Bye, Bye “Fast” Willie, “Smackdown” Ryan & “Ironman” Townsand.

In honor of what is very likely their last few hours as Steelers (officially), a YouTube retrospective on Fast Willie Parker, Deshea Townsend and Ryan Clark.

“Fast” Willie Paker: Below is a six-minute clip highlighting nearly every big run he had with the Steelers. The music is a bit melodramatic, but worth it for the payoff at the end. Despite a number of terrific seasons, Parker was never quite the answer the Steelers (and many fans) sought in the post-Bettis backfield.

That said, Willie Parker is one of my all-time favorite personal stories from the modern Steelers era. A guy that couldn’t quite put it together in college and got a break because of the keen eye of Dan Rooney Jr., and went on to peel off the longest run froom scrimmage in Super Bowl history. Willie Parker is the true definition of the maxim that ‘luck is the intersection of hard work and timing.’

“Ironman” Deshea Townsend: If you’ve ever seen him in street clothes, you’d be puzzled as to how Townsend ever cracked a lineup – short, lean, no shoulders to speak of – but it’s a testament to his speed, coverage skills, field smarts and versatility. He could play just about any spot in the Steelers backfield and was deadly in their nickel and dime packages, as evidenced below during his pick six against the Cowboys in 2008 — a play that Ed Bouchette named to his Top 10 plays of the decade.

Here is the FOX broadcast of that play:

And this is an fun vid shot by a fan in the stands that captures Renegade on the scoreboard, and then Deshea’s pick six:

“Smackdown” Ryan Clark: Another undrafted free-agent who made it with the Redskins, he came in after Chris Hope left the Steelers following Super Bowl 40 and delivered consistently solid play, was rarely out of position and delivered some of the most brutal hits in recent Steelers history.

A devout Christian, he was a also a total ham who loved to interact with fans during training camp. Clark’s hit on Willis McGahee in the 2008 AFC Championship game is tied for the most violent hit I’ve ever personally seen a Steeler lay in a game. Apparently, no less an authority than James Farrior agrees. Check it out:

Clark also laid out Wes Welker in memorable fashion earlier that same season. The play drew a penalty, and the Patriots and their fans whined like babies about, even though the NFL apologized to Clark and said no flag should’ve been thrown.

Share your thoughts and favorite moments of these three Super Bowl Steelers in the comments.

Steelers 2010 Draft Needs

I’ll begin with the offensive tackle possibilites.  Russell Okung, Bruce Campbell, Anthony Davis and Bryan Bulaga will all be gone by Pittsburgh’s draft selection.  If the 49ers pass on offensive tackle with one of their two first round selections. Trent Williams the right tackle currently projected to get drafted by San Francisco.  There is a strong possibility the Steelers select Trent Williams with the 18th pick.  If all five of the offensive tackles that I mentioned above are drafted.  There is a chance Pittsburgh trades down to keep the Packers from obtaining OT Charles Brown from USC who has excellent footwork, but struggles to maintain contact with defenders on blocks, if Brown can improve in that category he could very well end up being the best offensive tackle in this draft class.  I wouldn’t count this possibility out, but I don’t think this scenario is very likely.

Now it’s time for Offensive Guards.  Mike Iupati is the best guard in this draft class and also he’s the most likely player to get selected by the Steelers.  Unless Iupati screws up at the combine this scenario has a strong chance of going down if he’s available at Pittsburgh’s draft selection.

There are two centers in this draft class Trent Williams is an offensive tackle who can play center and there’s Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey who is the top center prospect in this class.  The only way this scenario happens is if Pittsburgh trades down and fails to get Brown.  Then they would trade down again to get Pouncey and would have more picks later in the draft.  I think this the least likely scenario to occur.  Also if Terrrence Cody is available when the Steelers trade down the possiblity of Pouncey getting selected is eliminated.  So the only way this works is if the Steelers trade down twice and Terrence Cody is drafted.  The Steelers cut AQ Shipley last years 7th round draft selection at center so this could happen, odds are slim to none though.

There are two defensive tackles in this class Dan Williams and Terrence Cody.  The Steelers could easily draft either one as a successor to Casey Hampton.  I don’t think this is a strong possibility unless the Steelers fail to put a franchise tag on Casey Hampton.  If Dan Williams is available at Pittsburgh’s selection the Steelers will draft him.  And I mentioned the Terrence Cody scenario before.  So I’d say this scenario doesn’t happen.  Ziggy Hood played defensive end in a 4-3 scheme at Missouri so he needs to develop at DE in the 3-4 scheme in Pittsburgh.

Next up is the middle linebacker scenario.  This could very well happen.  The Jaguars are currently projected to draft Defensive End Derrick Morgan at #10, but they drafted Derrick Harvey at #8 in 2008 and Quentin Groves in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.  In 2009 the Jaguars took two offensive tackles in the first two rounds.  The Jaguars have to take Tebow to increase their ticket sales.  I don’t think the Jaguars should use their first round selection on him, but if they get a 3rd round selection from Pittsburgh and the two teams swap first round selections.  I could see the Jaguars setting themselves up to get Tebow in the second round and I could also see the Steelers drafting Rolando McClain as a successor to James Farrior.  I know they took Timmons in 2007, but Keyaron Fox isn’t a solid #2 MLB.  The Steelers need four middle linebackers on their depth chart since they run the 3-4 defense but currently only got three middle linebackers at the moment.  If the Steelers don’t adress middle linebacker in round 1 look for Pittsburgh to select a middle linebacker like Daryl Washington of TCU or Brandon Spikes who played college at Florida in round 2.

People say the Steelers need to improve in cornerbacks.  I don’t think the Steelers should pursue a corner in the first round for a number of reasons.  The first reason is the Steelers drafted Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett in the 2009 NFL Draft.  The second reason is their are a lot of good corners available in round 2 Brandon Ghee, Kyle Wilson, Patrick Peterson, Javier Arenas, and Kareem Jackson in round 2.  Unless the Browns pass on Joe Haden I don’t think the Steelers take a corner in the first round.   If the Browns pass on Haden I believe they must trade up as high as possible to draft him.  Oakland might want him to play across Asomugha cause of his 40 time.  Jacksonville might want Haden to play across Mathis.  So if the Browns pass on Haden trade up to as high as #8 to take him.  Plus the Steelers aren’t the type of football team to pay top 10 money to an unproven talent unless they have one of the 10 worst records in the NFL so I don’t see this scenario working out.

Final scenario is the Free Safety scenario.  Texas free safety Earl Thomas should be available at #18 when Pittsburgh makes their first round selection, this selection won’t happen if the Steelers resign Ryan Clark and something tells me Clark is coming back to Pittsburgh.

My prediction at this point is that Steelers select Mike Iupati.  Just remember come draft day and one of the scenarios I mentioned occurs don’t be shocked.  Just remember I was the guy who told you it would occur two months prior to the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers path to the AFCN title

It has already begun. The naysayers are all over the Pittsburgh Steelers calling it the end of times, while the cinderella hoppers are predicting the Cincinati Bengals to soon rule the world. One sweep in 10 years and the Bengals are now the team to beat in the AFC. The problem is, they are the Bengals and there is still a bunch of football left to play.

Granted the Bengals are a much improved team and they have swept both the Ratbirds and Steelers in the same season for the first time in team history. They are playing lights out on the defensive side of the ball and very safe when on offense. Change the uni’s and you have the Pittsburgh Steelers. So good for the Bengals and Oucho Stinko, but before we hand them the Lombardi Trophy, they need to prove they can do it when it really counts. In the play-offs!

So with what essentially is a two game lead on the Steelers and only seven games left to play the questions has to be, can the Bengals continue what they started or will the Steelers chase them down for the division crown? To answer that question we will need to analyze the remaining schedule for both teams and find out who has the clearest path to the AFCN title.

Bengals 7-2

Remaining Scedule:

@ Oakland – W

Up next for Cincinnati is a trip to Oakland to face the down trodden Raiders and unless Oakland brings the same passion as they did verse the Eagles earlier in the season this game should be an easy win for the Bengals, even if Cedric Benson is sidelined after being injured in Pittsburgh.

vs. Cleveland – W

Though Cleveland played the Bengals very close earlier in the season they won’t be as competitive this time around. The Browns are in meltdown mode and that won’t change when they see the Bengals in two weeks.

vs. Detriot – W

This game could be a trap for the Bengals. After back to back wins that thier practice squad could have handled they will face yet another team they should beat easily. The problem is the Lions won’t go down without a fight. This game will be closer then many think but in the end the Bengals should win it.

@ Minnesota – L

This is the game that will be the tell tale of the Bengals season. If they can win it, then the division is theirs, if not then they will allow the Steelers to sneak back into the race. Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson verse a stout Bengals defense should be an interesting match up. The problem is the real Bengals will show their ugly face in this one and sell out thier cinderalle status. I look for the Vikings to walk away with an easy win here.

@ San Diego – L

Phillip Rivers verse Carson Palmer, most seasons this game would be an offensive showdown between two of the leagues best gunslingers. The problem is the Bengals will be shell shocked from the loss to the Vikings the week before and will try to let Cedric Benson carry them to victory. That strategy will back fire and they won’t be able to score enough points to keep up with the Chargers as they trade field goals for tuchdowns and lose by 10 or more.

vs. Kansas City – W

Back in the comfort of the jungel the Bengals will face the Chiefs in a must win game if they wish to win the division title. No pressure here, this game is as straight as it gets and their will be no excuss if they blow it, which they wont. Look for the Bengals to win big as the Chiefs have thoughts of the off season in mind.

@ New York Jets – L

Will the real Ravens defense please stand up? Yes, but they are now in New York. The Jets will be chasing a wild card and will need to win this game to get into the play offs. This game may even be called the battle of USC as Palmer faces fellow alumni Matt Sanchez, but the outcome will be determined by the defense and not the one in the stripped uni’s. Look for the Jets to win on a late field goal and make it into the play offs.

Bengals final record 11-5

 

Steelers 6-3

Remaining Scedule:

@ Kansas City – W

The Chiefs record does not show it but they are a better team then many give them credit for. The problem is they will be facing a pissed off Pittsburgh Steelers team that knows they beat themselves the week before. Ben Roethlisberger is not known for back to back bad games and this one will be one of his best on the season. Three to four touchdowns passes on the day won’t be out of the question as the Steelers win this one with ease.

@ Ravens – W

Could this be the revenge game Baltimore is seeking? The Steelers beat them three times last season, including the one that killed their Super Bowl hopes. So the Ratbirds will play with passion as not only will they want some redemption, they will need to win to have a chance to get into the play offs. So much for high hopes and emotion though as the Steelers will find a way to win late and once again prove they are the bullies of the north.

vs. Raiders – W

So easy, like stealing candy from a baby. Thats what most fans will be thinking when this game rolls around. One problem, an even worse version of this team beat the Steelers a few years back for the upset of the season. So nothing is garunteed or should be taken for granted. Another problem, it will be too easy as history won’t repeat itself and the Steelers will dominate on every front while winning this game big.

@ Cleveland – W

The Brownies are the leagues worst team and lack everything it takes to be a quality one. They have no offense, no defense and no respect for their coach. Worst of all, they may have already gave up on the season as the players just look to get it over with. Though the Stains played it close the last time around, that won’t be the case in this one as Rashard Mendenhall will lead the Steelers to an easy win.

vs. Packers – L

I have a bad feeling about this game and it shows in my prediction for the outcome. This is one the Steelers should win but injuries could catch up to them as the Packers offense finds a way to pass on the Steelers and pull out an improbable win.

vs. Ravens – W

Here we go again, I can already hear it as Ray Lewis trys to fire up his team for one last chance at some respect when facing the Steelers. The problem is, the Steelers have lost all respect for this defense and Big Ben will light them up for a ton of yards and a couple TD’s as Pittsburgh sails to an easy win.

@ Miami

Whoot, some fun in the sun. The Steelers will be looking to get sun tans and wins all on the same day. Miami on the other hand will be planning a kitty cat sneak attack. One problem, Pittsburghs defense is too good to get beat by the Wildcat and Chad Henne is not ready to beat them on his own, nor does he have the weapons to help him do so. The Steelers will turn a slow start into a rush to a victory as Mendenhall and company win their final tune up for the play offs.

Steelers final record 12-4 and division champions once again.

So before the NFL media band wagon gets all of the Steelers fans down by talking up the Bengals, remember one thing, cinderalla can have all the attention but in the end, the big bad wolf will get his dinner. What I mean by that is not only will the Steelers win the division they will also be the team to smash the glass slipper as they get their revenge when it counts, in the play offs.

King Troy returns as Stillers down Stains

The return of Troy Polamalu may have been the cure for what has been ailing the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Since “King” Troy’s injury week one against the Titans, the defense has suffered an identity crisis. That was not the case week six though as the Cleveland Browns or better known around these parts, the Stains, came to town.

Troy’s return was marred by the news of “All Pro” defensive end, Aaron Smith, being lost for the season but the defense seemed to find themselves even in the wake of Smiths trip to injured reserve, the main reason being the play of Polamalu. Though he did not seem to be 100%, his presence was enough. Add in a drive killing interception deep inside Pittsburgh territory and the “King” is officially back.

Along side the return of Polamalu was the return of the Steelers pressure defense and confidence that if the pressure did not get to the QB, there was back up in the secondary to save the day. No fourth quarter let down, no come from behind drives, no scare for the fans, the Steelers defense finally played 60 minutes and they have Troy Polamalu to thank as he was the missing ingredient.

Though I wish that was the end of the story I am sad to report as well as the defense played the offense was the ones trying to allow a Browns rally. After building up a 17-7 lead the third quarter became a game of ”hot potato” as the Steelers and Browns would trade a flurry of turnovers in a period of 6 minutes.

First Big Ben tossed an interception when he over threw Hines Ward, then Lawrence Timmons would sack Derek Anderson and force a fumble, and right back at ya, Willie Parker coughed up a fumble back to the Stains who said “no you take it” just a play or two later when a second Timmons sack led to yet another Anderson fumble. Whew, what a game, but wait the turnover carousal was not over as Rashard Mendenhall wanted in on the action and fumbled the ball right back to the Stains.

Ryan Clark would put an end to the flurry as an interception on the Steelers 1 sealed the deal and the Stains fate of losing yet another game to the Steelers.

Josh Cribbs was the lone bright star on the day for the Brownies as he was able to gain his team some momentum both via his running in the wildcat and via a kick off return for a touchdown. The problem was he became the first player in league history to run back a kick and throw an interception in the same game since 1950. You guessed it, Polamalu interception came off a Cribbs pass attempt out of the wildcat formation.

To top it all off the Browns are ranked number 32 in rush defense in the league but the Steelers and Big Ben would put on a passing fancy as Roethlisberger and his receivers would make history on the day.

Ben threw for 417 yards (a team record) and a pair of scores while both Ward and Santonio Holmes had over a buck receiving apiece.

“I don’t even think we know how good we can be here,” Roethlisberger said. “Truth be told, I think we have to keep striving for excellence.”

Roethlisberger completed 23 of 35 passes and nine of those catches wound up covering more than 20 yards on the Big-Play Ben afternoon. The Steelers’ 543 yards in total offense were the most in 14 years.

“This is the best I’ve ever seen him play,” tight end Heath Miller said of Roethlisberger.

Hines Ward, challenging for the NFL lead in receiving, caught eight passes for 159 yards — third most in his career — including a 52-yarder for a touchdown. Santonio Holmes caught five for 104 yards and Miller five for 80 yards, including one of 8 yards for a score, his fourth touchdown in the past three games.

It is only the second time the Steelers have had a 400-yard passer and two 100-yard receivers in the same game.

“He’s really good,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of his quarterback. “He’s in total command of the offense. It’s fun to watch at times.”

With the return of “King” Troy and the maturation of the Steelers offense the sky is the limit for this team. The defense seems to be back on track and at 4-2 the Steelers are tied with the Bengals for the division lead.

Agreed this win was one they were supposed to win, even the 27-14 score seemed to be less then it could have been, but at the end of the day the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be back to themselves and if they continue to play 60 minutes then they could be well on their way to repeating as Super Bowl Champions.

Steelers Sack Detriots Late Ralley Attempt

It was a game the Pittsburgh Steelers were supposed to win. One they should dominate. A game verse a team that had won only one of their last 29 contests. It was the Detriot Lions on the schedule and a trap game hidding in the brush.

The Steelers were without all world strong safety, Troy Polamalu and halfback Willy Parker but they still had everything in their favor. A roster full of stars verse one of mainly unknown talent and has or never beens.

What was supposed to be a walk in the park started to look like another fourth quarter meltdown as Detriot began a ralley late in the game and threatened to pull the upset.

The Steelers built a 28-13 lead by mid third quarter and had everything going their way or so it seemed. Then  offensive coordinator Bruce Arians got greedy and things started to come unglued as the offense stalled, while looking one to many times for the kill shot and not enough toward the run game and gave way to a Detriot ralley.

The Lions would make it 28-20 late in the fourth quarter as their defense started to make stops and give their offense extra chances and it looked like they might have a chance to tie the game as they drove down to the Steelers 21 yard line with about two minutes left in the game.

Then out of nowhere it happened. The mighty beast once known as Blitzburgh, or better known as James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley woke up. Defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau dialed it up and the pass rush began to click with three consecutive sacks backing the Lions up to the 45 and yeilding their comeback attempt.

Harrison was not in on any of the three crutial sacks, but he did have three of the Steelers seven on the day.

“We dialed them up,” safety Ryan Clark said. “A lot of other games we haven’t been dialing up the pressures. Coach LeBeau just got aggressive. I guess he figured if we’re going to get beat, if we’re going to give up leads, let’s give them up being who we are.”

The Steelers pulled out the win but have yet to find their identity on either side of the ball. The Defense has struggled without Troy in the mix and the offense can’t seem to find balance in the second half of games.

At 3-2 the season is far from over but if Pittsburgh wants to be alive late in january then they need to fix what ailes them and some extra carries for the halfbacks in the second half of games could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

The kill shot theory is not working. Spreading the ball out and going pass happy while leading big is not the solution as much as it is the problem. The old Steelers would get a big lead and run it down your throat for the win.

Granted these are not your grandpa’s Steelers and that is not completly a bad thing, but balance and getting back to the basics on offense could go a long way in curing the defensive woes.

When you control the trences you also control the clock. Let the run game dictate the tempo and the pass game will find itself.

The kill shot is a great concept, but mixing it in with the run is even better. Not only does your offense eat the clock and move the chains but it allows the defense time to rest.

Though the Steelers pulled out a win, with the way things are going, they can’t expect to do it every week. When they lose site of the basics they also lose. Putting the ball into the halfbacks hands more in the second half will create the balance they have lacked. With that balance, they will find their identity and be well on their way to another Super Bowl run.

Sweed out for Sunday’s Steelers game

Friday, September 18, 2009

By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Wide receiver Limas Sweed did not practice for the second day in a row and will not play Sunday against the Chicago Bears in Soldier Field. Veteran Shaun McDonald, who did not dress for the season-opening victory against Tennessee, will serve as the No. 4 receiver. McDonald, though, will play in some of the packages as the No. 3 receiver — a role in Sweed has been rotating with rookie Mike Wallace. Also, ILB Lawrence Timmons practiced for the third day in a row and the possibility of him starting against the Bears has not been ruled out. Either way, Timmons will play against the Bears, even if Keyaron Fox starts for the second game in a row.

Lions, Tigers and BEARS, oh my!

Week two of the NFL season is only a few days away so its time to take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers up coming opponent, the Chicago Bears.

Coming into this game the Bears are 0-1 after losing 21-15 to the Green Bay Packers in week one. A loss which saw Jay Cutler pitch 4 interceptions for the first time in his career and his offensive line give up a pair of sacks while allowing the Packers defense to harass Cutler all day.

The Steelers on the other hand, defeated the Tennessee Titans in over time 13-10 in what was yet another game in a long line of games, that Ben Roethlisberger found a way to win it late.

Big Ben would overcome a slow start, non-existing running game, fumble by Hines Ward and an injury to Troy Polamalu to pull out the win by driving his team into field goal position during the opening drive of OT.

Two solid quarterbacks playing on solid teams but with completely different outcomes which leads us to this week two match up as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Chicago to face the Bears.

On paper this game should be won by the Steelers handedly. What is on paper does not translate to the field of play though. Each team has solid QB’s, both have nasty defenses and both have their star player out of the game. For the Steelers it is Polamalu, for the Bears its Brian Urlacher.

What the Steelers have over the Bears would be known playmakers at the WR spot. The Bears on the other hand seem to have a more cohesive offensive line. Bottom line these are two pretty equal teams playing for the same thing, the only difference is the Bears are in a must win situation already thus far on the season.

 Keys to the Game:

1. Stop the run – The Bears have a solid back in Matt Forte who had a great rookie campaign just one season ago. Even with the addition of Cutler in the off season, Forte is the key to the Bears offense. If the Steelers can stop the second year half back then they can also force Cutler into more of the same mistakes he made verse the Packers.
2. Keep Cutler cold – The heat is already on Jay Cutler in the windy city as the fans are not impressed with his first performance as a Bear. Heat is not the issue though, keeping Cutler on his toes and out of rhythm is. If the Steelers can keep Cutler from warming up and playing the way only he can by blitzing him, then this game is over before it even starts.
3. Buy a vowel – The Steelers showed some inconsistency last week as the offensive line and running backs did not seem to be on the same page. One way to fix this would be to implement the I-Formation more into the game plan. I always say when in doubt, lead block. Ok maybe I just made that up, but the Steelers need to bring back the FB and find ways to utilize the I-Form into their offense to be able to jump start their run game.
4. Starters in waiting – With both Polamalu and Lawrence Timmons most likely out for this game the Steelers will need back ups T. Carter and K. Fox to fill some pretty big and probably smelly shoes. Though second string they may be, on Sunday, they are starters and must live up to that honor for the Steelers to have a chance to win.
5. Return of the Jedi – Up until recently this key would be about stopping the Bears great returner, D. Hester. With the addition of Stefan Logan as the Steelers kick and punt returner it is now about winning the return battles. Not only must the Steelers contain the Bears return men they also need to unleash there own hidden gem. Did I say return enough?

Prediction:

In what could tune out to be a better game then many predict, the Steelers will prevail in this one 21-10. Also look for Rashard Mendenhall to get more looks on the ground as Pittsburgh try’s to get the run game back on track.

Pre Game Gab – Tits @ Pitt

With only three days to the NFL season officially kicks off with the Tennessee Titans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers to open the season on Thursday night, Pittsburgh Blitz takes a look at the match up and breaks it down with a prediction of who will be the victor.

In last seasons late season match up the Steelers would travel to Nashville to face the mighty Titans and fall flat on their face as several key turnovers would pace the Titans to a 31-14 victory and allow for the Tits stomping of the “Terrible Towel” after the game. Titans linebacker and defensive captain Keith Bulluck got  hold of one, as did Tennessee running back LenDale White, and they stomped on them. Showing the ultimate disrespect to the eventual six time Super Bowl Champs.

That was then and this is now. Both teams open the 2009 season with one thing on their minds and that is to get out of the gates fast with a victory. The Steelers have a little added reason for revenge though as they look to avenge the towel’s honor that we as Steelers fans have come to adore.

The Titans, Lenwhale White, has added fuel to the flame that already burns in the Burgh by opening mouth and inserting foot with his comments  last week. Giving the Steelers even more bulletin board material. As if they need it. Now not only do the Steelers have pride to play for, they have a whale to set their sights on and harpoon.

Two of the top teams from last year will kick off the 2009 season. The titans looking to prove their loss to the Ratbirds in the play-offs was a fluke and the Steelers looking to bring down moby dick and his merry stomping buddies. This game could truly be a classic in the mix and should not disappoint the Steelers, Titans or average NFL fan that will be on hand.

The Steelers 5 Keys to Victory

1. Protect Big Ben – In last seasons loss the Steelers could not seem to stop the Titans pass rush and Big Ben was forced to run for his life most of the game and the result was a pair of INT’s and several fumbles by the two time Super Bowl Champ, Roethlisberger. As all Steelers fans know, this line is not what it once was. But  the Steelers OL must find away to give their QB time to find open receivers. The line needs to perform well in both pass and run blocking. If Ben can Stay on his feet during the game and has any time at all, he should be able to put up enough points via the passing game to help his team win.

2. Establish the run – The duo of Willy Parker and Rashard Mendenhall need the OL to first open holes in the run game and second, take advantage of the gaps created. The Steelers passing game is predicated off the run and to be successful in one aspect, both need to be clicking on all cylinders. Neither need to gain 100+ yards but both need to be effective with the rock in their hands. Short yardage, red zone and blitz pick up will be important aspects in this game and both running backs need to handle their business.

3. Get after Kerry Collins - James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley will need to pick up where they left off last season as will the defense as a whole. Their personal competition with one another must start week one and continue through the final game of the season. The Titans are a run first team, but if the Steelers can control Collins and that air attack  it will slow down the Tits two headed monster on the ground. I look for 2 sacks out of Woodley and Harrison to add one of his own.

4. Contain the run – The Titans have two solid HB’s in last years rookie sensation Chris Johnson and the big mouth whale of a man, Lendal White. A major key to this game will be to contain them both and in the process smack Lenwhale around for his disrespect of the “Terrible Towel” after last seasons loss. If the Steelers can keep the Tits runners to minimal gains on early downs, it will open things up for the pass rush and force the Titans to become one dimensional.

5. Win the field position battles – Last season the Steelers lacked on special teams in many aspects. Their punter missed the entire season with an injury and they were forced to use short yardage type HB’s as their returners. Skip ahead to this year and if the preseason is any indication, they have only gotten better. With the addition of Stefan Logan as their return specialist and the return of punter Daniel Sepulveda from injury, the Steelers have turned what was once a weakness into what could be something special. I look for Logan to have a big day both in the punt and kick return aspects and if he does, the Steelers will have fulfilled this key to a victory.

Nothing is a given in the NFL. On any given Sunday a team can win or lose a game in the blink of an eye. This game is no different. Both teams have solid defense’s and decent offensive units. On paper the Steelers have the better O, but paper does not transfer to the field, only the actions of the players listed on such said paper does.

With that said, look for the Steelers to be fired up and out for revenge. Not only was their towel molested after last seasons loss, but the pride of the men who make up the Pittsburgh Steelers was bruised. This game won’t be pretty but in the end I predict a Steelers win. Not only do I predict a Steelers win but a BIG win.

Steelers over the Titans 28-10

Lendwhale White talking trash again

http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/sports/towel-talk-tempts-white-stir-pot-again

Sunday, September 6, 2009

By Terry McCormick

Who knows if LenDale White has put his foot in his mouth?  But White said Sunday that, given the chance, he won’t hesitate to put his foot on another Terrible Towel Thursday night at Heinz Field.

White was one of at least three Titans involved in last December’s Terrible Towel stomping incident after a 31-14 victory over the Steelers in Nashville.

When asked about the subject in preparation for the opening game, he did not mince words about the topic.

“I think we made it a lot more fun for this year,” White said. “With all that being said and everything we did last year, the towel stomping, whatever, it definitely made it fun in the setup for this year.”

NBC, which is showing the game nationally, has already picked up on the hype, showing White and linebacker Keith Bulluck’s antics in the aftermath of last year’s game in their pre-game promo ads.

And while Bulluck and Jevon Kearse are downplaying the incident leading into the game at Heinz Field, White isn’t backing off of what he did a year ago.

“If it happens to be there, I’m gonna stomp all over that mo –,” White said, cutting himself off before finishing the sentence with a profanity. “If there is a towel in the stands, I will stomp on it. I don’t care who gets mad. … If they throw a towel at me, I’m going to kick it and stomp on it. If you don’t want your towels [stomped], keep them out of my face.”

Asked about the atmosphere he and his Titans teammates will face because of the incident, White says, “It will be loud one, a loud, mean, evil one.”

While Bulluck received a taunting Terrible Towel and an anonymous note in February from a Steelers fan gloating about the team’s Super Bowl victory, White said fans are taunting him via Twitter.

“They talk about me every day on Twitter. They hate me,” White said. “They hate me, I can’t use ‘He Hate Me,’ they hate me, the whole world, no matter what I do. But they do love me. If they had me at running back, they’d love me, now. They wanted me at running back, that’s probably why they hate me now. They hate me because they love me. That’s what it is.”

White was even wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates hat on Sunday, but not, he said, for any purpose other than it matched his yellow earrings and black shirt.

While White continues to embrace the incident, Kearse said he has moved past the matter.

“I’m not even paying attention to that anymore. It happened. It’s in the past,” Kearse said. “That was last season. It happened last season, so what? If they want to use that as motivation, let them go ahead and use that as motivation. I mean, rah, rah, rah. We stomped on a towel, so what? That’s what we were supposed to do in our house.”

Steelers Final Cuts – Open Thread

Since information is going to be coming very quickly over the few days or so regarding the Steelers cuts, Piitsburgh Blitz decided to make an open thread that can be update as we find out more information. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers organization was forced to make some difficult decisions this afternoon when they needed to cut their roster down from 75 to 53 men. 

Initial reports of the players cut are Carey Davis, Bruce Davis, Sonny Harris, Anthony Madison, A.Q. Shipley, Jason Capizzi, Isaac Redman, Justin Vincent, Donavon Woods and Scott Paxson have all been reported to be cut by Mike Biers.

The only real disapoinment by me is “Redzone” Isaac Redman who lead the team with three touchdowns and 145 yards rushing in the pre-season and seemed to shore up the short yardage spot.

We predict Redman to be offered a practice fodder contract or get picked up by another team and Shiply to be signed to the PS as well. We will keep updating as new information comes in so check back often guys and feel free to post comments when you hear something new as well.

Updated with entir list:

The team put tight end Sean McHugh on their reserve-injured list and cut 21 players to get down to the NFL roster limit of 53 players the team announced today. The Steelers’ cuts included: quarterback Mike Reilly, running backs Carey Davis, Isaac Redman and Justin Vincent, wide receivers Dallas Baker, Tyler Grisham and Brandon Williams, tight end Dezmond Sherrod, offensive linemen Jason Capizzi, Jeremy Parquet and A.Q. Shipley, defensive linemen Sonny Harris, Steve McClendon and Scott Paxson, linebackers Bruce Davis, Tom Korte, Andy Schantz and Donovan Woods, defensive backs Roy Lewis and Anthony Madison and kicker Piotr Czech.

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