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The Rams’ pass defense is ranked eighth in the NFL, but this is skewed by the illogical measuring stick of total yards surrendered. Like the Browns two weeks ago (who boasted the “best” pass defense in football), the achievement is a bit of a ruse.
Teams are running the ball so well against St. Louis that the pass is often foregone. the Rams are one of the few defenses facing more runs than passes in 2011.
With a pair St. Louis cornerbacks dinged and questionable for the game, an already susceptible group could be without Justin King and Josh Gordy. King is very likely out of the contest, and Rod Hood should start in his place.
While the Rams may be blessed to not face Roethlisberger, they’ll still have their work cut out for them against Pittsburgh’s plethora of rockets and retrievers at receiver.
Guys who can make any catch are the retrievers, and they include Hines Ward (at times), Jerricho Cotchery and Heath Miller. Antonio Brown is showing he belongs in this group, also.
Along with his dynamic catches, Brown is also a rocket, along with peer starter Mike Wallace and x-factor receiving talent Emmanuel Sanders.
All season, the Rams have used their safeties in coverage at various times to assist the corners in their assignments. Truly, St. Louis is anemic at the cornerback position, and despite their efforts to occassionally pick up the slack and disguise the look of the secondary, safeties Quinton Mikell and Darian Stewart can only do so much.
In truth, the Steelers’ receivers are equipped to perform well against the Rams’ pedestrian talent in the defensive backfield. the question remains: can Batch get the football to them effectively?
Antonio Brown needs only nine yards to join Wallace with 1,000 receiving yards in 2011.
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Of their lackluster 30 total sacks, how many do you suppose the Steelers have had at Heinz Field?
Which answer below is correct?
And, let’s not be ridiculous enough to imply that it’s more than 25 of their total sacks…or is it? in a strange season of ups and downs, could one of the team’s strangest statistical quirks be such a gross disproportion at pressuring quarterbacks at home versus on the road.
Take one more moment to think it over.
Do you have your answer?
In fact, the Steelers have 25 sacks at home this season, so the answer was “C.”
In other words, defending Heinz Field turf has seen the Pittsburgh defense getting pressure on par with (if not above and beyond) the rate of their best quarterback-sacking defenses that have registered anywhere from 45-50-plus QB takedowns in the last decade.
While the defensive front is not getting the desired pressure on opposing passers, harassing those quarterbacks at the Heinz House of Horrors has not been the issue.
Lamarr Woodley has had a few more days to work back into game shape (he left the 49ers game fatigued), and James Harrison is returning from suspension.
Overall, the setting is fit for getting after Kellen Clemens, causing him to commit the costly mistakes that secure an important home win.
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With his mustache, Chris Long may look more like hockey’s classic Broad Street Bully than an All-Pro defensive end for the St. Louis Rams, but this should not disguise the fact that Long is a beast. Clearly the best player on their defense, the son of Howie Long is the next in a line of premiere defensive linemen who Pittsburgh has had to deal with in 2011.
So far, the results have not been acceptable as Mario Williams and Dwight Freeney, to name a couple of stars, have absolutely dominated along the trenches, abusing Steelers linemen.
Since their struggles in the early season, the offensive line has shown improvement. Has their play been perfect? It has not, and their road performances have been the cause of great concern in the Steel City heading toward the playoffs.
Playing at home, Marcus Gilbert needs to live up to his draft billing as a solid tackle and keep Chris Long out of the backfield—and off of Charlie Batch!
Long has 13 sacks in 2011, recording at least one sack in 10 of 14 games.
Can this be the stud defensive lineman that the Steelers actually handle?
How great is it to be a Steelers fan? As a prelude to Christmas morning, diehard fans will get treated to an early gift as Pittsburgh participates in a full slate of NFL action on Christmas Eve.
Whether for the winnings, the six (soon to be seven, right?) Super Bowls, proud tradition or distinct identity, fans in the Steel City and the worldwide Steelers Country have the blessing of being entertained by one of the finest organizations in all of sports.
So, take a moment, win or lose, to enjoy this chapter of the team’s history on Saturday afternoon but don’t stop there. Appreciate all of the games, legends and moments that have comprised Steelers football.
Also, take time to remember that the blessing of winning and football are only a few facets to be grateful for in this life.
If you are reading this, you have access to a computer. you likely have a roof over your head. Quite possibly, you have children, a significant other to share love or a special person—albeit a parent, family member, or friend—who accepts you unconditionally. or, at the very least, their conditions may be fairly reasonable!
For myself, I’m blessed to have an opportunity to convey my passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers to all of you. in turn, I’m grateful that you have taken time out of a busy day to give me a moment to share that passion with you.
Most of all, beyond football, I’m grateful to have a family that loves me, so many warm memories to draw upon during the difficult times and so many warm wins to remember during the colder times. Let’s face it: January football in the ‘Burgh is downright frigid!
Take time this weekend to truly appreciate the holiday and the team for what they are—a great blessing and the perfect forum to appreciate it and many other things!
I wish you all the warmest of holiday seasons! go Steelers!
1. Montee Ball, Running Back, Wisconsin