Beer We Go Steelers

For one quarter the Steelers played like the Steelers used to play, running the ball and playing solid defense…and then it was over and the Steelers were dominated by the Cleveland Browns falling to last place in the AFC North. It was the worse loss for the Steelers ever to the “new” Browns dropping the game 31-10.

The offense moved the ball up and down the field, but once again could not get in the end zone. Whoever is making the play calls, seems lost. It was run first for sure, which would have been refreshing, until it was short yardage situation then the plan was throw it down the field. It is impossible to figure the offensive game plan out, whether it is passing long on several short yardage opportunities or watching 5′-8″ 183 pound Dri Archer running dives into the line.

Ben Roethlisberger has been awful these last few weeks, he over threw and under threw receivers all day long. He completed just 50% of his passes and looked completely lost. The protection was solid all day, but it never translated to points. The offense has scored two touchdowns in the last two weeks against the Browns and Jaguars, two of the worse teams in the league. It was a terrible performance.

Le’Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount and Dri Archer were able to run the ball well, but once the team found itself buried under and avalanche of points. The Steelers had to abandon the run. Antonio Brown put on his usual dynamic performance but he was the lone bright spot in the passing game.

The defense also seems to have lost it’s way. The coverage is awful, there is no way to put it other than that. Cortez Allen had a horrific game and was constantly beat for big plays, couple that with the ineffective play of Dri Archer and again you have to wonder if the Steelers really should have addressed the Cornerback position in the 3rd round.

The front seven looks completely undisciplined and was gashed on several misdirection plays because of over pursuit and failure to maintain their gaps. Brett Keisel had to tackle Cameron Jordan 4o yards down the field on a reverse bootleg. And will there ever be a pass rush again? Where is Jason Worilds? Where are the Dick LeBeau blitz packages? What has happened to the defense, former Coach Cowher said the Steelers are now soft on defense and it is hard to argue.

The special teams reared it’s ugly head again. Brad Wing fumbled a long snap that cost the Steelers three points and seemed to swing the momentum over to the Browns. Dri Archer is a disaster right now in kick returns.

The Steelers have lost to the Browns before of course, but since the “new” Browns have shown up, I can’t remember a loss where I felt the Steelers didn’t blow the game. The Browns thoroughly won this game and dominated it.

It’s on to Houston next week.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: NOBODY, Seriously, we have said it before but for the first time in the history of Beer We Go Steelers, We aren’t giving out a game beer!

Where I watched the game: At the house, with my 8 year old son Dante, sitting next to him for a game is how I imagine watching a game with Troy would be, he bounces all over the place and is up and down on the couch off the couch. We went out at half time and threw the ball around the yard. KGB and Little Miss Tailgate went food shopping during the first half. KGB made Italian Panini sandwiches with a little held from Citarelli’s, in Eastport. The Beer of choice was Sam again and then we switched to Dos Equis to try and change the luck. NO GOOD

My Stat of the week: The score was 31-10, my stat/fact it was the worse loss to the Browns since the Steelers were creamed 51-0 in opener of 1989!

My thoughts on Next Week: Scared to death. How could I post anything other than that. There is no way the Steelers can be favored in this game.

The game was close, but in the end the Steelers held on and closed out the Jaguars for a much needed win. After, a tough loss last week the Steelers defense came up big holding the Jaguars to under 250 yards and keeping rookie Blake Bortles out of the end zone.

The offense looked out of synch all day and Ben Roethlisberger had a costly fumble for the second week in a row. He passed for over 270 yards and wasn’t intercepted but he only generated one Touchdown against one of the worst teams in football. Ben completed passes to 11 different receivers including the only touchdown of the day to Michael Palmer. The offense moved the ball pretty well but again slowed down in the second half, they made mistakes and just couldn’t score. In the end they did what they needed to pull out a victory.

The defense held it together and the secondary played its best game of the season. Cortez Allen and Willy Gay both had great bounce back games and Brice McCain grabbed a pick six to seal the victory. The front seven gave the Jags all it could handle and they all but abandoned the run. It was great see James Harrison and Brett Keisel make big plays to keep the defense on track.

The Special teams also had a nice bounce back game as well.

A victory is a victory!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Brice McCain returned an Interception for a touchdown that sealed the Steelers victory, it was a big play and swung the momentum. Also Considered: Le’Veon Bell, who had 118 total yards.

Where I watched the game: At the house, the plan was to go to Buckley’s and my best friend Mike came over. We decided to ride it out here. I had to run two TV’s so he could watch the Giants. KGB made some Garlic Dip and Hummus. The beer of choice was Sam Adams Octoberfest which was awesome.

My Stat of the week: The stat of the week is going to Coach LeBeau; The Steelers improved to 18-2 against rookie QBs during Coach LeBeau’s second tenure. Pretty impressive. Also 11 different Steelers caught passes.

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers will beat the Browns in Cleveland. The Browns are riding a hot hand and the Steelers will most likely be the underdogs, but will pull it out.

The Steelers continued the embarrassing trend of losing to the bottom-feeders in the league, It has been a recurring theme the past three seasons and yesterday you could feel it coming. This game was a complete and total breakdown on all facets of the ball.

The Steelers started slow, revved it up and then broke down. After putting together a dominating performance last week, the Steelers offensive line struggled against Tampa Bay’s front seven. Ben was sacked five times, some of which were his fault. But Mike Johnson burned Kelvin Beachum and Cody Wallace for a sack that caused a fumble. That led to Tampa’s first score. The Tampa Bay defense had only three sacks coming into the game.

Ben Roethlisberger was the bright spot of the game he threw for over three hundred yards and moved the ball relatively at will…until the critical end of game drive. The Steelers made several key mistakes and despite having great games Antonio Brown and Heath Miller both recorded drops.

In what is becoming another damaging trend the Steelers continue to rack up the penalties. They are second in the league in penalties and racked up a whopping 13 penalties for 125 yards Sunday. The refs have been totally over officiating every game, but only one or two were questionable calls. The one negative I will say about the refs were they missed several blatant holds including one on Sean Spence that led to a Touchdown.

The Steelers continued to get little pressure up front. Jason Worilds has all but disappeared and Arthur Moats played well but had a costly penalty. James Harrison was on the field for a long time Sunday and battle double teams all day. Sean Spence played admirably but didn’t have the impact that I thought. Lawrence Timmons played his best game of the season. The secondary played okay but had lapses all day that let Tampa Bay pull this one out.

The Special Teams which had been a bright spot this season, finally reared it’s ugly head, Brad Wing shanked a 29 yard punt that basically put the Steelers against the wall. Suisham finally missed a field goal.

There was plenty of blame to go around and this one will hurt for awhile.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO

My “GAME BEER” goes to: I am giving this to Ben Roethlisberger who passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns, despite two huge drops by Heath Miller and Antonio Brown. Also Considered: Sean Spence, he didn’t play as good as he can, but the fact that he was out there shows what kind of player he is and character he has.

Where I watched the game: Back at the house, with my family for my birthday. KGB put on a ridiculous spread, including Homemade Crab Cakes, Chili, Pigs in the blanket, mini-Grill Cheeses, and her secret recipe coleslaw. The beer of choice was Yuengling again. I watched with my family, and dear friends Matt and Jen. The outcome ruined what was a perfect day.

My Stat of the week: The stat of the week is 245 Yards. That is what Mike Glennon passed for in the second half Sunday. RIDICULOUS

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers better come out fast and better cream the Jaguars or the season is over.

Here are your quick hits for 9-26-14:

-I am upset about Ryan Shazier and he will be missed, but I am equally excited to see Sean Spence play and he will get it done in Shazier’s absence.

-This isn’t technically a trap game, but the Bucs are extremely dangerous. First off they were humiliated on Thursday night football. The have a great coach who knows Tomlin well.

-Also let’s be honest, the Steelers have a habit of dropping these games, 6-31-1, that is the combined record of the Raiders, Vikings and Titans who the Steelers dropped all 3 games to last season. NO LET UP AND LETS KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!

-Welcome back Silverback! I have no delusions that you can’t turn back time, but he brings an attitude and if they can limit his snaps, I know he will be effective.

-Sunday is my 41st Birthday, the Steelers are 3-5 on 9-28 all time and last won when I turned 24! I want a Birthday WIN!!

I have been advocating this move for more than six months. The Steelers are bringing back James Harrison. I was in the process of writing a tribute piece but I am glad to have that on hold. The Steelers needed Harrison to fill their injury depth and if they use him in a limited role he can still be a devastating force.

He also brings a much needed attitude! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIrHz_kcgTs

Sorry for the delay in posting,

After a slow start the Steelers put up four second half touchdowns and for the first time in 28 years had two 100 yard backs. Unfortunately they paid a heavy price for the win with three key injuries on defense.

The Steelers went back to the basics and pummeled the Panthers front seven with a great ground game. Le’Veon Bell finished with his second 100-yard game of the season. Bell had 100 of his 147 yards in the second half and ripped off an 81 yard run. LaGarrette Blount put up 100 plus yards as well and had runs of 15, 17, 19 and a 50 yard gallop, he capped it off  his performance with an 8-yard touchdown. It was the first time two Steelers had 100 yards since 1986!

Ben Roethlisberger played well and managed the game effectively, Antonio Brown was down right spectacular and Markus Wheaton continues to grow into his role. He was absolutely jobbed on a call.

The defense started slow allowing another opening score for the third week in a row. But then woke up, after getting gashed for an average of 171 yards rushing in the first two games, the Panthers finished with just 42 yards on 12 carries. DE Cam Heyward and DE Brett Keisel were all over the place and punished Cam Newton all night long. NT Steve McLendon played one of his best games and pitched in with a sack.

Unfortunately injuries stole the show, The linebackers had a great game but suffered two devastating injuries, Jarvis Jones played extremely well but suffered a wrist injury. Arthur Moats filled in nicely in his absence. Ryan Shazier had and ankle injury and Cornerback Ike Taylor had a gruesome arm injury.

The Special teams continues to surprise and had a terrific game. Brad Wing looks reborn since the season started and he boomed a spectacular 59 yard punt. Robert Golden and Shamarko Thomas were disruptive and on the ball all night, forcing a huge game changing turnover.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO

My “GAME BEER” goes to: I am giving out a case of beer this week to the maligned offensive line. Their performance was simply dominating of a very capable Panthers front seven. Marcus Gilbert after playing terrible against the Ravens rebounded and absolutely erased the Panthers up front. Dave DeCastro was great and ripped huge holes in the line. My buddy Mike who I watched the game commented “anyone could run through those holes.” Also Considered: The Running Backs Bell and Blount, and I could give this to Antonio Brown every single week because he deserves it.

Where I watched the game: The Stadium in Saratoga NY, I have watched there several times in the past, unfortunately there was only a small Steeler crowd but my buddies (Tom, Pat, Ed, Mike, Matt and Dan) more than made up for it. I drank Yuengling and ate a Chicken Cheese Steak and split homemade Potato Chips with Dan during the game. The plan was to leave at half time but I stayed the whole game as the Steelers started rolling, superstitious, texted with the Captain and KGB all game as well.

My Stat of the week: The Steelers rushed for 264 yards on the ground!!! That was the first time the Steelers had two 100 yard backs in a game since 1986. (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198610260pit.htm)

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers will face a tough but limited Buccaneers team. The Bucs were humiliated on National TV and I expect Lovie Smith to rev them up. The Steelers will pull this out but it will not be a walk in the park.

The Trib recently ripped the Steelers offseason acquisitions…after two games. The Ravens and their fans are already taking orders for the division t-shirt. The unbeatable Seahawks lost, the 49ers lost and blew a huge lead in the 4th quarter. Somehow I now feel better about our team.

So after having a leisurely day of watching football, drinking wine(Not Beer), and eating KFC, it suddenly occurred to me that maybe everyone needs to relax. I still think the Steelers have an elite front seven and they have all the tools on offense. I think the Achilles heel is still an aged and way to physical secondary.

While I am not sure we are an elite team, I am sure that we can be! So everyone take a deep breath and chill out. It’s pretty simple if we could tackle better and reduce the penalties we can make a run at this thing.

Ben played a terrible game, does anyone think Ben is a terrible QB? Are Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier a bust? NOT LIKELY. We need better Nose Tackle play out of Cam Thomas and Steve McClendon and that will fix many of the issues we have.

If you are giving up on the Steelers after two games, you are out of your mind!

The Steelers took a beat down in Baltimore last night, basically getting whipped up by the Ravens on all facets of the game. With a chance to go 2-0 and put the Ravens on their backs in the AFC North, they played miserably in a 26-6 loss.

It was an overall terrible night for the dreadful offense. Ben Roethlisberger was off and his performance was uneven at best. He missed several critical throws and never seemed to find his rhythm. The Steelers actually moved the ball but made several critical mistakes, including Justin Brown and Heath Miller fumbling. The offensive line struggled in protection at times, with Elvis Dumerville punishing Marcus Gilbert.

The defense had a rough night as well. The secondary is struggling and continues to absorb critical penalties. They racked up five of the nine penalties all of which were awful and led to scoring. The linebackers had flashes but Flacco had all day in the pocket. There was no push at all and while he was unspectacular he made the plays. The Steelers front seven while better this week against the run, continues to get gashed.

The mainstream media is saying the defense is too old and slow. That is completely short sighted if you watch the film. For the first time since I can remember, the Steelers are struggling to tackle they had several opportunities last night but couldn’t make the plays. As for being to old, Ike Taylor and Troy are certainly long in the tooth but nine of the 11 starters are now under 30 years old. Brett Keisel is playing a valuable supporting role but the Steelers have limited his exposure. The issue is the tackling and the front three eating up blockers.

Special Teams played fairly well. The coverage units did okay against Jacoby Jones.  Brad Wing had a good night for the most part and Suisham made the kicks he needed to. This has been the only consistent bright spot.

What is encouraging is that Le’Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton and Antonio Brown all continue to play at a high consistent level.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO

My “GAME BEER” goes to: I thought about not giving one out, because the game was that lousy. In the end it goes to Antonio Brown who proved not only is he an awesome receiver he is pretty damn tough. Le’Veon Bell looks fantastic in the early going.

Where I watched the game: Buckley’s Irish Pub in my home town, KGB and I met some friends, KGB Drank Sam Adams, Octoberfest, I had Guinness and we munched on boneless wings Asian style. The cook at Buckley’s Josh, is a Bengals fan but he sure can cook.

My Stat of the week: NINE POINTS in Six Quarters of football. You could have had the Steel Curtain and the ’85 Bears out there and you wouldn’t have won with that output.

My thoughts on Next Week: The Steelers have nine days to fix their issues. They stay in prime time battling the Panthers. It is too close to call right now.

It was a tale of two halves as the Steelers jumped the Browns in the 1st half and survived a second half onslaught to start the season with a win!

The Steelers dominated early and scored 27 of their 30 points behind the brilliant play of Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben moved the ball at will and passed for a whopping 270 plus yards in the first half. The Browns rallied and scored three touchdowns and a field goal on their first four possessions of the second half to tie the game 27-27.

In the end the Steelers defense held, forcing a punt with less than a minute left, Ben  Roethlisberger completed three consecutive passes and orchestrated a winning drive that covered 33 yards after the Cleveland punt.

Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Le’Veon Bell combined for 17 catches and all had terrific days. Antonio Brown will make the highlight reel not for his spectacular play but for a penalty he received when he kicked Spencer Lanning in the head on a wild return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBtfgHzQQFY

The defense like the offense were dominant in the first half than stunk in the second half. After holding the Browns to three points and dominating, they got pushed all over. When the Browns were in the pistol, they gashed the defense for 183 yards on the ground. The Steelers will need a better and more complete performance next week against the Ravens.

The special teams despite some worries did an excellent job, Robert Golden did a terrific job chucking a gutsy pass to Antwon Blake. While the Steelers didn’t convert off that it totally slowed the momentum. Brad Wing and Suisham were solid and did a great job.

The game was terribly over officiated on both sides of the ball. Nearly every change of possession had a penalty and in the end the zebras handed 19 penalties for 151 yards.

On a side note, CBS and the announcers are just obsessed with Johnny Manziel, they literally showed him scratching his balls on the bench 20 times. Enough already, not to mention he looks like a jerk.

The second half was scary but considering the Steelers started 0- 4 last year, I will take the win!

Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: This is a tough choice, but in the end it has to be Le’Veon Bell who rushed for 109 yards and was tied for the team lead in receptions. The Steelers used him to close out the game. Also Considered, Shaun Suisham, Antonio Brown, Big Ben and Markus Wheaton who was tremendous in his first start.

Where I watched the game: At the house, Drinking Leinekugel Summer Shandy, while KGB drank Corona Lite. Aunt Norma had White Zinfandel(Not a typo). It was a family affair today as the kids watched the game and KGB made Kielbasa pigs in the blanket and home made Fried Ravioli. We all ate outside on the deck at half time.

My Stat of the week: Going to keep it positive, Brad Wing averaged 43.7 yards per punt and helped the reeling Steelers defense in the second half. While there seems to be many questions marks for this team, Wing might be an answer.

My thoughts on Next Week: Which is in four days! The Ravens are going to be desperate after losing to the Bengals and blowing a 4th quarter lead. Bring the biggest piece of lumber you can find and lay the wood, this is the Steelers chance to step on their necks.

YOUR 2014 PITTSBURGH STEELERS