Whats wrong with the Steelers?

[Dfense wins games]

Personally, the D looks like its missing Joey Porter much more than anyone, including myself, may have thought. Although he wasn't the best LB and it seemed his numbers were dwindling, that D is missing enthusiasm. They never have any pressure on the QB unless they bring 5+ guys-leaving huge holes for the QB to pick apart. They were handled on the line both ways and out rushed outrushed 224-111. On offense, the line seems to be getting worse every game. They did open some holes this game for Willie (14 carries 100 yards) but they allow too much pressure for Ben to handle. Every drive Pittsburgh scores on seems to be more "luck" than skill. Their first TD today should have been an INT, not a deflected pass for a TD. Their special teams played well this game, for a change, but you know you're in trouble when your bread and butter (Run Defense) can't stop the opposition. As much as I hate to say it, Pittsburgh will take an early ticket back home if they make the playoffs this year unless they can answer some questions...


So lets hear what some of you have to think...

[abpk2903]

with the enthusiasm issue it may be a mixture of Cowher and Potter more than just Porter. Tomlin shows absolutely no emotion on the sidelines which may not be a bad thing but it is also needed at some times.

[Crimsoncrush67]

First the DLine is not producing, so in return olinemen reach the second level and get to the linebackers, and then the backs get one on one with the dbs. As far as the Dline not producing, first Hampton is having the worst year i have seen in a while, hes out of shape and plays slow, second, is that Smith is out for the year, he was the best on that dline and is now out for the year. Another key was tackling, or miss tackling as it were. To many arm tackles and way to many throw the shoulder and try to knock him out of bounds or down. Fred taylor and jones drew need to be formed up. Finally the last missing link is the secondary, first Troy is not having a good year. Second is that they are all too aggresive and none of them think pass first as seen once again yesterday.

Now the oline, first we see that Faneca is not worth a big contract, second is that Marvell Smith cannot protect the blindside and third kendall simmons was getting smoked again. At the end of the game they took Smith and sat him. The thing i cant understand is that there are three more very good, but young olinemen in the stable in pittsburgh.

As far as emotion and what not, Tomlin does his yelling in private. Dick LeBeau also shows no emotion. Someone on that sideline needs to start holding everyone accountable cause it doesnt happen. The other problem i saw this week, last week and the preceeding weeks was some of the craziest play calling ever.

[RidgeDad]

First the DLine is not producing, so in return olinemen reach the second level and get to the linebackers, and then the backs get one on one with the dbs. As far as the Dline not producing, first Hampton is having the worst year i have seen in a while, hes out of shape and plays slow, second, is that Smith is out for the year, he was the best on that dline and is now out for the year. Another key was tackling, or miss tackling as it were. To many arm tackles and way to many throw the shoulder and try to knock him out of bounds or down. Fred taylor and jones drew need to be formed up. Finally the last missing link is the secondary, first Troy is not having a good year. Second is that they are all too aggresive and none of them think pass first as seen once again yesterday.

Now the oline, first we see that Faneca is not worth a big contract, second is that Marvell Smith cannot protect the blindside and third kendall simmons was getting smoked again. At the end of the game they took Smith and sat him. The thing i cant understand is that there are three more very good, but young olinemen in the stable in pittsburgh.

As far as emotion and what not, Tomlin does his yelling in private. **** LeBeau also shows no emotion. Someone on that sideline needs to start holding everyone accountable cause it doesnt happen. The other problem i saw this week, last week and the preceeding weeks was some of the craziest play calling ever.

Excellent synopsis. I agree with everything in this statement. The issue is not Porter or Cowher being gone.

Just to add more thing about Polamalu, he has not made 1 form tackle all year that I can remember. He's having a terrible year.

And as for the oline, they're all bad this year, but Mahan is by far the worst. He gets blown off the ball almost every play that someone lines up across from him.

[Eaglealum]

I thought Kendall Simmons has always played pretty well when healthy; Colon isn't an all-pro but he's all heart and I love that. Faneca isn't playing hard at all. In 2 of their losses,well one in particular(Arizona, he made Duane Johnson look like a hall of famer.) If he isn't happy and leaving, I can live with that. But if he isn't giving 100%, sign someone from the practice squad and cut his a$$. As for the defense, give them a little reprieve, they've played well enough so far to be 12-2, the special teams and offense have hung them out to dry more than a couple times. The loss of Smith hurts, but it showcases the teams' biggest deficiency. The d-line. They suck!The teams of the 70's had a 4-3 with 4 down linemen that all required a double team . These Steelers have only 3 that require 1on1 and that frees up 2 linemen and a back for as many as 3 blitzers. all adds up to no pressure and quality d-backs getting asked to do the impossible.
My predictions for 2007-08 and beyond..... LeBeau will go, Tomlin will get his guy to run a "Tampa 2----4-3" and the results may be pleasing if they can draft or sign a d-lineman or 2 that can get some pressure on the qb.

[Dfense wins games]

I can see that happening (LeBeau leaving) tho I think it would be a horrible mistake. Theres nothing wrong with the 3-4, they just need to get some depth. Hampton needs to get his butt in shape, he looks rediculous! IF he can get in shape, for next year, that would be a huge benefit. We also need those two Rookie LBs to get healthy and ready to play next season. Smith (the DB) needs to shut his mouth and worry about his play on the field. He's been beat 3 times in 2 games.

I'm sorry to be so negative, maybe this past two losses have just got me down, but there is no glimmer of hope, what so ever, that the steelers will make a big playoff run. They'll be fortunate to beat st. louis and pro-bowler steven jackson and who knows if they have what it takes to win at Baltimore the last game of the season. If Pittsburgh can dominate the Rams and Baltimore and get something rollin' into the playoffs, they'll win out till it comes time to play the Pats.