I'm really proud of the Steelers what a great win last night and, I say let Ben throw it all over the cheats! It's the Steelers time but, like many have mentioned we need Hayden back.
I actually had zero issues with play calling last night. Even the first 3 drives of second half it appeared more like Ravens D stepped up. They do have a great D although last night wasn't their finest. Those first few drives Ben had to get rid of it quickly and missed a couple of receivers, and one drive they handed to Bell twice in a row without success. I can live with that as long as they arent trying reverses and gadget plays to take a loss.
It's a nice accomplishment, but I hope they throw those hats/shits in the trunks of their cars and move on to the bigger goal.
In the first quarter?
Based on the defense that was played last night and the inability of the ILBs to read, diagnose, and get to the tackle point the Patriots with a better OL, a better QB, and equal at worst RBs are going to just run the damn wishbone, Wing T, or something else from the way-back machine of Bill B's tape collection and rack up 350+ on the ground.
In all seriousness, those ILBs were simply physically over-matched against the RAVENS. The entire Steelers revamped 3-4 is philosophically rooted in sideline to sideline speed in the front 7. They have traded bulk up front for speed and pass rush ability. The 3 down lineman no longer just soak up 5 offensive linemen. The OL that aren't soaked up by the shiftier front 3 don't matter because the raw speed of the 4 LBs will overcome that. In fact speed at LB is so prized they have changed their expectations and roles for the outside backers to an almost unrecognizable form - ask James Harrison. Last night we saw what happens when that speed is just not there in the the middle of the defense. Too many offensive bodies and debris for the slower ILB to pick their way through to meet the RB at or near the edge. When they do get there, TEs and OL are waiting to block them. Speed kills all game-plans and right now the middle of the Steelers defense doesn't have it.
We can only hope that another week of practicing together allows some combo of VW, Spence, and Moats to "play faster" because they certainly aren't going to learn how to run faster.
As much as it may not matter, I hope Red is back... just for another option out there.
thanks
we must never forget tell everyone you know New England cheated and might be back at it Edit 1-21-15 there back Edit #2__12-8-19 here we go again Edit #3__ 5-25-23 it never ends
Somebody needs to ask Joe Haden what he is feeling right now.
All Defense!