W3: Steelers(1-1) @ Bengals(1-1)

[Anklebreaker702]

What is happenin on the Steel Train? These close losses are becoming a big concern. Something has gone wrong and they need to fix it and fast.

That's what toubles me is that I can't figure it out. I'd hate to lay it all on Troy's shoulders even though I know it will help having him back, but when did we ever give up a 4th & 10 to the Bengals?

[Anklebreaker702]

Well this is how the team feels:




Roethlisberger: Steelers Beat Themselves
28th September, 2009 - 9:16 am
ESPN - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't give the Bengals much credit for their comeback on Sunday.

Cincinnati scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to stun the defending champions 23-20 at Paul Brown Stadium.

"We feel like we beat ourselves," Roethlisberger said after the game.

Roethlisberger had been 11-0 in his native state of Ohio.

Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward blamed the team's inability to turn drives into touchdowns. They settled for two short field goals in the first half.

"If we score touchdowns in the first half, it's not even a game," Ward said. "It's 24-0 or 24-3. It's not very good. You've got to put up seven points instead of 3s. That's how you finish a team off." [READ]

[SD2042]

My take on their current losses

Like you said AB702, it's contributing to the absence of Troy Polomalu. When you think of the current Steelers defense, Tro Polomalu is right at the top of the list. His havoc hard hits and nose for making INTs' can frustrate opponents to a T. The last time the Steelers had a defensive INT was back in the first game against the Titans by Troy Polomalu.

Psychologically, the absence of TP43 has effected the Steelers defense that they are not playing up to par like they know they can. A hard nosed defensive unit who can step toe to toe with the best of them. The guys have to find a way to overcome the absence of TP43 and get back to the basic by being the best James Harrison, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, William Gay, Ike Taylor, Tyrone Carter, Brett Kiesel, Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Clark, Aaron Smith, and Casey Hampton they have to be. These close losses have to be stop now. Focus on the real sht that made them who they are and f**k that sht about not playin well w/o #43. Get out there and start playin smart defense and execite it like they have a purpose.

[Anklebreaker702]

Man SD, you need to be in the locker room with that 1 there! That's keeping it real! Also I would like to see Mewelde get the nod over Parker. What about you?

[SD2042]

On Mewelde, I would like for him to see more action at RB. He was playing well last season when WP went down with his injuries. Although WP played a solid game in the loss, he isn't the same WP from 3 and 4 yrs ago respectively. Here's another crazy fact from the RB core. So far in three games, no RB has scored a TD as of yet this season. Why is that? I can understand the game against the Titans, but against the Care Bears and the Kittens? Should've gotten some in for the RB core.

Also it appears that Limus Sweed may get bench due to his lack of production. Too many drop passes. Hell, Mike Wallace is doin what Sweed could've done last season and now and Wallace is just a rookie.

[Anklebreaker702]

On Mewelde, I would like for him to see more action at RB. He was playing well last season when WP went down with his injuries. Although WP played a solid game in the loss, he isn't the same WP from 3 and 4 yrs ago respectively. Here's another crazy fact from the RB core. So far in three games, no RB has scored a TD as of yet this season. Why is that? I can understand the game against the Titans, but against the Care Bears and the Kittens? Should've gotten some in for the RB core.

Also it appears that Limus Sweed may get bench due to his lack of production. Too many drop passes. Hell, Mike Wallace is doin what Sweed could've done last season and now and Wallace is just a rookie.

Agreed. I think it has something to do with the offensive line myself plus not having the most productive back in there. (Mewelde). Also i'm already willing to call Sweed a bust. All he does is drop passes. Do you remember that play last year where we could have put the Ravens away early & he missed the TD pass trying to watch himself on the Jumbotron? Then proceeded to try to fake an injury? He's garbage. Wallace should get his time.

[SD2042]

Could not have agree with you more on that. Sweed either needs to slap on some superglue to catch the ball or just get the hell out of the league. He's startin to remind me of Tyrone Calico(ex-Titan) who would drop passes every other possession. Just a unneccessary headache that was a wasted pick and a waste of time.