s a little sore today because he got a good lift in yesterday, which is a good sign that he was ready to lift weights. He was a little sore today. It kind of comes with that. If we are going to err, we’ll err on the side of caution with him as well. This bye is a blessing in a lot of ways and guys like Ben and Ryan Clark and James Harrison are benefiting from that.

(Our Take:  Thank God for the bye.  Imagine gearing up for a game on Sunday–4 days from now–knowing Ben is probably out, Harrison and Clark are gimpy and a few other guys are banged up.  I guess we were in a pretty bad situation injury-wise last year though vs Jax)

Will you watch the games this weekend?

I’m going to watch. I am. I think watching televised games gives you a different perspective from time to time, one that I like. You don’t get much opportunity to do that in this business. We’re going to watch, not only me, but everybody, and see how this thing unfolds for us.

What’s different about it?

I probably don’t watch it in ways that a fan watches it. Some of the line of scrimmage communication with the audio is significant and interesting to me. Some of the commentary in the game that comes out of the production meetings from hearing coaches and players speak is interesting to me. I’ll watch it, but I’ll watch it in different ways than most people do.

(Our Take:  Cool.  Pay specific attention to the other team’s offensive coordinators and offensive schemes/gameplans.  Put a GOOD offensive coordinator on the Steelers squad and we’re instantly HEAVY Super Bowl favorites.)

Topics: NHL, Uncategorized | 13 Comments »

German Rock Opera

By i-Maque | December 29, 2008

Have you ever heard of Klaus Nomi? Well, up until a few days ago, neither had we. Wikipedia describes him thusly:

“…Klaus Nomi was a German countertenor noted for remarkable vocal performances and an unusual, otherworldly, elven stage persona. Nomi is remembered for his bizarrely theatrical live performances, heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and a highly stylized signature hairdo which flaunted a receding hairline. His songs were equally unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classical music opera to covers of 1960s pop standards like Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’ and Lou Christie’s ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’.”

If you’re into wacky, zany German rock from the 80’s that may have inspired Mike Myers in his Sprockets sketches on SNL, then check this out. Or, you could just check it out if you’re looking for a larf. The real magic begins around 40 seconds in.

Discuss.

Topics: Random Musings | 5 Comments »

Zorn Again Redskins… One Week Too Late

By Biggie, Resident Stat Boy | December 26, 2008

(Writer’s Note: I’m sorry about not having a column up the last couple of weeks and for this one being so late. It was finals time and I had studying to do. Not that I had much to write about, anyways.)

Even though their playoff hopes died with a Mike Sellers fumble at the goal line in Cincinnati a week ago, it’s still nice to beat Philadelphia, especially given that it was at home (where the Redskins were 3-4 and now .500), that it was against an NFC East team (where they were 2-3 and now .500), and that it guaranteed at least an 8-8 season and probably Jim Zorn’s job for another year. Going into the season, most people didn’t expect much more than this, and the Redskins have not failed to disappoint. An average team with an aging offensive line and rookie head coach is not going to go 14-2 and win the Super Bowl – at least not this one.

So, three things to go over from last Sunday:

1. Both teams’ woeful offenses;

2. Incredible punting;

3. Great defense.

Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: NFL, Redskins | 4 Comments »

Merry Christmas!

By admin | December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

5 AIN’T ENOUGH #114: SEASONS BEATINGS

By admin | December 24, 2008

Topics: Steelers | 1 Comment »

Parker is getting too much of the workload

By Dutch | December 24, 2008

Ok, I see no evidence. None, whatsoever that Parker should get all but 3 carries against the Titans. I see no evidence that Parker helps the Steelers more than Moore. Take a look at the following:

Willie Parker

Carry 1-5 = 50 rushes 3.2 YPC
carry 6-10 = 50 rushes 2.8 YPC
carry 11-15 = 43 rushes 4.4 YPC
carry 16-20 = 24 rushes 3.5 YPC

Moore

carry 1-5 = 54 rushes 4.2 ypc
carry 6-10 = 35 rushes 4.2 YPC
carry 11-15 = 27 Rushes = 4.2 YPC
carry 16-20 = 16 rushes = 4.3 YPc

FIRST DOWN CARRIES

PARKER = 3.6
MOORE = 4.5

Moore nearly a full yard better on First down.

Receiving

Moore 14 Receptions on First down
Parker 1 reception all season on 1st down

It is absolutely clear that:

1) Moore has been extremely consistent
2) Moore is’t just rushing for good gains on 3rd down, he’s doing it on 1st down as well.
3) Moore is a threat out of the backfield on all three downs. Parker is not a threat to catch passes regardless of the reason why.

Yet Tomlin lines up Parker and gives him all by 3 carries against the Titans. Stuff, after Stuff, after Stuff. Yet Moore was hardly to be found. I don’t think Tomlin is an idiot. I think he’s a good coach. I think he is saving Moore for the surprise element in the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if we don’t see a lot of Mewelde Moore in the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if Parker plays 2nd fiddle in the playoffs.

Topics: Steelers | 11 Comments »

Moore vs Parker

By Dagger | December 23, 2008

I love Mewelde Moore, don’t get me wrong, but before we all jump off the Willie Parker bandwagon let’s take a look at who Moore and Parker have played (got the bulk of the carries against) this season.  Each game and each carry aren’t created equal.

Look at Parker’s starts followed by the team’s overall RUN D ranking:

Houston-25th
Cleveland-29th
Philly-6th
Baltimore-3rd
Washington-8th
San Diego-11th
New England-12th
Dallas-13th
Tennessee-5th

Moore’s games:

Jacksonville-14th

Cincinnati-24th

New York-9th

Indianapolis-23rd

Baltimore-3rd

Cincinnati-24th

Parker’s opponents have an average rank of 12th overall in run d.  Moore’s opponents have an average rank of 16th overall in run d.  Is Moore feasting on lesser teams?  Maybe, maybe not.  If you look at the total carries for Moore in his games against his opponents you’ll notice that he gets the ball more than Parker does when Parker is the starter.  There is something to be said for getting into a groove as a ballcarrier and finding a rhythm.

You could probably dig a little further and look at runs in various game situations that can jack up a players average yards per carry.  There are games where Moore has 1 carry for 6 yards.  Did that run come on 3rd and 18?  There are games where Moore had 4 carries for -2 yards total.

Both are good backs but again, I don’t think either one would “save” our running game.  We are what we are at this point in the season.  Look at Mendenhall’s ypc, look at our short-yardage failures with all 4 RBs.  Nobody is getting the job done the way you would like due to the OL and the play-calling.

Some other random numbers for you:

*Rushes more than 10 yards (Parker has 16, Moore has 17)

*% of time a TDs scored when running inside the 10 yard line (Parker at 23%, Moore at 20%)

*Rushing TDs (Parker with 4, Moore with 5)

*Yards per carry avg on carres 11-20 (Parker at 4.1, Moore at 4.2)

*Yards per carry when getting the ball over 20 times (Parker 5.3 yards per carry)

*100 yard rushing games (Parker has 3, Moore has 1)

Topics: Steelers | 4 Comments »

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