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[StillMill Profile]

Stillers-Falcons Postgame Analysis and Grades has been posted by Still Mill at Stillers.com.

[tourosteelersfan Profile]

Mill,

Nice coverage of a straightforward game. It was great to see the defense back in form, and the offense didn't lose the game. That's as much as anyone could hope for, along with a win, on opening day without Ben R. This is a huge win, virtually assures the Steelers of the necessary 2-2 start. I have commented previously on the team's weaknesses - specifically the offensive line and secondary - and although both need work, I have to acknowledge that those units played better than expected. Next week's game in TN could be interesting - a real test for the defense, and a real challenge for Tomlin to keep the team from having a letdown after this week.

[clarioncall Profile]

When will Tomlin DEMAND, yes, I mean DEMAND, that Ass Arians call plays designed to convert 3rd downs?

Hell's bells, 3rd and 3's, 3rd and 2's, 8 defenders at the friggin' line and we call a blast play. Yeah, sure, it worked for Mendy's gamer, but for 4 qtrs we saw the same crap as last year. You see Ryan quick-hit reserve TE's all damn day off the line for 5-8yds. Or 5yd outs to Roddy White.

4 for 14 on converts? You kidding me? Tomlin needs to man-up and DEMAND Arians step up the plans, roll-out DD more to use his legs and talent AND create some pressure on the "D" to bring down the safeties. Opens up the field for Wallace and Hines when that happens. But no, Arians thinks that's unfair to the opposition.

Gosh, I hate that guy. Why not put a case of beer or pizza on every 3rd down conversion? That might stir him up a little.

[clarioncall Profile]

Mill, I made my previous comments BEFORE I read your analysis!
We are on the same page with Ass Arians and Tomlin. Miller blocking? Spaeth dressing for the damn game?
I did not see the first drive but from your description, it would have made me think maybe Tomlin got to him and told Ass to move DD around and make him move. But after that, WTF??? He is a threat when he does that. But F-NO!
It works, therefore WE CAN"T USE IT according to Arians.
I saw the same crap as last year. If it works, scrap it.
Same as Balt game last year - DD had them on the ropes and Arians made him a statue IN THE 2ND HALF and Tomlin said ZILCH !!!

WHEN WILL TOMLIN STEP UP AND MOVE IN ON OFFENSE MEETINGS ?????????????

Gosh, I can't take 15 more games with this guy calling the shots.
Anyone else agree he HAS TO GO????

[No l Gravity l Profile]

Stopped reading after you gave Dixon a B-.

That was literally the worst performance I've ever seen by a starting quarterback in a long time. His pulled the Jason Campbell-like stat-line where it looks ok, but in reality he was throwing dump-off and short passes on 3rd down and longs to force the punt. I've never seen a starting quarterback unable to throw a pass to the outside. I think we need to pick up Papa John off waivers it looked like he had a more zip on his arm on that commercial last night.

[Tonydesal Profile]

If we play the same way next week, we're toast.

Maybe is just me being cynical, but Hampton gets a fatty contract and then has a 'hammy injury', taking him out of the game?I just see that as him quitting on us.

And for the love of gawd, can someone please explain to me why, on 2nd 8, or 3rd n long, why are our DB's playing 15 yards off?


And I totaly agree with the fact that Tomlin needs to step up, but I loved it and lost it on his 'time out' call to ice their kicker.

[DirtDawson Profile]

Stopped reading after you gave Dixon a B-.

That was literally the worst performance I've ever seen by a starting quarterback in a long time. His pulled the Jason Campbell-like stat-line where it looks ok, but in reality he was throwing dump-off and short passes on 3rd down and longs to force the punt.

Really? Completing almost 70% of passes is the worst performance you've seen from a starting qb in a long time?

Remember the last QB we had who wore #10?

[SoCal Stiller Profile]

All things considered I was very pleased with the effort. There is too much negativity going on about the game, except for all comments directed @ Arians. Everyone needs to relax on Dixon. If anything, Dum-ass Arians is to blame AGAIN for his refusal to roll Dixon out of the pocket and play to his strengths! Dennis will only get better with more playing time.

On another note, Pouncey should receive the Hard Hat award this week with Timmons as a close runner-up. Both these guys played out of their minds. I kept rewinding the game and focusing in on Pouncey and he was nothing short of outstanding. Without a doubt the best draft pick we've had as far back as I can remember.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

I still see there are people that need to be reminded that Dick Lebeau stands on the sidelines, he doesn't play on the field. The defenses are designed to stop the opposing team, its not up to him to also get out there and make the tackle.

[PGHeaven Profile]

Well done Still. As usual you distill the statistics into an easily understo0od synopsis that highlights the gems and the goofs as well. While being comical in just the right measure. Love it. Agree on Reed completely

[SoCal Stiller Profile]

I still see there are people that need to be reminded that Dick Lebeau stands on the sidelines, he doesn't play on the field. The defenses are designed to stop the opposing team, its not up to him to also get out there and make the tackle.

[No l Gravity l Profile]

Stopped reading after you gave Dixon a B-.

That was literally the worst performance I've ever seen by a starting quarterback in a long time. His pulled the Jason Campbell-like stat-line where it looks ok, but in reality he was throwing dump-off and short passes on 3rd down and longs to force the punt.

Really? Completing almost 70% of passes is the worst performance you've seen from a starting qb in a long time?

Remember the last QB we had who wore #10?

I'm starting to think Steelers fans are completely oblivious to good and bad quarterback play.

All of Dixon's passes were VERY high percentage aside from that one to Wallace. ALL of them. Curtis Painter could have done the same exact thing in this game...probably better.

If you want a similar QB comparison, check out Jason Campbell's career stats. He hides his terrible performances with dump offs and check downs that don't amount to any points and usually result punts. They finally get a coach that understands what a great QB looks like and he got rid of that cancer in a breeze.

I'm rooting for the kid, trust me. I thought we could have gotten some nice trade value for him if he played lights out like he did in the first two preseason games but unfortunately he's playing like Cleo Lemon.

[Steel Holiday Profile]

Have to agree with the idea of getting Dixon outside the hashes. Three times Dix got sacked where field positioning looked critical, and everyone of those sacks was on a straight drop back. Sliding the pocket/passer and allowing a guy who has little experience as a pure pocket guy outside makes sense, especially if he has athleticism like DD. Dixon provides the opportunity to run, pass, or throw the ball away on the perimeter. Arians play calling needs to feature Dennis' strengths the more important it becomes to not lose yards.

I love how Mendenhall ended the game with a TD. That was good football.

[pinpon Profile]

Enjoy your work Still Mill.

Tomlin must be held responsible for the ineptness of Arian's playcalling. It's been too long.
Also watching KC last night and it's amazing what rookies can do if you give them a chance instead of rotting on the bench. At least we finally are giving Pouncey a start.

[DirtDawson Profile]

Stopped reading after you gave Dixon a B-.

That was literally the worst performance I've ever seen by a starting quarterback in a long time. His pulled the Jason Campbell-like stat-line where it looks ok, but in reality he was throwing dump-off and short passes on 3rd down and longs to force the punt.

Really? Completing almost 70% of passes is the worst performance you've seen from a starting qb in a long time?

Remember the last QB we had who wore #10?

I'm starting to think Steelers fans are completely oblivious to good and bad quarterback play.

All of Dixon's passes were VERY high percentage aside from that one to Wallace. ALL of them. Curtis Painter could have done the same exact thing in this game...probably better.

If you want a similar QB comparison, check out Jason Campbell's career stats. He hides his terrible performances with dump offs and check downs that don't amount to any points and usually result punts. They finally get a coach that understands what a great QB looks like and he got rid of that cancer in a breeze.

I'm rooting for the kid, trust me. I thought we could have gotten some nice trade value for him if he played lights out like he did in the first two preseason games but unfortunately he's playing like Cleo Lemon.

I didn't say he played good or bad. I just disagreed with you saying it was the "worst performance from a starting QB in a long time".


QBs can also be mediocre, they dont have to be either, super good or completely terrible. They can be somewhere in between.

Dennis did enough to manage a win against a playoff caliber team. I never said he played very well. But he sure didn't have "the worst performance from a starting qb in a long time".

[clarioncall Profile]

Dixon provides the opportunity to run, pass, or throw the ball away on the perimeter. Arians play calling needs to feature Dennis' strengths the more important it becomes to not lose yards.

Yeah, we all know this,..but,...what are the odds of THIS happening? We ALL see this, ...WHF can't they?

I am so sick of Arians and his giving the game to opponents. Things work (the 1st drive) and all of the sudden we stop it.
Can't Tomlin see this???

DD has legs (Balt game last year) and they put him in concrete. I don't get it. Arians NEEDS DD to fail and Ben (his pocket buddy) to succeed. DD looks too good and just maybe Ben is sent off in a package deal (with Arians??!!!!)

Arians is so far up Ben's backside, he can tickle Ben's tonsils.
I HATE this guy. We win IN SPITE of him.

[No l Gravity l Profile]

Dixon provides the opportunity to run, pass, or throw the ball away on the perimeter. Arians play calling needs to feature Dennis' strengths the more important it becomes to not lose yards.

Yeah, we all know this,..but,...what are the odds of THIS happening? We ALL see this, ...WHF can't they?

I am so sick of Arians and his giving the game to opponents. Things work (the 1st drive) and all of the sudden we stop it.
Can't Tomlin see this???

DD has legs (Balt game last year) and they put him in concrete. I don't get it. Arians NEEDS DD to fail and Ben (his pocket buddy) to succeed. DD looks too good and just maybe Ben is sent off in a package deal (with Arians??!!!!)

Arians is so far up Ben's backside, he can tickle Ben's tonsils.
I HATE this guy. We win IN SPITE of him.

You want one of the best QBs in the league to leave for a 3rd string QB who can't beat out Byron Leftwich? A QB that is unable to deliver the ball outside the hashmarks and has terrible throwing mechanics?

This pretty much verifies it, Steeler fans are clueless about the QB position. There are a very small group (Dutch from PGH, maybe a couple of guys on here) that understand how important Roethlisberger is to our team.

[punum123 Profile]

Those who don't learn from history are bound to repeat it.

History - Kordell Stewart - not a drop-back passer. But oh did we try to pound that square peg into a round hole.

Now...go back and watch DD film from Oregon. Not a drop back passer.

Let this kid do his "thing" and stop fukin micro-managing. If he bought into all the bullshit in the media...he'll never be any good.MO.

[clarioncall Profile]

Gravity, I just don't think Ben's character change will hold up and I believe his next screw-up seals his fate.

I hope I'm wrong, believe me,...but success goes to his head. If he comes back, drives the team bus and all is well, fine.
I'm just not betting on that happening. I think he blows it again and when that happens, he's gone.

If that does happen, they better have DD ready and they better have his skill set developed as a mobile QB who can pose a threat to pass and/or run. He has the talent, he just doesn't have an OC worth a tinker's damn.

[SoCal Stiller Profile]

... they better have DD ready and they better have his skill set developed as a mobile QB who can pose a threat to pass and/or run. He has the talent, he just doesn't have an OC worth a tinker's damn.

Dixon will never be the passer BR7 is. However, someone needs to explain to the offensive coaching staff that we do not need to try and develop a BR7 clone for the 1st 4 games. Dixon simply needs to win until Ben is back by whatever means possible. In the game vs the Ratbirds last year, the excuse for the cement shoes on Dixon was that they "didn't want to risk injury without a legitimate back-up". What the hell is the excuse last week??? In the short term, a mobile QB can be valuable to win a few games, but in the long run a prototypical passer will win you championships. It does not take long for good defensive coaches to shut down a one-dimensional QB.

Clarion - If by some chance Big Ben cannot control little Ben, I'm sure that the Stillers will have to come up with an alternate plan to obtain a legitimate QB through FA if Dixon does not improve this year.