View topic - New Article: Stillers-Cowpokes Postgame Analysis and Grades

[Rushmore Profile]

I'm convinced: BA is awful. The offense was an abomination Sunday.

No imagination. No deception. They're gonna run: how do I know? There is a RB in the backfield. Now, they're gonna pass: How do I know? They are 5-wide and Ben's in the shotgun...ON FIRST DOWN.

-Rushmore

[Guinness Profile]

Millie,

(content deleted by mods)

[StillMill Profile]

Guiness, enjoy your vacay.

Thanks, Mill

[rifraff Profile]

Ahh, I can hear it now:

Damn were goin into OT, boy its cold and gettin colder!
I wish I was back in the room, in the hot tub, watchin sportscenter and sippin wine.
I could turn the jacuzzi on and have those little bubbles blowin up my ... man its cold!
There's a defender right behind Whitten lookin right at me?

Thanks Tony, have a nice soak!

get to play the ravens in dallas were it's nice and warm!

have a great game.

[Steel 'eer Profile]

Oh my god, snap, mill. Calling me both "Steel queer" and a homosexual. Zing!

If this were fifth-grade recess, you'd have nailed me. Big time.

Unfortunately, it's not.

To save yourself typing time, I'll put in your response now. feel free to cut and paste: "I'm rubber and you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and stcks to you."

Really?? "Steel queer" and "laspsing into homosexuality"? That's your response? And you clicked "post," knowing that others, including some adults, were going to read it? I truly feel sorry for you. I really do. It's just so.....sad.

[KYSteelersFan Profile]

So why is it according to the Fox guys when Ben has to throw it to Heath Miller, it means no one is open, but when Homo threw it to Whitten, it was his "favorite reciever"? Talk about bias.

[Nel Profile]

So why is it according to the Fox guys when Ben has to throw it to Heath Miller, it means no one is open, but when Homo threw it to Whitten, it was his "favorite reciever"? Talk about bias.

Witten has 64 catches, more than any other Dallas receiver this season, I believe.

[StillMill Profile]

Really?? "Steel queer" and "laspsing into homosexuality"? It's just so.....sad.

If the shoe fits, Mullolly, then wear it...

Don't like it? Then shut the fuck up and run along. You probably have some unfinished chores that your mother wants you to finish before supper.

[ILLSTILL Profile]

Mill,

Throughout this year, I have to say I've agreed with just about everything you've said.

The reason I'm posting however, is people are way to sensitive about criticism about lebeau and Farrior.

Although I've never really noticed anything from Farrior in the run game, I can say without a doubt, he is anything but "The winged god of lb coverage". I honestly have no idea where you got that name, but god damn is it a good thing to laugh at.

Everytime I've seen a passing td against the steelers, it was a safe bet that it was Farrior's man, and it's infuriating every time.

I still have seen nothing from Lebeau to make me say I like what he's doing. To me, he's been mediocre, but to each his own.

I'm just glad you're the one writing these articles, rather than someone giving everyone A's just because we won (ESPECIALLY Farrior, Ben, and Lebeau).

Congrats on another damn good article, and I look forward to the next Postgame.

-ILLSTILL

[SNW Profile]

I know you don't care, but this will be the last time I read one of your posts.
Pretty much offical, you know football but would rather hear(read) yourself rant.
Or you are just like any media type that says anything to get a rise out of the audience.
Best way to combat that is to say goodbye.

[StillMill Profile]

Mill,

Throughout this year, I have to say I've agreed with just about everything you've said.

The reason I'm posting however, is people are way to sensitive about criticism about lebeau and Farrior.

Although I've never really noticed anything from Farrior in the run game, I can say without a doubt, he is anything but "The winged god of lb coverage". I honestly have no idea where you got that name, but god damn is it a good thing to laugh at.

Everytime I've seen a passing td against the steelers, it was a safe bet that it was Farrior's man, and it's infuriating every time.

I still have seen nothing from Lebeau to make me say I like what he's doing. To me, he's been mediocre, but to each his own.

I'm just glad you're the one writing these articles, rather than someone giving everyone A's just because we won (ESPECIALLY Farrior, Ben, and Lebeau).

Congrats on another damn good article, and I look forward to the next Postgame.

-ILLSTILL

Well stated, Ill ! Alas, a fan who grasps the bigger picture, yet can see the forest from the trees!

LeBeau has been good. I have yet to see greatness. I LIVED IN Pittsburgh during the '76 season...the season where Bradshaw was piledriven by Turkey Jones, missed a pissload of games, and Kruczek started at QB. THAT defense was fucking DOMINANT. Whenever I do see Dick's defense play a legitimate offense and rips their heads off and pitch a near-shutout, he'll be first to hear the props. Until then, I'm not going to fawn and gush about stopping Tashard Choice, Joe Jacco, or Derrick Anderson. And, as I often reiterate, greatness is defined in the PLAYOFFS. No one remembers, or cares, about regular season stat-padding. See me in January and we'll evaluate Dick under the pressure and intense competition of the playoffs.

[StillMill Profile]

I know you don't care, but this will be the last time I read one of your posts.
Pretty much offical, you know football but would rather hear(read) yourself rant.
Or you are just like any media type that says anything to get a rise out of the audience.
Best way to combat that is to say goodbye.

For once, you are quite correct.....I truly do not care. But thanks for letting me know.

[Teegre Profile]

LeBeau has been good. I have yet to see greatness. I LIVED IN Pittsburgh during the '76 season...the season where Bradshaw was piledriven by Turkey Jones, missed a pissload of games, and Kruczek started at QB. THAT defense was fucking DOMINANT. Whenever I do see Dick's defense play a legitimate offense and rips their heads off and pitch a near-shutout, he'll be first to hear the props. Until then, I'm not going to fawn and gush about stopping Tashard Choice, Joe Jacco, or Derrick Anderson. And, as I often reiterate, greatness is defined in the PLAYOFFS. No one remembers, or cares, about regular season stat-padding. See me in January and we'll evaluate Dick under the pressure and intense competition of the playoffs.

Not to mention the fact that something along the lines of SIXTEEN rule changes were enforced because of that defense. They defined defense.

That said, this defense is not too shabby. And, it is playing a very tough schedule.

I would liken the comparisons as such:
1976 Steelers = Gone with the Wind
2008 Steelers = The Dark Knight

Everyone is/was impressed by the bells & whistles of TDK...and how much money it made. Excellent script. Great acting (Oscar pending for Graham Ledger). And, again, it made a ton of money. But, during the Great Depression, GwtW sold far more tickets than TDK...if the tickets cost the same, GwtW woudl have made 1.5 billion. And, it set the standard for "epic" films.

In other words, it is alright to like/love the 2008 Steelers defense...but, comparing it to the 1976 defense is not a good idea.

[Jeemie Profile]

Mill,

Throughout this year, I have to say I've agreed with just about everything you've said.

The reason I'm posting however, is people are way to sensitive about criticism about lebeau and Farrior.

Although I've never really noticed anything from Farrior in the run game, I can say without a doubt, he is anything but "The winged god of lb coverage". I honestly have no idea where you got that name, but god damn is it a good thing to laugh at.

Everytime I've seen a passing td against the steelers, it was a safe bet that it was Farrior's man, and it's infuriating every time.

I still have seen nothing from Lebeau to make me say I like what he's doing. To me, he's been mediocre, but to each his own.

I'm just glad you're the one writing these articles, rather than someone giving everyone A's just because we won (ESPECIALLY Farrior, Ben, and Lebeau).

Congrats on another damn good article, and I look forward to the next Postgame.

-ILLSTILL

Well stated, Ill ! Alas, a fan who grasps the bigger picture, yet can see the forest from the trees!

LeBeau has been good. I have yet to see greatness. I LIVED IN Pittsburgh during the '76 season...the season where Bradshaw was piledriven by Turkey Jones, missed a pissload of games, and Kruczek started at QB. THAT defense was fucking DOMINANT. Whenever I do see Dick's defense play a legitimate offense and rips their heads off and pitch a near-shutout, he'll be first to hear the props. Until then, I'm not going to fawn and gush about stopping Tashard Choice, Joe Jacco, or Derrick Anderson. And, as I often reiterate, greatness is defined in the PLAYOFFS. No one remembers, or cares, about regular season stat-padding. See me in January and we'll evaluate Dick under the pressure and intense competition of the playoffs.

I know I'm about to commit blasphemy, but...

...that great Steelers' D of 1976 fashioned that run through the middle of the season against the following teams (the rankings in parentheses are O rank in points, yards)

Cincy (6, 15)
Giants (25, 22)
San Diego (19, 11)
Kansas City (12, 7)
Miami (15, 13)
Houston (22, 24)
Tampa Bay (28, 28- this is dead last- there were 28 teams in 1976).

Only ONE "legitimate offense" (Cincinnati) in the bunch. All except Cincy and Kansas City were in the bottom half of the league in points scored. In other words, a bunch of average to piss-poor offenses.

Now, they did shut down the best offense in the league (the Colts- #1 in scoring and in yardage) in the playoffs, yielding just 14 points.

But the other top-flight offenses they played that year?

Oakland (4,2)- they yielded 31 and 24 points, respectively.

New England (2,8)- they yielded 31 points.

The 1976 defense was also complemented by an offense that, while missing Bradshaw for several games, nevertheless finished 5th in points scored and 9th in overall yardage...and was first in rushing offense.

And playing in a defensive-friendly era.

Steelers, OTOH, hamstrung by and offense that's 20th in points scored, and 26th in yards (23rd in rushing), have shut down the legitimate offenses of the Eagles, Giants, Chargers (who, believe it or not, are 8th in points scored and 15th in yardage), Patriots, and Dallas (even with Tashard Choice at RB).

So...you were saying, Mill?

[StillMill Profile]

Cincy (6, 15)
Giants (25, 22)
San Diego (19, 11)
Kansas City (12, 7)
Miami (15, 13)
Houston (22, 24)
Tampa Bay (28, 28- this is dead last- there were 28 teams in 1976).

Only ONE "legitimate offense" (Cincinnati) in the bunch. All except Cincy and Kansas City were in the bottom half of the league in points scored. In other words, a bunch of average to piss-poor offenses.

Now, they did shut down the best offense in the league (the Colts- #1 in scoring and in yardage) in the playoffs, yielding just 14 points.

But the other top-flight offenses they played that year?

Oakland (4,2)- they yielded 31 and 24 points, respectively.

New England (2,8)- they yielded 31 points.

The 1976 defense was also complemented by an offense that, while missing Bradshaw for several games, nevertheless finished 5th in points scored and 9th in overall yardage...and was first in rushing offense.

And playing in a defensive-friendly era.

Steelers, OTOH, hamstrung by and offense that's 20th in points scored, and 26th in yards (23rd in rushing), have shut down the legitimate offenses of the Eagles, Giants, Chargers (who, believe it or not, are 8th in points scored and 15th in yardage), Patriots, and Dallas (even with Tashard Choice at RB).

So...you were saying, Mill?

I'm saying that they didn't just compile slop stats...that '76 defense kicked the LIVING SHIT out of opponents. Just punished and BRUTALIZED opponents. And don't sit here belittling Miami of 1976.....a rugged powerhouse with a Hall of Fame coach, a punishing offense, and numerous players still on the roster from their early 70's (just a few years prior) reign over the NFL. And all the "legit" offense you pointed out, were MISSING a STAR offensive player, or two, when the Stillers faced them this year. I realize you never watched the '76 defense play, and all's you got is a pile of paper statistics, but fact is, the '08 version -- at THIS point in time -- ain't nowhere near the tenacity, punishment, and overall dominance of the '76 version.

[Leo Profile]

Jeemie makes a decent point, and I do think this year's D is GREAT, but Mill is correct here. The 1976 D gets the nod over this year's version. Look at it this way -- how many of the 2008 players even make the 1976 roster (adjusting for the relative eras)?

[isfry Profile]

Once again, Mill is right on. I must admit I have been guilty (even on this site) of absent minded comparisons to the great defenses of Lambert, Greenwood, Hamm, Blount, and Green. We have a good defense this year, even a great one, but it's no steel curtain for a number of reasons. First of all, 1976 was an amazing, dominant squad, and is not matched by this year's. Moreover, the curtain reigned for most, if not all, of that decade, whereas this year's D could very well be a flash in the pan. (I know we were #1 overall last year, but two years does not a decade make) Also, as Mill regularly points out (and I am loathe to admit), we have been pretty lucky with the timing of some of our bigger matchups, and their respective injuries. Lastly, I was a fan in the seventies and saw alot of those games. I don't remember ONCE seeing that D fall flat on a big play, let alone a couple a game. The important thing to remember, and be thankful for, is we don't have to beat the 1976 Steelers this year, just everybody else's 2008 squads. Keep 'em comin, Mill, your tough love analysis and fair reporting are a welcome sight.

[Bomberman Profile]

for fuck sakes what has anyone here invented.

I invented the second beer and the third beer. Before I could patent it, someone else invented the 4th, 5th and 6th beers. Pissed me off, for sure. Just like Holmes' catch and return in the CryBoys game, no one will remember. But without them, where would we be today? Just sayin'.

[Jeemie Profile]

Jeemie makes a decent point, and I do think this year's D is GREAT, but Mill is correct here. The 1976 D gets the nod over this year's version. Look at it this way -- how many of the 2008 players even make the 1976 roster (adjusting for the relative eras)?

I wasn't trying to make a point that the 1976 defense wasn't great, or that the 2008 defense was better than the 1976 defense.

But the 2008 defense didn't achieve its status via "slop stats" or by "getting lucky" anymore than the '76 defense did, and for Mill to suggest it did is ludicrous.

You play who you play....and the idea that Dallas' offense is as impotent as a high school offense just because it's Tashard Choice as opposed to Marion Barber, or that New England is a Pop Warner team because it's Cassel and not Brady is equally ridiculous.

The Steelers have played defense better than any team in the NFL over the last nearly two seasons...you don't "get lucky" 25 times out of 29.

They are not the Greatest Defense Ever...but they are a championship-caliber defense.

PS This is what I mean by Mill having descended into parody. When the words "Dick LeBeau is the luckiest guy in the world" appear in just about every post-game analysis, that's parody.

PPS Mill...I saw the 1976 Steeler defense play.

[Steel 'eer Profile]

Great points, Jeemie!

Yes, the Steelers faced teams that were missing good players. But so were the Steelers. Hampton, Keisel, Smith, McFadden, Townend, Pola, Clark all missed time this season. Yet, despite the absences, LeBeau has led the Steelers to the No. 1 ranking in EVERY major category. THIS IS NOT LUCK. And he's been in this league for 50 years, first as a superstar player and then as a superstar assistant coach. THIS IS NOT LUCK.

Mill has opinions, and like Stephen Colbert, he never lets facts get in the way of them. Look at his view of Joey Porter. Porter sits atop the sack standings, again, this season. When he had gaudy stats in Pgh, it was because he got "Dong Sacks". Or no one good blocked him b/c they were worried about other, better players. But yet, this season in Miami, with no other stars on defense, he continues to dominate. I guess the Dolphins coaching staff/front office are as incompetent as the Steelers are/were. (Actually, Miami fans would KILL to have a staff/front office as "incompetent" as the Cowher-Tomlin/Colbert combo. So would 95% of the league).

Oh, ya, I forgot. Again, Mill, to save you some typing, yes, I am soooo gay. Very gay. Gay as the day is long. Gay gay gay gay gay gay gay gay. I'm listening to "It's Raining Men" and watching a Streisand movie as I type this.

Thank you.