Big Win in Miami

Huge win over Miami last night.� Any time you can go on the road in the NFL, and come back with a W, it�s big.�� Add to the mix that it was a rookie QB�s first start, and there�s even more cause to celebrate.

Here�s a few loose thoughts, for what they�re worth (probably not much).

I suspected that the Steelers would benefit from the Hurricane conditions.� I�m not meaning to minimize the sheer havoc that I�m sure this is wreaking on the people of Florida, but simply from a fan�s viewpoint, consider the following:

1.� I suspected that we would see a less than half-full stadium, with plenty of Steeler fans.� Steeler fans just had to get there, and did not have to worry about their homes and families.� There was an interesting note in the PG this morning, describing how curfews in various municipalities likely held down attendance.� Apparently, Fin fans would risk being arrested as they traveled home if they were in violation of their town�s curfew.

2.� Ditto for the players.� The Steelers had to only sit in their hotel and, with the exception of Plax, being afraid that his South Beach stash would get soaked, need not worry about home & family.� Plax figured that his next bonus would be his replacement fund, though at this pace�he�ll grab 27 balls this season (both his catches last night were big, though).� The Fin players must have had a lot more on their minds than this game.

Mill took grave exception to the Steelers final possession of the 1^st half.� So did I, but�..it�s not necessarily the case that Cowher �mismanaged� the clock.� In fact, this is how Cowher �manages� the clock.� Cowher didn�t really waste time.� He was clearly �managing� the time so that if his team did nothing with the ball, the Fins would have no time to retaliate.� This was perfectly clear with his waiting until only 19 tics remained before calling TO when going for it on 4^th and 1.� While we may not like this strategy, it was defensible, particularly playing in a 3-0 game, in a hurricane.� I�m sure that all of his thought at some point, that 3 points might win this game.

The problem, though, is that Cowher has played it this way for years.� He hedges his bets.� He always lets most of the 1^st half clock run out, then if he has some success, there�s never any time left to finish the drive.� The more I watch football (and I�ve been watching now for 40 years), the more it�s clear that each and every possession is precious.� There�s only about 10 a game!!� Cowher�s approach is conservative, bordering on chickenshit.� He�s more concerned that his team will fuck up, leading to an opponent�s score before the half, as opposed to maximizing one of his 10 possessions to put points on the board.� Drives me crazy�.but it�s not mismanagement�it�s a very intentional, play close to the vest, don�t go for the jugular approach to the game.

Mill didn�t mention one of the most bonehead plays of the night, on special teams, that being #33,(Sturvaint�I know I spelled it wrong) drawing a personal foul prior to the eventual TD drive.� ARE had run the punt back to the Fin 36�.and we were assessed what amounted to a 25 yard penalty, starting at our 39, due to this foolishness.� Forunately, no harm was done�.but please, no more of this.

Other coaches make curious calls, too.� Take Brian Billick for example.� Last week, he spikes the ball with a full 50 seconds left in the half, and then has to settle for a FG.� This week, Jamal Lewis scores in the 4^th quarter, giving the Ravens a 23-9 lead, and Billick goes for 2.� Rather than kick, and have a 15-point lead, forcing the Bengals to score 2 TDs and a deuce�Cinci now could have tied it with 2 TDs & PATs�.obviously the Bungals did not come close.

Been mentioned in a thread, but the sight of Fat Casey not being able to bend over far enough to pick up Feeley�s fumble was, in retrospect, amusing.� I was screaming at him at the time.� The guy is a beast in the middle, though.

I was impressed with Marvel�s ability to neutralize Jason Taylor, and clearly with Ben�s ability to avoid the rush.� The poster that said Maddox would have been sacked 5 times was dead on.

The next time we criticize the Prevent Defense, let�s remember the Steelers blitzing on 2^nd & 21, 10 point lead with 4 minutes left, and being burned for 36 yards.� I still like the aggressive play, though.

I like Bettis, but I am starting to doubt his value, particularly considering the play of Verron Haynes.� The guy doesn�t play special teams�.and it�s a long way to moving into 5^th place on the NFL�s all-time list at this pace�.12 carries for 13 yards on the season.� The Patriots have only had 3 backs on their active roster this year�including the fullback.

Congrats to those of you who attended this game.� I bet you had one helluva time.