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Leave YOUR Writing on the Wall! Sound off on our message board with your postgame critiques, analysis, ranting and raving about the last game as well as your predictions, smak, & insults about our upcoming opponent. Whether your message is a simple "Go Steelers" or detailed, in-depth analysis, tell us what you think!
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Steelers vs Ravens
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Fan Poll |  |
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Who deserves the game ball for the Ravens blowout?
• Tommy Maddox
• Hines Ward
• Kendrell Bell
• Plaxico Burress
• Aaron Smith
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Scoring Summary
First Quarter
PIT - FG, Jeff Reed 29 Yd.
PIT - FG, Jeff Reed 29 Yd.
Second Quarter
PIT - TD, Hines Ward, 4 Yd pass from Tommy Maddox (kick is good).
Third Quarter
PIT - TD, Jay Riemersma, 20 Yd pass from Tommy Maddox (kick is good).
PIT - TD, Hines Ward, 28 Yd pass from Tommy Maddox (kick is good).
BAL - TD, Jamal Lewis, 14 Yd run (kick is good).
Fourth Quarter
PIT - TD, Amos Zereoue, 8 Yd run (kick is good).
BAL - TD, Travis Taylor, 5 Yd pass from Kyle Boller (Kyle Boller pass to Todd Heap for 2 Pt. Conversion).
Key Stats & Facts
• Maddox' QB rating 134.3! Anyone out there still worried that Tommy was a one-hit wonder? Maddox was flawless, completing 72% of his passes (21 of 29) for 260 yards and 3 TDs with 0 Ints. One can only wonder what might've been had 3 of his passes not been batted down at the line. Helluva game!
• Burress & Ward: 15 catches for 207 yards & 2 TDs! Plex & Hines are somply unstoppable! Throw Randle El and Riemersma in the mix and it's almost not fair. Bradshaw's passing records will be shattered this year.
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Steelers Offensive Leaders | |
PASSING |
ATT |
CMP |
YDS |
TD |
INT | |
T. Maddox |
29 |
21 |
260 |
3 |
0 |
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RUSHING |
ATT |
YDS |
TD |
LG |
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A. Zereoue |
15 |
56 |
1 |
12 |
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V. Haynes |
11 |
18 |
0 |
7 |
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RECEIVING |
REC |
YDS |
TD |
LG |
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P. Burress |
6 |
116 |
0 |
47 |
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H. Ward |
9 |
91 |
2 |
28 |
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Riemersma |
2 |
29 |
1 |
20 |
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Ravens Offensive Leaders | |
PASSING |
ATT |
CMP |
YDS |
TD |
INT | |
K. Boller |
43 |
22 |
152 |
1 |
1 |
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RUSHING |
ATT |
YDS |
TD |
LG |
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J. Lewis |
15 |
69 |
1 |
14 |
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K. Boller |
5 |
14 |
0 |
4 |
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RECEIVING |
REC |
YDS |
TD |
LG |
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T. Heap |
6 |
55 |
0 |
12 |
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T. Taylor |
5 |
33 |
1 |
9 |
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T. Jones |
3 |
21 |
0 |
8 |
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Key Defensive Players | |
DEFENSE |
T-A |
SCK |
INT |
FF |
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K. Bell |
1-1 |
0.0 |
1 |
1 |
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J. Farrior |
7-7 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
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D. Washington |
7-0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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C. Haggans |
6-4 |
1.0 |
0 |
1 |
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M. Logan |
6-3 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
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Key Defensive Players | |
DEFENSE |
T-A |
SCK |
INT |
FF |
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E. Reed |
7-3 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
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E. Hartwell |
6-4 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
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R. Lewis |
4-5 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
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P. Boulware |
2-3 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
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T. Suggs |
1-0 |
1.0 |
0 |
0 |
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Surgical Strike
As we predicted, Tommy Maddox and the Steelers had total air supremacy over the skies in Pittsburgh.
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Like Taking Crack from a Crack Baby
Steelers Victimize Raisins... AGAIN.
Article by McMillen & Wife
'Ya know, I'm not sure which I find more amusing... the way smak-talking Crack-a-more fans flock to our message board before the game, or the way they mysteriously vanish without a trace after the game.
I guess the needle doesn't fall far from the junkie. Like their strung-out fans, the Baltimore Ravens (and in particular, Ray Lewis) talk a far better game than they play.
Conclusion #1: Ray Lewis is the most overrated player in football.
I popped in my game tape this morning and did a "Huggy Bear Watch," spying Ray Lewis on each and every Ravens defensive play, and guess what I saw? NOTHING. In fact, not only did Lewis serve as Alan Faneca's own personal tackling dummy, he was more of a liability than an asset. Huggy Bear spent most of the afternoon whiffing tackles, getting called for defensive holding, and routinely making a spectacle of himself by flopping on top of the pile after the play was already over.
Conclusion #2: Haggans should replace Gildon when Porter returns.
Speaking of overrated linebackers, I couldn't help but wonder about Jason Gildon's fate as I watched the game Sunday. Look, I'm not one of those Gildon bashers by any means. But when you compare Jason's relatively unproductive performance (he did have a fumble recovery) to what Clark Haggans did in relief of Joey Porter (10 tackles/assists, a sack and forced a fumble), it seems obvious that the salary friendly Haggans deserves more playing time and the cap cruncher Gildon deserves less.
Also impressive on defense were ILB James Farrior, who clearly has a much better grasp of our system with a year under his belt, and DE Aaron Smith, who showed the disruptiveness he displayed throughout the '01 season (which prompted the Steelers to give him a fat contract heading into '02). Nice to see Kendrell Bell (who was my defensive player of the game) back in there wreaking havoc as well (1 INT, 1 forced fumble). Once Porter comes back, there can be little doubt that the Steelers have the best linebacking corps in the NFL.
Conclusion #3: In spite of improved tackling, our secondary still looks spotty at best.
The secondary was a mixed bag. Certainly, Kyle Boller didn't give us much of a test. DeWayne Washington showed flashes of brilliance and made several HUGE tackles, including an open field tackle of Jamal Lewis (I think) on a key 3rd down play that prevented a first and what would've surely been a 25-yard gain had DeWayne missed. And while Washington was called for back-to-back interference calls late in the 3rd quarter, I though his overall performance was quite good. The other side of the coin was Chad Scott who displayed the same lack of coverage skills/playmaking ability he displayed in the preseason. Scott dropped a gift interception early in the game, was flagged for interference and seemed out of position frequently. On the brighter side, our safeties -- Mike Logan and Brent Alexander -- played well. But let's be honest, here... they weren't exactly pushed to the limit by Boller.
Conclusion #4: Maddox, Burress and Ward are gonna shatter some records.
What can I say about the passing game other than "WOW!"? Tommy Maddox was utterly superb, and Burress & Ward (who carved up Baltimore's "special" secondary exactly as we predicted) picked up right where they left off last season. Burress is simply unstoppable. Ward continues to be totally clutch and you can't help but love the way he intimidates opposing DBs. It's always a joy to watch him work McAllister's & Fuller's panties into a bunch. Riemersma proved to be every bit of the receiving threat we'd hoped for, snagging 2 passes -- 1 to covert a 3rd down, and one for an easy 20-yard TD. And while his run blocking leaves a bit to be desired, his playmaking ability more than makes up for it.
Conclusion #5: Lot's 'O work to do on our running game.
Speaking of blocking, while our pass protection was quite excellent on the whole, our running game still seems pretty darn shaky. LG Alan Faneca was All-World Sunday... he absolutely OWNED Ray Lewis. C Jeff Hartings was solid, and LT Marvel Smith (who had a dismal preseason) went remarkably unnoticed, which is a good thing for an O-lineman. But breakdowns elsewhere led to a pretty lackluster running performance.
New RT Todd Fordham often looked lost and was badly beaten several times. RG Kendall Simmons whiffed several blocks and seemed to be wandering around aimlessly at times. Even the usually dependable FB Dan Kreider seemed a bit out of sync. Hopefully a little time will help iron out some of our O-line problems.
Amos looked a bit too hesitant to me even when the line did manage to opening things up. Bettis looked a lot better at just hitting the holes, and in my opinion, he's still our best RB. But the Bus injured his groin again and Verron Haynes, while a solid backup (to the backup), is not Jerome Bettis.
The bottom line: Bill Cowher had this team ready to play!
No slow start this year, folks. Aside from a few burps, the game plan was good, the preparation was good, and the execution was good in all phases of the game. Give Coach Cowher a pat on the back for this one, too.
Next up: the Kansas City "Chefs." Stay tuned for our pregame predictions, bruthas & sistas!
Tim McMillen
Webmaster, McMillen & Wife
Mac & Wife is Hosted and Sponsored by Pittsburgh's Finest!
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Fan Smak & Analysis
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The following articles are listed in the order they were received (with the most recent entries at the BOTTOM). This isn't a "guestbook" format... I read and manually insert every message, so you may not see your submission show up immediately. Thanks a million for your comments, people!
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Author: WYOSTEELER
Comment: Huggy Bear!
"Huggy Bear Watch!"
Good one Tim! That is too funny!
Good post game analysis.
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Author: mcmillenandwife
Comment: Re: Huggy Bear!
Gotta give credit for the "Huggy Bear" moniker to Tommy Coleman. I wasn't allowed to watch Starsky & Hutch.
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Author: Tommy Coleman
Comment: Huggy's Best Girl
I thought Art Modellingus was Huggy Bear?
Hmmm...that would make Ray Ray...
Yeah...
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Author: McSteelerfan
Comment: Re: Huggy - con
Gotta tell you, after all the media's hype "Ray Lewis is the best defensive player in the NFL"... please... I was a touch concerned, but your analysis of Lewis is right on the money.
He was a non-entity, for the most part... and piling on after the tackle, that's a punk trick... but he'll probably be given some stat-padding, 'cause, after all... he's Ray Lewis.
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Author: mcmillenandwife
Comment: Re: Speaking of overrated...
Here's the part I really wanna hear some comments on, guys:
Quote:
Conclusion #2: Haggans should replace Gildon when Porter returns.
Speaking of overrated linebackers, I couldn't help but wonder about Jason Gildon's fate as I watched the game Sunday. Look, I'm not one of those Gildon bashers by any means. But when you compare Jason's relatively unproductive performance (he did have a fumble recovery) to what Clark Haggans did in relief of Joey Porter (10 tackles/assists, a sack and forced a fumble), it seems obvious that the salary friendly Haggans deserves more playing time and the cap cruncher Gildon deserves less.
So whadaya think? Bell and Farrior inside with Porter and Haggans (instead of Gildon) on the outside? I really think Haggans oughta get a shot at starting. He's been playing too well to warm the bench, and Gildon will almost certainly be a cap casualty after the season.
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Author: Tommy Coleman
Comment: re: I really wanna hear some comments
It is too early for me to draw that conclusion Tim. "Deserves"...ahhh I can't agree based on one game.
I know that Gildon draws a lot of double teams. Didn't really key in on that aspect last week. I'll watch that this week.
Haggans is a good player now and should be the Starter when either one of the others leaves or gets hurt.
He (Clark Haggans) is a starter right now and played great!
Last season he had a great first half of the season then fell off the map, so to speak. A lot of things can contribute to that. Such as: other teams game planning against you, double teams etc. but, I got the idea that the coaching staff wasn't happy with the drop in his production.
Personally the player last week that caught my eye and T3s as well, was Aaron Smith. His stats don't even come close to showing what you correctly call a "disruptive force".
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Author: Representing LA Style
Comment: Re: Jason Gildon
I totally agree with you on this one Tim. Ever since Jason Gildon signed that fat contract his play has suffered. Keep on dreaming though. That will never happen. The Steelers are not going to pay this guy 5-6 million to sit on the bench. I hope I'm wrong.
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Author: Edgar
Comment: How sweet ...you missed me
Without a trace? Allow me to refer you to my monday post------in plain view---stop the lying poodle head.
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Author: baday12345
Comment: Re: Speaking of overrated...
clearly gildon is overpaid. i hated his now contract from
day 1. ouch. i didnt watch the tape on gildon, wasnt
he doubled all day since porter was out?
i don't thing haggans can simply replace gildon because of
a left olb right olb thing. so it would require a
shift of other lbs to make it happen once porter gets back.
i guess he could learn to make the switch? secondly hes not tough/big enough to play buck and probably not wise enough to play mike. he played well sunday, i knew they would run a lot of action his way (kc will test him too).
i'd like to watch haggans for a few weeks before passing judgement. he did fade out last year for some unknown reason.
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Author: mcmillenandwife
Comment: Re: Edgar
Edgar actually said this with a straight face:
Ok dude, hows this? Sept. 7 will be a win for the Ravens.I know the Steelers are better on paper, I just have a hunch. Oh, and I think we know what will happen,should lardass get out of his own way long enough for Lewis to hit him. Bye,Bye Bus. Arent you tired of waiting. 24 years and counting. Another prediction; with that o-line, Turkey neck Tommy will be slow getting up more than a few times. This Ravens team is fast Steeler fans---Ask Mike Vick.
Just a bit off the mark with your prediction, ace.
BTW, did Ray Lewis actually hit anyone all afternoon? Was he even at the game? I couldn't tell...
Not to get all subliminal on you, Edgar, but while I truly appreciate your heartfelt concern for Turkey Neck Tommy's well being (offensive player of the week), I think he did "okay" (top rated passer in the league) against your fast (three EASY touchdown passes) Michael Vick-killing defense. Did I mention that Tommy (21 of 29 for 260 yards)was the NFL's offensive player of the week?
Keep those predictions coming, Edgar. Golly, if only I'd had the good sense to listen to you before I made MY pregame predictions.
No wonder you prefer to talk about anything but football... />
P.S. -- FIVE IN A ROW AND COUNTING...
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Author: mcmillenandwife
Comment: Re: baday on Gildon/Haggans
Quote:
i didnt watch the tape on gildon, wasnt he doubled all day since porter was out?
Actually, no, he was only occasionally double-teamed. Jason pressured the QB just once that I can recall, and that was only because Boller was coming out of playaction and rolled right into Gildon's path.
Quote:
i don't thing haggans can simply replace gildon because of a left olb right olb thing. so it would require a shift of other lbs to make it happen once porter gets back. i guess he could learn to make the switch?
Well, I could be wrong, but I'm "pretty sure" Haggans is officially listed on the depth chart as Gildon's back-up, not Porter's. That would seem to indicate that switching sides is not a problem for him.
Quote:
i'd like to watch haggans for a few weeks before passing judgement. he did fade out last year for some unknown reason.
When did he fade? I don't recall that at all. Seems like he played fairly well whenever he got the chance. He also played very well in preseason.
Perhaps I'm being a bit hasty in sitting Gildon on the bench. But my brutha, when I see a player who's currently doing a better job for a fraction of the price, that's something I wanna investigate a little further, know what I mean?
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Author: mcmillenandwife
Comment: Re: LA Style
Quote:
I totally agree with you on this one Tim. Ever since Jason Gildon signed that fat contract his play has suffered. Keep on dreaming though. That will never happen. The Steelers are not going to pay this guy 5-6 million to sit on the bench. I hope I'm wrong.
Kinda fun being in agreement with you for a change, Style.
As for it "never happening," there I have to disagree. The Steelers have CLEARLY entered a new era.
Ask Mark Bruener. Ask Jerome Bettis.
If that doesn't convince you, ask Kordell Stewart.
Mark my words, if Haggans continues to produce and Gildon continues to under-perform, Cowher will make the change.
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Author: Your name here
Comment: Coming soon
Send us your comments!
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