Is Dick Lebeau our Joe Paterno?

First of all let me say that I think Dick Lebeau transformed defensive football in the NFL. His zone blitz scheme was genius but like all transformative ideas they eventually run their course. I realize we still had the number one defense in the NFL this year but it seemed to me that when we really needed a play on defense we couldn't get one. We were abysmal in takeaways and got zero pressure on the QB for the second half of the season. A couple of examples are the 92 yard drive that Joe Flacco (yes, that Joe Flacco) led the Ratbirds on to beat us in the second Ravens game, not being able to stop Alex Smith (yes, that Alex Smith) in the San Fran game when the number two seed was at stake, and of course most recently making Tim Tebow (yes, that Tim Tebow) look like the second coming of John Elway and allowing him to torch us for 316 yards last week. I think it's time for a change. Is Lebeau going to hang around long after he should have been gone based solely on his past reputation like Paterno did at Penn St?

 

I think he's been living on reputation alone for a few years now. I am a fan of Dick Lebeau. I agree with the above description of his accomplishments in the NFL and for our defense. But I believe he needs to retire and let some else take over the reins.

I said this on another post, I haven't seen the zone blitz scheme this year. I thought he scratched it. The only blitz we used on a regular basis was that cross dog blitz with the inside linebackers and that doesn't work. Farrior, Foote and Timmons are too light in the pants to execute it. Kendrell Bell and Levon Kirkland did it right. Not only did they have the size but they were explosive.

If he dust off that playbook of the "real zone blitz schemes" and uses them, I would welcome him back. But if he's not willing to do that, then it's time to give Keith Butler an opportunity.

 

No his defense was ranked #1 in the league this year...i think he has earned to stay on another year....now if it was 2 or 3 you guys may have a point....LOL

 

He is still a stud. He blew it in the Denver game. BUT, believe it or not, I put that on Tomlin as much as LeBeau. The entire defensive philosophy needed to change after the second quarter, and a 10 year old could have told you that. It's Tomlin's job to tell him, "No more all out run committment. Stop the pass." And clearly he didn't. However, you of course expect a guy like LeBeau to figure that out on his own.

Flacco played the best games of his life against us. Smith is very good and our offense cost us that game.

 

please dont compare dick to joe cause that makes me think of the PS scandal

 

You must be joking, we're lucky to have him. So much disrespect on this board.

 

I think he is, he just won't go away!

 

The Steeler defense is the best in the league, period. Some guys expect way too much. Defenses are now handcuffed by the rules, most get abused, we are spoiled. Also throw in so many injuries and an anemic offense. Just about every other team would be delegated to have our defense.

 

Honestly, I can't see Tomlin telling Lebeau to change anything.

 

* The defense only created 15 takeaways, by far the lowest total for a Steeler defense since the 16-game schedule was implemented in '78.

* The defense got scorched by Tim Tebow.

* The defense's #1 ranking was aided quite a bit by facing these QBs: Painter, Gabbert, Kolb, Jackson, Palko, McCoy, Clemens, and Wallace.

 

I agree with you.I feel that we need a change.Mr.Lebeau has us in the top 3-5 Defense in the league every year.I don't think that's enough?I think,Even if we put young talented players out there,I don't think it will make a huge difference?We need a new philosphy on Defense.I would like to see him go.I think he's done a great job obviously,Just feel we need a change.

 

This thread is silly. Mr. Lebeau has had in the top 5 defenses for how years? Who you going to replace him with.

 

I don't see a need to replace him, but I think this D needs to raise its game next year. There will be new faces and the younger guys will start to make an impact. I am excited about our youth at every position but ILB, which I think we might take care of this draft. We played some weak teams, but we also faced enormous injury issues on that side of the ball. They probably balanced each other out.

 

NO. I don't think Dick Labeau would let little boys be sexually abused in the Steeler locker room

 

how about if BIG BEN ******...????

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