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Game Balls, Game Goats & FU's.........@ Giants.....Week 1

Thanks Chico.......always look forward to your postgame analyst.

A couple observations if I may.....

One stat that didn’t show up ‘cause it didn’t happen. No interceptions. I was secretly nervous about Big Ben throwing up 2 or 3. We all know it can happen. So big kudos to Big Ben. Way more of a ball control passing game than a toss em up down the field. A few early jitters to be expected,and then a stellar effort. Among many big plays.....my game ball goes to Ben. Can you imagine the nerves he must of had going into this? Thanks for the shout out to his Dr!

Another game ball goes to the football schedule makers. It was nice to have the Giants as our first game. Not saying we couldn’t have beaten anyone in the league first game. But ****.....it was nice it was the Giants. For the fans and the team,it sure is nicer to be 1-0 to start the season.

DJ will be a huge part of our success. While he had a few muffs,he also was huge down the stretch. Winning definitely takes the spotlight off a bit. He can be a dynamic playmaker. In the return game as well. Hold on to that ball DJ!

Most of the other big plays have been mentioned by others,& of course I agree and don’t have to repeat. One of my favorite plays of the game was one of the last plays. That little run around play to Claypool to get the first down to seal it was ******* great! Did you see the smile and the excitement on his face? Whoever called that I give props to. I get the distinct feeling this kid is going to be special. Maybe someone can put that up....I am just too lazy right now.....and a little hungover in the middle of the night. Needed water.

Cheers all.
 
I also want you all to listen to Big Ben after the games when interviewed. He's a different Big Ben. He's contrite, humble, and driven. He was always the leader of this team, but now he's the leader the entire team rallies behind. He just simply is a better person at this point in his life.
 
Steelmann said:
Thanks Chico.......always look forward to your postgame analyst.

A couple observations if I may.....

One stat that didn’t show up ‘cause it didn’t happen. No interceptions. I was secretly nervous about Big Ben throwing up 2 or 3. We all know it can happen. So big kudos to Big Ben. Way more of a ball control passing game than a toss em up down the field. A few early jitters to be expected,and then a stellar effort. Among many big plays.....my game ball goes to Ben. Can you imagine the nerves he must of had going into this? Thanks for the shout out to his Dr!

Another game ball goes to the football schedule makers. It was nice to have the Giants as our first game. Not saying we couldn’t have beaten anyone in the league first game. But ****.....it was nice it was the Giants. For the fans and the team,it sure is nicer to be 1-0 to start the season.

DJ will be a huge part of our success. While he had a few muffs,he also was huge down the stretch. Winning definitely takes the spotlight off a bit. He can be a dynamic playmaker. In the return game as well. Hold on to that ball DJ!

Most of the other big plays have been mentioned by others,& of course I agree and don’t have to repeat. One of my favorite plays of the game was one of the last plays. That little run around play to Claypool to get the first down to seal it was ******* great! Did you see the smile and the excitement on his face? Whoever called that I give props to. I get the distinct feeling this kid is going to be special. Maybe someone can put that up....I am just too lazy right now.....and a little hungover in the middle of the night. Needed water.

Cheers all.
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Yep it has happened, We do know now though that upwards or 25% were on AB improvising and Ben throwing the ball to where AB should have been. Or so I think I read in an article a while back.
 
Cope said:
I also want you all to listen to Big Ben after the games when interviewed. He's a different Big Ben. He's contrite, humble, and driven. He was always the leader of this team, but now he's the leader the entire team rallies behind. He just simply is a better person at this point in his life.
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It's amazing what a good women and his faith have done for him. Seems like a hands on dad also.
 
Claypool flashed serious game.
 
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Washington desire for the end zone fighting for that last yard gets a game ball for sure. Johnson may have flubbed the return game but he made some key receptions, Snell turned the running game completely around. Ben once he called his own plays during the two minute drill turned his game upwards. Bud had an excellent game and Bush who really was not flashy was main cog in stopping the Giants running game.
 
With any surgery, there is a level of concern, esp a QBs throwing arm. At 38, he's no spring chicken, but I really liked what i saw from him last night. His throws had good velocity and touch, he even ran "well".
For the first game coming out of the gate with no pre-season, I'm pleased with the D and O, as a whole. They can and only will get better, baring they stay healthy.
 
No game ball for STUD Dupree?!?!?!?

Big Ben is back. It took a little bit to shake off the rust. I thought we waited too long to let him go no huddle. That is where Ben really shines. Losing OL on back to back plays likely for the season is really tough. Hope the FO is out there working the phones today. We need a replacement for Wisniewski ASAP.
 
Litos said:
Add dotson and highsmith to the contributing rookies, surprising to see 4 rookies playing early on a Steelers team for sure.

Was happy with the flow of the game, don't know how the rest of the week 1 went but this one wasn't constantly stopped by suspect calls by the refs unlike previous seasons.

Enviado desde mi Moto G (5) Plus mediante Tapatalk
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I think you can contribute some of that to the XFL as the NFL took notice on how the fans clamored over how much smoother / flowing the game was without all the crappy flag interruptions.





Salute the nation
 
Forgot to mention Claypool as well. That sideline catch was absolute money. If that is a harbinger of things to come, bring it on.
 
Hines57 said:
Forgot to mention Claypool as well. That sideline catch was absolute money. If that is a harbinger of things to come, bring it on.
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That was a fantastic catch and perhaps one that no other steeler receiver would make. Although Washington was usually relatable last night, I'd rather see his most of his targets go to Claypool.


We have a big receiver with speed ( Claypool ), an ultra-quick and smooth route runner ( Johnson ), and a chain mover red zone threat ( Ju-Ju )


It will be up to Randy Fichtner to line them up against the DB's where the mismatches are greatest.
 
Chicoman said:
Well I won't make this political like the NFL did but I'm glad to see our Steelers back on the football field. Several things I noticed right away tonight.......Ben's velocity on his throws is much improved....There was one play where he threaded the needle to Dionte Johnson between 3 Defenders and Johnson dropped it but it hit him right in the numbers.....Ben in recent years couldn't make that throw....it would be knocked down or picked off. Ben did great tonight in his first game back from a season ending injury a year ago. Chase Claypool did a nice job tonight as he was one of many rookies to make a contribution. Our Defense looks better this year than last year and it's nice to see some improvement from Devin Bush and Ola Adeniyi. Also saw Alex Highsmith giving chase on Daniel Jones in the 4th QTR and Vince Williams also seemed to be playing better this season than recent years. Tyson Alualu really stepped up at the NT position this game. The one weakness I still see on Defense is Terrell Edmunds....gave up two key 3rd down completions when the Giants were backed up in the shadow of their own goal line on 3rd & 14...gave up an 18 yd completion to Slaton and he gave up another on 3rd & 9 near midfield.....he always seems to be a step behind. Also saw a nice improvement from Benny Snell from year 1 to year 2.....the kid did a good job filling in for James Conner. He does need to focus more on securing the football....I hope they activate Anthony McFarland Jr soon because I just don't think Conner's body can hold up to the rigor of an NFL game let alone an NFL season. As for the O-line....it was a patchwork O-line but they did ok for the most part, saw Big Al struggle several times vs Leonard Williams though.. I watched Zach Banner alot tonight and he struggled early but by the 2nd QTR he was finding his groove and did a great job getting to the 2nd level......threw 2 key blocks on a big run by Snell over the right side. He seems like he will be a road grater in the run game I just hope his injury isn't season ending. So we are 1-0 and off to a good start to the season......This year could be a special year......for Ben's sake I hope it's very special.


Per Tomlin's Post Game Presser:
James Conner - Ankle inury....extent of the injury is unknown at this time but he wasn't able to return to the game
Zach Banner - Knee he's being evaluated MRI tomorrow
Steve Wisniewski - Pectoral injury that's being evaluated


Game Balls:
Ben Roethlisberger - His velocity on his throws looks as good as ever. 21 of 32 229 yds 3 TD's. Welcome back Ben we missed ya! System QB my ***!
Benny Snell - Here's a kid who has shown improvement from year 1 to 2. 19 carries 113 yds.....good job Benny! Way to step up!
Juju Smith Schuster - 6 rec 69 yds 2 TD's......I don't think anyone missed Ben more than Juju
Zach Banner = First few drives he looked rocky but after shaking off the jitters he was having one hell of a game until he got hurt. I hope it's not season ending....his run blocking was impressive!
Steelers Defense vs Saquon Barkley.....WOW....he had 15 carries for 6 yds. They really made the Giants a one dimensional offense and that was the difference in the game. The guys who really st00d out on Defense tonight were Bud Dupree, Devin Bush, Vince Williams & TJ Watt. Also gotta give props to Heyward, Alualu & Tuitt.....it was a good night for the Front 7.
James Washington - Only 2 catches but the effort on the TD catch before the end of the first half changed the momentum of the game.....great effort to get the TD.
Dr. Neal El Attrache - This is the surgeon who rebuilt Ben's elbow.....giving him a game ball! He did good!

Game Goats:
Dionte Johnson - a Fumble & 2 drops tonight......can't keep doing that.
Terrell Edmunds - He's our lone weakness on Defense.....I just hope he's not 2020's version of Tim McKyer. Gave up 2 key 3rd down conversions 3rd & 14 & 3rd & 9 both for first downs.

FU's:
FU to all the haters who thought Ben was done as an NFL QB. You still want Rudolph, Dobbs or Hodges as your QB? Appreciate him because he doesn't have much more football left in him but know now that you are watching a Future HoF'er. Enjoy Big Ben!
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Top notch as usual. I would list Boswell as a goat. He missed a PAT and one of his kickoffs went out of bounds, giving the Giants the ball at the 40 yard line.

Edmunds is surrounded by a talent at DB and benefits from a top pass rush. He's still liability. The guy never turns his head around in coverage. At this point, his rookie growing pains should be over. He is what he is.

Tyson Alualu might have had his best game as a Steeler. He lead the DL unit in tackles. With Pro Bowl talent to his left and right, Alualu could be in for a career type of season.
 
Kudos to Butler for coming up with some nice creative blitzing. I cant believe they couldn't get off the field for that drive, but they bent and didn't break.
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Watching that drive, while sipping a Lagunitas IPA at Buffalo Wild Wings (my endorsement check is in the mail), I was actually thinking the longer the Giants have to extend this drive, dinking and dunking down the field the greater the odds that it will end badly.

As the duck went up, I called out "Thank you Daniel Jones" even before Cam brought it in.

And kudos to Cam to know he ought to get down in the EZ. Perhaps he just fell naturally, but I thought it seemed as though he made a conscious choice to get down immediately.
 
wig said:
Watching that drive, while sipping a Lagunitas IPA at Buffalo Wild Wings (my endorsement check is in the mail), I was actually thinking the longer the Giants have to extend this drive, dinking and dunking down the field the greater the odds that it will end badly.

As the duck went up, I called out "Thank you Daniel Jones" even before Cam brought it in.

And kudos to Cam to know he ought to get down in the EZ. Perhaps he just fell naturally, but I thought it seemed as though he made a conscious choice to get down immediately.
Click to expand...
And i think his teammates were pushing him down too haha

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Bud Dupree may have been the best player on the field last night. He was flying around in the backfield and set the tone for the defense.

Alualu quietly had a good game and was strong against the run. He's been nothing but solid since signing with the Steelers.

I loved watching the defense fly around the field and just lay some big hits. You can tell that Bush is in his second year as he looked way more comfortable in the defense and nearly had an amazing interception.

Claypool and Highsmith flashed their talent early on.

Snell did exactly what you want to see from your running back in the fourth quarter.

JuJu had to be thrilled to have Ben back. He's gonna have a huge year and Ben looked good once he shook off the rust. Great to have our QB back under center.
 
Snell looked good. He certainly needed to drop weight because last year he was stiff. He's no gamebreaker but can be a good workhorse.

Conner didn't look great, but it's not a fair comparison with Conner and Snell. They ran different plays. Snell got to run a bunch of straight handoffs where he could just take the ball and go North South. Conner had a bunch of misdirection runs where there was some kind of play action from shotgun and he had to run East West.

Dupree looked great and Ola and Highsmith did too, but i wouldn't get too excited yet. The Giants OL is garbage. I believe they had 3 new starters including a rookie LT and they have a new OC so it was to be expected that they'd struggle against the best front 7 in the NFL. The Broncos OL sucks too so i expect another big game.

Dionte had a rough start but bounced back and made plays. It was his first game playing with Ben so he was probably surprised by the ball coming to him so quickly out of breaks.

Claypool should be able to contribute without knowing the whole offense. He's already put on film that he's a deep threat and a tough matchup with his physicality.

With a healthy Big Ben, the steelers are the best team in the NFL.
 
tapeANaspirin2it said:
With a healthy Big Ben, the steelers are the best team in the NFL.
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Monday night was encouraging, if for no other reason than Ben showing he can still play, but I still would put the Ravens and Chiefs ahead of the Steelers for now.

The Steelers struggled a bit with the Giants, while the Chiefs and Ravens dominated their games.

The Steelers blocking is a big question mark, and though Daniel Jones looks like a potential franchise QB, the Steelers secondary looked like crap, I thought.
 
Punxsutawney said:
Monday night was encouraging, if for no other reason than Ben showing he can still play, but I still would put the Ravens and Chiefs ahead of the Steelers for now.

The Steelers struggled a bit with the Giants, while the Chiefs and Ravens dominated their games.

The Steelers blocking is a big question mark, and though Daniel Jones looks like a potential franchise QB, the Steelers secondary looked like crap, I thought.
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I agree with that last part, way to many easy throws and catches, and back to the 10 yard cushion, along with Vince getting stuck in coverage to much vs a ****** team.
It was our first game with no preseason so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they are still getting on the same page.
 
tapeANaspirin2it said:
With a healthy Big Ben, the steelers are the best team in the NFL.
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I can’t agree with that. I think both KC and Baltimore are better. The Steelers will have two chances to prove everyone wrong against Baltimore. Unfortunately, they don’t play KC this season. Hope to see that match up in the playoffs.
 
Sarge said:
I can’t agree with that. I think both KC and Baltimore are better. The Steelers will have two chances to prove everyone wrong against Baltimore. Unfortunately, they don’t play KC this season. Hope to see that match up in the playoffs.
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KC's offense may be better but I don't think their defense is....it would be a fun game to watch

The Steelers without Ben lost to the lamar jackson led ravens by a field goal last season....I don't see how they are any better than the Steelers. Both games will likely be battles like they usually seem to be, but I expect the Steelers to take the division
 
Coryea said:
I agree with that last part, way to many easy throws and catches, and back to the 10 yard cushion, along with Vince getting stuck in coverage to much vs a ****** team.
It was our first game with no preseason so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they are still getting on the same page.
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They committed to stopping the run (probowler barkley) and dare the giants to throw, their QB made some money throws but he also made mistakes and that was the gamble the coaches did and it worked out almost perfectly as 3 points were a ST gift and their 2nd TD was with the game in complete control

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Litos said:
They committed to stopping the run (probowler barkley) and dare the giants to throw, their QB made some money throws but he also made mistakes and that was the gamble the coaches did and it worked out almost perfectly as 3 points were a ST gift and their 2nd TD was with the game in complete control

Enviado desde mi Moto G (5) Plus mediante Tapatalk
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Exactly. The Steelers committed to taking away Saquon and daring the Giants WRs to beat them. They made a few plays and let's not forget that there was no preseason so a few missed assignments was to be expected.

The Chiefs defense is not great. They can rush the passer but that secondary can e be exploited.

The Ravens OL is not as good as last year. Let's see if Lamar Jackson becomes a better passer. He feasts on bad defenses but he did struggle against good ones. The Steelers nearly beat the ravens with Duck last year. Jackson still struggles with accuracy.

In any case, the Chiefs and Ravens are the only teams you can argue are better than the steelers. Who else? Brees looks like his arm is shot. So does Brady. The Cowboys defense is nothing special. The 49ers are limited by Jimmy Grapenuts.

The Steelers are the most versatile team in the NFL. Their defense has size and power to play the run and they have speed against the pass. Similarly, the steeler offense can ground and pound with Conner and Snell. They can play 2 TE or they can go 4 wide.

The 49ers and Ravens struggle if the game doesn't go by their plans. They are the Kordell Steelers. The Chierfs are dangerous because that offense can be unstoppable and the defense is just good enough to get a few stops and win the game.
 
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