zulater
11-01-2012, 09:42 AM
1. Keenan Lewis is the most improved player on the Steelers. Not only since last season, but since September. He's becoming a solid number 2 corner.
2. Don't draft defensive ends in the first round for the 3-4 defense. Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward sho flashes from time to time. But neither is what you'd call a solid starter quite yet. But on reflection I don't think it's them as much as the system. Look at our last two high quality DE's. It took Aaron Smith at least 3 seasons before you started to take notice of him. And Brett Keisel even longer than that. The thing with those guys was they weren't burdened with the expectations of an early draft choice ( 4th and 6th roud respectively), so they were allowed to develop over time without harsh scrutiny or critiscism from the fans. Before that we got Kemo Van O as a solid NFL veteran. So be patient with these guys. And also stop drafting DE's so early Kevin Colbert.
3. Willie Colon is the most improved player on the offensive side of the ball since the season began. The penalties seem to be subsiding ( knock wood) and he's carving out nice holes for the running game. Still giving up too many sacks, but he's coming along good, and it looks like the move to guard was a winner.
4. LeBeau has done a great job the last few games. I'd even say he did ok against the Titans. ( game was lost on special teams and poor execution across the board) In all honestly given the talent ( or lack thereof) I would even say he's overachieving. Harrison is struggling. Same with Woodley. Troy is out. Hampton is way past his prime. Keisel's play has been spotty. Foote tries hard but is undersized and gets pushed around quite often. Putting Will Allen in over Mundy has been a huge upgrade. But still other than Timmons, Lewis and Clark, who on this defense is playing at a consistently high level? Yet they're making key stops lately.
Though it has helped that Taylor has got his head out of his ass the last couple games.
5. If the run game can become more consistent the long ball will return to the offense. You can see it coming. Every week the Steelers prove to the league they can run the ball the more dangerous Ben will become with the play action pass. It's coming. Expect to see some big downfield throws in the weeks ahead.
6. Heath Miller and Maurkice Pouncey are as good as there is at their positions in the league. Miller's overall value to the Steelers makes him more valuable to his team than any other tight end. And Pouncey when healthy is just in another league than any other center.
7. If the Steelers can go 3-2 or better in their next 5 games ( assuming no worse than a split with the Ravens) and suffer no critical injuries down the stretch they'll be playing in the AFC title game.
Just hope that if we advance that far we don't end up having to play in Denver.
2. Don't draft defensive ends in the first round for the 3-4 defense. Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward sho flashes from time to time. But neither is what you'd call a solid starter quite yet. But on reflection I don't think it's them as much as the system. Look at our last two high quality DE's. It took Aaron Smith at least 3 seasons before you started to take notice of him. And Brett Keisel even longer than that. The thing with those guys was they weren't burdened with the expectations of an early draft choice ( 4th and 6th roud respectively), so they were allowed to develop over time without harsh scrutiny or critiscism from the fans. Before that we got Kemo Van O as a solid NFL veteran. So be patient with these guys. And also stop drafting DE's so early Kevin Colbert.
3. Willie Colon is the most improved player on the offensive side of the ball since the season began. The penalties seem to be subsiding ( knock wood) and he's carving out nice holes for the running game. Still giving up too many sacks, but he's coming along good, and it looks like the move to guard was a winner.
4. LeBeau has done a great job the last few games. I'd even say he did ok against the Titans. ( game was lost on special teams and poor execution across the board) In all honestly given the talent ( or lack thereof) I would even say he's overachieving. Harrison is struggling. Same with Woodley. Troy is out. Hampton is way past his prime. Keisel's play has been spotty. Foote tries hard but is undersized and gets pushed around quite often. Putting Will Allen in over Mundy has been a huge upgrade. But still other than Timmons, Lewis and Clark, who on this defense is playing at a consistently high level? Yet they're making key stops lately.
Though it has helped that Taylor has got his head out of his ass the last couple games.
5. If the run game can become more consistent the long ball will return to the offense. You can see it coming. Every week the Steelers prove to the league they can run the ball the more dangerous Ben will become with the play action pass. It's coming. Expect to see some big downfield throws in the weeks ahead.
6. Heath Miller and Maurkice Pouncey are as good as there is at their positions in the league. Miller's overall value to the Steelers makes him more valuable to his team than any other tight end. And Pouncey when healthy is just in another league than any other center.
7. If the Steelers can go 3-2 or better in their next 5 games ( assuming no worse than a split with the Ravens) and suffer no critical injuries down the stretch they'll be playing in the AFC title game.
Just hope that if we advance that far we don't end up having to play in Denver.