STEELERS BACKUPS BEAT TITANS 38-17

Maybe the backups should be the starters.

This wasn’t supposed to happen (although I did pick the Steelers to win). The Steelers were missing starters on the defensive and offensive line, at linebacker and at running back.

Could it be that the guys who replaced the starters are the guys who should remain the starters?

Did they miss Casey Hampton or James Harrison? Aaron Smith?

How about Rashard Mendenhall?

Did Max Starks play better at left tackle than everybody else who has played there this season? What does that say about the Steelers’ decision to give up on him?

Did Ben Roethlisberger’s sore foot make him a better quarterback by forcing him to make quicker decisions?

The Steelers found out a lot about some young players today. They may have found out just as much about some old ones.

Date: October 9, 2011

Categories: Sports

Tags: BEN ROETHLISBERGER, MAX STARKS, NFL, PITTSBURGH STEELERS, STEELERS 38 TITANS 17, TENNESSEE TITANS

Comments RSS TrackBack 58 comments

Reply

VinceL

in October 9th, 2011 @ 16:29

I picked Tenn. and never saw this coming,which is why I don’t bet on these games.Who is this Rashard Mendenhall?I’ve never been sold on him.Yes he had 1200 yards last year but a pedestrian 3.9 average.I’m not giving up on him but right now I’d rather have Ray Rice,who was drafted a round later in 2008.

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Mike V.

in October 9th, 2011 @ 17:26

1,200 yards in a 16 game season is not impressive.

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Bobzilla

in October 10th, 2011 @ 18:36

Mendenhall also rushed for 13 touchdowns last season. I realize that yards only matter around here, but TDs do come in handy now and then.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 19:28

Kordell was criticized for not having enough TD passes when he played on a team with the number one battering ram in the league –Jermoe Bettis.

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Bobzilla

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:22

Kordell was an exceptional quarterback when he was playing from ahead, which, fortunately, was often. I simply never understood how a quarterback who threw so few TD passes could be considered a league MVP candidate.
The other day, Kordell and Skip Bayless got into a heated debate about Kordell’s career. The actual topic was Tim Tebow, but Bayless decided to draw a comparison between Kordell and Tebow’s situation in Denver. Kordell vehemely defended Cowher during the exchange, saying that Cowher never treated him unfairly.

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John Steigerwald

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:44

He’s a good guy. He always takes the high road. I’ve talked to him about Cowher off the record.

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Bobzilla

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:54

Stewart volunteered the information. He wasn’t asked. Bayless was suggesting that Tebow is geting a raw deal in Denver, much the same way Stewart had gotten a raw deal in Pittsburgh. Stewart went off on Bayless. Kordell had no reason to defend Cowher, but he did so anyway. He do so loudly and passionately.
Stewart, by the way, was arguing against Tebow becoming the Broncos starting quarterback.

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John Steigerwald

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:55

I know what he has told me.

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Haas

in October 9th, 2011 @ 17:38

Leave the new guys in there and let them get experience. Definatley not giving up on the season by any stretch of the imagination because I think Pittsburgh can do well. However, it is time to move on to the successor generation, something the Steelers did not do in the early 80s when the Steel Curtain started to rust.
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Bobzilla

in October 9th, 2011 @ 17:50

The Titans should never have stomped on that towel!!!
Seriously, Tennessee looked about as disinterested and as flat as the Steelers had for most of their previous four games. That short field obviously helped the Steelers’ red-zone offense, while the Steelers’ defense still looked, at times, to be a day late and a dollar short.
Roethlisberger’s “all-important” yards-per-attempt average wasn’t impressive, yet he still threw a career-high five TD paases. It was the kind of game that will have pundits clamoring for his immediate Hall-of-Fame induction. Those pundits should try to remember that the last time he threw four or more TD passes in a single game was way back in 2007. Minor detail.
Two things struck me during and after the game: 1.) The person who wanted rid of Starks ought to be fired … and 2.) Instead of being jovial after the win (like he used to be), Tomlin was rather terse and short with the media. Wonder what’s up with that?
The Steelers aren’t out of the woods just yet, but they took a step in the right direction against the overrated Titans.
Reply

Sunset_Tom

in October 9th, 2011 @ 18:04

Amazing how well an offense runs when your running back hits the right hole, runs hard, and doesn’t go down after the first defensive player lays a hand on him. I’ll always take a guy like Redman who consistently delivers 2 to 8 yards at a clip rather than one who has the “potential” to break the big one but gives 20 zero or negative yardage runs between those.
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jwit

in October 9th, 2011 @ 18:35

I had the same thought about big ben during the game. Perhaps he is a better qb when he’s hurting. When healthy, he thinks he’s invincible and can try anything. Wounded, he keeps it simple.
Everybody who was involved in cutting max starks should be in Rooney’s office tomorrow explaining themselves. Not only is he thier second best lineman, he’s a leader out there. Who the hell voted to cut him over the other two pylons they are playing at tackle? Line is better at protection without kemo playing. He bacically has two pulling plays he execls at, everthing else he does is sub par.

Reply

franji1

in October 9th, 2011 @ 22:25

I’m guessing it was a salary cap decision. I’m guessing they offered him a smaller contract after “cutting” him, and Starks decided to try to see if another team would sign him for some good money. I’m guessing that nobody wanted him (not sure why – can all the coaches in the NFL be as “smart”?), but when the Steelers called the 2nd time, earlier this week, I’m guessing Starks had a little more leverage than any other “available” lineman out there.

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jethro bodine

in October 9th, 2011 @ 18:57

Rashard Mendenhall is a good back when he has a line to block for him. Rashard is a better runner to the outside than up the middle but if it was not that of an easy guess where he was going to run bet he would do better than he has. the back ups give the steelers a better look and as some say that fire power. today was the example as to the word or term a TEAM SPORT. where are all them bashers now that were here bitching that the team sucks and that they are done. i know where they are, home passed out and still washing the k-y jelly off the rubber gloves.
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Whitey Whitney

in October 9th, 2011 @ 19:06

Doesn’t mean anything. The NFL is impossible to predict. They could lose to J-ville next week if they’re not in the mood. Look how Seattle beat the New York (football) Giants today. In New York! Go figure. Maybe it’s fixed? My Dad used to think so.

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GeeWhiz

in October 10th, 2011 @ 11:54

Now the backups are on film and it won’t take long for other teams to study them and figure out what they’re doing. Good game yesterday – I had a hunch the Steelers would win. But it’ll probably be the same story as Houston/Baltimore games next week.

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Mike

in October 9th, 2011 @ 19:17

Max Starks didn’t have to play against Dwight Freeney. Just saying. On Jonathan’s Dwyer’s 76 yd run, you could of drove a truck through that hole. Again, just saying. That said they did shut down a very good running back.
Reply

Mike_NC

in October 9th, 2011 @ 19:51

I didn’t think this would happen, but i won’t be convinced the backups on offense belong until they face a team with a good pass rush. On defense, they looked like they were keeping their gap a lot better today.
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Ryan F.

in October 9th, 2011 @ 20:20

I was much impressed with the play of Max Starks today. He was like a brick wall with his preventing the other team from getting past him. I don’t know why the Steelers even got rid of him in the off-season. Ben Roethlisberger seemed to play better when he does the quick drop back and pass with the receivers running short routes & picking up extra yardage after the catch.
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Parker39

in October 9th, 2011 @ 20:29

Redmand ran with more desire and passion than I have ever seen out of Mendenhall.
I agree Ben looked good with the “3 steps and get rid of it” approach.
Its time for a youth movement for the Steelers, No doubt about it.

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Meathead

in October 10th, 2011 @ 11:59

15-49.

Big deal.

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Isteve Roissy

in October 9th, 2011 @ 21:29

Starks was a hero today, huge upgrade. They should also bring back Flozell or even consider trading draft picks to a team that is out of it but has a good right tackle or right guard.

Kiesel, Hoke, Heyward and Hood need to be the primary rotation on D-Line. Big Snack and A. Smith look like they no longer have it, unless they are fighting injuries we don’t know about.

Woodley finally showed the big impact player he is and is paid to be. Troy showed he still has it and is worth every penny. Ike Taylor has become a dominant shut-down corner, 3rd best one-on-one cover guy the Steelers have had after Mel Blount and Rod Woodson, although Carnell Lake was very good the one year he subbed at CB for Rod.

Mike Wallace is outstanding, almost what T.O. and Moss were but without the drama and distractions. Antonio Brown is becoming really good and he and Wallace will be a great tandem for a long time.

Mendenhall is like Shaun Alexander when he put up big numbers on the Seahawks. If the blocking is really good, he can run through holes, make people miss and rack up the yardage. However, on a team without a dominant line, the straight ahead brutality of Redman and Dwyer may be what they need. Mendenhall is still very talented and hopefully he will learn from and be inspired by Redman and Dwyer outdoing him in the past two games.

The special teams are tremendous this year. Kick coverage is a boring, non-isssue, just like it should be when done right. Kick returns with Antonio Brown are great on kickoffs and punts. Sepulveda is becoming a great punter, and is a great athlete as he showed today. Suisham is solid enough and you can trust him from 45 yards and in.

Sometimes we forget how talented Ben is and its understandable given how lousy he’s played before today. But he is a very special player, he has “it” and as he showed today, can take the team to the next level as long as he has just decent blocking in front of him. The foot injury forcing him to make quick, simple decisions is an astute point. As many teams in the NFL are showing, especially with the new rules, you can carve teams up if you take what they give you and get the ball out quickly to receivers who can run after the catch and then take your shots downfield when the defense cheats in.

This was just one game and the Titans are a good but not great team. However the Steelers showed that they still have that championship stuff and were forced by necessity to use players and strategy that give them the best chance to win. Long season but with their schedule, talent and pedigree, if they can get healthy and start peaking going into the playoffs, it could be another magic ride.
Reply

franji1

in October 9th, 2011 @ 22:33

Regarding Max Starks, I’m wondering if Ben had any input/say on it – maybe even got the two sides to “talk it out”. Remember, Ben wore #78 in one of their last practices after Max was cut – if he had the you-know-what’s to do that, he probably had enough to get the two sides talking.

“C’mon, Art – you know Max knows the playbook, the blocking schemes, Max – you know this team – you know you don’t wanna play anywhere else – what are you gonna do, just sit around or try the CFL? Now, kiss and make up, and let’s win some ball games!”
Reply

Sean

in October 9th, 2011 @ 23:19

This still was not impressive to me. A lot of yinzers out there are already drinking the Steeler Kool-aid after ONE victory. But I am not that stupid. Steelers still stunk up the field three of the four previous games… and this one win is supposed to make up for it? Besides, the defense is still SOFT. They gave up 17 points and 308 yards of total offense to the Titans. That is NOT good. So where’s the outrage in that? The defense only forced ONE turnover and they were lucky too. Plus, they still only forced two sacks. Then on offense, they now have turned the ball over an astonishing 10 times this year, which is one of the MOST in football. Sorry, not good enough.

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Bobzilla

in October 10th, 2011 @ 10:08

You think allowing 308 yards and two touchdowns in today’s high-scoring, yards-happy NFL translates into a “soft” defense? That’s a good one. Watch football much?
The Steelers’ defense gave up the third fewest points in the league on Sunday. That defense also sacked a quarterback twice who had only been sacked four times entering Sunday’s game.
The Raiders’ defense — in celebration of their “Finally Free From Al Day” — allowed 479 yards on Sunday in a WIN against Houston. The Steelers’ defense allowed the same Texans to gain 318 yards just last week in a LOSS.
I’m outraged.
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Mike V.

in October 10th, 2011 @ 19:11

I wouldn’t call the Steelers defense soft at all. My only complaint about them lately is they allowed the other team to drive down and score points on their opening drive.

The offense gave them a lot to work with and they took advantage of it. I didn’t mind the late score. When NFL teams are backed into a corner, they can produce and TN did late, but I never felt threatened by them.

I find it hard to say much negative about the game Sunday. It was worth the three hours watching it.

Reply

Bobzilla

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:39

The Steelers’ defense isn’t what it used to be. We better get used to that.
Even though it’s still a pretty good defense, it’s time for the offense to carry its own weight, which it more than did on Sunday.
I still don’t think the Steelers’ D can consistently stop the run, but the Steelers’ offense, by scoring early and often, took the run away from the Titans. The Steelers’ offense, courtesy of having a short field much of the game, most assuredly won that game. And it will need to do more of the same if the team is to beat the league’s better teams (Baltimore and New England).

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Mike V.

in October 11th, 2011 @ 14:52

Short field? Saying it is so doesn’t make it so. The NFL.com is good place to inform yourself.

The first scoring drive the Steelers went on was only 50 yards and the garbage time pass to MW was a short drive.

Four Steelers scoring drives started within their own 30. If those are short scoring drives based upon the great field position the defense gave to them, that is news to me.

Reply

Bobzilla

in October 11th, 2011 @ 18:38

Brown’s 52-yard punt return, a fake punt, and Dwyer’s 76-yard run were all significant plays that shortened the field and lead to point-blank range touchdowns.
Sorry you missed the game.

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Mike V.

in October 11th, 2011 @ 18:57

Those weren’t defensive plays or credit to the defense. We are seeing the same game, I just understand it better. Doesn’t Dwyer play offense? Strange…..

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Bobzilla

in October 13th, 2011 @ 10:31

I guess the point I was trying to make is that the offense didn’t have to put together long, sustained drives. Dwyer plays offense, and one of his plays went for 76 yards, which enabled the rest of the offense to have a shortened field.
Why are you so defensive about this?
Are you upset that Roethlisberger didn’t win the game “all by himself.”? If it makes you feel any better, we can pretend that he did. Better?

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Donald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 05:17

Let’s not forget that Tennessee defense isn’t the Colts or Ravens.

Ben had nearly no knockdowns, hurries, and only a sack (late).

Run blocking actually got the job done a FEW times. Dwyer looked like he was running through the Tunnel to Nowhere on his big run.

Starks looked better than any guy the Stillers had chosen ahead of him. Neck injuries (and salary) are the only reason they gave up on him.

Amazing what a difference some mediocre blocking can do by your O-line. It’s the difference between Roethlisberger running helter skelter for his life back there…… and Roethlisberger throwing for 5 touchdowns.
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Gary M

in October 10th, 2011 @ 09:04

In Hampton’s case, he was actually replaced by a sub that is chronologically older than Casey. Albeit, with much less mileage than Mr. Hampton.
Although the Steelers addressed both bookends of the nose tackle in the two previous drafts, they’ve just counted that Casey and Chris would hold fort. I can’t imagine them going another draft without looking for a replacement. The nose tackle position, as much as any other, has a short shelf life and a quick drop off to ineffectiveness. Remember Joel Steed?
And Hampton has not exactly been a model for off season training unless that included trips to the buffet line.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 09:25

You’re right about Hoke being older. I guess I was just throwing him in there with “backups.”

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Bobzilla

in October 10th, 2011 @ 10:16

Pittsburgh football fans are funny, in that they like their quarterbacks fat and their nose tackles skinny.

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Gary M

in October 10th, 2011 @ 12:34

Not skinny; in shape. There is a difference.
At least coach Tomlin thought so when he became head coach.

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Bobzilla

in October 10th, 2011 @ 18:20

I understood what you meant. I’m just not sure how anyone could possiblly be able to detect if a 400-pound, All-Pro nose tackle is or isn’t “in shape.”

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Mike

in October 10th, 2011 @ 13:09

Wanted to comment on your Sunday column John. You should consider linking it each week.

Hank Williams (and everyone else) should know by now any Hitler reference is taboo. Now he’s blaming Fox and Friends for ‘gotcha’ questions and ESPN for ‘violating’ his 1st Amendment free speech rights. Maybe he should look in the mirror.

Second, do we really need any more pregame stuff for MNF? If they cut out some of the pregame stuff maybe we could get to bed before midnight. Just Watch the Game right? NBC should cut Faith Hill too. Totally unnecessary. Start the game already.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 18:18

I ccouldn’t care less about the open or who’s singing. I do my best to wait until the kicker’s foot is hitting the ball on the opening kickoff before I turn the TV on. I don’t care who’s doing the play by play. Unless it’s a woman, in which case, I immediately hit the mute button.

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Mike

in October 10th, 2011 @ 21:37

I’m starting to hit the mute button regardless of who’s doing the announcing. DVRed the Steelers game on Sunday. Dan Dierdorf made want to throw up the way he refers to players as warriors.
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oksteelerfan

in October 10th, 2011 @ 21:50

I always have it on mute.

I do have fond memories of the MNF song though. When my youngest was just a baby he would dance and sing the song and finish with I’m ready for some football. The only one of my children who actually would sit and watch an entire game.

Sappy story I know, but the MNF song always brings a smile to my face remembering him, so it’s a little sad to me.

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Mike

in October 10th, 2011 @ 14:37

Just a side note John. I went to the game yesterday with my wife, which was the first time I went to a game since 1983. First, I couldn’t believe how many people love to wear other people’s names on their backs. Unbelievable the number of jerseys. Second, the closer I was to the stadium the more I felt like I was going to a carnival as opposed to a football game. They even have the sledge hammer and bell game. Understand, my only intention to go was to watch the game and take my wife to her first ever Steeler’s game. But, I also couldn’t help but notice the poor quality of the stadium. Did the Rooney’s choose from the discount rack when they built it? I thought it looked cheap, cheesy and run down. For a top notch football operation and considering some of the other fields in the NFL, I thought it was a joke. It seems their intention was to jam as many people as possible around the luxury suites without given any consideration to details. They should have walked down the street to see what a first class facility looks like.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 18:19

The game is rapidly becoming incidental to the bullshit. In fact it may already be.

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Bobzilla

in October 10th, 2011 @ 18:27

When Heinz Field and PNC Park were first built, both the Steelers and the Pirates promised to field competitive teams. Only one of those organization lived up to its promises. You can walk around PNC Park all you want and admire its splendor, but there’s only one stadium in town that actually matters.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 19:30

Two….Consol Energy Center….Three if you count The Pete. Heinz Field serves its purpose, neither team should have been give one dime of taxpayer money. Heinz Field –with interest–will probably cost half a billion. It’s empty 340 days a year.

Reply

Frank

in October 10th, 2011 @ 23:13

“But, I also couldn’t help but notice the poor quality of the stadium. Did the Rooney’s choose from the discount rack when they built it? I thought it looked cheap, cheesy and run down. For a top notch football operation and considering some of the other fields in the NFL, I thought it was a joke. It seems their intention was to jam as many people as possible around the luxury suites without given any consideration to details. They should have walked down the street to see what a first class facility looks like.” – Mike

———————————————————————————————–

I second that Mike. When I went to the first home game at Heinz Field I felt the exact same way. I wasn’t expecting a Jerry Jones-type monstrosity, but I was expecting it to be a little nicer, internally and externally. It’s definately not one of the better stadiums around the league. To put it mildly, I wasn’t impressed at all.

PNC is a beautiful park and it’s a shame we don’t have a MLB team playing inside of it. I love how they mixed the old school look with the new school. Hopefully they will give me a reason to visit it once again, but I’m not holding my breath.

What can you say about Consol Energy Center? I haven’t been up to the very top yet, but there doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the entire house. My season tickets are in section 107 and I have zero complaints. A classy building for a classy and successful organization.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 23:25

I actually liked Mellon Arena better.
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Bobzilla

in October 14th, 2011 @ 08:28

I realize Heinz Field is “empty” when Pitt and the the WPIAL playoffs play there, but the potential still exist for a capacity crowd on those dates … should people choose to attend.
Plus, let’s not confuse an indoor venue with an outdoor stadium. Naturally an arena is going to be occupied more often than an outdoor facility.
Heinz Field is your basic, no-frills football venue. Evidently non-football people require more extravagant comforts. There’s nothing like spotlights and organ music to showcase “class.”.

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John Steigerwald

in October 14th, 2011 @ 09:05

The Steelers play a maximum of 13 games there. Pitt plays 7 and the WPIAL uses it one day a year. That means the stadium is empty 344 days a year. Not one dime of taxpayer money should have gone to the Pirates, Penguins or Steelers for their buildings. The Consol energy center is probably in use 200 days a year. Tax dollars might be justified for that if the city owned it instead of the Penguins and used it as a revenue generator.

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colt

in October 10th, 2011 @ 19:31

John, I know this is off-topic, but this whole debate over Tim Tebow is a little confusing to me. I do not know about you, but I get the impression that most of the talking heads just do not like him and actually seem to want him to fail. And Merril Hoge is one of the leaders of this anti-Tebow thing. I am just a fan, no expert on this stuff, but I have from the start felt that Tim Tebow would be a good NFL QB. What is your feeling?

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 19:38

He doesn’t fit the NFL mold. And he wears his religion on his sleeve. He’s guilty until he proves himself innocent. I hope he lights it up.

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Mike

in October 10th, 2011 @ 20:13

Tony Dungy wears his religion on a sleeve too and he’s revered in the NFL. It’s not an anti-tebow or anti-christian thing. It’s an anti-running-qb thing. You have to design your entire offense around them and they are an injury risk every time they play with players like James Harrison lurking. That said the Broncos are going nowhere with Kyle Orton and may as well find out what Tebow can do.

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John Steigerwald

in October 10th, 2011 @ 22:23

It’s all of the above.
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Bobzilla

in October 11th, 2011 @ 07:45

The Broncos are going nowhere because of their defense. It stinks. John Elway couldn’t win with that team.

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Tim

in October 11th, 2011 @ 08:21

Plus he’s a cryer, thought you didn’t like those

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myNyMP9ddrg&feature=related

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John Steigerwald

in October 11th, 2011 @ 08:36

I don’t like crying. Hate the crying not the crier.

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John

in October 11th, 2011 @ 20:35

All week long, yinzer nation was singing the praises of Starks for being able to come right in and start because he remained in great shape….The O-Line is in such bad shape..Starks could have wobbled in at 410 lbs and they would have started him..and it would have still been an upgrade. What does that say about the infinite wisdom displayed in cutting him in the first place? For Christ’s sake..I know we like to spend money on the defense but how about writing a check to an offensive lineman who can then protect your $100 million QB?

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Bobzilla

in October 13th, 2011 @ 10:37

Colon, Pouncey and Gilbert were all recently signed to huge contracts. This preception that the organization has ignored the 0-line is annoying and inacuurate.

Tweet @John

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STEELERS BACKUPS BEAT TITANS 38-17

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Comments RSS TrackBack 58 comments

VinceL

Mike V.

Bobzilla

Bobzilla

Bobzilla

Haas

Bobzilla

Sunset_Tom

jwit

franji1

jethro bodine

Whitey Whitney

GeeWhiz

Mike

Mike_NC

Ryan F.

Parker39

Meathead

Isteve Roissy

franji1

Sean

Bobzilla

Mike V.

Bobzilla

Mike V.

Bobzilla

Mike V.

Bobzilla

Donald

Gary M

Bobzilla

Gary M

Bobzilla

Mike

Mike

oksteelerfan

Mike

Bobzilla

Frank

Bobzilla

colt

Mike

Bobzilla

Tim

John

Bobzilla