OK: Questions about Cowher for Steeler fans and Steeler non-fans

[derbstyron]

First, let me say that I'm not asking or expecting Cowher to
be fired. But a few things I don't understand.

1. The game plan. The running game was our bread and butter this
year why come out throwing the damn ball all over the field,
especially with a rookie QB. The running game, when used, was
working. The argument is that the Jets would have stopped it
if we kept running but shouldn't we actually see them stop the\
damn run before we give up.

2. Why do Cowher's playoff teams often seem to come out flat.
He's a master at motivation what the hell happens in the playoffs?

3. Where was Duce Staley. I love the Bus but the whole point
at running back was supposed to be mixing the two. Bettis'
power vs Staley's quickness. Staley finally came in for the
fourth quarter and showed no signs of the injury. WTF!!?

4. Why no lobs to Burress to take advantage of his size. I
didn't see much double coverage and the one time they lobbed
it, Ben threw a bad pass or Buress would have had it.

5. And finally, how many fucking years does the Special Teams
suck before Cowher does something about it?

Just wondering.

The good news: the defense looked great and the secondary looked
much better than I would have expected. Their performance has
me less worried about the Colts. Excluding a repeat of the above.

[JohnKleeb]

1. I think they went with an agressive passing game because

The jets are more weak against the pass than they are against the run. About the Bus and Staley, I think they did that because when they did the opposite last time against New York, it turned out well, Duce started and the Bus finished, only this time it was vice versa. I agree with what you say btw.

[anti_shrub]

2. Some answers:

1. I think they came out passing to get Plax into the flow of the game.

2. I think part of it is having the bye week. The Steelers always come back from an off week flat during the season, the playoffs are no different.

3. Duce was not 100% the last time he played and Bettis has gained over 100 yards every game he's started.

4. Plax was double covered all game. Its one of the reasons Hines was able to clock over 100 yards, he was pretty much in single coverage all day.

5. Special Teams was actually pretty good all year until today. I think it's some kind of law that the Steelers have to have a special teams meltdown every playoffs.

[HuckleB]

3. Staley's still not up to par.

He can't cut like he can when he's healthy. That's very clear from watching yesterday's game. So who knows how else his injuries affect his play.

[THUNDER HANDS]

4. the Jets have better players than the Steelers do

Its not Cower's fault. It just happened that he ran into a team that was more poorly coached than it should have been.

Herm Edwards is a great motivator, but might as well have a bag of rocks sitting upon his shoulders.

Paul Hackett has about as much backbone as Al From.

[anti_shrub]

5. I know you're still hurting and all

but you can't possibly think the Jets have better players than the Steelers.

The Jets have Martin, Moss, Vilma, and that's about it.

[LiberalVoice]

6. Thats the funniest subject line I've ever seen.

You must be friggin kidding. :eyes:

[underpants]

8. Paul Hackett

It's amazing that someone who experience and expertise with the West Coast offense is that he parked Joe Montana's car once and they let him in the locker room to pick up towels.

Okay that is an over simplification but you get the picture.

[theboss]

7. Answers

1. I don't think we did throw the ball all over the field. Into the third quarter it was a ratio of 20/19 Run Pass. After that, it was something like 30/11. A good running team has to throw the ball a little bit early to loosen up the safties. That's been the strategy all year.

2. I think Cowher's teams come out tight in the playoffs, not flat. The problem is Cowher ball is like Marty ball in that it has very little margin for error. The Steelers have to win the time of possession, have a positive turnover margin, and play well on special teams. In the playoffs, against good teams, this is hard to do all the time. And when something goes wrong, panic sets in.

3. I agree I would have liked more Duce but Bettis did get 100 yards. It's not like he was ineffective.

4. They tried it twice in the first half; Ben threw terrible balls both times.

5. Teams have actually been good this year. They were good Saturday aside from the Moss return - which just pure athleticism. He made everyone miss on that run. The blocking wasn't that great.

[nolabels]

9. Ben needs to take them dang gloves off

The strength of Pittsburgh is the Defense I would think. They rattled Brady's head last time, and Dillon they know quite well. Don't throw the ball away and watch for tricks on special teams and it should be in the bag for the Steelers