Even at 11-0, this team has issues

[CoolieMan]

11-0 means nothing.
Kansas City will smoke this team in the playoffs.
Steelernation get your kleenex ready.

why exactly? THey haven't actually been unbeatable. The raiders knocked them off the first time and was close the second time around. Tampa Bay nearly came back against them and carolina played them close.

THey are not an unbeatable team

 

[mdk2]

why exactly? THey haven't actually been unbeatable. The raiders knocked them off the first time and was close the second time around. Tampa Bay nearly came back against them and carolina played them close.

THey are not an unbeatable team

They probably should have lost to Chargers in OT and the Panthers. You would think Chiefs win every game by 50ps.

 

[CoolieMan]

nah, nah,, you said we had our **** together and "were rolling"


you guys worry about predictions and what you wear on game day etc..

people complain about the offense and you act like its a crime. Tomlin himself said they sucked.

please post where I said we had our **** together and were rolling.

each post game thread I have started has usually said they won but they had stuff to fix.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

so would you rather have issues and be 11-0 or be rocking and rolling but sitting at 8-3???

same thread post 26

 

[the24fan]

What we saw tonight was eye opening. This offense, in spite of the team being 11-0, is just not that good.

1). They can't run the ball. I am undecided on whether it is scheme or execution exclusively, but I am leaning toward scheme. This team run blocks for ****. This is nothing new. Been this way all season with two or three exceptions. This team is so unimaginative when it comes to running the ball, it makes your head spin. The vast majority of the plays are runs to the outside from the shotgun or jet sweeps, and the results are awful. Where is the pulling or trapping or I formation? THE ONE damn play they pulled the guard, it went for 12 yards. Next play was a two yard run out of the shotgun that went for two. To me, the running game is the biggest problem this team has. I see guys like coach rip on Conner, but this isn't a Conner problem. It's a poorly designed run game. It is so ineffective it has become an afterthought to Ben throwing 40-some times per game. And that would be great, except....

2) 90% of those passes are 3-5 yards in the air, and the Ravens were sitting on that **** because they knew it was coming. There is no threat of a real, robust run game, so why worry about it? Even with one starting DL and one starting LB, the Ravens had that **** on lockdown. And it isn't just the Ravens that have it figured out. To his credit, Ben threw some terrific passes to wide open guys anywhere between 10-20 yards downfield, but......

3) Receivers keep dropping the ball. This problem isn't new to this game. Johnson and Ebron are good for dropping at least one pass a game. Tonight they were in rare form. Claypool dropped two by my count, and he has had a few drops throughout this season, but the guy is a rookie and NFL defense is better than what he has ever seen in college so he kinda gets a break.

4) This team was prepared for a cakewalk. Tuitt's post on instagram, to me, was a window into the mindset of this team. Easy win, pad your stats. Except he forgot you have to actually play the game. This team bullshitted through a game they could have and should have dominated. The defense did well, given what the offense left them with, the TD pass by McSorely notwithstanding. They pulled it out, thankfully. Part of me is not sure how. A win is a win, but......

5) There are issues to address. And they are on offense. It boggles my mind that as ineffective as the run game has been, they have changed nothing. Same plays. Same blocking schemes. Same impotence. Regardless how this season turns out, and I feel like in spite of the 11-0 start, it is going to be an enormous let down, the offensive coaching staff needs to be let go. There is too much talent to struggle like this, for at least a half, every damn week. This team should be better than this, right? Teams that struggle like this are not usually 11-0, so it tells me the talent is there. It is either the scheme or execution. Either way, that is on coaching. The players on this offense are not being put in the best position to succeed. If the scheme is bad, change it. If the players aren't executing, sit them. At least for a while. Send a message.

I know I should be happy that my favorite team is 11-0. But I just feel like they are bullshitting. They are getting lucky, at least to a degree. And I know sometimes ou have to be lucky, but this team, right now on offense, is more lucky than good. They owe this season to the defense. This defense is stellar, especially with the rules so slanted to favor the offense. And in spite of those rules, our offense struggles. Mightily at times.

Anyway, flame away. 11-0 will mask a lot of problems. And with this offense at least, it has.

A lot of good points in this post. Couple things:
1. The Steelers ARE a passing team now and everyone knows it. They run a few times to keep defenses honest. We all would like a return to JB and Cowher power football but that ain’t happening. They will go as far as Ben takes them
2. The Ravens know Pittsburgh and their passing game. It’s still a VERY good D. They have arguably the best defensive backfield in the league. They came to play yesterday.
Most teams will NOT have the same success Bmore had yesterday
3. Bad game for the WR group no question. That’s fixable and I feel confident they will fix it.
4. This team needs to shut their pie holes on social media and just play . You don’t go mouthing off on IG ESPECIALLY if you’re not even playing! That’s bush league and it was disrespecting to the players on Baltimore’s side line. Comments like that become bulletin board material real quick . And it showed! Baltimore came to play!
5. I have little faith in RF. I think their better off letting Ben call the plays . RF is just a puppet on the sideline really , we know Ben is really calling the majority of plays . But I think we could do much better than RF
6. To me personally Terrell Edmunds is still a liability in coverage . He’s had one good game but has no real speed, and regularly takes terrible angles on tackles. I would be looking to upgrade there .
7. In the end they are 11-0 but there’s no question that KC is better.


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[CoolieMan]

please post where I said we had our **** together and were rolling.

each post game thread I have started has usually said they won but they had stuff to fix.

same thread post 26

so would you rather have issues and be 11-0 or be rocking and rolling but sitting at 8-3???

and where in this post do I say we are rolling?

 

[Stryker]

Good points 24, I'd have to say that KC is executing better on O, but on D the teams aren't even close. Pit has a strong advantage there.

 

[CoolieMan]

7. In the end they are 11-0 but there’s no question that KC is better.


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there are a lot of questions regarding this

 

[The Glory Days]

A lot of good points in this post. Couple things:
1. The Steelers ARE a passing team now and everyone knows it. They run a few times to keep defenses honest. We all would like a return to JB and Cowher power football but that ain’t happening. They will go as far as Ben takes them
2. The Ravens know Pittsburgh and their passing game. It’s still a VERY good D. They have arguably the best defensive backfield in the league. They came to play yesterday.
Most teams will NOT have the same success Bmore had yesterday
3. Bad game for the WR group no question. That’s fixable and I feel confident they will fix it.
4. This team needs to shut their pie holes on social media and just play . You don’t go mouthing off on IG ESPECIALLY if you’re not even playing! That’s bush league and it was disrespecting to the players on Baltimore’s side line. Comments like that become bulletin board material real quick . And it showed! Baltimore came to play!
5. I have little faith in RF. I think their better off letting Ben call the plays . RF is just a puppet on the sideline really , we know Ben is really calling the majority of plays . But I think we could do much better than RF
6. To me personally Terrell Edmunds is still a liability in coverage . He’s had one good game but has no real speed, and regularly takes terrible angles on tackles. I would be looking to upgrade there .
7. In the end they are 11-0 but there’s no question that KC is better.


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Agree a lot with the OP. Agree a lot with you.

Here's a few arguments.

1. We are a passing team out of necessity, not intent. This isn't the passing game that Ben wants. Sure he wants to get the ball out quick so he can finish the season, but he's not a dink and dunk, 2.3 second pocket passer. That's not his game. We aren't a running team because the OL can't run block. They get pushed back. They can't sustain blocks. They can't create running lanes. And the only reason they are getting credit for pass blocking is that defenses have less than 2.5 seconds to get to Ben. Our offense is bad because of the OL.
2. Most teams have had similar success against us. The differnce is Ben being off target and dropped balls. If Ben throws on target and the dropsies get left in the locker room, we would be having an entirely different conversation today.
3. Nothing much to fix with the WR's. They had a bad game (as did the team in general). Bigger issue is Ben's delivery.
4. Hopefully, Tuitt eating crow will make others realize how stupid his post was.
5. Proof is in the pudding. When Ben takes over play calling, the offense moves. When we're predictable on offense, well, we're predictable.
6. TE is a little like Bud was for a couple years. All hype and potential. There still might be something there, but right now, he's not doing a lot except for a splash play here and there (and sometimes for the other team).
7. This. And think about what the outcome would have been if KC had played the raisins' backups? Mahomes would have had another 400 yard game, the defense would have balled, and the score would have been more like 14-48. We've got a great record, but we're not great. Hell, right now, we're not even that good.

But on a positive note, we are good enough. We are winning games we would have lost in past seasons. We have exorcised a lot of our demons from the past. No divas. Playing for each other. Tight locker room. And we're being discounted. We're being labled as the worst 9-0, 10-0, 11-0 team in history. That's good. Let the negative stuff rain down. Because the more we're discounted, the more we're overlooked, the more we're ridiculed and disrespected, the more we won't bye into our own hype. We need that.

And even though we're not in KC's league, we're probably the best matchup for them defensively. They aren't unbeatable. There is a blueprint, thanks to the Raiders. The scary thing is that it will take our best effort on the field as well as top notch coaching. That's where we lose. That's what is keeping some of these games much closer than should be.

 

[paperclip]

every team has issues

 

[mdk2]

If anyone listens to sports talk radio today, you would think Steelers are 4-7. People saying we aren't a good team, we have no chance in the playoffs, we've gotten lucky to win most of our games, we haven't played any good QBs... basically that we suck.

I was glad to hear it, hopefully the team hears it too.

 

[the24fan]

A lot of truth here I do think KC is beatable. And if we have to use the short passing game instead of the run so be it. If they can do that to control the clock they could pull it off . I do think Benny Snell is the guy you want running in December and Jan. He’s more of a north south guy. Just my opinion. . Good point about being mocked as pretenders . That should keep a chip on their shoulders

 

[slashsteel]

Agree a lot with the OP. Agree a lot with you.

Here's a few arguments.

1. We are a passing team out of necessity, not intent. This isn't the passing game that Ben wants. Sure he wants to get the ball out quick so he can finish the season, but he's not a dink and dunk, 2.3 second pocket passer. That's not his game. We aren't a running team because the OL can't run block. They get pushed back. They can't sustain blocks. They can't create running lanes. And the only reason they are getting credit for pass blocking is that defenses have less than 2.5 seconds to get to Ben. Our offense is bad because of the OL.
2. Most teams have had similar success against us. The differnce is Ben being off target and dropped balls. If Ben throws on target and the dropsies get left in the locker room, we would be having an entirely different conversation today.
3. Nothing much to fix with the WR's. They had a bad game (as did the team in general). Bigger issue is Ben's delivery.
4. Hopefully, Tuitt eating crow will make others realize how stupid his post was.
5. Proof is in the pudding. When Ben takes over play calling, the offense moves. When we're predictable on offense, well, we're predictable.
6. TE is a little like Bud was for a couple years. All hype and potential. There still might be something there, but right now, he's not doing a lot except for a splash play here and there (and sometimes for the other team).
7. This. And think about what the outcome would have been if KC had played the raisins' backups? Mahomes would have had another 400 yard game, the defense would have balled, and the score would have been more like 14-48. We've got a great record, but we're not great. Hell, right now, we're not even that good.

But on a positive note, we are good enough. We are winning games we would have lost in past seasons. We have exorcised a lot of our demons from the past. No divas. Playing for each other. Tight locker room. And we're being discounted. We're being labled as the worst 9-0, 10-0, 11-0 team in history. That's good. Let the negative stuff rain down. Because the more we're discounted, the more we're overlooked, the more we're ridiculed and disrespected, the more we won't bye into our own hype. We need that.

And even though we're not in KC's league, we're probably the best matchup for them defensively. They aren't unbeatable. There is a blueprint, thanks to the Raiders. The scary thing is that it will take our best effort on the field as well as top notch coaching. That's where we lose. That's what is keeping some of these games much closer than should be.

I disagree with the O being bad. Drops kept the average down against the rats but they have been averaging a healthy what 28 points a game? I don't think anyone hypes up Edmunds and he has been showing his potential this season for the most part. You will get some bad plays here and there. Yeah Ben is getting the ball out quicker that doesn't mean the pass blocking isn't up to snuff. Run blocking yeah it needs work. Not buying into anything about Ben's delivery. The balls a lot of times are right in their hands. Our coaching has improved with the assistants they added. Although on O we all know the playcalling can improve. Also don't agree the Steelers aren't that good. They like every good team has their bumps in the road. And as far as being in Kansas City's league? That is what the playoffs is for, we shall see.

 

[CoolieMan]

A lot of truth here I do think KC is beatable. And if we have to use the short passing game instead of the run so be it. If they can do that to control the clock they could pull it off . I do think Benny Snell is the guy you want running in December and Jan. He’s more of a north south guy. Just my opinion. . Good point about being mocked as pretenders . That should keep a chip on their shoulders

not sure what happened but I cleared the duplicate posts for you

 

[SteelerFan448]

We're prisoners of the moment and we also know how it's important to be playing your best football at this time of the year. That--by far--was the Steelers worst game of the season and it should've been their easiest win.

 

[slashsteel]

We're prisoners of the moment and we also know how it's important to be playing your best football at this time of the year. That--by far--was the Steelers worst game of the season and it should've been their easiest win.

I think they got distracted partially from being jerked around. I think we will see a better version moving forward.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I think they got distracted partially from being jerked around. I think we will see a better version moving forward.

I think they thought it was going to be a walkover and when they kept making mistakes on offense they couldn't get out of the funk and it weighed on them mentally. It wasn't the whole team either. The defense was great. Granted they had two breakdowns for big plays, but beyond that dominated the game. Ben played quite well, not his best game, but well. The rest of the offense around him failed. You're probably right two that the weird schedule messed with the team as well. NFL players are a creature of habit and the Steelers had nothing that resembled a normal schedule last week.

 

[the24fan]

IMO there was a lot of negative things going into this game . The MULTIPLE delays really make it difficult to get yourself mentally sharp. I think that’s more true for the home team actually . You maybe get a little complacent ?
Baltimore hearing all week they were gonnaget creamed was a big factor also. No one wants to be shown up and I think they came in to prove people wrong. That’s still a good defense over there with a lot of pride. So in a lot of ways it was a classic trap game.
Do they need to improve in some areas? Well sure but the doom and gloom is way premature . MT has this team focused and I think they will be much improved on Monday

 

[GILBERT]

If the Steelers had no drops, this is a blow out.

 

[43Hitman]

I agree

 

[stillwright]

And, a fullback might help a little but it is not the cure. We haven't used a fullback on an every down basis in over a decade. n't thinkI do any team does. But bring one in or put Ben under center and 99% of the time we run and the other team knows it so they blitz. The fullback is useless at that point.

I personally would rather have one of our WRs in the field than our FB.

 

[Cras108er]

If the Steelers had no drops, this is a blow out.

That’s the point many doomsdayers are missing. This game was not close! Yea, there were catches that should have been made, and ones these same receivers typically make.

Let’s also not forget that Baltimore scored on a fluke 70 yard pass play, when they hadn’t moved the ball all day, and a fumble off a miffed punt.

They had rust just like Baltimore that comes from being jerked around for a week and playing at a crazy time - ever go to a basketball tournament on a Tuesday afternoon at 10 am. I guarantee the energy in the gym is different than it is on a Friday at 8pm. No that’s not an excuse, just stating facts.

They’ll be fine. I fully expect a bounce back game against Washington, and a mail buyer the following week against the Bills. I’m not worried.


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[43Hitman]

That’s the point many doomsdayers are missing. This game was not close! Yea, there were catches that should have been made, and ones these same receivers typically make.

Let’s also not forget that Baltimore scored on a fluke 70 yard pass play, when they hadn’t moved the ball all day, and a fumble off a miffed punt.

They had rust just like Baltimore that comes from being jerked around for a week and playing at a crazy time - ever go to a basketball tournament on a Tuesday afternoon at 10 am. I guarantee the energy in the gym is different than it is on a Friday at 8pm. No that’s not an excuse, just stating facts.

They’ll be fine. I fully expect a bounce back game against Washington, and a mail buyer the following week against the Bills. I’m not worried.


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Does this mail buyer play OLB?

 

[Cras108er]

Does this mail buyer play OLB?

lol. Damn auto correct. “nail biter.”


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[Black & Gold Bleeder]

so would you rather have issues and be 11-0 or be rocking and rolling but sitting at 8-3???

15-1 or 16-0 means nothing if you cant progress through the playoffs.

Ill take the rocking and rolling at 8-3,.,, maybe end up 13-3.

or maybe end up at 8-8

nah, nah,, you said we had our **** together and "were rolling"


you guys worry about predictions and what you wear on game day etc..

people complain about the offense and you act like its a crime. Tomlin himself said they sucked.

and where in this post do I say we are rolling?

wow coolie,, you need to lay off the sauce.