Are There Reasons to Stay Positive?

[Craic]

So pulling from another thread where a discussion started on whether there's reasons to stay positive, I thought it'd be good to start a new thread on the topic. It is definitely worth asking the question. Personally, my answer is yes, we have lots of reasons to be positive right now. Realize, as I say that, I'm not discounting the horrid performance either of this game, or of the first quarter of the season, but that also does not mean I can't see positive right now. So, in no particular order, here are my reasons for staying positive:



We are 3-2 after five games and in sole possession of first place in the AFCN. Granted, we have a tied record with the Ravens, but we still are in first by virtue of the tie-breaker. That means we don't have our backs against a wall to figure out the problems immediately or our season tanks. (Yes, I want them figured out immediately, but with another game against the Ravens and two games against the Bengals still to play, we most likely will be in the drivers seat for the division for a while yet, which gives us time to figure things out.




This is our first real loss. Yes, we're 3-2, I know that. However, this is the first game where the other team beat us as much as we beat ourselves. Now, why is that important, or a reason to be optimistic? See the next point.




This team has yet to play a single quarter of football as a team. So far, we are getting several good individual performances and a few not so good performances. However, at no point has the whole been better than the sum of its parts, which is what happens when teams play as a team rather than as individuals. Okay, but why does that make me optimistic? Because we're 3-2 on individual effort alone. We are experiences the bottom-limit of what this team can accomplish. Think about that for a second. We are literally at the minimum of ability right now, and we're still in first place. That also means we have a ton of potential still to tap into for this season, and there's no reason to think we won't do it at some point.




Bell. Yeah, I can't believe I'm saying this after what we saw this summer. But today, despite only having 47 yards on the ground, Bell had the speed, burst and vision that makes him so great (he had it last week as well). I expect a breakout performance by him within the next two weeks. And then, we're going to ride that train as far as it'll take us a la the days of the Bus.




Defense. Coming into this weekend, this defense was in




[*=1]1st place in the entire league in yards per play
[*=1]1st place in yards allowed per attempted through the air
[*=1]1st place in drives ending in scores with only 23 percent of drives ending in points
[*=1]2nd place in total passing yards
[*=1]2nd place in TDs allowed through the air
[*=1]3rd place overall in total yards
[*=1]4th place (tied) in takeaways
[*=1]7th place (tied) in first downs allowed




AB. Despite all we're seeing that is bad on offense, AB is still putting up silly numbers every week.




The Steelers will be at worst, 3-3 in our first six games. Since 2002 (Fifteen years back), this team has only missed the playoffs twice after going 3-3 in the first six. One of those seasons was 2012 when our very old defense simply ran out of gas. There's no reason to expect a repeat of that situation this year. The other was in 2009, which is the season we lost Troy after the first game, and he was out most of the year. Before, that, we have to go all the way back to 2000. That year, the Steelers lost their first three games and also had a bye week after game 1 (and we were still one game away from the playoffs). There's no reason, historically, that 3-3 shouldn't have us competing for the playoffs in the last game. Moreover, historically, this team is a 3-3/4-2 team after six, with only a few seasons peaking at 5-1.




So far, we only have one loss against an AFC opponent. That bodes very well for us in going forward as it puts us in a good place for tie-breakers.




Ben. Yes, that's right. Ben. He still has the arm strength, so that's not the problem. And as long as the physical tools are still there, the potential is still there. And, despite what we've seen so far this year, I simply cannot see Ben going through the motions and then calling it quits. He's still way to competitive. Do I think his best days are behind him? Sure. I even started a thread about how the thought of sitting him crossed my mind. However, today aside, even a mediocre Ben is better than over half the QBs in the league. Today was a very bad day. But if we put that aside for a second, Ben has been mediocre this year, and he's still gotten done when he had to. I'll take that for now.


Thoughts?

[steelreserve]

I mean, we're still more than likely to win the division, and the team would still be among the best in the league if the offense ever finds itself. I just have no idea what in the hell it's going to take to make it come together for them.

[Born2Steel]

Ben was 24 of 30 within 15 yards of the LOS today.

AB alone had 19 targets today. 10 catches.

[teegre]

1. First place in the AFCN.
2. Third seed in the playoffs.
3. So far, HORRID on offense.

SUMMATION:
If the offense ever figures things out, we will be fine.

[Craic]

1. First place in the AFCN.
2. Third seed in the playoffs.
3. So far, HORRID on offense.

SUMMATION:
If the offense ever figures things out, we will be fine.

What I can't get over is the defense. Really, except for a few gashes (if we take away the long runs! :chuckle:), the defensive effort of this team has been tremendous.

[teegre]

What I can't get over is the defense. Really, except for a few gashes (if we take away the long runs! :chuckle:), the defensive effort of this team has been tremendous.

Take away the last run (yes, it “counts” ...but, so did Justin Houstin’s TD last week), and the defense gave up 3 points.

The first TD was on a shortened field. Yes, they still could have stopped them, but the INT didn’t help. Ultimately, that is still only 10 points given by the defense.

[Mojouw]

There are plenty of reasons for optimism:

1. 11th in total points allowed. The top team has played on less game. The difference between the 2nd place team and the Steelers is also the # of TDs that Ben has thrown to the opposition.
2. 1st in pass yards allowed. Basically last in rush yards allowed - so that is a push?
3. 4th in yards per game allowed
4. 3rd in sacks
5. 10th in passes defensed
6. top 10 in INTS and forced fumbles

That is a pretty solid base to build from for the remainder of the season. The biggest concerns are cleaning up the run defense and why the QB is in a fog. Answer those two and this is a really solid team.

[Steeldude]

I prefer the term stay realistic. The Steelers are still eligible for the playoffs.

[DesertSteel]

The positive is that this stuff doesn't bother me nearly as bad as it used to :)

[Born2Steel]

There are always positives. Even as pissed as I am about this game, there are still plenty of positives. First, we are good enough to beat that team. And we should have beaten them this time. Looking ahead at the marathon season, there are lots to be positive about. Still a long road ahead and anything can happen. We've seen this before.

[Moose]

God bless you all ! But my glass is still half empty. This team has just so much talent with young runners and young receivers and the coaches just can't find plays to utilize them.

[vasteeler]

I will Always stay positive. Until we are mathematically eliminated or booted from the playoffs I will always think this team has a chance to win it all. Before you guys accuse me I will come out and say it myself. Yes, I do wear black and gold glasses. I do drink the black and gold Kool-Aid and I always will

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

The positive is that this stuff doesn't bother me nearly as bad as it used to :)

:hatsoff:
Great. Would being negative about it really help anyways?

[Count Steeler]

Well, this team was built to beat the Patriots. Let's see what happens against the Chiefs this week.

[DesertSteel]

:hatsoff:
Great. Would being negative about it really help anyways?
No but it takes a few years to figure that out :)

[86WARD]

Yes. This team is still very, very good. They are, mentally, in a dark place right now. They need to gel and bond as one first and foremost. The locker room separation or whatever is going on has to be put behind them. then they all need to ask themselves if they really want to be there and if they are serious. If they can do that and begin executing and playing to their talents, this team can roll. All they need to do is make the playoffs and have their shit together. Could be a big ask though...

[lipps83]

They should have most issues figured out by week 10 at the latest. As long as they don't completely lay an egg before then, they should be fine.

[ALLD]

It's only football and it can't get much worse. Ben should personally refund every ticket holder.

[SteelMayhem72]

Ive lost faith in this team...these guys are suppose to be professionals...if they cant figure it out then they sont.need to be playing. Also, tomlin being a players' coach bites them all in the ass cause they dont see any repercussions in playing badly.

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[SteelMayhem72]

Sorry for the typo

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[Moose]

Maybe they ought to have Mr. Rooney come in the locker room and give a 'family' speech for himself and say a few things his father and grandfather would've said. Explain the Rooney's thoughts and beliefs. The family tradition. The fundamentals. Lay everything on the line about being a STEELER and wearing the BLACK/GOLD. Apparently Tomlin or none of the other coaches know how to pump it up in the locker room. Apparently none of the coaches know anything about being a Steeler and the family unity that comes with wearing the Black/Gold. That there are no 'me' problems, just 'team' problems....and the team together helps correct it. Even if 1 player is having an issue, the team helps to correct it. I've been a fan a long, long time. There have been ups/downs in this organization before. But the problem is dealt with from within. The coaches settle inside, with the Rooney's overseeing. I'm really not sure the coaches have that type of handle or control as of now and you can see the team is all heading in different directions.

[teegre]

I watched the Taperiots commit back-to-back personal fouls when the clock had expired before the half, giving the Buccaneers 30 yards and an unearned attempt at a FG. (Folk missed the FG, but that's not the point.)

Has Belichick lost his ability to coach?
Are his players just mailing it in?
Should they give up on the season???

I know, I know: Belichick has turned it around before. He's the greatest. Once they figure it all out, they'll be fine.

But, so has Tomlin. And, while Tomlin isn't the "greatest", he is indeed the third winningest coach over the past decade. Lastly, our talent (if it ever gels) is far greater than that of the Taperiots.

[st33lersguy]

Realistically they could finish 9-7 and still get the #3 seed, with how weak the AFC North and South is this year

[teegre]

Realistically they could finish 9-7 and still get the #3 seed, with how weak the AFC North and South is this year

Bingo!!!

Aside from the Chiefs, everyone is kind of "meh".

[ALLD]

Maybe they ought to have Mr. Rooney come in the locker room and give a 'family' speech for himself and say a few things his father and grandfather would've said. Explain the Rooney's thoughts and beliefs. The family tradition. The fundamentals. Lay everything on the line about being a STEELER and wearing the BLACK/GOLD. Apparently Tomlin or none of the other coaches know how to pump it up in the locker room. Apparently none of the coaches know anything about being a Steeler and the family unity that comes with wearing the Black/Gold. That there are no 'me' problems, just 'team' problems....and the team together helps correct it. Even if 1 player is having an issue, the team helps to correct it. I've been a fan a long, long time. There have been ups/downs in this organization before. But the problem is dealt with from within. The coaches settle inside, with the Rooney's overseeing. I'm really not sure the coaches have that type of handle or control as of now and you can see the team is all heading in different directions.

The important meaning of what it is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler may have died with Dan's passing this year. Some of the players are there just for the paycheck and could care less about a legacy or pride. Looks like there was less preparation this week than last week and they got burned.

[Lady Steel]

I don't care what anyone else does, but I'm going to remain positive because that's how I roll. If someone wants to wallow in misery, that's on them.

One of the problems these days is that people want instant gratification.


http://www.smbtraining.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/patience_grasshopper.jpg


This team will get its' shit together, and it's going to be glorious when they do. :tt02:

[hawaiiansteeler]

no reasons to stay positive, season is pretty much over at 3-2

https://rossrightangle.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/its-over.jpg

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

I still think we got a good chance to win a Superbowl but Ben needs to have a come To Jesus talk with someone he respects. Which probably ain't Tomlin or Hailey. Hey Bruce Arians help your buddy Ben out!

[Mojouw]

I still think we got a good chance to win a Superbowl but Ben needs to have a come To Jesus talk with someone he respects.

This is the best comment I've seen yet on the issue. Wonder if he picks up the phone to an old QB coach or Chaz batch?


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[BlackAndGold]

I'll just say, it seems like every year this team always goes through bad stretches and they turn it around.

Will they do so now with the way Ben has looked? We'll see.

[43Hitman]

I don't care what anyone else does, but I'm going to remain positive because that's how I roll. If someone wants to wallow in misery, that's on them.

One of the problems these days is that people want instant gratification.


http://www.smbtraining.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/patience_grasshopper.jpg


This team will get its' shit together, and it's going to be glorious when they do. :tt02:
Absolutely, they will get their shit together. I really hope we get to quote all of these "it's over" folks, when the Steelers get back up on their feet and start kicking ass again. :chuckle:

[86WARD]

They’ll beat KC this week by a lot and then lose 17-16 to the Bengals.

[Born2Steel]

I see the opposite happening. I see us losing another head scratcher in KC, then turn around and put 40 on the Bengals. Otherwise how can the 'beat bad teams but lose to elite teams' threads continue?

[Steeldude]

They’ll beat KC this week by a lot and then lose 17-16 to the Bengals.

I can't see the Steelers beating the Chiefs. This team is going downhill. The players don't know their assignments. It's a coaching problem. If the throw it up and pray scheme works then they could have a chance of winning.

[GBMelBlount]

Ben is by far the biggest factor with regard to how this season plays out.

[Born2Steel]

I can't see the Steelers beating the Chiefs. This team is going downhill. The players don't know their assignments. It's a coaching problem. If the throw it up and pray scheme works then they could have a chance of winning.

I don't see us winning this week either. It's not a capable of winning issue, it's will they put it together enough to win issue, IMO. I don't think they are there just yet. Last year we had to fall to 4-5 before the team woke up. This team has the talent, just waiting on the drive to kick in.

[teegre]

Ben is by far the biggest factor with regard to how this season plays out.

Yep.

Even if all of the other negatives remained, if BB plays like we know he can, we’d be 5-0 and a legitimate #1 seed.

Heck, even converting 50% of the red-zone trips into TDs would be a vast improvement.

Because, as it is, we are 3-2 and the #3 seed... despite BB not playing a single game as we all know that he can.

[Count Steeler]

Yep.

Even if all of the other negatives remained, if BB plays like we know he can, we’d be 5-0 and a legitimate #1 seed.

Heck, even converting 50% of the red-zone trips into TDs would be a vast improvement.

Because, as it is, we are 3-2 and the #3 seed... despite BB not playing a single game as we all know that he can.

Pre Ben 2017 could certainly be better. Ben 2017 has yet to prove that he can crank it up. That Father time cliff is an ugly precipice. One minute you feel like you are driving a Cadillac, and the next you realize you are driving a Pinto.

I hope I am wrong, but 5/16th of the season is in the books and Ben has not been anywhere near a pre 2017 Ben.

And BTW, has Harrison even played a snap this year?

[tube517]

Pre Ben 2017 could certainly be better. Ben 2017 has yet to prove that he can crank it up. That Father time cliff is an ugly precipice. One minute you feel like you are driving a Cadillac, and the next you realize you are driving a Pinto.

I hope I am wrong, but 5/16th of the season is in the books and Ben has not been anywhere near a pre 2017 Ben.

And BTW, has Harrison even played a snap this year?

p/BaElX93Aty_


jhharrison92What my game day uniform looks like these days😂😂

[Mojouw]

Harrison has repeatedly been inactive because he does not play special teams.

Dupree and Watt have been dressing as the OLB starters.
Chickilo gets a hat as the primary back-up.
Moats goes over Harrison because he is the LT on certain special teams formations.

Following the present plan, the Steelers will not make Harrison a game day active until there is an injury at the LB position.

Agree or disagree, that is what the pattern has been.

[Count Steeler]

Harrison has repeatedly been inactive because he does not play special teams.

Dupree and Watt have been dressing as the OLB starters.
Chickilo gets a hat as the primary back-up.
Moats goes over Harrison because he is the LT on certain special teams formations.

Following the present plan, the Steelers will not make Harrison a game day active until there is an injury at the LB position.

Agree or disagree, that is what the pattern has been.

Not a question of pattern. One must surmise that the coaches believe that Harrison is not an improvement over their starting LBs. Another athlete that has been bitten by Father Time.

[teegre]

Pre Ben 2017 could certainly be better. Ben 2017 has yet to prove that he can crank it up. That Father time cliff is an ugly precipice. One minute you feel like you are driving a Cadillac, and the next you realize you are driving a Pinto.

I hope I am wrong, but 5/16th of the season is in the books and Ben has not been anywhere near a pre 2017 Ben.

Using a similar analogy, it’s like having a 2005 Mustang. It’s fast, and awesome. 13 year’s later, it can still be fast, but it requires a ton of maintainence.

Then, the clutch goes out on the same day that the radiator explodes.

I’m hoping that repairs can be made, plus a little extra attention be given to how/when we drive it at top speed... and we can get one more year out of this old beauty.

[Psycho Ward 86]

This is probably the best "reason to stay positive" article thats ever going to be on this thread: http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/10/big-ben-trying-accomplish-something-no-qb-done-since-1980/

-Big Ben's bad game was the 153rd time a QB had a 5 interception game. He's the 108th different player to do so
-He's actually the 4th Steelers QB to do so (Dick Shiner, Terry Bradshaw, and Mark Malone being the others)
-Bradshaw did it twice during the Steel Curtain era. The Steelers actually won the Superbowl in 1979 when he had one of those 5 interception games

-The other quarterbacks to have a 5 interception game AND win the superbowl in the same season: Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Johnny Unitas, and Jim Plunkett
-4 out of 5 of those are hall of famers...Ben is a future 1st ballot hall of famer

Summary: Crazier stuff has happened. Ben will be beyond legendary if he pulls it off to cap off his career

[AtlantaDan]

Andy Benoit of MMQB comes not to bury Ben but to praise him

After a good walk through of what happened on each INT, Benoit makes these observations

The third interception is the one we can dissect. Fowler’s pressure made Roethlisberger hasten his delivery, compromising some of his control. Roethlisberger is a Hall of Famer because he has a history of making unbelievable pinpoint throws downfield, under pressure. Would a 30-year-old Roethlisberger have had enough raw arm strength to make a better throw off a hastened delivery? Would a 25-year-old Roethlisberger tried to shake Fowler and extend the play before throwing? Maybe; we can’t know any of this for sure. But, for the sake of discussion, let’s say the answers is yes, a younger Roethlisberger would have found a way to make that play. Fine. But what about this game’s positive plays?

Roethlisberger had a half-dozen solid, nondescript plays on which the defense was identified before the snap and the ball was out right on time. A younger Roethlisberger would not have made those plays. This is Exhibit B for Roethlisberger’s a Hall of Fame candidacy: He’s the most evolved quarterback of his era (https://www.si.com/mmqb/2016/08/23/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-ben-roethlisberger-most-evolved-quarterback). His elevated football IQ and discipline have turned the Steelers into one of the league’s most diverse offenses, while also extending Roethlisberger’s career. He takes far fewer hits than in his sandlot playmaking days, and he’s a more efficient all-around player.

If Roethlisberger’s physical attributes are diminishing—and that’s a big if; he made multiple strong-armed throws in the Jacksonville game that beat quality coverage, including an 18-yard deep-out to Antonio Brown on third-and-12 versus terrific double-team man coverage—Roethlisberger’s evolution can carry him another few years.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/11/ben-roethlisberger-steelers-jaguars-five-interceptions-retirement-have-it-anymore-decline

[Craic]

Using a similar analogy, it’s like having a 2005 Mustang. It’s fast, and awesome. 13 year’s later, it can still be fast, but it requires a ton of maintainence.

Then, the clutch goes out on the same day that the radiator explodes.

I’m hoping that repairs can be made, plus a little extra attention be given to how/when we drive it at top speed... and we can get one more year out of this old beauty.

Screw that! First, it's a 1967 Mustang. Now, when the clutch goes out and the radiator blows, all it means is that it's time for another restomod. We start by dropping in a 427 CID Crate Engine and upgrading the . . . oh wait, you're using one of those metaforks. Aren't you?

Show off.

[teegre]

Screw that! First, it's a 1967 Mustang. Now, when the clutch goes out and the radiator blows, all it means is that it's time for another restomod. We start by dropping in a 427 CID Crate Engine and upgrading the . . . oh wait, you're using one of those metaforks. Aren't you?

Show off.

You win!!! :applaudit:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

How many people jumped back on the bandwagon this week?

I think somebody said something about an NFL season is a marathon and not a sprint, but they were probably a coach or something......so what do they know. :sarcasm2:

[Lady Steel]

^



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg


From everyone but us "rah-rah" fans. :chuckle:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

^



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg


From everyone but us "rah-rah" fans. :chuckle:

....lemmings. :yay3:

[Born2Steel]

I don't see us winning this week either. It's not a capable of winning issue, it's will they put it together enough to win issue, IMO. I don't think they are there just yet. Last year we had to fall to 4-5 before the team woke up. This team has the talent, just waiting on the drive to kick in.

Glad to eat crow today.

[DesertSteel]

How many people jumped back on the bandwagon this week?

I think somebody said something about an NFL season is a marathon and not a sprint, but they were probably a coach or something......so what do they know. :sarcasm2:

If Ben ever starts getting more than AB involved in the passing game........ and we convert in the RZ........ watch out!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Glad to eat crow today.
Much respect for you to man up and eat some crow. Probably goes good with side of fries and gravy. Smells like victory!

- - - Updated - - -


If Ben ever starts getting more than AB involved in the passing game........ and we convert in the RZ........ watch out!

I think a healthy O line and a game ready LeVeon Bell does wonders for opening up the RZ. Methinks Benny will use more of JuJu as the weeks go on and Bell will see his receptions climb. Vance McDonald will get more targets too, but drop 15% of them. Did you see how shaky his reception was yesterday?? Looked like he was wearing boxing gloves and trying to catch. :rolleyes:

[DesertSteel]

Did you see how shaky his reception was yesterday?? Looked like he was wearing boxing gloves and trying to catch. :rolleyes:
It was the first time since college that he actually CAUGHT a pass! He wasn't sure what it would feel like.

[Born2Steel]

How about McDonald actually completing a catch for a much needed first down! JJ was still whiffing on blocks though.

[Craic]

Bell. Yeah, I can't believe I'm saying this after what we saw this summer. But today, despite only having 47 yards on the ground, Bell had the speed, burst and vision that makes him so great (he had it last week as well). I expect a breakout performance by him within the next two weeks. And then, we're going to ride that train as far as it'll take us a la the days of the Bus.




Defense. Coming into this weekend, this defense was in




[*=1]1st place in the entire league in yards per play
[*=1]1st place in yards allowed per attempted through the air
[*=1]1st place in drives ending in scores with only 23 percent of drives ending in points
[*=1]2nd place in total passing yards
[*=1]2nd place in TDs allowed through the air
[*=1]3rd place overall in total yards
[*=1]4th place (tied) in takeaways
[*=1]7th place (tied) in first downs allowed



So... Break out game? Check. Defense shutting down the other team for a good portion of the game? Check. Yep, there's reasons to be positive!

[Psycho Ward 86]

Defense. Coming into this weekend, this defense was in



[LIST]
[*=1]1st place in the entire league in yards per play
[*=1]1st place in yards allowed per attempted through the air
[*=1]1st place in drives ending in scores with only 23 percent of drives ending in points


The fact that were 1st in drives ending in scores despite our offense's inability to sustain drives is really promising. If we can start sustaining those drives this team can reach some seriously green pastures

[FrancoLambert]

The way this defense is coming together is a big reason to stay positive.

[Steeldude]

Harrison has repeatedly been inactive because he does not play special teams.

Dupree and Watt have been dressing as the OLB starters.
Chickilo gets a hat as the primary back-up.
Moats goes over Harrison because he is the LT on certain special teams formations.

Following the present plan, the Steelers will not make Harrison a game day active until there is an injury at the LB position.

Agree or disagree, that is what the pattern has been.

Which shouldn't matter. The best run defender and pass rusher should be playing. The Steelers STs is average as of now so it makes no sense to have the defense suffer. Plus, Harrison can play STs. He has done it before, many times.


the Steelers will not make Harrison a game day active until there is an injury at the LB position

Which means the run defense and pass rush will suffer.

Deactivate the lazy ass Dupree.