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Steelers Starters–Game 14: Steelers look to rebound vs. upsurging Jaguars
If there is one thing that Mike Tomlin has proven to excel at, it’s rebound games. Although the Steelers have lost four games this season, none of them have been back-to-back losses. After losing in week four to Arizona, Pittsburgh rebounded with a resounding 21-0 victory over Seattle. After a week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Steelers rebounded with a good victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. After their week 11 loss to the New York Jets, the Steelers rebounded with a 3-0 victory on Monday night against Miami in the slop known as Heinz Field. After getting drubbed by the New England Patriots, Mike Tomlin looks to continue his rebound prowess against a team that is on a roll:
The Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s not going to be easy.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, David Garrard, comes into this game being the poster child for what quarterbacks should do to protect the football. He’s only thrown 13 touchdowns. At the same time, he’s only thrown 1 interception. Don’t look for him to make any mistakes on Sunday either. With that said, Jacksonville has been riding the legs of Fred Taylor, who is looking more like a second year player, than a 10-year player. Taylor rolled to an 80-yard TD last week, the longest run from scrimmage by any back this season, and has looked like a man on a mission this year. Maybe that’s what happens when you have Maurice Jones-Drew on your tail, fighting for your job. Jacksonville will be looking to attack the Steelers’ defensive line, especially with Aaron Smith out for the season, to get that run game going. Travis Kirscke and Nick Eason will both fill in for Smith, but neither is nearly as good. That is a big loss, and don’t count it out. It will be interesting to see if the Smith-less led line will be able to stop them. If they do, and force Garrard into making throws he hasn’t had to this season, it could get to be a very interesting game. Don’t be surprised if the Jags attack the Steelers’ secondary at times, although without the WR corp that New England flaunts, it won’t be nearly as effective. Matt Jones, Earnest Wilford, Reggie Williams and Dennis Northcutt are adequate and have good size, but just drop too many balls. Look for Garrard to look for his outlet, TE Marcedes Lewis if the run game fails him. What happened to James Harrison last week, by the way.
The Steelers’ offense certainly has a lot to prove. In the first half of last week’s game, the Steelers’ offense was everything it needed to be. Ben Roethlisberger was efficient, Willie Parker was moving the chains, and the offensive line didn’t look like utter garbage. Two long, sustained drives had kept the game close, and even looked like the Steelers had the momentum. Then the second half started, and dubious play calling, and an apparently deteriating offensive line ended any hope of victory. How bad has the Steelers’ line been this year? Well, they’ve given up the second most sacks, and have allowed defenses to penetrate, and contain Willie Parker. Parker isn’t having a consistently good year. He’s gaining much of his yardage on big games, but being stopped in down to down plays. Sure, it’s great watching him bust a run for 30-yards, but it does no good when he’s getting stopped on the next three plays to end the drive. Remember that first possession of the second half against the Pats? After a 30-yard gain, the Steelers were shut down. Look at the line first. I would think you would have to look at Willie Colon, who I really believe is going to be a solid right tackle. At the same time, he looked like garbage last week.
You could also make a strong case that Bruce Arians has been making questionable calls as well. Where you fault him may be in the predictability of his plays. I know Tomlin isn’t ready to admit it, but it really looked like New England had figured things out. I’m still not ready to jump on that train yet, but another game that sees us get outcoached in the second half, and I won’t only jump on it, but I’ll be hijacking it. When you are in a close, first-half game, and get blown out in the second half to a team that is older than you, it means you’ve been outcoached. I also question how Heath Miller was essentially scrap-heaped last week. Please, don’t give me the “New England stopped him’ theory. Mike Tomlin is a rookie head coach, I get it. Still, let’s hope he’s learned a bit this week. It’s funny, I actually heard people on this site calling for Dick LeBeau’s job. C’mon people…are you kidding me? At the same time, you do have to look at LeBeau, Arians and Tomlin, and say, “Make better adjustments.”
Don’t discount those injuries. You can’t imagine how the flow of a team changes when major players are missing major minutes. Anyone that saw the game last week knows that Santonio Holmes still wasn’t right. Troy Polamalu was out, and you and I both know what that means for the Steelers’ defense. Hines Ward is finally back, and playing tough, but the Steelers are out of synch. Let’s hope the starters get on the field and get playing before the playoffs. Let’s also not forget about Aaron Smith, out for the year. That’s the second starter lost for the season, and you really get the impression that TroyP may not be right for the rest of the year.
I haven’t talked about special teams in a bit, but I’m going to now. Jacksonville has a solid return game, and the Steelers coverage is horrid. If Jacksonville rolls over the Steelers here, the game is over…now.
Oh, how the weather will play a role. Snow and cold will reign supreme tomorrow, and that certainly will be to the Steelers advantage. Oh, you’ll hear from the Jags players that they’ve played in the snow before, but when you are pampered in the sun for a bit, it’s funny how quick you forget. Pittsburgh is 7-0 at home. Don’t think that they don’t know it, and aren’t going to be going to war tomorrow. They will be…count on it.
I think the Jaguars will be the chic pick tomorrow for most people. They are a hot team, and have the sheen of a Christmas day present. Pittsburgh has won, and won ugly this year, and it’s easy to go against them after getting it handed to them for a half last week. You tie that together with a Jaguars team that has won 3 out of their last four in Pittsburgh, and you have the makings of an upset.
Well, I say the Steelers win, and by more than a few points.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24,
Jacksonville Jaguars 14
This entry was posted
on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 8:10 pm and is filed under Aaron Smith, Fred Taylor, David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars, Heinz Field, Marcedes Lewis, Earnest Wilford, Nick Eason, Willie Colon, Travis Kirscke, Dennis Northcutt, Reggie Williams, Dick LeBeau, James Harrison, Maurice Jones-Drew, Willie Parker, Cincinnati Bengals, Special Teams, Seattle Seahawks, Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Arians, Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, Miami Dolphins, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals.
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80 Responses to “Steelers Starters–Game 14: Steelers look to rebound vs. upsurging Jaguars”
December 16th, 2007 at 10:43 am
this game will tell you all that are dazed and confused about what kind of team the steelers have , Jax,s is a tough scrappy team that will hit in the mouth as well as play with finess, the weather will be a equializer and the team that wins the line play and who makes the least amount of mistakes and penalties is going to win this game. Too close to call like the steelers but.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:16 am
So, if the this game is going to tell us what kind of team the Steelers have…
and if the weather is an equalizer…
are you then saying the only way the Steelers will win is because of the weather, mistakes and penalties?
That doesn’t say much for the Steelers…by your own account.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:18 am
For the first time in years , I can say, I have no idea what the Steelers will do in this game. Just have to wait and see…
December 16th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Seems like all the Steeler games are difficult lately . They have multiple injuries to key players and also team members playing hurt. This is going to be a slug fest with low scoring . I hope Ben dosent turn the ball over on his passes down field. Special teams have to contribute and the defense really has to play big today. Steelers by a touchdown ??????????
December 16th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Well Steve…thanks for your assessment…
My gut instinct here is that Pittsburgh will control this game…
Let’s just say that Anthony Smith will cause a loss and a win…
The Steelers are mad…and you’ll see that today.
I don’t like Jack Del Rio as a coach. I think he’s predictable…and he’ll tell you that. I think LeBeau will eat him up today.
Of course, the same can be said of the Steelers this year at times. When they are on…the offense confounds teams. When they aren’t on…they are as predictable as they come…
December 16th, 2007 at 11:40 am
Don’t forget folks…to stop by during the game for today’s LIVE CAST…
right here!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
3-0 Jags…
The Steelers offensive line is looking like…well…bad…
and it was the left side that time…just collapsed…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Another sack to end the drive…this time from both the left and right outside. the tackles are getting killed….
December 16th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I’m getting sick of seeing our O-linemen not finish a play. There are an awful lot of plays where guys get a light hit on their man, then just stand there with their hands on their hips watching Ben run for his life. Marvel Smith just stood there doing nothing when Ben got sacked a minute ago.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
this offensive line is really offensive,they fucking suck.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Marvel Smith…
AND
Willie Colon…just getting killed on both sides of the ball Mike…I agree…
Harrison being a factor today…boy was that holding…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
mabye mat starks should be playing,after all he did do a good job when he played
December 16th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
It’s good to see Troy back…and looking healthy…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Ben just got railed…
Looked legal though…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
There are a lot of things you can say about Ben Roethlisberger.
Tough is certainly one of them…
Missed that pass to Holmes though…darn it…
4th and 2…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
this OC needs to be fired ,he sucks no screens nothing,screens will slow down the rush.the oc sucks.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Where’s heath
December 16th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
That’s the funny thing NE…Arians historically has used tight ends…
it seems like he forgets about them…
like now…
Great tackle by Troy. I heard someone say at the bar last night…that Troy lost a step…
morons…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
All that thanks to Troy Polamalu….
13 yard punt…hahahahaha…
alright…time to capitalize…
December 16th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Hey NE…
THERE’S HEATH!!!!!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
There he is,I still think the OC sucks.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
What a fortunate bounce that deflection took. Oh well, I’ll take 7 points however we can get ‘em. I think that was the first good bounce we’ve had all year!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Troy hasn’t lost,he’s been hurt all yr.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
It’s not Steelers, but it’s important: how about Buffalo’s Brian Moorman realizing the best thing to do with the bad snap on the punt was to kick it out of the endzone for a safety? Giving them just two points could prove to be huge later in the game. Today I’m a Bills fan.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Yeah…I was thinking the same thing Mike…that’s good coaching…
even though I think Crennel sucks…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Willie’s looking good on the edge runs today. Hmmm, think maybe Arians finally figured out where he works best?!
December 16th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Spaeth and Miller have been blocking well today…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
There’s Marvel Smith again…from the blind side…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Make no mistake though Mike…those off tackle runs are being sprunk by the TE’s, not the tackles…although Colon HAS mad e a couple good runs in run support…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Seriously…
I have never seen Hines Ward drop a pass that open before…ever…
the only thing you can do is laugh…wow…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I was just sitting here thinking that our best blockers this season have been Ward and Miller. They showed it on Willie’s 8-yard scamper after that holding penalty. Shame Ben’s getting about a step and a half into his drop before he has to break outside the pocket, or this offense could be amazing today.
Nice, NICE tackle by William Gay on the punt.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
There was pressure again…
it’s the tackles…they are terrible…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
special teams made a play,call the president
December 16th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
That was a crap call…Haggans wasn’t looking up…and he barely tapped him. That was a crap call…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Taylor got crushed…
I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for it again.
Wow…if you guys don’t think TroyP isn’t a difference maker…
wow…
How would have last week been different I wonder…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
How in God’s name could Wilford be so wide open IN THE END ZONE?!
December 16th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
anthony smith,thats how,he probably biten on a fake again
December 16th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
I hate these games…Pittsburgh doesn’t take control of the game…and the freakin’ Jags get the lead…
Well…we’ll see if Tomlin can adjust…better than last week…
December 16th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Pretty pathetic all around, mostly…
While the defense has been OK, they’re tackling has been poor….
You guys have hit the main points already, both OT’s are lousy, we’ve known that all year….
I think Arians is calling a piss poor game again….
They’d better adjust quick, or they’re gonna drop this one too….
December 16th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Adjusting the elastic on his underwear would be a bigger adjustment than he made last week. Parker is averaging 5.25 yards per carry right now, and that’s with a longest run of just 16 yards. But he only got the ball 8 times in the first half. You’d think that if the passing game isn’t being very effective, but the run game is, then maybe they’d run it more than they are.
My biggest concern coming into the season, besides the O-line, was Arians’ play calling. He’s lending credence to my worst fears lately.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
where gonna lose this game,can’t make a stop when we need to
December 16th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
4th and 1 and lb are 7yds off the ball ,good call lebeau
December 16th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
The field is getting sloppy now too. Normally that bodes well for the Steelers but this year Parker’s had a lot of trouble with his footing.
That won’t matter much if the Steelers defense never gets off the field for the rest of the game. Geez, this is driving me nuts.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
they suck
December 16th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
they fucking suck!!!!!!!
December 16th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Can’t blame that one on Smith!
December 16th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I hate to say it but get ready the collaspe.SEE you in april
December 16th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
emmit smith said it best ,the steelers are a fraud.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
that was anthony smith again
December 16th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Game over.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Yeah game over!
December 16th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hines Ward has at least two drops today. That’s a pretty telling microcosm of the entire game.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
For the love of God can they just throw short passes and move the chains?
December 16th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
were gonna lose the division and might not make the playoffs
December 16th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
We only need a single win to get into the playoffs. I see an early exit from the postseason, though.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
number one defense my ass
December 16th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
mike we don’t need one win tennesse is on our ass
December 16th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Atonement for your sins, Mr. Smith?
December 16th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Well its about freakin time…. Now if only the offense can make an effort.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Did Arians just…call a…a…an unpredictable play?
December 16th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
We all know what,s coming next……The infamous kick return.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
That was just WAAAAAAAAAAAY too sweet.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
this got to be the worst oline
December 16th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
That’s a torn ACL for Nate.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
cedric’s the man,{hint:use him more often}
December 16th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
hopefully it’s just hyper extended,maybe the snow helped out,field turf anyone
December 16th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
where’s the #1 defense,emmit said they are frauds,are they?
December 16th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Don,t blame the D on this one it,s up to the O to pull this one out.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
eric what do u mean they just drove the field like nothing.what are u watching
December 16th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
what a dumb ass play call,fire arians tommorrow
December 16th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Well, he’s not all that far off. The offense was so bad for three quarters that the D was on the field almost the whole time. You have to get a break at some point. Remember, the first drive of the second half lasted 10 minutes, and then the Steelers went three and out. They got virtually no break at all.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
The D is tired. If the O would start getting their act together earlier maybe Jacksonville would be trying to play catchup and that,s were Pitt play their best ball.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
arians is a moron that should have been called on 3 dowm,what a loser.get ready for the draft folks
December 16th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Can’t wait to hear the yinzer excuses this time….
Oh wait, I remember now, if you doubt your team, you’re not a real fan….
December 16th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
the d’s tired cuase they couldn’t stop my grandmother today,draws killed them and they didn’t look for it on that game killing drive,like emmit said there frauds
December 16th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I been a fan since the 70’s it’s not my fault there frauds,stop someone when the games on the line jets ring a bell
December 16th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
we need dlinemen who can rush thr passer ,maybe it’s time to rethink what we have.i know ne uses the 3/4 defense to but there linemen can get to the passer
December 16th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I am a Steeler Fan from the bottom of my heart. I just watched the Jacksonville game and I was very disapointed. The Ofensive coodernator needs to be replace and he can take the Ofensive Line with him. FUCK THE STEELERS, until this shit gets right.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Congrats to the Steelers on a great game. Can’t win them all, but you certainly made this game an entertaining one.
December 16th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Another shining example of why Tomlin is not a good fit for the Steelers. Until we start playing Steelers football, we will not win, and Tomlin will not play Steelers football. Where is the dominating run game? Why in the hell are we passing on 3rd and two with an injured QB?
Congrats on a well played game Jacksonville. Over 400 yards on our defense. Shaming us. Good job.
Here’s hoping we can win out and make it to the playoffs.
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