Beer We Go Steelers

I am anxiously waiting for Saturday, making plans with my crew to watch it locally! When you look at these teams it is a razor thin margin of error either way. I have listened all week about every possible factoid and tidbit of useless information. All this becomes a moot point on Saturday as the time will come to put the pads on and buckle the chin straps.

I hate to say it but there is a begrudging respect for the Ravens here because they talk big but play big. I read all week how a game against the Chiefs would have been easier. I am sure it would have, but this is what football is all about. Our best against their best. I wouldn’t want to play anyone else. This is the game we need!

My analysis: 

How we could lose: Very simple turn the ball over and we are dead meat. The Steelers O-Line and offense in general will be under the gun because of the tenacious defense of the Ravens. Five of the seven meetings over the past 28 months have been decided by three points, one by four and one by nine courtesy of Troy Polamalu. So turnovers will be the key. If the Steelers don’t bring their A game then they will lose. If they play their best and the Ravens play their best the Steelers will win this. Protection will be key and they need to keep Ben healthy!

Why we will win: Like every other Steelers victory against the Ravens the difference is Big Ben. I am confident that we will be the difference maker again. Look for the Ravens to get out to a quick start and the Steelers to grind out the victory!

Great moments come from great opportunities! The Steelers have an opportunity to become seven time champs and the journey starts tomorrow!

Forever is about to begin!

BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!

BWG NATION I just made a best memories list… Let us know what your thoughts are as well!

10.  Kiesel’s 79 yard INT return vs TB

9.  Harrison Bitch Slaps the Browns…twice

8.  Mendenhall 50 yard OT gallop vs Falcons

7.  Harrison(and others) body slams Young

6.  Steve Johnson drop leaves Buffalo in the cold

5.  Big Ben Goal Line Gift vs. Dolphins

4.  Redman catch and run vs. Ravens

3.  Polamulu’s leap over line tackle vs. Titans

2.  Polamalu’s game changing drive TD vs Bengals

1.  Polamulu strip sack to set up game winning TD vs. Ravens

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!

The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the rival Cleveland Browns, winning the AFC North, securing a first round bye and the number two seed in the AFC. The Steelers scored on their first six drives and dominated the Browns from start to finish.

Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes, including a 56 Yard strike on the Steelers first play from scrimmage to Mike Wallace. Rashard Mendenhall chipped in with two touchdown runs and Randle El threw for a touchdown. It was a dominating effort on both sides of the ball.

The defense put a great performance together. Troy Polamalu, fresh off his MVP award, intercepted Colt McCoy on the first series. Ryan “Crash” Clark and Anthony Madison got on the board with interceptions and several nice hits. The defense also added four sacks and hammered Colt McCoy all day! He didn’t know what hit him and clearly began to struggle. Ziggy Hood has ably filled in for Aaron Smith and played a great game and has had an awesome three week stretch.

More than the defense and more than the offense I think the coaching staff needs to be recognized. Mike Tomlin has these guys ready to play every week. All week there were ominous signs about this game and the press and the national media made it their business to try and scare BWG nation. The latest bunk of nonsense is the Ravens who would finish in second place in the division being ranked higher than the Steelers on the Power Rankings from ESPN. Coach Tomlin’s game plan was perfect and you can see when the Steelers took the field that they were ready to play and it was going to take a miracle to beat the Steelers. They didn’t have that miracle. What made this game plan great were all aspects of it were executed perfectly. Special Teams had one of their best days, the Defense is awesome and showed again why and the offense played a discplined complete game. That is a credit to a well coached team.

After the Steelers put together a commanding lead the Steelers began to bring in some of the youth and it was great to see the young lions on the field. Most exciting prospect to me is Stevenson Sylvester who just played lights out, I give him the nod over Jason Worilds right now but both guys are top notch prospects. Look for one or both to be the candidates to replace the aging middle and or Lamarr Woodley if we lose him in free agency. I would have liked to see Jonathon Dwyer play a little better but he looked decent and he definitely is a prospect. I think a guy that needs some credit is Ryan Mundy; while not a rookie anymore he has become a competent backup. Being Troy Polamalu’s backup is like trying to be Superman’s backup, he is never going to measure up but his play while not spectacular can get it done in a pinch. Keenan Lewis finally showed some promise again and he played a terrific game. All in all, it was just a great win yesterday.

BEER WE GO STEELERS! BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Big Ben Roethlisberger. He played just a phenomenal game and his ability to actually get rid of the ball on Blitzes really had the Browns back on their heels. He helped put up 41 against a team that didn’t give up 30 all year.   

Where I watched the game: Applebee’s in Farmingville NY! It had a great Steelers crowd with “Big” Jim and his son “Not so Little” Jim leading the charge. There was a great Steelers crowd and we (Me, KGB and EWheezy) had a ton of fun with them. We had a few Beers and ate every type of wing like product on the menu! 

My thoughts on Next Week: A much deserved week off. I am going to wrap up the regular season this week and discuss the playoffs.

 Small Justice for Silverback

The NFL and their punishment wheel of fortune have decided to reduce James Harrison’s fine from 75K to 50K. It shouldn’t have been any fine, but something is better than nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSi4Po8NvK4

Big Ben wins the Chief Award 

What a difference six months makes! Ben Roethlisberger recently just received the “Chief Award” for his cooperation with the media. The award is named after our illustrious chairman Art Rooney. For Ben it has been a roller coaster season/year but it looks like he is going to pull out of his self imposed tailspin! BWG wishes him well!

In the words of Terry Bradshaw; “You may lose with me, but you won’t win without me.” I have said all along Ben is the difference maker. If you look at these teams vs. the teams of the 90’s Ben to me is the biggest difference between being two time Super Bowl champs and coming up just short! On a side note he is the first QB to win the award! I hope Ben keeps it going!

Pouncey wins the Joe Greene Award

No surprise here as who else could have possibly won it. That being said he is obviously the heir apparent to the Center Dynasty in Steeler history. His play has provided a much needed boost in the sagging fortunes of the O-Line! I honestly felt he was a reach as the number one pick, I am happy to report he was worth it! The guy plays like a veteran and his athleticism is just remarkable! Pouncey netted a Pro Bowl nod the first rookie for the Steelers since Kendrell Bell.  

Several Steelers Get Jobbed on the Pro Bowl

First and foremost I hope none of our guys are playing in the Pro Bowl! I would rather watch them play in Dallas, that being said only Troy Polamalu, “Silverback” James Harrison and my man Maurkice Pouncey were selected. Again this game stinks and it is terrible to watch but what is right is right. How James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley were left off was a mystery to me? Casey Hampton certainly will be named at some point as they are going to need an alternate but again I feel he is a real omission. BTW How about Mike Wallace or Rashard Mendenhall, either could have a serious case.

Again who cares, we are going to be playing in Dallas! 😉

 It was business as usual for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they rolled over the Carolina Panthers in convincing fashion. The Steelers have now outscored their opposition 117-34 when following a defeat this season. That is a terrific statistic that shows Coach Tomlin has our guys ready to play.

The Steelers rolled all night as Big Ben had a huge game. The offense played a well rounded game with solid performances by the O-Line and the receiving core. Rashard Mendenhall again chipped in with a workmanlike effort. The only cause for concern is they struggled in the Red Zone and didn’t run the ball as well as they should have in the second half. 

Ben Roethlisberger is the story as he is starting to recognize the blitz better and he threw an awesome hot route to Mike Wallace. Wallace split the defenders and in the blink of an eye was gone! I might be committing heresy but the Receivers might be the best all around unit on the team including the Linebackers. They continue to make all the plays! Emmanuel Sanders had a TD called back which was questionable. Eight guys chimed in for catches. It was a great job by the passing game last night.    

The defense played a disciplined game and it is funny listening to the announcers jump on an off the band wagon. Jonathon Stewart is a beast but there was no way he was going to gain 100 yards against the Steelers defense without a passing attack behind him.  After his opening 12 yard run, I loved listening to the announcers explain how the Steelers may be in trouble if they can’t stop the run. Wow that is some commentary, seriously if the Steelers can’t stop a guy who smashes 12 tough yards on every carry they may have a problem? Wow who would have thunk it? Well of course they keyed in on him and he had no shot. The Steelers defense who looked workman like and held Carolina to under 120 yards of total offense. It is funny though because we are becoming spoiled as a performance like last night is kind of ho hum. The Defense is just outstanding this season.  

One other thing that the announcers keyed in on is that Big Ben Roethlisberger is pretty good? That was every important information for people to here. Seriously, it does seem lost on the rest of the country. Big Ben sometimes comes across as a meathead jock and let’s face it his offseason issues don’t help him. I would point out again that no other QB is going to play with a broken foot and nose. The guy makes plays and is as tough as they come, what more could you ask for? His foot bone is STICKING OUT OF HIS SKIN and he still played! Ben lit up the Panthers’ defense; while it is not spectacular it is competent.All and all it was a great win for the Black Gold last night. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!  

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Big Ben Roethlisberger who could have thrown for 500 yards if they didn’t rein him in.

Where I watched the game: In my living room on my projection screen! I watched with the kids and traded my usual beverage of choice (It is called Beer We Go for a reason) for a hot chocolate!

My thoughts on Next Week: The Browns are certainly no walk over and they will play this one like it is the Super Bowl. Mangini needs this if he has any chance of not getting replaced by one of Mike Holmgren’s flunkies. Next week all depends on how the Browns do Sunday v. Baltimore. If the Browns win this week, the Steelers will rest EVERYONE. If they lose then the Steelers will play at “full” strength. Should be a fun game to watch either way!

The Pittsburgh Steelers played one of their most well rounded games of the season and promptly…lost. BWG is not exactly sure how the Steelers lost this one. Summing it up pretty accurately, the difference was the Jets made two very big plays and that was enough to get it done on a cold night in the ‘Burgh. When you look at the top performers of the game on ESPN, the Steelers lead all the categories. The Jets had the biggest stat though and that was 22 points which was enough for the win.

Lets sum it up; The Offense had a 100 yard rusher and a 100 yard receiver…but didn’t make the biggest plays when needed. The makeshift Offensive line easily played their best game of the season…and gave up safety to Pittsburgh’s own Jason Taylor. The Defense held the Jets to 13 points and less than 300 yards and made a key stop when it was needed at the end of the game…and missed several key tackles that allowed the Jets to make the plays to win the game. The Special Teams hung tough all day…except they let up and opening drive kick return. It was just a strange game, at no point did I think the Steelers would let this one get away…but somehow they did. 

If you are a stat hound or a fantasy player it was a fun game to watch. The Steelers were slow as usual getting out of the gate after spotting the Jets seven points. Then they just muscled up and played a terrific game on offense. It was the most complete offensive game since the Raiders beating last month. In less than ideal conditions the offense moved the ball pretty well, racking up 378 yards while the O-Line pushed the Jets defense all over the field. For all the talk about who are the biggest bullies are and all that bravado the Jets coach said, the Steelers literally took it to the Jets on offense. Rashard Mendenhall banged out 100 yards against a defense that didn’t give up 100 yards in over a year. Also having a great day was Emmanuel Sanders and Mike Wallace! Wallace was held by Antonio Cromartie on nearly every play including what would have been the game winning touchdown. 

I want to be angry about losing especially as a native New Yorker behind enemy lines here in Jet County but seriously, the performances were solid and I was actually relieved that the offense could move the ball again. 

Here is the bad news; the pass rush was mediocre is the only negative I will say, but the Steelers rarely blitzed. Silverback James Harrison made a very costly mistake that led to a huge fourth down conversion as did Ryan Mundy who let Mark Sanchez escape a sure sack, but he made a great account of himself in the game. Worse news is I owe Brian Stein lunch my friend and colleague. 

SERIOUSLY HOW DID THEY LOSE THIS GAME!!! 

There is good news; by some voodoo magic of numbers and Roger Goodell’s wheel of punishment, the Steelers actually qualified for the playoffs last night. I don’t know the exact formula but I am hoping that penalty yards and nonsense fines are a positive factor in the math that helped them qualify.

There is more good news!!! We don’t have to wait one more week to get this losing taste out of our collective mouths. The Steelers tee up again Thursday against a very beatable Panthers team.

If that is not enough for you there is more!!! If the Steelers win the next two games they qualify for the Number Two seed and the sorely needed first round bye, no matter what the Ravens do. Why is that important you may ask, because that gives the Steelers the best chance at fielding their best team, Aaron Smith could conceivably be back and let’s face it this defense needs Troy. One extra week would be beneficial for everyone as the Steelers are banged up pretty good.

So don’t despair, this was a bump in the road. Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Rashard Mendenhall who was the first 100 yard rusher against the Jets in over a year. He played an excellent game and looked great! Honorable Mention is Big Ben and Mike Wallace.  

Where I watched the game: In my living room on my projection screen! I watched with my three dyed in the wool Steeler kids (see link below) and I am happy to report that I didn’t F-Bomb once in front of them. The getting food at halftime was a metaphor of the Steelers day. I got the kids loaded up in the car, ran to McDonalds had 5 minutes to spare on the half when I arrived…I realized I was missing my wallet! So I had to listen to the third quarter in the car! 

http://community.post-gazette.com/media/p/55885.aspx 

My thoughts on Next (THIS) Week: The Steelers need a statement game after losing this week. I think the Panthers will provide the perfect foil for that. Look for the Panthers to keep it close early and the Steelers to run away with it.

Because of the delay in posting this week, my synopsis will be brief! I was happy to be back in Pittsburgh, snapping my own personal two games losing streak, The Steelers smacked up the loud talking, quiet playing, sissy ass Bengals! The Bengals opening drive marked the only points they would score on the day. The Steelers marched to an easy and entertaining victory for the cold and wet BWG Nation!

The Defense just thoroughly dominated the game from start to finish. Troy Polamlu started the fireworks when he had a momentum changing pick six! It was vintage Polamalu as he darted and dashed his way to the end zone. Carson Palmer was confused and clobbered the whole day! Cedric Benson racked up a whopping 19 yards! T.O. who had his now famous Heinz Field yell at his QB meltdowns and contributed one catch for 22 yards! The Steelers kept him and his moronic partner in jerkyness Ochostinko in check all day!

Lamarr Woodley was devastating. After an early penalty he more than made up for it with a game clinching pick six and two sacks! Woodley is the perfect bookend to Silverback and while I feel his days are numbered here, he is one hell of a ball player!

I was completely shocked when I got off the plane in the ‘Burgh to here some jack ass radio host suggesting that it is time for Hines Ward to step back! Hines Ward is one of the greatest Steelers of all time! He proved it again Sunday. He banged the Bengals out for 115 tough yards.

Speaking of tough, Big Ben just continues to amaze with his true grit! This weeks trick was ripping off his protective shield and playing without it during the second half, leaving his surgically repaired nose exposed. The Refs of course did their usual bang up job protecting Ben. The offense was sluggish at best but Ben did a fine job!

All in all it was a great week to be in the ‘Burgh! BEER WE GO STEELERS!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Troy Polamalu! It was the kind of performance that just makes you glad the Steelers have him. He is a complete hurricane on Defense and he is clearly the difference maker from last year! His EXTREMELY ill advised “lateral” almost cost him the Game Beer! At the end of the day he turned the game around!

Where I watched the game: HEINZ FIELD

My thoughts on Next Week: The Jets need a trip to the woodshed and Rex Ryan needs his mouth washed out with soap. I can’t wait for this one! Same formula as always, Steelers should pull this out with a solid no mistake play from the Offense.

The Steelers absolutely gutted out a huge win over their arch rival Baltimore Ravens.  It was one of the gutsiest performances all around for the Steelers, from Ben getting his nose busted on the first series but never missing a play from scrimmage, to Sean Suisham being forced into punting duties and doing a good job, to Heath Miller nearly being decapitated, but walking off, on his own accord and Isaac Redman despite two failed conversions came up big when it mattered most.  The Steelers gutted out the win.  

Despite not exactly winning handily as I may have predicted, I always felt like they had the game under control if they could get their act together. They were in Baltimore territory several times and kept coming up short. The Steelers couldn’t stop making mistakes and it nearly cost them. The Wide Receivers, who are developing to be one of the best units on the team, kept dropping key passes, including Hines Ward. The Defensive backs especially Bryan McFadden looked lost in coverage and let Anquan Boldin out of his site on the Ravens only TD and didn’t cover the right receiver on a huge 3rd down conversion. Despite these mistakes the Steelers were able to keep it close so when they straightened out they could get back in the game. They did!  

The Ravens never were able to pull away and that’s where Ben Roethlisberger is at his best and most dangerous! Whenever the best Quarterback debate comes up, Ben gets dismissed. Tell me one other QB in the whole league who plays with a broken foot and a broken nose! That performance while mediocre on paper, was the stuff of legend. His physical strength and fortitude to get through that game is what he and the Steelers are all about. Watching him stiff arm the preening Terrell Suggs and saving the sack and/or fumble was just plain tough! 

This team needed a defining moment. Troy Polamalu provided that moment with an electric forced fumble that was recovered by LaMarr Woodley. When Joe Flacco was about to put the Steelers on ice not only for the game but for the division title, he had his pocket picked by the plundering Polamalu. (John Facenda RIP)

It was a game changer and provided the stage to be set for one of the best moments in this rivalry.( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS6aVFSQVc0) Isaac Redman clearly earned his nickname “Red Zone” as he plowed through two tackles and crashed the End Zone for the game winning score.  

The Offensive line lost another key starter, when Flozell Adams went down, but played a respectable second half as they were able to protect Big Ben and give him the time he needed. Pouncey more than held his own against Haloti Ngata.

As with any Baltimore v. Pittsburgh game the hits were vicious and popping. The body count rose as several players were hurt at one point or another. The Defense led by James Harrison who despite having a quiet night statistically was a disruptive force throughout the game, he was all over the Ravens backfield. James Farrior and Brett Keisel played a disciplined tough game!

With the Ravens down by three they got the ball back with 2 minutes 51 seconds left in the game. They began to drive but fell short. As Flacco’s fourth down pass harmlessly hit the turf with 33 seconds left the Steelers in a span of under five game-time minutes turned their fortunes 180 degrees. 

The victory now puts the Steelers in the driver’s seat for the division.

BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!

My “GAME BEER” goes to: Actually Captain Tailgate picked this and is giving it to three people! Hey we are Beer We Go we can give out as many as we want! First is Isaac Redman for knocking over the Ravens Defenders like Bowling pins, the second Sean Suisham who three weeks ago was pumping gas and now just did double duty this last Sunday as the punter and kicker, lastly Troy Polamalu who comes through when you need it most!

Where I watched the game: Quietly, again at KGB’s. Was to amped up to go out in public last night!  

My thoughts on Next Week: A division game is always dangerous but I will be in attendance so I am saying HUGE WIN!