It is a long shot, but possible the Raiders can win at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Just ask the Eagles and Bengals. Here are some key matchups that will help determine the game.
Bruce vs. The Blitz: The Steelers love to pressure the quarterback. The Raiders O-line has been okay in pass protection but they must be better than that to have success in the passing game. Bruce Gradkowski will need to throw the ball early, before he is sacked.
Big Ben vs. The Concussion: Ben Roethlisberger was held out of Sunday nights overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens with bad headaches after his practices, believed to be post concussion symptoms. If Roethlisberger is rattled or rusty from this, the Raiders defense won't look as bad as they looked against Tony Romo and Miles [...]
Continue reading →
It’s ironic that Steelers WR Hines Ward was named the NFL’s dirtiest player in an anonymous poll of NFL players. After all, Ward is the most personable, fan-friendly player on the Steelers’ roster.
Of course, Ward gets the nod in the poll because defensive players don’t like to be on the receiving end of crushing blocks, and the 5’11” Ward doesn’t hesitate to dish out punishment to cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers alike. I recall one game in Jacksonville where Ward blocked a defensive lineman, so irritating the lineman in question that he committed a personal foul against Ward, which enabled a Pittsburgh drive to continue - a turning point in that game.
But [...]
Continue reading →
With the Steelers reportedly on the verge of re-signing OLB James Harrison to a long-term extension the team will now be able to turn its attention to extending the contracts of starters with one year remaining on their deals. There are 11 players on this list: (In alphabetical order they are) Ryan Clark, FS; Willie Colon, RT; Larry Foote, ILB; Casey Hampton, NT; Justin Hartwig, C; Brett Keisel, DE; Heath Miller, TE; Willie Parker, RB; Jeff Reed, K; Max Starks, OT; Hines Ward, WR.
In part the team will establish [...]
Continue reading →
Part II of the breakdown of the actual personnel matchups in Super Bowl XLIII. View Part I (Cardinals Offense vs. Steelers defense).
Steeler quarterback vs. Cardinal safeties
Ben Roethlisberger is a step below mediocre when it comes to making presnap reads, but he’s two [...]
Continue reading →
