Pittsburgh - The Inside Scoop

[duus]

Boy, they are extremely overly critical of the Bengals decision to not allow interviews. They continue to state that this will bring added attention to the game for the Bengals players, but that it will be negative in that they will have extra pressure because of it.

Notes from live press conference with Bill Cowher:

Injuries -

Out - Haggans

Doubtful - Colclough, Townsend

Questionable - Faneca, Smith, Ward, El, Wilson, Maddox

Probable - Harrison, Rottenburger, Porter

More coming ...

[jjakq27]

Boy, they are extremely overly critical of the Bengals decision to not allow interviews. They continue to state that this will bring added attention to the game for the Bengals players, but that it will be negative in that they will have extra pressure because of it.

duus, you are the best!

I guess it's OK for Cowher to impose a ban when he wants to but not us. Hmmmmm. It sounds like they might be a little desperate or worried if they are hoping the "ban" has a negative effect on the Bengals this weekend. That's pretty weak.

[HoosierCat]

Boy, they are extremely overly critical of the Bengals decision to not allow interviews.

No big surprise. Look, Marvin just made their job harder. Suppose you were a business reporter and were assigned to do a story on Budweiser, and Anheuser-Busch Co. declined to talk to you. Wouldn't you be annoyed? Same principle.

This isn't about Marvin or the Bengals, its about them now having to do actual work to fill airtime.

[duus]

(quotes are as accurate as possible, but I've tried to make them a bit more concise where necessary)

Bengals are "Playing at a very high level.'

Ben is starter, and Batch will be backup for Bengal game.

Is Cincinnati for real, Bill? "Yeah, I think so." "They are for real. There is not question about that."

"They've got some depth. They are creating alot of turnovers. The quarterback is playing very well."

Similarities to SD? "More weapons. There is not a receiver at SD in class of Chad Johnson. Chris Perry is now more involved in their offense."

Willie (Williams) will be more involved in practice.

"Ike is making plays on the ball. He is always a good tackler."

"Ike is a strong kid. He is a tough kid. He is a good tackler. He's got outstanding speed, and he plays fast."

About Bengals interceptions on defense ... "they are catching every ball"

Do they gamble alot? "They are very sound in what they are doing." "They are very active."

How is Hines? "Hopefully he'll be ready to go." "People have to step in." "Hopefully we'll get both of those guys in this week."

Concerning Palmer ... "He is playing at a high level. He is completing alot of balls. Spreading the ball around. Utilizes the whole field."

"I think the whole offense is performing at a high level."

"This game is a very very important football game." "This will be a challenge ... they are leading our division."

Steeler fans at Cincinnati ... will it be different this time? "Oh yeah." "It's going to be loud, intense, and physical."

About Chad's comments ... "Chad's going to be Chad." "There are alot of other weapons on that football team."

"This is going to be a tough game. Certainly, we have some guys that are banged up. We have had that bullseye on our chest for the last couple years."

"It's going to take a complete effort to go down there and beat this football team."

[duus]

More conversation on local radio:

* "The Steelers have always seemed to step up for big regular season games. " (funny how they need to qualify the statement with 'regular season' ... but I suppose it is true)

* "Who is going to cover Chad Johnson and does Shoeless Ike have a chance?" (answers to come ... boy, I'm having a tremendously fun time with this!) :-)

[Kirkendall]

I guess it's OK for Cowher to impose a ban when he wants to but not us. Hmmmmm. It sounds like they might be a little desperate or worried if they are hoping the "ban" has a negative effect on the Bengals this weekend. That's pretty weak.

Yea, I thought the same thing. That's the best they have? I mean, our rush defense just shouts at them saying, 'talk about us', 'talk about us'.

Anyway, with those quotes, it looks like they're trying to downplay the game a little -- meaning they really are secretly worried.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Anyway, with those quotes, it looks like they're trying to downplay the game a little -- meaning they really are secretly worried.

Or maybe Cower is indeed as stupid as he looks and hasn't noticed our run D is a mess? Man he looks dumb.

[duus]

Continued ... dialogue with Mike Golic on local radio (Golics comments quoted)

"No doubt that the Marvin Lewis plan is working"

What has reguvenated their defense? "Odell Thurman has been fantastic"

"Odell is a tank in the middle. They are getting athletes that fit the system. It takes time, and that is starting to happen in Cincinnati."

[Stripes]

Good stuff Duus. Either you type incredibly fast or you have a photographic memory.

[duus]

Good stuff Duus. Either you type incredibly fast or you have a photographic memory.

Perhaps a little of both, with a dash of obsession.

Boy, I hope our Bengals bring home a win for all of us!

[Junglelove4]

All this talk about how Hines and Big Ben were out for the steelers this past week, what about Fred Taylor being out for the Jags?

[duus]

More quotes coming from radio voice:

"Can Ike do it? Can he cover Chad Johnson"? "I think he can. One thing is he never backs down from anyone." "His athleticism alone will help him cover Chad Johnson"

"Rudi Johnson? No, worry only about Chad Johnson."

[membengal]

duus...huge thank you for this. This is already easily one of my favorite threads ever. Your hard work is appreciated.

[duus]

Quotes between another Steeler beat reporter, Tim Benz, and local radio voice, Mark Madden (who is also on ESPN Radio on Sunday mornings):

MM - "With the amount of injuries the Steelers have, and it's in Cincinnati, this is as close to a must win game as the Steelers have had in some time."

TB - "Bengals are 5-1, but they have beat arguably the 5 worst teams so far."

MM - "Who is going to cover Chad Johnson?"

TB - "Probably Ike Taylor. They will probably want to use his size against Chad Johnson."

MM - "Do you think Ike has much of a chance against Chad Johnson?"

TB - "Not much of one."

TB - "There are matchup problems, and the Steelers will have to outscore them to win."

TB - "I don't think they will overlook them. I am not worried about it from a mental standpoint."

TB - "They might go with McFadden, I wouldn't be surprised."

Much continued discussion about the corner/secondary injuries the Steelers have, the fact that Maddox is now 'mysteriously' 3rd string, and that Jerome was 'dissatisfied' not playing late in the game against the Jags. Also, a guarantee by TB that Bettis will see plenty of action in the second half of this coming game.

[BengalByTheBay]

TB - "There are matchup problems, and the Steelers will have to outscore them to win."

This is absolute genius -- no wonder these guys have a job . This has been a fun thread to read. I gotta say this should be one very big challenge for our defense. Bettis may have had a bad game last week, but he always kills us. Parker looks like a nightmare change-up if he has the vision to bounce outside ala Taylor and he could be the biggest problem for us. If we can pressure Rot like we did last year, I think we can potentially dominate this game. That would require us to get up on top early by 10 or so. Unfortunately, we have hardly been able to do that against anybody yet (Houston doesn't count -- everybody beats up Carr). I would look to see Clemmons in the rotation this week. Hopefully, he and Jumpy Jr. can cause some trouble in their backfield.

Trying to be objective for a second, I see this as the most potentially entertaining and compelling match-ups of the week. Should be a very interesting game -- anything from us dominating to a last second field goal to them dominating could happen. I just have no feel at all. Come on Jungle -- let's put a foot on their throat and grab this division!

[Columbusbengal]

If we can pressure Rot like we did last year, I think we can potentially dominate this game. That would require us to get up on top early by 10 or so.

Why would we have to get up by 10 or so early? We were able to pressure Rot last year without ever being up by ten. I think the whole key is to avoid turnovers on our side. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.

[HairOnFire]

If we can pressure Rot like we did last year, I think we can potentially dominate this game. That would require us to get up on top early by 10 or so.

Why would we have to get up by 10 or so early? We were able to pressure Rot last year without ever being up by ten. I think the whole key is to avoid turnovers on our side. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.

I'll be surprised if Bres changes his strategy by bringing extra pass rush heat. The Steelers O-line is far too good and the Biggest Ben is more capable of defeating the blitz than last year. I'm looking for more of the same from te Bengals defense, specifically...always keeping the play infront of them in max coverage. That said, if the Bengals are up by more than two scores in the 3rd quarter (Not a prediction) it'll be interesting to see how much the Steelers turn to the Biggest Ben to save them. Might be nice to take the wheels off the Bus.

As for avoiding turnovers, yeah...especially the kind that result in returns for touchdowns. Ain't that right, Joisey?

[HoosierCat]

As for avoiding turnovers, yeah...especially the kind that result in returns for touchdowns. Ain't that right, Joisey?

Would certainly be nice. But (knock on wood) Palmer seems to have gotten over that particular bugaboo. I'm far more concerned about the false starts and delays and other stupid penalties than picks.

I agree with you about the D, don't see any big changes. From all accounts the Steelers o-line is neither especially stout nor especially weak, so we ought to be able to generate some pressure with the front four, at least on occasion. And going back to a blitz/stunt mode invites the big plays that killed us last year. If Cheeselisburger's leg injury makes him less mobile, that only helps, he's more dangerous when he rolls out.

[BengalByTheBay]

If we can pressure Rot like we did last year, I think we can potentially dominate this game. That would require us to get up on top early by 10 or so.

Why would we have to get up by 10 or so early? We were able to pressure Rot last year without ever being up by ten. I think the whole key is to avoid turnovers on our side. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.

I think we need to get up early to get Pitt into passing situations. I simply do not believe they will do anything but run the ball unless they have to. Last year was an anomaly IMO in that we were able to bring pressure in anything other than an obvious passing situation. We have not been able to really bring that same level of pressure against anybody else this year yet and we didn't really do it much last year. I have no idea how we were able to push the pocket so much last year, but I just don't see us doing it based on what I have seen so far this season. If anything, I think we've been a little worse on the pass rush.

As far as turnovers, I agree with you. But I think you could say that for any game and any opponent. I was referring more to the game plan before the game. Obviously, if you win the turnover battle you usually win the game. However, I don't think you can pick a game and say "we're going to do X to win the turnover differential." That stuff just kinda happens.

[duus]

One of the biggest 'fan complaints' getting plenty of radio airtime locally is the fact that the Bengals require Steeler fans who want to purchase tickets for the 10/23 game to also purchase tickets for a second home game in Cincinnati.

Obviously, this is not unlike what many cities and sporting events do, but folks calling in are pretty upset by the whole thing. Honestly, my suspicion is that they are getting a bit frustrated not just because they are forced to buy a second set of tickets, but because tickets are so much harder to come by this year ... at least that is my sense in listening to these callers one after the other.

I'm guessing this is indicative of the fact that The Jungle will be rockin' with plenty of Orange and Black this weekend.

[Columbusbengal]

I'm guessing this is indicative of the fact that The Jungle will be rockin' with plenty of Orange and Black this weekend.

I sure hope you're right

[jjakq27]

One of the biggest 'fan complaints' getting plenty of radio airtime locally is the fact that the Bengals require Steeler fans who want to purchase tickets for the 10/23 game to also purchase tickets for a second home game in Cincinnati.

Waaaaaaaa. It's all persons buying Bengals tickets not just Steeler fans. The Terrible Towel is really a crying towel.

[duus]

Nightly Sports Call tv show tonight:

Nothing. That is until the absolute very last comment after a 30 minute show. All they cared to talk about was Maddox, Maddox, and Maddox. Oh, I guess they did mention this thing about Cowher admitting he should have used Bettis in the second half against the Jags. Other than that, only the following comment about the upcoming game to close the show:

Q to one of the writers/reporters - "What do you think of the game this weekend?"

A - "I think the Steelers will play well. Really well. I don't see Ben throwing an interception to lose it." (obvious dig on Maddox ... clever)

[jungleman]

listen the steeler fans are all idiots. maddox is not a bad qb remember buffalo last year. he played in a meaningless game for the steelers vs the bill who with a win make the playoffs and beat them. is it sunday yet

[BengalszoneBilly]

They are really pumping this Face Me Ike thing and apparently passing out the t-shirts at the radio station.

Ooh! Can you get me a few of those shirts? I ran out of T.P a couple days ago, and now I'm in a bind for "a$$wiping material."

There's no way he could stay with CJ and cover him!