Changes the Steelers need to make immediately

[Menudo]

I know many of you might not care, but, there are lots of Steelers fans on here, and I wanted to see if they shared the same opinion.

 

First, I put complete faith in Coach Cowher and his coaching staff. It is hard to question a group that has accomplished as much as they have. However, it is my right as a fan to sit here at my computer and tell them what I think they are doing wrong. Here are some things that, in my estimation, need to change.

 

1. Activate Willie Reid and let him return punts and kickoffs. You can de-activate #4 OLB Arnold Harrison,

who is a decent Special-teamer, but, can be replaced, and go with 6 WR's (including Morey, who is

a leader on ST's). Willie Reid is a special talent as a returner, as he proved at Florida State. He also

was our most reliable return man in the pre-season. The Steelers have admitted that he is their best,

but say their isn't room for him on the active roster. It is important. Make room for him !!!!

 

2. Stop rotating Ricardo Colclough with Bryant McFadden in the Nickel. McFadden should be penciled in

as the #3 starter. Colclough should only see the field in the Dime, and even with that, I think I'd rather

see Mike Logan or Tyrone Carter at this point. Maybe I'm being a bit hard on Ricardo, but, no way

is he even close to Bryant McFadden, who is a future star, mark my words.

 

3. Leave Heath Miller in on the hurry-up offense. I see other teams do this.... New England, San Diego,

Giants, Falcons, etc.... Heath Miller is our 2nd best receiver, and needs to stay in there in 4 WR sets.

Go with Ward, Cedric, Miller, and rotate Washington & Holmes as the 4th.

 

4. Throw the ball even more to Heath Miller. He did get his share of targets yesterday, but, I want to

see more. He is right up there with Ward, as far as sure hands go. He has an ability to find open spots,

and, he is very hard to bring down. He surprisingly does really well with picking up yards after the

catch. This guy is a weapon that needs to be used as much as possible.

 

5. Get Willie Parker more involved in the passing game. Parker is developing into a very good RB.

However, I don't see the Steelers making enough effort to play to his biggest strength. He is amazing

in open space, and the Steelers need to find more ways to throw him the ball. I saw a few screens

run with Haynes in the 3rd down situation, but, don't remember seeeing any with Parker. These are

also the kind of plays that can help get Ben in a rhythm and perhaps get him some confidence.

 

Those are the ones that stick out to me so far. Even at 1-2, things are far from dreadful, as this defense is still very strong, and the running game looked good in 2 out of 3 games. Things WILL get better.

[Hat Trick]

I said this would be a down year.........and I still stick by that. BAL has improved enough to compete with both the Steelers and the Bengals, in fact I wouldn't be surprised to see BAL at 6-1 when they face CINN @ home in a few weeks. This is shaping up to be the best divison in football.

[MrTed46]

6. Pay the refs off again.

 

 

JK Menudo :-)

 

I think the Steelers just had two bad outings and will kick in gear soon. I wouldn't want my teams playing them thats for sure. But I can see your concerns for your team.

 

I would write all my concerns for the NY Giants but I don't have 5 hrs to kill (it will be a LOOOONG list)

[NinersIn2006!]

Werent they 7-5 or 7-6 last year? Werent they left for dead after about week 12 or 13? Steelers will be fine...

[loaf]

don't rotate colclough with holmes on returns.

[Bengal Mania]

8) Accept the fact that you can also be the team that "played better that day" and still lose.

 

You have won MANY games in the past that way yourself, including over the Bengals. Kind of stings to be on the other side, don't it?

 

Funny, Steeler fans rarely (I won't go so far as to say "never") ever fess up that another team "gave one away to them". In Steelerland, it has mostly been Steelers "grit" and "toughness" etc, that has allowed them to win games in which they were outplayed.

[The Wolf]

8) Accept the fact that you can also be the team that "played better that day" and still lose.

 

You have won MANY games in the past that way yourself, including over the Bengals. Kind of stings to be on the other side, don't it?

 

Funny, Steeler fans rarely (I won't go so far as to say "never") ever fess up that another team "gave one away to them". In Steelerland, it has mostly been Steelers "grit" and "toughness" etc, that has allowed them to win games in which they were outplayed.

 

 

I cannot speak for Menudo for sure, but from what I read, he;'s not making an excuse for losing yesterday or making any excuses in general. He's merely pointing out the changes the team needs to be successful.

[Bengal Mania]

I cannot speak for Menudo for sure, but from what I read, he;'s not making an excuse for losing yesterday or making any excuses in general. He's merely pointing out the changes the team needs to be successful.

 

 

I agree w/ you. Menudo, despite the anger he inspires, usually attempts to be subjective.

 

I wasn't really directing at Menudo in particular, more to Steeler fans in general.

[Azazello1313]

4. Throw the ball even more to Heath Miller. He did get his share of targets yesterday, but, I want to

see more. He is right up there with Ward, as far as sure hands go. He has an ability to find open spots,

and, he is very hard to bring down. He surprisingly does really well with picking up yards after the

catch. This guy is a weapon that needs to be used as much as possible.

 

5. Get Willie Parker more involved in the passing game. Parker is developing into a very good RB.

However, I don't see the Steelers making enough effort to play to his biggest strength. He is amazing

in open space, and the Steelers need to find more ways to throw him the ball. I saw a few screens

run with Haynes in the 3rd down situation, but, don't remember seeeing any with Parker. These are

also the kind of plays that can help get Ben in a rhythm and perhaps get him some confidence.

 

 

i think they need to find ward more, as well as miller. ward is the only guy in their passing game at this point that can really make plays. maybe he's facing double-coverage just about every play, but as a coaching staff you still HAVE to find a way to get him more involved in the offense. they seem to have been throwing a fair number of balls in his general vicinity, but the plays are almost always all fubared in terms of timing, protection, or whatever. seems to be a coaching issue (schemes, playcalling) as much as anything rothlisberger is doing, though let's face it, ben HAS sucked the last two games. maybe establishing miller inside is the key to opening up the rest of the passing game, but i think getting ward the ball is just as imperative. either way, their passing game was as ugly and out of synch these last two games as the broncos' was the first two games.

[i_am_the_swammi]

After seeing the first three Steeler games, I think another key factor in the equation is this puzzling 3-game stat line:

 

Hines Ward--

 

Date Opp. Rec Yds Lg TD

 

09/07 MIA 5 53 19 1

09/18 JAC 2 29 18 0

09/24 CIN 2 17 11 0

 

Four catches for a measley 46 yards in the last two weeks? You'd think Ward would have been Big Ben's security blanket upon his return form injury, but it just hasn't been the case. I would have guessed there'd have been a lot of 6-8 yard possession-type receptions from Ward, but it hasn't been the case. Either he's not getting open as he has in the past, or Ben is looking elsewhere (Wilson, Parker, Miller).

 

Also, I thinks its time to open the playbook a little. Stuffing Willie Parker down your opponent's throats might look good on film, but its keeping your QB from getting into any kind of real rhythym, and hurting you severely when the time to throw arises.

 

Edit: looks like we see the saem thing, Azazello

Edited September 25, 2006 by i_am_the_swammi

[SteelBunz]

don't rotate colclough with holmes on returns.

 

Holmes wasn't even a good punt returner at OSU. He should NOT be in there for Pitt either.

As for Colclough? If he had good hands....he'd have more INTs by now...wouldn't he?

 

Ben's timing with his receivers is all off. Either he throws behind them or they run wrong routes. Either way....I think the time lost in training camp and the first week caught up with them in a big way the last two weeks. I expect it to get better, obviously....but I think we all stamped him "back and ready and up to speed" just a little too quickly. Not an excuse....just an observation.

 

Don't get me wrong.....he was physically ready to play and should have been in there.....but the lost practice time hurt him and the rest of the offense. Not making excuses.....but as hard as the front 7 were getting after the ball on defense the last two weeks....the rest of the team played equally badly.

 

One exception....the OLine opened up some monsterous holes for FWP yesterday.....that was good to see!

 

Honestly.....this is a typical Cowher September......LOL. It's NEVER 3-0 or 4-0....it's generally 2-1, 1-2, 2-2...depending how many Sundays they play in Sept. They'll figure it out.

[SteelBunz]

And just so the Cincy fans don't get riled up.....LOL......you guys ALWAYS come to play in our house. You've got a terrific team....I hate to tell you all this....but you ARE my second favorite team in the NFL....LOL.

 

I'll never be able to think of these matchups as traditional, hate-spewing rivalries.....I like you guys too much. I adore Marvin Lewis....when he gets that giggle going in press conferences....it's infectious. I love Chad....he's just a nut. But he backs it up and isn't an a$$ about it.....he's just fun , IMO. And I sincerely think Palmer is the best QB in the league......yes....I said it. I think he'll get to a SB before Peyton.

 

With Baltimore getting their offense together....and Romeo trying to put the Browns back in playing form.....this IS the best division in football. This division should be tough to beat for a few years to come.

[Menudo]

8) Accept the fact that you can also be the team that "played better that day" and still lose.

 

You have won MANY games in the past that way yourself, including over the Bengals. Kind of stings to be on the other side, don't it?

 

Funny, Steeler fans rarely (I won't go so far as to say "never") ever fess up that another team "gave one away to them". In Steelerland, it has mostly been Steelers "grit" and "toughness" etc, that has allowed them to win games in which they were outplayed.

 

 

I'm not one of those. The Steelers have definitely been given games by other teams mistake, and like the Bengals, during those games have pounced on their opportunities. It happens a lot, and I agree with your post.

[Menudo]

I agree w/ you. Menudo, despite the anger he inspires, usually attempts to be subjective.

 

I wasn't really directing at Menudo in particular, more to Steeler fans in general.

 

 

Congrats on being one of the few that can see through the garbage that follows everyone of my posts about the Steelers. I try my best to be subjective, but, if in being subjective I give any credit to any Steelers, I am called a blind homer by my band of followers.

[Menudo]

i think they need to find ward more, as well as miller. ward is the only guy in their passing game at this point that can really make plays. maybe he's facing double-coverage just about every play, but as a coaching staff you still HAVE to find a way to get him more involved in the offense. they seem to have been throwing a fair number of balls in his general vicinity, but the plays are almost always all fubared in terms of timing, protection, or whatever. seems to be a coaching issue (schemes, playcalling) as much as anything rothlisberger is doing, though let's face it, ben HAS sucked the last two games. maybe establishing miller inside is the key to opening up the rest of the passing game, but i think getting ward the ball is just as imperative. either way, their passing game was as ugly and out of synch these last two games as the broncos' was the first two games.

 

 

We don't always agree Az, but, I think that this post is spot on. For the Steelers passing game to go, Ward & Ben NEED to get in-synch. Thus far, they have been far from it. I really think the bye week is going to be great for this team. I usually hate early bye weeks, but, I'm thankful for it this year.

[Menudo]

And just so the Cincy fans don't get riled up.....LOL......you guys ALWAYS come to play in our house. You've got a terrific team....I hate to tell you all this....but you ARE my second favorite team in the NFL....LOL.

 

I'll never be able to think of these matchups as traditional, hate-spewing rivalries.....I like you guys too much. I adore Marvin Lewis....when he gets that giggle going in press conferences....it's infectious. I love Chad....he's just a nut. But he backs it up and isn't an a$$ about it.....he's just fun , IMO. And I sincerely think Palmer is the best QB in the league......yes....I said it. I think he'll get to a SB before Peyton.

 

With Baltimore getting their offense together....and Romeo trying to put the Browns back in playing form.....this IS the best division in football. This division should be tough to beat for a few years to come.

 

 

Well said. I can't call the Bengals one of my favorite teams, but, I have a lot of respect for them. I know they have a few bad apples, which have given them a bad rep, but, most of their players are respectful and I"ve always like Marvin Lewis. Carson Palmer is moving up to join Peyton Manning in the top tier, that is way above the rest. He is also a class act. I heard his press conference, and he gave the Steelers nothing but respect. I've stated a few times already that I think the Bengals will win a Super Bowl in the next there years. Despite the win yesterday, if I were a Cincy fan, I would be concerend with the run defense and pass protection, but, when Carson is protected, he is simply unstoppable.

[Bengal Mania]

I'm not one of those. The Steelers have definitely been given games by other teams mistake, and like the Bengals, during those games have pounced on their opportunities. It happens a lot, and I agree with your post.

 

 

You f'n blind ass homer mora.....wait,.....you agreed w/ me....

 

Congrats on being one of the few that can see through the garbage that follows everyone of my posts...

 

 

I knew it, you ass-kissing sonofa......wait, you agreed again

 

Well said. I can't call the Bengals one of my favorite teams, but, I have a lot of respect for them. I know they have a few bad apples, which have given them a bad rep, but, most of their players are respectful and I"ve always like Marvin Lewis. Carson Palmer is moving up to join Peyton Manning in the top tier, that is way above the rest. He is also a class act. I heard his press conference, and he gave the Steelers nothing but respect. I've stated a few times already that I think the Bengals will win a Super Bowl in the next there years. Despite the win yesterday, if I were a Cincy fan, I would be concerend with the run defense and pass protection, but, when Carson is protected, he is simply unstoppable.

 

 

Typical geezer Steeler shi.............geez, never mind

 

 

 

I'm going home, this isn't fun anymore....

[Vet]

If I was the Steelers organization, I'd demand a whole new group of fans. Clearly this group of bandwagoners is dragging the team down. I think there is a lot of bad karma coming from the fans in terms of unrealistic expectations and unwanted suggestions. I place the blame solely on the people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. I'd pack my bags and get out of town and get away from this bunch of ingrates.

 

I hear Los Angeles is looking for a team.

[Menudo]

If I was the Steelers organization, I'd demand a whole new group of fans. Clearly this group of bandwagoners is dragging the team down. I think there is a lot of bad karma coming from the fans in terms of unrealistic expectations and unwanted suggestions. I place the blame solely on the people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. I'd pack my bags and get out of town and get away from this bunch of ingrates.

 

I hear Los Angeles is looking for a team.

 

 

Just got off the phone with U-Haul. I'll root for the Seahawks until a team moves to LA. Thanks Vet.

[Vet]

Just got off the phone with U-Haul. I'll root for the Seahawks until a team moves to LA. Thanks Vet.

 

 

 

I'd go with Ryder, U-Haul sucks.

 

But, as we know, fans play a very important part in the success of a team. How many "we"'s have we seen around here referring to the beloved black and gold?

 

"We" took the credit last year, therefore "we" must be responsible for the 1-2 start this year.

 

And, don't root for the Seahawks. Root for the Jets, there is a lot of empty space on this bandwagon.

 

Edit: And tone down the sigline for heavens sake!

Edited September 25, 2006 by Vet

[Menudo]

I'd go with Ryder, U-Haul sucks.

 

But, as we know, fans flay a very important part in the success of a team. How many "we"'s have we seen around here referring to the beloved black and gold?

 

"We" took the credit last year, therefore "we" must be responsible for the 1-2 start this year.

 

And, don't root for the Seahawks. Root for the Jets, there is a lot of empty space on this bandwagon.

 

 

Well, last year was great when WE won it, but, I'm very disappointed in how THEY are playing this year.

[Bill Swerski]

I said this would be a down year.........and I still stick by that.

 

 

Not sure I agree with that. They've run the ball very well in two of their three games and their defense is still playing at a high level. Stupid turnovers on offense is what's killing them and given Ben's track record, I don't see that continuing forever.

 

But at this point, I'd have to say that the Bengals are probably the best bet to win the AFC.

[Vet]

Not sure I agree with that. They've run the ball very well in two of their three games and their defense is still playing at a high level. Stupid turnovers on offense is what's killing them and given Ben's track record, I don't see that continuing forever.

 

But at this point, I'd have to say that the Bengals are probably the best bet to win the AFC.

 

 

 

I think Swerski's trying to manage expectations here for his beloved Colts.

[slickvick]

I personally think the Steelers would have been fine if Cowher would have left Batch in at QB for about 2 more weeks.Big Ben does not look ready and a couple more weeks to prepare would have been good for him.

[Bill Swerski]

I think Swerski's trying to manage expectations here for his beloved Colts.

 

 

Or at least temper them until I see Dungy produce the stellar defense that he was brought in to develop.

 

Seriously, I see an aggressive, balanced, and effective Bengals offense with an improved defense. All I see in Indy this year is a stellar passing game, an not-very-impressive running game, and a question mark of a defense. I hope I'm wrong.