Pittsburgh - The Inside Scoop, Part III

[jungleman]

these guys are homers. we can out gain them but we just turn it over more. yea carson is more efficient than ben because he throws less picks per passing attempt.

[duus]

Mark Madden interview with Brad Johanson

MM --> "Why isn't Chad talking?"

BJ --> "I guarantee there was some fun orchestration on this between Marvin and Chad."

MM --> "How do you think Carson will handle this game?"

BJ --> "He just never seems to change. Never too high, never too low. He can't wait to play in a game like this."

MM --> "I predict the Steelers will win this game. One reason is that they won't stick with the running game enough."

BJ --> "They are going to run the no-huddle. Bengals fans have complained. And Rudi has complained. I think he's quality."

BJ --> "I think playing with a lead will be huge in this game."

MM --> "When teams go no-huddle, the Steelers usually go nickel, and take their mvp Casey Hampton off the field."

BJ --> "If they can, they will run 70% no-huddle. Why do anything different if it keeps you from substituting."

MM --> "Has the play of the Bengals dropped off?"

BJ --> "They took a little time off after Detroit. If not physically, then mentally. Buffalo came to play with a lot of pride. I think they got a wake-up call, but you couldn't really correct it against Kansas City. It might have actually worked in Marvin's favor, having the Steelers end up 3 point favorite."

MM --> "Is the town worried?"

BJ --> "This town is used to failing. There is plenty of panic and negativity. That's made this lockerroom say, 'We'll show you.'"

MM --> "Is this defense over-rated?"

BJ --> "I don't think so. I don't think anyone has them as one of the best defenses out there."

MM --> "I think the Bengals run defense is the most decided advantage the Steelers have. What can the Bengals do to sure that up on Sunday?"

BJ --> "I'm not sure. They don't have a whole lot that they can go to. If everybody does not participate in gap-penetration, it's going to be a problem."

MM --> "I think the first team that gets ahead by two scores wins the game."

BJ --> "I think special teams will be big. I think they are terrified of Randle El. They have given up some big plays. And the Steelers gave up the big play to Tab Perry."

[duus]

Caller --> "What is your prediction of who is going to the Super Bowl? And who is going to win?"

MM --> "Indianapolis and Seattle ... Indianapolis."

Same Caller --> "Defense! Defense! We are going to kill them!"

MM --> "Do you read? Look at the defenses stats of the Colts and Steelers."

(caller hangs up. This was so funny. I wish you guys could hear it. Yinzer calls in and starts chanting 'defense, defense!'. MM made him look like the blind yinzer homer he is ... very funny)

[jungleman]

those people thing they will get one for the thumb and are entitled to it.

[duus]

Steelers Playoff Preview

Bob Pompeani, Tunch Ilkin, Craig Wolfley, Edmund Nelson

BP --> "Steelers feeling good about their chances on Sunday."

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BP --> "Who needs to step up?"

TI --> "Tuman. They are going to double Hines. Don't be surprised if we see Tuman out in the flat. This may be his biggest game of the season."

EN --> "Cedrick Wilson. Kind of on the sneaky side."

CW --> "The Bus"

BP --> "Dan Kreider"

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BP --> "Defensively?"

TI --> "Deshea Townsend. I've always liked his skills.

EN --> "Clark Haggans"

CW --> "Casey Hampton"

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BP --> "Is it a big advantage to have playoff experience?"

CW --> "I think it's huge. I remember being in the tunnel and my knees were shaking."

EN --> "I think it's huge. How is Carson Palmer going to react? You will see Carson throw the ball where he shouldn't and then his confidence is shot."

TI --> "Carson Palmer really prepares hard. Sometimes that's when you tighten up a little bit."

CW --> "You start thinking that if you make one mistake that will cost us."

TI --> "The no-huddle is a lot of responsibility. They are most dangerous running three wides. That will be the tough thing. Everytime the Steelers adjust, that's when you will see the pressure on Carson Palmer."

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Jerome Bettis (video clip) --> "I feel great about our chances. We're a really good road football team."

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BP --> "Next topic is trash talking. Chad made a quote the last time he was here. He talked about the Steelers being black and white tv and the Bengals being color tv. Marvin Lewis has gone out of his way to not allow this guy to talk. Should that be a concern?"

TI --> "They are fun-loving team, and I would be concerned. They need to understand how serious it is and that's what he's done."

EN --> "The focus should be on the team and not on the individual, and that's what the coach is trying to do. I think this will take Chad out of his game."

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Funny little conversation about the Jags/Pats game. These guys all think that the Jags will win. This town just wants so desperately for "the enemy" to lose. Very funny.

Then conversation about Denver. Nelson said that he didn't see this team being the type to go to the Super Bowl. And, as he said, "they're not a team like Indy, or New England, or Pittsburgh."

That's a very funny quote right there! Notice how he sticks Pittsburgh in the middle of that "great group". Again, very funny.

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BP --> "If there's one thing that will hold the Steelers back against Cincinnati, what would it be?"

TI --> "Turnovers. Look at the last game. If they don't turn the ball over, that's a big Steelers victory."

EN -> "Special teams, because I don't think these guys will be able to march up and down the field like everybody thinks they're going to be able to."

CW --> "Special teams, because it puts so much pressure on your defense. And don't turn the ball over."

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BP --> "Crowd noise?"

CW --> "What I am looking forward to is the intensity."

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BP --> "Bettis has that mind thing going on with Cincinnati."

TI --> "I don't think anybody on that team wants to tackle him. In the second game, they took convenient angles to miss."

CW --> "28-21 Steelers"

All guys picked the Steelers to win.

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[jungleman]

notice how they said marvin took chad out of the game by not letting him trash talk are these guys that dumb and do the fans there believe that?

[Stickman]

Pretty good unbiased article from steelers.com on team matchups.

By Bob Labriola

Steelers.com

The following are some of the interesting match-ups to watch when the Steelers play the Bengals in Cincinnati in an AFC Wild Card Game:

STEELERS CBs RICARDO COLCLOUGH AND BRYANT McFADDEN VS. BENGALS WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH: Because there is a natural focus on stopping Chad Johnson, the Bengals did some damage to the Steelers in the last meeting by using Houshmandzadeh a lot. His longest catch of the season was a 43-yard touchdown, and that came at Heinz Field on a play in which he went up over Colclough and pulled the ball down in the end zone; he finished that game with two touchdowns. The Bengals offense can dictate matchups to some degree by their personnel. When they use three receivers, the Steelers might respond with a nickel or a dime, and in the last game Deshea Townsend lined up to cover the receiver in the slot. That left Colclough or McFadden in single coverage on the outside, and Houshmandzadeh is dangerous in those situations.

STEELERS KICKOFF COVERAGE VS. BENGALS KR TAB PERRY: Following the Steelers’ 38-31 loss to the Bengals at Heinz Field on Dec. 4, Coach Bill Cowher rightly criticized the play of the kickoff coverage team, which gave up a 94-yard return by Perry in the second half that led to an easy touchdown. Scoring, especially a touchdown, can create a huge momentum boost, and when that happens the Steelers cannot squander it immediately by allowing a long return on the ensuing kickoff. Especially on the road. Since that Bengals game, however, the Steelers special teams have improved weekly, and those units saved the day in the game against the Lions, one that the Steelers had to win to make the playoffs. Brett Keisel can set the tone for the coverage units with his physical play, but there are other important components as well.

STEELERS RT MAX STARKS VS. BENGALS DE JUSTIN SMITH: The Bengals do not have a consistently potent pass rush, but Smith has the skills to come up with a timely sack. He led the team in sacks through the regular season, and he helped ice the Bengals win over the Steelers in December with a fourth-quarter sack of Ben Roethlisberger.

STEELERS ILB LARRY FOOTE VS. BENGALS RB RUDI JOHNSON: It’s going to take more than just Foote to stop Johnson, but it’s also true that Foote will have to play better than he did in the last meeting between these teams. The Steelers defense is designed to create opportunities for the linebackers to make plays, and those guys have to do that instead of just making tackles down the field. Foote played very well in back-to-back games against Chicago and Minnesota in the two weeks immediately following the loss to the Bengals. If he can duplicate that level of play in Cincinnati, the Steelers will be in a much better position to win the game.

STEELERS FB DAN KREIDER VS. BENGALS MLB ODELL THURMAN: The weakness of the Bengals defense is that it isn’t particularly stout against a power running attack. The strength of the Bengals defense is the way its defensive backs consistently make plays on the ball when it’s in the air. The Bengals finished the season with an NFL-leading 44 takeaways, including 31 interceptions, which is an obvious indication that the Steelers should want to try to limit the number of times the ball is in the air. The best way to do that is by running the ball, and Kreider has been very important to that success. In the previous two games – in Cleveland and against Detroit – Kreider was just destroying defenders at the point of attack. Willie Parker would be wise to continue doing what he’s been doing lately, and that is following Dan Kreider through the hole.

STEELERS LB JAMES FARRIOR VS. BENGALS RB CHRIS PERRY: This matchup is used as an example of what the Steelers defense will be facing on third downs. Against the Lions, and that’s Joey Harrington at quarterback, the Steelers allowed an unacceptable 10-of-17 conversions on third downs. There is a lot of work by a defense that goes into getting an offense into a third down situation, and a consistent inability to get off the field can have a damaging psychological effect, to say nothing of what it does to field position, etc. The Bengals have a lot of weapons – Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson, Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry – and the Steelers cannot afford to slack off on any one of them, because Carson Palmer will find the weakness in the defense.

[bengalboomer7]

Good write up. One thing i hope the Bengals do is run their no huddle with a threee reciever set and run Rudi in that formation. Force Pitt to keep and extra corner on the field the whole game.

The Steelers also seem to really try to keep Chad out of the game. TJ has to come up huge.

[duus]

Good write up. One thing i hope the Bengals do is run their no huddle with a threee reciever set and run Rudi in that formation. Force Pitt to keep and extra corner on the field the whole game.

The Steelers also seem to really try to keep Chad out of the game. TJ has to come up huge.

This is absolutely true. Cowher and LeBeau are well-known for concentrating on "taking away the best player". That is rule #1 of their philosophy. They have clearly said so as well as done so in almost every important game. Contrary to whatever they may say about taking away the run (which they will do to some degree nonetheless), they WILL focus on Chad.

[Stickman]

Good write up. One thing i hope the Bengals do is run their no huddle with a threee reciever set and run Rudi in that formation. Force Pitt to keep and extra corner on the field the whole game.

The Steelers also seem to really try to keep Chad out of the game. TJ has to come up huge.

This is absolutely true. Cowher and LeBeau are well-known for concentrating on "taking way the best player". That is rule #1 of their philosophy. They have clearly said so as well as done so in almost every important game. Contrary to whatever they may say about taking away the run (which they will do to some degree nonetheless), they WILL focus on Chad.

I think TJ is the key to the Bengals game. If you look at the Bengals win, TJ was HUGE in that game. Rudi is going to get close to 100 on the ground as usual, but CJ and TJ are the keys to this game in my mind. I just hope my boys can keep them in check!! Man!!! why is 4:30 Sunday taking so long to get here.....

[BengalszoneBilly]

Playing in fewer games does not inflate players' ratings at all.

Oh...it doesn't? Then explain to me why Jeff Blake is sitting at the top of NFL rankings with a 129.2 rating with 3 games, Quinn Gray (whoever the hell that is) in 2nd at 119.0 with but 1 game played, Jay Fiedler 3rd at 113.3 with 2 games played, and Jim Sorgi who is behind Carson (101.1), but ahead of Ben (98.6), in 6th at 99.4. Check the facts before you post.

[derekshank]

Seems like the one thing that Steelers fans are concerned about is our no huddle. Rightly so. We ran it about a third of the time in our last game against them, and it got us half of our yards. If we run it more often this time (I'm sure we will) then we should move the ball well.

We didn't run it much since the Detroit game... probably trying to keep playoff teams from having a lot of film to work with.

On another topic... did you guys hear on WLW last night? (It's the only Ohio station I can get here in Indiana) I only heard about 10 minutes... I think it was Furman, and he was talking about Roethlisberger, and how the media continually pumps him up as a hero for playing with his thumb hurting. It was truly hilarious. He had people calling in saying "Hey... remember when Roethlisberger won the miracle on ice?" and "Remember when Roethlisberger was the first man to walk on the moon?"

[haf5er]

Seems like the one thing that Steelers fans are concerned about is our no huddle. Rightly so. We ran it about a third of the time in our last game against them, and it got us half of our yards. If we run it more often this time (I'm sure we will) then we should move the ball well.

We didn't run it much since the Detroit game... probably trying to keep playoff teams from having a lot of film to work with.

On another topic... did you guys hear on WLW last night? (It's the only Ohio station I can get here in Indiana) I only heard about 10 minutes... I think it was Furman, and he was talking about Roethlisberger, and how the media continually pumps him up as a hero for playing with his thumb hurting. It was truly hilarious. He had people calling in saying "Hey... remember when Roethlisberger won the miracle on ice?" and "Remember when Roethlisberger was the first man to walk on the moon?"

Maybe not quit the same extent but it is kinda like the media love fest over Reggie Bush. He alone defeated Napolean's army and turned back the Spanish Armada.

I get so sick of the media latching onto one player and hyping them non-stop. It is NOT courages to play a game with a hurt thumb. I think some people need reminders or what courage is.

[Stickman]

Seems like the one thing that Steelers fans are concerned about is our no huddle. Rightly so. We ran it about a third of the time in our last game against them, and it got us half of our yards. If we run it more often this time (I'm sure we will) then we should move the ball well.

We didn't run it much since the Detroit game... probably trying to keep playoff teams from having a lot of film to work with.

On another topic... did you guys hear on WLW last night? (It's the only Ohio station I can get here in Indiana) I only heard about 10 minutes... I think it was Furman, and he was talking about Roethlisberger, and how the media continually pumps him up as a hero for playing with his thumb hurting. It was truly hilarious. He had people calling in saying "Hey... remember when Roethlisberger won the miracle on ice?" and "Remember when Roethlisberger was the first man to walk on the moon?"

I don't think the game plays are any different so it's not about having game film. The Steelers like to change their packages often during a game for adjustment but wouldn't be able to do that with the no-huddle. Personally, I think it's just another "flavor of the month" football gimmick. It's like..."Look!! Peyton Manning's running the No-huddle" and then everyone else wants to do it too. But hey... if you can't beat 'em, might as well try to cheat 'em!!

[bengalboomer7]

Well, with the no huddle you dictate TOP, and mainly you dictate the dfensive scheme. No pass rish specialists or extra corners or subs in general can make it on the field in the no huddle.

I prefer them to run it with Perry more, you can set up as three wide, and flank out Perry for the fourth WR once you've got Pitt stuck in a nickel package, forcing a safety or LB into man coverage

[duus]

I don't think the game plays are any different so it's not about having game film. The Steelers like to change their packages often during a game for adjustment but wouldn't be able to do that with the no-huddle. Personally, I think it's just another "flavor of the month" football gimmick. It's like..."Look!! Peyton Manning's running the No-huddle" and then everyone else wants to do it too. But hey... if you can't beat 'em, might as well try to cheat 'em!!

Beautiful. Exactly as expected. A Steeler excuse even before the game starts. Sort of like Ben and his thumb. Hmmm ... just in case it doesn't come out the way we want ...

And isn't it always interesting how if you don't play football "the Steeler way", then it's cheating. What? Could anyone sound more whiny than that? (insert baby pouting here) "You ... you ... you cheated. You didn't let our guys on the field. You ... you ... you cheater! Somebody make them play by our rules! Mom!"

[Stickman]

I don't think the game plays are any different so it's not about having game film. The Steelers like to change their packages often during a game for adjustment but wouldn't be able to do that with the no-huddle. Personally, I think it's just another "flavor of the month" football gimmick. It's like..."Look!! Peyton Manning's running the No-huddle" and then everyone else wants to do it too. But hey... if you can't beat 'em, might as well try to cheat 'em!!

Beautiful. Exactly as expected. A Steeler excuse even before the game starts. Sort of like Ben and his thumb. Hmmm ... just in case it doesn't come out the way we want ...

And isn't it always interesting how if you don't play football "the Steeler way", then it's cheating. What? Could anyone sound more whiny than that? (insert baby pouting here) "You ... you ... you cheated. You didn't let our guys on the field. You ... you ... you cheater! Somebody make them play by our rules! Mom!"

Easy killer. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean squat. I'm not making any excuses here. I was simply showing my dislike for Pansy Manning's style of play and how it seems like people are trying to copy it, that's all. I'm sure all you Cinci fans love Manning and think he's some kind of football God since you seem to compare your QB to him, but I'm don't think he's all that. These are just MY opinions and I wasn't trying to offend you or hurt your little feelings... this isn't the forum for it. Try some decaff...

[Jackesq]

Okay Duus, what's the true attitude going on in the Pitt today? Confidence, arrogance or fear? The Pharmer's got me doing some chores prior to gametime, but I'll be glued to the set later. We've already got the leftovers ready for supper so that we don't have to think about cooking during the game! BTW, Wally World says, "Hi." Tell Mrs. Duus and the little Duuses the Esqs said, "Hey." Also, I held the door at church today for a girl in a Pitt jersey. I told her I'd pray for her.

I don't think the game plays are any different so it's not about having game film. The Steelers like to change their packages often during a game for adjustment but wouldn't be able to do that with the no-huddle. Personally, I think it's just another "flavor of the month" football gimmick. It's like..."Look!! Peyton Manning's running the No-huddle" and then everyone else wants to do it too. But hey... if you can't beat 'em, might as well try to cheat 'em!!

Beautiful. Exactly as expected. A Steeler excuse even before the game starts. Sort of like Ben and his thumb. Hmmm ... just in case it doesn't come out the way we want ...

And isn't it always interesting how if you don't play football "the Steeler way", then it's cheating. What? Could anyone sound more whiny than that? (insert baby pouting here) "You ... you ... you cheated. You didn't let our guys on the field. You ... you ... you cheater! Somebody make them play by our rules! Mom!"

Easy killer. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean squat. I'm not making any excuses here. I was simply showing my dislike for Pansy Manning's style of play and how it seems like people are trying to copy it, that's all. I'm sure all you Cinci fans love Manning and think he's some kind of football God since you seem to compare your QB to him, but I'm don't think he's all that. These are just MY opinions and I wasn't trying to offend you or hurt your little feelings... this isn't the forum for it. Try some decaff...

Someone seems to forget Sam, Boomer E. and the 90's. Egg to chicken, we were here first. Granted, we haven't had a QB since then that could run the huddless O.

[CT Stiller]

Oh...it doesn't? Then explain to me why Jeff Blake is sitting at the top of NFL rankings with a 129.2 rating with 3 games, Quinn Gray (whoever the hell that is) in 2nd at 119.0 with but 1 game played, Jay Fiedler 3rd at 113.3 with 2 games played, and Jim Sorgi who is behind Carson (101.1), but ahead of Ben (98.6), in 6th at 99.4. Check the facts before you post.

I don't need to check the facts before I post. Of course someone who has one or two good games is going to have a higher QB rating. That's because they attempted, oh, maybe 15-35 passes. Ben has attempted 268 passes this year which puts him in the same category as the remaining starting QBs in the league.

Notice how no one mentions these guys in comparing QB ratings among the league leaders? Why do you think that is? Maybe you need to check your internal logic before you post.

By the way, can you possibly squeeze in any more crap into that signature of yours? I'm sure everyone loves seeing all of it and would appreciate even more.

[Stickman]

[Jackesq]

Someone seems to forget Sam, Boomer E. and the 90's. Egg to chicken, we were here first. Granted, we haven't had a QB since then that could run the huddless O.

[PaDawgFan]

You guys are getting absolutely raped in this game. The cheap shot on Palmer, the cheap shot in the endzone on Houshmanzadah, the pass interference that wasnt called only to have the same situation called against you on the throw to Randle-El. Not to mention the Chad Johnson challenge... looked like two feet down before he hit him with the left hand to knock the ball loose.

Unfortunately the defense is not helping..... kill these bastards, would ya? Pittsburgh is the biggest cheap shot team in the league.

[Jungletiger]

Ugh I cant stand it!!!!!!! I need alchohol!!!!!

[Jungletiger]

Wow... once again, it is proven who should be starting at QB.

[Jackesq]

Let's face it, if by a cheap shot, we're forced to play our backup QB instead of our Pro-Bowler, we are not likely to win. Pittsburgh did not feel like it could beat us straight up. If I recall correctly, Pittsburgh people spoke all week of how our players were going to get hurt. If they actaully said that and meant it, it shows that they believe that they cannot win based upon talent playing within the boudaries of the rules. I am torn between wanting to see a Steeler sacrificed on the turf at PBS and the Bengals showing more class. Oh well, at least I have a life outside of football. Tomorrow I will still have to go to work, earn money and pay my mortgage. My wife still loves me (she HATES the Steelers). My friends will still like me, and books will still contain ideas awaiting to be taken from the page and placed into action. I'm betting that a Jeff Ruby's steak will still taste good and better than any of that crap they serve in Pennsylvania. Assuming that Palmer is healthy next year, the Bengals will play with a chip on their shoulder and as defending Division Champs. The Steelers will be playing as bridesmaids and losers to a team with class like Indy. (I'm betting that a cheap shot to Manning will result in a beheading of Big Ben by Mr. Freeney.)

I have a sinking feeling...