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Pittsburgh Steelers 2006: What's Wrong with the Defending Super Bowl Champions?
Free Republic Opinions ^ | October 29, 2006 | Vanity

Posted on 10/29/2006 7:53:43 PM PST by mcg2000



Official Website of the Pittsburgh Steelers

This year is quickly moving in the wrong direction with regards to an effective playoff run. What are your thoughts on the some of the issues and how things need to change for a turnaround in 2006?

Me?

#1 The Running Game
The running game isn't quite at the level of past teams.

Understatement of the year, huh?

Operating a historically ball control offense, without a featured back capable of providing a consistent 3-4 yrds per carry, is a problem. That void allows pass coverages more flexibility without fear of a Steeler running game. Over the past two seasons, Willie Parker has shown explosive game breaking speed when holes are opened at the line. When those holes need to be created or altered, he's generally a non-factor. He hasn't shown an ability to either read or react to lead blockers or supply meaningful yards after inital defensive contact. Without that running threat, defenses have the option of placing more guys into coverage and don't have to commit to play as close to the line in guarding against a solid running game. Each of which combine to greatly reduce Parker's only real value - the big play.

Do we need to mention his ability to pass protect?

#2 The Receiving Corp
Hines Ward may still be one of the best all around 2-3 wide receivers in the NFL.

After him .... then what?

Nate Washington? Cedric Wilson? Santonio Holmes?

Heath Miller has shown promise, but he's not going to stretch a defense or change the Steelers legacy of limited TE involvement (sans Eric Green). Besides, Heath blocks too well and the team needs all the help they can get in that area.

The loss of Randle-El has negatively impacted the special teams and gimmick plays that loosened up defenses for the past few seasons. Cedric Wilson is a #3 receiver at best, never mind a legit #2 on a contender.

Or maybe that last statement answers my concerns?

Santonio Holmes may supply the offensive boost in the future, but there's no guarantee. The Rooney's moved away from their traditional "high character" draft selections and picked Holmes in the first round. If Holmes stays out of "The Big House" and Cowher's dog house (not "DAWG", Santonio) ... perhaps he'll be an asset in a year or two.

If that doesn't work out, Holmes could always fall back on that secondary career in medicine. Or was that engineering? I digress ...

#3 Coaching
Cowher has lost his edge. From the outside it appears he's genuinely distracted and possibly contemplating retirement (with his family in North Carolina). After all, coming home to an empty house with your family a couple of states away can't be healthy for the coach. If for nothing else, Cowher has shown he's a quality person who's extremely loyal and values the consistency of trusted individuals.

Back to this season ... the old Cowher held players accountable for dumb penalties, taunting flags and generally embarrasing unprofessionalism. The 2006 model doesn't engage in such things. And who said there were no redeeming qualities of the Neil O'Donnell legacy?

The 2nd half adjustments haven't been there this year. Who knows? Maybe they were and the players aren't executing ... there's a thought, huh? Either way a control of the team from the perspective of direction seems to be a grey area.

If the players are reflections of the head coach's personality ... this version of the Steelers lack a healthy sense of urgency with approach to their season.

It pains me to even think of a non-playoff title defense this year.

Did I hear an aspirin bottle pop open? Pass a couple of 1,500 mgs my way ...

#4 The Coverage Teams
I won't even justify the few minutes of my life with a commentary on the performance of these units in 2006.


TOPICS: Sports
KEYWORDS: 412; afc; allegheny; baltimorecons; bengirls; blitzburgh; bmorefelons; bungles; champions; clevelandbrownies; clevelandclowns; fivetimechampions; godaveshulago; heinz; jimquinn; mistakebythelake; modellmovingcompany; myroncope; nfl; pa; palmerplanters; pennsylvania; pittsburgh; raiders20squeelers13; stanleywilson; steelcurtain; steelers; superbowl; thekentuckybengals

1 posted on 10/29/2006 7:53:44 PM PST by mcg2000
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To: mcg2000

How do you go out and give only 98 total yards and lose the football game. Amazing.


2 posted on 10/29/2006 7:54:41 PM PST by fkabuckeyesrule (Go Bucks.....beat Illinois!!!!!)
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To: mcg2000

..or maybe God is judging the steelers for injuring Carson Palmer last year...just kiddin'


3 posted on 10/29/2006 7:55:38 PM PST by fkabuckeyesrule (Go Bucks.....beat Illinois!!!!!)
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To: fkabuckeyesrule

not funny ... but I didn't realize it until after a I finished laughing.


4 posted on 10/29/2006 7:57:17 PM PST by mcg2000 (New Orleans: The city that declared Jihad on The Red Cross.)
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To: mcg2000

I didn't even bother to watch the game.


5 posted on 10/29/2006 7:59:41 PM PST by Ciexyz (Satisfied owner of a 2007 Toyota Corolla.)
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To: mcg2000

nothing is wrong...they are a good team that got lucky last year but now they are a good team thats not so lucky...fate is a fickle woman


6 posted on 10/29/2006 8:00:02 PM PST by skaterboy
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To: fkabuckeyesrule
Really?

December 2002: The Steelers lost to the Houston Texans 24-6. What's so odd about this lopsided defeat?

Houston was outgained in total yardage 422-47. The fewest yards ever gained by a winning team. Houston had only one first down after its opening series. The Texans went three-and-out on all but three of 12 possessions and never crossed the 50 without the aid of a penalty or a turnover.
7 posted on 10/29/2006 8:01:27 PM PST by mcg2000 (New Orleans: The city that declared Jihad on The Red Cross.)
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To: skaterboy

You sound like Big Ben and his 'dark cloud that hangs over him' quote. Honest, I think they miss the leadership of Bettis. Big void to fill.


8 posted on 10/29/2006 8:05:34 PM PST by PennsylvaniaMom (Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you...)
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To: mcg2000

I have no idea...How could they lose to the Raiders...LAMO


9 posted on 10/29/2006 8:06:12 PM PST by glaseatr (Proud Father of a Marine, Uncle of SGT Adam Estep A. 2/5 Cav. KIA Thurs April 29, 2004 Baghdad Iraq)
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To: skaterboy
...fate is a fickle woman

fate is a fickle whore. And a lot saucier than your average woman.
10 posted on 10/29/2006 8:07:58 PM PST by Jaysun (Let's not ruin this moment with words.)
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To: fkabuckeyesrule
Four interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns will help any inept offense such as the Raiders. All the Raiders had to do is not cough up the ball in return. The Raiders have a decent defense, one of the best punters in the league, and a good kick returner.
11 posted on 10/29/2006 8:15:14 PM PST by CounterCounterCulture (McClintock for Lt. Governor; Strickland for Controller; Poochigian for AG; Mountjoy for Senate)
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To: mcg2000
Well in the words of the immortal Nelson Muntz...

HA HA!

GO RAIDERS!!

12 posted on 10/29/2006 8:19:40 PM PST by GOP_Raider (Would you like to join the OFFICIAL Oakland Raiders ping list? Sure you would, send me freepmail.)
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To: mcg2000
What's Wrong with the Defending Super Bowl Champions?

They suck and were given the championship last year.

13 posted on 10/29/2006 8:54:02 PM PST by Echo Talon
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To: mcg2000

They ate the Big Whooper last year and they're still filled from it.


14 posted on 10/29/2006 10:52:31 PM PST by jwh_Denver (Tagline in the oven.)
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To: mcg2000
first and foremost, they were "awarded" the Superbowl by unknown powers......they didn't outplay or outperform Seattle but they sure as heck walked on water with the refs.....

so, I am not surprised they are struggling this year.....Seattle is struggling too but it lost its qb, its star running back and at least two receivers so far this season....

15 posted on 10/29/2006 11:06:08 PM PST by cherry
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To: cherry

What's the difference? The Steelers have lost two lineman, two LB's, a cornerback, several QB injuries in addition to losing free agents last year.

I'm talking about adjustments and changes in philosophy. Not the omnipresent lists of excuses which are a permanent fixture from all things related to the angst-ridden Seattle lifestyle.

Seattle should get used to Alexander being out ... his career is over and Hasselbeck is a journeyman QB who had a career year.


16 posted on 10/30/2006 3:40:31 AM PST by mcg2000 (New Orleans: The city that declared Jihad on The Red Cross.)
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To: mcg2000

"...What's Wrong with the Defending Super Bowl Champions?..."

Nothing that a long, playoffless, offseason won't cure. Losing to the Raiders, sheeesh. This year, that's hitting rock bottom. They can only go up.


17 posted on 10/30/2006 6:56:14 AM PST by NCC-1701 (To boldy go where no FReeper has gone before. Live long and prosper.)
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