Roethlisberger tells it like it is - Tomlin has no answers...

[wig]

The pats were sending in two DB's to knock Brown on his ***

which is exactly what WE should have been doing to Hogan and Edelman all game. Shazier and Mitchell should have been planting them every single snap and then handing them off to a corner.

But no... Butler's far too clever for THAT.

 

[FAB802]

Obviously....................

 

[Hines57]

Even with the drops, our defense got ******* shredded. The 10 points off turnovers didn't help but we can't go into NE and play a soft zone D and expect to win. Just a piss poor game plan.

 

[Djfan]

Brown was little more than a decoy on Sunday. The Patsies challenged us to beat them with our #s 3-5 recievers. We don't have a #2 receiver. We couldn't.

The coaching all around was extremely lame. Tomlin has no clue what to do against them. It's like there is no tape on them vs us.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Brown is going to be a tough call.

He's in the last year of his contract that has really underpaid him. We've thrown him some money that last two years to keep him somewhat happy, but he wants a big payday and he's not going to play out this year without that huge bonus.

I agree you have to really question is he worth $12-$14 million/year? And a LONG term deal like that too? Through 2022?

Brown does some things I haven't seen in a long time. And some games he looks unstoppable. But WR's are the hood ornaments of an offense. And his off-field persona and self-promotion is getting a bit old. We could get Bryant back, sign a mid-level free agent WR for half the price, get Bell under contract and still score what we scored this year.

Always remember, they won a Super Bowl the year after they let Plaxico Burress walk.

 

[Steeler Pride]

Always remember, they won a lwoB repuS the year after they let Plaxico Burress walk.

We also had much better depth and experience at the WR position then we have right now.

 

[GRBman]

Here's when I knew the game was over:

Went up to Bellisario's to grab a pizza and a couple hoagies, listening to Pittsburgh's first drive of the game on the radio: 3rd and 1 after Bell had already rushed for 9 yards...Ben throws a deep sideline ball that falls incomplete. Seriously? 3rd and 1...you throw deep...to COATES??? That's when I knew...it was going to be a long night.

Tomlin doesn't have a system. Hate on New England all you want (and we all do)...but at least they have a system...and their entire team (including their all-world QB) plays within that system. If anybody gets out of line, they ship them off to Buffalo or Cleveland. They have a SYSTEM...it is a team game and the stars get treated just like everyone else. The Steelers don't have a system...haven't had one at all under Tomlin. Cowher had a system, run the ball, make quality throws to keep the secondary honest, and bludgeon people in the 2nd half. Didn't win too many Super Bowls, but at least they were consistent. The defense was a swarming nightmare, you KNEW you were going to get beaten-up playing the Steelers...

now? Meh...soft zone, put Harrison in coverage and hope Brady makes a mistake...

 

[Stainless]

Our organization got raped on Sunday. Nobody was spared during that nationally televised assault.

 

[Skott]

We have all 3 time outs left...We are down a couple points. Its the AFC Championship game..win or go home. And Tomlin doesn't call a single damn time out to stop the clock to even give a chance to get the ball back???? Not a single timeout to give the D a break or make sure you have an idea of what to do. Not even a single time out to stop the momentum of Brady. OK I get it, Brady made a 3rd and long, which once again the WR was left wide friggin open....

But what the hell Tomlin! At least TRY to give your team a fighting chance....you get more time outs the 2nd half.

He proves once again that he is a piss poor coach that can not make any adjustments, and it's my opinion that the veteran players are not gonna be so quiet anymore. They are fed up with his bullshit play calling and decision making. BIG WORDS DONT WIN FOOTBALL GAMES.

 

[chipped ham]

Here's when I knew the game was over:

Went up to Bellisario's to grab a pizza and a couple hoagies, listening to Pittsburgh's first drive of the game on the radio: 3rd and 1 after Bell had already rushed for 9 yards...Ben throws a deep sideline ball that falls incomplete. Seriously? 3rd and 1...you throw deep...to COATES??? That's when I knew...it was going to be a long night.

Tomlin doesn't have a system. Hate on New England all you want (and we all do)...but at least they have a system...and their entire team (including their all-world QB) plays within that system. If anybody gets out of line, they ship them off to Buffalo or Cleveland. They have a SYSTEM...it is a team game and the stars get treated just like everyone else. The Steelers don't have a system...haven't had one at all under Tomlin. Cowher had a system, run the ball, make quality throws to keep the secondary honest, and bludgeon people in the 2nd half. Didn't win too many Super Bowls, but at least they were consistent. The defense was a swarming nightmare, you KNEW you were going to get beaten-up playing the Steelers...

now? Meh...soft zone, put Harrison in coverage and hope Brady makes a mistake...

The third and one play call worked. Unfortunately, Sammie Sweed did nothing to catch that ball. I hate hearing the whole "well why go to him in that spot?" The ******* guy had to make a play at some point, and he had his opportunity bounce right off of his hands. It wasn't the last play of a one score game, and we were ready to score a touchdown. It was the first drive of the game. The dudes head is toast.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

The third and one play call worked. Unfortunately, Sammie Sweed did nothing to catch that ball. I hate hearing the whole "well why go to him in that spot?" The ******* guy had to make a play at some point, and he had his opportunity bounce right off of his hands. It wasn't the last play of a one score game, and we were ready to score a touchdown. It was the first drive of the game. The dudes head is toast.

That's on the coaches. Coates hadn't done much except ST's the last half of the season. Ayers has been a better WR but they didn't give him a hat.

 

[deljzc]

Always remember, they won a lowB repuS the year after they let Plaxico Burress walk.

We also went to the lowB repuS the season after we let Santonio Holmes go as well (in a trade to the Jets).

This organization has done this before. Which is why my boss at work keeps telling me he's not coming back to Pittsburgh. I do think, unlike Holmes, there would be a considerable trade market for Brown right now. The guy isn't THAT much of a diva as compared to many others that have gotten decent returns in trade/picks. He's only 28 years old (will turn 29 before next year), so you have to figure any long term deal you'll get some return on the first three seasons.

I'm telling you.... if we had cajones in our front office, I'd be calling Jerry Jones. They are very thin at wide receiver, especially when you think that Dez Bryant could just fall of the reservation at any moment. They have Cole Beasley and Terence Williams at #2/#3 guys. And how much longer can Witten continue to give you 100 targets? Witten is going to be 35 next year (and they are very thin behind him).

For a team that now considers themselves contenders they are thin at the top of their receiving core. And they can easily make cap room with some logical moves. Cut Romo as a June 1st designee. Restructure Tyron Smith. You don't have to extend/spend on Travis Frederick for another year season. Byron Jones is two years off.

I mean, you can "sell" Jerry on a new Three Musketeers in Big D, but Bryant is such a wildcard/head case (even more than Michael Irvin), why not make it Antonio Brown instead? At least you know Brown will stay clean and work hard and not break the law....

Every trade has to be a win-win. You can't just look at a trade from the Steelers point of view. You have to really sell me on another team wanting to trade for a Steeler and why. I can see some very logical reasons why Dallas would consider giving up a late 1st round pick for the upside and protection (against Bryant going wack-o) of bringing Antonio Brown into the limelight down there. He can probably handle the spotlight as well (in fact, Brown might relish it).

It's an option. And maybe a realistic one, for the Steelers to consider.

 

[SteelerFan448]

This organization has done this before. Which is why my boss at work keeps telling me he's not coming back to Pittsburgh. I do think, unlike Holmes, there would be a considerable trade market for Brown right now. The guy isn't THAT much of a diva as compared to many others that have gotten decent returns in trade/picks. He's only 28 years old (will turn 29 before next year), so you have to figure any long term deal you'll get some return on the first three seasons.

So if we trade Brown, who exactly is playing wide receiver for the Steelers?

Your description of Dallas' receiving corps basically mirrors what the Steelers have (unless Bryant comes back) minus a dependable option at tight end.

 

[deljzc]

Bryant is coming back. And this team finds receivers. In a lot of ways, we are also going to tag Bell and run him into the ground next year (because Tomlin likes to do that).

I think Brown is burning some bridges. There isn't a fire, but I'm smelling smoke. Remember, it is always better to part from a player one year too early than one year too late.

He is NOT going to play this year $4.7 million salary and turning 29 this summer. He wants PAID. And PAID a lot. $20+ million in his pocket, right now. That is what he is thinking. That is what his agent is thinking. The top WR contracts average about 5-years, $70 million with $30 million guaranteed (that's AJ Green, Dez Bryant, Julio Jones and Demarius Thomas). There is no "middle ground" here. There is no "negotiation" or "team friendly" contract. He is as good as all those guys and has proven it the last 3 years. You can't look him in the eye and say anything but. He's outperformed his team-friendly contract LAST time. He's not doing it again.

It's a tough call. I'm not saying one way or the other right now. Might have to let the season cool down from my memory. But if you are a responsible GM, I think you need to make some calls and measure the interest he might have in the trade market and have some Plan B and options if things turn south (and the fire ignites) on those bridges.

 

[MT~Forged]

We have all 3 time outs left...We are down a couple points. .

But what the hell Tomlin! At least TRY to give your team a fighting chance....you get more time outs the 2nd half.

Sometimes I wonder if he even knows that

 

[chipped ham]

That's on the coaches. Coates hadn't done much except ST's the last half of the season. Ayers has been a better WR but they didn't give him a hat.

I don't necessarily disagree, but the guy had to come in and make a play at some point again. Whether it was a 10 yard pass or a 40 yard bomb, you expect a guy that you have high expectations for to make a play for you. He had an opportunity. He ****** it up, just as he had in the latter part of the season, whenever it was he was in there. The thing with him that is so frustrating is that each and everytime the ball goes his way, you can see he doesn't do enough to make the catch. This was no different. He extends his arms, that ball drops right into his hands. The play worked. The line blocked good enough, Ben threw a good enough pass, Sammie Sweed beat his man and got open, but he dropped the ******* rock. You can blame the coaches all you want, but the dude has got to make the play.

 

[blitzburghv5]

LMAO....I know this loss done drove y'all hogshit crazy now...talking bout giving up on the leagues best WR and possibly letting Bell walk........madness has taken over

 

[6Rings]

I am sure I will get over it, but I am not excited about next season. Next season can take all the time it needs to get here. I am just tired. I don't mind losing if we are truly prepared, but looking like stooges has really taking a toll on me..

 

[Steelr4evr]

Great players do not win championships. Great teams do. If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem. A gear in a well oiled winning machine is still just a gear.

 

[black and gold apex]

Zone defense does not work because type players Tomlin drafted. Defensive backs lost, turned around and guessing to many times. Sending out older line backers in coverage also a problem. Tomlin drafts players in progress does not get it.

 

[nitsuj1225]

Great players do not win championships. Great teams do. If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem. A gear in a well oiled winning machine is still just a gear.

Basically the Pats philosophy right here. Does anyone really think Chris Hogan would be more than a practice squad player on any other team?

The Pats can line up a makeshift OL and Brady doesn't get touched. Or a who's who of WR's and they're magically wide open on multiple occasions. Or even a backup or third string QB and STILL win games convincingly. This is 100% down to a good scheme, gameplan and coaching, ignoring the cheating part for a minute but supposedly they aren't anymore and still performing the same way.

When has Ben ever audibled to a 5 wide set after seeing a team stack the box while in a run formation? Or run the quick hurry up offense to catch the defense off guard like Brady did? No, we love to wait until the opposing defense is set and ready before snapping the ball with 1 second left on the play clock every single play. On the extreme rare occasions we actually do run a quick hurry up style offense, they march right down the field...SO WHY NOT DO IT MORE???

The fact our defense was utterly confused just defending the hurry up offense is all you need to know. The kicker is not one timeout was used to regroup or slow down the Pats offense despite wide spread blown assignments play after play.

If thousands of fans can see and discuss the same flaws over and over and what not to do against certain opponents, how the hell do guys who get paid to do this for a living not see the same things? It's baffling.

 

[Coryea]

Basically the Pats philosophy right here. Does anyone really think Chris Hogan would be more than a practice squad player on any other team?

The Pats can line up a makeshift OL and Brady doesn't get touched. Or a who's who of WR's and they're magically wide open on multiple occasions. Or even a backup or third string QB and STILL win games convincingly. This is 100% down to a good scheme, gameplan and coaching, ignoring the cheating part for a minute but supposedly they aren't anymore and still performing the same way.

When has Ben ever audibled to a 5 wide set after seeing a team stack the box while in a run formation? Or run the quick hurry up offense to catch the defense off guard like Brady did? No, we love to wait until the opposing defense is set and ready before snapping the ball with 1 second left on the play clock every single play. On the extreme rare occasions we actually do run a quick hurry up style offense, they march right down the field...SO WHY NOT DO IT MORE???

The fact our defense was utterly confused just defending the hurry up offense is all you need to know. The kicker is not one timeout was used to regroup or slow down the Pats offense despite wide spread blown assignments play after play.

If thousands of fans can see and discuss the same flaws over and over and what not to do against certain opponents, how the hell do guys who get paid to do this for a living not see the same things? It's baffling.

Well according to Tomlin, in the first Baltimore game, Ben said on his show that he wanted to go to that offense in the 3rd quarter, when Tomlin was asked, he said, "Baltimores offense wasn't doing anything so we were comfortable sticking to our game plan" anyone that thinks Ben has total control is mistaken, and Tomlin has said as much in his press conference, asked point blank this season if Ben has the green light to audible out of any plays he wants, Tomlin said only in certain situations.

 

[kev4heels]

Billick said that Butler tried everything to adjust to the pats**** offense. 3, 4, 5 man rush with blitzes from every angle...also tried man coverage....nothing worked (obviously) and that the young guys just got lost when the pats**** went to hurry up/no huddle.

I missed more than half the game because of tornadoes and 60 mph winds...played hell with my satellite tv.

lucky you...j/k..kind of

 

[deljzc]

I read the article in last week's Sports Illustrated on Brady.

It's telling because it interviews so many of his mediocre WR's that have had success with him (and not much anywhere else).

The first thing you realize is New England passing attack is very reliant upon "choice" routes. Wide receivers are given a play formation (where to line up) but often have THREE routes they could run dependent on the coverage. And the WR and Brady have to be EXACT on reading the same coverages.

Every team does this, but I'm not sure they do it to the extent New England does. You have to wonder if Roethlisberger (who has to remember the choice routes of EVERY receiver), Brown, Rogers, Coates, Bryant, Wheaton, et. al. are only capable of remembering TWO routes. That's not a slight on our guys. Most teams, quarterbacks and wide receivers probably run TWO different routes out of choices based on coverage.

But you have to think Brady's ability to see three choices for each receiver vs. the infinite zone/man/man-under type coverages teams throw at him isn't how and why they succeed so much. Brady has to handle it mentally and the WR's all have to be on the same page. Not every team has the mental makeup to run that system.

 

[Steeler Pride]

I read the article in last week's Sports Illustrated on Brady.

It's telling because it interviews so many of his mediocre WR's that have had success with him (and not much anywhere else).

The first thing you realize is New England passing attack is very reliant upon "choice" routes. Wide receivers are given a play formation (where to line up) but often have THREE routes they could run dependent on the coverage. And the WR and Brady have to be EXACT on reading the same coverages.

Every team does this, but I'm not sure they do it to the extent New England does. You have to wonder if Roethlisberger (who has to remember the choice routes of EVERY receiver), Brown, Rogers, Coates, Bryant, Wheaton, et. al. are only capable of remembering TWO routes. That's not a slight on our guys. Most teams, quarterbacks and wide receivers probably run TWO different routes out of choices based on coverage.

But you have to think Brady's ability to see three choices for each receiver vs. the infinite zone/man/man-under type coverages teams throw at him isn't how and why they succeed so much. Brady has to handle it mentally and the WR's all have to be on the same page. Not every team has the mental makeup to run that system.

Almost every passing play at the NFL level have 3 options for the receiver, they will have an option to go in, go vertical, or cut it out depending on the coverage. By and large the only read the QB has to make is #1 on the safety, and #2 on the LB if they dropped into a zone coverage. Once he knows where the safety is, the throw becomes instinctive. Just a matter of the WR gaining separation from the CB or LB.