Looking ahead

[RaynorShyne]

Is Tomlin *seriously* talking about how "big" the Patriots game is going to be???  

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...in-week-15

Nothing like staying focused on the divisional rivals this week, eh?

[Rollers]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house. book it

[dbsfgyd1]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

[Rollers]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

 nope.  look at the long pass plays in the last three games.  Now we got AJ green to deal with?  Dalton is a MUCH better QB than hendley or hundley whatever his name is.  Burns can't figure out who to cover.  Deep third isn't hard.  go there.  We actually had a safety coming up to cover the guy he went after but that didn't stop him from leaving guy wide open.  Other corner?  Simple pump fake and he swallowed it whole.  They are completely undisciplined.  The good thing about that game was that our O finally put up 30 points yet again.  We needed every one of those 30 points to.  We give up splash runs as well.  Burns not being able to come up and make a tackle.  As much as I love Shazier it's boom or bust.  Simple screens gouged us.  One defensive series GREAT  next?  We give up a 12 play drive to let them tie the game in the fourth quarter at home.  I'll take cincy by three.

[SteelThePain82]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

Good!  I say we sit Ben, Bell, and Brown for the majority of the game to keep them out of the way of that dirta$$ cheapshot artist Burfict!! 

[dbsfgyd1]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

Good!  I say we sit Ben, Bell, and Brown for the majority of the game to keep them out of the way of that dirta$$ cheapshot artist Burfict!! 

And we wonder why nobody posts here.  Shesesh! If you go back and look at the game plans when we play at Cincy, of which they’ve managed  to win all of 2 games since Lewis has been coaching the Bengals, it’s been ground and pound. Sorry, that’s the way it is, and the way it will be this time. The best way to deal with Dalton, Green, and whoever they got on offense is to keep them on the bench. 

As for Burfict, he quit in the first meeting this year after being bludgoned by Nix all game long. 

Crash, I suggest getting some serious medication, your going to need it.. lol!

[Krunch]

Ok, so being I am still in full boycott mode and have only seen the Steelers in film highlights this year, I have a question...

One of my beefs with most of the Tomlin era teams has been what seems to be a pretty consistent lack of real drive and heart when it comes to effort on the field of battle - not every game, but with some degree of regularity.  I read a comment about a player blowing a play and then being all jokey and smiley on the sidelines - a dangerous sign as far as I am concerned.  Another player or coach should be in his face and quick!  So, how is the effort and energy looking lke this year?  I used to cringe watching the Rats consistently out-hustling and out-hitting the Steelers into submission when actual talent seemed to mean so little.  Some of those epic playing down to the level of your competition disasters had that air about them.

Someone please tell me that this team is balls to the walls for four quarters like earning the Lombardi is clearly their goal and nothing else will do.  (You know, like every single Bilicheat Team ever....)

[Rollers]

Ok, so being I am still in full boycott mode and have only seen the Steelers in film highlights this year, I have a question...

One of my beefs with most of the Tomlin era teams has been what seems to be a pretty consistent lack of real drive and heart when it comes to effort on the field of battle - not every game, but with some degree of regularity.  I read a comment about a player blowing a play and then being all jokey and smiley on the sidelines - a dangerous sign as far as I am concerned.  Another player or coach should be in his face and quick!  So, how is the effort and energy looking lke this year?  I used to cringe watching the Rats consistently out-hustling and out-hitting the Steelers into submission when actual talent seemed to mean so little.  Some of those epic playing down to the level of your competition disasters had that air about them.

Someone please tell me that this team is balls to the walls for four quarters like earning the Lombardi is clearly their goal and nothing else will do.  (You know, like every single Bilicheat Team ever....)

Artie Burns.  Hands to the face penalty for a 1st down.  Next play gets burned for a TD  because he doesn't know where the deep third is that's his responsibility. Switch to the sidelines.  Head back laughing his ass off.

[Rollers]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

Good!  I say we sit Ben, Bell, and Brown for the majority of the game to keep them out of the way of that dirta$$ cheapshot artist Burfict!! 

And we wonder why nobody posts here.  Shesesh! If you go back and look at the game plans when we play at Cincy, of which they’ve managed  to win all of 2 games since Lewis has been coaching the Bengals, it’s been ground and pound. Sorry, that’s the way it is, and the way it will be this time. The best way to deal with Dalton, Green, and whoever they got on offense is to keep them on the bench. 

As for Burfict, he quit in the first meeting this year after being bludgoned by Nix all game long. 

Crash, I suggest getting some serious medication, your going to need it.. lol!

yeah I do wonder why people don't post more on game day.  Negativity?  Really?  You tell me how this team has responded under Tomlin in games on the road lately.  Cincy is going to be FIRED up for this game.  Steelers?  What do you think really?  be honest.  I am glad we are 9 - 2  at this point.  Now I want to see these guys play like the Patriots on the road.  I want to see a team that looks prepared to play in Cincy.  If that's negativity fine.  Then I'm negative.  Tomlin's teams seem to find a way to blow the games they need.  What's his record against the Pats,

Brady is 8 - 2 against us
24 touchdown passes  3 count em 3 ints
Brady has had five straight games of 100 or over passing rating against the Steelers
2005 was the last time we got a pick on him
He OWNS Tomlin  4 - 1 against Tomlin
4-2 at our house
non existent pass rush

So let's be positive about that.  They OWN us completely.  It's like the team knows they have zero chance and it's all coaching in my view.  All of it.  They have the best coach in football and we have?  Mike.  decent coach.  Can't seem to motivate this team at all when really needed.  Yeah they should be able to do it themselves.  You really believe Belicheck doesn't have something to do with motivating his team?    I"m sick of seeing the Steelers get hammered by the Patriots.  Sick of it.  We invested heavily in the D with picks lately and it seems we still have not found anyone that can play corner or safety with and degree of consistency.  How does a coach like Belichick continually get the best out of his team?  We flailed around on defense against a QB that had 2 total TD passes for the year.  He more than doubled his output against us and I"m willing to be bet he's back to being awful again this week.  Hopefully our offense can continue to outscore the opponent.  How many field goals did we get against Cincy in our own park last time?  How many TDs?  Not trying to pick a fight with you but there are reasons I still don't feel great about this team.  3 point win against the Colts?  I don't think "negativity' has anything to do with who posts here and who doesn't.  Anyway those are my thoughts.  Probably negative.  But it's the way i feel

[dbsfgyd1]

Ok, so being I am still in full boycott mode and have only seen the Steelers in film highlights this year, I have a question...

One of my beefs with most of the Tomlin era teams has been what seems to be a pretty consistent lack of real drive and heart when it comes to effort on the field of battle - not every game, but with some degree of regularity.  I read a comment about a player blowing a play and then being all jokey and smiley on the sidelines - a dangerous sign as far as I am concerned.  Another player or coach should be in his face and quick!  So, how is the effort and energy looking lke this year?  I used to cringe watching the Rats consistently out-hustling and out-hitting the Steelers into submission when actual talent seemed to mean so little.  Some of those epic playing down to the level of your competition disasters had that air about them.

Someone please tell me that this team is balls to the walls for four quarters like earning the Lombardi is clearly their goal and nothing else will do.  (You know, like every single Bilicheat Team ever....)

9-2, yeah, they obviously suck. You seem to forget that the other team gets paid too.

[dbsfgyd1]

Cincy is going to beat us in their house.  book it

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Do you remember the last the Bengals beat us on there home turf? We’ve managed to beat a lot better Bengal Teams with us being under manned, and out gunned. We’ve been able to run on these guys until they quit. We will do the same thing to them that we do the Chiefs. Ground and pound and keep their offense on the bench.

Good!  I say we sit Ben, Bell, and Brown for the majority of the game to keep them out of the way of that dirta$$ cheapshot artist Burfict!! 

And we wonder why nobody posts here.  Shesesh! If you go back and look at the game plans when we play at Cincy, of which they’ve managed  to win all of 2 games since Lewis has been coaching the Bengals, it’s been ground and pound. Sorry, that’s the way it is, and the way it will be this time. The best way to deal with Dalton, Green, and whoever they got on offense is to keep them on the bench. 

As for Burfict, he quit in the first meeting this year after being bludgoned by Nix all game long. 

Crash, I suggest getting some serious medication, your going to need it.. lol!

yeah I do wonder why people don't post more on game day.  Negativity?  Really?  You tell me how this team has responded under Tomlin in games on the road lately.  Cincy is going to be FIRED up for this game.  Steelers?  What do you think really?  be honest.  I am glad we are 9 - 2  at this point.  Now I want to see these guys play like the Patriots on the road.  I want to see a team that looks prepared to play in Cincy.  If that's negativity fine.  Then I'm negative.  Tomlin's teams seem to find a way to blow the games they need.  What's his record against the Pats,

Brady is 8 - 2 against us
24 touchdown passes  3 count em 3 ints
Brady has had five straight games of 100 or over passing rating against the Steelers
2005 was the last time we got a pick on him
He OWNS Tomlin  4 - 1 against Tomlin
4-2 at our house
non existent pass rush

So let's be positive about that.  They OWN us completely.  It's like the team knows they have zero chance and it's all coaching in my view.  All of it.  They have the best coach in football and we have?  Mike.  decent coach.  Can't seem to motivate this team at all when really needed.  Yeah they should be able to do it themselves.  You really believe Belicheck doesn't have something to do with motivating his team?    I"m sick of seeing the Steelers get hammered by the Patriots.  Sick of it.  We invested heavily in the D with picks lately and it seems we still have not found anyone that can play corner or safety with and degree of consistency.  How does a coach like Belichick continually get the best out of his team?  We flailed around on defense against a QB that had 2 total TD passes for the year.  He more than doubled his output against us and I"m willing to be bet he's back to being awful again this week.  Hopefully our offense can continue to outscore the opponent.  How many field goals did we get against Cincy in our own park last time?  How many TDs?  Not trying to pick a fight with you but there are reasons I still don't feel great about this team.  3 point win against the Colts?  I don't think "negativity' has anything to do with who posts here and who doesn't.  Anyway those are my thoughts.  Probably negative.  But it's the way i feel

9-2. As badly as we perceive the lousy players, coaches that can’t motivate, front office schleps, this has been one heck of of a team. It just so happens the is the best team we’ve fielded in a long time.

Who am I to tell you how to feel about this edition of the Steelers, but I will suggest that when we get to the playoffs, health permitting, this will be THE team to be recond with. There are still 4 weeks of the regular season left to work out what are some obvious kinks, and they will.

I still contend with the CBA limiting teams to 13  2 1/2 hour padded practices through the course of the season has a profound impact on what you are seeing on the field. That is less than one padded practice a week. 

It’s not a stretch to see that in the first quarter of the season padded practice was allocated to the defense and running game. What did we see, good defense, a strong rushing attack, and Ben looking like he hadn’t thrown a football in years.

The last couple of weeks, a refresher on the running game and obviously the passing game has been clicking, and now Ben is  “rounding into form”. So now the defense looks like crap because they are working on the offense. 

Like you, I fully expect the Bengals to come out on fire, just like the Lions, Colts, Vikings, Chiefs, and Packers did. I also don’t I expect us to run the table. I don’t expect the Patriots will either. 

What happens during the regular season as far as stats go or individual performances go, how many field goals are kicked, or TDs punched in, does not matter. It’s the W-L record that counts. 

The regular season for a contender is a balancing act between discovery and winning. If you need a clear example of this, go back a look at the game reports from the 1974 season. That year was rife with unsettled personnel, injuries, and they were horrifically inconsistent. It got so bad Joe Greene walked out, and if it wasn’t for coach Taylor talking him out of it, he was done. And yet, the season ended with our first Super Bowl trophy.

Fast forward to this year, a year no different than any other with discontented fans that absolutely refuse to see what is a remarkable team unfolding before their very eyes. And I’m not talking about just this year either.

[Rollers]

Ok, so being I am still in full boycott mode and have only seen the Steelers in film highlights this year, I have a question...

One of my beefs with most of the Tomlin era teams has been what seems to be a pretty consistent lack of real drive and heart when it comes to effort on the field of battle - not every game, but with some degree of regularity.  I read a comment about a player blowing a play and then being all jokey and smiley on the sidelines - a dangerous sign as far as I am concerned.  Another player or coach should be in his face and quick!  So, how is the effort and energy looking lke this year?  I used to cringe watching the Rats consistently out-hustling and out-hitting the Steelers into submission when actual talent seemed to mean so little.  Some of those epic playing down to the level of your competition disasters had that air about them.

Someone please tell me that this team is balls to the walls for four quarters like earning the Lombardi is clearly their goal and nothing else will do.  (You know, like every single Bilicheat Team ever....)

9-2, yeah, they obviously suck. You seem to forget that the other team gets paid too.

and that's the phrase I was waiting for.  The other team gets paid too.  So what?  All things being equal the Steelers get paid too and have a TON more talent.  Maybe the Steelers should give back a few of those checks when they mail it in against teams they should dominate?  I don't know what that phrase even means.  I don't expect anyone to lay down against the Steelers I expect them to impose their will on teams that are not as good is all.  Whether they are paid or not.  No one said the suck.  One of the two best records in the league right now. They beat the freaking Browns by THREE points.  THey got beat  by the Bears!  Dominated by the Jags.  What I'm saying is this team has only really lived up to potential a couple times.  Since the Steelers get paid I'm hoping they beat the crap teams on this schedule.  Tomlin says they need to fix the secondary.  This late in the season?  NOw?  Ok.  Better get it fixed.  We'll see in cincy

[Crash]

If we try to ground and pound we will struggle.

We've beaten them because when it comes time to make a BIG PLAY Dalton has folded.

If JuJu is healthy, they can't stop 84-19-10, with 26, and 81 on the field.

Btw, if you can, read this tweet from a fan, and look who "liked it". LOL

https://twitter.com/rizzosarge/status/93...8499769344

[dbsfgyd1]

If we try to ground and pound we will struggle.  

We've beaten them because when it comes time to make a BIG PLAY Dalton has folded.  

If JuJu is healthy, they can't stop 84-19-10, with 26, and 81 on the field.  

Btw, if you can, read this tweet from a fan, and look who "liked it". LOL  

https://twitter.com/rizzosarge/status/93...8499769344

Games ARE a struggle. We are 14-2 with Ben at Paul Brown stadium running a ground and pound offense. I agree it will be a 5 star slugfest, but there is no way  you can convince me that the Bengals are a better team. What will happen here is talent and execution will carry the day.

[Crash]

They weren't ground and pound in 2011. They came out throwing. They also came out throwing in 2005 RS, 2010, and 2009 early as well.

The way they came out against the Titans and Packers on those first series used to be a staple with Ben/Whiz, and then Ben/Arians.

With Haley? No so much.

Football only gets difficult when you over-coach. That's Toddy's biggest weakness.

[dbsfgyd1]

2011 is a LONG time ago. The game is different today. Sure, it’s 22 men on the 100 x 53 grid, but the rules, and enforcement of the rules are totally different, and have a profound effect on how the game is played.

What defensive backs are allowed to get away with as incidental contact today has reduced the reliability of a passing attack from days of yore. Added to that, ask yourself this, what is a catch? What is holding? When is it called? What is hitting someone defenseless?

These happen at such a high degree of frequency the game would grind to a standstill if legally adjudicated. I firmly believe that “rulings” are applied at certain times to keep games competitive at the behest of league offices for the specific purpose of preventing blowouts.

Anyway, I’m not real keen on Haley either. As for BA, if he survives this season without making the playoffs, I’ll be surprised. IMO he is the offensive version of Buddy Ryan, and has a habit of leaving scorched earth behind. We’ll see.

[Crash]

The Cardinals had an older team when he arrived. The question now is, will he be around for their rebuild or go somewhere else?

Eli to the Cardinals makes sense if they keep Fitz around. They aren't that far off. It wouldn't be a total gut job as a rebuild.

[dbsfgyd1]

Ok, so being I am still in full boycott mode and have only seen the Steelers in film highlights this year, I have a question...

One of my beefs with most of the Tomlin era teams has been what seems to be a pretty consistent lack of real drive and heart when it comes to effort on the field of battle - not every game, but with some degree of regularity.  I read a comment about a player blowing a play and then being all jokey and smiley on the sidelines - a dangerous sign as far as I am concerned.  Another player or coach should be in his face and quick!  So, how is the effort and energy looking lke this year?  I used to cringe watching the Rats consistently out-hustling and out-hitting the Steelers into submission when actual talent seemed to mean so little.  Some of those epic playing down to the level of your competition disasters had that air about them.

Someone please tell me that this team is balls to the walls for four quarters like earning the Lombardi is clearly their goal and nothing else will do.  (You know, like every single Bilicheat Team ever....)

9-2, yeah, they obviously suck. You seem to forget that the other team gets paid too.

and that's the phrase I was waiting for.  The other team gets paid too.  So what?  All things being equal the Steelers get paid too and have a TON more talent.  Maybe the Steelers should give back a few of those checks when they mail it in against teams they should dominate?  I don't know what that phrase even means.  I don't expect anyone to lay down against the Steelers I expect them to impose their will on teams that are not as good is all.  Whether they are paid or not.  No one said the suck.  One of the two best records in the league right now. They beat the freaking Browns by THREE points.  THey got beat  by the Bears!  Dominated by the Jags.  What I'm saying is this team has only really lived up to potential a couple times.  Since the Steelers get paid I'm hoping they beat the crap teams on this schedule.  Tomlin says they need to fix the secondary.  This late in the season?  NOw?  Ok.  Better get it fixed.  We'll see in cincy

It’s plenty “So What”. I suppose you’ve never heard the word parity? Yes, we have a really talented team, but there is a whole lot of other talent in the league you are discounting. Games are not slam dunk outings. If they were why bother playing the game? 

The vision of this league for the last 50 years has been built on the premise that on any given Sunday, a team can win. The draft, the scheduling, the rules in the CBA concerning practice time, shoot, even how the rules are enforced on the field are all rooted in this vision. Why is anybody shocked when games are closer than we would like, or an upset occurs is beyond me.

[dbsfgyd1]

The Cardinals had an older team when he arrived.  The question now is, will he be around for their rebuild or go somewhere else?  

Eli to the Cardinals makes sense if they keep Fitz around.  They aren't that far off.  It wouldn't be a total gut job as a rebuild.

The Cards have been close for a long time now. From what I’ve seen of ELi is he is toast. Maybe you are right,  a change of scenery could be the shot in the arm he needs.

As for BA, he’s got a couple of tough games coming up, Seattle, and the Rams in particular, and how they perform will speak volumes on his hold on tenure. If he is discharged, where would be a likely place for him to land? Head Coach or 
Coordinator?

[Crash]

As a head coach?  I could see him back in Indy.

[dbsfgyd1]

As a head coach?  I could see him back in Indy.

Interesting thought. Paganno has to be on shaky ground.

[Crash]

My prediction is Indy hires Peyton as GM, and he hires Jim Harbaugh as head coach.

Hell now they can throw in Eli as QB. LOL

[Chucktownsteeler]

Better keep an eye on the Baltimore Ravens. Also, don't forget about the J-ville Jaguars.

[Crash]

Baltimore's offense sucks. But their defense has beaten up creampuff QB's much the same way we have.

[RaynorShyne]

Baltimore's offense sucks.  But their defense has beaten up creampuff QB's much the same way we have.

I don't care if Baltimore ins 19-0 and we're 0-19 or the other way around - 

Nothing is taken for granted in that rivalry game.

[Crash]

Nope.  These guys would hate each other playing a flag football game.  

If JuJu is healthy, they can't stop 84-19-10, with 26, and 81 on the field.

I still stand by this even more so after tonight.  

Having teams be forced to play 1 on 1 matchups with that setup is a bitch.  

Only thing that will stop them is penalties, weather, or injuries.

[sandfan]

Ben is starting to look like Ben again. A very good sign. 4th quarter comeback wins are back in play. He will eventually hold every team record but the real key is the 3rd and/or 4th Lombardi. Steeler fans are more than fortunate to have him after the jags that followed Terry.

Boz should be included in the killer B group. He's been a tremendous contributor. Clutch. Hope he keeps it up.

I could not help myself and opted to watch last night. Bengal games are typically just so interesting and last night was no exception. Spent the day Christmas shopping, at a movie and at supper with my wife. She's happy and I felt I earned the distraction.

I was pleased to see Sutton get some snaps. The Shazier injury was alarming. Have to hope for the best for him. MB looks to be more and more into the game and his old role as the season moves along. Lost a splash play on the return but he caught a few fairly important passes. If he can continue his comeback the receiving core looks to be almost unstoppable. Especially with Ben in charge.

Negotiations with Bell will be interesting. He's a stud but the cash he wants is unreasonable. If he won't come off his number I'd move on.

I'm surprised by how much I missed the game. I'm still disgusted by the social justice crap but the team seems to be putting that behind them. Too bad the entire league has not realized the error of their ways. Caving in to blackmail almost made me retch. It's a very sad commentary on the quality of the personnel involved at every level. That step/mistake will be rued for quite some time.

[Crash]

Tag Bell once more then let him go. No way do I invest in a long term deal. Just too many miles on his legs.