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| Send your postgame critiques, analysis, ranting and raving about the last game as well as your predictions, smak, & insults about our upcoming opponent. Whether your message is a simple, "These guys SUCK," or a detailed, in-depth analysis, tell us what you think. |
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In spite of the 2nd half rally by the Steeler reserves, who truly played a gallant game, the first half pretty much looked like the MEN from Indianapolis were playing the BOYS from Aliquippa High on Saturday night in Mexico City, my friends. Those of you who disputed our "Not a Pretty Picture" article back in July better re-read and reassess. Starters missing or not, the Steelers are in MUCHO GRANDE trouble. Now, granted, the Steelers as a whole actually looked slightly better in this game than they have in the previous two... but so what? They were PATHETIC in those games, and in my opinion, they stunk only marginally less in this one. Normally, when your starting QB has a 37% increase in his completion percentage, it's a great thing. Unfortunately, Kordell's previous two games yielded a 7% completion rate. Kordell was 8 of 18 and threw a HORRIBLE interception in the endzone late in the half after the Steelers had driven to the 12. Kordell has developed a pattern of squandering scoring opportunites during his tenure as QB, and this INT was yet another example. It gave me a flashback to his pick in the endzone in the '97 AFC Championship game vs Denver. I'll never forget Bill Romanowski taunting Kordell after that play. Boy, does that seem like a LONG time ago. Back to the present. How can anyone REALLY be pleased with this mediocre display? Sorry, folks... we still look to me like a team that's going to get hammered on opening day. The Steelers managed a few sustained drives, but they did NOT convert 3rd downs. How many 4th down conversions were we forced to make during the course of those drives? I can guarantee you we won't be seeing 4th down gambles on that scale when things start for real... it'll be 3 and out. In spite of my railing on Kordell, my biggest gripe today is the dismal special teams play. An offsides penalty on the opening kick was an annoyance, but a muffed punt by Poteat and a 53-yard Colt punt return to the Steeler 29 were devastating, setting up 14 easy points for Baltimore in first 4 minutes of game. I realize a lot of the guys playing will be gone come opening day, but Hank Poteat isn't one of 'em. As for Chad Scott allowing a 77-yard TD pass, you'll have that from time to time with top-notch DBs. Big-time CBs are left in single coverage a lot (just ask Rod Woodson), so you're bound to get burned once in a while. The way the Colts were using two TEs really seemed to be disrupting Pittsburgh's coverage schemes, and Scott was on his own quite a bit. A related note... the Ravens have two EXCELLENT TEs in Ben Coates and Shannon Sharpe. Think we might see a few two-TE sets in that game? Now a positive... the heart & never-say-die attitude of the reserves this preseason is VERY encouraging. They have played their ASSES off for all 60 minutes in every single game, including today. Thumbs up to them, and thumbs up to Cowher... he's doing a great job with 'em. One final comment... kudos to the rabid Steelers fans in Mexico! I never knew there was such a large fan base there. Tim McMillen Webmaster, McMillen & Wife |
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Jim "J.C." Patterson Fresno, CA (born & raised in E. Liverpool, Ohio) I completely agree that Stewart has not performed like an NFL starter the past two seasons or this year's preseason. However, we are stuck with him for this year and he MUST be the starter. Kent Graham's lack of mobility combined with the poor play we are likely to get from our O-line would have him knocked out for the season in a week or two. I am still a believer that Kordell's mobility and athleticism give him the potential to be a great player, as in '97, although my patience is wearing very thin. One of the major differences between '97 and the present is that Stewart is not using his speed to open up the field for the passing game. With this O-line, a scrambling QB might be exactly what we need and perhaps what Kordell can give us (if he would be more willing or allowed to use his speed to open it up). Respect for his running ability once created space in the running game and the passing game. Kordell needs to face facts . . . the guy will never be a pocket passer. At any rate, I don't want to sound overly optimistic. I would be ELATED if this team could go 8-8 this year, since the Central is pretty tough now. AND . . . finally if Stewart stinks up the joint like the last two years we can finally have the option to let him go after this season. Keep up the good work brother and GO STEELERS, -Mike Macedonia Alexandria, VA Edwards ought to go (take your mouth with you), and Kordell take his place. Keep Johnson and Farmer and Burress, and play those four lots. They have height and speed and sense between the four of them. We need a running back. A healthy one. Dave Pierce Alright, he's no Dan Marino or Steve Young. Nobody argues that. But the fact is that a team CAN have a successful year and even get to the big game behind even a mediocre QB. I point to the 95 Steelers under the questionable leadership of Mr. Duck and Cover. If he can take a team to the Super Bowl and come within one horrendous pass of winning the thing, there is NO REASON why the Steelers cant have a winning season behind Kordell. The only thing O'Donnell had going for him was his size and strength. (He bench pressed more than most of his line.) Stewart is faster and has displayed a stronger and more accurate arm than O'Donnell ever did. (Unfortunately, he seems to recently have forgotten how.) What Kordell does need to do is to get over his sideline antics and just play ball the way he used to know how. Until our O line gets back together, defenses will continue to play 8 men in the box because they will shut down the running game and if we pass they can easily get to whoever is behind center. I am far more worried about our defense, which looked like a sieve on Saturday, with Peyton Manning running his offense at will all over what is supposed to be a premier defensive unit. If they don't learn to cover the play action game any better, it's going to be a long year. Only after Manning and most of his first offense had left the field did our defense shut things down. I am not even going to get going on special teams, which have been a shambles since the departure of Ron Zook. ( I make notable exception for Kris Brown, who probably stands an excellent chance of setting a new NFL record for longest field goal this year, and Josh Miller, who will hopefully continue giving us a fighting chance by dropping balls inside the 20.) Listening to that punt being muffed first thing in the game about made me blow a gasket. There is no excuse for that, or for people whining about having to return punts or kicks, as though it's below their dignity. What a crock. Hey, enough from me. Keep up the great work! Random Observations: The Colts called and then executed the touchdown to Harrison excellently. Ditto their run fake that led to Payton's first Touchdown pass. Hank Poeatt had better learn to catch punted balls. What is it with rookies? Last year Troy Edwards was pretty good at punt returning, but he kept complaining about having to do it. I was really surprised to see that many Steelers fans in Mexico city, that was really cool. Receivers are dropping too many balls. Kordell is still not getting it done. We were on the road however, and his play was better. His passing was a little more crisp, and [GASP] he was at least attempting shots down field -- I don't think I've seen him do that since 1997. Amos looked good, really good. Why is Bobby Shaw higher on the depth cart than Hines Ward? Giving up 21 points in one quarter is not good, even in preseason. Still, they kept their focus. Tee Martin might have won the 3rd String job. Kent Graham is still my choice to start. I don't think I'll get my wish, but it do believe that Cowher is going to keep Kordell on a short leash. Going to the game next week, so I'll provide a live scouting report. Later, KT Jimmy Grant Kordell Stewart... perhaps the worst Steeler QB in the Post-Bradshaw Era. Almost all of the passes missed were very catchable and I thought Stewart did a pretty good job. I am of the opinion that continually putting him down is not going to help his confidence. I remember when he was playing good he was the greatest and how quckly we turned on him. I take issue with players switching teams all of the time, just for a little more money (they make more than I think they should anyway). When fans turn on you totally, I then understand more why players are not more loyal to their fans. I am not saying Stewart is the answer, although I happen to be a fan, but until He loses the job, We should try to back Him. Just an opinon and once again love your site. Brad Russell There's no doubt in my mind (so far) Kordell has the starting job. So soon you forget that Kordell has never been a first half player and given the opportunity to play the second half, I think we would have seen either a similar outcome or even better. Let's face it, we need to give credit where credit is due. I think Kordell has made some great strides so far to keep the starting position I can't blame him for the loss. It was the special teams and secondary who blundered this game in the first half. All in all, I'm hoping the receivers start to pick up the offense a little quicker. I can't see the secondary making a habit of the way they played the Colts. I foresee a .500 season and with any luck MAYBE a wildcard berth. I've been told this is one of the smallest offensive lines that the Steelers have fielded, but to my surprise, they seemed to allow adequate time for Kordell to complete a pass, although I didn't see any gaping holes for the running game. I feel this will be adressed in games to come. Minus the poor play by the secondary and special teams in the first quarter, this game should have been won by the Steelers 23 to 10. Kudo's to the second string team, and we should all just hope for the best in this time of many changes (as usuall) to our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. "The Burgh kicks ass!!" Back to McMillen & Wife's 
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