Troy Polamalu

Browns win over the Steelers was great but….

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Browns Steelers

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No question that the Browns fans, the city of Cleveland and the team needed a win over the hated Steeler Nation. They not only got it but did it in style with the 31-10 victory in Cleveland yesterday.

But there were extenuating circumstances that took a lot of the luster off the win. Of course the season ending injuries C Alex Mack and DE Armonty Bryant took some of the joy out of the win.

But the win had far more to do with offensive and defensive breakdowns by the Steelers than great play by the Browns. That is not to say that the Browns played poorly. That is not the case. But on both sides of the ball the Steelers made mistakes that allowed the Browns to score and prevent scores by Pittsburgh.

The both the long passes to TE Jordan Cameron were blown coverages by SS Troy Polamalu. In each case he chased a player that was not his responsibility rather than covering Cameron who was his charge.

The Steelers have struggled for more than 2 years in the red zone. Their ineptness was a … Read more at FryingPanSports

Super Bowl 2011: A Commentary

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Another NFL season has passed, and another Super Bowl is in the books as the Green Bay Packers were crowned the leagues best by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers had another great game, and in doing so, cemented himself as perhaps the league’s premiere quarterback. However, we already knew he was a great quarterback, and there was one more important thing we learned from this game.

Respect

The Packer defense has been near the top of the league in many categories over the last few seasons, yet they have never been considered among the league’s elite. That moniker has been bestowed on teams like Baltimore, San Diego, and of course the Steelers. It happened throughout the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. We heard more than we ever wanted to about “Blitzburgh,” and Dick Lebeau, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, etc.

The only Packer on the defensive side of the ball you ever heard about was Clay Matthews. He may as well have been on the field alone, as you never heard a word about anyone else. It may have been Aaron Rodgers who climbed out from under Brett Favre’s ghost and led the Pack to a 31-25 victory … Read more at FryingPanSports

Roethlisberger hoping for a little more protection in 09.

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Big Ben Roethlisberger has gotten his bell rung a lot more often than he would like. He was sacked 139 times over the last 3 years and that has to stop. A lesser man like backup Charlie Batch who is coming back after a broken collarbone last year wouldn’t have lasted as long as Ben. The only obvious weakness in the Steelers this season looks to be the O line.

Roethlisberger has 2 Super Bowl rings but has yet to play well in the big game. He has been the beneficiary of the run first Pittsburgh offense. To get to the Super Bowl, he is going to have to play better this season. The Steelers have an easier schedule on paper but some of the key competitors are better. Every team will be pointing to knock off the Steel men.

The Steelers shuffled their O line a lot in 08. Four starters were new to their positions. The only sure thing on the O line is C Justin Hartwig. LT Matt Starks lost the RT position to Willie Colon but is expected to try to hold down the left side this year. The guards are nothing special.

The running game … Read more at FryingPanSports