What has gone right?
Quite a bit actually! Winning the number two seed in the playoffs and getting the first round bye was just outstanding! Consider that the Steelers played the first four games without Ben Roethlisberger, the Franchise Quarterback. They came within a whisker of winning all four games in his absence! That is just a testament at how good this team can be. Keep in mind that three of the first four teams they played had double digit wins. (Falcons 13, Bucs 10, Ravens 12) The teams they beat had a combined record of 41-23 on the season. The only stinker in the group (Titans) has one of the best running backs in football and has given the Steelers fits throughout the year. It was an amazing accomplishment.Who would replace Santonio Holmes was ably answered by Mike Wallace who is one of the best receivers in football right now. The guy is just insane and when he gets a seam, he is gone. I said it and it caused some backlash but to me the receivers are the best unit on the field right now. They have three big play threats and they have two very steady veterans. I don’t know what else you can say about Mike Tomlin as a coach. This guy was obviously the right choice and if you didn’t think so before, youbetter think so now. His performance this season is what all leadership not just football leadership should be. He never wavered in the face of adversity, he never got too down when the team lost and he never got too high when they won. He showed a tremendous amount of loyalty and maturity in his handling of some serious injuries and issues. They were only out of one game all year and consistently put a great effort together every week.
The following week after a loss the Steelers outscored their opposition by a whopping 80 points! The Raiders took the worst of it as the Steelers were supposedly reeling from losing to the Patriots.
It was a great regular season.
What has gone wrong?
Losing to the Brady bunch was a tough pill to swallow as was losing three home games. That is just weird to me.
Injuries were just horrible this season. The team is getting older and sometimes it showed. The offensive line while better is still a work in progress which is not something you want to see going into the post season.
Skippy getting clipped after a great career was sad as well.
Reasons for Concern: The offensive line is still an issue. The secondary while considerably better is still not great. Honestly, what team would you rather have right now going into the playoffs?
Complaining about this season is like saying I won the 300Million dollar mega million and I have to share that stinks!
The OFFICIAL GAME BEER OF THE YEAR: Mike Tomlin, this was unanimous between me and the Captain! If he doesn’t get Coach of the Year the award is bullshit. I try not to swear on the Blog but seriously; four games without your Franchise QB, lose BOTH your Starting Tackles, lose your best defensive player, and lose two of your three d lineman. What more can this guy do? He won his 3rd division title in four years. Pretty soon he will be selling the beers in the stand. I love this guy and Beer We Go Steelers has his back! He is our Coach 100% and I am damn proud that he is!
Offensive Game Beer:
I am going with Mike Wallace. Captain Tailgate picked Maurkice Pouncey!
Defensive Game Beer: I am going with Silverback; James Harrison! So did Captain Tailgate! No surprise there. Although Troy certainly deserves mention!
Disappointment of the year: Limas Sweed, very high hopes have evaporated.
Unsung Hero of the year: Charlie Batch, one more loss in the first four games would have meant a five or six seed in the playoffs. You may question his talent and ability, you can’t question his character.
Most Improved: Mike Wallace/ Lawrence Timmons, both should have been pro bowlers!
GRADES:
QB: A- Ben bounced back and played great since he has been back
RB: B+ The backs played well down the stretch but did post a few disappointing games.
WR: A+ Not sure how you can do better than this group.
TE: B+ Does anyone doubt that if Heath played the Jets would be sitting home right now.
OL: C it has been a passing grade because of the last few weeks of solid protection.
DL: A- Played great down the stretch and Ziggy has made a nice accounting of himself.
LB: A+ they are 6 deep with talent and savvy. I love these guys! They are the heart and soul of the team!
DBs: B played a very nice second half of the season.
What do the playoffs look like: All systems go, being a realist I understand what a daunting task beating any and all of these teams will be. With the exception of the Patriots the Steelers have proven they can beat any of these teams. My feeling is one of this weekend’s teams are going to knock off the New England Patriots.
The Team you would hate to see: Easily the Patriots, although I have always felt you need to beat the man to be the man! Close second are the Colts who are going to knock off someone.
The Team you want to beat: For me it is the Ravens followed very closely by the Jets! Both teams are tough but their mouths just warrant a beat down. I live in NY so it is tough being behind enemy lines.
BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!