Friendly Fire from Steel Tank
Just a few shots and thoughts of the Steelers thus far:
But first - A moment of Silence for Mike Webster - a man who gave his life to the City of Pittsburgh and to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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-Okay, the absence of Bell cannot be underestimated. It was Bell that replaced Kirkland last year and was more than adequate. In fact, Bell was a huge upgrade over Kirkland - a man fat and past his prime. Larry Foote, though promising perhaps, is not to the level that Kirkland was even in his final bloated condition not to mention to the level of Kendrall Bell. Ditto for Fiala.
-Having said that, Bell may not be ready this Sunday for the Brownies. If he is not 100%, he should sit. There is no reason rushing him back as in the first game against New England. All the talk about how a high ankle sprain heels faster the second time is meaningless. Bell was not near 100% and he and the coaching staff new it. Instead of sitting Bell and ensuring his health, the Steelers have jeopardized their season for the failures of last January. That opportunity is gone. Here's hoping the Steelers realize that last year is over and that they still have a long way to go this season.
-The Steelers will not beat Cleveland.
-The Brown passing attack has been much better this season as they now have 4 quality WRs that can make plays and have two decent, mature QBs. They are not spectacular by any stretch, but they can handle the current Steeler Defensive scheme minus Bell the same way New England and Oakland did. But, if Bell is healthy and plays...
-Don't look now, but the Steelers travel to New Orleans October 6 - a game that this reporter will attend. The Saints have an excellent passing attack - the Steelers could find themselves 0-4.
-Jerome Bettis is fat and out of shape - it will not be until week 5 or 6 until he is in true game shape. By this time, it might be too late to get the Bus rolling
-Thus, the "Writing" may be on the wall for several Steelers: Stewart, Bettis, Gildon and even Plax. The performance of these gents in the first two games can't have gone unnoticed by the Steeler brain-trust. This includes Bill Cowher(I think). After an off-season of seemingly great moves by the Steeler FO, one must wonder what kind of an impact a losing season would have to this team. The players above are getting older, or in Burress' case, are not improving. Hopefully, the Steeler FO will not be faced with these tough decisions under such circumstances.
-The Steeler FO were like kids in a candy store with a $100 bill. Signing players, giving out bonuses - forging a championship team - all giddy spending money and yelling "Go Steelers!" It's high time the players and the coaching staff acted on this good faith gesture and play with heart and desire ala Joey Porter in the Oakland game. If they don't - Rooney may be once bitten twice shy about opening up his vault in the future. As he should be.
-Matt Cushing was finally waived to make room for long snapper Dan O'Leary - how will they manage without thier 4th string TE.
-Another moment of silence for Mike Webster - long live big NO 52 - thanks Mike.
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