Steelers' offensive line struggling with holding

[zulater]

Steelers left guard Chris Kemoeatu was called for three holding penalties last week against Buffalo. A fourth holding call was declined.

Kemoeatu was embarrassed by his performance, his worst in three seasons as a starter. When asked if he considered making a lineup change during the game, coach Mike Tomlin said he stuck with Kemoeatu because of how the offensive line bounced back repeatedly from adversity. For Kemoeatu, it was a message to step up his game.

"I'm going to do whatever I can not to hold," said Kemoeatu, who will make his 68th NFL start Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. "I've got to do a better job technique-wise."

The rash of penalties was unexpected for Kemoeatu, who picked up his first three holding penalties of the season against Buffalo.

Kemoeatu prides himself on being consistent and solid. His play against Buffalo was out of character.

"There were definitely some plays that were iffy, but I can't point any fingers," Kemoeatu said.... read more http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_712216.html

[SMR]

Yeah, I was like what's up with Kemo in the game? If he keeps that up, I will keep guessing which Kemo will show up. I'm wondering if I'm watching the movie "Finding Kemo".

[zulater]

Yeah, I was like what's up with Kemo in the game? If he keeps that up, I will keep guessing which Kemo will show up. I'm wondering if I'm watching the movie "Finding Kemo".

I didn't realize until I read the article that Kemo hadn't been flagged for holding prior to last Sunday's game. Which leads me to wonder if Kemo's injuries might finally be catching up to him? Or maybe it was a combination of a bad match-up and an overzelous referee, who seemed myopic in his approach to calling the game in as much as he only seemed to see black and gold involved in infractions?

Seriously is it any wonder the Steelers are getting paraniod? At this point it looks as if the league really is out to get them?

[tube517]

The Bills NT is good and his injuries probably didn't help. Also, Pouncey did not have a good game so everything was worse than normal. I hope Kugler gets these guys up and ready for tomorrow night.


I didn't realize until I read the article that Kemo hadn't been flagged for holding prior to last Sunday's game. Which leads me to wonder if Kemo's injuries might finally be catching up to him? Or maybe it was a combination of a bad match-up and an overzelous referee, who seemed myopic in his approach to calling the game in as much as he only seemed to see black and gold involved in infractions?

Seriously is it any wonder the Steelers are getting paraniod? At this point it looks as if the league really is out to get them?

[steelers7810]

I don't think Kemoeatu is 100% and is unable to block very well due to all of his injuries this season. With not enough backups left, most are starters now. Kemo cannot rest and he has no choice but to keep on going back out there. So holding penalties will happen.

[The Duke]

Jonathan Scott: 5

and he's started what, 4 games? :doh:

could we please get a real LT out there?

:sigh:

[NCSteeler]

I think injuries are slowing Kemo and Pouncey = more holding , probably not goign to be much better against one of the better d lines in football.

[solardave]

I don't think Kemoeatu is 100% and is unable to block very well due to all of his injuries this season. With not enough backups left, most are starters now. Kemo cannot rest and he has no choice but to keep on going back out there. So holding penalties will happen.

I do agree with you but at least one of the holding calls IMO was bogus. One of those could call it every time on anyone but THEY DON'T!!! Except they did on Kemo.