Array title="Craic has a reputation beyond repute">
So, three years ago when I brought up it, most people just ignored it. But amazingly, it seems to be happening again. What, you ask? Let's stake a look:
2001 Playoffs
2002 Playoffs
2003 6-10
2004 Playoffs
2005 Playoffs (SB WIN)
2006 8-8
2007 Playoffs
2008 Playoffs (SB WIN)
2009 9-7
2010 Playoffs (SB Loss)
2011 Playoffs.
2012 1-2 start.
Anyone see a pattern? There's the old saying around Steeler nation that the steelers don't rebuild, they reload. It sure looks like that, about every third year.
I agree with this.Originally Posted by Preacher
Array title="LLT has a reputation beyond repute">
Hmmmmmmmm....interesting.
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play"
-- Jack Lambert --
Array title="Count Steeler has a reputation beyond repute">
Patterns are made to be broken. Will be interesting to see if the pattern continues.
Array title="zulater has a reputation beyond repute">
We have a franchise quarterback playing at the peak of his abilities with the best assortment of receivers in the history of this team. I also think the line is improving and will be the best it's been since 2005. The running game, obviously it depends a lot on Mendenhall. But even without him, last game I think the Steelers ran the ball effectively when they needed to.
In other words you don't settle if you're the Steelers. You maximize your chances now when you're elite at the most important position on the field. So to hell with the "3 year cycle. Figure out what it takes to get the defense to play as competent as they're capable of and go for it full bore right now. The Patriots and Packers both sucked defensively last year and were arguably the two best teams in football in 2011.
If the offense can truly become elite they can drag the defense along for the ride, and we should be a prominent player this season.
"A man's got to know his limitations."
I believe they will turn it around, but if they don't a top 20 draft pick couldn't hurt. Let's see Burress, Hampton, Polamalu, Roethlisberger, Timmons , Pouncey we do pretty well drafting top 20. So in the down years you point out we grabbed Ben, Timmons and Pouncey not a bad take even with all the criticism Timmons gets.
So let's forget all that and go win 10 or 12 straight.
Merry Christmas
Not ready to concede a 9-7 or 8-8 season just yet. Especially since this is the first game the team has been even remotely healthy.
Fire Goodell
2003 was done in by a bad quarterback and an O-Line in shambles.
2006 was Cowher's mishandling of Ben's injuries (appendectomy, concussion) and rushing him back too soon. If Batch plays the Jacksonville and Oakland games, The Steelers more than likely win those games.
2009 was the team simply collapsing after a 6-2 start.
Right now, this year's team seems to be doomed thanks to a bad defense, but we don't know just yet.
Array title="GodfatherofSoul is a jewel in the rough">
Well, according to that pattern we're going 10-6.
Hmmmm...you know, you're right. And, that sounds about right as well. 8-8, then 9-7, then 10-6. UNLESS we revert back, and we go 8-8 again.
But, to be honest, we can't assess the defense until this Sunday. They are now healthy, at least relatively so. I'm hoping for 10-14 points total for the Eagles. To me that's acceptable, and a good sign that there is still life in these guys...
Fire Goodell
Array title="bayz101 has a reputation beyond repute">
Or....
2005 - Super Bowl
2006 - Missed Playoff's
2007 - Made Playoff's
2008 - Super Bowl
2009 - Missed Playoff's
2010 - Made Playoff's (technically made the Super Bowl)
And sure enough, I spent most of last year telling people about this pattern. Didn't work that way though.
My point: Patterns mean nothing. Interesting though.
Array title="Craic has a reputation beyond repute">
I was wondering if anyone was going to pick up on that.
Yes and no. Patterns mean a whole lot, because they tell you that's something's happening on a consistent scale, and gives the observer a chance to figure out what changes need to be made. The key however, is that you can't look for specifics - such as "Will we win the SB," because that can be decided on one play. Or even "Can we make the SB," for the same reasons. BUT, making the playoffs, is based on 16 games and as such, gives a much better perspective on the overall team/season.
2003 6-10
2006 8-8
2009 9-7
In each of our "down years" there were better results than the one before it. It's not totally out of the question for this team to do better than 9-7.
Every three years lose a bunch of games that the team should have won and miss the playoffs. Yep this trend seems to be continuing. Ben is off to his best career start, but the running game is shakier than the San Andreas Fault and the defense is nonexistent unless they are playing the extremely inept Mark Sanchez and the chaotic soap opera that is the New York Jets
Haven't we gone 6-2 the last 5 years?
I'll stick with that trend for now.
At this point .500 and above sounds good to me. I really hope we take a step towards that on sunday. I do however think the league standings are a bit skewed at the moment. When looking at the standings, I really don't trust them at this point. I think a lot will have changed by the time we get to december.
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Is it too soon to bump this thread?
Array title="Count Steeler has a reputation beyond repute">
If the injuries keep up, might as well go for the draft pick.
Array title="zulater has a reputation beyond repute">
Right now I'd say we're in a cycle that we wont make the playoffs for at least two seasons. The defense is so bad that it needs a total overhaul, and that can't be done in one offseason.
"A man's got to know his limitations."
Looks like we're reverting back and going 8-8.
Fire Goodell
Array title="43Hitman has a reputation beyond repute">
Right now I don't see 8 wins.
We're still a very good home team (unless THOSE wheels fall off too). It's weird...it's literally like the Steelers are a different team when they play at home.
Fire Goodell
Pretty good stats. I hope it's true, then it gives me hope for the coming years !!
The Steelers are much better at Heinz than on the road, and it's not an exaggeration. The Steelers are utterly powerful at home. I don't know why but it's true so far.
Unless this team starts falling apart at home, this season isn't going to be a complete waste.
I love your thinking, but I just don't see it in their play. They just look like they are going thru the motions. I don't see any 'fire' in their eyes or play Edman. To me they actually look like a losing team. 5 - 11, 6-10 or maybe 7-9 ( where I think they will end up). For some reason they just look beat, even before game. I don't see any enthusiasm on the side line. Is it the new Off. Cord. ? I don't believe 1 man can change the chemistry like that, but who know's. Something definitely needs addressed.....and soon. Maybe Mr. Rooney needs to check into the team attitudes.
6-10 at best.
Array title="Craic has a reputation beyond repute">
No way - if we can come back from the 2003 season, to go 15-1 in 2004, there's no reason at all that we can't make the playoffs next year. We're not even truly out this year.
Array title="Count Steeler has a reputation beyond repute">
Hey Preacher, you nailed it. We still may make the playoffs but this has been quite a trying year.
Purely coincidental.
Hater = Realist
S.D. 34 Pitt. 24
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