View topic - New Article: Stillers-Jackers Postgame Analysis & Grades

[StillMill Profile]

http://www.stillers.com/articles/2633.aspx has been posted by Still Mill at Stillers.com.

[stillcello Profile]

I agree with you that is was 'a nice season' and let's not lose sight of that. Yes, we blew our chances last night and there is plenty of blame to go around.

As usual, I tend to place a bit more relative blame on players vs. coaches compared to you Mill, but I'm not in total disagreement... and to be honest, from what I saw last night, I don't think *anyone* besides Ike could cover Nelson/Jones, etc., so I don't think it mattered.

I also tend to give the other teams a little more credit (not saying you're wrong), for example that 3 and 10 play late in the game.... Rodgers threw a perfect pass and Ike *just* missed tipping it... I mean, I think I remember it being very very close... so in my view the scheme on that play is not as unforgivable as it took a perfect play to get the first down.

In that situation, I don't fault the coaches for a bad scheme necessarily. But overall, I would have like to have seen more blitz attempts of different kinds as Rodgers was just too hot to assume he would not throw very accurate passes.

I'll write up more later.

Thanks for your contributions

[PGHeaven Profile]

The final postgame by Mill is right on. As usual, with comic relief and a healthy dose of wry wit and humor (if a person can find any humor in such a pathetic display) Stillcello, I also am not totally bitter about the season, but you are wrong and Still Mill is right

I am not bitter becuase I really feel lady luck was on our side to even BE at the Super bowl, as I gfeel that we were not a super bowl caliber team this year. So we were playing with the houses money. Get it?

How in hell we made it as far as we did with this shitty defense we played all year is truly a headscratcher. Mill warned us through most of the second half of the season what was going on. We all knew that Gay is Gay and that Pola had flamed out early on. Mill warned us that Dick was grasping at straws when he did things like empty entire zones on foolish blitzes that everyone and their grandma could diagnose and last night was no different. Rodgers merely executed upon what game films showed him; that our secondary sucks and that our pass rush was mediocre and that LeBeau does not TRULY adapt to situations.

Mill also pointed out that Big Lamar is just average when it comes to pass rush. Last night I watched him titty joust all game long and in true Gildonesque manner, get ridden around the Cape of Good Hope on many pass AND RUNNING PLAYS!

Dick Lebeau can now retire. Bring in a fresh mind that is able to grasp strategy in REAL TIME!


Good Job Mill

[Pommah Profile]

This goes down like SB 30, another game that we should have won, even though the pundits had us as underdog. Time and time againe we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Managment decision time.

Throw a big retirement party for Dick. Great guy, by all accounts. Unfortunately coaching pro football is for fire-in-the belly types, who could give a shit if the players "love" them or not. They earn respect from the players by winning.

Tell Bruce, it's time to seek out that Head Coaching job. What? No callers? After two trips to the SB? How many coordinators that go to the SB don't get HC offers? Like say, Fat Charlie Weis? Jim Caldwell? Not our fault, Bruce. I'm sure there's an NCAA Dv III team where you can find a home.

I guess then the DC job goes to Butler. For OC I'd take a long hard look at Kugler. That guy made the proverbial silk purse out of a pig's ear of an offensive line this year.

[stillcello Profile]

The final postgame by Mill is right on. As usual, with comic relief and a healthy dose of wry wit and humor (if a person can find any humor in such a pathetic display) Stillcello, I also am not totally bitter about the season, but you are wrong and Still Mill is right

I am not bitter becuase I really feel lady luck was on our side to even BE at the Super bowl, as I gfeel that we were not a super bowl caliber team this year. So we were playing with the houses money. Get it?

How in hell we made it as far as we did with this shitty defense we played all year is truly a headscratcher. Mill warned us through most of the second half of the season what was going on. We all knew that Gay is Gay and that Pola had flamed out early on. Mill warned us that Dick was grasping at straws when he did things like empty entire zones on foolish blitzes that everyone and their grandma could diagnose and last night was no different. Rodgers merely executed upon what game films showed him; that our secondary sucks and that our pass rush was mediocre and that LeBeau does not TRULY adapt to situations.

Mill also pointed out that Big Lamar is just average when it comes to pass rush. Last night I watched him titty joust all game long and in true Gildonesque manner, get ridden around the Cape of Good Hope on many pass AND RUNNING PLAYS!

Dick Lebeau can now retire. Bring in a fresh mind that is able to grasp strategy in REAL TIME!


Good Job Mill

I understand all the "warnings" given on this site, however warning about something that ends up happening does *not* prove that an alternative strategy would have provided a better result or outcome! The only thing that is proven by a warning is the warning was given.

*Everyone* was saying that the Packers would move down to their 3rd and 4th WR and try and exploit the *obvious* weaknesses of the Stillers,....which is their DBs.... there were a ton of analysis and articles about it. So why are we to assume that there was a damn thing we could do about it?? Just because the Steelers failed does not mean that a solution was left on the table. Maybe we just don't have enough defensive talent to counter a well-executed strategy from an offense playing at a high level. I say maybe because in fairness, I don't know for sure.... and perhaps more importantly, neither do you.

Of course the counter argument to my rationale is that you can always justify anything with coaches in this manner, ...Mill has made this point... and I do agree that you can take this to too much of an extreme and explain away too much if so inclined..

So what does it take to justify replacing a coach? Well, I'm sure the owners, and Tomlin, and others have their bases for such decisions and I'm sure they involved more than what is discussed on fan websites. I'm sure their threshold is higher than many on this site also ; )

Questioning schemes or scheming decisions is inherently harder to judge then player performance and therefore I feel a bit more confident saying things like "McFadden has poor coverage skills" vs. "LeBeau should be fired". To be honest, maybe he should be fired and maybe a fresh mind would outperform him.....maybe.....

I will say one thing that I feel confident about... if the Steelers *players* executed as well as the Packers did last night, we win that game and whatever coaching staff we happened to have this year, as a combination, it would have been good enough to beat all other teams. Conversely, I'm not quite as confident in saying that if the coaches coached a 'perfect game' (whatever that is), that we would have won last night, but admittedly this is harder to analyze/ascertain.

Does that mean you don't consider firing a coach? No, but it does mean, to me, that the coaches at least helped put them in a spot to possibly win it all this year and they could not quite play on the same level as their opponent.

PS, to address Mills comment about Troy... I'm pretty sure he was hurt as I have read several reports that he was limping around mid-game, at times.... perhaps like Mill says, he should not have played at all.

[PGHeaven Profile]

I hear you cello and I am going to modify my comment. If you can not find a damned good DC then you stick with Dick.

But hear this. Win Lose or draw Still Mills analysis and conclusions regarding our defense remain spot on and serve as the template for improvement. Improvement (or replacemnt) in players positions and strategy. We can not continue on as if all is hunky dory - defensively. I think Arians this year has responded to criticism and did show improvement. LeBeau did not. The offense was decimated with injuries. the defense (except for Aaron Smith) was not

The defense is shot with holes and this started in the AZ super bowl. Last night the adjustment was to hit Nelson within 5 yards of the line. We did not do this which shows Dick had a mental lapse. NOT ACCEPTABLE

I am not going to labor under the infinite what if scenarios. Keep it simple. Our defense has a major problem. Case closed

[stillcello Profile]

I hear you cello and I am going to modify my comment. If you can not find a damned good DC then you stick with Dick.

But hear this. Win Lose or draw Still Mills analysis and conclusions regarding our defense remain spot on and serve as the template for improvement. Improvement (or replacemnt) in players positions and strategy. We can not continue on as if all is hunky dory - defensively. I think Arians this year has responded to criticism and did show improvement. LeBeau did not. The offense was decimated with injuries. the defense (except for Aaron Smith) was not

The defense is shot with holes and this started in the AZ super bowl. Last night the adjustment was to hit Nelson within 5 yards of the line. We did not do this which shows Dick had a mental lapse. NOT ACCEPTABLE

I am not going to labor under the infinite what if scenarios. Keep it simple. Our defense has a major problem. Case closed

I agree that our defense need improvement and that we have a glaring weakness in specific positions. I also enjoy Mills breakdowns and analysis and that he provides excellent reports on what was done well and not done well. However, the suggestions for how to improve exactly are more difficult to analyze and predict, not just for Mill but for all analysts, and frankly, sometimes I feel that suggestion solutions are a bit simplistic, however that cannot be proven nor dis-proven ; )

Bottom line is that I hope we spent a high draft pick on a defensive back and also see what Worlds can do as well. As for new DC... you know that's not going to happen unless Dick retires.... I mean lets be honest here.... I'm not say it's the best move, but if we are to deal with reality, why bitch and moan about something that has almost zero chance of happening?

[PGHeaven Profile]

Yep, I agree. Dick will probably go to work this winter on his strategy and hopefully we pick up an awesome CB or safety in the draft. Would like to see Worilds come alive next year.

The proven disproven thing is like the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle - not germain to our discussion

[stillcello Profile]

Yep, I agree. Dick will probably go to work this winter on his strategy and hopefully we pick up an awesome CB or safety in the draft. Would like to see Worilds come alive next year.

The proven disproven thing is like the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle - not germain to our discussion

I had been a while since we used a 1st day pick on a CB, yes? Perhaps 2011 is the time. Will they keep Woodley? I think they have to pay the big $$$ for Ike at this point.

Sorry it just rubs me the wrong way when people speak with such 'certainty' about this stuff when I just feel it's very difficult to do so for many reasons. We are just fans and while I would love to see how someone's 'alternative game plans' (including my own at times!) would fare in the real world, the sad truth is that most of the time we really don't get to see that so we don't know how valid that 'alternative' would have been.

I do think we should acknowledge that second-guessing or criticizing coaches by fans seems to be one of the favorite activities by all teams' fans (you should hear the radio stations here in NY!!) ... even when teams get far in the playoffs, etc...

Jet fans were complaining heavily about both coordinators after the Steelers/Jet game and I wonder if Pats fans want Belichick to take a hike at this point as well.

I think a new DC would be interesting to see if they could take what works with Lebeau's system and find new ways to improve it if possible. I just hope they would not choose someone worse of course.

[pinpon Profile]

I want to thank you Still Mill for the work you do and the analysis. I always enjoy reading it during my lunch hour at work on Monday to help break up the crappy feeling of a Monday work week. I always have a few laughs. I appreciate all you do, so thanks again.

Personally, I hate to say it, but that's probably the end of our run. The defense is aging and they are very few up and comers on that side of the ball. Harrison is still a good player as is Ike. Both are long in the tooth. At some point they have to cut bait with some of these guys like: Farrior, Hampton, McFadden, Aaron Smith, Foote, etc.
The offense has more youth, but the offensive line needs an influx of young talent.

[zapunto Profile]

Not to repeat what has already been said, but this Super Bowl left me with two thoughts.

• Suprisingly not covered in Mill's writeup (the play itself made me think of Mill) was the 38-yard catch and run by Jordy Nelson on 3rd and 10. Yes, Farrior whiffed on a tackle that allowed Nelson to gain mad RAC yardage. But damn, a double corner blitz off of Rodgers' frontside? What are you thinking, Dick? Unlike the brilliant backside corner blitz that Mark Sanchez never saw coming in the Jet game, this struck me as asinine. Worse yet, they showed blitz way too early, and Fox had great footage of Jordy knowing he was the hot read on the play. He breaks off his route, gets the easy first down, and more. Packers score after that to go up 28-17. Dagger.
  
  
• If William Gay plays anything but special teams next year, I can't watch anymore. Personally, I like the guy. I'm sure he plays hard and tries hard. At 5'9", he's physically a mismatch for taller, bigger receivers, and nothing LeBeau can scheme hides this. William Gay man-to-man on 6'6" Rob Gronkowski in the Pats game? Seam route, easy TD. The first TD I called from my couch, with Gay on 6"3" Jordy Nelson. I understand there is no such thing as tall, physical NICKELbacks in the NFL -- these guys tend to get starting roles. But can't we at least try to find a replacement? It's year 4. He isn't getting younger, he isn't getting better. It's time to move on. And if Anthony Madison is the next man off the bench, en lieu of Crezdon or Keenan Lewis, then we've got bigger depth issues on our hands.

[jaybaileys Profile]

Definitely disappointing loss. But lets face it, Green Bay played better. They didn't throw a pick into double coverage, or fumble at the 40. We did, and the defense was two steps behind them all night. I heard a quote from Ryan Clark, he said on the 2nd td he knew the play he just couldnt get there in time. What are you kidding, so youre smart enough to know the play but you couldnt make it? Sad. This entire draft should be defense and maybe a real fullback. Since Johnson doesn't catch many passes anyway atleast get a guy who can block solidly all the time. But we need corners, a replacement for Farrior, and youth on the D line. Oh and hopefully big Lamar is outta here. How many Pittsburgh media said he was their sleeper for MVP before the game, what a joke. C ya bye Woodie! Great season with a swiss cheese o-line. Huge strides by young receivers, and Mendy will only get better. IF we can sign Ike and draft a good corner cause we'd never do anything crazy like sign Namdi Ashmouga, and let somebody who can actually play ILB and not get burned every other play we will be just fine. Plus we sent the Ratbirds packing again which was awesome. Great season all things considered. Bad taste after last night though.

[KYSteelersFan Profile]

I for one dont think Dick is going anywhere, the Rooneys are not going to fire a hall of famer who had the team finish with the defensive rankings this team did. So what they need to do is fix the shortcomings and that is essentially the secondary you guys have so rightly pointed out.

But we also have bigger problems on the horizon, many of these guys on the defense are getting some age on them and it is going to be difficult to replace all the positions without suffering through some down years. Unless we pull off some miracle drafts and yes I know the organization has done it before and is more than capable of doing it again times are going to be tough. It may not be next year but its coming.

[StillDodger Profile]

The difference in this game was the defensive secondary....... Even with the injuries, the disparity between GB's secondary and our secondary was disgusting. And IMO the difference of the game. It wouldn't have mattered who was the DC.

I think our DL and LBs became less effective because GB's receivers were always getting open. Their blitz pickups were exemplary. The only thing the Pack messed up was receivers dropping the football.

We need to load up on DBs and OL this draft....... We're also getting too many players long in the tooth.....

This was not a Super Bowl caliber team. As what someone else stated here, we played with house money. I think of that botched fumble call in Miami, the dropped winning TD by the Bills in Buffalo, and the Ravens choking away games, we were very fortunate to just MAKE the Super Bowl. (Many analysts picked us to finish THIRD in our division, behind Blatimore and the Bungles.) We finally ran into a team that was good enough to exploit the Stillers' fatal weaknesses.

But if we can get another Pouncey-caliber OL and some stud DBs in the draft or FA, this could potentially become a Super Bowl caliber team.

[StillMill Profile]

Good overal post, Dodger.

T We finally ran into a team that was good enough to exploit the Stillers' fatal weaknesses.

This is not quite true. The Pats EXPLOITED our weakness. Them, so did the Saints. Then, the Jets did, not only once, but TWICE with 2 unbelievable 2nd-half CARVE jobs.

Our weakness was our pass defense.....and the supreme almighty lord of defensive coaching, Dick LeBeau, did NOTHING to address or adjust. NOTHING. Fuk Dick LeBeau.

[LenSherwood Profile]

The amazing part of this game was how close the Steelers came to stealing it. And I do mean stealing it. When the Packers offense was throwing at will on you and the only thing stopping a lot of scoring drives was dropped balls, only losing by six and having a chance to drive down for a score with 1:59 is pretty miraculous.

Yes the secondary is the primary goat fuk of this game, but Benjie is second. If I am not mistaken, had he hit a wide open Wallace, Mendenhall doesn't get a chance to fumble. He was the confused and befuddled qb. His passes were too often off the mark. He had to be the difference to steal this game. And in that final drive, he wasn't up to it. That was a harmless clusterfuck.

Benjie needs to put in the work in the off season to refine his passing skills. It was documented after his legal troubles last year that he wasn't a particularly hard worker--it was said that he was the first off the field. He cannot get by solely on his athleticism anymore. Drew Brees is said to never leave the practice field. Benjie needs to make that his style too so that it keeps him away from his favorite extra curricular activities. It is time for him to take his God given talent to a higher level through work, studying film and preparation...

[UKBlackNGold Profile]

If we'd have just slung Sly over Nelson at the LOS, he wouldn't have even got into a pattern, he'd have been flat on his back . . .

When the chips are down you need to get clever, Dick didn't! If we lose Butler, just to satisfy Dick for one more year, we really need our heads testing!

Another season of Farrior/Bmac/Clark for 60 minutes really wants to make me vomit!

[rifraff Profile]

We need some upgrades on pass defenders, Gay, McFadden and Clark back there is too much to ask against elite QBs. On that 3rd & 10 in 4th with about 6mins left, didnt we just rush 3 on that +30 yd seamer?

[Tonydesal Profile]

Tuesday morning, and this still tastes like shit.

[AZ Steel Profile]

Mill, I’m really not sure why you (irrationally in my view) single out Dick LeBeau as THE main problem in every single game. Is he part of the reason why the Stillers lost the Super Bowl, absolutely. Is he the only or even primary reason we lost, no way. A couple observations about the ill-fated game:
1. Ben had a horrible game, one of the worst I’ve seen him play in a long time. He was just off. And throwing 2 interceptions, one a pick 6, is what LOSES games. You can’t expect the defense to bail you out on those all the time (which they did quite a bit this year by the way).
2. Mendy’s fumble was a backbreaker. Fumbles in the middle of successful, sustained drives changes momentum and LOSES games, especially in the 2nd half.
3. Our DBs, other than Ike are lousy. B-Mac is a shadow of his former self, Clark is way too slow, Gay is way too small and Troy (after an impressive year) was a no-show. I will concede that Troy was injured pretty badly though. Watching this game, it seemed like our DBs were just lost - slipping, falling, spinning around all over the place trying to figure out what the hell was going on. I think the players as well as the DB coach Ray Horton are just as much to blame for this as Dick.
4. Arians is a complete idiot. There were so many stupid calls or non-calls in this game it was sickening. Like you said, get Heath involved. Pass to RBs. Quick slants to WRs, for god’s sake. Enough with the stupid ass screens and why is Redman rotting on the f-ing bench? And you gave Bruce a “C”, really?!? The thing that pisses me off most about Bruce is that fact that he has to burn timeouts because he can’t get his shit together. Perhaps that is Ben too, I don’t know. But this is the SUPER BOWL! Why weren’t they ready for these situations?!?! And where was the urgency on that last drive. Why huddle and give the Packers defense time to regroup. Just sickening.

Honestly, I don’t think the Packers won this game, the Stillers just tried harder to lose it. Blame Dick if you want but there were a hell of a lot more problems with this game than just Dick and his defensive schemes.

I am hoping that for next year, we draft some badass, shut-down cornerbacks, let or force Farrior to retire, get rid of Woodley and rebuild our O-line. On those points and players, I definitely agree with you Mill.

I’m also hopeful that Ben has settled down and can start focusing on his job. Someone said it earlier in this post; he needs to become more disciplined in his preparation and approach to the game. This falls on Fichtner and Arians as well. This team shows a lot of promise and could be great even with Dick as its defensive coordinator no matter how much you hate him, for whatever reason.