The big hits over the weekend seem to have taken center stage for the NFL fans and the league. I'll leave those individual hits alone, as they are covered ad nauseum in other places.
Let's talk about the Steeler history with head trauma. Let's start with Mike Webster, who is arguably the best center ever to wear Black and Gold. His story ends sadly, as he dies wrapped in homelessness and solitude. ESPN covers Iron Mike and his condition best:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1972285
Terry Long, who played OG, died in 2005 after drinking anti-freeze. His autopsy revealed a "punch drunk" brain caused by repeated head trauma from playing football. Boxers often suffer from chronic encephalopathy from repeated blows to the head. As an aside, I believe the boxing "10-count" adds to this. After enough trauma has been delivered to stagger a man, repeated trauma after that is just asking for trouble...even if you wait for a few second before re-starting the fight.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2307003
Long, as well as Webster, played OL. Surely, there couldn't be a third Steeler offensive lineman to succumb to the effect of head trauma. Could there?
Enter one Justin Strzelczyk. An odd character who I remember best for wearing a German helmet. I also remember him for playing hard-nosed football in the 90s. Note Bettis' comment. Justin would puke in the huddle, and it probably wasn't from the exertion. He played with everything he had. Justin died in a fiery crash as he fled from police for a traffic violation.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_257181.html
Running from the cops seems like something Pacman would do. Not Justin. Until you factor in the head trauma and the attendant problems with rational decision making.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/15/sports/football/15brain.html?_r=1
Add to this Merrill Hoge's experiences with head trauma. He actually stopped breathing after two concussions a few weeks apart. He suffered memory loss, forgot how to read and had other cognitive problems.
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20091001/ARTICLES/910029997/1136?Title=Dangers-of-a-concussion&tc=ar
So, what's my point here? The recent high profile hits have the NFL in a regulatory tizzy, but this is really a fraud. A cover. It is brand management and public relations. The NFL feels that it can't let these go by or moms and girlfriends everywhere will put the NFL into the same category as MMA. However, if the NFL really cared about head trauma, they'd pay attention to offensive linemen and defensive linemen. These guys bang heads, literally, every play. Have you ever seen the NFL seriously address the trench position head trauma as seriously as they address the QB and receiver? Yeah - me neither.
Steelhead
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Browns and the Race vs the Ravens
Let's look at the Ravens, and how the loss prior to the bye affects the first half of the year. The next three weeks look like this for the Ravens:
The next three weeks look like this for the Steelers:
At 4-1 and with a head to head advantage, the Ravens control the division. The game at NE will be tough. I'm not so sure that the Ravens will win in Foxboro. I think the Pats will have a plan to take advantage of the Ravens through the air, and will make this game very close. Look for the Pats to spread the field and make the Ravens chase inside out.
The game against Buffalo should be an easy win for the Ravens...unless they overlook them. That's probably not going to happen.
I look for the Ravens to enter the bye at 5-2.
The Steelers have two tough road games against Miami and New Orleans. These looked worse at the start of the year, but Miami plays good defense and New Orleans' offense can catch fire quickly. If they enter the two away games at 4-1, then they stand a good chance to enter week at 5-2...potentially 6-1 if things go right.
Cleveland
I was at that last game in Cleveland - the -10F - game (OK...I exaggerate...but it was COLD). I had to listen to Browns fans act like tools. Some idiot behind me kept screaming "Da Raidahhhs". He was a typical Cleveland fan. I know the Steelers remember that game...I just hope Arians' is not as brain dead.
The Browns Offense
With McCoy starting, I anticipate a very conservative game plan from the Browns. I think McCoy will throw 10-15 times maximum to limit turnovers. The big challenge will be Cribbs running the Wildcat. The Steelers did not stop this scheme in the December loss, and they will see it until they stop it.
Look for McCoy's throws to be very safe. Screens, short ins, slants and the like. I think most of the throws past the line of scrimmage will be inside the hash marks. A deep out will not be the staple of this offense this week. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers CBs play the inside technique, and if we see dropping DEs to counter the inside throws. The Browns will try to run Hillis, but he's banged up and running on the Steelers out of a normal formation is so hard.
With Cribbs running the Wildcat, and with McCoy on the sideline, the Browns pick up an extra blocker. This is going to be the difference in the game. If the Steelers can't stop the Wildcat, it will be a long day. I'll give the Browns this - they play very physically. This will be a physical game, and the Steelers D must rise up and stop Cribbs and Co.
Look for three scores for less than 14 points.
Browns Defense
With Ben back, this offense will be on the grow. However, I don't anticipate mid-season form from Ben and Co. It will be better than Batch or Dixon, but it won't be lights out efficiency. The Browns D ranks 21st in the league.
Mendy and the run game should be productive, especially as the passing threat is now back. I look for some 1st down throws and a pass dominant first drive. After the pass is established, a good 55/45 mix of run and pass should develop.
The Browns secondary is over-matched by the Steeler receiver corps: Ward, Wallace, Mendy, ARE and Miller. With Sanders getting a ST hat, he'll get some good time at the 4WR position. Hopefully, he'll make some good plays. What the Steelers really need to focus on is pass protection. The December Defeat was scarred by 8 sacks. Unacceptable. The OL must be smart. The OC must put the team in position to have success. The Browns can't stop the Steelers if the Steelers call a smart game, but the Browns can take advantage of mistakes and make the Steelers pay if they aren't smart.
Look for 4 scores for more than 17 points.
20-9 Steelers and a satisfying 4-1.
Steelhead
| 6 | Sun, Oct 17 | @ New England | 1:00 PM ET |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 24 | Buffalo | 1:00 PM ET |
| 8 | Bye |
The next three weeks look like this for the Steelers:
| 6 | Oct 17 | CLE @ PIT |
| 7 | Oct 24 | PIT @ MIA |
| 8 | Oct 31 | PIT @ NO |
At 4-1 and with a head to head advantage, the Ravens control the division. The game at NE will be tough. I'm not so sure that the Ravens will win in Foxboro. I think the Pats will have a plan to take advantage of the Ravens through the air, and will make this game very close. Look for the Pats to spread the field and make the Ravens chase inside out.
The game against Buffalo should be an easy win for the Ravens...unless they overlook them. That's probably not going to happen.
I look for the Ravens to enter the bye at 5-2.
The Steelers have two tough road games against Miami and New Orleans. These looked worse at the start of the year, but Miami plays good defense and New Orleans' offense can catch fire quickly. If they enter the two away games at 4-1, then they stand a good chance to enter week at 5-2...potentially 6-1 if things go right.
Cleveland
I was at that last game in Cleveland - the -10F - game (OK...I exaggerate...but it was COLD). I had to listen to Browns fans act like tools. Some idiot behind me kept screaming "Da Raidahhhs". He was a typical Cleveland fan. I know the Steelers remember that game...I just hope Arians' is not as brain dead.
The Browns Offense
With McCoy starting, I anticipate a very conservative game plan from the Browns. I think McCoy will throw 10-15 times maximum to limit turnovers. The big challenge will be Cribbs running the Wildcat. The Steelers did not stop this scheme in the December loss, and they will see it until they stop it.
Look for McCoy's throws to be very safe. Screens, short ins, slants and the like. I think most of the throws past the line of scrimmage will be inside the hash marks. A deep out will not be the staple of this offense this week. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers CBs play the inside technique, and if we see dropping DEs to counter the inside throws. The Browns will try to run Hillis, but he's banged up and running on the Steelers out of a normal formation is so hard.
With Cribbs running the Wildcat, and with McCoy on the sideline, the Browns pick up an extra blocker. This is going to be the difference in the game. If the Steelers can't stop the Wildcat, it will be a long day. I'll give the Browns this - they play very physically. This will be a physical game, and the Steelers D must rise up and stop Cribbs and Co.
Look for three scores for less than 14 points.
Browns Defense
With Ben back, this offense will be on the grow. However, I don't anticipate mid-season form from Ben and Co. It will be better than Batch or Dixon, but it won't be lights out efficiency. The Browns D ranks 21st in the league.
Mendy and the run game should be productive, especially as the passing threat is now back. I look for some 1st down throws and a pass dominant first drive. After the pass is established, a good 55/45 mix of run and pass should develop.
The Browns secondary is over-matched by the Steeler receiver corps: Ward, Wallace, Mendy, ARE and Miller. With Sanders getting a ST hat, he'll get some good time at the 4WR position. Hopefully, he'll make some good plays. What the Steelers really need to focus on is pass protection. The December Defeat was scarred by 8 sacks. Unacceptable. The OL must be smart. The OC must put the team in position to have success. The Browns can't stop the Steelers if the Steelers call a smart game, but the Browns can take advantage of mistakes and make the Steelers pay if they aren't smart.
Look for 4 scores for more than 17 points.
20-9 Steelers and a satisfying 4-1.
Steelhead
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Ravens Week!!
Let's look back at the win in TB before moving forward.
1. Batch played well, but those two deep balls were really gambles. Don't think that those types of throws will consistently work against the Ravens - even without Reed.
2. The run game looked excellent. That is the big story coming out of the win @ TB. The rush average was stellar, and they closed the game out in the second half with time consuming drives based on the run. Get the lead with the pass - salt the game away with the run. Sounds awfully familiar...
3. What can you say about the defense? The best in the league.
Now - let's look at Sunday.
The Ravens Offense
The Ravens offense is rarely prolific against the Steeler D, especially in Pittsburgh. Will that change with a slew of new weapons? No. This offense is averaging about 14 points per game with the entire starting offense in place. The premier weapon for the Ravens vs Pittsburgh is Ray Rice. His running ability and agility is space is exceptional. I expect Timmons to completely contain Rice, if he plays. Timmons has quietly stifled opponent running games and his speed and explosiveness can match Rice in the flat.
Bert Flacco has never excelled against the Steelers in the pass, and I don't expect that to change. With a combination of pass rush and games in coverage, Lebeau's unit will frustrate Flacco all day. I look for Woodley to abuse Yanda routinely, which will force Baltimore to slide protection to the right. This will leave Silverback with a one-on-one with Oher. Look for further abuse there too. This is why Boldin won't be a huge difference maker. They can't protect both sides and still pressure the secondary.
When the Ravens go into the unbalanced offensive set, that use to be a strength. The Steelers can counter with a four DL unit by adding Ziggy to the starting three DL and pulling out a CB (not needed). I don't think that this set will be consistently successful against the Steelers.
Bottom line: Ravens score three times for less than 14 points.
Ravens Defense
This defense feasted on Sanchez, Palmer and Wallace. They did not contain Hillis. They have produced only 1 turn over in three games. Pardon me if I'm not impressed yet. I think the Ravens defense is ripe for abuse this week. Keep in mind that the Steelers have done it before to this defense. Without Reed and with a bit of a banged up defense, there are holes to be exploited. The running game for the Steelers will not be hugely effective. If the Steelers can average 3.5-4.0 yds per carry, that will be enough to keep Baltimore honest. Carr and Washington will struggle against Wallace and Ward.
With Batch in, look for the pass to dominate the play calling. This is how to beat the Ravens - you can't make a living running on them. You need to pass to set up the occasional run. With Ward, Wallace, Heath and Mendy, there will be more than enough options to break the secondary. I think pass protection will be good enough to buy time for the short passing game, and an occasional deep ball.
Bottom line: Steelers score four times for less than 24 points.
20-13 Steelers and they enter the bye @ a remarkable 4-0.
Steelhead
1. Batch played well, but those two deep balls were really gambles. Don't think that those types of throws will consistently work against the Ravens - even without Reed.
2. The run game looked excellent. That is the big story coming out of the win @ TB. The rush average was stellar, and they closed the game out in the second half with time consuming drives based on the run. Get the lead with the pass - salt the game away with the run. Sounds awfully familiar...
3. What can you say about the defense? The best in the league.
Now - let's look at Sunday.
The Ravens Offense
The Ravens offense is rarely prolific against the Steeler D, especially in Pittsburgh. Will that change with a slew of new weapons? No. This offense is averaging about 14 points per game with the entire starting offense in place. The premier weapon for the Ravens vs Pittsburgh is Ray Rice. His running ability and agility is space is exceptional. I expect Timmons to completely contain Rice, if he plays. Timmons has quietly stifled opponent running games and his speed and explosiveness can match Rice in the flat.
When the Ravens go into the unbalanced offensive set, that use to be a strength. The Steelers can counter with a four DL unit by adding Ziggy to the starting three DL and pulling out a CB (not needed). I don't think that this set will be consistently successful against the Steelers.
Bottom line: Ravens score three times for less than 14 points.
Ravens Defense
This defense feasted on Sanchez, Palmer and Wallace. They did not contain Hillis. They have produced only 1 turn over in three games. Pardon me if I'm not impressed yet. I think the Ravens defense is ripe for abuse this week. Keep in mind that the Steelers have done it before to this defense. Without Reed and with a bit of a banged up defense, there are holes to be exploited. The running game for the Steelers will not be hugely effective. If the Steelers can average 3.5-4.0 yds per carry, that will be enough to keep Baltimore honest. Carr and Washington will struggle against Wallace and Ward.
With Batch in, look for the pass to dominate the play calling. This is how to beat the Ravens - you can't make a living running on them. You need to pass to set up the occasional run. With Ward, Wallace, Heath and Mendy, there will be more than enough options to break the secondary. I think pass protection will be good enough to buy time for the short passing game, and an occasional deep ball.
Bottom line: Steelers score four times for less than 24 points.
20-13 Steelers and they enter the bye @ a remarkable 4-0.
Steelhead
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Week 3 - vs the Bucs
Sorry about not posting Week 2....life is crazy at times.
I am certainly pleased about the state of the Steelers through 2 weeks. I thought they might be 1-1, and I figured they would be competitive. Obviously, the offense is deficient without Ben. Some folks are saying that this defense looks as good as the 2008 version. I disagree. I think it is better. There have been upgrades in a lot of different areas:
1. MLB - Timmons is much better than Foote ever could have been. He is all over and is making impact plays. The speed in the middle is now outstanding. It used to be that the Buck position didn't have much speed...but no longer. Having Foote back creates wonderful depth too. He's not a slouch, but Timmons is so talented.
2. OLB - Woodley is much better than the 2008 version, and Harrison looks the same. So, the outside pass rush is even better 2 years later.
3. DL depth - Hood can come in and get quality minutes to spell Smith and Keisel. In short yardage packages, he's been a stud. He also provides a nice active inside pass rush. I look for Ziggy to get a lot more time by the end of the year.
TB's Offense
This is a young offense lead by a young QB. I like Josh Freeman a lot. I think he has a strong arm, throws a nice deep ball and has good mobility. He has good weapons in Winslow, Cadillac and Mike Williams. Winslow's effectiveness will be interesting to watch as he nurses a knee injury and did not practice. Same for center Jeff Faine who has an ankle injury. Look for the Steelers to provide pressure from the middle against Faine.
I think, unfortunately for Tampa, that the Steeler defense will be too much. Now, Tampa can control how this game looks. If Freeman gets frustrated and makes silly throws, then this game is going to landslide on Tampa. However, if Freeman is patient, is willing to play a field position game and is OK with punting and not making the mistake, then this could be a very close game. In that instance, it might go down to the last possession. Tampa has to do things out of the ordinary to get Lebeau's defense off-balance. I just don't see it happening.
Bottom Line: Tampa scores twice for less than 10 points.
TB's Defense
Tampa runs a 4-3 Cover 2 scheme, and they've been pretty stingy against Cleveland and Carolina. Those two opponents aren't offensive juggernauts...but the Steelers aren't right now either. The DL is average. The LBs are average. The CBs are the strength of the Tampa defense. We'll how rookie McCoy matches up with Pouncey. This defense is not sack crazy, so hopefully the o-line will be able to provide some time for Batch. Starks comes back this week, and that will make the LT position a little better.
The Steeler offense has to find some way to manufacture passing yards to take some pressure off the run game. Bubble screens, quick hitters to Heath...something positive. I'd like to see a deep pass to Wallace early on to set the tone - even if it goes incomplete. If they can do that, just keep the defense honest, the run game should open up nicely.
Bottom Line: Steelers score at least 16 points.
16-9 Steelers
Steelers 3-0
Steelhead
I am certainly pleased about the state of the Steelers through 2 weeks. I thought they might be 1-1, and I figured they would be competitive. Obviously, the offense is deficient without Ben. Some folks are saying that this defense looks as good as the 2008 version. I disagree. I think it is better. There have been upgrades in a lot of different areas:
1. MLB - Timmons is much better than Foote ever could have been. He is all over and is making impact plays. The speed in the middle is now outstanding. It used to be that the Buck position didn't have much speed...but no longer. Having Foote back creates wonderful depth too. He's not a slouch, but Timmons is so talented.
2. OLB - Woodley is much better than the 2008 version, and Harrison looks the same. So, the outside pass rush is even better 2 years later.
3. DL depth - Hood can come in and get quality minutes to spell Smith and Keisel. In short yardage packages, he's been a stud. He also provides a nice active inside pass rush. I look for Ziggy to get a lot more time by the end of the year.
TB's Offense
This is a young offense lead by a young QB. I like Josh Freeman a lot. I think he has a strong arm, throws a nice deep ball and has good mobility. He has good weapons in Winslow, Cadillac and Mike Williams. Winslow's effectiveness will be interesting to watch as he nurses a knee injury and did not practice. Same for center Jeff Faine who has an ankle injury. Look for the Steelers to provide pressure from the middle against Faine.
I think, unfortunately for Tampa, that the Steeler defense will be too much. Now, Tampa can control how this game looks. If Freeman gets frustrated and makes silly throws, then this game is going to landslide on Tampa. However, if Freeman is patient, is willing to play a field position game and is OK with punting and not making the mistake, then this could be a very close game. In that instance, it might go down to the last possession. Tampa has to do things out of the ordinary to get Lebeau's defense off-balance. I just don't see it happening.
Bottom Line: Tampa scores twice for less than 10 points.
TB's Defense
Tampa runs a 4-3 Cover 2 scheme, and they've been pretty stingy against Cleveland and Carolina. Those two opponents aren't offensive juggernauts...but the Steelers aren't right now either. The DL is average. The LBs are average. The CBs are the strength of the Tampa defense. We'll how rookie McCoy matches up with Pouncey. This defense is not sack crazy, so hopefully the o-line will be able to provide some time for Batch. Starks comes back this week, and that will make the LT position a little better.
The Steeler offense has to find some way to manufacture passing yards to take some pressure off the run game. Bubble screens, quick hitters to Heath...something positive. I'd like to see a deep pass to Wallace early on to set the tone - even if it goes incomplete. If they can do that, just keep the defense honest, the run game should open up nicely.
Bottom Line: Steelers score at least 16 points.
16-9 Steelers
Steelers 3-0
Steelhead
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week 1 Pre-game Analysis
Obviously, the big issue is not having Ben. So, let's just acknowledge that, and get it out of the way. While Ben is, in my opinion, a future Hall of Fame QB, there are other players that can win on this team. The Steelers be fine through the first 4 weeks.
Let's look at Atlanta - what they do well, and how the Steelers match up on offense and defense.
Atlanta's Offense
The big four are Ryan, Turner, To-Go and Roddy White. WR Jenkins might not play due to a shoulder injury as he did not practice during the week.
This offense cannot go toe to toe with the Steelers defense. It is simply not physical enough. Look for a lot of redirection and moving the pocket to buy Ryan some extra time and to keep the middle blitz from being effective. During the run game, Atlanta will attack the edge (off-guard and off-tackle runs) with Turner. Turner is a fast guy, but he is not a foreign entity to the Steelers. They shut him down when he was with SD, and I expect the Steelers D to control him on Sunday. Woodley and Deebo have to control the edge.
The Steelers need to control Gonzales as he takes the seam. In the past, this was like kryptonite for the Steelers D. However, I look for Timmons and Troy to control this type of pattern and to make Tony really work to get open. This leaves Ike on White, which I think will be a wash. Look for 5 catches, 50-70 yds for White. Due to injury, Altanta's WR depth is not adequate to challenge the Steeler 2-4-5 package or the dime package.
The big advantage on defense for the Steelers are the OT/OLB matchups. Atlanta's OTs cannot matchup with Silverback and Woodley one on one. With To-Go running routes, that leaves RBs or FBs to chip and pick up free rushers in pass pro. I like the Steeler pass rush in this one. Look for at least 3 sacks.
Bottom Line: Atlanta scores three times for 13 points.
Atlanta's Defense
Atlanta runs a 4-3 with good edge rushers in Abraham and Biermann. The DTs are nothing exceptional, with Jerry having unknown upside coming into his 2nd season. The LB corps is just OK, with Lofton being the tackling machine @ MLB, aging Peterson at the Sam LB and rookie Witherspoon at the Will LB. The secondary is weak at strong safety and the corner spot opposite Dunta Robinson. Depth @ CB is not that good. Last year, this unit was 28th against the pass. They are lucky Ben is not in.
The Steelers have advantages at WR, TE and running up the middle. They need to be cautious in pass pro with Abraham and Biermann, and need to provide support for the OTs from time to time. Like Atlanta, but for different reasons, look for the Steelers to move the QB around. If someone on D has to spy Dixon, then that leaves on less body in coverage.
Robinson should cover Wallace, and I think Wallace can exploit him. With Robinson's recovering hamstring, it will be a tough day trying to hang with Wallace's speed. Look for Atlanta to roll a safety over top of Wallace consistently. If they don't, they'll pay. Ward should be able to turn Grimes or Williams around enough to be a consistent chain mover, and provide open looks to Dixon in the red zone. Heath can do whatever he wants in the middle. The big limiter here is Dixon's decision making. If he takes what the defense gives, and is patient, he'll win this game. I look for Dixon to throw 20-25 times for about 180-240 yards.
Mendenhall should have a decent game if he holds on to the ball. Atlanta will be looking for it. If Pouncey can get to Lofton consistently, then the Steelers should have a stellar day on the ground. If Pouncey gets caught up in the trash, or gets controlled by the DTs, then that will limit production...but not completely. I anticipate 20-25 carries for 90-110 yards from Mendy.
Bottom Line: Steelers score four times and hang at least 24 points on Atlanta. Once score is due to great field position from a turnover.
24-13 Steelers
Steelers 1-0
This will be a fun one to watch.
Steelhead
Let's look at Atlanta - what they do well, and how the Steelers match up on offense and defense.
Atlanta's Offense
The big four are Ryan, Turner, To-Go and Roddy White. WR Jenkins might not play due to a shoulder injury as he did not practice during the week.
This offense cannot go toe to toe with the Steelers defense. It is simply not physical enough. Look for a lot of redirection and moving the pocket to buy Ryan some extra time and to keep the middle blitz from being effective. During the run game, Atlanta will attack the edge (off-guard and off-tackle runs) with Turner. Turner is a fast guy, but he is not a foreign entity to the Steelers. They shut him down when he was with SD, and I expect the Steelers D to control him on Sunday. Woodley and Deebo have to control the edge.
The Steelers need to control Gonzales as he takes the seam. In the past, this was like kryptonite for the Steelers D. However, I look for Timmons and Troy to control this type of pattern and to make Tony really work to get open. This leaves Ike on White, which I think will be a wash. Look for 5 catches, 50-70 yds for White. Due to injury, Altanta's WR depth is not adequate to challenge the Steeler 2-4-5 package or the dime package.
The big advantage on defense for the Steelers are the OT/OLB matchups. Atlanta's OTs cannot matchup with Silverback and Woodley one on one. With To-Go running routes, that leaves RBs or FBs to chip and pick up free rushers in pass pro. I like the Steeler pass rush in this one. Look for at least 3 sacks.
Bottom Line: Atlanta scores three times for 13 points.
Atlanta's Defense
Atlanta runs a 4-3 with good edge rushers in Abraham and Biermann. The DTs are nothing exceptional, with Jerry having unknown upside coming into his 2nd season. The LB corps is just OK, with Lofton being the tackling machine @ MLB, aging Peterson at the Sam LB and rookie Witherspoon at the Will LB. The secondary is weak at strong safety and the corner spot opposite Dunta Robinson. Depth @ CB is not that good. Last year, this unit was 28th against the pass. They are lucky Ben is not in.
The Steelers have advantages at WR, TE and running up the middle. They need to be cautious in pass pro with Abraham and Biermann, and need to provide support for the OTs from time to time. Like Atlanta, but for different reasons, look for the Steelers to move the QB around. If someone on D has to spy Dixon, then that leaves on less body in coverage.
Robinson should cover Wallace, and I think Wallace can exploit him. With Robinson's recovering hamstring, it will be a tough day trying to hang with Wallace's speed. Look for Atlanta to roll a safety over top of Wallace consistently. If they don't, they'll pay. Ward should be able to turn Grimes or Williams around enough to be a consistent chain mover, and provide open looks to Dixon in the red zone. Heath can do whatever he wants in the middle. The big limiter here is Dixon's decision making. If he takes what the defense gives, and is patient, he'll win this game. I look for Dixon to throw 20-25 times for about 180-240 yards.
Mendenhall should have a decent game if he holds on to the ball. Atlanta will be looking for it. If Pouncey can get to Lofton consistently, then the Steelers should have a stellar day on the ground. If Pouncey gets caught up in the trash, or gets controlled by the DTs, then that will limit production...but not completely. I anticipate 20-25 carries for 90-110 yards from Mendy.
Bottom Line: Steelers score four times and hang at least 24 points on Atlanta. Once score is due to great field position from a turnover.
24-13 Steelers
Steelers 1-0
This will be a fun one to watch.
Steelhead
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Draft Thoughts
Evander Hood
I like his size at DE, being 300lbs. I like his motor and style of play. Will he replace Keisel or Smith? I think this will be Keisel's last year with the Steelers. This is his last year on his contract, and I'm sure the Steelers will want Hood starting next year. Look for Hood to start contributing in the nickle 2-4-5 alignment by week 8. A duo of Hood and Smith would give a nice balance of run stopping and interior pass rush. This means Hood would be stealing playing time from Keisel - very similar to the Timmons/Foote scenario.
Kraig Urbik
Big and nasty - I love it! Look for Urbik to challenge for the RG position in camp. If Urbik picks up the zone blocking scheme and playbook, I think he'll be more effective than Stapleton for Week 1. Wisconsin OL prospects do very well in the NFL, and I expect Urbik to excel in the Steelers scheme. The interior running game should improve with him in the lineup, however, his big learning curve will be in pass pro, blitz recognition and stunt pickups.
Mike Wallace
For the love of Pete, all he has to do is make the team as a kick returner. His primary competition, Gary Russell, was cut already. Any production at WR would be bonus. All he has to do is catch the ball and get past the 20 on KO returns, and not fumble punts. The kid has speed, so if the ST unit can get him a crease, it could be very fun to watch.
Keenan Lewis
Kind of reminds me of Ike with less speed and identical hands. Might be a free safety eventually, as Clark is in his last contract year, and Lewis has the size.
Joe Burnett
Too small for a Steelers corner, and doesn't have very good speed. Maybe a good punt return guy, but reminds me of Willie Reid...and we know how that turned out. Reid was faster too. Can he make the team by just contributing on ST? I guess we'll find out. I think this is one pick that does not make the team...but contributes on the practice squad.
Frank Summers
I love this pick. I think Frank already took Gary Russell's goaline role. If I were Willie Parker, I'd be worried. With Mendenhall coming back from injury, and Summers taking the short yardage situations, and Moore coming in on 3rd downs...well...what will Willie's role be? I think Parker will be gone in two years, as his primary game is speed, and that will slip eventually. Back to Summers - he is aggressive and physical and has decent speed too. Has really good hands that can create a mismatch with a smaller defender. Think LaRon McLain.
Ra'shon Harris
Eh - practice squad.
A.Q. Shipley
Value pick here, as he will be the backup center as a rookie, and might even start someday. The biggest knock is his short arms. If he can work through that, he will be a decent center for a while...certainly better than Mahan....oops.
David Johnson
Might challenge Spaeth for the 2nd TE spot, and McHugh for the H-back type role. However, he's got his work cut out for him with McHugh. Probably contributes on the practice squad until Spaeth moves on.
A lot of people are grading this draft...I'll wait to see who actually makes the team and contributes. I do like the fact the Steelers brought in talented players at the positions of need.
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