YinzPitt

Both teams had a chance to win this weekend, but both teams couldn’t wrap up the win(tackle reference) late in the game when it mattered most.  I figured the Pittsburgh Steelers game was going to be a blow-out, however we were all pleasantly surprised when Dennis Dixon, the 3rd string quarterback had an outstanding game to keep the Steelers in the game with the Ravens.

I can’t say I’m more than impressed with how Dixon handled the situation making his first start at a hated rival’s field during prime-time, and came away with one passing and one rushing touchdown.  Great stuff all around, however this loss isn’t as much Arians as it was the defense breaking down in the fourth and in overtime, to cost the Steelers the game.

The defense simply couldn’t tackle and the corners just couldn’t cover without giving up big plays.  It’s been a good while since we’ve actually seen a corner back interception which is very terrible news if your looking to win games.  The linebacker corps of this game played flawless until the end.  Harrison and Woodley made it hell for the Ravens line, and Lawrence Timmons got two big time sacks and a forced fumble.  Farrior however looked average to below average, as his play at the end letting Ray Rice get away from him almost looked as if Farrior’s age caught up with him in a split second.  Other than the line backers making people pay, the corner coverage was embarrassing.  William Gay is so overrated it’s not even funny.  He continually gives guys 10-15 yards of room off the line and still get’s beat.  Ike Taylor holds and never get’s called for it, sure they call him a great covering CB, but that’s mostly luck on how much he holds and interferes after 5 yards.

Special teams did their thing I guess, they didn’t give up a touchdown so that’s better than normal, and the plays they gave up big returns on, were the results of penalties and were called back.  It’s still suspect however, and really could give anything up at any time.  Satus quo.

Dennis Dixon of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Offense held their own, Dennis Dixon handled the situation about as best as anyone could, and the offensive line did what they could to keep Dennis Dixon from getting crushed.  In fact, the offensive line played above average in keeping Dixon off the ground.  Dixon was easily the best surprise of the night.  He showed accuracy and arm strength, great range of motion, and fast legs.  He broke a 44 yard run but was called back due to holding.  Either way though, the kid looked like he did when he played for Oregon before he got hurt.  Although it’s only one game, I think he’s solidified himself as the number 2 quarterback next year, and Charlie being either 3rd, or done.  The kid’s just so athletically talented it’s not even funny.

The Steelers are still in the race, but losing these games could and most likely may end up costing them in the long run.  They either win out the rest of the way or it’s over.  Simple as that.

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The Pitt Panthers game at WVU wasn’t a surprise.  I mentioned in my preview post that if they went down and played to WVU’s level, they were going to lose.  Bill Stull looked less than average, almost like he did when he played last year’s bowl game.  I hope it was a two game occurrence and not a “can’t win a big game type of guy” deal.   The defense also couldn’t tackle gave up big plays throughout the whole game.  I’m not surprised and the overrated chants were kinda warranted by the WVU crowd.  The Panthers looked average.

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Hines Ward held a pretty stupid interview before the Sunday Night Football game regarding that the locker room was “50-50″ on Ben not playing.  It’s all in damage control now and Ward is doing his best to not look like a tool:

Ward said his comments to NBC were a product of frustration more than anything else.

“We needed him out there; we wanted him out there,” Ward said of Roethlisberger. “This is the biggest game of the year. We lose and we kind of dug ourselves in a hole. I just wish we would have had all of our weapons out there.”

Said Roethlisberger, “I want to go out there and play, but the doctors told me it wasn’t a good decision. The coaches told me the same thing, so I wasn’t playing.”

Ward said he doesn’t think there will be a need to talk with Roethlisberger about the comments he made.

“I don’t know what I have to say,” Ward said. “I’m not going to get into a war or words with my own quarterback. It was just frustrating because we didn’t find out that he wasn’t starting until (last) Saturday. Finding out your starting quarterback’s not playing until Saturday, it was shocking.”

Hmm, so all of this was because Hines was frustrated.  Here’s a suggestion….DEAL WITH IT.  The doctor advised Tomlin to no play Big Ben.

Hines Ward Crying

This is truly a case where Hines knows nothing about repercussions of what too many concussions can do to a player.  If he needed an example, how about look up Mike Webster for example.  Idiot.  Nothing frustrates me more than hearing a wide receiver pull the selfish card and say things that he knows will hurt the team and then try and back-off days later when said news comes out and hurts the team.

I’d never let Hines slide in this ordeal, he brought unneeded attention to a team that doesn’t need that kind of attention right now, or ever for that fact.

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