Houston, WE have a problem! Game thoughts...

[Legacy User]

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...We have lift off!

1.) The win was nice, no doubt. And the flurry of activity was classic. That being said, what about the other 57 minutes where we could get nothing done againys one of the worst secondarys in the NFL?

2.) Ben is off. Even I'm victory, where he's statistically productive, something is just off, and I can't put my finger on it.

3.) Antonio Brown is the best WR in the league. Despite his physical "short" comings. That dude is good. Really, really good. The Tom Brady of WRs.

4.) Marty Bryant is more valuable to this offense right now, than is Markus Wheat-Thin.

5.) If you saw that one play, where McCullers walked a 300+ lb man literally 5 yards into the backfield, like he was on roller skates, then you think he should be the starter next Sunday.

6.) Lev Bell, is an unbelievably talented human being. Dumb as a stump, but talented. I honestly believe that dude could be a full time WR, and a good one.

7.) Is anyone else surprise how Brett Keisel & Troy Polamalu were the ones to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?

8.) I could swear I see the light flickering in Mike Mitchell's attic. That thing is trying to turn on. He's close.

9.) Cortez Allen is terrible. So, is Kelvin Beachum, and Ramone Foster, and Cam Thomas, and ....well, you have eyes.

10.) We could lose every other game with rookies. The fact that Tomlin insists on treating these kids like they have Ebola makes me hate him even more. Why is Cam Thomas more ready to execute our system, than is Daniel McCullers? Why is Lance Moore more ready than is Bryant? I swear that guy has not an iotas worth of common sense. He's a complete and total idiot...

[StillerInCT]

In regards to #2 I think it's a rhythm thing. I just don't think the offense has allowed him to get into a rhythm throwing to ALL parts of the field. I thought outside of a few passes he looked really. We have to continue to allow him to use the intermediate-deep middle of the field. He'll get it back as long as the O-Line can keep the pocket clean. And if they can't Ben can still be deadly.

Definitely agree with #5 and #6. McCullers should be our 1st and 2nd down nose tackle going forward. I saw all I needed to see to know he's better than Big Herp.

Le'Veon Bell is the most complete back in football. He plays much faster than his 40 time would indicate. I think he's the 2nd most talented skill player on the team. It's hard for me to put him above AB because of the things AB does. But Bell is such a fluid runner, has patience when needed but has a serious burst when he sees his opportunity. Add in that he can catch and this kid is dangerous. Plus he's not afraid to lower the shoulder for the extra couple of inches. I'm excited for him to keep improving.

[jebrick]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

[Legacy User]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

I'd rather lose with a guy with arrow up potential, than lose with a guy who's potential has been maximized to a ceiling of low level mediocrity. That's the point.

[stinger8]

Agree on everything except maybe this new Mcullers is dominant theme. I am not saying you said he dominated but I saw a meh performance, bu will acknowledge that it is a good first game and maybe he can develop where Thomas is just below the line. Cortez will continue to cost us games. He and Thomas are our two worst players and its not close. Allen is the antithesis of a blanket. Just awful, absolutely dreadful and get him off the field immediately. Let him watch for 3 games, seriously. Lastly I start Wallace ahead of Foster. He makes mistakes but is generally better than the fat, sloppy, oafish Foster.

[StillMadAtSlobber]

Le'Veon Bell is the most complete back in football. He plays much faster than his 40 time would indicate. I think he's the 2nd most talented skill player on the team. It's hard for me to put him above AB because of the things AB does. But Bell is such a fluid runner, has patience when needed but has a serious burst when he sees his opportunity. Add in that he can catch and this kid is dangerous. Plus he's not afraid to lower the shoulder for the extra couple of inches. I'm excited for him to keep improving.

Things you forgot to mention:

1) He doesn't have a patented spin move.
2) He shoulder isn't made out of glass.
3) He can can fake people out without spinning
4) He doesn't post neo-intellectual garbage about world events
5) He doesn't spin.

[Legacy User]

I pretty mucha gree with everything, with regards to #2, seemed like Ben was throwin off his backfoot a lot but things changed once he was aloud to throw deep, in the middle of the field to MB10, Ben stepped up in the pocket and stepped into that throw nicely...As for McCullers, I don't think anyone is saying he was dominant just that the kid was a lot fuckin better than Cam Thomas, better he walked the center 5 yds deep than Thomas being walked or pancaked on our side of the line of scrimmage.

I'll add another Ron,

#11. Archer fucking sucks, that shot of him running horizontally along the what was it the 10yd line?? from one side of the field to the other gaining nary a frickin yard was pathetic and sadly par for the course with him.

[Legacy User]

It wasn't perfect last night, but the team played with a lot more urgency, and the offensive playcalling was not terrible. Most importantly, the increased roles for McCullers, Bryant, and Tuitt showed that the staff at least to some degree "got it": that what was going on the first six games did not cut it and something had to change.

[Jobu]

Le'Veon Bell is the most complete back in football. He plays much faster than his 40 time would indicate. I think he's the 2nd most talented skill player on the team. It's hard for me to put him above AB because of the things AB does. But Bell is such a fluid runner, has patience when needed but has a serious burst when he sees his opportunity. Add in that he can catch and this kid is dangerous. Plus he's not afraid to lower the shoulder for the extra couple of inches. I'm excited for him to keep improving.

Things you forgot to mention:

1) He doesn't have a patented spin move.
2) He shoulder isn't made out of glass.
3) He can can fake people out without spinning
4) He doesn't post neo-intellectual garbage about world events
5) He doesn't spin.

Hmmm...

[jeemie]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

You must have watched a different McCullers than I did (sans that drive of the guy backwards- yes- he needed to disengage).

He was filling the gaps nicely- I don't think they were asking him to penetrate much.

And that play where he basically was leaning forward and still ate up three blockers was awesome.

So i thought he performed just fine for his first start.

[stillcajun]

Le'Veon Bell is the most complete back in football. He plays much faster than his 40 time would indicate. I think he's the 2nd most talented skill player on the team. It's hard for me to put him above AB because of the things AB does. But Bell is such a fluid runner, has patience when needed but has a serious burst when he sees his opportunity. Add in that he can catch and this kid is dangerous. Plus he's not afraid to lower the shoulder for the extra couple of inches. I'm excited for him to keep improving.

Things you forgot to mention:

1) He doesn't have a patented spin move.
2) He shoulder isn't made out of glass.
3) He can can fake people out without spinning
4) He doesn't post neo-intellectual garbage about world events
5) He doesn't spin.

I don't know about 1 or 5. That spin he put on Tuggle in the hole was pretty sic. It was almost Matrix like and to see Tuggle flying past I laughed my head off. Like something straight off of Madden.

[bradshaw2ben]

Spins are only bad if you don't like the player's politics.

8.) I could swear I see the light flickering in Mike Mitchell's attic. That thing is trying to turn on. He's close.

At least his name is Mike. He's got that going for him.

[Steelafan77]

McCullers first actual NFL game folks. Of course its exciting to fans. What McCullers managed last night while not off the charts impressive was a long ways away from the slop and below mediocre play we've become accustomed to seeing from C Thomas. That said, even Thomas showed up last night with a couple solo tackles. There's still a lot to desired when watching Thomas. McCullers is 20/21 years old and hasn't been exposed to the NFL like Thomas has. I like what I saw from McCullers. He certainly has some upside/potential worth investigating.

Martavis Bryant is looking like most expected he'd look like. A taller framed big catch radius athletic and speedy WR capable of taking the top off any defense. Which is what scares DC's and keeps them awake at night. Keep this young man on the field as much as posible even if he's only running 2-3 routes from the route tree. Go Long MB is what Ben should just say when Bryant is in the huddle. Oh yeah he can block too.

Without Bell and AB this offense is stuck in the mud. Add a key player or two in key positions along with newly discovered Martavis Bryant and this offense could be lightning in a bottle. Legit LT and Athletic pass catching TE are top of the list.

[Legacy User]

\Legit LT and Athletic pass catching TE are top of the list.

[bradshaw2ben]

\Legit LT and Athletic pass catching TE are top of the list.

Useless if they can't get 5 OL who can block 4 rushers

[955876]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

Even if he can't yet shed a block, pushing the pocket back is much more advantageous than having the LOS re-established 5 yards downfield.

[955876]

Legit LT and Athletic pass catching TE are top of the list.

The top of our list.

Corner and OLB will likely be the top of their list...

As well as Dri Archers replacement.

You'll get your LT and TE in rounds 5 & 6.

Standard is in fact, the standard. If you will.

Obviously.

[lifelongsteel]

Legit LT and Athletic pass catching TE are top of the list.

The top of our list.

Corner and OLB will likely be the top of their list...

As well as Dri Archers replacement.

You'll get your LT and TE in rounds 5 & 6.

Standard is in fact, the standard. If you will.

Obviously.

I think that list was specific to offense.

If it was my list i'd put OLB and CB ahead of LT and seam splitter. But then again I like stopping folks, getting turnovers, etc.

What would a Dri Archer replacement do?

[bradshaw2ben]

Right this second; I have it: OLB, LT, TE, KR/PR, CB, OG, RB3, STspqss Rush would make everything better on D. If you can't block 3 or 4 pass rushers with 5 OL, a seam splitting TE is useless, so LT is next and a more premium position. TE is higher than KR just because there is more demand and fewer quality players. Starting field position is a gigantic problem for this team-- much bigger than CB.

[jebrick]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

Even if he can't yet shed a block, pushing the pocket back is much more advantageous than having the LOS re-established 5 yards downfield.

Cam Thomas has set such a low bar that we really do not care if a Dlineman can shed a block. If he takes up a lot of space we are good

[lifelongsteel]

Right this second; I have it: OLB, LT, TE, KR/PR, CB, OG, RB3, STspqss Rush would make everything better on D. If you can't block 3 or 4 pass rushers with 5 OL, a seam splitting TE is useless, so LT is next and a more premium position. TE is higher than KR just because there is more demand and fewer quality players. Starting field position is a gigantic problem for this team-- much bigger than CB.

You have corner low because a) corners aren't that important in our scheme b) our corners are good enough or c) both a and b?

[Legacy User]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

Even if he can't yet shed a block, pushing the pocket back is much more advantageous than having the LOS re-established 5 yards downfield.

Is he even supposed to shed blockers? He wants to occupy as many as possible, right?

[bradshaw2ben]

Right this second; I have it: OLB, LT, TE, KR/PR, CB, OG, RB3, STspqss Rush would make everything better on D. If you can't block 3 or 4 pass rushers with 5 OL, a seam splitting TE is useless, so LT is next and a more premium position. TE is higher than KR just because there is more demand and fewer quality players. Starting field position is a gigantic problem for this team-- much bigger than CB.

You have corner low because a) corners aren't that important in our scheme b) our corners are good enough or c) both a and b?

Yes both. Pass rusher way more important. I've always liked McCain (selected him for the steelers in the board mock draft that year) and I think this D and me each/lake/tomlin has been very good for him. We will have to select a guy at CB but the man corners who go early are not really fits for us. A waste of a high pick.

Seriously, pass rusher, LT, TE, and a backup RB who can be a quality returner would all help this team more in the short run than CB

[jebrick]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

Even if he can't yet shed a block, pushing the pocket back is much more advantageous than having the LOS re-established 5 yards downfield.

Is he even supposed to shed blockers? He wants to occupy as many as possible, right?

If he is operating like Big Snack he will control his gaps and shed a blocker to make a tackle. He has had trouble shedding blocks. I'm guessing he could have rag-dolled the center and got a sack with a bit more experience.

[V DUB]

McCullers did not show much. That walk back of the center was good IF HE COULD SHED A FREAKIN BLOCK. He could not even get one hand off of the lineman to reach for the QB. Most of the time he played, he was in he was on the ground. Not what you look for in a NT.

i am not defending Big Herp but people are overly optimistic about McCullers right now.

Even if he can't yet shed a block, pushing the pocket back is much more advantageous than having the LOS re-established 5 yards downfield.

Cam Thomas has set such a low bar that we really do not care if a Dlineman can shed a block. If he takes up a lot of space we are good

Tink tink tink.

The distinct sound of Cam Thomas' helmet hitting his glass ceiling, while getting off of his couch.