Stillers-Bolts Post Game Thoughts

The Stillers win a close one with a thrilling final drive and FG.� The Stillers had some lapses, but overall a pretty solid performance on the road against a pretty good team.�

QB � Ben threw a few floaters and a couple of �potential picks, one in his own end zone that could have been run back for an opposing TD.� However, he also ran for a TD, and threw some clutch throws with the game on the line.� Ben looked a little choppy earlier, but played better as the game went on.� He did have one fumble, but he was pressured all day.

RB � Parker and Bettis ran OK against a very tough Bolt run defense.� Bettis looked really fresh, as he should, and had several clutch runs on 3^rd downs and at the goalline.� Parker had 2-3 good runs, but got stuffed the rest of the day.� I think he is still learning how to pick his spots and should improve over time.� Also, the OLine did not open up anything for him early in the game.� Staley did not dress, and he probably would have done a little better than Parker because its better to have large, pounding backs against a tough, well-disciplined run defense like this one.� I don�t think Parker lost his job, however, as all the RB�s on both teams had terrible yards per carry.�� Speaking of other RBs, L.Tomlinson, the best RB in the NFL, was held to 3.4 yard per carry and only gained 62 yards on the ground, but the bolts threw to him for 7 catches and 68 yards.� Sure, 41 of those yards were on one play, but even if you take away the big gain, he still averaged 4.5 yards per catch.� Willie Parker had one catch for 14 yards.� Several times I saw Willie run past the OL and start waiving his arms for Ben to throw him the ball, but Ben is so used the scrambling and looking downfield, he did not see Parker.� Also, there were no designed plays to hit Willie in the flat.� This is one of the major pieces of the puzzle that would improve our offensive attack immensely and I hope they figure it out.

WR � A pretty solid day overall, with one shameful miss by Q. Morgan down the sideline late in the game.� Otherwise, the WRs took what they could get and it was just enough.� Ward is tough as nails as usual, with a great TD catch and run that was called back on a questionable replay reversal.� Cedric Wilson had a few really nice grabs and is making a strong case for the #2 WR as his ability to make tough catches and stretch the field with his speed cannot be matched by Randel El.� This is a tough one as Wilson did not do well in camp but is coming on nicely now.

TE � FINALLY!!� A few clutch grabs and the sweet TD catch down the middle by Heath Miller.� We�ve been waiting and this is more like it!� 4 catches on the day as that should be the minimum for this guy.� Miller was on the field more this week and it showed.� I hope this is the final confirmation Cow and Whizz need to really feature Miller in the offense.

OL � As mentioned before, shabby run blocking especially early and terrible pass protection most of the night, with Roth getting pressured on most plays.� The bolts blitzed well and it showed.� Bettis did have some holes as the game went on, but that was about it.

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DL � A great game stopping the run, which is what they are paid to do.� Not much in a way of pass rushing, but that is left to the LBs most of the time anyway.� LT said this was the best run defense he ever faced in his career� pretty high praise from a guy who faces Denver twice a year every year.

LB � A decent game, but there were some lapses, especially in tackling, by Farrior and Foote.� Foote didn�t even catch a whiff in the open field on LTs 41 yard catch and run.� Farrier got hosed by Gates on the outside.� However, they did not give up any huge plays either and coverage was decent.� They also got pressure some of the time, an improvement over last game against Tom Brady.

DB � Troy vs. Gates all night long.� A great battle between 2 great players that was won by either from play to play.� Troy performed admirably most of the time, except for a pass interference penalty (the ball might have been uncatchable) and un-sportsmanlike conduct.� Gates certainly did not run amok all night as he can easily do without a formidable opponent.� Pass coverage was pretty good most of the night with only a few lapses, most notably Ike and Wille on a few plays, but the secondary is no longer the gaping hole it was a couple of years ago.� No big pass plays and keeping the game close.

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ST � Kickoffs were OK except the one low liner that allowed Sproles to get to midfield.� KO coverage was not as good as it has been most of the year.� Punts were pretty good.� Kickoff returns were barely adequate as usual for Ricardo.� Then Quincy Morgan and Cedric Wilson returned a few and made a few moves that Ricardo does not have, and we saw much better returns!� Cowher should pay attention to this as Ricardo is very good at running fast in a straight line and not much else.� I don�t think we should use a #3 WR (who maybe should be our #2), but maybe Cowher can find another option to challenge for the job.� What can you say about Jeff Reed.� This guy was spotty 2 years ago (I remember him missing short from 40 yards his first year) and has turned into Mr. Clutch.� No FG attempts all night and steps up and nails it from 40 to win the game.� Great job!

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Tough matchup against a very good JAX team coming up, so its hard to look forward to the showdown against CIN the next Sun night.� Hopefully Ben will be healed, but at least both our backup QBs have starting experience.

Go Steelers!