Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Monday Night Escape

The Steelers dodged a purple and black bullet last night. This was an ugly game (not surprising considering the teams involved) full of good defense and some pretty awful passes by both Quarterbacks. Say what you want about the Ravens offense but their defense always plays hard. And speaking of playing hard, how tough is Hines Ward? He plays like a man possessed.

Roethlisberger looked slow (ok, slower than normal) and his passes for the most part had little zip on them. Maybe those knees are going to be a problem.

I hate it when coaches get too conservative at the end of the game but I really didn't have too much of a problem with Cowher giving the ball to Bettis on 3rd and 3 down in Raven territory (a field goal only leaves you 1 point ahead)and still over a minute and a half to go. With Big Ben struggling a bit and knowing they were facing one of the worst offenses in the league, it's not the risk you think it would be to rely on your defense to hold them. However, if it was Indy or especially New England on the other sideline then that would be absolutely the wrong call. You need that first down and you know the defense will be stacking the box. In the playoffs if you leave the Colts or Patriots with a minute and a half to get a field goal at the end.....well, lets just say the fat lady not only will have sung for the Steelers but she will be talking to the "Bus" about ways they can shed a few pounds in the off-season together

1 comment:

Greg said...

The Steelers need to get healthy before they go anywhere. But I agree, I don't think this is their year.