--- After an ugly first drive on defense, the Stillers
did their best impersonation of the 2004 regular season Stillers
by delivering a healthy dose of power (and speed!) running, timely passing,
swarming, turnover defense, and smart, mistake-free execution all around.� This was exactly how the Stillers
did NOT play all through pre-season, proving once again that it doesn�t mean
much.
--- This is a prototypical game for Big Ben, throwing well when he had to, playing smart, eluding the rush, and most importantly, not throwing any lame duck, off the back foot, hold-your-breath floaters that we saw against the Jets and Pats in January, and throughout the preseason.� Ben looked fresh, and we have to hope he does not �run out of gas� down the stretch last year.� But so far so good.
--- WIL-LIE, WIL-LIE, WIL-LIE!� Wow, an amazing performance from the 3rd stringer.� Willie only showed his size, or lack thereof, on a few plays where Duce might have broken a tackle, but again, only on a few plays.� On most of the plays, Willie surprised me with his ability to break a tackle or gets yards after contact. A few short runs stand out and a nice TD run as well.� This guy is strong for being only 210lbs, you have to wonder if he could be a feature back if he put on 10lbs or so�.� But of course, he might lose that breathtaking speed.� This is the fastest back I can remember in a Stiller uniform.� If Parker starts again next week and has another great outing, Cowher will have some interesting decisions to make on how to use Staley/Parker/BUS, etc.� I�d say at the minimum, Cowher can take his sweet time getting Staley back in there.
--- Not much action in the passing game, besides a nice bomb to Randel El, but it was nice to see a little action to the TE�s, one pass to Tuman and the short TD to Miller.� I would like to think that we would get Miller more in the game if needed.� We�ll see as the season progresses.� There was one play in the second half where Ben threw a high ball to the end-zone towards EL that would have been tailor make for Miller, but at least he got one TD.
--- The defense must have gotten a wake up call after that first drive as they starting kicking some pretty good tail from then on.� How about that hit by Farrier on Henry that caused a fumble?� Had to replay that one on TIVO as it looked like Brown�s head might come off.� Although weak early, the Stillers started to get pressure on the QB on a pretty consistent basis.� Pretty good work by the secondary, especially in the 2nd and 3rd qtrs.
--- Jeff Reed nailed a couple more FG�s including a rocket from 44 yards that probably would have been good from 55 yards.� Pretty good work on kickoffs also.
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It will be interesting to see how Ben & Willie can do against a better defense, but a great way to start the season nonetheless.�� Did I mention I had Willie on my fantasy football team?� Wil-lie, wil-lie, wil� =)
Go Steelers!! =)
