wk. 8 postgame observations

What you saw is exactly what the NFL wants, high scoring games to attract new fans so it is very hard for defenses to keep anyone from scoring unless something remarkable happens. I didn't like the fact that it looked like we could very well lose after having a 20 point lead evaporate because of a stupid pooch punt and DHB's terrible hands but I did like the fact that we beat Luck up, if there wasn't the type of pressure on him he would have carved us up like a T-day bird. The pressure is what ultimately won, when they got the ball from Blount, the pressure was what caused Luck to trip and fall, he was anticipating and tried to get back faster in order to make a play and he fell, ball game over!!! The defense actually looked as good as I saw and lets face it, with the offense they have we knew we had to score, so it is a good win even defensively.

 

With the Offense firing on all cylinders the result is a win. This trend needs to continue. And keeping Cortez Allen on the bench.
The Defense played well but it is far from dominant. Flashes when needed. The Offense will still need to carry this team.

 

Good summary. What a game.

I'm not too hung up on the penalties - frustrating as they were, the refs were calling them equally (though they missed a push off by the Colts receiver - Hylton? - early on, and an encroachment, but other than that it looked fairly even).

28 and 23 were weak links, but in general it looked much more like a return to Blitzburgh, and that's a good thing.

 

You're right. I thought I heard those announcers say that. Mike n Mike and first take all say Ben is alone.
Bow to B&G Ya done good.

 

It is a beautiful thing to watch.

 

I hope you're right. But honestly, I think our defensive problems are bigger than Cortez. But I'd be thrilled if it turns out I'm wrong.

And though I'd like to fault the officiating, I just don't think that was a significant factor in the game. /shrug

 

I definitely liked the significant pressure we got on Luck! But...over 400 yards from Luck without the services of Reggie Wayne and with the Steelers dominating time of possession (39:43 to 20:17). I hate to say it, but I'm afraid that unless we have unusually big time performances from Ben, we don't stand much of a chance against the good quarterbacked teams in the league

 

I wish to God, I could disagree with you...

And we will both get crucified here, for nitpicking after a quality win,

But you speak the truth...

As much as I hate to say it, that was probablt the WORST I have seen Troy play, in a long time...

And it came during our best game of the year....

Even the couple tackles he made/contributed to...

His "torpedo style" tackling, left the ball carrier continuing to move the ball.

That used to end the progress of the football, even if I disagreed with the style, I had to admire the results...

He also looked out of place/ guessing wrong about where the ball was going, more than I`ve ever noticed before...

Maybe, I`m just paying more attention, because I went back and watched a lot of his highlights on youtube, from his younger days...?

But, as much as I love him, he just ain`t what he used to be...

Used to be... I was COUNTING on him to make the big interception/strip sack/tackle in the backfield when we needed it...


Now, I`m wondering how he missed the tackle/ couldn`t catch up to the ball carrier, got caught out of position, etc...

Love him to death, but I think his time has come...

Shame we have no one to replace him, except an injured Shamarko...

I know I`ll get killed for this.

I hate to even say it myself,

But the truth is the truth...

His best days are far behind him...

And they were some DAMN good days...
Just makes it more painful to watch, when he can`t do what he used to.

That`s not the BIGGEST thing I`m taking away from this game,

But it should be noticed, overall, this year...

Along with Heath dropping more balls than he ever has... Like 3 so far... LOL!

(Mostly kidding about Heath...not so much, Troy, Sadly...)...

I`m not a "Negative Nancy", but facts are facts...

Watch the tape...

He`s one of my all time Fave Steelers... But he ain`t what he used to be.

Hope he pulls out a spectacular play against the Cravens next week, to make me eat my words!!!

He usually comes up big in those games...

Just don`t have the faith in him, I used to.

 

I only saw the NFL Rewind so far, which is probably about 50% of the game if I had to guess... but I didn't see Troy play as badly as you describe. In fact, I didn't think he played badly at all. He "allowed" that TD that Cortez could have batted away. He missed a tackle on Bradshaw's run, but I thought he was held from behind. When I see the whole game I'll know better, though.

You didn't mention the badass forced fumble on Luck! How come I haven't seen anyone talking about that? Did I just miss it? I thought it was a pretty awesome Troy-type play. If not for an unlucky bounce and a very heads-up recovery from Bradshaw, that's a turnover deep in Indy territory.

He has lost a step of speed, unfortunately, but that's what happens when you get to be his age. He's lasted longer than most, and he was so high up there, he has a loooong way to fall before he's not good enough. Even half-Troy has a lot to offer. I don't think he's done. I hope he plays 'till the wheels fall off, which is at least one more year.

 

I just think others were supposed to be taking up more slack back there at this point, to help troy. which really hasn't happened.