View topic - New Article: The Great Facade Known as Dick LeBeau, Part Deu

[StillMill Profile]

http://www.stillers.com/articles/2629.aspx has been posted by Still Mill at Stillers.com.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

Yawn.

[rifraff Profile]

Yeah, didnt look good vs Pats & Saints now comes the Pack. If he can keep them from scoring alot points thats all we can ask of them. If he slows em down (less 14 points/game) u gonna lighten up on him?

[r1stillerman Profile]

The "SUPER GREAT FACADE" Known as Still Mill - this is super bowl week, lighten up. Remember figures never lie but liers always figure. Take you meaningless stats and shove them. They won the games didn't they Mill-boy, per Mike Tomlin there are no style points in the NFL. LeBeau is a great DC and you are not.

[SteelTank Profile]

There isn't a column for NET POINTS ALLOWED which wuold be 10 points in the JET game.

Wow - that's so many!

The O shit the bed in this game - not the D.

[Pommah Profile]

Looks to me like there were 3 phases to the season, for the defense:

Phase I - Atlanta through Cleveland I - Everything under reasonable control, hold opposing offenses to under 18 points, including 2 playoff teams, Atlanta and Baltimore.

Phase II - Miami through NE - lose control, all 4 opposing O's get 20 points or better, including ghastly 3TD games to Bungles and 4TD game to Gaytriots.

Phase III - Reassertion, nobody gets more than 2TD's and 17 points (plus luck vs Buff).

However, we faced no "Grade A" offenses in Phase III, so have the mid-season adjustments really done what it will take to beat a grade A offense like Green Bay's?

Other obersvations:
1. We had our share of luck this season (Buff, Balt2, others)
2. We gave up points while on O to every good defense we faced. How many does GB get this Sunday?
3. We yield ground too easily yielding field goals. 5 vs Miami! Better than yielding TD's but Green Bay is a touchdown scoring team, highly efficient with the ball. What would be FG's to lesser teams will end up being TD's to them.

Mills analysis seems to point we could be in for another high-scoring game like last year vs. these guys and not a defensive struggle like everyone is expecting.

This game is on Ben.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

These guys sucked too - lit up by Archie Manning and trucked by Mike Livingston, RB Chiefs

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1978.htm

and then the following year this swiss cheese defense was lit up by Brian Sipe

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1979.htm

I bet those years ended up bad for the Steelers.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

on a more serious note - a quick comment about the Pack offense.

Despite being regarded as a high powered passing offense, they scored only 17, 10, and 14 (offense pts that is) against the Bears, 9 against the Jets, 17 against Atlanta (albeit 40+ in the playoffs), and 13 against the Skins. They don't fair as well when they have to actually play a defense.

[deltadweller Profile]

Dude, while I'm generally in the LeBeau should retire camp if we can find a suitable successor, I agree with Iron. Loosen up it's SB week. When was the last time you wrote a positive article, not counting the "Hard Hat"? We have been the most successful team over the past 6 years in the NFL and you can't find anything good to say about our team? I like your insight Mill, but if I didn't know better I'd think you maintain this site so you have some place to Troll.

[isfry Profile]

Mill writes: "The worst sequence of this epic collapse by Dick The Dullard occurred late in the 1H. Ike Taylor had just stripped Sanchez of the ball, and Gay ran it in for a 24-0 lead. The stadium was ROCKING as Sanchez hobbled to the sideline with his shoulder sagging in pain. Mentally, Dirty Sanchez was fraught with terror and fear.
On the ensuing KO, starting WR Jericho Cotchery was INJURED and had to be helped off the field. So here you have the Jets, with their starting QB a frantic, terror-stricken wreck, and now without a starting WR. This is when a real defense, with real leadership, smells blood and goes in for the KILL. This is where this defense should have continued the assault, the pressure, and the tenacity."

While I am generally less critical of LeBeau and others than Mill, I could not agree more. When the Jest got the ball back after Gay made a play, Phil "Home-town-ass-kisser" Simms had what I thought was the fucking audacity to say "If the Jets can get into field goal range before the half and stop the bleeding, they get the ball to start the 2nd half, and could get right back in this." (or something to that effect) At the time I was like "what fucking game are you watching?!? They have ONE rushing yard so far. Sanchez has been ineffective, just coughed up the ball, and seemed to get banged up on the fumble play. Cotchery got clocked on the KO. No way they even get a fucking first down on this drive, and if they try, we'll probably end up with more defensive points before the half."
but...the defense slips into a softie mode, little or no real blitzing, and allows a subpar offense (who had been made to look subsubsubpar thus far) march down into range, put points on the board, get some momentum and some confidence, and something positive to talk about at the break. WTF? I'm not a defensive coordinator, and I'm not quitting my day job any time soon, but I sure would have liked to see some corner blitzes, some all out rushes, etc. Bring the fucking house, for chrissake. Youve got them on the ropes!! Whats the worst that coulda happened? A blown play for a TD? So what? I would venture to guess that a blown play on an all out blitz that went the distance would have done less for their confidence than methodically moving down the field on play after play to get points before the half on their own. I'm just sayin...

[stillcello Profile]

Well I think by now everyone on this site gets it...you think LeBeau is significantly overrated. You have your fact and figures and interpret them in a way to reach your conclusions and that’s fine. Yet, you still have not compared Dick's performance to other DCs against similar teams or similar game situations. Show me a DC that never calls of the dogs, and I bet you'll find some other glaring weakness that gets exposed.
PS, Sanchez was not hapless, or fraught with terror or fear, and was not a terror stricken wreck!...jeez!!....... he throw a few slightly errant passes in the 1st half, but also had 2-3 balls batted down in key plays and he also had a few drops from his receivers.... and that turnover was not his fault ....Well guess what... he receivers started to play better and they started to play much like they did 5-6 weeks ago vs. the Steelers....which is the type of game I expected in the first place.
To be honest, all during the 1st half, I was thinking that there is no way the Jets will continue to gain ZERO yards rushing and continue to not move the ball at all. Why did I think that? Well because the Jet's are not a crappy team....they SOMEHOW made the playoffs and beat Peyton and Brady to get here. I don’t care what their offensive ranking is or any of that…. They were playing well enough to play us tight 6 weeks ago, and I was expecting they would eventually play to that level sooner or later and sure enough, they did.
Hindsight is so easy…. If they just would do what what all us genius fans tell them, they could have won even more!!! I mean because we had a few corner blitzes work perfectly in the 1st half, I'm sure they would have continued to work just as well in the 2nd half, right? Oh wait, we'll never know will we. I guess there is NO chance they jets could adjust to our amazing schemes. Oh wait, we'll never know will we.
I not really disagreeing with you too much as I would have like to see what would have happened if we continued to blitz like crazy all game…however that’s probably because we always want to see the opposite when something is not working too well.
There are other factors that I think we sometimes find out about … for example, Tomlin and others commented that the defense was tired in the 2nd half….… the offense could not sustain a drive, so the ‘old’ defense was getting a little be tired and probably limited some of what they could do. Now, let’s say Tomlin never makes that comment… then us, as fans, never really know that that might have been a factor in what plays they call on defense, etc…. this is a perfect example of us fans potentially not having the full story sometimes..
Again, I’m not a big Lebeau fan so don’t try and write this off as some love fest…, but whenever I read a column like this berating a player or coach after a CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING effort…giving up 17 points (7 of which were Ike Taylor assisted), I just feel the need to offer an alternative point of view. I think your criticism is often unfair as it does not address a few things:
1) Comparisons to other players/coaches…. More specifically, judging in relative terms vs. absolute terms.
2) Acknowledging the fact sometimes we should be expected to either >>end up in a close game or >>>to lose (gasp). I mean, it seems in every preview you write up that we ‘should win’ just about every game and it’s only due to some massive coaching failure that we snatch defeat from victory. But at that same time, you rake many starters over the coals as being lousy…which one is it?!? If several of our players suck, then how can you ignore that when judging the coaches? Oh wait, all teams have to deal with a few lousy players…. My point exactly.
Finally, I remember you explaining your rationale for your criticisms with an analogy to going to see a rock concert in that you expect and appreciate excellence and love to see that in your Stillers… I get that totally…..and I love it even more when the Stillers play that occasional completely excellent game with no major mistakes. However, to expect that on any regular basis and to berate them when they do not display a completely excellent game is just unrealistic and unfair in the 2011 NFL… I mean, how many truly *excellent* performances have the Steelers had since 1981 vs. a quality team? How many have all teams in the NFL had this year? Look at what happened to the mighty Pats vs. the Jets… Look what happened to the friggin Saints vs. Sea friggin attle!! Teams look unstoppable and then get trucked in the matter of a week?! How is that possible? Not sure, but more importantly, how can this dynamic that runs rampant in today’s NFL, NOT be a part of your analysis and judgment when reviewing our beloved Stillers? Teams and games turn at a drop of a hat… it happens all the time… look at the Stillers/Raven game…. Tale of two halfs…. Like the Stiller Jet game…. Claiming afterward that you know exactly why it happened and what needed to be done to fix it is just pure speculation and I’m sorry I don’t think it’s that simple and I don’t think we have all of the facts most of the time.
You want excellence bordering on perfection and I have no idea why you *seem* to be surprised or upset when you don’t get it. Mediocrity is IS THE NORM in today’s NFL and the Pats and Saints just highlighted the exact mediocrity I’m referring to. The Stiilers are not light years more talented than many other teams… they have weaknesses like any other. Frankly, I think they have overachieved a bit to get to this point. A lot of people claiming they are being ‘realists’ when they rake LeBeau over the coals or totally berate a player or coach. I say it’s more ‘realistic’ to acknowledge that other teams have good coaches and players and sometimes will make the Steelers players and coaches ‘look bad’. Why do I think that’s more realistic? Because it happens all the time! However somehow, its happens to the Stiilers less than most other teams and we now have 3 super bowl appearances in 6 years and the ‘final say’ to refute anyone’s attempt at blazing criticism.

[isfry Profile]

I agree with alot of your points, Cello, and I am THRILLED to be in another SB. I dont take that lightly. However, the Steelers D being tired in the 2H (which I find plausible) and the Jets halftime adjustments (which I think played a role) have no bearing on the last drive of the 1H. The Steelers had a chance to keep the pressure on and ride the momentum and the crowd into a shutout at halftime, and I felt they pulled up too early. Whether that three points or the confidence or momentum or bright spot it may have given the Jets had any bearing on the 2H, or whether a defensive stop there would have changed how the 2H unfolded, you're right, we'll never know. I'm just sayin, as a fan who has admittedly incomplete information, it was tough to watch the door creak open in the last minute and a half of what had been an almost perfect 1H on both sides of the ball up til then.

[IronCity__Man Profile]

a few weeks ago Mill was spouting that stats are meaningless. Now he is posting them in his articles. No point in arguing with the Steel Gainsayer. Don't know why I even do it. He would negatively criticize a girl giving him a blowjob.

[Ed Burns Profile]

I agree The Stillers pulled up too early. They pulled up on that last drive in the 1st Half, and never seemed to put the pedal to the metal in the 2nd Half. I saw a lot of Soft Zone being played in the 2nd Half. If the numbers say the pressure sets were working in the first half, why call off the dogs? I don't buy the idea the Defense was tired either.

I also believe Arians already shot his wad by Halftime. The Offense in that second half looked like a grab bag of vomit from Arians. Where was Heath Miller in that second Half??? Where were all the quick slants, screens, and misdirection plays??? He called none. The downfield pass game wasn't working. Why not switch it up, and call quicker plays. If the Stillers Defense is tired(lame excuse), some No-Huddle would work so the Jets D could not sub, and get tired out.

Keep in mind I'm happy the Stillers are competing in the Super Bowl again. I never get tired of that. I just don't want to see them do the same thing they did against the Jets, and pull up while they're in the midst of putting on a serious beatdown on the Packers. Rodgers, and that Packer offense's far better than the Jets O.

[palbubba Profile]

How about Matt Ryan the anointed one from Atlanta. Did he shred the defense? Flacco heralded as a top tier quarterback, no way. The offense had many more down games than the defense. IF there is a weak link in the coaching staff it is BA the numb nut. This defense gave up the fewest points in the entire NFL. Last I looked the games were won and lost on points not stats. It just can't be that everyone else is wrong and you are right. Dick's defense is now in their 3rd SB in 6 years, smoke that stat.

[palbubba Profile]

How about Matt Ryan the anointed one from Atlanta. Did he shred the defense? Flacco heralded as a top tier quarterback, no way. The offense had many more down games than the defense. IF there is a weak link in the coaching staff it is BA the numb nut. This defense gave up the fewest points in the entire NFL. Last I looked the games were won and lost on points not stats. It just can't be that everyone else is wrong and you are right. Dick's defense is now in their 3rd SB in 6 years, smoke that stat.

[stillcello Profile]

I agree with alot of your points, Cello, and I am THRILLED to be in another SB. I dont take that lightly. However, the Steelers D being tired in the 2H (which I find plausible) and the Jets halftime adjustments (which I think played a role) have no bearing on the last drive of the 1H. The Steelers had a chance to keep the pressure on and ride the momentum and the crowd into a shutout at halftime, and I felt they pulled up too early. Whether that three points or the confidence or momentum or bright spot it may have given the Jets had any bearing on the 2H, or whether a defensive stop there would have changed how the 2H unfolded, you're right, we'll never know. I'm just sayin, as a fan who has admittedly incomplete information, it was tough to watch the door creak open in the last minute and a half of what had been an almost perfect 1H on both sides of the ball up til then.

I don't disagree with you on that one. It did seem that way watching that FG drive that they laid off a bit. However only giving up a FG I was not overly pissed about it. Of course the counter argument to that is playing overly aggressive in that spot could result in giving up seven points. However I admit the steelers seemed to have it under control...not giving up any big plays even with bringing heavy pressure... (that is, until Ike fell down with no safeties deep : )

But yes I agree that the 1H drive, the D looked different than the rest of the first half...

[stillcello Profile]

I agree The Stillers pulled up too early. They pulled up on that last drive in the 1st Half, and never seemed to put the pedal to the metal in the 2nd Half. I saw a lot of Soft Zone being played in the 2nd Half. If the numbers say the pressure sets were working in the first half, why call off the dogs? I don't buy the idea the Defense was tired either.

I also believe Arians already shot his wad by Halftime. The Offense in that second half looked like a grab bag of vomit from Arians. Where was Heath Miller in that second Half??? Where were all the quick slants, screens, and misdirection plays??? He called none. The downfield pass game wasn't working. Why not switch it up, and call quicker plays. If the Stillers Defense is tired(lame excuse), some No-Huddle would work so the Jets D could not sub, and get tired out.

Keep in mind I'm happy the Stillers are competing in the Super Bowl again. I never get tired of that. I just don't want to see them do the same thing they did against the Jets, and pull up while they're in the midst of putting on a serious beatdown on the Packers. Rodgers, and that Packer offense's far better than the Jets O.

Well unless Tomlin is lying through his face, the defense was tired in the 2nd half... I'm not sure why you wouldn't buy that... I mean in the 4th quarter, the Jets had the ball for almost 12 minutes with the Steeler offense running ONE play during that stretch, a safety... Look what happened to the Ravens against the Texans earlier this year... the Texans put together 2 or 3 long drives in a row late in the game and the older Ravens D were sucking wind and could not stop them.... it's only because they got a break into overtime that the Ravens won that game...

I'm not saying it was a huge factor, but perhaps it did keep them from doing certain things, etc.

***

Regarding the Super Bowl... I highly doubt we'll have a huge lead to nurse so this will probably be a moot point. At first glace at Rodgers and the way he can get the ball out of his hands quickly and also run with it.... You would think one strategy is just assume that the Stillers can not have sustained success with regular 4-5 man rushes and try and end plays early with blitzes and misdirection as much as they can.

[Ed Burns Profile]

I'm saying that if the Stillers jump out to a big lead on the Packers, it could happen, I don't want to see them pull up early this time around. Yes I worded it like they will... In all probability, it might not happen like that, but there's always that chance.

Even if the Stillers D was tired in that 2nd Half, they still stuffed the Jets on the Goal line. I don't think they were all that limited in what they could do if they were tired from a playcalling standpoint. I think they were just playing it safe, and not trying to give up the big play. Tired, or not, if they blitzed a few more times in that second half, I believe they would have had the same results as what happened in the 1st Half. They would have hit Sanchez, and maybe forced another turnover, or 2. It's a moot point now.

As for Rodgers, he's prone to mistakes the more he gets hit. I'd say the Stillers need to hit him early, and often, and make him more scattershot as the game goes on. They do need to adjust a bit, and contain him in the pocket. I re-watched last Seasons' game, and Rodgers broke contain at least 7 times. He hit passes of more than 20 yards quite a few times. I think Troy will affect that some this time around, since he didn't play in that game last season. Rodgers is also prone to throwing picks from time to time.

[SteelBeach Profile]

I used to enjoy this site as a place to get follow some good ol' fashioned dialogue. Nice job, ruining a good thing, Mill.

Go Hines Ward!