Beer We Go Steelers

What has gone right?

After an awful beginning the Steelers quietly crept back to 6-2! They seem to be getting better every week, highlighted by a long overdue thrashing of the Patriots.

The secondary, once considered the Achilles heel of the defense, is now a great strength. The Cornerbacks and Nickelbacks have been playing well; Keenan Lewis, has developed into a fine player, William Gay has had flashes of brilliance, Ike Taylor just gets it done and takes on the tough matchups, Ryan Clark is steady and a thumper and Troy Polamalu is, well, Troy Polamalu.  

I have said it before and will say it again, the Linebackers are the best in football and I will have that argument with anyone who cares to take me on. This year they are showing depth, as well as talent. Despite losing James Farrior, Silverback and LaMarr Woodley, they are playing at a high level. Lawrence Timmons is a monster and LaMarr Woodley, after a slow start, has been a force! Larry Foote has been playing steady and doing a good job. Stevenson Sylvester has been terrific and looks like the next big thing! Look for a second half rebound from Silverback!

The brightest spot of the first half is the receiving corps. Antonio Brown, Manny Sanders and Mike Wallace are developing into a fantastic asset. They are all fast and all make great catches. Wallace is just lightning in a bottle and stretches out any defense. He is also becoming a complete receiver. When you take those guys coupled with Hines Ward, who is one of the greatest Steelers to ever put on a uniform, and Heath Miller, the best all around tight end in football, you have a confluence of greatness. This is something we will be talking about for years to come so enjoy it while it lasts!

The coaching has been outstanding. Mike Tomlin is a great coach! You have to trust in the Rooney’s when they pick a coach.  Coach Tomlin is one cool customer! It would have been easy to rest on his laurels but Tomlin worked hard and never lost the ship in tough waters.  Think about the injuries the Steelers have endured, and to be 6-2 is just unheard of.  

Dick LeBeau, who drew some early fire, once again proved his worth and what he is all about. The defense is again playing at a high level despite losing some of its best players. Bruce Arians also deserves credit. His offensive game plan last week earns him serious kudos. He has the horses to run his offense and they are executing it well. I would like to see some more actual running, especially with an H-Back but 6-2 is 6-2! Sean Kugler is the best juggler and is working with mediocre talent and keeping the Steelers afloat. Special teams have been solid under Al Everest.  

What has gone wrong?

INJURIES, INJURIES, INJURIES and more injuries have been the biggest problem. EVERY offensive lineman has been hurt. The Steelers have started the same O-Line only twice in a row. The defensive line has lost Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke and Casey Hampton at one point or another. Linebacker has been another issue. Silverback has been out, so has his backup, Jason Worilds. Couple that with James Farrior, and then losing Woodley just as he got hot and you have a recipe for disaster. The Steelers have filled all spots pretty well but something has to give.

Getting gashed by the Texans and Ravens was pretty brutal.  

Reasons for Concern: The offensive line is still a serious question mark, though it is getting better. I don’t believe the Steelers can survive any further injuries, so keep your fingers crossed! 

Offensive Game Beer: Has to be Big Ben Roethlisberger. While he still makes mistakes, he is continuing to be an elite QB. Honorable Mentions; Mike Wallace, the fastest threat in the game, Max Starks, for coming off the couch and proving the critics wrong!

Defensive Game Beer: Ike Taylor! He draws the best receiver and always holds his own! He has played an outstanding brand of BWG football and has made everyone around him better! Honorable Mention goes to Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.

Disappointment of the first half: Rashard Mendenhall and his disappearing stats. He has had one great game and mostly mediocre ones. The offensive line has been horrible and that has contributed to Mendenhall’s mediocrity.

Most Improved: Keenan Lewis, who is the heir apparent, to a starting job! Antonio Brown is a legitimate special team’s threat as well as a great slot receiver.  

GRADES:

QB: B+, if you take away the first week Ben has been outstanding.

RB: C, they haven’t gotten on track but are playing okay.

WR: A+ Not sure how you can do better than this group. They have everything you could want!

TE: A-, Awesome work by Heath Miller who is the best in the game, Wesley Saunders is developing nicely and Dave Johnson is a great H-Back!

OL: D+, Awful start to the year, they are starting to get better and healthier.

DL: B+, Have played mostly a solid season, despite several key injuries.

LB: B+, Need to get healthy and they will be unstoppable.

DBs: A, The numbers speak for themselves. They have been nearly flawless.

What does part two look like: Without any more serious injuries, this team should finish no worse than 11-5 and I am predicting 12-4.

BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!