Hello Guys!
I know; we lost once again to the very hated New England Patriots. I also know the sudden frustration of the overturned TD. It was gut wrenching. I believe that it should be a catch, but according to league rules it wasn't. I understand the importance of the game being that home field advantage was on the line, but I was somewhat disappointed with the outrage of our fans on twitter claiming we were robbed. If this were a clear call that shown no doubt I would understand, but this was a call that could have gone either way.
I'm just grateful this wasn't a call made in the playoffs or the Superbowl. Complaining about this just makes us look like sour little babies. I'm not saying it's all of us, but it's quite a few. There are also a good number of our fans that feel that we have no chance now of winning in New England if need be.
Yes: We could have had more aggressive playcalling in the drive while up 24-19. However, if we had and Ben threw a pick, would there be many claiming that Haley should have used Bell to keep Brady off the field? Probably so. Yes: Davis should have picked off that pass. However, it's pretty difficult picking off a deflected pass as the ball changes direction quickly.
Yes: it was tough to watch Davis cover Gronk, but I really couldn't get down on him because it's very tough to do. Should they have double covered him? Possibly, but with who? Also, is there any doubt that Brady would have found the open man if they did? I don't doubt it. Mitchell already bit on the playaction to Cooks. He's truly been lacking as the last line of defense if he's giving safety help to the corners while Gronk is being doubled.
Yes: the last play was atrocious. Not sure who's fault it was whether it be Ben, the coaches or both but it's over now. I'm just hopeful that they learn from it. I know that most of the media pundits believe that we can't win in New England because of this game and many of our fans have followed suit. The truth is; we just lost to New England by 3 points in a game we had in the bag without AB and Haden.
The way New England celebrated as if they won the Superbowl shows that they know what type of team we have. It shows that they feel that they need the home field to have a shot at beating us. This was a big game but not a playoff game. The Steelers are in the playoffs.There is no need in watching if we don't think we can win it. With AB out of the game, Bell still did what he wanted and JuJu and Bryant stepped up. AB being out until the playoffs gives the other guys an opportunity to be fine tuned for the playoffs. We also will be stronger with Gilbert back.
The defense held up well with the exception of defending Gronk. Tomlin has time to figure out what he can do to defend him. Possibly using a mixture of Brian Allen and Watt. Also Haden not playing this game is an advantage for the Steelers if we meet them again. Belichick won't have the advantage of seeing how Haden was used against them being that he wasn't in the lineup.
Honestly; here are my main concerns:
1) Getting and staying healthy to have what I feel is a legitimate shot to win the Superbowl.
2) Beating Houston
3) Beating Cleveland
4) Secure bye week by winning last 2 games
5) Winning vs Div. round opponent
6) Winning AFCCG vs opponent (Possibly NE)
Its remarkable that we have not played them at full strength for 3 years straight now!
7) Win the Superbowl
Those are my 7 for #7!
We'll see! I can only hope for the best. I'm not going to throw in the towel though because we lost a regular season game to New England. As long as we're alive and still functioning in the playoffs, I'll continue to hope.