Beer We Go Steelers

It amazes me how tough Ben Roethlisberger is. When he was sandwiched by Cleveland’s Scott Paxson, midway through the Second quarter the season seemed lost. I texted the Captain and it read, “It looks very bad.” But Ben did what Ben does and he got off the deck and came out and played the second half leading the Steelers to victory and their tenth win of the year!

“The heart of a champion, the man has a lot of guts, a lot of will. he’s the leader of our team and that’s what they do, they do stuff like that.” Said James Farrior.

Despite moving the ball pretty well all game, the Steelers struggled, including losing the turnover battle. They eventually finished off the Browns with an Antonio Brown 79 yard Touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Brown had a huge game going for 150 yards plus. The Steelers rushed for 147 yards with Mendenhall leading the way. Ben threw for over 260. The issue was trusted veterans Hines Ward and Heath Miller both fumbled inside the Cleveland 20 and the Steelers couldn’t punch it in from the two yard line.

Despite a very game performance by Colt McCoy, the defense put together a good effort and kept Cleveland in check all day. The defense picked off two passes including a red zone pick by Willie Gay and they registered three sacks. Jason Worilds did a good job filling in again for Woodley as he registered two fo the sacks. Silverback can expect another fine from the league as he laid out McCoy with a helmet to helmet hit that sent McCoy from the game.

The Steelers now have ten days off and given the slew of injuries last night including Pouncey again as well as Ziggy Hood, they will need the time.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Big Ben, this guy is so freakin’ tough. I mean that was the stuff of legend. Also Considered: Antonio Brown for his huge 79 yard TD. 

Where I watched the game: At my girlfriend KGB’s, on the couch with a Spaten in one hand and the remote in the other. We watched the game with EROC who was agonizing over fantasy and may have lost because of Heath and Hines fumble! Probably not my best recommendation.

My thoughts on Next Week: Ten days off is just what the doctor ordered. The Steelers take on the 49ers next week. This is going to be a defensive battle!

Long time contributor Chris Hoke, is out for the season and requires neck surgery. Unfortunately, this will likely end his career. He was a great contributor and anchored the D-line in the best regular season in Steelers history! He is loved by his teamates and losing him and Aaron Smith in the same season is awful.

My personal recollection of him was riding the elevator with Hokey at the Pittsburgh Hilton Tower and he mistook me for a player! When I explained I wasn’t, his response was; “Holy cow you are bigger than me.” BTW I wasn’t! I walked around with my chest puffed up that day and have told that story at nauseum to anyone who would listen!

As I kind of supsected, LaMarr is out for the Browns game Thursday! It makes sense for him to skip this week as he will have over two weeks off to rest his hamstring. Jason Worilds is a nice prospect but as with Troy and Ryan Mundy, it is like replacing Superman with a mortal. James Harrison, has picked up the slack, but we need both to win long term. I am very nervous about this as anyone who remembers Kendrell Bell can tell you, hamstrings are tricky.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

When you are a remote fan, sometimes you forget that you are part of something bigger. Don’t get me wrong, NY is definitely Steeler Country and I have the cadre of people to prove it. However, there is something very special about coming “home”. Getting to see the Beer We Go crew and seeing Bud Recktenwald, Hall of Fame Steelers fan re-energizes me. Yesterday, my daughter and my girlfriend KGB, got to see firsthand what Steelers Nation is all about and I was reminded of the power of one Beer We Go Nation!

The Steelers thrashed the Bengals yesterday 35-7. It was an inauspicious start, with the Steelers going three and out and the Bengals driving down the field and having a TD taken away, as well as getting a field goal blocked by the Zig, Ziggy Hood. The Steelers traded punts with them and then got the ball back with 3:32 in the first, Then the game was over. It was significant because I sat in the closed endzone and the scoring came our way! Ben engineered an excellent drive of 9 plays and 87 yards for a Mendenhall gut-busting TD.

The Steelers were on the way. The Bengals punted again on a three and out and then the Steelers in less than two minutes punched it in again. They were aided by a stupid Bengals penalty on Crocker and the Steelers were in the Heinz Red Zone. Again Mendenhall pounded a tough run and the Steelers were up 14.

The Bengals Ben Tate fumbled the kickoff and this time Ben completed to Mike Wallace and the game was out of reach! Adding to the scoring was “Uptown” Antonio Brown’s punt return. Hines Ward, who the media is trying to bury, caught five tough passes and led the offense.

The unsung hero of the offense yesterday was Ike Redman, who banged out 51 extremely physical yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He has been a nice platoon player along with Mendenhall!  

The defense stepped it up.  The gameplan was excellent as the Steelers rarely blitzed, but were still able to get pressure with the front three. Eventually, Coach Lebeau dialed up a little Silverback and he WREAKED HAVOC on the Bengals. He had a three sack day and was outstanding. The bad news is LaMarr Woodley lasted only one series and looks day to day. 

The Steelers gameplan was to drop in coverage and the defensive backs had a solid day and kept the Ginger Rocket mostly in check. By the fourth quarter, he was on the bench and local Pittsburgh legend Bruce Gradkowski was in. He didn’t fair much better as he was picked off!

It was a great day for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin has won at least 9 games in each of his five seasons as Coach! He never is mentioned with the Coaching elite but he sure has the numbers to prove he is.      

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: SILVERBACK!!! He had three sacks and played an outstanding game! Also considered, Big Ben who engineered some great drives, Hines Ward who led the team in catches, Rashard who had two hard fought TD’s

Where I watched the game: IN THE ‘BURGH BABY! With my BWG Brothers, My amazing GF KGB, (Who didn’t have to cook one Sunday) and my amazing daughter Hailey, “Kid Tailgate”.

With my BWG Brothers(Brandon, Jake “the Snake”, President Tom Janicki, Myself, Jason:

My thoughts on Next Week: No rest for the Steelers; the Browns are back in four days! Look for the Steelers to beat them down!

I am happy to report that we are in Pittsburgh! We arrived about 30 Minutes ago. My daughter Hailey “Little Ms. Captain Tailgate” and my girlfriend KGB are in town! We were picked up at the airport by BWG President Tom Janicki and his little boy!

We are scheduled to meet with Captain Tailgate tomorrow! PHOTOS to come!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

According to the Trib. and PPG both Lamarr and Troy will be in the lineup. The Steelers defense has been without Woodley and Silverback in the same lineup since October 3.

Truer words were never spoken by Coach Tomlin! “Style points don’t matter,” he has said in the past. The Steelers moved to 8-3, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, behind an awful performance by both the offense and the defense.

The Steelers took advantage of four Chief’s turnovers by Pitt Alumni, Tyler Palko, and survived a scary fourth quarter drive that ended when Keenan Lewis made a great pick and Dwayne Bowe short armed the pass. 

The defense was missing Troy Polamalu, who went out with what looked like a concussion after he clobbered 290 pound Offensive Tackle Steve Maneri. Without Troy, the defense looked like it lost a step. This is not a reflection on Ryan Mundy, just a plain fact. The Chief’s tried a hurry up offense that threw off the Steelers pass rush considerably, but they couldn’t extend it for long periods of time and eventually Palko would turn it over. Jason Worilds had a nice game and Silverback played okay but overall the linebackers and the defensive line looked a little gassed and they struggled to get sacks.

The defensive backs played a very consistent game, albeit not spectacular game. It is hard to give Ike Taylor or Ryan Mundy a lot of credit for picks that were thrown as if they were the intended receiver.   

Palko played terrible. His chance of ever being a starter in this league is pretty much at an end. He has turned the ball over SEVEN times in two weeks and Kyle Orton is waiting over his shoulder.

The offense never got on track. They moved the ball pretty well but made so many costly mistakes. The offensive line was in flux again and it hurt all kinds of production. To count the mistakes; the sure-handed Mewelde Moore fumbled, killing a great opening drive. Ben threw a ridiculous Brett Favre like pick, whipping the ball into double coverage.  The Offensive Line really didn’t get any “push” on the running game and had trouble with protection. Heath Miller had a bad holding call.

It was great to see Hines Ward catching some tough passes and Weslye Saunders caught the game’s only touchdown!

Despite 385 words doing so, it is hard to complain about a win. The Ravens have played some bad games also this year, the difference being they lost those games, to Seattle, who the Steelers shutout, the Jaguars, who the Steelers struggled but beat and the Titans who the Steelers beat the ever living heck out of.  

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Weslye Saunders, he caught his first touchdown pass of his career and looks to be improving every week. Also Considered: Keenan Lewis, who made the game winning/saving interception. NO ONE else, seriously it was that bad. 

Where I watched the game: At my girlfriend KGB’s, with as usual, a ridiculous spread. I also watched with one of my best friends, Mike R. who brought over a “nine” pack of Sam Adams sampler. I love Sam Adams but since I hate all things Boston and New England I rarely drink it. The winter and the traditional Boston Lager are awesome, the Fezziwig Ale was crappola!

My thoughts on Next Week: No rest for the Steelers; the improving Bengals come to town and I will be in attendance at the game in the ‘Burgh! Look for another close one with the Steelers holding off the Bengals!

On our Bye week, I wanted to say thanks to the Men and Women of the Unites States Military. One of our own; Captain Ted Janicki has served!

Captain Ted Janicki (right) and MSgt. John Brinchi climb the Ghar Summit near Kabul, Afghanistan, to show off their Steelers pride.

After suffering a tough loss last Sunday, the Steelers came out swinging. With two excellent drives to start the game and some timely defense they leaped over the Bengals in the AFC North standings and quieted some of their critics. 

The Steelers rocketed out to a 14 point lead behind two excellent drives. The first being a well balanced eight play, 54 yard drive, culminating in a Jericho Cotchery TD. The Second was a nine play, 78 yard drive finished off by Rashard Mendenhall.

The Steelers appeared to be in control until “The Red Rocket or “Red Rifle” or whatever “Ginger” QB Andy Dalton is called, whipped a great pass into the end zone to exciting rookie AJ Green. He deserves credit because they beat solid coverage to pull the Bengals within 7.

The Steelers then made a huge error and let the Bengals climb right back in, when usually sure handed Heath Miller bobbled and easy catch that was picked off by Leon Hall. The Bengals mustered a nice drive but were stalled and settled for a Mike Nugent field goal.

The Steelers rallied late in the first half and Big Ben played another great series moving the ball and converting on several big 3rd down situations. He hit Jericho Cotchery for what look like a huge TD, but it was called back on a nonsense penalty on Heath Miller. The Steelers settled for three off Suisham’s toe and a seven point lead at the half.

Give credit to Antonio Brown who had a terrific day and just gets better every week. He banged out 5 catches for 86 yards to lead the team. He made several huge catches that kept drives alive.

These are not the Bungles anymore and they tied the game on their opening drive of the second half. It looked like it possibly could be a repeat of last week as Dalton moved the ball well and the Steelers struggled again to get off the field on third down…but then the Steelers had enough.

The Steelers offense and defense showed up again. Ben put together a great no huddle drive that ate up most of the 3rd quarter, and Rashard Mendenhall, who had flashes, busted a tough, tackle breaking, nine yard touchdown run for the decisive score.

It was time for the defense to answer the bell and they did…twice. Forcing two turnovers the first an interception by Lawrence Timmons and then one by Willie Gay that basically decided the game! It was a hard played well deserved win for the Steelers.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: William Gay; After what had to be a hard week of getting killed by the fans, Gay came out and played a great game and stopped the driving Bengals in their tracks with excellent coverage. Everyone gets knocked down, not everyone gets up. Also Considered: Antonio Brown, who made several huge catches, Jericho Cotchery, who should have had two TD catches. He is making the most of his opportunity.

Where I watched the game: Back at KGB’s where we had a quiet afternoon. The beer of choice, had to be IC Light. Pittsburgh Brewing may be on hard times, but IC is the life blood of the ‘Burgh. The Captain was drinking IC and so was I. He was grillin’ up steaks and spending time with his family.

My thoughts on Next Week: BYE WEEK. Only disappointment is I will miss the Rochester Steelers crew as I travel next week! 

God Bless the brave men and women of the US military!

 The Steelers dropped a tough one to the Ravens after rallying from ten points down! Despite blowing a ten point lead, the Raven’s came back for a 13 play 92 yard drive for the winning score. This marks the second time this season they have beaten the Black and Gold, putting a stranglehold on the Steelers division hopes!

After writing about the effectiveness of the secondary all week, they promptly laid an egg in this one. The Ravens converted 14-21 3rd downs. That mostly fell on the secondary, which were constantly beaten. The decisive blow of the night was Torrey Smith’s game winner. 

What was disappointing was that the loss spoiled some great story lines; the first being our beloved Silverback, James Harrison, returned with a vengeance after missing four games with a broken orbital bone. He sacked Flacco three times, the final one forcing a fumble that set the Steelers up with their go-ahead touchdown drive.

Max Starks also authored a great story as he basically “stoned” Terrell Suggs who recorded only one tackle. Suggs wouldn’t have been in the story at all it not for an ill advised pass by Big Ben. Starks really has done a great job since his “eating imposed” exile was ended. 

The other highlight of the night was Ben Roethlisberger’s two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that brought his team back from a 16-6 deficit. He continues to get better and better.

Roethlisberger completed 20 of 37 passes for 330 yards, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for 300 yards in three consecutive games. He did throw the Suggs interception, on a perfectly setup screen on the first series of the third quarter at Baltimore’s 14. Other than that though, he was flawless. 

Lastly, Larry Foote played a heck of a game and was all over the place! He is quietly becoming the unsung hero of this season.

The downside was that Ike Taylor played his worst game of the year, as did Willie Gay. Adding to that Ryan Clark, was penalized and out of position several times.

Look for Ray Lewis to get a “Dear Roger” letter as he creamed Hines Ward with a helmet to helmet hit without a penalty. In Ward’s absence, Antonio Brown had over 100 yards and Mike Wallace scored a huge touchdown.

After having some time to reflect on this, my honest opinion is that the Steelers are poised to make a good run. Losing was hugely disappointing, and believe me, the people I watched with will verify that, but that being said, so many things went right last night.

Week one the Ravens destroyed the Steelers, last night the Steelers lost. Don’t forget… there was no LaMarr and no Hines Ward. The Ravens are a terrific team, I just hope we get one more crack at these guys!

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: SILVERBACK! is back! He dialed it up a notch and I can’t wait till he is paired up with LaMarr again. If you didn’t see this coming, you don’t read this blog often. Honorable Mentions: Max Starks for smacking around the preening Terrell Suggs, Larry Foote, for demonstrating the value of experience, Big Ben, for doing something no other Steeler has done!

Where I watched the game: APPLEBEES, with an awesome crew of people! Big Jim and his son, “Almost as Big” Jim were there. I missed seeing these guys and they have a corner of the place reserved for only Steeler fans! I watched with two of my best friends and teammates, my awesome GF KGB and her son E-ROC, also a football teammate. We ate basically the left side of the menu. The Beer of choice was the Greenport local from Long Island. Captain Tailgate was in attendance but very quiet.

My thoughts on Next Week: No rest for the Steelers! Champions get off the deck! Look for the Bengals who are really playing well to run into a Steeler buzz saw!

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!