Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Prediction...
If it's close, we lose. If we grind this one on the ground, we win.
I pick Steelers 24-10
I pick Steelers 24-10
Can I get a ... first down?
Maybe now we can!
... Thanks to Isaac "Redzone" Redman, who was just activated to our 53-man roster.
The Post-Gazette confirmed Parker is out for Sunday night's game. So that's wonderful to see Redman come in.
It's very rare that a nation of fans get to grumble and moan and hypothesize on what "could have been" if only the coach had...
Well, finally after 3 weeks of an atrocious running game that couldn't get a first down in the short-yardage department, we will see if the Fans had it right all along. We've all been screaming for Redman to be signed on the team, but there wasn't enough room on the roster for him.
The coaches made room by releasing DE Nick Eason. We will see how that plays out.
I've always thought that even if we signed Redman and the only thing he does is convert third-and-short, or even fourth-and-goal at the 1-foot line, who knows what kind of demoralization damage we can impose on other teams. Who knows how many drives might end in TDs instead of field goals.
Now we will find out.
Personally, I'm really excited about this.
Either the coaches have been listening to the fans... or the coaches are seeing the same thing we've been seeing. Now, if only we had a TRUE full back.
... Thanks to Isaac "Redzone" Redman, who was just activated to our 53-man roster.
The Post-Gazette confirmed Parker is out for Sunday night's game. So that's wonderful to see Redman come in.
It's very rare that a nation of fans get to grumble and moan and hypothesize on what "could have been" if only the coach had...
Well, finally after 3 weeks of an atrocious running game that couldn't get a first down in the short-yardage department, we will see if the Fans had it right all along. We've all been screaming for Redman to be signed on the team, but there wasn't enough room on the roster for him.
The coaches made room by releasing DE Nick Eason. We will see how that plays out.
I've always thought that even if we signed Redman and the only thing he does is convert third-and-short, or even fourth-and-goal at the 1-foot line, who knows what kind of demoralization damage we can impose on other teams. Who knows how many drives might end in TDs instead of field goals.
Now we will find out.
Personally, I'm really excited about this.
Either the coaches have been listening to the fans... or the coaches are seeing the same thing we've been seeing. Now, if only we had a TRUE full back.
Can we Mend this team back together?
I don't believe in singling out a single player and looking to him solely as the key to winning a game, but I do believe that this coming game between the Steelers and the Chargers we should all look to one player to see which direction this team is heading.
This game is the perfect opportunity for Rashard Mendenhall. The stars just might be aligning for this guy. First of all, Willie Parker may be out with a Turf Toe, therefore Mendenhall will be our starter. Yes, I actually would rather give the ball to Mewelde Moore (he's consistent, reliable and good in space), but we drafted Mendy in the first round for a reason.
Second of all, the Chargers' defense is allowing an atrocious 142 rushing yards per game at a pace of 4.5 yards per carry.
Third, it is redemption time for Mendenhall after being benched last week against the Bengals for not being up on his playbook. It shows that Rashard simply hasn't set his mind on the game. I'm not sure what's wrong with the kid. I believe he made a terrible decision last year after his injury to not stick around the team during practice. Instead, he chose to take that time off to work on his Michael Jackson dance moves (In case you don't know what I'm talking about, go here). He could have used all that time off to familiarize himself with the playbook, ask questions and create a bond with his teammates. His decision to take that time away from the game was childish.
Now it's time to grow up.
With this game.
Why this game? Because this is the game we will need him the most. Our running back situation is depleted, and we face the fourth consecutive team with a QB who knows how to hit the right targets against our Defesnse. You think Philip Rivers hasn't been watching our fourth quarter performances? To keep the ball away from him... run the pig.
In 2007, under Tomlin's first year, we faced three different teams who were at the time ranked LAST in rushing defense when we played against them... and we weren't able to control the game using our running game in at least two (Broncos and NY Jets) -- resulting in losses.
Right now we face a team that's ranked 26th in that category, and if we don't get our running game going now, we likely never will.
Rashard can help us even out the score and step up to 2-2. If we don't control the running game, I guarantee we fall to 1-3.
Running the ball means doing it through all four quarters. Especially in the fourth when it counts the most.
If Rashard can match the rushing average the Chargers have been giving out so far, we will control the clock, keep the ball and avoid another fourth quarter debacle.
This game is the perfect opportunity for Rashard Mendenhall. The stars just might be aligning for this guy. First of all, Willie Parker may be out with a Turf Toe, therefore Mendenhall will be our starter. Yes, I actually would rather give the ball to Mewelde Moore (he's consistent, reliable and good in space), but we drafted Mendy in the first round for a reason.
Second of all, the Chargers' defense is allowing an atrocious 142 rushing yards per game at a pace of 4.5 yards per carry.
Third, it is redemption time for Mendenhall after being benched last week against the Bengals for not being up on his playbook. It shows that Rashard simply hasn't set his mind on the game. I'm not sure what's wrong with the kid. I believe he made a terrible decision last year after his injury to not stick around the team during practice. Instead, he chose to take that time off to work on his Michael Jackson dance moves (In case you don't know what I'm talking about, go here). He could have used all that time off to familiarize himself with the playbook, ask questions and create a bond with his teammates. His decision to take that time away from the game was childish.
Now it's time to grow up.
With this game.
Why this game? Because this is the game we will need him the most. Our running back situation is depleted, and we face the fourth consecutive team with a QB who knows how to hit the right targets against our Defesnse. You think Philip Rivers hasn't been watching our fourth quarter performances? To keep the ball away from him... run the pig.
In 2007, under Tomlin's first year, we faced three different teams who were at the time ranked LAST in rushing defense when we played against them... and we weren't able to control the game using our running game in at least two (Broncos and NY Jets) -- resulting in losses.
Right now we face a team that's ranked 26th in that category, and if we don't get our running game going now, we likely never will.
Rashard can help us even out the score and step up to 2-2. If we don't control the running game, I guarantee we fall to 1-3.
Running the ball means doing it through all four quarters. Especially in the fourth when it counts the most.
If Rashard can match the rushing average the Chargers have been giving out so far, we will control the clock, keep the ball and avoid another fourth quarter debacle.
Friday, October 2, 2009
ESPN High School Player of the Week
Not sure how Jordan Maddox, running back for Keystone Oaks, is third in voting for the ESPN High School Player of the Week right now with only 14% of the votes, but his stats are by far the most impressive compared to the other chumps.
I think this voting has become a beauty contest, not a contest of talent. The guy with the most friends wins. What's more impressive, completing 9 out of your 15 passes, or rushing for 172 yards and scoring FOUR touchdowns? Plus, Maddox played defense and led the team in tackles and had a pair of sacks int he same game.
I think this voting has become a beauty contest, not a contest of talent. The guy with the most friends wins. What's more impressive, completing 9 out of your 15 passes, or rushing for 172 yards and scoring FOUR touchdowns? Plus, Maddox played defense and led the team in tackles and had a pair of sacks int he same game.
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