It is all Tim Tebow's fault

I have been pondering why so many of our players seem ill prepared this season, both physically and mentally, and I have a new theory. The loss to Denver last year had a dramatic emotional effect on the players that they didn't recover from. The depression of losing in such spectacular fashion to a QB who couldn't even start as a backup this season was too much to bear, and the depression created a lack of motivation to work out or even think about football for months. This set them back in preparation, and it resulted in an out of shape squad, who then were highly susceptible to injury. Add to that a new OC, and it was a recipe for disappointment. So the main goal this off season, which will be a long one, is to get in and stay in football shape, so training camp is spectacular and next season starts with hunger and fitness.

Just a theory.

 

I couldn't disagree more.

 

Nice try but you're wrong the team just isn't very good.

 

Just trying to figure out why a bunch of professional athletes seemed to come to the season poorly conditioned and prepared. The lack of talent argument to me just doesn't wash - I think we have more talent than most teams - it just wasn't on the field long enough because of injuries. a lack of off-season conditioning would help explain some of the injuries.

 

I agree that this was a nice try at an explanation.
I still think the bottom line lies in an attention to detail...
Like hanging onto the ball...Making catches that should be made...not getting called for STUPID penalties...
Better coaching, from the head coach, on down...
Not being "lazy" as players, in general...
What a wasted season, with every opportunity given to them to still make the playoffs...
Still bothers me...
But, I will still root for them next year...
And HOPE they learned something from it!
Some years, are just not "your year", and sometimes... You can "take advantage of opportunities"!!!
GO STEELERS!!1

 

I'd love to see a really focused, energised camp. I remember back in '05 before the season started there were loads of stories about the players trying out different training techniques (I tihnk they did some boxing, and maybe some yoga or something), and there was just a bit of a bizz about this being a different year. Of course, the regular season didn't go too well in the middle, but I think having that spark was big.
Why did we have it that year? Perhaps because it Roethlisberger's first year as a starter - perhaps we need an exciting prospect or two to come into the team and energise the place, rather than drafting someone who basically knows they'll be riding the bench for a few seasons. Pouncey did that well. I keep going back to Decastro and Spence's injuries, and how much of a difference that made. Not saying they would have been huge contributors. But it's that bit of spark that#s needed.