Why can't we put it all together?

Is that where you pound each other hard?

 

We've been saying that for years though....

 

Careful you’re going to get jujubea all worked up

 

As a friend said to me, don't get to excited with that 4-0 record, it could easily be 4-3 after next 3 games. Regardless, I'm happy as a pig in poop to be 4-0. When you only play 16 games (hopefully) every win is important.

 

Is your friend an eagles fan lol

 

Hey SDOT.

I was having this conversation with a friend yesterday. Yes, it is perplexing. In theory, and from that which we witnessed last season from this Defense, we should be a "Complete" team with Ben's return. We all know how this works. The Offense puts together long sustained drives that end up in points, mostly touchdowns, and thus the Defense is off of the field longer which in turn gives the Defense more rest. Then, when the rested Defense does go onto the field, they should be running around with energy plus.

Now, the Defense may be getting more rest in the games this year but it does not seem to be making a difference as far as their performance. They did have five sacks and two interceptions this last game. However, what happened for all of the other offensive plays by the other team? We are making splash plays on Defense but still giving up too many untimely plays to allow the opposition to sustain drives thus giving up points.

I have confidence that the Defense is going to "re-find" last season's groove and put it all together. The Offense, IMO, has just started to scratch the surface with their potential as Ben is "re-finding" his way back. And when he finally gets "home", I say....Watch out!

Wrapping this up, I still am optimistic about our Defense, not worried per se, but again a bit perplexed. I think that they will get it together and unify themselves with the Offense. And again, if, and when this does happen, I say....Watch out!

Take care.


STEELWINDS The East Side Kid

 

Was listening to the talking heads on a sports radio show. The Steelers defense was brought up and they wondered if the problem could be Ben being back. Last season the D knew the only way we could win games was if they kept the scoring low. Now with Ben being able to put points on the board maybe our D's sense of urgency is not like it was last season.

I certainly hope that is not the case.

 

He started it!

 

I actually think your avatar of Ben is scarier then the cat was.

 

I dunno. I'm not sure I've seen anyone saying that?

I'm happy we're 4-0 (obviously). I think the secondary has looked worse this season than last year. I don't think they're awful, but certainly room for improvement.

 

They all look a step slower. League is getting faster and they aren’t calling holds to make these games high scoring. I mean we are 6th with almost 22 ppg. Ravens are at a solid 15 ppg. They have the best defense hands down objectively.

 

There is always room for improvement no matter what. Success is a journey not a destination. And perfection is never achieved.

I just don't know why guys get all hurt when you discuss something that has room for improvement even when we won. I'm getting the impression that some brains can only handle win/loss ................... right/wrong ............. on/off.

 

I'm not buying any of that. Defense thinking oh we got Ben now we don't have to be as good because he can put up points. I think refs are reffing the score. You either have an elite defense or offense in this league. You aren't allowed to have both. Only team constantly blowing teams out is the.... Ravens

 

I think it was Stan and Charlie I was listening to on SNR, they said the Steelers have 20 sacks and yet the opposing offenses haven’t been called for a hold yet. How is that possible?

 

Isn't that the reason for you to be excited at 4-0?

 

Ravens are great until they have to play from way behind

 

The Steelers blitz a lot and they’re using the safeties in run support much more often. They’ve gotten touched up a little but it's nothing to be too alarmed of. They're still leading the league in sacks, doing well with takeaways, and eliminating the run almost entirely. That’s what they’re aiming for. Without Sanders’ run, it would have been their third game this year allowing under 40 rushing yards...

Look, if the Steelers completely suffocate the run, all you’re doing is throwing the ball late, and the defense is going to tee off. That last possession by the Eagles says it all - Bud sack and heave 'n pray pick by Nelson. That is 2020 Steelers' football and what Tomlin and team is trying to do.

No one is that frustrated if the Steelers get a couple of clear calls (the Claypool DPI, for example) and the Steelers win 45+-29.

 

It's not. So we have more questionable roughing the passer calls than holds. Unreal.

 

And I'll bet one of them will be strummin while the others pound each other

 

Hey steel machine.

That is one theory. Like you, I hope it holds no water. We do not need the Defense getting "complacent". I seriously doubt though that is the answer. If it is by chance, like you, I hope not as well. It would be unfair to the team as a whole, and us as fans, if the Defense was "half-stepping" it, to short-change all stakeholders. Again, I doubt it.

Tough, punishing and relentless Defense is a Steelers' Trademark. Teams of the past have prided themselves on this reputation. I would like to think that this group would like to uphold that reputation/tradition and set some records of their own and stamp their Trademark in Steelers' history.

As I have stated, I think this is the most complete Defense that I have seen in a long time. Historically, we have been able to stop the run and we are doing it again. It is the Pass Defense that over the past decade or so that has not held up its end of the bargain. Last season's performance had me believing that we had the back four covered. Nelson, Haden, Fitzpatrick and now Edmunds are very formidable. The front seven are doing a terrific job. Now, the back four have to re-find their "groove" from last season. I think they will.

These guys are professionals. Most on this Defense (if not all?) have never won a Super Bowl. I would like to think that they have this as their "Ultimate Goal". And as Ben stated, he "came back for these guys" meaning the whole team; which includes the Defense. He stated that he got his and wants to help these guys get theirs. I would like to think the team is buying into this message. I would think that the Veterans like Haden, who endured all those pitiful years in stainville, really wants a Ring. And Nelson also who missed out in Kansas City, where he came from.

I do not know for sure if there are any players on this team that have won a Ring with us or any other team for that matter. That should be the goal every year. This is the player's ultimate prize for playing the game. For the Defense in particular, I would like to think that they all have set Defensive Unit, as well as individual goals, enroute to claiming that "Prize".

The "Hardware" (Ring) tells a story, history. One that hold a lifetime of memories. I know as an Athlete and Coach it did for me and decades later it still does.

Take care.


STEELWINDS The East Side Kid